narcobunbun's Reviews (48)

Friends, I just finished "Two Twisted Crowns" and had to give it a full 5 stars! Rachel Gillig absolutely delivered with this conclusion to her darkly enchanting series. The way she wrapped up all those intricate plot threads was so satisfying, while still keeping that haunting atmosphere we've all come to love.

The entire experience felt like being wrapped in a dark, velvety dream that somehow manages to find its way to a fairy tale ending without losing any of its bite. Gillig's talent for blending shadow and light, heartbreak and hope, is on full display here. I found myself slowing down toward the end, not wanting to leave this world she's created, but also desperate to see how everything would unfold.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Guys, I just finished James Islington's "The Will of the Many" and it's a solid 5 stars from me! The writing is fantastic, and those plot twists caught me completely off guard. What makes this book special is how refreshingly unique the entire concept feels—it's not just another cookie-cutter fantasy, but something genuinely fresh and exciting.

The characters are so wonderfully developed that I found myself deeply invested in their fates, which made that jaw-dropping cliffhanger ending all the more torturous! I literally gasped at the final pages and immediately wanted to know what happens next. Now I'm stuck in that agonizing wait for the sequel, but trust me—it's worth every minute of the suspense!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Blood Over Bright Haven will really stay with me long after I finished it. Wang crafts a compelling story where the emotional depth and character arcs shine brightest. The characters grabbed me from the start and underwent such meaningful transformations that I felt like I was growing alongside them. Even though I figured out the big twist earlier than I would've liked (which is the only reason this isn't a perfect 5), it didn't dampen my enjoyment of how everything unfolded. The way Wang handles some really heavy themes throughout the story shows incredible sensitivity and depth.

That ending, though? Talk about emotional whiplash! I was in tears one minute and feeling strangely hopeful the next. It's the kind of conclusion that sits with you for days afterward, making you reconsider everything that came before. If you're looking for a book that's both beautifully written and emotionally resonant, this is absolutely it. I can only hope that we could get a sequel where we get to follow Carra into this new reality of hers. There was so much potential for her to become a FMC I would want to read about. 

V. E. Schwab's "A Darker Shade of Magic" completely won me over with its fascinating concept of four parallel Londons, each with its own unique relationship to magic. What really made this book shine though was the dynamic between Kell, the magical traveler with a forbidden hobby, and Lila, the ambitious thief who refuses to stay in her own world. Their reluctant partnership evolves into something genuine as they navigate increasingly dangerous circumstances together.

I particularly loved how Lila breaks the mold as a female character who's genuinely capable and complex—no damsel in distress here! Even the supporting characters have depth and their own motivations beyond just serving the plot. The whole package—from the intricate worldbuilding to the tight storytelling—comes together beautifully. This book definitely earned every one of those five stars, and I'm already reaching for the sequel!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

I just finished "One Dark Window" by Rachel Gillig, and wow—this book is something special. The world-building is incredible, with a magic system using Providence cards that's totally unique. The setting is dark and atmospheric, pulling you right into this mysterious world, and the characters are beautifully complex. The slow-burn romance between the main characters is especially compelling.

I'm giving this book a full 5 out of 5 stars. It's the kind of fantasy that keeps you up reading late into the night, with a perfect blend of intricate plot and magical intrigue. If you're looking for a fantasy that's both immersive and original, you absolutely need to pick this one up. I only regret waiting so long to do it myself!

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC! 

As a longtime Shannara fan, I was excited to learn about Galaphile and the founding of the Druids. The world-building connects nicely to the larger Shannara universe, and seeing the origins of familiar elements like Paranor was satisfying. 

However, the book tries covering too much lore without enough depth, and the story feels surprisingly low-stakes considering how pivotal this character is to the entire series. Interesting read for Brooks fans, but it needed more character development and narrative focus to truly shine.

#Galaphile #NetGalley

Okay, so I really wanted to love this book - it sounded right up my alley with its mix of Indian-inspired fantasy, palace intrigue, and witch magic. The basic story follows Prince Ashoka, who's trying to be different from his witch-hunting tyrant father, and Shakti, a witch who sneaks into the palace for revenge. Cool premise, right? But honestly, I had such a hard time getting into it. The writing kept going over the same points, and I never felt like I really got to know the characters or their world well enough to care about what happened to them.

Maybe I had my expectations set too high since it was compared to books like The Jasmine Throne and The Hurricane Wars, but everything felt rushed and underdeveloped. I kept waiting to feel invested in the story or connect with the characters, but it just didn't happen. The magic system with nature spirits sounded interesting, but like everything else, it wasn't fleshed out enough. I hate to be harsh on a debut novel, but this one just didn't work for me. I probably won't continue with the trilogy unless I hear the next books are dramatically different.

Just finished this and I can't recommend it enough! Meet Murderbot - a security android who'd much rather binge entertainment feeds than deal with humans. When a routine mission goes wrong, our reluctant hero has to actually engage with the humans it's supposed to protect, leading to both disaster and hilarity.

The real magic is Murderbot itself - somehow both incredibly capable and completely relatable with its social anxiety and dry sense of humor. Wells creates this perfect blend of action, wit, and unexpected heart. Fair warning though: you'll probably find yourself diving straight into the rest of the series right after! 

R.F. Kuang's "The Dragon Republic" brilliantly avoids the middle-book slump by delivering a powerful story of trauma, political intrigue, and personal growth. Rin's journey through grief and self-discovery feels raw and honest, as she questions everything she once believed while navigating a complex web of competing loyalties.

What truly sets this book apart is its nuanced approach to politics and power, where no faction is purely good or evil. Through Rin's evolving relationships—particularly her complicated dynamic with Nezha and deepening friendship with Kitay—we see how personal bonds can both heal and complicate the choices we make in times of war. The addition of backstories for mysterious figures like Chaghan and Qara adds fascinating new layers to an already rich world.

Laura Steven's "Our Infinite Fates" hit me in a way I wasn't expecting - it's a story about love that actually feels real, despite its supernatural premise. Instead of the usual dramatic romance, we get something more raw and honest about how it feels to risk your heart again and again, even when you know it's going to hurt.

The story takes its time, and honestly, there were moments when I wished it would pick up the pace. But Steven's beautiful writing kept me turning pages, and there's something haunting about how she explores the idea of souls finding each other across time, asking whether some loves are worth pursuing even when you know they're doomed. If you're into character-driven stories that make you think about fate versus choice, this one will stick with you.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​