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heddas_bookgems's Reviews (490)
New in the sci-fi genre? Marissa Meyer's The Lunar Chronicles series is a good starting point. In particular, the third book, Cress, proves to be a thrilling read that surpasses its predecessor, Scarlet. The novel centers around Cress, a talented hacker and Lunar, who is confined to a satellite orbiting Earth. Her primary objective is to gather intelligence on individuals who pose a threat to Lunar and its inhabitants, including Cinder. However, Cress is determined to defy her orders, escape the satellite, and rescue Cinder from Queen Levana.
Through Cress, Meyer retells the tale of Rapunzel, intricately weaving together a captivating plot and well-crafted characters. This book is a strong contender for the series' best, rivaling the first book, Cinder. The characters are multi-dimensional, relatable, and skillfully fleshed out. In particular, Cress's unique personality and enthusiasm make her a standout addition to the cast. Her perspective adds an entertaining and humorous element to the story.
Overall, Cress is an enjoyable and fast-paced read that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. Meyer's writing style is engaging and straightforward, making it an excellent choice for any sci-fi reader.
Through Cress, Meyer retells the tale of Rapunzel, intricately weaving together a captivating plot and well-crafted characters. This book is a strong contender for the series' best, rivaling the first book, Cinder. The characters are multi-dimensional, relatable, and skillfully fleshed out. In particular, Cress's unique personality and enthusiasm make her a standout addition to the cast. Her perspective adds an entertaining and humorous element to the story.
Overall, Cress is an enjoyable and fast-paced read that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. Meyer's writing style is engaging and straightforward, making it an excellent choice for any sci-fi reader.
The novel follows Jack the bard, who, after being away for ten years, returns to his home, the Isle of Cadence, summoned by the Laird, only to find out it's his enemy, Adaira, who has inherited the clan and needs his help in discovering the truth behind the disappearance of young girls. Drawn by the idea of using his music to solve the mystery, Jack decides to stay and help Adaira.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book's whimsical, fairy tale-like atmosphere and well-developed characters. The presence of elemental spirits and fairies added to the magical ambiance, and the prose was beautifully written, making the story feel intimate and enchanting.
However, I found the plot's tension dragged on for too long before the rushed ending, which seemed to lay the groundwork for the next book. Despite this, I still found it to be an enjoyable read and am eager to see where the story goes next.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book's whimsical, fairy tale-like atmosphere and well-developed characters. The presence of elemental spirits and fairies added to the magical ambiance, and the prose was beautifully written, making the story feel intimate and enchanting.
However, I found the plot's tension dragged on for too long before the rushed ending, which seemed to lay the groundwork for the next book. Despite this, I still found it to be an enjoyable read and am eager to see where the story goes next.
Red Dragon was first published in 1981 and soon became a phenomenon in popular culture. The story follows the convicted serial killer Hannibal Lecter aiding FBI profiler Will Graham in pursuit of a serial killer known as the Tooth Fairy (self-proclaimed as the Red Dragon). The latter is notorious for murdering entire families during full moons.
This story has been adapted into various media formats, including movies and tv-shows. The character of Hannibal Lecter, once played by Anthony Hopkins, has become a cultural icon and has been referenced in popular culture multiple times.
After reading this book I get its popularity as you get inside the head of the serial killer, The Red Dragon. Harris brilliantly describes the childhood of the Red Dragon, providing flashbacks that depict his trauma and the abandonment by his parents, as well as his grandmother's malicious treatment and the teasing he received for his cleft palate. This makes the serial killer human, and readers may find themselves rooting for him to have a better life, despite their disgust. The story keeps you on the edge of your seat, with your anxiety heightened over the fate of the main and side characters.
In summary, Red Dragon is a gripping and chilling book that is a must-read for fans of the thriller genre and those intrigued by serial killers like Hannibal Lecter.
This story has been adapted into various media formats, including movies and tv-shows. The character of Hannibal Lecter, once played by Anthony Hopkins, has become a cultural icon and has been referenced in popular culture multiple times.
After reading this book I get its popularity as you get inside the head of the serial killer, The Red Dragon. Harris brilliantly describes the childhood of the Red Dragon, providing flashbacks that depict his trauma and the abandonment by his parents, as well as his grandmother's malicious treatment and the teasing he received for his cleft palate. This makes the serial killer human, and readers may find themselves rooting for him to have a better life, despite their disgust. The story keeps you on the edge of your seat, with your anxiety heightened over the fate of the main and side characters.
In summary, Red Dragon is a gripping and chilling book that is a must-read for fans of the thriller genre and those intrigued by serial killers like Hannibal Lecter.
I recently had the pleasure of reading my first manga, and I couldn't have been more pleased with my choice – Witch Hat Atelier. From the story's enchanting and adorable nature to its visually stunning drawings, this manga had me hooked from the very beginning.
The characters were sweet, mysterious, and even a bit villainous, while the magic system offered a glimpse into a world of wonder where spells are created with nothing more than ink and pen drawings.
If you're new to the world of manga, I highly recommend starting with Witch Hat Atelier. It's a magical and enthralling story that will leave you wanting more (and fortunately, there are already 11 volumes available).
The characters were sweet, mysterious, and even a bit villainous, while the magic system offered a glimpse into a world of wonder where spells are created with nothing more than ink and pen drawings.
If you're new to the world of manga, I highly recommend starting with Witch Hat Atelier. It's a magical and enthralling story that will leave you wanting more (and fortunately, there are already 11 volumes available).
In this middle-grade novel, we follow the story of Xan, a kind witch who feeds children starlight and gives them a loving home. When a girl named Luna accidentally drinks moonlight, she gains powerful magic, and the only solution is for Xan to raise her. The novel is highly philosophical and has a fairy-tale-like character, with themes that touch on what it means to love, the concept of time, heartbreak, how myths come to be, and how misconception can lead to distrust and hate.
The story is structured with a variety of points of view, including Xan, Luna, villager Antaine, Sister Ignatia, the madwoman, the bog monster Glerk, and the "baby" dragon Fyrian. These characters are all unique and contribute their own narrative to the development of the story.
The book also features an extensive, medieval-style world build filled with lore, poems, ideologies, magical creatures, dark woods, stinky swamps, volcanoes, and, of course, moon magic.
The only downside was the middle section, which felt a bit repetitive, with Luna and the madwoman's struggles. However, overall, the novel is a delightful read, with a prosaic and lyrical writing style that will leave you wanting more.
The story is structured with a variety of points of view, including Xan, Luna, villager Antaine, Sister Ignatia, the madwoman, the bog monster Glerk, and the "baby" dragon Fyrian. These characters are all unique and contribute their own narrative to the development of the story.
The book also features an extensive, medieval-style world build filled with lore, poems, ideologies, magical creatures, dark woods, stinky swamps, volcanoes, and, of course, moon magic.
The only downside was the middle section, which felt a bit repetitive, with Luna and the madwoman's struggles. However, overall, the novel is a delightful read, with a prosaic and lyrical writing style that will leave you wanting more.
Violet is about to embark on her journey to become a dragon rider at a War School. The only catch? Most students don't survive the first year.
Fourth Wing, a book that evokes strong emotions. Either you hate it or you love it. In a short time the book has created a strong fan base with passionate opinions. The novel has received mixed reviews, but I personally enjoyed it. The dragons are majestic, fierce and dangerous, and who doesn't love dragons? While the disability representation felt a bit lackluster, it was still refreshing to see it incorporated into a fantasy novel. However, the worldbuilding and character development are not as advanced.
The plot and pacing had some minor flaws, but they can be easily ignored. It was an addictive read with a simple writing style similar to that of SJM books.
The question remains, how to rate Fourth Wing? If it's based purely on my reading experience, it would be a 4.5-star book. However, compared to other books, a more realistic rating would be 3.5 stars. Regardless of the rating, it was the most enjoyable book I've read in a while.
Fourth Wing, a book that evokes strong emotions. Either you hate it or you love it. In a short time the book has created a strong fan base with passionate opinions. The novel has received mixed reviews, but I personally enjoyed it. The dragons are majestic, fierce and dangerous, and who doesn't love dragons? While the disability representation felt a bit lackluster, it was still refreshing to see it incorporated into a fantasy novel. However, the worldbuilding and character development are not as advanced.
The plot and pacing had some minor flaws, but they can be easily ignored. It was an addictive read with a simple writing style similar to that of SJM books.
The question remains, how to rate Fourth Wing? If it's based purely on my reading experience, it would be a 4.5-star book. However, compared to other books, a more realistic rating would be 3.5 stars. Regardless of the rating, it was the most enjoyable book I've read in a while.
Get ready for a fairytale like no other! This charming, sapphic, short story combines elements from both Snow White and Sleeping Beauty to create a unique narrative. The queen is determined to save her kingdom from a curse that has forced everyone into an endless slumber. But nobody is able to wake up the Sleeping Beauty. That is, until Snow White arrives on the scene, poised to use her skills as a knight to break the curse.
This lovely story is as captivating as it is beautiful, with stunning illustrations and a funny, original, and even a bit scary plot. If you're looking for a quick fairytale retelling, The Sleeper and the Spindle is a must-read. And if you're not keen on reading, the audiobook version is highly recommended.
This lovely story is as captivating as it is beautiful, with stunning illustrations and a funny, original, and even a bit scary plot. If you're looking for a quick fairytale retelling, The Sleeper and the Spindle is a must-read. And if you're not keen on reading, the audiobook version is highly recommended.
Sanderson is making waves in 2023 by slowly releasing his secret novels from the "Year of Sanderson" project. "Tress of the Emerald Sea" is the first of these novels, set in the known Cosmere Universe. The story follows Tress, an ordinary girl living on a rocky island, who enjoys a simple life of collecting cups and listening to stories told by her friend Charlie, the son of the Duke. When Charlie is taken by a sorceress, Tress is determined to save him.
Although people advised against reading this book as your first BrandoSando novel, I ignored that and read it as my first book. I can now understand the advice. Despite the well fleshed out characters and cozy atmosphere, I struggled with the narrator, Hoid (a returning character from earlier books). Hoid's perspective, often jokingly speaking towards the reader, felt somewhat flat to me. However, the moments where the narration switched to Tress were captivating, and I enjoyed those parts.
Nevertheless, the book has a whimsical feel to it, with incredible worldbuilding that included deadly spores, twelve moons, talking animals, pirates, and sorceresses. The characters were funny, quirky, and adorable, and it had my favorite trope of found family. It's a charming story of a shy girl who transforms into a fierce woman, and it has everything to keep readers captivated. However, I may start at "the beginning" next time.
Although people advised against reading this book as your first BrandoSando novel, I ignored that and read it as my first book. I can now understand the advice. Despite the well fleshed out characters and cozy atmosphere, I struggled with the narrator, Hoid (a returning character from earlier books). Hoid's perspective, often jokingly speaking towards the reader, felt somewhat flat to me. However, the moments where the narration switched to Tress were captivating, and I enjoyed those parts.
Nevertheless, the book has a whimsical feel to it, with incredible worldbuilding that included deadly spores, twelve moons, talking animals, pirates, and sorceresses. The characters were funny, quirky, and adorable, and it had my favorite trope of found family. It's a charming story of a shy girl who transforms into a fierce woman, and it has everything to keep readers captivated. However, I may start at "the beginning" next time.
Labeled as the sorceress with golden fangs and a demon husband of the medieval Great Indian Ocean, Amina al-Sirafi was once a feared figure. However, the rumors surrounding her have been reduced to mere legends as she now lives a quiet life as a middle-aged, retired pirate, caring for her daughter. That is until a job offer comes knocking, rekindling her old love and igniting her last adventure. But what happens when her first love clashes with her motherly love?
For those in search of an exciting and captivating read, this historical fantasy is a must-read. Perhaps it's because of the well-fleshed-out characters, with their funny quirks and individual personalities, or maybe it's the star of the book, Amina herself. She's fierce, hilarious, and has a colorful romantic history, yet also struggles with her Muslim faith and is a devoted mother.
Or maybe it's the captivating plot that draws readers in. While the first half of the book - it seems to be Chakraborty’s style - lays the foundation, the story later takes off in a flurry of magical creatures and objects, toxic men, and Muslim mythologies.
Although it's not a pirate book filled with extensive descriptions of seafaring, this novel's plot is sure to captivate readers looking for a unique historical fantasy.
For those in search of an exciting and captivating read, this historical fantasy is a must-read. Perhaps it's because of the well-fleshed-out characters, with their funny quirks and individual personalities, or maybe it's the star of the book, Amina herself. She's fierce, hilarious, and has a colorful romantic history, yet also struggles with her Muslim faith and is a devoted mother.
Or maybe it's the captivating plot that draws readers in. While the first half of the book - it seems to be Chakraborty’s style - lays the foundation, the story later takes off in a flurry of magical creatures and objects, toxic men, and Muslim mythologies.
Although it's not a pirate book filled with extensive descriptions of seafaring, this novel's plot is sure to captivate readers looking for a unique historical fantasy.