jlreadstoperpetuity's Reviews (309)

You know those books where the first installment gave you a whiplash and a hangover yet the second one did more than that, its like you were stabbed to the heart and for good measure the author felt just right to twist it more? Yeah.. this book is a whole load of "keep up, else I'd throw you from the boat and you can swim by yourself"

"Senlin Ascends" by Josiah Bancroft is a breathtaking masterpiece that defies genre conventions and offers a truly unique reading experience. This novel, the first in the Tower of Babel series, combines elements of steampunk, fantasy, and adventure in a captivating narrative.

The story follows the journey of Thomas Senlin, a mild-mannered schoolteacher who finds himself lost in the immense and enigmatic Tower of Babel while on his honeymoon. Bancroft's world-building is nothing short of astonishing, with each level of the tower presenting a new and imaginative world, filled with eccentric characters and challenges.

What sets "Senlin Ascends" apart is Bancroft's lyrical prose and his ability to delve deep into the psyche of his characters. Thomas Senlin's transformation from a timid intellectual into a determined and resourceful adventurer is both compelling and relatable.

The novel's pacing is superb, blending moments of tension and introspection seamlessly. Bancroft weaves themes of identity, ambition, and the human spirit into the narrative, making it more than just an adventure story.

This is just a heartwarming sapphic romance that beautifully weaves together themes of love, time travel, and self-discovery. Audrey Cameron and Lucy Sinclair, from two different centuries, discover an unexpected connection that transcends time and societal expectations.

Audrey's journey of self-preservation after a heartbreaking breakup and academic setback takes an extraordinary turn when she's transported to the Regency era.

Lucy, burdened by familial expectations and the loss of her mother's spark, finds solace in Audrey's arrival. Their growing connection defies the norms of their respective eras, and their chemistry is undeniable.

It's just one of those plot lines that are a tad predictable and full of fluff but the author managed to set this book apart in so many differently beautiful ways

What in the ever loving did I just read??
I thought this was a simple retelling and or a Peter Pan referenced story but my oh my. It was thoroughly surprising and it sonmany good ways too.

I will not spoil the others but I don't know why this is not viral yet?!

I am in awe with this book. I liked the cover, liked the blurb and liked the genre were solely my reasons for signing up for this tour but boy oh boy; I was in for a surprise.

It's an action packed fantasy with a somehow familiar magic system BUT unique descriptives and world building. The FMC was such a badass that I felt like watching an Amazonian warrior training her way through tradition and political machinations.

I devoured each page wanting to know more about the FMC and the role she has to play on the story. Didn't even realize I already wrapped up book one

₦ɆVɆⱤ₩Ɽ₳ł₮Ⱨ
Mulling over the plot, I was reminded by Saya from the manga Blood: The Last Vampire meets the Venom of Marvel - Yasir, the MC is new to town and school and there he discovered something inside him that can be triggered by his temper.

While the world building is decidedly YA, there were some peaks here and there plot-wise. It has some of the standard elements of a fantasy book which makes this a good entry level to urban/grimdark YA fantasy.

₴ł₲₦ Ø₣ ₮ⱧɆ ₴Ⱡ₳ɎɆⱤ
Another YA fantasy set in high school. This reminds me of the manga Vampire Knight. The FMC, a highschooler vampire slayer who met a Vampire Prince that turned her world upside down.

With the threat of an ancient curse, her and the Vampire Prince needs to work together to break it else, all hell breaks loose.

Though certain clichés were observed all throughout, there were still some unique use of action scenes that subtly made my heart jump once in a while