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heddas_bookgems's Reviews (490)
Psalm for the Wild-Built is a captivating novella that has it all – robots, tea, and an apocalyptic world where nature has taken over. The story follows Sibling Dex, a non-binary monk with a unique talent for brewing herbal tea that calms their clients. Despite their success, Dex feels unfulfilled and sets off on a journey towards the sound of crickets. Along the way, they stumble upon an urban legend – robots who gained self-awareness and disappeared into the wilderness centuries ago.
In just 147 pages, the author creates a vivid and cozy world that transports the reader to Dex's life. The story is philosophical, exploring themes such as the purpose of life and our relationship with the natural world. It also touches on topics such as eco-friendliness and our perception of death.
While some readers may find the book lacking in world-building and character backstory, its cozy content and introspective nature made it an instant favorite.
In just 147 pages, the author creates a vivid and cozy world that transports the reader to Dex's life. The story is philosophical, exploring themes such as the purpose of life and our relationship with the natural world. It also touches on topics such as eco-friendliness and our perception of death.
While some readers may find the book lacking in world-building and character backstory, its cozy content and introspective nature made it an instant favorite.
The Book That Wouldn’t Burn is a book lover's dream, with a unique metafictional approach that explores the power of the written word. Set in a vast library that transcends time and dimensions, the story follows Elvar, who has been trapped in the library his whole life, and Livera, who flees her settlement after an attack by an enemy. Their paths cross, leading them on a quest for knowledge that leaves readers captivated.
However, this isn't an easy read. It delves into difficult themes such as transience, collective memory, and the dangers of banning books. The story also explores xenophobia and dehumanization, and concepts of time. Just when you think you have it figured out, the book takes you in an entirely different direction.
While the book is a masterpiece, it's not without its faults. The extensive backstory that keeps the mystery alive leaves the reader with a minor connection to Elvar. Additionally, the pacing fluctuates due to a long build-up towards the ending.
Overall, The Book That Wouldn’t Burn is a thought-provoking book that is brilliantly constructed by a genius author. It's a must-read for any book nerd who wants to be challenged.
However, this isn't an easy read. It delves into difficult themes such as transience, collective memory, and the dangers of banning books. The story also explores xenophobia and dehumanization, and concepts of time. Just when you think you have it figured out, the book takes you in an entirely different direction.
While the book is a masterpiece, it's not without its faults. The extensive backstory that keeps the mystery alive leaves the reader with a minor connection to Elvar. Additionally, the pacing fluctuates due to a long build-up towards the ending.
Overall, The Book That Wouldn’t Burn is a thought-provoking book that is brilliantly constructed by a genius author. It's a must-read for any book nerd who wants to be challenged.
Upon finishing A River Enchanted, I was eager to return to the Isle of Cadence to check on the beloved characters – Jack, Adaira, Torin and Sidra – and see how they were doing.
This story follows the restless spirits of the Isle as Bane, the Spirit of the North Wind, stirs up trouble in his attempt to control all spirits. Our dear characters must deal with this in their own unique ways. But I won't spoil it for you.
Returning to this world, I was reminded of what I enjoyed so much about the last book. Ross has a wonderful way of writing that immerses you in a warm, comforting, fairytale-like setting. Although this book was a bit grittier than the last, it still exuded the same intimate atmosphere. The pacing was also more balanced, and the characters felt even more fleshed out.
However, the Scottish folklore – which played a prominent role in the previous book – took a backseat this time around. The main focus was more on the romantic component. Despite the sweetness of the romance, I missed the presence of that element. Additionally, Torin's point of view had a tendency to drag a little.
Nevertheless, it was a delightful, thrilling, and enigmatic conclusion to a mythical and folkloric story. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a warm, romantic embrace, strong female characters, elemental spirits, and clan rivalries.
This story follows the restless spirits of the Isle as Bane, the Spirit of the North Wind, stirs up trouble in his attempt to control all spirits. Our dear characters must deal with this in their own unique ways. But I won't spoil it for you.
Returning to this world, I was reminded of what I enjoyed so much about the last book. Ross has a wonderful way of writing that immerses you in a warm, comforting, fairytale-like setting. Although this book was a bit grittier than the last, it still exuded the same intimate atmosphere. The pacing was also more balanced, and the characters felt even more fleshed out.
However, the Scottish folklore – which played a prominent role in the previous book – took a backseat this time around. The main focus was more on the romantic component. Despite the sweetness of the romance, I missed the presence of that element. Additionally, Torin's point of view had a tendency to drag a little.
Nevertheless, it was a delightful, thrilling, and enigmatic conclusion to a mythical and folkloric story. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a warm, romantic embrace, strong female characters, elemental spirits, and clan rivalries.
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Lan's life changed drastically after the Elantians colonized her land, killed her mother, and banned magic. As a songgirl, she has been trying to unravel the secrets of her past, but the mysterious mark on her arm remains a puzzle.
As someone who loves mythology books, I was thrilled to receive the February Illumicrates box. It featured a book that combined Chinese mythology, wuxia, and xianxia, which had all the makings of a five-star read.
The book boasts of a highly intricate magic system and world-building, with thought-provoking and poetic writing that imparts a sense of mystery to the narrative. Additionally, it highlights essential themes of Chinese culture, such as oppression and colonialism, and blends them seamlessly with the story's magical elements.
Despite these positive aspects, the book was not without its shortcomings. The writing was dense, overly descriptive, and at times, felt like info dumping. The plot was stretched too thin and lacked enough dialogue, making it less engaging. However, the book's strong points make it worth reading, and I look forward to the sequel.
As someone who loves mythology books, I was thrilled to receive the February Illumicrates box. It featured a book that combined Chinese mythology, wuxia, and xianxia, which had all the makings of a five-star read.
The book boasts of a highly intricate magic system and world-building, with thought-provoking and poetic writing that imparts a sense of mystery to the narrative. Additionally, it highlights essential themes of Chinese culture, such as oppression and colonialism, and blends them seamlessly with the story's magical elements.
Despite these positive aspects, the book was not without its shortcomings. The writing was dense, overly descriptive, and at times, felt like info dumping. The plot was stretched too thin and lacked enough dialogue, making it less engaging. However, the book's strong points make it worth reading, and I look forward to the sequel.
Lillian learned the hard way that keeping up appearances is crucial, after being expelled from a prestigious boarding school due to an unexpected scandal. Her roommate and friend Maddison is left behind, and Lillian hears nothing from her for years until she suddenly reaches out for help. Maddison needs Lillian to take care of her twin stepkids – but there's a catch. The children spontaneously combust when they become agitated.
Although the cover of this book may not seem too appealing, I was intrigued when it was suggested to me. Upon reading it, I was hooked, because let me tell you, this book was lit (pun intended).
Nothing to See Here is a fantastic contemporary story with magical realism elements that caught me by surprise. It was heartwarming, made me burst out laughing, and featured one of my favorite tropes: found family. I quickly fell in love with these children, grew irritated with the wealthy and oblivious family members, and felt the warmth emanating from the book.
The novel even provided food for thought by exploring themes such as loneliness, dysfunctional families, keeping up appearances, selfishness, and the choice to love.
This unique story will leave you feeling hopeful and loved. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a quirky, yet lovely contemporary read.
Although the cover of this book may not seem too appealing, I was intrigued when it was suggested to me. Upon reading it, I was hooked, because let me tell you, this book was lit (pun intended).
Nothing to See Here is a fantastic contemporary story with magical realism elements that caught me by surprise. It was heartwarming, made me burst out laughing, and featured one of my favorite tropes: found family. I quickly fell in love with these children, grew irritated with the wealthy and oblivious family members, and felt the warmth emanating from the book.
The novel even provided food for thought by exploring themes such as loneliness, dysfunctional families, keeping up appearances, selfishness, and the choice to love.
This unique story will leave you feeling hopeful and loved. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a quirky, yet lovely contemporary read.
Looking for a go-to romance novel? Look no further than Happy Place. This book boasts lovable characters with just enough depth to connect with readers. The friends-to-lovers plotline is adorable, and there's enough conflict to keep your curiosity piqued until the end. The chemistry between the characters is steamy, leaving readers feeling pleasantly flustered. But what sets this romance apart? While this book may seem like a typical romance novel, it's a well-crafted story that flows smoothly. It may not be groundbreaking, but it's still a delightful read that's bound to satisfy.
