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emilywemily6's reviews
336 reviews
The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
This was significantly less enjoyable to me than The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. The Christian allegory was very heavy handed and this felt unoriginal and uninteresting sometimes. It’s a nice little origin story about Narnia though, so it was fun to read after The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and see Easter eggs. I’m not sure if I want to binge the rest of the series like I had planned after reading this one.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Terminal illness, and Alcohol
Minor: Misogyny, Medical content, and War
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
adventurous
hopeful
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
4.5
This is delightful. The writing style was lighthearted and also had some darker moments. The plot is pretty linear but the themes and messaging is clear for kids and adults. There’s a reason this is a classic, and it made me excited to reread the rest of the series.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Bullying, Violence, and Blood
The Wedding Witch by Erin Sterling
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This book had so much potential but was definitely lacking. I adored Bowen and Tamsyn as individuals and as a couple, their banter was great and I could see the chemistry. I just felt like the romance was insta-lovey and needed to be more fleshed out. We went from coworkers with little crushes to masturbating next to each other in like a day (not even joking). We needed more connection between those two points. Though the steamy scenes were definitely hot. Overall, this book was too fast and lacked details. The magic that caused the time travel and fixed it was really nebulous and not explained. It was unsatisfying, especially considering all the (good) unintended consequences of the magic by the end of the book. The epilogue needs more of a conclusion to the series as a whole too. So I liked everything in this story but needed a ton more details. Another 50 pages or so would have been great. This felt like an outline of the story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing and Sexual content
Moderate: Grief and Alcohol
Minor: Death and Misogyny
The Brides of High Hill by Nghi Vo
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
This novella falls into the horror realm and was a refreshing change from the previous books. I tried *really hard* to pay attention and get the secret sauce in this story, but I can honestly say I only know what was happening for the first 75% of the story. It felt like we got some reveals that went over my head. I definitely want to reread this one physically. It was a little eerie earlier on in the story but the horror definitely comes out to play in the later half of the book.
Mammoths at the Gates by Nghi Vo
adventurous
reflective
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? No
4.0
This novella was more focused on grief and change than the others. Again, I am impressed with how different each story is while still following the same style of storytelling. And yet again I missed the secret sauce.
Into the Riverlands by Nghi Vo
adventurous
hopeful
tense
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? No
3.75
The writing is beautiful and the world is immersive. It’s easy to forget that this is fiction/fantasy. I remember this book the least in my binging, so I probably need to reread it. Lots of new characters that made it hard for me to follow, and I know that’s my whiteness showing. The audiobook wasn’t the best fit for me to digest this book.
When the Tiger Came Down the Mountain by Nghi Vo
adventurous
reflective
tense
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
4.25
This book leans more fantasy than the last. I love how different each of these stories feel, while still tapping into the storytelling aspect. This book discusses truth being different from different people/perspectives, and the messages we try to send to others. Again, I feel like I am missing something that others got out of this, but I enjoyed it.
The Empress of Salt and Fortune by Nghi Vo
adventurous
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
This was a good novella with some beautiful writing and some deeper meanings hinted at. I liked the progression of the storytelling and the implied lessons we learn. I wish they weren’t so obscure and we could get some beautiful writing to teach us. Overall, I feel like missed something that others got out of it, but I’m glad I read it. This was a reread prior to reading the rest of the series.
Such Sharp Teeth by Rachel Harrison
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This was a short and sweet werewolf story that read more like a fantasy coming-of-age story than a horror. We follow the main character’s journey as she transforms, adapts to her new situation, and revisits her past in her hometown while reconciling her newly defined future. I felt kind of indifferent to the characters in general, I didn’t connect with any of them. The ending wrapped up nicer than I thought, so it was kind of a feel good werewolf story? It was interesting and not nearly as dark as I expected. I want more horror and darkness from a werewolf story, though.
All I Want for Christmas by Maggie Knox
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
The miscommunication!!!! Ugh I was already more than halfway when I realized the miscommunication would not end, so I just kept going. There were so many chances to share simple things that shouldn’t have been kept a secret? Like I am so surprised they fell so hard for each other but didn’t disclose basic info. And then neither of them trusted the other or gave them the benefit of the doubt, so it was frustrating from both sides of the relationship. When they got along, it was sweet, but they had a falling out every chapter it felt like. The spicy scenes were pretty subtle and I liked the writing style in general, but if I have to read one more miscommunication from this author I might throw something.