Well damn, that was great. Loved the world(s) and the characters. This definitely lived up to its title. I may come back and add more thoughts once my euphoria dies down.

2.5 stars. This is good for a debut book but its obviously a debut. It was a pleasant read up until the end where things picked up and huge plot holes started showing up obviously.

How and why are they getting out of the forest so easily? Lexi gets confused and attacked trying to leave and even has to get around a fire one time yet some how she gets past those following her and the fire and leaves the same direction she came in and doesn't get lost.

Also, the romance is so unnecessary. A few random and out of the blue kisses were basically plot devices to convince us why Lexi and Cole would help each other. I really feel like all would have been fine if they were just friends who didn't want to see each other die. Or leave the romance to the very end. It had Lexi doing some stupid shit and making the plot unnecessarily convoluted. Why didn't she gather the bones on the first day she found them? Because she was too distraught by the news that Cole was dead she forgot she was supposed to be saving 5 kids including her sister. Ridiculous. Cole stayed on mission thankfully even though Lexi randomly overslept that one day. Really?

Otherwise, this was a good book. It is very atmospheric. You feel like you are in the bubble of Near and the surrounding Moor just like the characters are. Disconnected from the world. Because of this Cole seems very mysterious even his back story seems a bit flimsy because it could happen but where did he come from? Also, its very windy. The characters are so human with human motivations.

I really liked this. Love the magic system and its ties to runes of sorts, language and geography of all things. The plot was intricate yet understandable. World building the same. The characters though, wow. I've never read something where I liked every character this much. There were all so detailed and well written. Even those like Eventeo or Jyon who only appear a couple of times have depth. Even Wyrn who is never on stage is tangible and interesting. There are some loose ends that are not important to wrapping up this book but I wish there was a sequel. However, this is my first foray into the Cosmere so maybe they will be addressed in other books with different characters.

Lastly, am I the only one put off by the description of the Elantrians when they are at full power? Silver skin and white hair doesn't do it for me.

That was great. I love the story so far and the humor. Definitely lived up to the hype.

3.5 stars. I enjoyed this once I got into it. Actually I switched to the audio book early on and that actually helped. The way the chapters are set up is confusing and distracting. I knew these were short stories but they are out if chronological order and two are spread out through the entire book. So it took some adjusting. This was also highly amusing overall and I was not expecting that so was pleasantly surprised. Definitely a good start and entry point into the Witcher series.

So many feelings. This wasn't me but so many of my friends in high school. My cousins and my mom. But the setting feels like home because it is. The verse is so relatable it didn't feel like verse.

I didn't read a lot of mysteries as a kid. Didn't get into Nancy Drew or the Hardy Boys until college. But I enjoyed the few I read. So this was nice. I like the format and the retro vibes. Goldie and Diane are adorable. Though Goldie comes off really young in the main artwork. That twist at the end was unexpected and amusing. Definitely want to read more.

Loved it. Cute art and a great story.

3.5 stars. I enjoyed this as much as Elantris. Officially a Brandon Sanderson fan simply for how he writes people. Denth and Lightsong are still my faves even with that ending. But this one definitely feels unfinished which took some of the shine off at the end. Is there a sequel?

I feel so well represented. This took me on a roller coaster of emotions. I was not expecting that even though I had high hopes and expected to give this five stars. I was still scared I wouldn't like it as much as I wanted to. I liked it more than I planned. I wasn't expecting the cute and funny to exist let alone resonate. Also this didn't feel YA. Alice's age is explicitly given and all the college stuff is a major plot line. But it still feels like this could be me now at age 34. Especially the plot line regarding her best friends.