dragoninwinterfell's Reviews (147)

This novel had a lot of great potential. Either as a retelling of Macbeth from the perspective of Lady Macbeth or an original novel with its own narrative. But, the potential wasn't met with either possibility. This was neither a quality reimagining of the Scottish play nor a good standalone work. 

The backstory is interesting. I like that there was a lot of work done to set up a backstory for Lady Macbeth, even if it doesn't align with the historical figure the character was based on. The reimagining of the three witches was also interesting.

That said, the character herself felt empty, as did her relationships. The motivations were stated, but it was a case of telling and not showing. Things just happened rather than developing organically. A romance happened without any build up. After a couple of encounters where they stared at each other, they were making stupid choices for each other. 

I hope to find another reimagining about this character.

I really enjoyed the character Qi’ra in Solo: A Star Wars Story. She was the highlight of the film. So, I was excited to get another novel about her. Unfortunately, this was just mediocre. Given the dark nature of Qi'ra's backstory, this should have been a really gripping, complex story. Instead, while we're informed that she struggles, she actually gets through things very easily. I wanted to see her work to earn the respect and high position she gained in the criminal world. We got a bit of that here. But overall, everything was far too easy. 

As always, Johnston did very well broadening the universe of the galaxy far, far away. The world was very immersive even if the story was so-so.

I really enjoyed the character Qi’ra in Solo: A Star Wars Story. She was the highlight of the film. So, I was excited to get another novel about her. Unfortunately, this was just mediocre. Given the dark nature of Qi'ra's backstory, this should have been a really gripping, complex story. Instead, while we're informed that she struggles, she actually gets through things very easily. I wanted to see her work to earn the respect and high position she gained in the criminal world. We got a bit of that here. But overall, everything was far too easy. 

As always, Johnston did very well broadening the universe of the galaxy far, far away. The world was very immersive even if the story was so-so.

Riven Earth by Zammar Ahmer is an incredibl  blend of high fantasy and politics that immerses readers in a gritty, morally complex world. The novel's greatest strength lies in its rich and immersive world-building, where heroes and heroines are forced to make dark, often troubling choices that blur the lines between good and evil.

The story's structure is particularly compelling, as it shifts between multiple timelines to provide a fully fleshed-out history for the cast of characters. This narrative style adds layers of depth, giving readers insight into how past events shape the present conflicts. The exploration of religion and fanaticism is fascinating, highlighting how belief systems can divide societies and perpetuate cycles of oppression.

Ahmer crafts a vivid backstory where humans were once practically enslaved by dryads, forced to worship the Earth-Mother, Astea. The rebellion that followed led to the near-extermination of the dryads and the establishment of human rule under the victorious king. However, the king's ban on religion ironically turned him into an unofficial religious figure after his death, adding layers of irony and tension to the story. Meanwhile, his emotionally scarred son struggles to maintain power in the wake of a failed rebellion by human supporters of the dryads.

The novel also tackles issues of discrimination and prejudice, particularly against those with sun magic—once targeted by the dryads and still marginalized under human rule. This nuanced exploration of societal hierarchies adds further complexity to the world.

While the novel's middle section drags at times, the strong opening and powerful ending more than make up for this minor flaw. Riven Earth is a compelling read for fans of dark fantasy who enjoy stories where politics, human flaws, and magic intertwine.

Octavia E. Butler: H is for Horse is an excellent and unique exploration of the legendary author's unpublished early works. Chi-ming Yang does a fantastic job of delving into Butler's childhood and teen years, revealing how her love of horses intertwined with the development of her writing. The book offers a fascinating glimpse into Butler's early creative mind, showing how her youthful obsessions and experiences shaped the groundbreaking stories she would go on to write. The combination of unpublished writings and drawings makes this a must-read for fans of Butler's work and anyone interested in seeing the early influences of a literary genius.

Thank you to NetGalley and HighBridge Audio for this audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Del Sandeen’s This Cursed House delivers a haunting and thought-provoking blend of Southern Gothic horror and family drama. Set in 1962, the novel follows Jemma Barker, a Black woman living in Chicago who finds herself at a crossroads after losing her job and breaking up with her abusive boyfriend. Desperate for a fresh start, she accepts a suspiciously perfect job offer at a Louisiana plantation without much hesitation—setting in motion a chilling mystery of ghosts, curses, and buried family secrets.

The premise alone is captivating, but what makes This Cursed House truly stand out is its nuanced exploration of race, class, and colorism. The family that hires Jemma is of mixed Black and white ancestry, with their fair skin granting them a certain privilege even within the rigid social hierarchy of the Jim Crow South. This unique dynamic adds a layer of complexity to the story’s broader discussion of racism and generational trauma, making the supernatural elements feel deeply intertwined with the characters’ lived experiences.

Sandeen’s prose is sparse and atmospheric, drawing readers into the oppressive heat and decay of the plantation. The slow-burn pacing builds tension masterfully, revealing the house’s dark history piece by piece. Jemma is a compelling protagonist, as a resilient, empathetic woman grappling with her own sense of self-worth as she navigates the increasingly eerie household.

While much of the plot is gripping, the novel’s message of forgiveness fell flat for me. The truth is, not everyone deserves forgiveness. Sometimes, justice requires that terrible people face the consequences of their actions, and the narrative’s emphasis on forgiving everyone feels at odds with the weight of the suffering endured by the characters. However, the ending manages to strike a balance between closure and ambiguity, avoiding the trap of wrapping everything up too neatly.

Overall, This Cursed House is a rich, atmospheric novel that blends supernatural horror with incisive social commentary. Despite my reservations about its thematic resolution, the journey Sandeen crafts is both unsettling and deeply human.

I really wanted to love this book. The world-building is absolutely stunning, with rich detail and an immersive setting that pulled me in right away. But unfortunately, the main character and the romance fell completely flat, which made it hard to stay invested.  

The protagonist had no real personality, and her choices felt more like plot devices than natural reactions. There were so many missed opportunities — great ideas that never fully developed because the story was stuck following a character who didn’t feel real. The romance, which should have been a strong emotional thread, lacked chemistry and depth.  

It’s frustrating because there was so much potential here. If the character work had been as strong as the world-building, this could have been an incredible read. Instead, it just felt hollow. In short: Beautiful setting, disappointing execution.

Masquerade is a beautifully written and captivating novel set in pre-colonial West Africa, following the journey of Òdòdó, a blacksmith who longs for escape from the mistreatment she and other unmarried women endure. When she is kidnapped to become the wife of the most powerful man in the land, her world shifts dramatically, pulling her into a web of court politics, uprisings, and military struggles. 

Òdòdó’s character arc is one of the novel’s strongest elements—her journey from a mistreated blacksmith to a woman navigating power, survival, and ambition is compelling. She faces real struggles, makes difficult choices, and undergoes believable growth. The prose is stunning, immersing readers in the rich setting and intense conflicts, and the plot keeps you engaged from start to finish. 

The only drawback is that, at times, conflicts arise due to avoidable misunderstandings—situations that could be resolved with a simple explanation are instead drawn out for dramatic effect. However, this is a minor flaw in an otherwise fantastic story. 

The Lioness by Gigi Griffis is an engaging and fast-paced novel that offers a captivating look into the life of Jeanne de Clisson. While I found the beginning to be a bit choppy and felt that some of the relationships lacked depth, the story gained momentum as it progressed, becoming more and more compelling.

What stood out most to me was how Jeanne was portrayed—not just as a noble or a warrior, but as a multifaceted woman who was a leader, a mother, and a force to be reckoned with. Her complexity and resilience were inspiring, and I appreciated how Griffis balanced her many roles.

Despite its rough start, The Lioness delivers an unforgettable story of strength and determination, and I highly recommend it to readers who enjoy historical fiction centered on strong, dynamic women.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really wanted to like The Moonlight Healers by Elizabeth Becker, and at first, I thought I would. The way the story jumped back and forth in time between two women in the same family was very interesting, and I liked how the magic was woven into the world. It was also easy to listen to.

But honestly, that’s where my enjoyment ended. The characters felt really flat, like they existed just to move the plot along rather than being actual people with depth. And speaking of the plot... not much happened. It just kind of dragged, and I kept waiting for something exciting or emotional to pull me in, but it never did. By the time I finished, I felt like the audiobook was just easy listening  rather than something I listened to for actual enjoyment. 

So, while the structure and magic had potential, everything else was kind of a letdown. Not the worst book I’ve ever read, but definitely not one I’d recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.