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heddas_bookgems's Reviews (490)
No rating as I've decided not to finish it at the moment. A Feather So Black follows Fia, a changeling embarking on a quest to rescue the High Queen’s daughter in a kingdom deprived of magic. While the book delves into Celtic changeling mythology and offers an inspired fairytale twist reminiscent of the ugly duckling, it is hindered by pacing issues and flat characterization. Despite its attempt to explore adult themes, it reads more like a young adult novel, with its main distinguishing feature being its spicy factor. While the premise is intriguing, the thin plot and underdeveloped characters lead to premature disengagement from the story. However, individual tastes may vary, and readers who enjoy fantastical adventures with a hint of romance may find this book engaging.
In Heir of Fire, Celaena Sardothien sets off to a new land to unlock her true potential and build her alliance. Meanwhile, Chaol and Dorian are caught in their own subplot, where Chaol is dealing with political complexities and Dorian is grappling with personal struggles. Their storyline feels like they're just drifting along, somewhat disconnected from the main plot. But Celaena and Rowan? Sparks fly! Their training scenes are the best, full of intensity and chemistry. Then we meet Manon Blackbeak, a witch with terrifying teeth and a wyvern—yes, a dragon-like beast! She's fierce and fascinating, though her storyline feels like it's from a separate book making it importance unclear for now.. This third book is faster-paced and more consistent than the last one, keeping you hooked. Despite some narrative hiccups, it does a great job expanding the world and setting stage for future books.
The Assassin's Blade is basically a bunch of novellas, originally released as e-books back in 2014, stitched together into one book. This book spills all the tea on Celaena Sardothien’s life as an assassin. You get loads of juicy background, meet some fascinating new characters, and dive into potential lovestory. It’s like a behind-the-scenes special with all the best bits included. Now, let's be real. It doesn’t start off with a bang, and some plot points just don't land as well as they should. But once you get through the first two stories, it really kicks into gear. My personal favorite? The Assassin and the Desert—major plot twist and a fantastic found family vibe that’ll give you all the feels. And then there's The Assassin and the Underworld, which is perfect for anyone who loves a good sappy love story. Guilty as charged. Pro tip: read this after Heir of Fire instead of jumping in before Queen of Shadows. Seriously, the romantic/publication order makes way more sense and feels more satisfying. Sure, you could read it before the whole series, but Celaena might not grip you as much if this is your first introduction. All in all an enjoyable read.
Big books intimidate me, and this 782-page one is no exception. Yet, when immersing oneself in the realm of the fae, you can’t skip the debut of Susanna Clarke. Her writing seamlessly blends the styles of Dickens and Austen, creating a fantasy story that feels both classic and contemporary, with a believable twist. Clarke’s attention to detail, with her academic footnotes, brings an authentic historical feel to her alternate history setting.
Set in 1806 England, Clarke’s tale unfolds in a world devoid of magic, existing only in a theoretical manner until Mr. Norrell emerges. His remarkable abilities, like animating statues, make him the sole practitioner of true magic. However, his dominance is soon challenged by the arrival of Jonathan Strange, sparking an epic rivalry.
While Clarke’s story unfolds at a leisurely pace with a focus on plot progression, character depth sometimes takes a backseat. Yet, the numerous characters are vibrant and witty, adding charm to the narrative. Despite the challenge of keeping track of the expansive cast, Clarke’s adept storytelling ensures an enriching and immersive journey. The scholarly and occasionally stuffy magicians may not always evoke sympathy, but they are overshadowed by enigmatic villains and mysterious entities.
I loved this masterpiece! It’s a delightful mix of wit, intrigue, and a touch of darkness. Clarke’s blending of history and faerie lore left me spellbound, especially considering it’s her debut. It may not be for Austen or Dickens detractors, but it sets a new standard for modern faerie tales.
Set in 1806 England, Clarke’s tale unfolds in a world devoid of magic, existing only in a theoretical manner until Mr. Norrell emerges. His remarkable abilities, like animating statues, make him the sole practitioner of true magic. However, his dominance is soon challenged by the arrival of Jonathan Strange, sparking an epic rivalry.
While Clarke’s story unfolds at a leisurely pace with a focus on plot progression, character depth sometimes takes a backseat. Yet, the numerous characters are vibrant and witty, adding charm to the narrative. Despite the challenge of keeping track of the expansive cast, Clarke’s adept storytelling ensures an enriching and immersive journey. The scholarly and occasionally stuffy magicians may not always evoke sympathy, but they are overshadowed by enigmatic villains and mysterious entities.
I loved this masterpiece! It’s a delightful mix of wit, intrigue, and a touch of darkness. Clarke’s blending of history and faerie lore left me spellbound, especially considering it’s her debut. It may not be for Austen or Dickens detractors, but it sets a new standard for modern faerie tales.
I did it! I’ve conquered the behemoth that is A Storm of Swords, all 924 glorious pages of it—the third gem in the ASOIAF crown. Despite fretting about finishing it before July’s end, I powered through, and boy, what a ride!
This book takes the drama of its predecessor and cranks it up to eleven. With everyone and their pet dragon gunning for the Iron Throne, it's a wild ride through political machinations, buckets of blood, and battles galore. Plus, there’s a fresh batch of magical mayhem from beyond the Wall and across the sea to keep things spicy.
Credit where it’s due, George R.R. Martin knows how to keep you hooked. My attention didn’t waver for a second—no chance to daydream here! The fantasy elements are richer, the characters more layered. Jaime Lannister, in particular, has a character arc that deserves a standing ovation. And let’s not forget the parade of near-death experiences, actual deaths, and unexpected heroics that had me on the edge of my seat.
But let’s address the earlier mentioned elephant in the throne room: the treatment of women. The book doesn’t shy away from grim portrayals of non-consensual scenes and various abuses. Whether it’s a brutal reflection of the harsh ASOIAF world or a product of its time, it’s a rough patch in an otherwise stellar narrative.
Despite these issues, the intricate plot and character development make this book a fantasy marvel. Martin’s knack for juggling countless storylines while keeping the tension high is awe-inspiring. The uncomfortable moments aside, the world-building depth and plot twists kept me riveted. Now, onwards to the next book!
This book takes the drama of its predecessor and cranks it up to eleven. With everyone and their pet dragon gunning for the Iron Throne, it's a wild ride through political machinations, buckets of blood, and battles galore. Plus, there’s a fresh batch of magical mayhem from beyond the Wall and across the sea to keep things spicy.
Credit where it’s due, George R.R. Martin knows how to keep you hooked. My attention didn’t waver for a second—no chance to daydream here! The fantasy elements are richer, the characters more layered. Jaime Lannister, in particular, has a character arc that deserves a standing ovation. And let’s not forget the parade of near-death experiences, actual deaths, and unexpected heroics that had me on the edge of my seat.
But let’s address the earlier mentioned elephant in the throne room: the treatment of women. The book doesn’t shy away from grim portrayals of non-consensual scenes and various abuses. Whether it’s a brutal reflection of the harsh ASOIAF world or a product of its time, it’s a rough patch in an otherwise stellar narrative.
Despite these issues, the intricate plot and character development make this book a fantasy marvel. Martin’s knack for juggling countless storylines while keeping the tension high is awe-inspiring. The uncomfortable moments aside, the world-building depth and plot twists kept me riveted. Now, onwards to the next book!
This noble work intricately weaves creation myths, delving into the rich backgrounds of lesser-known figures, as well as illustrious ones such as the Elves, the enchanting Galadriel, the dark Sauron and the menacing predecessor of Shelob. For those who cherish the tales of Middle-earth, this book is a treasure. Yet, be warned: the story is dense and solemn like holy scripture. Proceed with patience and savor each tale.
In the second-to-last book in Andrzej Sapkowski's Witcher series, except for the prequel, Ciri's journey takes a wild turn as she continues wrestling with her destiny. The setting is all about war and political drama, and Ciri faces some seriously dangerous enemies while finding some surprising allies.
This book really puts Ciri in the spotlight, which is a nice change from the last one where she was kind of sidelined. The first half of the book is pretty gripping with some intriguing plot twists, but unfortunately, the narrative sort of drags in the second half.
Honestly, Dijkstra’s political scheming felt like a slog. His parts just didn't add much excitement and made those sections kind of tedious.
On the flip side, the dynamic between Ciri and Vilgefortz was fantastic. Vilgefortz is such a fascinating character—charming and layered, which really makes for some engaging reading.
However, a major downside was the frequent sexism and female-unfriendly remarks scattered throughout the text. These elements were not only irritating but detracted from the enjoyment of the story. The frequent eye-rolling and sighs these remarks stirred up became too frequent. It’s a testament to the beloved characters that I persevered through the book, but these issues are becoming harder to ignore.
This book really puts Ciri in the spotlight, which is a nice change from the last one where she was kind of sidelined. The first half of the book is pretty gripping with some intriguing plot twists, but unfortunately, the narrative sort of drags in the second half.
Honestly, Dijkstra’s political scheming felt like a slog. His parts just didn't add much excitement and made those sections kind of tedious.
On the flip side, the dynamic between Ciri and Vilgefortz was fantastic. Vilgefortz is such a fascinating character—charming and layered, which really makes for some engaging reading.
However, a major downside was the frequent sexism and female-unfriendly remarks scattered throughout the text. These elements were not only irritating but detracted from the enjoyment of the story. The frequent eye-rolling and sighs these remarks stirred up became too frequent. It’s a testament to the beloved characters that I persevered through the book, but these issues are becoming harder to ignore.
Gwen & Art Are Not in Love is a charming, feel-good read that balances humor and heart with finesse. It’s notable for its thoughtful handling of endometriosis and queer panic, crafting a story that’s both sweet and insightful. The romance unfolds at a slow burn, full of enemies-to-friends tension, but ultimately, Gwen and Art find themselves falling for other people. Both characters undergo significant growth, with multiple perspectives adding depth—Arthur’s viewpoint, in particular, stands out with its nuance.
The book’s banter is sharp and the jokes hit the mark, providing a light touch that complements its heavier themes. The found family trope is handled with warmth, creating a supportive and genuine atmosphere.
However, the romance, which starts strong, starts to fade into the background as a subplot takes center stage towards the end. It would have been nice if the romantic arc had been more evenly woven throughout the story. The subplot, while engaging, feels somewhat less significant compared to the rest of the narrative.
Overall, Gwen & Art Are Not in Love is a delightful queer retelling of the Arthurian legend, filled with humor, heart, and a strong sense of community. It’s a great choice for anyone who enjoys a slow-burn romance with a modern twist on a classic tale.
The book’s banter is sharp and the jokes hit the mark, providing a light touch that complements its heavier themes. The found family trope is handled with warmth, creating a supportive and genuine atmosphere.
However, the romance, which starts strong, starts to fade into the background as a subplot takes center stage towards the end. It would have been nice if the romantic arc had been more evenly woven throughout the story. The subplot, while engaging, feels somewhat less significant compared to the rest of the narrative.
Overall, Gwen & Art Are Not in Love is a delightful queer retelling of the Arthurian legend, filled with humor, heart, and a strong sense of community. It’s a great choice for anyone who enjoys a slow-burn romance with a modern twist on a classic tale.