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ellenisntcool's reviews
536 reviews
This is How You Lose the Time War by Max Gladstone, Amal El-Mohtar
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This book felt like emotional damage, it was so beautiful and heartbreaking!!
A Palace Near the Wind by Ai Jiang
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Titan for a digital copy of this arc.
I went into this story expecting a magical fantasy world rich with character. The book is quite short, coming up to 192 pages which is not usually a complaint of mine as I do find novellas can pack a punch but this one failed at that which is a huge shame.
I did find the world building to be rather beautiful and unique, as we have a woodland world with people who have bark like skin and other tree like attributes, yet we are then torn away from that and placed in a claustrophobic palace that was very hard to picture aside from the bedroom and the dining hall. The side characters were strong, I enjoyed seeing how they are affected by the world and the people in charge as we got to see some reality there, as I found Lufeng to be bland and self centred.
Unfortunately those are the only pros (if you can call them that). I found the story itself would drag yet also rushed at the end, which is kind of understandable for a short story but I feel like many other authors have executed this better. The technology elements were jarring as I’ll admit I didn’t realise that this was going to be sci-fi, and it would have been fine if it was well executed but it left me more confused about the world building and how everything should look. It also ends quite abruptly so when I got to the final page and tapped to read more I was confused by what happened, as I wouldn’t really call that a cliffhanger it just ended!
My least favourite parts were the reveals. I didn’t expect the King to be Lufeng’s father nor did I like it, it was confusing especially with how he was treating her and being overall a dick, so I didn’t have any sympathy or care at all. Then you have Zinc and Copper. Like, they look similar and are also called Zinc and Copper, it’s quite obvious they’re related.
Overall, a very disappointing read and I won’t be picking up the sequel as I have zero interest in it.
I went into this story expecting a magical fantasy world rich with character. The book is quite short, coming up to 192 pages which is not usually a complaint of mine as I do find novellas can pack a punch but this one failed at that which is a huge shame.
I did find the world building to be rather beautiful and unique, as we have a woodland world with people who have bark like skin and other tree like attributes, yet we are then torn away from that and placed in a claustrophobic palace that was very hard to picture aside from the bedroom and the dining hall. The side characters were strong, I enjoyed seeing how they are affected by the world and the people in charge as we got to see some reality there, as I found Lufeng to be bland and self centred.
Unfortunately those are the only pros (if you can call them that). I found the story itself would drag yet also rushed at the end, which is kind of understandable for a short story but I feel like many other authors have executed this better. The technology elements were jarring as I’ll admit I didn’t realise that this was going to be sci-fi, and it would have been fine if it was well executed but it left me more confused about the world building and how everything should look. It also ends quite abruptly so when I got to the final page and tapped to read more I was confused by what happened, as I wouldn’t really call that a cliffhanger it just ended!
Overall, a very disappointing read and I won’t be picking up the sequel as I have zero interest in it.
Chainsaw Man, Vol. 17 by Tatsuki Fujimoto
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
That cliffhanger is evil and I am not emotionally prepared for more ✨
Horrorstör by Grady Hendrix
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was my first Grady Hendrix, and low key I’m now obsessed and want to read everything he’s written
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Vomit
The Lantern of Lost Memories by Sanaka Hiiragi
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This was such a beautiful story! I’m hoping there will be more so I can learn about Hirasaka and meet more characters who are making their way through the afterlife, as it was quite touching and I loved how it came full circle at the end!
The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This was probably my new favourite murder mystery novel! I enjoyed how it was set in a fantasy world with a whole magic system and such, and the writing was humorous and extremely enjoyable!
I’m super excited to read the sequel, as I want to learn more about Ana and experience more of this world!
I’m super excited to read the sequel, as I want to learn more about Ana and experience more of this world!
Belladonna by Adalyn Grace
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was better than I imagined! We started off with a very strong prologue and an introduction to Signa, who is a decent character but I’m intrigued to see if she grows in the next few books.
Death, however? Fucking great. He’s a great character who I want to see more of, because he’s really cool and mysterious!
Small spoiler warning here!
my only issue was him being Sylas, as I honestly didn’t want the hassle of a love triangle, and it did feel weird to lie like that as I didn’t feel the chemistry there! Only with Death! So just don’t lie?? Lmao
Spoiler end!
Anyway, overall a good read! Will pick up the sequel when I see it!
Death, however? Fucking great. He’s a great character who I want to see more of, because he’s really cool and mysterious!
Small spoiler warning here!
Spoiler end!
Anyway, overall a good read! Will pick up the sequel when I see it!
Dawnshard by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was amazing set up for rhythm of war! I’m super excited to see what happens now, I also loved the disability rep (I am disabled so bonus points) and I loved the characters!!
Carmilla by J. Sheridan Le Fanu
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was very sapphic, and very good!! I think we need more lesbian vampires in literature
One Piece, Vol. 2: Buggy the Clown by Eiichiro Oda
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0