tatjanabluchel's reviews
175 reviews

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This was a strong 4-star read for me, and I wouldn’t be surprised if I end up revisiting it in the future. I listened to the audiobook version, and while it was still a compelling experience, I can’t help but wonder if reading the physical copy might have made me connect more deeply. Some of the character relationships felt a bit rushed, and I think I may have missed subtle moments of development that would've landed harder in print.

That said, the heart of this book—Tisaanah’s journey from an abused slave girl to a powerful force to be reckoned with—was beautifully done. I appreciated how her growth wasn’t linear, and she remained vulnerable even while becoming strong. Her resilience was inspiring, and I found myself rooting for her every step of the way.

The love story, while sweet, also moved a little too quickly for my taste. I would’ve loved more buildup and tension, especially considering the emotional and psychological baggage both characters were working through. The supporting characters, too, sometimes popped in without much context, and a clearer breakdown of the political and magical systems earlier in the book might’ve helped smooth out the pacing and immersion.

Still, I really enjoyed the magic system, the writing style, and the themes of survival, self-worth, and liberation. It’s the kind of book I think will hit even harder on a re-read, and I’m definitely intrigued enough to keep going with the series.

More reviews on my blog: www.geekytalesandbeyond.com

Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

This book felt like a warm hug when I needed it most. I absolutely adored Legends & Lattes—and its prequel Bookshops & Bonedust—for their comforting atmosphere, found-family vibes, and the quiet courage of starting anew. The writing is cozy and tender, and the relationships (especially the slow-burn romance) feel beautifully organic.

The only reason I didn’t give it the full five stars is that I selfishly wanted more—more time with these characters, deeper dives into their connections, more of that soft magic Baldree weaves through every scene. But maybe that longing is part of what makes the story so special.

This book also hit me hard emotionally because I read it during the devastating fires in LA in January 2025. There’s a moment where Viv puts up a sign in her shop that says: “WHAT FLAMES COULD NOT CONSUME, NEVER SHALL BE EXTINGUISHED.” I sobbed when I read that. It was such a poignant reminder of resilience, healing, and holding onto hope even when everything feels like it’s burning around you.

If you're looking for a story that’s gentle, heartwarming, and quietly powerful, Legends & Lattes is a must-read. It’s a cozy fantasy that celebrates fresh starts, chosen family, and the beauty of building something with love.

A Natural History of Dragons by Marie Brennan

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adventurous emotional funny inspiring mysterious relaxing sad tense fast-paced