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popthebutterfly
Disclaimer: I received this arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Spellbreaker
Author: Charlie N. Holmberg
Book Series: Spellbreaker Duology Book 1
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: fantasy lovers, historical fiction lovers, magic, ya
Publication Date: November 1, 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (slight violence and gore, some language, slight romance)
Publisher: 47North
Pages: 300
Synopsis: The orphaned Elsie Camden learned as a girl that there were two kinds of wizards in the world: those who pay for the power to cast spells and those, like her, born with the ability to break them. But as an unlicensed magic user, her gift is a crime. Commissioned by an underground group known as the Cowls, Elsie uses her spellbreaking to push back against the aristocrats and help the common man. She always did love the tale of Robin Hood.
Elite magic user Bacchus Kelsey is one elusive spell away from his mastership when he catches Elsie breaking an enchantment. To protect her secret, Elsie strikes a bargain. She’ll help Bacchus fix unruly spells around his estate if he doesn’t turn her in. Working together, Elsie’s trust in—and fondness for—the handsome stranger grows. So does her trepidation about the rise in the murders of wizards and the theft of the spellbooks their bodies leave behind.
For a rogue spellbreaker like Elsie, there’s so much to learn about her powers, her family, the intriguing Bacchus, and the untold dangers shadowing every step of a journey she’s destined to complete. But will she uncover the mystery before it’s too late to save everything she loves?
Review: For the most part I think this book is pretty good! The characters fully engaging and well written. The world building was fantastic as well as the plot of the book.
However, the pacing of the book was very slow and it really took a lot out of me to push through the book and read it. The last part of the book was great and I wish the whole book was like that, but it’s not and that’s disappointing.
Verdict: It’s good but slowwwwww.
Book: Spellbreaker
Author: Charlie N. Holmberg
Book Series: Spellbreaker Duology Book 1
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: fantasy lovers, historical fiction lovers, magic, ya
Publication Date: November 1, 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (slight violence and gore, some language, slight romance)
Publisher: 47North
Pages: 300
Synopsis: The orphaned Elsie Camden learned as a girl that there were two kinds of wizards in the world: those who pay for the power to cast spells and those, like her, born with the ability to break them. But as an unlicensed magic user, her gift is a crime. Commissioned by an underground group known as the Cowls, Elsie uses her spellbreaking to push back against the aristocrats and help the common man. She always did love the tale of Robin Hood.
Elite magic user Bacchus Kelsey is one elusive spell away from his mastership when he catches Elsie breaking an enchantment. To protect her secret, Elsie strikes a bargain. She’ll help Bacchus fix unruly spells around his estate if he doesn’t turn her in. Working together, Elsie’s trust in—and fondness for—the handsome stranger grows. So does her trepidation about the rise in the murders of wizards and the theft of the spellbooks their bodies leave behind.
For a rogue spellbreaker like Elsie, there’s so much to learn about her powers, her family, the intriguing Bacchus, and the untold dangers shadowing every step of a journey she’s destined to complete. But will she uncover the mystery before it’s too late to save everything she loves?
Review: For the most part I think this book is pretty good! The characters fully engaging and well written. The world building was fantastic as well as the plot of the book.
However, the pacing of the book was very slow and it really took a lot out of me to push through the book and read it. The last part of the book was great and I wish the whole book was like that, but it’s not and that’s disappointing.
Verdict: It’s good but slowwwwww.
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Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Dreams of the Dying
Author: Nicolas Lietzau
Book Series: Enderal Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Diversity: Many LGBT+ characters
Recommended For...: fantasy, horror, mystery, thriller
Publication Date: October 20, 2020
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (romance, violence, gore, mental illness, horror)
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 728
Synopsis: Years after a harrowing war experience, ex-mercenary Jespar Dal’Varek has taken to drifting. It’s a lonely existence, but barring the occasional bout of melancholia, he has found the closest thing to peace a man like him deserves. Life is “all right.”
Or so he tells himself. Hoping to turn the page, Jespar accepts a mysterious invitation into the beautiful but dangerous archipelago of Kilay—and everything changes. Plagued by boiling social tensions and terrorism, the tropical empire is edging ever closer to civil war. Kilay’s merchant king may be the only one able to prevent this catastrophe, but he has fallen into a preternatural coma—and it’s Jespar’s job to figure out who or what caused it. As the investigation takes him across the archipelago and into the king’s nightmares, unexpected events not only tie Jespar’s own life to the mystery but also unearth inner demons he believed to be long exorcised.
Battling old trauma while fighting for his life, his sanity, and the fate of Kilay, the line between dream and reality blurs further and further, until only one question remains: If your mind is the enemy, where do you run?
A unique blend of fantasy, mystery, and psychological horror, Dreams of the Dying is a haunting exploration of mental illness, morality, and the dark sides of humanity.
Review: For the most part this was a well done book. The book did well with having an unique plot with many diverse characters. I loved the symbolism and I thought the plot was promising. The book also had well done world building.
However, I did think that the characters weren’t as developed as they could have been and some of them were not as personable as other characters. I also thought the book was a bit too slow and that that the way the story was written was a bit wonky.
Verdict: It’s really good!
Book: Dreams of the Dying
Author: Nicolas Lietzau
Book Series: Enderal Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Diversity: Many LGBT+ characters
Recommended For...: fantasy, horror, mystery, thriller
Publication Date: October 20, 2020
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (romance, violence, gore, mental illness, horror)
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 728
Synopsis: Years after a harrowing war experience, ex-mercenary Jespar Dal’Varek has taken to drifting. It’s a lonely existence, but barring the occasional bout of melancholia, he has found the closest thing to peace a man like him deserves. Life is “all right.”
Or so he tells himself. Hoping to turn the page, Jespar accepts a mysterious invitation into the beautiful but dangerous archipelago of Kilay—and everything changes. Plagued by boiling social tensions and terrorism, the tropical empire is edging ever closer to civil war. Kilay’s merchant king may be the only one able to prevent this catastrophe, but he has fallen into a preternatural coma—and it’s Jespar’s job to figure out who or what caused it. As the investigation takes him across the archipelago and into the king’s nightmares, unexpected events not only tie Jespar’s own life to the mystery but also unearth inner demons he believed to be long exorcised.
Battling old trauma while fighting for his life, his sanity, and the fate of Kilay, the line between dream and reality blurs further and further, until only one question remains: If your mind is the enemy, where do you run?
A unique blend of fantasy, mystery, and psychological horror, Dreams of the Dying is a haunting exploration of mental illness, morality, and the dark sides of humanity.
Review: For the most part this was a well done book. The book did well with having an unique plot with many diverse characters. I loved the symbolism and I thought the plot was promising. The book also had well done world building.
However, I did think that the characters weren’t as developed as they could have been and some of them were not as personable as other characters. I also thought the book was a bit too slow and that that the way the story was written was a bit wonky.
Verdict: It’s really good!
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Frozen 2: Dangerous Secrets: The Story of Iduna and Agnarr
Author: Mari Mancusi
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: In the movie it’s clear that Iduna is clearly meant to represent a native culture, but it’s not really mentioned or really described in this book.
Recommended For...: fantasy, Frozen, Disney, romance
Publication Date: November 3, 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (romance, slight violence)
Publisher: Disney Press
Pages: 352
Synopsis: Sixteen-year-old Iduna harbors a dark secret. On the surface, she is an Arendellian village girl, an aspiring inventor, and the best friend of Prince Agnarr, but she is also secretly Northuldra.
Ever since the day the forest fell, Arendellians have despised and distrusted Northuldra with a vengeance. No matter that the Northuldra-along with some of Arendelle's own-have been trapped in the Enchanted Forest behind an impenetrable wall of mist since the day of the battle.
Iduna doesn't know why the mist refuses to part, or why it descended to begin with. The only clear thing is that she must keep her identity from everyone, even Agnarr. Her life depends on it.
Fortunately for her, Agnarr doesn't know that Iduna is the Northuldra girl he saw seemingly flying on a gust of wind all those years ago, the day of the celebration turned disaster. The day Agnarr lost his father, the king. The day Agnarr himself almost died.
What Agnarr does know is that Iduna is a true ally in the face of his royal responsibilities and the expectations of an overbearing council and a well-meaning regent who will rule in Agnarr's place until he turns twenty-one and assumes the Arendellian throne.
As Iduna and Agnarr grow ever closer, however, friendship is no longer enough. If only falling for each other didn't mean risking their futures: Iduna's as a hidden-in-plain-sight citizen of Arendelle, and Agnarr's as imminent king.
But for a chance at true love, the risk might be worth taking
Review: I really liked this book! I’m not a huge fan of Frozen but I’m so intrigued by the backstory of Anna and Elsa’s parents. The book did better than the Disney movie, which is what I always look for in a Disney book. The book did great with character building and world building. The writing was amazing, the plot was intriguing, and I loved the pacing as well.
My only issue is the romance. It felt a little too much for a book that’s more targeted to younger audiences (and I mean the Frozen hungry 7 year olds), though it doesn’t go beyond kissing.
Verdict: Don’t let this go.
Book: Frozen 2: Dangerous Secrets: The Story of Iduna and Agnarr
Author: Mari Mancusi
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: In the movie it’s clear that Iduna is clearly meant to represent a native culture, but it’s not really mentioned or really described in this book.
Recommended For...: fantasy, Frozen, Disney, romance
Publication Date: November 3, 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (romance, slight violence)
Publisher: Disney Press
Pages: 352
Synopsis: Sixteen-year-old Iduna harbors a dark secret. On the surface, she is an Arendellian village girl, an aspiring inventor, and the best friend of Prince Agnarr, but she is also secretly Northuldra.
Ever since the day the forest fell, Arendellians have despised and distrusted Northuldra with a vengeance. No matter that the Northuldra-along with some of Arendelle's own-have been trapped in the Enchanted Forest behind an impenetrable wall of mist since the day of the battle.
Iduna doesn't know why the mist refuses to part, or why it descended to begin with. The only clear thing is that she must keep her identity from everyone, even Agnarr. Her life depends on it.
Fortunately for her, Agnarr doesn't know that Iduna is the Northuldra girl he saw seemingly flying on a gust of wind all those years ago, the day of the celebration turned disaster. The day Agnarr lost his father, the king. The day Agnarr himself almost died.
What Agnarr does know is that Iduna is a true ally in the face of his royal responsibilities and the expectations of an overbearing council and a well-meaning regent who will rule in Agnarr's place until he turns twenty-one and assumes the Arendellian throne.
As Iduna and Agnarr grow ever closer, however, friendship is no longer enough. If only falling for each other didn't mean risking their futures: Iduna's as a hidden-in-plain-sight citizen of Arendelle, and Agnarr's as imminent king.
But for a chance at true love, the risk might be worth taking
Review: I really liked this book! I’m not a huge fan of Frozen but I’m so intrigued by the backstory of Anna and Elsa’s parents. The book did better than the Disney movie, which is what I always look for in a Disney book. The book did great with character building and world building. The writing was amazing, the plot was intriguing, and I loved the pacing as well.
My only issue is the romance. It felt a little too much for a book that’s more targeted to younger audiences (and I mean the Frozen hungry 7 year olds), though it doesn’t go beyond kissing.
Verdict: Don’t let this go.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Warriors of Wing and Flame
Author: Sara B. Larson
Book Series: Sisters of Shadow and Light Book 2
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommended For...: Sister books, duology, fantasy, viking inspired, romance
Publication Date: October 27, 2020
Publisher: TorTeen
Pages: 382
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, gore, sexual content, romance)
Synopsis: The doorway between the magical Visempirum and the human world has been reopened. Paladin are once more living in the citadel where Zuhra and Inara grew up completely isolated by the magical hedge that trapped them there. Amidst the brewing conflict between the Paladin and humans looms the threat of Barloc, who has stolen Inara’s immense power and continues to elude the Paladin who are desperately searching for him.
In this sequel to Sisters of Shadow and Light, Inara and Zuhra must navigate the treacherous paths of self-discovery, their love for each other, and for the boys who have captured their hearts. Together, they search for the strength within themselves to bridge the divide between the two worlds they inhabit, even as war threatens to destroy everything—and everyone—they love.
Review: For the most part I enjoyed this book and series immensely. The book did well with the character development and I loved seeing Inara's voice more in this book. The world building was great, the pacing was good, and I really enjoyed the plot and ending.
The only things I didn't like were that the tone of the book felt a bit too somber for it in certain parts and that the book had too much action for a tone that was somber and emotional. Don't get me wrong, it was emotional and sometimes heartbreaking, but in the action scenes I felt a little depressed.
Verdict: it's a good series!!
Book: Warriors of Wing and Flame
Author: Sara B. Larson
Book Series: Sisters of Shadow and Light Book 2
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommended For...: Sister books, duology, fantasy, viking inspired, romance
Publication Date: October 27, 2020
Publisher: TorTeen
Pages: 382
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, gore, sexual content, romance)
Synopsis: The doorway between the magical Visempirum and the human world has been reopened. Paladin are once more living in the citadel where Zuhra and Inara grew up completely isolated by the magical hedge that trapped them there. Amidst the brewing conflict between the Paladin and humans looms the threat of Barloc, who has stolen Inara’s immense power and continues to elude the Paladin who are desperately searching for him.
In this sequel to Sisters of Shadow and Light, Inara and Zuhra must navigate the treacherous paths of self-discovery, their love for each other, and for the boys who have captured their hearts. Together, they search for the strength within themselves to bridge the divide between the two worlds they inhabit, even as war threatens to destroy everything—and everyone—they love.
Review: For the most part I enjoyed this book and series immensely. The book did well with the character development and I loved seeing Inara's voice more in this book. The world building was great, the pacing was good, and I really enjoyed the plot and ending.
The only things I didn't like were that the tone of the book felt a bit too somber for it in certain parts and that the book had too much action for a tone that was somber and emotional. Don't get me wrong, it was emotional and sometimes heartbreaking, but in the action scenes I felt a little depressed.
Verdict: it's a good series!!
Disclaimer: I received this book from @enchanted_fandoms in a book box of theirs. Thanks! Make sure to purchase from your favorite small bookish shops and sub boxes! All opinions are my own.
Book: Sisters of Shadow and Light
Author: Sara B. Larson
Book Series: Sisters of Shadow and Light Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: ya readers, fantasy lovers, sister stories
Publication Date: November 5, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (child abuse, starvation, slight sexual content, violence, gore)
Publisher: Tor Teen
Pages: 368
Synopsis: Zuhra and Inara have grown up in the Citadel of the Paladins, an abandoned fortress where legendary, magical warriors once lived before disappearing from the world--including their Paladin father the night Inara was born.
On that same night, a massive, magical hedge grew and imprisoned them within the citadel. Inara inherited their father's Paladin power; her eyes glow blue and she is able to make plants grow at unbelievable rates, but she has been trapped in her own mind because of a "roar" that drowns everything else out--leaving Zuhra virtually alone with their emotionally broken human mother.
For fifteen years they have lived, trapped in the citadel, with little contact from the outside world...until the day a stranger passes through the hedge, and everything changes.
Review: Overall I really enjoyed this book! It had a great story and plot. The story hooked me right into it and I fell in love with the sisters. The character development was very well done and I felt like the world building was amazing as well.
The only issue I had with the book was that the book was rushed at the end in my opinion and I felt like the book would have been better on a bigger cliffhanger.
Verdict: It was great! Definitely read!
Book: Sisters of Shadow and Light
Author: Sara B. Larson
Book Series: Sisters of Shadow and Light Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: ya readers, fantasy lovers, sister stories
Publication Date: November 5, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (child abuse, starvation, slight sexual content, violence, gore)
Publisher: Tor Teen
Pages: 368
Synopsis: Zuhra and Inara have grown up in the Citadel of the Paladins, an abandoned fortress where legendary, magical warriors once lived before disappearing from the world--including their Paladin father the night Inara was born.
On that same night, a massive, magical hedge grew and imprisoned them within the citadel. Inara inherited their father's Paladin power; her eyes glow blue and she is able to make plants grow at unbelievable rates, but she has been trapped in her own mind because of a "roar" that drowns everything else out--leaving Zuhra virtually alone with their emotionally broken human mother.
For fifteen years they have lived, trapped in the citadel, with little contact from the outside world...until the day a stranger passes through the hedge, and everything changes.
Review: Overall I really enjoyed this book! It had a great story and plot. The story hooked me right into it and I fell in love with the sisters. The character development was very well done and I felt like the world building was amazing as well.
The only issue I had with the book was that the book was rushed at the end in my opinion and I felt like the book would have been better on a bigger cliffhanger.
Verdict: It was great! Definitely read!
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Disclaimer: I bought this book! Support your authors! All opinions are my own.
Book: Fetch
Author: Scott Cawthon
Book Series: Five Nights at Freddy’s: Fazbear Frights Book 2
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: horror fans, FNAF fans
Publication Date: March 3, 2020
Genre: Horror
Recommended Age: 13+ (animal death, animal violence, gore, scary moments, death)
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Pages: 272
Synopsis: The Fazbear Frights series continues with three more bone-chilling, novella-length tales to keep even the bravest Five Nights at Freddy's player up at night . . .
After years of being kicked around, Greg, Alec, and Oscar are ready to take control of their lives. Greg decides to put the controversial science he's been studying to the test. Alec launches a master plot to expose his golden sister for the spoiled brat he knows she is. And Oscar, ever the miniature grown-up his mom needs him to be, decides to take something he wants . . . even though he knows it's wrong. But as these three will learn, control is a fragile thing in the sinister world of Five Nights at Freddy's.
In this second volume, Five Nights at Freddy's creator Scott Cawthon spins three sinister novella-length stories from different corners of his series' canon, featuring cover art from fan-favorite artist LadyFiszi.
Readers beware: This collection of terrifying tales is enough to unsettle even the most hardened Five Nights at Freddy's fans.
Review: I am in love with these books! I love the premise and the stories. They’re well crafted and written. The stories are also very spooky and I’ve been having so many nightmares. Definitely recommend for the spooky season.
The only issue I had with this particular book is the animal violence and death. It was a bit hard on me.
Verdict: Recommend for FNAF fans!
Book: Fetch
Author: Scott Cawthon
Book Series: Five Nights at Freddy’s: Fazbear Frights Book 2
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: horror fans, FNAF fans
Publication Date: March 3, 2020
Genre: Horror
Recommended Age: 13+ (animal death, animal violence, gore, scary moments, death)
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Pages: 272
Synopsis: The Fazbear Frights series continues with three more bone-chilling, novella-length tales to keep even the bravest Five Nights at Freddy's player up at night . . .
After years of being kicked around, Greg, Alec, and Oscar are ready to take control of their lives. Greg decides to put the controversial science he's been studying to the test. Alec launches a master plot to expose his golden sister for the spoiled brat he knows she is. And Oscar, ever the miniature grown-up his mom needs him to be, decides to take something he wants . . . even though he knows it's wrong. But as these three will learn, control is a fragile thing in the sinister world of Five Nights at Freddy's.
In this second volume, Five Nights at Freddy's creator Scott Cawthon spins three sinister novella-length stories from different corners of his series' canon, featuring cover art from fan-favorite artist LadyFiszi.
Readers beware: This collection of terrifying tales is enough to unsettle even the most hardened Five Nights at Freddy's fans.
Review: I am in love with these books! I love the premise and the stories. They’re well crafted and written. The stories are also very spooky and I’ve been having so many nightmares. Definitely recommend for the spooky season.
The only issue I had with this particular book is the animal violence and death. It was a bit hard on me.
Verdict: Recommend for FNAF fans!
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Disclaimer: I bought this book! Support your authors! My opinions are my own.
Book: 1:35AM
Author: Scott Cawthon, Andrea Waggener, Elley Cooper
Book Series: Five Nights at Freddy’s: Fazbear Frights Book 3
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: horror lovers, FNAF players
Publication Date: May 5, 2020
Genre: Horror
Recommended Age: 14+ (death, illness, gore, abuse mentioned)
Publisher: Scholastic Inc
Pages: 272
Synopsis: From twisted toys to gut-wrenching games, this collection of terrifying tales is unsettling enough to mess with even the most hardened Five Nights at Freddy's fans. In this volume, horror master Scott Cawthon spins three sinister novella-length stories from different corners of FNAF's canon. Each story comes complete with accompanying artwork from a fan-favorite game artist to bring the horror to life in a whole new way.
Readers beware: In this startling world, desperate wishes have an unexpected cost, beautiful trinkets reveal appalling powers, and harmless pranks can go awry in ghastly ways.
Review: I am in love with these books! I love the premise and the stories. They’re well crafted and written. The stories are also very spooky and I’ve been having so many nightmares. Definitely recommend for the spooky season. The main thing to take away from this book is that FNAF effects all ages, not just kids, and that makes the series a bit scarier.
My own issue with this book is that the main characters were not kids and it was a bit of a weird shake up from the MO of the model of these books. The second story also had a weird POV switch and it threw me off.
Verdict: Recommend these still!
Book: 1:35AM
Author: Scott Cawthon, Andrea Waggener, Elley Cooper
Book Series: Five Nights at Freddy’s: Fazbear Frights Book 3
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: horror lovers, FNAF players
Publication Date: May 5, 2020
Genre: Horror
Recommended Age: 14+ (death, illness, gore, abuse mentioned)
Publisher: Scholastic Inc
Pages: 272
Synopsis: From twisted toys to gut-wrenching games, this collection of terrifying tales is unsettling enough to mess with even the most hardened Five Nights at Freddy's fans. In this volume, horror master Scott Cawthon spins three sinister novella-length stories from different corners of FNAF's canon. Each story comes complete with accompanying artwork from a fan-favorite game artist to bring the horror to life in a whole new way.
Readers beware: In this startling world, desperate wishes have an unexpected cost, beautiful trinkets reveal appalling powers, and harmless pranks can go awry in ghastly ways.
Review: I am in love with these books! I love the premise and the stories. They’re well crafted and written. The stories are also very spooky and I’ve been having so many nightmares. Definitely recommend for the spooky season. The main thing to take away from this book is that FNAF effects all ages, not just kids, and that makes the series a bit scarier.
My own issue with this book is that the main characters were not kids and it was a bit of a weird shake up from the MO of the model of these books. The second story also had a weird POV switch and it threw me off.
Verdict: Recommend these still!
Disclaimer: I bought this book! Support your authors! All opinions are my own.
Book: Step Closer
Author: Scott Cawthon, Andrea Waggener, Elley Cooper, Kelly Parra
Book Series: Five Nights at Freddy’s: Fazbear Frights Book 4
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: horror fans, FNAF fans
Publication Date: July 7, 2020
Genre: Horror
Recommended Age: 14+ (gore, death, child death, child abduction, violence)
Publisher: Scholastic Inc
Pages: 224
Synopsis: Isolation can open up a void. Pete lashes out at his younger brother in the wake of his parents' divorce, falling prey to a gruesome curse. Kasey struggles with the lengths she'll go to survive on the streets after stealing a pair of unusual novelty glasses. Samantha and her sister, Susie, struggle to exist side by side, desperate to connect after a horrific tragedy. But in the grim world of Five Nights at Freddy's, empty feelings often attract hungry monsters...
In this fourth volume, Five Nights at Freddy's creator Scott Cawthon spins three sinister novella-length stories from different corners of his series' canon, featuring cover art from fan-favorite artist LadyFiszi.
Readers beware: This collection of terrifying tales is enough to unsettle even the most hardened Five Nights at Freddy's fans.
Review: I am in love with these books! I love the premise and the stories. They’re well crafted and written. The stories are also very spooky and I’ve been having so many nightmares. Definitely recommend for the spooky season. The main takeaway of this book is that the world is expansive and they follow you outside of their normal lengths. This also plays into what powers some of the animatronics have.
The only issue I had with this book is that the last story did drag on but was the most interesting that I have read. The last story went into the kidnapping and murders, but are the characters the same in the graveyard?
Verdict: I need more
Book: Step Closer
Author: Scott Cawthon, Andrea Waggener, Elley Cooper, Kelly Parra
Book Series: Five Nights at Freddy’s: Fazbear Frights Book 4
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: horror fans, FNAF fans
Publication Date: July 7, 2020
Genre: Horror
Recommended Age: 14+ (gore, death, child death, child abduction, violence)
Publisher: Scholastic Inc
Pages: 224
Synopsis: Isolation can open up a void. Pete lashes out at his younger brother in the wake of his parents' divorce, falling prey to a gruesome curse. Kasey struggles with the lengths she'll go to survive on the streets after stealing a pair of unusual novelty glasses. Samantha and her sister, Susie, struggle to exist side by side, desperate to connect after a horrific tragedy. But in the grim world of Five Nights at Freddy's, empty feelings often attract hungry monsters...
In this fourth volume, Five Nights at Freddy's creator Scott Cawthon spins three sinister novella-length stories from different corners of his series' canon, featuring cover art from fan-favorite artist LadyFiszi.
Readers beware: This collection of terrifying tales is enough to unsettle even the most hardened Five Nights at Freddy's fans.
Review: I am in love with these books! I love the premise and the stories. They’re well crafted and written. The stories are also very spooky and I’ve been having so many nightmares. Definitely recommend for the spooky season. The main takeaway of this book is that the world is expansive and they follow you outside of their normal lengths. This also plays into what powers some of the animatronics have.
The only issue I had with this book is that the last story did drag on but was the most interesting that I have read. The last story went into the kidnapping and murders, but are the characters the same in the graveyard?
Verdict: I need more
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emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Updated Review:
Disclaimer: I received this finished book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Resistor
Author: C.E. Clayton
Book Series: Ellinor Book 1
Rating: 4.5/5
Diversity: Queer character, Lesbian character, Black character, Deaf character
Recommended For...: science fiction, heist
Publication Date: October 1, 2020
Genre: Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: 17+ (Language, sexual content, Religion, Death, Grief, Sexism, Romance, Gore, Violence, PTSD, Sacrifice)
Explanation of CWs: There is cursing in this book. There is some slight sexual content and romance. There is a scene of a spouse death and grief is dealt with throughout the book. There is some religion talk in this book. There is some sexism shown in this book. There is lots of gore and violence. There is a scene of PTSD and a scene of a sacrifice shown.
Publisher: Starfish Ink
Pages: 416
Synopsis: Ellinor Rask has wanted one thing for the past eight years: vengeance. But when Ellinor is captured, she finds herself dragged back into the world she walked away from, entangled once more with friends she would rather forget.
As if that weren’t humiliating enough, Ellinor learns first hand that her magic can be stripped away by a piece of bio-tech—and her ex-boss is happy to leash her with the technology in order to get what he wants. If Ellinor behaves, the device will be removed. All she has to do is deliver a package. One containing a creature created from raw magical energy and discarded technology. Simple, right?
But when her goals start getting people murdered, Ellinor has to decide if the year’s planning, her honor, and even her own magic, are worth the lives it’s costing. Dodging ruthless gangsters, she finds herself on the run with a creature of immeasurable magical abilities alongside her one-time friends. Now, Ellinor must relearn to trust the people she once abandoned. She must put her faith in technology, and her life in the hands of independent contractors, all while racing to deliver the package before it gets taken by force, or worse, the creature decides to make an appearance itself.
As if that weren’t humiliating enough, Ellinor learns first hand that her magic can be stripped away by a piece of bio-tech—and her ex-boss is happy to leash her with the technology in order to get what he wants. If Ellinor behaves, the device will be removed. All she has to do is deliver a package. One containing a creature created from raw magical energy and discarded technology. Simple, right?
But when her goals start getting people murdered, Ellinor has to decide if the year’s planning, her honor, and even her own magic, are worth the lives it’s costing. Dodging ruthless gangsters, she finds herself on the run with a creature of immeasurable magical abilities alongside her one-time friends. Now, Ellinor must relearn to trust the people she once abandoned. She must put her faith in technology, and her life in the hands of independent contractors, all while racing to deliver the package before it gets taken by force, or worse, the creature decides to make an appearance itself.
Review: Overall, I enjoyed my reread of this book. I loved the main cast of characters and I always enjoy a great heist read. I don’t see a lot of these heist books set in space, which is where I like to read, so it’s even better when the book is a sci-fi heist like book. The book had great world building and great character development. The book also had a good plot and the story flowed well. I also really liked the magic in this book and it worked well with the technology and sci-fi aspect.
However, I did feel like there was room for improvement in the book. There are a lot of characters and the amount of different characters and things you have to remember is a bit daunting. I found it hard to remember who was who from the huge cast. The book was a bit too fast paced in my opinion and I felt like I was being bounced around from place to place. It was hard to keep up with where the book was going sometimes. I feel like if the book was slowed down and maybe some more time was spent with the characters or if they were slimmed down a bit then it would have been a bit better for me.
Verdict: It was good!
Old Review:
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Resistor
Author: C.E. Clayton
Book Series: Ellinor Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: sci-fi and fantasy lovers
Publication Date: August 7, 2020
Genre: Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: 17+ (language, violence, gore, death, grief, slight sexual content, slut shaming)
Publisher: Starfish Ink
Pages: 436
Synopsis: Ellinor Rask has wanted one thing for the past eight years: vengeance. But when Ellinor is captured, she finds herself dragged back into the world she walked away from, entangled once more with friends she would rather forget.
As if that weren’t humiliating enough, Ellinor learns first hand that her magic can be stripped away by a piece of bio-tech—and her ex-boss is happy to leash her with the technology in order to get what he wants. If Ellinor behaves, the device will be removed. All she has to do is deliver a package. One containing a creature created from raw magical energy and discarded technology. Simple, right?
But when her goals start getting people murdered, Ellinor has to decide if the year’s planning, her honor, and even her own magic, are worth the lives it’s costing. Dodging ruthless gangsters, she finds herself on the run with a creature of immeasurable magical abilities alongside her one-time friends. Now, Ellinor must relearn to trust the people she once abandoned. She must put her faith in technology, and her life in the hands of independent contractors, all while racing to deliver the package before it gets taken by force, or worse, the creature decides to make an appearance itself.
Review: Oh my word this was an amazing book! I loved the complex world building and the character development. The characters and how they interact with each other is always C.E.’s strong writing points and I loved all of the characters in this universe. The book was also full of action and the magic system and tech was pretty well done as well.
The only issues I had with the book were that the book is pretty slow in the being and it takes some getting used to in order to get into the book. But, once I was into the book, it was a quick 5 hour read. There was also some slut shaming which put me off of the main character.
Verdict: Definitely a must read if you’re into fantasy and sci-fi!
Disclaimer: I received this e-book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Misery Rock
Author: Reagan Keeter
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommended For...: thrill seekers
Publication Date: October 30, 2020
Genre: Thriller
Recommended Age: 18+ (romance, sexual content, death, gore, violence, cults, and the dark web)
Publisher: TouchPoint Press
Pages: 266
Synopsis: Sharron Freeman is a loving suburban mother and psychologist whose world gets shattered when she learns her husband, Ben, is a killer. Worse than that, he kills as part of a group and, since she doesn’t know who the other participants are, going to the police is not an option.
Desperate to keep herself and her daughter safe, she pretends she’s interested in joining them. Then Sharon sets out to discover who else is involved and find evidence against them before they meet to kill again.
It’s a journey that will send Sharon into the nefarious world of the dark web and put her life in danger more than once. It will require her to draw on courage she didn’t know she had and come face to face with enemies she didn’t know existed. And in the end, it all might prove to be in vain.
Review: For the most part I really liked this book. It was a good thriller with lots of twists and turns. The book had good world building and character development. The mystery was also well thought out and I managed to read the book in an hour and a half because it was so enthralling.
The only issue I had was that the book was a bit predictable for me and that the book was a bit too fast paced in some places.
Verdict: It was good!
Book: Misery Rock
Author: Reagan Keeter
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommended For...: thrill seekers
Publication Date: October 30, 2020
Genre: Thriller
Recommended Age: 18+ (romance, sexual content, death, gore, violence, cults, and the dark web)
Publisher: TouchPoint Press
Pages: 266
Synopsis: Sharron Freeman is a loving suburban mother and psychologist whose world gets shattered when she learns her husband, Ben, is a killer. Worse than that, he kills as part of a group and, since she doesn’t know who the other participants are, going to the police is not an option.
Desperate to keep herself and her daughter safe, she pretends she’s interested in joining them. Then Sharon sets out to discover who else is involved and find evidence against them before they meet to kill again.
It’s a journey that will send Sharon into the nefarious world of the dark web and put her life in danger more than once. It will require her to draw on courage she didn’t know she had and come face to face with enemies she didn’t know existed. And in the end, it all might prove to be in vain.
Review: For the most part I really liked this book. It was a good thriller with lots of twists and turns. The book had good world building and character development. The mystery was also well thought out and I managed to read the book in an hour and a half because it was so enthralling.
The only issue I had was that the book was a bit predictable for me and that the book was a bit too fast paced in some places.
Verdict: It was good!