Take a photo of a barcode or cover
652 reviews by:
abby_ace_of_books
This felt like a mix of R.F. Kuang's Babel, Philip Reeve's Mortal Engines series, and Micaiah Johnson's The Space Between Worlds, and I think I'll have to revisit it in the future.
Metal from Heaven is not a light book by any means. It can be a bit hard to navigate at times, and the themes are incredibly deep and heavy. It challenges societal issues we still face now, and it approaches them fearlessly and without sugarcoating. Also, the prose is beautiful. I am always jealous of people who can write purple prose so easily, and the narration style of this novel was strikingly beautiful, especially in the last few chapters.
The reason I didn't rate this book as highly is because I struggled with the plot and the pacing. This could be me going into a reading slump, or it could just be that I missed early details accidentally, but I felt that the pacing jumped around a lot, and every time I got a firm grasp on what was happening and what would come, I was thrown into a whole new setting. At its heart, this book is a story of vengeance and revolution. It's bloody, it's ruthless, and it's full of important messages. That being said, I just struggled to find myself fully engrossed in the story. The beginning and the ending were great, but the middle lost me a bit. (I'm also not typically a fan of political fantasies, so my opinions should be taken with a grain of salt.
I also found it a bit difficult to relate to the characters. That's probably the point; the cast is mostly unlikable, but that's to prove a point. I did enjoy Marney's narration style and her arc as she pursued revenge. However, I didn't feel attached to many other characters, partially because they were frequently introduced all in one chunk, so I sometimes struggled to differentiate between them.
Metal from Heaven is a gritty, revolutionary novel about vengeance, greed, and what happens when a person is pushed to their limits.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free e-ARC!
3.5/5
Metal from Heaven is not a light book by any means. It can be a bit hard to navigate at times, and the themes are incredibly deep and heavy. It challenges societal issues we still face now, and it approaches them fearlessly and without sugarcoating. Also, the prose is beautiful. I am always jealous of people who can write purple prose so easily, and the narration style of this novel was strikingly beautiful, especially in the last few chapters.
The reason I didn't rate this book as highly is because I struggled with the plot and the pacing. This could be me going into a reading slump, or it could just be that I missed early details accidentally, but I felt that the pacing jumped around a lot, and every time I got a firm grasp on what was happening and what would come, I was thrown into a whole new setting. At its heart, this book is a story of vengeance and revolution. It's bloody, it's ruthless, and it's full of important messages. That being said, I just struggled to find myself fully engrossed in the story. The beginning and the ending were great, but the middle lost me a bit. (I'm also not typically a fan of political fantasies, so my opinions should be taken with a grain of salt.
I also found it a bit difficult to relate to the characters. That's probably the point; the cast is mostly unlikable, but that's to prove a point. I did enjoy Marney's narration style and her arc as she pursued revenge. However, I didn't feel attached to many other characters, partially because they were frequently introduced all in one chunk, so I sometimes struggled to differentiate between them.
Metal from Heaven is a gritty, revolutionary novel about vengeance, greed, and what happens when a person is pushed to their limits.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free e-ARC!
3.5/5
Although Flasback is probably my least favorite of the Keeper books, I still won't be reviewing it officially. All I'll say is that there are a specific, very predictable 300 pages that I very much do not enjoy.
Just like with my other "reviews" of this series, I'll include my notes on Flashback below. Please beware of possible spoilers for this book and the others in this series.
- (28) Terik is one of the Council members who insists that Alvar hang out with his family members. Is he helping the Neverseen out by putting Alvar in an easier-to-access location?
- (33) Alden's Offish is the only original room in Everglen (from when Luzia owned the house)? Someone else built it?
- (38) Okay, Fallon has some very accurate guesses about the Neverseen's plans for Alvar, and I'm not sure if he's just that smart or if he's hiding something
- (44) Realizing that part of the reason I love Dex so much is that he’s very much the trope of “taken advantage of” by everyone he meets. The Council consistently uses a 14-year-old boy and manipulates him into creating weapons for them. And while he does it willingly for the Black Swan and Sophie, the fact still exists that the only thing he is perceived to be useful for is his ability and his naivety, which allows him to be manipulated into creating weapons and other forms of technology. He’s a people pleaser at heart, thanks to a society that ignored and scorned him until it benefitted them to do otherwise. He constantly seeks validation because he’s sought it his entire life, and the minimal “power” and belonging he has now could be ripped away at any moment. It would be interesting to see what he could come up with when not influenced by those around him, just as I think a potential villain arc (as everyone around him seems to forget him more and more frequently) seems both possible and intriguing.
- (48) Fitz and Biana are mad at Dex, which is their own issue, but Sophie doesn’t even try to defend her alleged best friend
- (59) So Sophie is super clumsy but somehow naturally great at throwing stars?
- (70) Bets on whether there’s something hidden at the bottom of the Offish? (I might be putting this on my Keeper bingo board)
- (84) Apparently, Keefe talked about Sophie a LOT with the Neverseen, according to Umber
- (86) Gethen was recruited to the Neverseen because he’s a Washer?
- (106) So what we’ve learned so far is that the only thing capable of doing damage to the Neverseen is the power of *GAY* because Wylie hit them with a rainbow
- Thinking about Sandor and Grizel and how they’ve both thought the other dead … from Mount Everest to Grizel thinking Sandor died in the Havenfield massacre to Sandor watching Grizel be injured just a few chapters ago … they’d walk through Tartarus for each other (and yes I’m referencing Percabeth again)
- When loyalty is Sandor's fatal flaw (he wants to protect everyone and can’t, and when he fails, he falls apart and tries to resign), and hubris might be Grizels (she thinks she’s better than Sandor at times)… that’s what I mean when I say Percabeth coded
- (130) is Sarah J, Maas ghostwriting this because there’s suddenly a lot of the word “female”
- (147) What did Keefe promise Alden?
- (156) So apparently, Ruy’s addler just doesn’t look like an addler and Sophie was stupid enough not to realize she didn’t know what he looked like until now
- (157) Ruy says he wiped away all records of appearance, although Keefe doesn’t know why (is he vain or is his appearance important?), but also Forkle literally said the Black Swan has copies of all these records, so why haven’t they looked
- (190) Sophie notes that Zillah has gold nails instead of black, so she can’t be Umber … but also, I’m assuming someone would notice if someone suddenly disappeared after Umber dies
- Okay, but from an actual medical standpoint … which elf collected yeti pee and thought, “Oh, I wonder if this would heal my burn”
- (332) The whole matchmaking thing is weird in general, and it’s probably the main issue I have with Fitz … I understand that it was part of how he was raised and that a lot of his opinions have been formed based on his childhood experiences, but he pressures Sophie about registering for the match, and yes I could attribute it to his overprotectiveness (if they’re on each other's lists, they’re spared from the scorn of a bad match), it’s just annoying that he won’t shut up about it … although I think some of that is Shannon purposefully “poisoning” his character arc to make Keefe a better option
- (354) Okay, Gisela must’ve bought like mass stocks of sedatives because Keefe remembers her drugging him just so he’d stop crying
- (391) You’re telling me Elwin can’t make a new leg for Terik when he has marrow, muscle, skin, and nerve regenerators?
- (423) I could be stupid, but did we ever figure out who the green eyes were that Keefe remembered? Were they that British guy's?
- (431) Forkle knows how to braid hair well … I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if he had a secret lover …
- (446) What is Tinker's issue with goblins and fire? Are they connected?
- (459) Love when Dex is told that weapons take priority over his family and friends
- (486) Okay, so literally every species but elves and humans can smell way better than they should because Tarina, Bo, Sandor, and Flori (I don’t know about Nubiti) can smell Elwin on Sophie’s clothes
- (507) Sandor can paint. He can paint realistically. He might have painted Grizel. He might have a locket or a hand-painted picture of her that he keeps in his armor.
- (577) If Sophie’s bedroom used to be a reception hall for winnowing galas, why does it have an Olympic-sized swimming pool of a bathtub
- Does it ever rain in the lost cities?
- (579) “Willowing Galas are restricted to people on your match list and their parents” - So if Fitz wasn’t even allowed to go to Alvar's Willing Galas, why were Kenric and Oralie at Jolie's?
- (586) Honestly, props to Silveny for interrupting what could only be a really lame kissing scene
- (652) I’ve always wondered how Nubiti keeps up with Sophie when she light leaps? Like, does she tunnel the whole way across the world?
- (770) In all of the planning and testing the council did on Alvar, did no one think to mimic voices?
- (775) Vespera says that Ruy’s identity is still hidden … so is Ruy Tonio Ignis not even a real person? Is it a made up name to hide Ruy’s true identity?
- (791) Wait, am I stupid? How did the Neverseen get Orem to give them Luzia’s DNA
- (796) We don’t even get to see Ruy’s reaction to having his power cut off by Tam, but Vespera has to grab him to light leap away, so he’s probably not having a great time :(
- (802) Ugh, and it STILL drives me nuts that they never bothered to do DNA testing to see who Umber truly was
- (808) The fact that Fitz was able to kill his brother (or he believed he did, at least) makes me think that sanity isn’t as fragile as the elves make it out to be … or Fitz just isn’t like other girls
- (823) Literally, why don’t the elves use guns? Because in the 5 minutes Gisela has been lecturing, a machine gun or literally any other firearm could’ve taken her out in a matter of minutes. Or chemical warfare with gas masks. I’m not saying I encourage these items, but literally, why hasn’t anyone tried them?
(830) Okay, if elves can survive temperatures of up to if not over, 150 degrees, then they really should go to space because they probably don’t even need space suits
Just like with my other "reviews" of this series, I'll include my notes on Flashback below. Please beware of possible spoilers for this book and the others in this series.
- (28) Terik is one of the Council members who insists that Alvar hang out with his family members. Is he helping the Neverseen out by putting Alvar in an easier-to-access location?
- (33) Alden's Offish is the only original room in Everglen (from when Luzia owned the house)? Someone else built it?
- (38) Okay, Fallon has some very accurate guesses about the Neverseen's plans for Alvar, and I'm not sure if he's just that smart or if he's hiding something
- (44) Realizing that part of the reason I love Dex so much is that he’s very much the trope of “taken advantage of” by everyone he meets. The Council consistently uses a 14-year-old boy and manipulates him into creating weapons for them. And while he does it willingly for the Black Swan and Sophie, the fact still exists that the only thing he is perceived to be useful for is his ability and his naivety, which allows him to be manipulated into creating weapons and other forms of technology. He’s a people pleaser at heart, thanks to a society that ignored and scorned him until it benefitted them to do otherwise. He constantly seeks validation because he’s sought it his entire life, and the minimal “power” and belonging he has now could be ripped away at any moment. It would be interesting to see what he could come up with when not influenced by those around him, just as I think a potential villain arc (as everyone around him seems to forget him more and more frequently) seems both possible and intriguing.
- (48) Fitz and Biana are mad at Dex, which is their own issue, but Sophie doesn’t even try to defend her alleged best friend
- (59) So Sophie is super clumsy but somehow naturally great at throwing stars?
- (70) Bets on whether there’s something hidden at the bottom of the Offish? (I might be putting this on my Keeper bingo board)
- (84) Apparently, Keefe talked about Sophie a LOT with the Neverseen, according to Umber
- (86) Gethen was recruited to the Neverseen because he’s a Washer?
- (106) So what we’ve learned so far is that the only thing capable of doing damage to the Neverseen is the power of *GAY* because Wylie hit them with a rainbow
- Thinking about Sandor and Grizel and how they’ve both thought the other dead … from Mount Everest to Grizel thinking Sandor died in the Havenfield massacre to Sandor watching Grizel be injured just a few chapters ago … they’d walk through Tartarus for each other (and yes I’m referencing Percabeth again)
- When loyalty is Sandor's fatal flaw (he wants to protect everyone and can’t, and when he fails, he falls apart and tries to resign), and hubris might be Grizels (she thinks she’s better than Sandor at times)… that’s what I mean when I say Percabeth coded
- (130) is Sarah J, Maas ghostwriting this because there’s suddenly a lot of the word “female”
- (147) What did Keefe promise Alden?
- (156) So apparently, Ruy’s addler just doesn’t look like an addler and Sophie was stupid enough not to realize she didn’t know what he looked like until now
- (157) Ruy says he wiped away all records of appearance, although Keefe doesn’t know why (is he vain or is his appearance important?), but also Forkle literally said the Black Swan has copies of all these records, so why haven’t they looked
- (190) Sophie notes that Zillah has gold nails instead of black, so she can’t be Umber … but also, I’m assuming someone would notice if someone suddenly disappeared after Umber dies
- Okay, but from an actual medical standpoint … which elf collected yeti pee and thought, “Oh, I wonder if this would heal my burn”
- (332) The whole matchmaking thing is weird in general, and it’s probably the main issue I have with Fitz … I understand that it was part of how he was raised and that a lot of his opinions have been formed based on his childhood experiences, but he pressures Sophie about registering for the match, and yes I could attribute it to his overprotectiveness (if they’re on each other's lists, they’re spared from the scorn of a bad match), it’s just annoying that he won’t shut up about it … although I think some of that is Shannon purposefully “poisoning” his character arc to make Keefe a better option
- (354) Okay, Gisela must’ve bought like mass stocks of sedatives because Keefe remembers her drugging him just so he’d stop crying
- (391) You’re telling me Elwin can’t make a new leg for Terik when he has marrow, muscle, skin, and nerve regenerators?
- (423) I could be stupid, but did we ever figure out who the green eyes were that Keefe remembered? Were they that British guy's?
- (431) Forkle knows how to braid hair well … I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if he had a secret lover …
- (446) What is Tinker's issue with goblins and fire? Are they connected?
- (459) Love when Dex is told that weapons take priority over his family and friends
- (486) Okay, so literally every species but elves and humans can smell way better than they should because Tarina, Bo, Sandor, and Flori (I don’t know about Nubiti) can smell Elwin on Sophie’s clothes
- (507) Sandor can paint. He can paint realistically. He might have painted Grizel. He might have a locket or a hand-painted picture of her that he keeps in his armor.
- (577) If Sophie’s bedroom used to be a reception hall for winnowing galas, why does it have an Olympic-sized swimming pool of a bathtub
- Does it ever rain in the lost cities?
- (579) “Willowing Galas are restricted to people on your match list and their parents” - So if Fitz wasn’t even allowed to go to Alvar's Willing Galas, why were Kenric and Oralie at Jolie's?
- (586) Honestly, props to Silveny for interrupting what could only be a really lame kissing scene
- (652) I’ve always wondered how Nubiti keeps up with Sophie when she light leaps? Like, does she tunnel the whole way across the world?
- (770) In all of the planning and testing the council did on Alvar, did no one think to mimic voices?
- (775) Vespera says that Ruy’s identity is still hidden … so is Ruy Tonio Ignis not even a real person? Is it a made up name to hide Ruy’s true identity?
- (791) Wait, am I stupid? How did the Neverseen get Orem to give them Luzia’s DNA
- (796) We don’t even get to see Ruy’s reaction to having his power cut off by Tam, but Vespera has to grab him to light leap away, so he’s probably not having a great time :(
- (802) Ugh, and it STILL drives me nuts that they never bothered to do DNA testing to see who Umber truly was
- (808) The fact that Fitz was able to kill his brother (or he believed he did, at least) makes me think that sanity isn’t as fragile as the elves make it out to be … or Fitz just isn’t like other girls
- (823) Literally, why don’t the elves use guns? Because in the 5 minutes Gisela has been lecturing, a machine gun or literally any other firearm could’ve taken her out in a matter of minutes. Or chemical warfare with gas masks. I’m not saying I encourage these items, but literally, why hasn’t anyone tried them?
(830) Okay, if elves can survive temperatures of up to if not over, 150 degrees, then they really should go to space because they probably don’t even need space suits
This book reminded me of why it's important to read reviews before volunteering to read something because I'm not really a fan of paranormal fantasies...which is the main reason I'm trying to be generous with this review.
The Temptation of Magic is a paranormal fantasy that probably falls in the New Adult age range. It also has a lot of fan-favorite tropes, but unfortunately, they were not tropes that I enjoy. Because this was mostly a mistake on my part, I'm trying not to hold it against the book itself that I didn't really enjoy parts of it. I'm sorry.
Nicole is an Empyreal (basically a natural monster hunter who transforms into other monsters to kill) and a Seer who is trying to hide her true nature lest she be taken away by the evil secret government called the Wake. She stumbles across Kyan, an Empyreal from the Wake, and the two have intertwining goals regarding a mysterious piece of artwork and a Specter out for revenge. The pacing was fine, and I thought there were a few plot twists that caught my attention too. The story ends in a way that's both satisfying and opens the series to future installments. Overall, the action and the mystery elements of the plot were what kept me engaged.
My biggest struggle with the book was connecting with the characters, and again, I think it was my fault for not checking the tropes beforehand. I didn't mind Nicole and Kyan's relationship, and I thought their personalities were fairly intriguing. I'm interested in seeing the dynamic between Dylan and Callum develop because I might have been reading it wrong, but I sensed some weird tension between them. I also hope Remi is more relevant in the next book.
Fans of tropes like fated mates, enemies-to-lovers, and protective/broody love interests will enjoy The Temptation of Magic.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free e-ARC!
3.5/5
The Temptation of Magic is a paranormal fantasy that probably falls in the New Adult age range. It also has a lot of fan-favorite tropes, but unfortunately, they were not tropes that I enjoy. Because this was mostly a mistake on my part, I'm trying not to hold it against the book itself that I didn't really enjoy parts of it. I'm sorry.
Nicole is an Empyreal (basically a natural monster hunter who transforms into other monsters to kill) and a Seer who is trying to hide her true nature lest she be taken away by the evil secret government called the Wake. She stumbles across Kyan, an Empyreal from the Wake, and the two have intertwining goals regarding a mysterious piece of artwork and a Specter out for revenge. The pacing was fine, and I thought there were a few plot twists that caught my attention too. The story ends in a way that's both satisfying and opens the series to future installments. Overall, the action and the mystery elements of the plot were what kept me engaged.
My biggest struggle with the book was connecting with the characters, and again, I think it was my fault for not checking the tropes beforehand. I didn't mind Nicole and Kyan's relationship, and I thought their personalities were fairly intriguing. I'm interested in seeing the dynamic between Dylan and Callum develop because I might have been reading it wrong, but I sensed some weird tension between them. I also hope Remi is more relevant in the next book.
Fans of tropes like fated mates, enemies-to-lovers, and protective/broody love interests will enjoy The Temptation of Magic.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free e-ARC!
3.5/5
As I've said before, I'm not rating this series, but I will admit that this is the point in the series that I don't remember some of the plot points, and so there is a small part of me that enjoys the end of the series more. That being said, I'm not a fan of Sophie's inner turmoil and some of her reactions in this book, so it's not my favorite. That's all I'll say in terms of "review-esque" opinions on Legacy.
Without further ado, here are my notes on Legacy, and just a fair warning, there may be spoilers for this book and others in the series:
- (5) I can’t believe the elves don’t have some form of virtual learning … if the humans have school on Zoom, surely the elves have something better
- (48) I hope Tam didn’t have any deep dark secrets about himself that Gethen discovered … *cough cough not into girls*
- (58) Okay, I understand that the Neverseen wants to use Linh as a way to control Tam, but they have Gethen back, and wiping his memories (at least selectively, maybe of Sophie and her friends) would be beneficial because at least then they don’t have to coerce him into doing exercises and working for them
- (101) Call me cruel, but I’m with Forkle on the “dating can wait; saving Tam and the rest of the world can’t”
- (122) How much do you want to bet that Grady and Edaline have a running bet of who Sophie will end up with?
- (124) My biggest issue with this book is how Sophie won’t shut up about the unmatchable thing … I get it, you’re a teen … but please get a grip
- (129) I don’t want to read too much into Sophie’s dreams because they are DREAMS after all, but she sees a male and female figure (presumably her biological parents) standing off in the distance “apart but somehow together,” and I don’t know if that means Forkle lied and Oralie is connected to Sophie’s dad, or if Sophie’s just having random dreams again
- (136) messengers are used to inform Biana, Dex, and Stina to come to the Seat of Eminence
- (149) I forgot how much I agree with Stina in this book
- (155) Okay, now I’m noticing parallels between Ruy and Alvar and Biana and Dex … mostly in the differences in social class (and for the record, I don’t necessarily think Biana and Dex would make a good couple), but I’m just saying there’s some similarities there
- (202) Why is Bronte so adamant that Sophie does not find out who her parents are…
- (210) It would’ve been better if literally anyone other than Sophie named the team
- (212) I know Keefe is joking when he says the edge of space is the perfect spot for a Neverseen ambush, but the Neverseens Technopath could build a satellite or something with homing missiles if they really wanted to… just saying
- (227) Reason #2 why this book annoys me: “she’d already known that she was going to hate the people who’d donated their DNA to the black swan and then abandoned her” - like she doesn’t even give her biological parents a chance before she decides that they’re monsters for “giving her up” to an organization they weren’t even technically part of
- (274) The Dex and Biana friendship gives me life
- (329) Forkle mentions that he didn’t bring Elwin to heal Amy when Sophie inflicted on her … but why would he ever consider bringing in Elwin at that point because Sophie still lived with the humans
- (346) Do I want to know how Forkle secretly got Bronte's DNA so he could use it to inspire Sophie's?
- (415) One of the main things Sophie is worried about is Tam making friends in the Neverseen…
- Maybe I’m looking in the wrong places, but why haven’t I seen fanart of Sophie and Team Valiant's outfits
- Okay, wait, so humans have tech that lets them trace ancestry through DNA, and you’re telling me that with the elves using DNA for literally everything, Sophie has yet to do a DNA test to find her parents?
- (516) Also, Elwin was present for a whole conversation about Sophie not knowing her biological parents and said nothing
- (537) How did I not notice all the Biana Dex stuff before? I’m not sure how I feel about them as a couple, but their friendship is so good
- (621) Keefe’s parents canonically sleep in different beds
- (630) Ruy is on bed rest, and it might be the last time he and Alvar ever see each other … I refuse to believe they won’t kiss before this series ends (at least in my mind)
- (639) Why did Gisela specifically want a son? Does she have a second ability, and if so, what is it? So many questions and so few answers
- (668) Sophie is so ungrateful to Oralie, and it drives me nuts. Little Miss “I’m allowed to be selfish” can’t fathom that Oralie had valid reasons (and yeah, sure, maybe some selfish ones too) that kept her from revealing who she was, but regardless she was always on Sophie’s side, and Sophie completely overreacts
- (681) Look, I don’t like Fitz. He’s annoying, and he definitely isn’t a great person. BUT I understand why he’s so upset about the match and why he is the way he is. He grew up in a world where everything was relatively perfect, and he had everything under control, and now he doesn’t have that control anymore, and the world is changing in ways that make him lose the power he always wielded to protect others. He wants Sophie to be matchable because it’s the only way he knows how to “protect” her from scorn, and he hasn’t adapted to the changes in the world. Part of this is his own fault, but he’s losing his place in the world, too, and he’s clinging to what little power and control he does have because it’s the only comfort for him at this point.
- (698) Why is Alina pushing so hard for everyone to go to Loamnore
- (750) Why can’t Sophie inflict when tied up? It’s literally a brain/heart ability
Without further ado, here are my notes on Legacy, and just a fair warning, there may be spoilers for this book and others in the series:
- (5) I can’t believe the elves don’t have some form of virtual learning … if the humans have school on Zoom, surely the elves have something better
- (48) I hope Tam didn’t have any deep dark secrets about himself that Gethen discovered … *cough cough not into girls*
- (58) Okay, I understand that the Neverseen wants to use Linh as a way to control Tam, but they have Gethen back, and wiping his memories (at least selectively, maybe of Sophie and her friends) would be beneficial because at least then they don’t have to coerce him into doing exercises and working for them
- (101) Call me cruel, but I’m with Forkle on the “dating can wait; saving Tam and the rest of the world can’t”
- (122) How much do you want to bet that Grady and Edaline have a running bet of who Sophie will end up with?
- (124) My biggest issue with this book is how Sophie won’t shut up about the unmatchable thing … I get it, you’re a teen … but please get a grip
- (129) I don’t want to read too much into Sophie’s dreams because they are DREAMS after all, but she sees a male and female figure (presumably her biological parents) standing off in the distance “apart but somehow together,” and I don’t know if that means Forkle lied and Oralie is connected to Sophie’s dad, or if Sophie’s just having random dreams again
- (136) messengers are used to inform Biana, Dex, and Stina to come to the Seat of Eminence
- (149) I forgot how much I agree with Stina in this book
- (155) Okay, now I’m noticing parallels between Ruy and Alvar and Biana and Dex … mostly in the differences in social class (and for the record, I don’t necessarily think Biana and Dex would make a good couple), but I’m just saying there’s some similarities there
- (202) Why is Bronte so adamant that Sophie does not find out who her parents are…
- (210) It would’ve been better if literally anyone other than Sophie named the team
- (212) I know Keefe is joking when he says the edge of space is the perfect spot for a Neverseen ambush, but the Neverseens Technopath could build a satellite or something with homing missiles if they really wanted to… just saying
- (227) Reason #2 why this book annoys me: “she’d already known that she was going to hate the people who’d donated their DNA to the black swan and then abandoned her” - like she doesn’t even give her biological parents a chance before she decides that they’re monsters for “giving her up” to an organization they weren’t even technically part of
- (274) The Dex and Biana friendship gives me life
- (329) Forkle mentions that he didn’t bring Elwin to heal Amy when Sophie inflicted on her … but why would he ever consider bringing in Elwin at that point because Sophie still lived with the humans
- (346) Do I want to know how Forkle secretly got Bronte's DNA so he could use it to inspire Sophie's?
- (415) One of the main things Sophie is worried about is Tam making friends in the Neverseen…
- Maybe I’m looking in the wrong places, but why haven’t I seen fanart of Sophie and Team Valiant's outfits
- Okay, wait, so humans have tech that lets them trace ancestry through DNA, and you’re telling me that with the elves using DNA for literally everything, Sophie has yet to do a DNA test to find her parents?
- (516) Also, Elwin was present for a whole conversation about Sophie not knowing her biological parents and said nothing
- (537) How did I not notice all the Biana Dex stuff before? I’m not sure how I feel about them as a couple, but their friendship is so good
- (621) Keefe’s parents canonically sleep in different beds
- (630) Ruy is on bed rest, and it might be the last time he and Alvar ever see each other … I refuse to believe they won’t kiss before this series ends (at least in my mind)
- (639) Why did Gisela specifically want a son? Does she have a second ability, and if so, what is it? So many questions and so few answers
- (668) Sophie is so ungrateful to Oralie, and it drives me nuts. Little Miss “I’m allowed to be selfish” can’t fathom that Oralie had valid reasons (and yeah, sure, maybe some selfish ones too) that kept her from revealing who she was, but regardless she was always on Sophie’s side, and Sophie completely overreacts
- (681) Look, I don’t like Fitz. He’s annoying, and he definitely isn’t a great person. BUT I understand why he’s so upset about the match and why he is the way he is. He grew up in a world where everything was relatively perfect, and he had everything under control, and now he doesn’t have that control anymore, and the world is changing in ways that make him lose the power he always wielded to protect others. He wants Sophie to be matchable because it’s the only way he knows how to “protect” her from scorn, and he hasn’t adapted to the changes in the world. Part of this is his own fault, but he’s losing his place in the world, too, and he’s clinging to what little power and control he does have because it’s the only comfort for him at this point.
- (698) Why is Alina pushing so hard for everyone to go to Loamnore
- (750) Why can’t Sophie inflict when tied up? It’s literally a brain/heart ability
This book is what you would get if you mixed Chima's The Wizard Heir book with the game Omori and played the song Danse Macabre in the background.
Don't Let the Forest In is a hauntingly beautiful YA psychological horror filled with creepy forests and dark fairytales. While I typically don't read anything that falls into the "horror" genre, this book is making me reconsider my stance on that, because the vibes were impeccable. The spooky aesthetic and the imagery as a whole in this book, along with the beautifully written prose really engrossed me in the story and the world. It's something that will be haunting my imagination for a long time.
Andrew is returning to boarding school in the fall when he notices something is off about his friend, Thomas. Soon, the forest outside the school is overrun with Thomas's drawings of monsters come to life...and they're out for blood. There's some elements of mystery that really intrigued me, and I thought overall that the story was relatively fast-paced. I managed to call the main plot twist a few chapters before it was revealed, but I was still amazed by it. I loved the overall vibes of the story, and I'm still not over all the imagery and the prose.
I also adored all of the characters. Andrew was so sweet and yet so complex, and I found his struggles with writing and relationships to be relatable and well-written (the ace rep was unexpected but so welcome!). Thomas's passion and his dynamics with Andrew were so lovely as well, and I just loved them together. The supporting cast was equally interesting, but at its heart, this book was Andrew and Thomas's story.
Don't Let the Forest In is the perfect spooky read for your fall TBR.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free e-ARC!
4.75/5
Don't Let the Forest In is a hauntingly beautiful YA psychological horror filled with creepy forests and dark fairytales. While I typically don't read anything that falls into the "horror" genre, this book is making me reconsider my stance on that, because the vibes were impeccable. The spooky aesthetic and the imagery as a whole in this book, along with the beautifully written prose really engrossed me in the story and the world. It's something that will be haunting my imagination for a long time.
Andrew is returning to boarding school in the fall when he notices something is off about his friend, Thomas. Soon, the forest outside the school is overrun with Thomas's drawings of monsters come to life...and they're out for blood. There's some elements of mystery that really intrigued me, and I thought overall that the story was relatively fast-paced. I managed to call the main plot twist a few chapters before it was revealed, but I was still amazed by it. I loved the overall vibes of the story, and I'm still not over all the imagery and the prose.
I also adored all of the characters. Andrew was so sweet and yet so complex, and I found his struggles with writing and relationships to be relatable and well-written (the ace rep was unexpected but so welcome!). Thomas's passion and his dynamics with Andrew were so lovely as well, and I just loved them together. The supporting cast was equally interesting, but at its heart, this book was Andrew and Thomas's story.
Don't Let the Forest In is the perfect spooky read for your fall TBR.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free e-ARC!
4.75/5
I have a lot of mixed feelings about Unlocked, though most of them are due to the marketing. When book 8.5 was announced, I had a lot of theories for why it might be different. Were we finally going to discover what happened during the Great Gulon Incident? Did the dual POVs mean Sophie might die? I was excited to figure out what secrets might be hidden within the "bonus exclusive content" that supposedly we couldn't find anywhere else.
What this book was marketed as: fun secrets and stories that would be relevant to the plot and that would enhance the series, along with an actual installation to the series in the form of a novella
What this book is actually is: a summary of the first 8 books through the guise of character profiles and worldbuilding infodumps
As much as I like the fanart, the "extra content" that readers were promised is not "extra" to someone who has read the series from start to finish at least 4 times. I could probably recite the majority of the details from the first 600 pages of this book (and my sister can attest to this; my cousin and I explained the plot of books 3-5 to her to get her to fall asleep).
I wouldn't have an issue with that if this book wasn't necessary to complete the series. The novella that makes up about 1/3 of the book is required for an understanding of the next part of the series, meaning you NEED to read this one.
Regardless, I'm still not giving an official rating on this book. The bonus content section has provided a few fun experiences (making cinnacreme, feverishly researching the middle names of several characters, creating new theories, etc.), but I just wish the book was optional.
Here are the notes I took on Unlocked, and they may contain spoilers for this book and others in the series:
- (inside cover) Cassius's beach house is in Australia, and I want to see him do an Australian accent
- (inside cover) Canonically speaking, Everglen is right next to Florida, meaning that during the 1960s, it could've been nuked during the Cuban Missile Crisis, and yeah...that's fun to think about
- I read through Sophie's medical records (as written by Elwin), and there's no real evidence of him possibly being her father, but he may have hidden it well (he does note that he thought it was a prank when Alden first called him to Everglen to meet Sophie)
- (157/166) Wylie and Stina have spy balls... as does Grady, but I didn't write down the page number
- In the portrait of Elwin and Livvy...Livvy doesn't have a registry pendant, and I guess that kinda makes sense, but I would've thought she would've had a fake one at least
- Brant's name is redacted, and I've seen a lot of theories assuming that he's related to Kenric due to their middle names being so close
- (526) If Kenric washed the Washers, who does that job now? Emery?
- (702) Things in the Neverseen storehouse: drugs, spare clothing, scrolls, a book, fancy marbles
- (711) Rex wants to be just like Dex when he grows up :(
What this book was marketed as: fun secrets and stories that would be relevant to the plot and that would enhance the series, along with an actual installation to the series in the form of a novella
What this book is actually is: a summary of the first 8 books through the guise of character profiles and worldbuilding infodumps
As much as I like the fanart, the "extra content" that readers were promised is not "extra" to someone who has read the series from start to finish at least 4 times. I could probably recite the majority of the details from the first 600 pages of this book (and my sister can attest to this; my cousin and I explained the plot of books 3-5 to her to get her to fall asleep).
I wouldn't have an issue with that if this book wasn't necessary to complete the series. The novella that makes up about 1/3 of the book is required for an understanding of the next part of the series, meaning you NEED to read this one.
Regardless, I'm still not giving an official rating on this book. The bonus content section has provided a few fun experiences (making cinnacreme, feverishly researching the middle names of several characters, creating new theories, etc.), but I just wish the book was optional.
Here are the notes I took on Unlocked, and they may contain spoilers for this book and others in the series:
- (inside cover) Cassius's beach house is in Australia, and I want to see him do an Australian accent
- (inside cover) Canonically speaking, Everglen is right next to Florida, meaning that during the 1960s, it could've been nuked during the Cuban Missile Crisis, and yeah...that's fun to think about
- I read through Sophie's medical records (as written by Elwin), and there's no real evidence of him possibly being her father, but he may have hidden it well (he does note that he thought it was a prank when Alden first called him to Everglen to meet Sophie)
- (157/166) Wylie and Stina have spy balls... as does Grady, but I didn't write down the page number
- In the portrait of Elwin and Livvy...Livvy doesn't have a registry pendant, and I guess that kinda makes sense, but I would've thought she would've had a fake one at least
- Brant's name is redacted, and I've seen a lot of theories assuming that he's related to Kenric due to their middle names being so close
- (526) If Kenric washed the Washers, who does that job now? Emery?
- (702) Things in the Neverseen storehouse: drugs, spare clothing, scrolls, a book, fancy marbles
- (711) Rex wants to be just like Dex when he grows up :(
Who knew a book with death in the title could have some of the most wholesome found family dynamics I've ever read about?
Death's Flow is a fantasy novel that really emphasizes found family (aka my favorite trope) and the coincidences that bring them together. I wasn't expecting to find it as wholesome as I did, although there were plenty of parts that almost made me cry too. It was also refreshing to read about a found family that didn't entirely consist of teenagers with questionable backstories and morals, although I do love those too.
The story follows Zaleck, a young, albino farm boy, after he is captured by slavers who intend to deliver him to a priest to complete a dark ritual. He is rescued by two other captives: Arneth, a scholar who can predict (and maybe control) the future, and Vellis, a huntress with a mysterious past. The plot is fast-paced and high-stakes (there's a reason I read it in just over 12 hours), and there's so much emotional weight packed into such a quick story. The ending is satisfying, although I noticed that there might be more books (?), and I would be more than willing to read about where the crew is off to next.
I really, really loved the characters and their dynamics. Arneth reminded me a lot of an older, wiser, balder Jude from There Will Come a Darkness. I liked seeing him interact with Derith, especially once she was dragged into the family. I also wish we got to see more of Keltrak. Vellis was such a cool character, and her dynamic with Zaleck has to be one of my favorites of all time, especially given her backstory. Zal was so sweet, and his character development was incredibly well done. I really enjoyed watching him grow to appreciate Vellis and vice versa.
Death's Flow is a fast-paced, high-stakes fantasy novel about found family, fate, and how the choices we make define us.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free e-ARC!
4.5/5
Death's Flow is a fantasy novel that really emphasizes found family (aka my favorite trope) and the coincidences that bring them together. I wasn't expecting to find it as wholesome as I did, although there were plenty of parts that almost made me cry too. It was also refreshing to read about a found family that didn't entirely consist of teenagers with questionable backstories and morals, although I do love those too.
The story follows Zaleck, a young, albino farm boy, after he is captured by slavers who intend to deliver him to a priest to complete a dark ritual. He is rescued by two other captives: Arneth, a scholar who can predict (and maybe control) the future, and Vellis, a huntress with a mysterious past. The plot is fast-paced and high-stakes (there's a reason I read it in just over 12 hours), and there's so much emotional weight packed into such a quick story. The ending is satisfying, although I noticed that there might be more books (?), and I would be more than willing to read about where the crew is off to next.
I really, really loved the characters and their dynamics. Arneth reminded me a lot of an older, wiser, balder Jude from There Will Come a Darkness. I liked seeing him interact with Derith, especially once she was dragged into the family. I also wish we got to see more of Keltrak. Vellis was such a cool character, and her dynamic with Zaleck has to be one of my favorites of all time, especially given her backstory. Zal was so sweet, and his character development was incredibly well done. I really enjoyed watching him grow to appreciate Vellis and vice versa.
Death's Flow is a fast-paced, high-stakes fantasy novel about found family, fate, and how the choices we make define us.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free e-ARC!
4.5/5
Steampunk vibes, zombies, a poisonous landscape, hidden heirs and secret magic, multiple POVs, star gods using mortals as pawns - this book had so much to offer!
The Prince's Poisoned Vow has been at the top of my TBR for a while, and I'm so excited to have finally gotten around to reading it. The worldbuilding is incredibly unique, and while it took me a little bit to get into the book and understand who everyone was/the roles they would play, the world is what drew me in and kept me intrigued.
Admittedly, the plot is a bit slow at the beginning. There are several POV characters, although only five "main" ones, who have their own plots and subplots. The first 2/3 of the book were mostly introductions to characters, their relationships, and some inciting incidents. There's Eimarille, a princess stranded in a foreign country, and she intends to conquer the world. Blaine has a duty to protect a lost heir and becomes embedded in a rebellion. Caris is a student turned rebel with mysterious magic. Vanya is a prince struggling to hold onto his throne. Soren is a warden who is supposed to remain neutral in rising political tensions, but his heart won't allow such. But the last third of the book? Incredibly fast-paced and action-packed. I am very, very mad about certain events that occurred, and I will be getting the sequel as soon as I can.
Because there are so many characters, I'll stick to my opinions on the main ones. I don't like Eimarille as a person, but she's a very powerful character who has been shaped by her circumstances. I hope that she and Terilyn (her bodyguard) can at least have a happy ending. I liked Vanya, but he wasn't my favorite, mostly because he was so lusty with Soren. Soren was super cool, and I'm excited to see what happens with his character arc in book 2. I liked Blaine and Henovi (although they were also very lusty), and I hope they get a happy ending too. Caris was probably my favorite, although I don't know why. Maybe because she's a nerd? I also really liked Nathaniel, and I need updates on him ASAP.
The Prince's Poisoned Vow is the first book in an epic fantasy trilogy in a steampunk-inspired world full of zombies, magic, and star gods.
4.25/5
The Prince's Poisoned Vow has been at the top of my TBR for a while, and I'm so excited to have finally gotten around to reading it. The worldbuilding is incredibly unique, and while it took me a little bit to get into the book and understand who everyone was/the roles they would play, the world is what drew me in and kept me intrigued.
Admittedly, the plot is a bit slow at the beginning. There are several POV characters, although only five "main" ones, who have their own plots and subplots. The first 2/3 of the book were mostly introductions to characters, their relationships, and some inciting incidents. There's Eimarille, a princess stranded in a foreign country, and she intends to conquer the world. Blaine has a duty to protect a lost heir and becomes embedded in a rebellion. Caris is a student turned rebel with mysterious magic. Vanya is a prince struggling to hold onto his throne. Soren is a warden who is supposed to remain neutral in rising political tensions, but his heart won't allow such. But the last third of the book? Incredibly fast-paced and action-packed. I am very, very mad about certain events that occurred, and I will be getting the sequel as soon as I can.
Because there are so many characters, I'll stick to my opinions on the main ones. I don't like Eimarille as a person, but she's a very powerful character who has been shaped by her circumstances. I hope that she and Terilyn (her bodyguard) can at least have a happy ending. I liked Vanya, but he wasn't my favorite, mostly because he was so lusty with Soren. Soren was super cool, and I'm excited to see what happens with his character arc in book 2. I liked Blaine and Henovi (although they were also very lusty), and I hope they get a happy ending too. Caris was probably my favorite, although I don't know why. Maybe because she's a nerd? I also really liked Nathaniel, and I need updates on him ASAP.
The Prince's Poisoned Vow is the first book in an epic fantasy trilogy in a steampunk-inspired world full of zombies, magic, and star gods.
4.25/5
"'How he loves you, and yet hurts you, all the same? That's what people can do, if you give them your trust. This lesson I teach you freely. Never give people your trust. They will only betray you.'"
The Nightward is the first book in a new sci-fi/fantasy series that follows the story of a princess and her bodyguard. I've seen some reviews calling this novel "too ambitious" and confusing, and while the worldbuilding and characters take a few chapters to get used to, I didn't think the scope was too large. In fact, I'm excited to see where the next book goes in terms of worldbuilding.
The story begins with the assassination of a queen. Princess Viella is escorted to safety by her bodyguard, Luka, sparking a game of cat-and-mouse with the mysterious dark magic plaguing the land. There are multiple POVs, which I found unexpected but welcome, as it allowed me to better understand what was going on in the court Viella left behind. The pacing was relatively fast, although I do think it slowed down at the end (when I was desperately seeking answers about a specific character's chance of surviving). That being said, there was enough action to keep me occupied throughout, and there were a few plot twists that I sort of predicted but still found amusing.
I actually found myself liking the majority of the characters. Mordach reminded me of the evil sorcerer from Elena of Avalor, and I will not elaborate. I also thought Sophia was incredibly cool, and I'm excited to see what she'll do in book 2. I really hope Valan and Enoch are okay and that they'll get their happy endings. Eleanor grew on me eventually, although I'm not sure how I felt about her relationship with Luka (because I pictured her as way older than him). Viella and Luka's dynamic gave me so much happiness with their unconditional trust, and I am extremely excited to see what happens to them in book 2.
The Nightward is the beginning of a new sci-fi/fantasy series that deals with trust, duty, and the consequences of oppression.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free e-ARC!
4/5
The Nightward is the first book in a new sci-fi/fantasy series that follows the story of a princess and her bodyguard. I've seen some reviews calling this novel "too ambitious" and confusing, and while the worldbuilding and characters take a few chapters to get used to, I didn't think the scope was too large. In fact, I'm excited to see where the next book goes in terms of worldbuilding.
The story begins with the assassination of a queen. Princess Viella is escorted to safety by her bodyguard, Luka, sparking a game of cat-and-mouse with the mysterious dark magic plaguing the land. There are multiple POVs, which I found unexpected but welcome, as it allowed me to better understand what was going on in the court Viella left behind. The pacing was relatively fast, although I do think it slowed down at the end (when I was desperately seeking answers about a specific character's chance of surviving). That being said, there was enough action to keep me occupied throughout, and there were a few plot twists that I sort of predicted but still found amusing.
I actually found myself liking the majority of the characters. Mordach reminded me of the evil sorcerer from Elena of Avalor, and I will not elaborate. I also thought Sophia was incredibly cool, and I'm excited to see what she'll do in book 2. I really hope Valan and Enoch are okay and that they'll get their happy endings. Eleanor grew on me eventually, although I'm not sure how I felt about her relationship with Luka (because I pictured her as way older than him). Viella and Luka's dynamic gave me so much happiness with their unconditional trust, and I am extremely excited to see what happens to them in book 2.
The Nightward is the beginning of a new sci-fi/fantasy series that deals with trust, duty, and the consequences of oppression.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free e-ARC!
4/5
Okay, this isn't about the story itself, but sprayed edges make the most beautiful sounds when you turn the pages.
The Familiar is a historical fantasy-romance about the Spanish Inquisition and what happens when who you are is pitted against who the world wants you to be. Of Leigh Bardugo's books/series, I think this falls somewhere in the middle. While I didn't enjoy it nearly as much as I loved the Grishaverse, I preferred it to Ninth House by a long shot.
We meet Luzia, a young servant with the strange ability to perform "miracles." When others begin to take notice of her odd magic, Luzia enters the world of politics as she becomes involved in a tournament held by the king's disgraced secretary. There wasn't a whole lot of action, but the stakes were high nevertheless. I'm not sure how I feel about the ending. I found it a bit anti-climactic, but I think if it had ended in another way, I would not have been satisfied with it.
The characters were all very complex (and extremely ambitious), which made it difficult for me to feel attached to them. I liked Luzia as a protagonist, and I think she was very interesting. I didn't like Valentina at first because she was kind of rude, but I'm glad she got the ending that she did. Santángel kind of creeped me out at first, and while I grew to like him once his past was revealed, he still isn't my favorite. There were plenty of other characters with questionable morals and intentions, and I actually did enjoy that none of them were "right." Everyone is morally gray, and I think that many of them get what they deserve.
The Familiar is a historical fantasy-romance novel that promises beautiful writing, morally questionable characters, and romances built on bargains and exchanges.
3.75/5
The Familiar is a historical fantasy-romance about the Spanish Inquisition and what happens when who you are is pitted against who the world wants you to be. Of Leigh Bardugo's books/series, I think this falls somewhere in the middle. While I didn't enjoy it nearly as much as I loved the Grishaverse, I preferred it to Ninth House by a long shot.
We meet Luzia, a young servant with the strange ability to perform "miracles." When others begin to take notice of her odd magic, Luzia enters the world of politics as she becomes involved in a tournament held by the king's disgraced secretary. There wasn't a whole lot of action, but the stakes were high nevertheless. I'm not sure how I feel about the ending. I found it a bit anti-climactic, but I think if it had ended in another way, I would not have been satisfied with it.
The characters were all very complex (and extremely ambitious), which made it difficult for me to feel attached to them. I liked Luzia as a protagonist, and I think she was very interesting. I didn't like Valentina at first because she was kind of rude, but I'm glad she got the ending that she did. Santángel kind of creeped me out at first, and while I grew to like him once his past was revealed, he still isn't my favorite. There were plenty of other characters with questionable morals and intentions, and I actually did enjoy that none of them were "right." Everyone is morally gray, and I think that many of them get what they deserve.
The Familiar is a historical fantasy-romance novel that promises beautiful writing, morally questionable characters, and romances built on bargains and exchanges.
3.75/5