emvdw's Reviews (341)

Really great. Lots of interesting studies. I liked the framing of the senses by stimuli. 

As for the audiobook: the author narrates himself and he has a very pleasant voice. 

Fun murder-mystery with interesting world building :). For me not particularly memorable and doubt that I will continue the series. 

Perfectly serviceable cozy fantasy. I liked the style, but I think the author went a bit overboard with the quaint parentheticals, and the effect became a bit Too Much. But I liked it, and if you're in need of something cosy to read in between Robin Hobb trilogies 😉, this definitely fits the bill! 

This really didn't do it for me, and I don't know why. It would usually be right up my alley (reminded me a bit of the Rivers of London series, which I really like)... I just didn't find the story or characters very interesting unfortunately. I found the resolution of the central mystery to be very predictable. So unfortunate, I really wanted to like it 😔 

Also, small detail obviously, while Fatma's way of dressing surely is meant to be very stylish, in my minds eye all the outfits that were described looked completely ridiculous. 

This one was my least favourite of the three. I felt like there were some pacing issues: the first third is a string of unrelenting out-of-the-frying-pan-into-the-fire situations followed by another third where barely anything seems to happen. The final third was better paced and the ending was glorious. 

I did miss the characters that were not along on the quest, as it was Fitz's relationship with the other characters is what really makes these books in my opinion. 

Also, I got a bit frustrated with how dense Fitz was being some of the time. And his stupid decisions!!!! 

However, the affection that Hobb built up for these characters carried me through the slog that was the middle third. 

The Realm of the Elderling series continues to blow me way (read *Liveship Traders* earlier this year). Can't wait to move on to the next trilogy, though I'll have to take a break, if only because once I start, I can't stop!!!! 

So good. Heartbreaking. Unrelentlessly tense. 

Wow. This is a (very) slow build, but the end is *chef's kiss*. Fitz is a bit nondescript in the first half or so, but he really grew on me, and there was a more instant connection with Patience, Verity and the characters from the mountain kingdom. I hate hate hate

Regal

though. As we well should I suppose. 
The red-ship raiders are also very scary. 

Fun romcom that made me giggle out loud on multiple occasions.
I am sure it would also be very enjoyable for someone not familiar with the academic world, but I certainly enjoyed the references and inside jokes