Scan barcode
roseleebooks's reviews
227 reviews
Travel Light by Naomi Mitchison
adventurous
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.5
I don't really know how to review this book, it felt very nostalgic and classic as a fantasy with lots of references to lore and mythology especially Norse. The central theme was meaningful, side characters interesting, but I'm still trying to decide how I feel about it all.
Forget Me Not by Julie Soto
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.0
I picked this up after finishing the author's upcoming release because I had a hard time putting that one down and already had this one on my shelf.
Overall I disliked most of the beginning of the book. It kept me reading but the way the FMC treated the MMC made it difficult to like her or find their relationship endearing.
I will say the plot and process of the wedding planning was what kept me reading.
The end was decent and put this back into the category of a book I mostly like.
I appreciate the change in the FMC at the end but wish that less time had been spent detailing the past relationship. It kept me from rooting for them as a couple because it was hard to see whether they had actually had any character growth that resolved the previous issues.
Overall this was somewhat redeemed by the way the plot wrapped up at the end, despite the few issues.
Overall I disliked most of the beginning of the book. It kept me reading but the way the FMC treated the MMC made it difficult to like her or find their relationship endearing.
I will say the plot and process of the wedding planning was what kept me reading.
The end was decent and put this back into the category of a book I mostly like.
Overall this was somewhat redeemed by the way the plot wrapped up at the end, despite the few issues.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Gaslighting
Minor: Death of parent
Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.75
This was a decent read. It is a book featuring Gwen and Alex as rival musicians and had a lot of elements that I enjoyed and some that I didn't.
What I liked: the tension between Alex and Gwen through the beginning of the book was very well written. The pacing kept me from putting the book down. The orchestra setting was fun to read about and the side characters added to the plot and setting.
What I didn't like: the ending of the book seemed very rushed. The resolution all seemed to occur at once and there was a little too much wrapping up of loose plot points within a short number of pages. Everything was a little too easily resolved.
Overall an enjoyable read until the end.
Thank you to Netgalley and Forever publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book ahead of publication.
What I liked: the tension between Alex and Gwen through the beginning of the book was very well written. The pacing kept me from putting the book down. The orchestra setting was fun to read about and the side characters added to the plot and setting.
What I didn't like: the ending of the book seemed very rushed. The resolution all seemed to occur at once and there was a little too much wrapping up of loose plot points within a short number of pages. Everything was a little too easily resolved.
Overall an enjoyable read until the end.
Thank you to Netgalley and Forever publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book ahead of publication.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Gaslighting
Minor: Infidelity
Can't Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne
adventurous
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This book was a wonderful cozy fantasy and exceeded my expectations.
I appreciated that it is a book with a relationship already well established between the main characters, it allowed the plot points to carry the story while also showing the love and caring between Kianthe and Reyna.
The pacing felt consistent and the puns were a lot of fun. I didn't realize at first that there might be a sequel but would like to read more about Reyna and Kianthe's adventures!
Thank you to Netgalley and Tor/Forge for the opportunity to read and review this book ahead of publication.
I appreciated that it is a book with a relationship already well established between the main characters, it allowed the plot points to carry the story while also showing the love and caring between Kianthe and Reyna.
The pacing felt consistent and the puns were a lot of fun. I didn't realize at first that there might be a sequel but would like to read more about Reyna and Kianthe's adventures!
Thank you to Netgalley and Tor/Forge for the opportunity to read and review this book ahead of publication.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Alcohol
The Spirit Bares Its Teeth by Andrew Joseph White
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This book was such an amazing mix of historical horror/fantasy, much more on the horror side of things.
I knew going into this that the book was going to be intense and emotional. It was very well written and the mystery and horror were impossible to stop thinking about. The reflection of what we are seeing in our own world today was chilling.
I was not bothered by the body horror elements but recommend going into the book prepared for it. It is central to understanding the world Silas is in.
I really loved the quieter moments of this book, the friendship and love that several of the characters show toward each other. It provides hope when everything seems hopeless otherwise.
I can't stop thinking about this book. The tension, mystery, and horror were all so well written, and Silas' POV pulls you into his world. I also really appreciated the audiobook narration which pulled me into the story.
I knew going into this that the book was going to be intense and emotional. It was very well written and the mystery and horror were impossible to stop thinking about. The reflection of what we are seeing in our own world today was chilling.
I was not bothered by the body horror elements but recommend going into the book prepared for it. It is central to understanding the world Silas is in.
I really loved the quieter moments of this book, the friendship and love that several of the characters show toward each other. It provides hope when everything seems hopeless otherwise.
I can't stop thinking about this book. The tension, mystery, and horror were all so well written, and Silas' POV pulls you into his world. I also really appreciated the audiobook narration which pulled me into the story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Deadnaming, Death, Domestic abuse, Gore, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Transphobia, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Medical content, Medical trauma, Abortion, Murder, Pregnancy, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Rape, Self harm, Torture, and Suicide attempt
Minor: War
We Are Dying Gods by C.M. Lockhart
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
As the second in series, this book picks up right after the events at the end of book 1. Brandi and the other vessels are now facing new challenges with the expansion of their powers and understanding of their world. There continues to be tension between them but it is secondary to the larger plot.
We watch Brandi grapple with a lot in this book. She is trying to find her own path and fight for those she loves.Her internal struggle helps to further build her as a character. I also appreciated seeing Sarah grow in this book. She is driven by external factors initially but she is gradually becoming more confident and self-assured.
There is a lot of information given to the reader. It was built into conversations and explanations but at times did feel a bit forced. I sometimes struggled to keep up with what was going on. As a sequel it does feel less action packed and more informational.
However, none of this kept me from reading it fairly quickly trying to find out what would happen next.
Overall a decent second installment, I'm looking forward to seeing where things go in the next book.
We watch Brandi grapple with a lot in this book. She is trying to find her own path and fight for those she loves.
There is a lot of information given to the reader. It was built into conversations and explanations but at times did feel a bit forced. I sometimes struggled to keep up with what was going on. As a sequel it does feel less action packed and more informational.
However, none of this kept me from reading it fairly quickly trying to find out what would happen next.
Overall a decent second installment, I'm looking forward to seeing where things go in the next book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Vomit, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
This Is How You Lose the Time War by Max Gladstone, Amal El-Mohtar
adventurous
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
This book was beautiful. I found myself repeatedly looking up references as I listened and read. The timelines referenced and the way in which the story is broken up between the two main characters and their communication with each other made this very difficult to put down. The prose was almost lyrical. I did not expect to be as emotionally attached to the outcome of this story as I was. Very glad that I picked it up!
Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This book was incredible. It introduces a fantasy world where Bright Haven, a city protected by magic, is a refuge from blight. It's founders created a place in which magic and industry thrive, but at what cost?
The characters in this book are incredibly well written. From the beginning Sciona and Thomil are real people, with depth to their characterizations that is incredible. The reader can understand their points of view, can recognize the danger of Sciona's ego and the anger in Thomil's silence and still empathize with them. Their different views on morality and what makes a person "good" were so well written. I'm still thinking about one of their verbal debates.
The pacing of the story is tense and quick but never feels rushed. The way it unfolds makes sense but I was also unable to directly predict what was going to happen. And the ending is impossible to stop thinking about, even now over a day after finishing it.
This is my favorite book of the year so far.
The characters in this book are incredibly well written. From the beginning Sciona and Thomil are real people, with depth to their characterizations that is incredible. The reader can understand their points of view, can recognize the danger of Sciona's ego and the anger in Thomil's silence and still empathize with them. Their different views on morality and what makes a person "good" were so well written. I'm still thinking about one of their verbal debates.
The pacing of the story is tense and quick but never feels rushed. The way it unfolds makes sense but I was also unable to directly predict what was going to happen. And the ending is impossible to stop thinking about, even now over a day after finishing it.
This is my favorite book of the year so far.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Child death, Death, Misogyny, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Xenophobia, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Miscarriage
Masquerade by O.O. Sangoyomi
adventurous
dark
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? It's complicated
4.5
This is a story set in 15th century Africa that focuses on the rise of Òdòdó from blacksmith to bride of the Aláàfin of Yorùbáland. For the most part the plot focused on political and military machinations with detailed world building.
The story begins fairly simply: a tale of a woman trying to grasp the comforts that come with wealth and status, but that slowly grows more complicated as she realizes that what she wants cannot be given to her by someone else. I was impressed by how much tension is infused into the story, it was hard to step away from watching Òdòdó grow in confidence and power. Her struggles and frustrations carried through the page so clearly. It was almost cinematic in how easily I could picture each scene.
I wasn't fully sure what to expect from this as I began it, but was impressed by the characterization, setting, and slow build of tension throughout the book. The writing style seems very direct at first but the complexity grows with the story. The world was immersive and Òdòdó as a main character is extremely compelling.
Thank you to Netgalley and Forge for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to publication.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Confinement, Death, Infertility, Misogyny, Sexual assault, Slavery, Violence, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, War, and Injury/Injury detail
The Last Bloodcarver by Vanessa Le
adventurous
dark
emotional
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? No
4.5
I really liked this book. Nhika is my favorite type of MC, someone doing what they have to to survive, but still holding to certain ideals. Her POV was really great to read.
The plot is part mystery/thriller, part medical drama in a fantasy setting and I am impressed by how well it all worked in this book. Kochin also was a great counter to Nhika. Their relationship does seem to develop and change very quickly, I was wishing there were more interactions between the two of them.
I would love to read another book in this world. The ending was phenomenal and the characters well developed. A great read!
The plot is part mystery/thriller, part medical drama in a fantasy setting and I am impressed by how well it all worked in this book. Kochin also was a great counter to Nhika. Their relationship does seem to develop and change very quickly, I was wishing there were more interactions between the two of them.
I would love to read another book in this world. The ending was phenomenal and the characters well developed. A great read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Child death, Chronic illness, Death, Genocide, Gore, Gun violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Medical content, Trafficking, Grief, Medical trauma, Car accident, Death of parent, Murder, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism