purplepenning's Reviews (1.72k)

adventurous dark funny medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Loveable characters: Yes

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adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Well, that was an unexpectedly lovely mind-twister of a science-fantasy-romance!
✔️ unlikely hero
✔️ opposites attract
✔️ hidden depths and strength
✔️ hilarious fourth-wall-breaking narrator situation
✔️ philosophies of art and romance
✔️ themes of forgiveness, purpose, self-determination, human connection
✔️ unique magic and resolution
✔️ gorgeous art
✔️ excellent audiobook

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adventurous dark hopeful mysterious slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes

I gather that this is the most Cosmerey of the secret projects? Although it was my least favorite of the four, it was still an interesting, entertaining read. An astrophysics-based sci-fi story with an almost superhero feel to it. It dragged a bit for me — I think I would've rated it higher if it had been shorter.

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adventurous fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No

I remember liking these books a lot as a kid, but this one didn't hit the spot as an adult. I might need to read the whole story (quartet). Or maybe it was Pierce's Protector of the Small or the Immortals series that I loved. I'll try a few more and see.

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emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes

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adventurous dark mysterious slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No

Undoubtedly beautiful prose and an interesting fantasy premise that blends a modern setting with an old world dark fairytale vibe (via portal doors). Overall, however, the story, pacing, and character development just didn't click for me. 

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Even the fun-to-spot Easter eggs from the movie couldn't keep me from skimming my way through most of this. I've liked the author's other work, but there's just something about this series... It's not meant to be for me. 
adventurous dark emotional hopeful lighthearted tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No

A fantastic read in a fantastical world where Victorian London is entwined with Faerie treaties as part of the historic split from Rome and alliance with druidry. But it's still Victorian England — with its powerful few exploiting the downtrodden many, now with magically binding contracts. Enter Deri, a roguishly clever human assistant in the goblin market that lies beneath the city. It is an absolute joy to watch him barter and negotiate through a series of ever more treacherous high-stakes deals in an effort to secure his destiny, save his life, and free the sweet indentured workshop boy he loves. Everything has a price in this world. Will Deri give up his very heart's desire to achieve the destiny he's been chasing? 

Come buy! Come buy! And see what lies in this pealing tale where all's for sale and love comes dear
twixt hope and fear within the goblin market! 

(Get the audiobook for the 5-star experience. Narrator Will Watt is exceptional.)

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