kassielovestoread's reviews
400 reviews

What do you get when you put 12 magically blessed individuals, who barely tolerate one another, on a ship completely cut off from the outside world? OH, and there's someone murdering everyone aboard. Oh and every single person on the ship seems equally able and willing to commit murder for the same reason or another: grabbing power during the height of instability. For me, this book gripped my interest from page one and I know exactly why; the author's writing style in combination with an unputdownable plot was so inviting and addicting to read. It secured my attention for the rest of the book, I didn't want this story to ever end! 

Dee, the MC, was one of my favorite aspects from this novel. At first glance, Dee comes across as the reluctantly chosen Blessed from his province, forced to lie his way through the rest of his life. He appeared quite pathetic as well; reading from his POV sometimes felt like watching a car crash happening in slow motion, LOL. Some of his decisions were questionable, but he's such a charming and funny guy, you really can't help but to root for him anyway! However,  as easy going as Dee may try to present, he has a lot going on emotionally. He's traumatized by his abusive father, his relationship to his neighboring Blessed, and Concordia's disgusting history with the former Crabs and lower provinces in general. If all that wasn't enough, he grapples with sducidal thoughts and tendencies and feeling worthless/useless. Imagine that kind of person suddenly in charge of leading a who done it murder investigation! And while Dee certainly had his work cut out for him throughout the story, he achieves the answer (and much more). I loved this character so much; he was complex in the best way possible. He felt so human! Above all, I loved that no matter how much shit life threw at him, he never once became like the upper provinces (ahem: I'm looking at YOU, Ravi) and lost sight of his humanity. He was funny, kind,  and willing to step up to get justice. He extended his compassion and empathy freely, even for the most deranged individuals on that murder cruise. His relationship with Grasshopper was like a warm hug; it sincerely healed something within me. 

I've had this book sitting on my shelf for a while now. I didn't get to it until recently because everything I had heard about this book was so disappointing! I always knew I'd give it a chance anyway, it just kept slipping further and further down my physical TBR list until I finally decided to read it. I'm really glad that I did! This book kept me guessing until the very end. And even though I called who the murderer was early on, I never could've predicted anything else that came after that. This book featured a surprising amount of political intrigue as well; soooo many moving parts and fragile alliances and cutthroat ambition to claim it all- it was deliciously entertaining. It was just a really fantastic book overall. I had so much fun with it and it packed an emotional punch here and there as well. I would definitely recommend this! 

Water Moon was a riveting story whose plot was equally engaging as the world building/magic system. Every single page of this novel was uniquely described; you can tell a lot of care and attention went into every detail featured. Just when you think the world couldn't be more magical or special, the author introduces another layer to dissect and marvel at. This glittering world is both beautiful and alluring, but beneath the surface lies a sinister truth that is closely guarded by the cruel and mysterious forces of the Shiikuin. Enter Keishein; a prospective client or something more? His appearance on the worst day of Hana's life is an unknown factor that completely changes the trajectory of the story. Trust me when I say that when the truth is finally revealed, it will leave your jaw hanging. 

Everyone who equated this story to a Studio Ghibli film was absolutely correct. The author paints such vivid scenes in your head, it felt like watching a movie the entire time. I adored the romance between Keishen and Hana; I rooted for them the entire time. I underlined way too much in this book and it's all the author's fault for writing such memorable and impactful scenes, lol. Similarly to Studio Ghibli films, this book also packs an emotional punch. I felt the tightness in my throat trying (and eventually failing) to hold back tears as this book reached its conclusion.

I think on the surface one could describe this as a cozy fantasy. I can see why, but I'd ultimately challenge that assertion. While the magic is certainly dream-like and incredibly whimsical, this book touches on a lot of themes that cut to the quick. Parental abandonment, parental death, depression, feelings of unworthiness/alienation, grief, regret...etc. Not to mention that the stakes in this book are quite high; Keishein and Hana are quite literally running for their lives trying to save her father. There are tender moments aplenty in this novel, but they are brief moments that the characters have while fighting for their lives. All this to say that I, of course, recommend this book; I just wanted to share my thoughts on the genre classification. 

Finally, I will say that there were a few things that stopped this from being a perfect 5 star read. Some of the scenes were transitioned abruptly and therefore came across as awkward. Sometimes the scenes would end on a really interesting conversation and I know that it breaks because obviously it's over, but too many times I wanted to see how it would play out! In addition, I think some of the biggest reveals in this book were stated a little too bluntly. The impact was not as great as it could've been if it were delivered a little better. 

This was a wonderful book; I fear it was just wasted on me. The characters were extremely likable and I instantly believed in their connection, despite their differences in personal circumstances and their messy professional/academic ties to one another. Mickey's chronic condition is the same one my best friend has, so I especially empathized with her with her flare ups and figuring out how to afford her medication. Diego's character arc was also equally challenging; he's navigating the loss of his wife and mother and through the haze of grief he is hesitant to accept anything new. You can tell he tries and the effort was not wasted! I appreciated his brutal honesty and admired his growth. 

I think my favorite part about this novel was how the author approached the topic of Lucia, Diego's deceased wife, with Mickey and Diego's growing relationship. I don't think I can recall a healthier example of what to do when the man you love is actively grieving a spouse! Mickey listens with her whole heart whenever Diego talks about Lucia. In fact, she encourages him to talk about her whenever possible. He shares his wife's recipes with Mickey and she turns them into the most beautiful gesture I've ever read. I never felt that at any point Mickey felt she was in competition with Lucia or that her lingering memory could cause a significant issue in their relationship. And I can honestly say that I most definitely learned something from that. I think I will recall with vivid clarity should I ever be in the same position as Mickey to approach with grace, emotional maturity, and empathy. 

So all in all, this book had all the makings to be a favorite of mine! However, I struggled to get through this. This is all me, not on the book. For the first 50%, I was sat; I was truly invested in the story. And while I wouldn't consider this book to be long (it's actually a perfect page length, otherwise), I feel like it did drag after the characters finally get together. For me, if the book spent x number of pages creating the tension or yearning for the characters to be together, I can happily sit through it! But once they're together, I'm like "ok! that was cute, but it's really time for this to be over." I think I feel this way because in this genre specifically, the whole plot is basically just how the characters get together. After, it's less plot and more developing the connection and testing to see how the characters will react with an upcoming fight, which inevitably leads to a brief breakup. It's at that point where I checked out, I lost the interest and the motivation to pick up the book again to finish. What finally got me to finish it was wanting desperately to move on to something else. I think the next time I want to read this genre it needs to be a short-story or at the very least a novel with less than 300 pages. Again, not the book's fault, that's all me! 

I would still recommend this book, especially to all the contemporary romance girlies out there. This is a heartfelt novel with really good spice that I think should be on everyone's TBR. 

What a heart-pounding ending to this trilogy! I'm sitting here typing this review up while also furiously wiping at my eyes and nose because the tears seemed never ending, LOL. But that's how you know this series, this wonderful ever expansive completely heartbreaking, series was truly impactful.

There were so many expectations I had going into the conclusion of this series. I knew there was a lot the author was holding back on throughout the books, waiting for the perfect moment for unexpected pov's to intersect to either harmonize or clash. A lot of moments where I threw my hands up and said "YESSSSS!" A lot of reunions, revenge to enact, and full circle moments for my favorite characters. This book was by far my favorite of three, though the other ones were excellent as well! I think what stopped Black Sun and Fevered Star from being 5 star reads for me was that I wasn't fully gripped by the story, you know? I couldn't say why exactly; I think maybe I wasn't as fully impacted or engrossed in the stories as I was with this book. I think with Mirrored Heavens there was so much anticipation for the final showdowns and the long awaited reunions between characters that when it finally happened, it was supremely satisfying to read! Time would go by without me noticing it, suddenly it's several hours later and I've read dozens of pages. That's the feeling I always want from a book and I got exactly that from Mirrored Heavens. 

Now, about the last few chapters. Six years after Serapio's death and Tova is completely different from where it was with the fall of the Godly avatars. Xiala is Queen of the Teek and she gave birth to SERAPIO'S SON!!!!! UGH, like you don't even understand, that was the exact healing balm I needed after Xiala had to expel the Crow God from her true love. That scene hurt to read!!! And it's Iktan who delivers the news to Xiala that Serapio livessssssss, oh I couldn't handle it. Ugly crying of happiness like you wouldn't believe! However, I'm a little salty that Nara is still encased in her tomb and sleeps an endless sleep. Is there any hope for her? For Iktan's sake, I hope so. I doubt there is a reality, fictional or otherwise, that Iktan would go on living having to survive Nara's death twice in one lifetime. But will Nara ever awake? I would have loved to see that :( Maybe a chapter with another significant time jump as Iktan continues xe's travels around the world, looking for the clue to save xir's beloved. I'm going to have to conjure one up in my head to satisfy it.

I feel both sad and complete after finishing this series; I didn't want it to end!! It truly was one of the most unique and adventurous stories I've ever read. There is something for everyone in this trilogy: romance, political intrigue, an epic magic system, exploration of heartbreak, betrayal, what it means to be family/friendship, a really fantastic, well rounded cast of characters, and a stunning queer normative world. Don't skip out on this series, read it ASAP! You won't regret it. 

Fevered Star was the stunning follow up to Black Sun and it was just as adventurous and brimming with political intrigue as the first. The city of Tova tips more and more towards chaos and certain death with the Sun Priest and the Crow God battling each other for dominiance. There were many plot points that were carefully introduced and played out quite nicely. A lot of it you could see how it would eventually end, it was more about the journey of how it all gets so messy and the impact of the inevitable showdown between all the characters. 

This book did not suffer middle book syndrome, thank the Heavens! It starts off right where book 1 leaves and it was an equally interesting and entertaining story, similarly to the first book. The same cast of characters were present in this story and their POV's intertwine in a way that was highly anticipated. I question some of the character's ambitions, however! Particularly Iktan. What was the goal in all that treachery? What did it gain you in the end? Maybe there's a lesson to be learned there, whether Iktan can make it right in the end is all up to xir. I think we can expect much more in the concluding book. 

I really liked the ending. I didn't expect it! I was thinking a final battle was imminent and only one could win, something else entirely happens instead. Which I think will make for a very riveting plot point in book 3. The tides have most definitely shifted, it is no longer Crow God versus Sun Priest. Rather, an incredibly unlikely alliance versus the cruel, selfish wealthy who wish to reign over Tova to presumably continue to enrich themselves off the labor of the oppressed. Like I said, riveting! 

Black Sun was an adventure! The author paints a vivid world filled with old and new magic warring against one another and simmering beneath it all, dark magic practiced by a few. The cast of characters were incredibly diverse and interesting to read about! I feel like we barely scratched the surface with these characters, especially Xiala. There's so much more to learn about them and I'm glad the author left me wanting more from them! The perspectives were all very different and I kept wondering, what exactly do each of these people have to do with the overall story? It all comes together eventually of course; the book is set up so that the reader anticipates all of the paths crashing together on the day of Convergence. My best advice is to pay attention to the dates at the beginning of each chapter! This story does not flow the traditional way, it jumps from past/present/future throughout the entire novel. 

The political intrigue featured in Black Sun was fascinating. There are clans within the city of Tova battling for leadership, all the while ignoring their true duties to the people. The Sun Priest is facing nonstop backlash from the citizens and her own dedicants/priests. She's barely hanging on to power! There's a wayward captain of a largely unknown but equal parts enchanting ancestry who's tasked with delivering the potential rebirth of a God to Tova before Convergence. With all that being said, that is literally 1/10th of the politics brimming in this story! I can't imagine how much more will come in books 2 and 3, but I can infer that there will be a lot more to come. 

So all in all, this book was very entertaining! I think this was a solid start to an epic fantasy trilogy. I'm definitely eager to read more. I hope that the rest of the series has even higher stakes for our characters and the fragile fabric of reality that they're holding on too. I also hope that the pacing of the story picks up so it can have me a little on the edge of my seat. Here's hoping for a good time in book 2! 

In a few words, this book was profound. The bare bones of this story was nothing new to me; I make it a habit to pay attention to the many injustices marginalized communities face everyday. I also make it a habit of listening to the many atrocities committed against those same communities from history. I consume diverse media as often as possible and as a result, I consider myself to be a knowledgeable and empathetic human being. This story can be stripped of its fictious characters identities and magical elements and what you would be left with is a 1 to 1 ratio of what any group of people have gone through or are currently going through. That is precisely the point of this story, I want to emphasize that. I don't know how any person can read this and not immediately draw the book's themes and morals to what is occurring in the world today.

I think the most poignant aspect of this novel was the exploration of Sciona's character. She is the literal antithesis against Thomil and through her perspective the reader gets an intimate understanding of the Highmage- in all of its ugly glory. Sciona lives in Tiran, a self-proclaimed "God's Haven" that relies on the exploitation of the very people they look down upon- the Kwen. In the same breath, the "bible" of Tiran refers to women as emotional beings, incapable of anything other than serving men, God, and rearing children. It's a deeply sexist society, extremely on the nose, comically so. And yet, with that glass ceiling preventing Sciona and other Tiranishwomen from succeeding to the same lengths as their fathers and brothers, Sciona is the most judgmental, egotistical, insufferably privileged, epitome of white feminism character I have ever met. There were multiple scenes where she would experience the most vilest form of sexual harassment and workplace hostility from her male counterparts and in the same instance, would say the most horrific shit about Thomil and his community. How can someone be so close to the point and still miss it entirely?? You would think she would understand on her own that in her haste to prove to her oppressors how worthy she is of her station, she's operating on the idea that Tiran's society is one that can be changed with delicate elbow shoving and a healthy dose of girl power. It was frustrating! And I thought this was going to be the tone for the rest of the novel. I was very wrong about that. Eventually, the truth and the facts willed out and not even Tiran's #1 fan could ignore the severity of the crimes committed by the Highmages. Despite her many faults, Sciona did not sit on this information or file it away like many others. She acted on it (not the greatest of plans, but I digress) and changed the fabric of Tiran and the rest of the world forevermore. 

Did she do it all to finally cement her place in history, or to create some semblance of justice for the Kwen? Honestly, I'm of the opinion it was both. Do her final actions spare her of the judgement she is sure to receive in the afterlife? I don't think so. Sciona knows that it'll never be enough, there is a comfort in the thought that she's going to hell, but at least she'll take every complicit soul with her. What I liked was that the author didn't pull her punches with Sciona's fate. I think the author knew to attempt to absolve Sciona of her and her societies wrongs with this final act would be disrespectful to the reader, to Thomil, and the overall structure of the story. The only people who can give forgiveness is the Kwen and they're too busy fleeing Tiran, braving the elements and Blight because the uncertainty of true freedom on the outside is far more appealing than the certainty of a life in Tiran, to give consolation to their oppressors. Like I said, that was the most poignant aspect of this book for me. I think I could write an entire think piece on this subject alone, LOL. 

I think this book should absolutely be required reading. It includes the subjects of colonization, theft of culture, deception, mass murder of indigenous people, religious manipulation/assimilation, racism, sexism, classism with the depth and comprehension deserving of these crimes against humanity. I feel like a lot of fantasy novels attempt the same personal impact that this book exceptionally delivers on with much less sincerity in its overall message. Blood Over Bright Haven is a story that will stick with me for a long time, deservedly so! 

Oh this book dug into me like no other. I am literally wiping the tears from my eyes as I write this. This was such an emotional read; I resonated with so much from this book. I highlighted a ton of passages because they spoke to me as a woman, as the eldest daughter in a Hispanic household, and as a person who can empathize generally with others. The author explored so many themes within the 53 pages of this book and it all flowed beautifully and heartbreaking. I would love nothing more for my own mother to read this but that's a fight for another day, LOL. 

Oh, I just loved this duology. I think I'll think about these characters and this heart racing plot forever! And if it wasn't said enough times already, this series is perfectly hyped and it should absolutely be required reading for fantasy and romance lovers alike!

I was nervous going into this book--I didn't want middle book syndrome to hit in the finale where everything needed tying up. I'll be honest: I didn't know where the author was going when introducing multiple pov's, in particular, Elm. It's not that I didn't care for him per say... I understood his ambitions well enough in book 1. But there was something about him that left a bad taste in my mouth regardless. I think it's safe to say most people felt that way too and I feel like that was by design. Because the character development and attention to Elm in this book was the perfect cure to my, and hopefully others,  worries. His perspective lent the reader a close glimpse at the trauma he carries from his equally abusive father and older brother. It was heartbreaking but also deeply reflective; I don't think I could've understood Elm's mannerisms or his surly moods without knowing in detail how he survived his childhood. I came to really appreciate Elm's perspective, even if it interrupted some of the most "wait, what just happened?!" moments in the book, LOL! I loved reading about the blooming love between him and Ione. At first I thought it was a bit forced but I gave it a chance and I realized how perfectly tailored they were to one another.

As for my favorite pairing, Elspeth and the Nightmare, I cried like a baby during the last leg of this book. It was truly like seeing a father and daughter separate for the final time </3 It was inevitable so it wasn't a shock at all, it was just truly something to be able to read about their extremely complicated relationship. You start out with the premise of the Nightmare being a plague upon Elspeth, something to be rid of. But then you start to root for this unlikely duo to succeed at all costs! It was quite the rollercoaster! I'm just glad he's finally at rest knowing Blunder is free from Rowan tryanny and the Mist. Hopefully he can make up for lost time with his children and wife, across the Veil.

The ending of this book was supremely satisfying in every way. I have very little complaints about this series! The epilogue ends in such a hopeful and beautiful way, supremely different to the beginning of One Dark Window (which is obviously the point, but still!). I can't wait for whatever else Rachel Gilling has in store for us! 

Whenever a book is this hyped I'm always apprehensive towards it because are you objectively good or subjectively good? I've heard enough great things to want to try this book out anyway, but the question was definitely valid to be asked! Regardless of my initial wariness, I'm here to say that One Dark Window was phenomenal! 

The beginning is super confusing in the best way possible. I was struggling to piece together the world and its politics and cast of characters and I had the best time doing it. The writing style is incredibly seductive- I wanted to know everything about anything the further I got into the story. And the magic system was truly unique. With all the fantasy books out there you'd think authors would've ran out of ways to concoct new magic systems by now, but this book exemplifies that unique magic systems are still out there just waiting to be discovered by reader and author. 

The plot was well executed and I understood perfectly how high the stakes were. I felt urgency on behalf of our characters too! Time was running out to unite the Cards and rid Blunder of the Mist, but there were a great many outside forces delaying our unlikely heroes from finishing their goal. It was interesting and engaging! The romance was good, it's nothing I hadn't read before so it wasn't pushing the needle. It was entertaining and I can't wait to see what happens in Book 2!