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enchantedfiction's reviews
207 reviews
You Better Watch Out by James S. Murray, Darren Wearmouth
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
**Thank you, Macmillan, for the audiobook copy!
You Better Watch Out was my first Christmas themed thriller, and it was not a disappointment. It held a lot of suspense, death, and a twist ending that I personally didn't see coming. I always love when thrillers have a twist that takes me by surprise, and this one definitely had me gasping. I really enjoyed the group dynamic, as well as the multiple POVs throughout the story, but never felt a clear connection to any of the characters. As we learned more about their characters, sometimes very subtly through the chapters they narrated, it made more sense as to why they ended up where they did, but I didn't feel a ton of sympathy for any of them.
I also didn't expect it to get as gory as it did when first reading the synopsis, but was warned before I got too far into the story. In the setting, gruesome deaths really only made sense, but I was definitely glad for the warning beforehand. I also liked the open-ended ending as it leaves room for a sequel or could stay open for interpretation.
I would recommend this one with the trigger warnings of gore and gruesome descriptions to anyone who enjoys a good slasher thriller.
You Better Watch Out was my first Christmas themed thriller, and it was not a disappointment. It held a lot of suspense, death, and a twist ending that I personally didn't see coming. I always love when thrillers have a twist that takes me by surprise, and this one definitely had me gasping. I really enjoyed the group dynamic, as well as the multiple POVs throughout the story, but never felt a clear connection to any of the characters. As we learned more about their characters, sometimes very subtly through the chapters they narrated, it made more sense as to why they ended up where they did, but I didn't feel a ton of sympathy for any of them.
I also didn't expect it to get as gory as it did when first reading the synopsis, but was warned before I got too far into the story. In the setting, gruesome deaths really only made sense, but I was definitely glad for the warning beforehand. I also liked the open-ended ending as it leaves room for a sequel or could stay open for interpretation.
I would recommend this one with the trigger warnings of gore and gruesome descriptions to anyone who enjoys a good slasher thriller.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Kidnapping
Bound Paths by Jillian Witt
adventurous
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Bound Paths is book 3 of the Compass Points trilogy, and in my opinion, best book of the series! I loved the two timelines that helped explain some very important information, the continued growth of the characters, the overall plot, and the resolution. Everything felt like it fit into place and left me very satisfied with how the trilogy concluded. I also loved the teaser that we haven't seen the end of the Compass Points world.
I did feel like some dialogue and some scene explanation was reiterated a few times that felt a bit redundant, but that didn't really take away from the overall story for me. I thought the concept of exploring the afterlife and what is beyond the veil was really cool and well done. I also liked that each time Rose and Carter went beyond the veil, they had different experiences, getting closer to their goal each time. And there was something at the end I honestly didn't see coming, which I always enjoy in a story.
I would highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys fantasy/romantasy, fae, and elemental magic.
I did feel like some dialogue and some scene explanation was reiterated a few times that felt a bit redundant, but that didn't really take away from the overall story for me. I thought the concept of exploring the afterlife and what is beyond the veil was really cool and well done. I also liked that each time Rose and Carter went beyond the veil, they had different experiences, getting closer to their goal each time. And there was something at the end I honestly didn't see coming, which I always enjoy in a story.
I would highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys fantasy/romantasy, fae, and elemental magic.
How to Help a Hungry Werewolf by Charlotte Stein
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
**Thank you, Macmillan, for the audiobook copy!**
How to Help a Hungry Werewolf is a fantasy meets rom-com as the main characters are each a witch and a werewolf. I thought the whole idea of the story was really interesting, that Cassie was a witch and didn't know it for a while, and that she could help Seth control his wolf side. I liked the element of friends to enemies that was part of their past, and they had to confront that in their adult lives. The concept felt pretty new also, with Cassie not realizing she was a witch until the prospect was put right in front of her and that it was more about instinct than anything else. I also liked the resolution of Cassie and Seth's past.
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
To me, the ending felt very rushed, like there HAD to be a conflict to have the "proper" story arc, but it was just thrown in and didn't really contribute to the story as much as it should have. The convenience of Cassie's spell working to make the bad guy wolves forget her house felt like it worked too well, and then Seth just went ahead and ruined their perfect bubble for no reason. I honestly don't think it was ever explained why he ripped through the barrier. To me, this could have been a very successful cozy story with low stakes since Cassie was such a powerful witch. Although I did like that she strapped rolling pins to her arms to help her fight the wolves, I thought that was hilarious.
Overall, I was really into the story until about 85% through when the conflict occurred. I feel like for the story to make more sense for me, the conflict should have happened earlier if at all, and then there could have been a bigger resolution for the ending. I still really enjoyed this one, and would recommend it for sure.
How to Help a Hungry Werewolf is a fantasy meets rom-com as the main characters are each a witch and a werewolf. I thought the whole idea of the story was really interesting, that Cassie was a witch and didn't know it for a while, and that she could help Seth control his wolf side. I liked the element of friends to enemies that was part of their past, and they had to confront that in their adult lives. The concept felt pretty new also, with Cassie not realizing she was a witch until the prospect was put right in front of her and that it was more about instinct than anything else. I also liked the resolution of Cassie and Seth's past.
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
To me, the ending felt very rushed, like there HAD to be a conflict to have the "proper" story arc, but it was just thrown in and didn't really contribute to the story as much as it should have. The convenience of Cassie's spell working to make the bad guy wolves forget her house felt like it worked too well, and then Seth just went ahead and ruined their perfect bubble for no reason. I honestly don't think it was ever explained why he ripped through the barrier. To me, this could have been a very successful cozy story with low stakes since Cassie was such a powerful witch. Although I did like that she strapped rolling pins to her arms to help her fight the wolves, I thought that was hilarious.
Overall, I was really into the story until about 85% through when the conflict occurred. I feel like for the story to make more sense for me, the conflict should have happened earlier if at all, and then there could have been a bigger resolution for the ending. I still really enjoyed this one, and would recommend it for sure.
The Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sara Raasch
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
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
4.5
**Thank you, Macmillan, for the audiobook copy!**
This was such a fun book! It really helped me get into the holiday spirit, and I absolutely fell in love with the characters. I loved the idea of all of the holidays having their royal families that kept the holiday going. It seems like most of the time, it's Christmas that always has the family, where all the other holidays may have more of a mascot of sorts, so this was a nice change. The relationships between most of the characters felt healthy and believable.
I also really liked the plotline of Christmas becoming a big PR stunt, the marriage of convenience, and how the two suitors were obsessed with each other. Cole and Hex were one of my favorite couples of the year, and I loved how Chris and Iris were so supportive and encouraging.
I had two minor issues with the ending, so the spoilers are about to happen. If you don't want them, LOOK AWAY!
The issues I had were when Cole finally confronted his father, and his father had a realization moment and then disappeared for the rest of the story. No word on if he fulfilled his Christmas Eve duties or if anyone even saw him after their interaction. And it left on such a weird note with Chris and Iris. I get the implication that Chris confessed his feelings for Iris, and she didn't reciprocate, but I wanted a little more resolution. I know that there is a second book coming, so I'm sure it's probably going to pick up pretty much where the first one left off, but it felt a little unfinished to me.
I will definitely be continuing this series, and I hope it continues and follows other holidays after because I think that would be really fun.
If you enjoy the holidays, rom-coms, banter, and steamy men, you'll enjoy this book!
This was such a fun book! It really helped me get into the holiday spirit, and I absolutely fell in love with the characters. I loved the idea of all of the holidays having their royal families that kept the holiday going. It seems like most of the time, it's Christmas that always has the family, where all the other holidays may have more of a mascot of sorts, so this was a nice change. The relationships between most of the characters felt healthy and believable.
I also really liked the plotline of Christmas becoming a big PR stunt, the marriage of convenience, and how the two suitors were obsessed with each other. Cole and Hex were one of my favorite couples of the year, and I loved how Chris and Iris were so supportive and encouraging.
I had two minor issues with the ending, so the spoilers are about to happen. If you don't want them, LOOK AWAY!
The issues I had were when Cole finally confronted his father, and his father had a realization moment and then disappeared for the rest of the story. No word on if he fulfilled his Christmas Eve duties or if anyone even saw him after their interaction. And it left on such a weird note with Chris and Iris. I get the implication that Chris confessed his feelings for Iris, and she didn't reciprocate, but I wanted a little more resolution. I know that there is a second book coming, so I'm sure it's probably going to pick up pretty much where the first one left off, but it felt a little unfinished to me.
I will definitely be continuing this series, and I hope it continues and follows other holidays after because I think that would be really fun.
If you enjoy the holidays, rom-coms, banter, and steamy men, you'll enjoy this book!
Fall for Him by Andie Burke
funny
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
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
*Thank you Macmillan for the audiobook copy!*
Fall for Him was such a cute story about two unlikely men coming together when one falls through the ceiling of the other's apartment. Derrick and Dylan both have their own problems, and adding a broken ceiling and floor just add to the chaos. I really liked how the story laid out the surface problem, the broken floor/ceiling in each of their apartments, and tied in the deeper, existential problems that were on different ends of a spectrum. I won't get into what those were as I feel that might be a bit spoilery.
The side characters held their own weight, and it felt like they were important people to the story. I loved the banter between Derrick and Dylan and each with their friends and family. I also like the dual POV and how we learned new things about each of the characters from the other's perspective. The plot felt planned out and purposeful and took place in a believable time frame.
Would definitely recommend this one if you enjoy rom-coms that are LGBTQ+ and absolutely adorable.
Fall for Him was such a cute story about two unlikely men coming together when one falls through the ceiling of the other's apartment. Derrick and Dylan both have their own problems, and adding a broken ceiling and floor just add to the chaos. I really liked how the story laid out the surface problem, the broken floor/ceiling in each of their apartments, and tied in the deeper, existential problems that were on different ends of a spectrum. I won't get into what those were as I feel that might be a bit spoilery.
The side characters held their own weight, and it felt like they were important people to the story. I loved the banter between Derrick and Dylan and each with their friends and family. I also like the dual POV and how we learned new things about each of the characters from the other's perspective. The plot felt planned out and purposeful and took place in a believable time frame.
Would definitely recommend this one if you enjoy rom-coms that are LGBTQ+ and absolutely adorable.
The Sky on Fire by Jenn Lyons
adventurous
tense
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? Yes
3.5
*Thank you, Macmillan, for the audiobook copy!*
Gimme dragons, and I'm in. I have been wanting more dragon books, and this one did not disappoint in that department. I liked that the dragons were more or less the superior race, but that that didn't come without a cost. I also liked that there were more than just dragons and humans and that there was a more complex world. There was also a lot going on, which sometimes I felt was a little hard to follow, but for the most part, I feel like I know all of what happened. Sometimes, I would get characters' names mixed up as well, but that might have just been a me problem.
This one took me longer than most audiobooks to get through despite being a longer audiobook already. For me, I think I was getting burned out on audiobooks so I had to take almost a month off from listening and I ended up picking up a different audiobook when I was about halfway through this one for a change of genre. I don't listen to a ton of fantasy. Usually, I physically read them, so I'm not sure if that's what my problem was or if I was just burned out. Regardless, it was pretty easy to do with this one, so that to me means I wasn't overly excited about it. I felt like I was being pulled in a lot of different directions during the course of the story, like it couldn't settle on which plot it wanted to follow. I feel like it did eventually come together and msde sense, but for a good chunk of the middle, it just was kind of all over the place.
*SLIGHT SPOILER* - also, if I spelled any names wrong I apologize. I listened to the book, not physically read it
I would be interested to see where this one goes and to see what happens with the characters. I feel like the Anarod, Rizz, and Sicarion thruple could be a really fun and banter filled relationship!
Gimme dragons, and I'm in. I have been wanting more dragon books, and this one did not disappoint in that department. I liked that the dragons were more or less the superior race, but that that didn't come without a cost. I also liked that there were more than just dragons and humans and that there was a more complex world. There was also a lot going on, which sometimes I felt was a little hard to follow, but for the most part, I feel like I know all of what happened. Sometimes, I would get characters' names mixed up as well, but that might have just been a me problem.
This one took me longer than most audiobooks to get through despite being a longer audiobook already. For me, I think I was getting burned out on audiobooks so I had to take almost a month off from listening and I ended up picking up a different audiobook when I was about halfway through this one for a change of genre. I don't listen to a ton of fantasy. Usually, I physically read them, so I'm not sure if that's what my problem was or if I was just burned out. Regardless, it was pretty easy to do with this one, so that to me means I wasn't overly excited about it. I felt like I was being pulled in a lot of different directions during the course of the story, like it couldn't settle on which plot it wanted to follow. I feel like it did eventually come together and msde sense, but for a good chunk of the middle, it just was kind of all over the place.
*SLIGHT SPOILER* - also, if I spelled any names wrong I apologize. I listened to the book, not physically read it
I would be interested to see where this one goes and to see what happens with the characters. I feel like the Anarod, Rizz, and Sicarion thruple could be a really fun and banter filled relationship!
The Bloody Key: A Bluebeard Retelling by L.J. Thomas
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
*Thank you LJ Thomas for the copy for an honest review!*
This had me at Bluebeard retelling. As it is a lesser known fairytale, I personally have not seen many retellings, though I have always thought it would be an interesting one to be re-told. Although it is one of the darker fairytales, it is pretty perfect for reading during spooky season!
I enjoyed the style, written as diary entries from our main character, Anne, Bluebeard's own personal writings, and the occasional letter written by Leisl. The pacing was done really well and kept me interested all the way through. There were moments of unease that seeped through the page, and the high stakes towards the end of the story were palpable. It was very well thought out, and just enough detail was given throughout the story. The characters were all interesting, and the relationship between Anne and Leisl was believable and sweet.
I would recommend this one to anyone who enjoys fairytale retellings, a bit of a spook factor, and a bond between two sisters that is unshakable.
This had me at Bluebeard retelling. As it is a lesser known fairytale, I personally have not seen many retellings, though I have always thought it would be an interesting one to be re-told. Although it is one of the darker fairytales, it is pretty perfect for reading during spooky season!
I enjoyed the style, written as diary entries from our main character, Anne, Bluebeard's own personal writings, and the occasional letter written by Leisl. The pacing was done really well and kept me interested all the way through. There were moments of unease that seeped through the page, and the high stakes towards the end of the story were palpable. It was very well thought out, and just enough detail was given throughout the story. The characters were all interesting, and the relationship between Anne and Leisl was believable and sweet.
I would recommend this one to anyone who enjoys fairytale retellings, a bit of a spook factor, and a bond between two sisters that is unshakable.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Blood, and Murder
Minor: Gore and Injury/Injury detail
Between a Flock and a Hard Place by Donna Andrews
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
*Thank you, Macmillan and NetGalley, for the audiobook copy!*
This was such a fun story! I loved the pacing, the odd plot point with the feral turkey flock, and that there were multiple mysteries going on at once. I never really felt particularly attached to any of the characters, but that doesn't mean I don't like them. Honestly, the somewhat mundane feel to the whole story was kind of refreshing in a way, and although I wasn't shocked by the twist of whodunnit, the person wasn't top of my suspect list.
I will definitely be looking into more stories by Donna Andrews! If you're looking for a fun, sort of everyday murder mystery with a flock of turkeys to boot, I highly recommend!
This was such a fun story! I loved the pacing, the odd plot point with the feral turkey flock, and that there were multiple mysteries going on at once. I never really felt particularly attached to any of the characters, but that doesn't mean I don't like them. Honestly, the somewhat mundane feel to the whole story was kind of refreshing in a way, and although I wasn't shocked by the twist of whodunnit, the person wasn't top of my suspect list.
I will definitely be looking into more stories by Donna Andrews! If you're looking for a fun, sort of everyday murder mystery with a flock of turkeys to boot, I highly recommend!
The Wine-Dark Daughter by Damien J. Coluccio
adventurous
dark
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Thank you for the gifted copy!
I have a lot of feelings on this book. It is written well, has a complex world with a lot of different things to keep track of, and is a very interesting depiction of mythology. I did enjoy this story, as I thought the storyline was interesting, I really liked the mini stories sprinkled throughout and the glimpse into the world of the gods.
I don't know if it just wasn't the right time for me personally to read this story or if I had expected something different than what I got, but I found it easy to set down and wasn't as excited to start reading again as I have been with my favorite books. I wanted more action and maybe more interaction with the gods than what was given. There were little things here and there that laid the path for obvious communication with the gods, mainly warnings and unrest, which I really liked. And I really loved the last 45 pages of the story, when I feel like all of the action really happened, and we got to delve a little deeper into the workings of the world. I was really interested in Cosmas as a character, as I have a theory revolving around him, but I wasn't in love with any of the characters. I think if I were to read this again, which I might in the future, I would enjoy it more knowing more of what I was about to get into.
I would be interested to see where the story goes and how things will unfold. I feel like there is a lot of groundwork done to really make this more of a fantastical story, and I would love to see how the characters develop.
I have a lot of feelings on this book. It is written well, has a complex world with a lot of different things to keep track of, and is a very interesting depiction of mythology. I did enjoy this story, as I thought the storyline was interesting, I really liked the mini stories sprinkled throughout and the glimpse into the world of the gods.
I don't know if it just wasn't the right time for me personally to read this story or if I had expected something different than what I got, but I found it easy to set down and wasn't as excited to start reading again as I have been with my favorite books. I wanted more action and maybe more interaction with the gods than what was given. There were little things here and there that laid the path for obvious communication with the gods, mainly warnings and unrest, which I really liked. And I really loved the last 45 pages of the story, when I feel like all of the action really happened, and we got to delve a little deeper into the workings of the world. I was really interested in Cosmas as a character, as I have a theory revolving around him, but I wasn't in love with any of the characters. I think if I were to read this again, which I might in the future, I would enjoy it more knowing more of what I was about to get into.
I would be interested to see where the story goes and how things will unfold. I feel like there is a lot of groundwork done to really make this more of a fantastical story, and I would love to see how the characters develop.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Vomit and Kidnapping
Red River Road by Anna Downes
adventurous
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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
3.5
**Thank you to Macmillan for the audiobook copy!**
Katy has embarked on the same journey her sister did a year ago before going missing to try and find some answers. She is unexpectedly joined by Beth, a woman with secrets and a past she'd like to leave behind. As they retrace Phoebe's route, Beth might be a key part in finding out what happened to Phoebe, but Katy might also be hiding some secrets.
I enjoyed this story - the contemporary themes of a solo woman van-life traveler and the lean into social media for documentation. I liked that both FMCs were not reliable, though it's hard to put your finger on why they feel that way. I knew something was up with both of them, Beth's predicament a little more obvious than Katy's, but I wasn't entirely prepared for everything that unfolded. I like when these types of stories take a turn I didn't foresee, but I felt like it took a long time to get to the turn of events and I was a little bored through the middle of the story. But once it ramped up to 11, I was hooked until I got to the end. I do feel like there wasn't a clear resolution for some of the events that happened, and it might have been nice to know what happened to certain characters.
I would recommend this one to readers who enjoy contemporary themes and thriller aspects, as well as more of a psychological analysis.
Katy has embarked on the same journey her sister did a year ago before going missing to try and find some answers. She is unexpectedly joined by Beth, a woman with secrets and a past she'd like to leave behind. As they retrace Phoebe's route, Beth might be a key part in finding out what happened to Phoebe, but Katy might also be hiding some secrets.
I enjoyed this story - the contemporary themes of a solo woman van-life traveler and the lean into social media for documentation. I liked that both FMCs were not reliable, though it's hard to put your finger on why they feel that way. I knew something was up with both of them, Beth's predicament a little more obvious than Katy's, but I wasn't entirely prepared for everything that unfolded. I like when these types of stories take a turn I didn't foresee, but I felt like it took a long time to get to the turn of events and I was a little bored through the middle of the story. But once it ramped up to 11, I was hooked until I got to the end. I do feel like there wasn't a clear resolution for some of the events that happened, and it might have been nice to know what happened to certain characters.
I would recommend this one to readers who enjoy contemporary themes and thriller aspects, as well as more of a psychological analysis.