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smashmo's reviews
295 reviews
The Willows by Algernon Blackwood
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
I absolutely loved Hollow Places by T Kingfisher and she mentioned this book as her inspiration for that novel so I had to check it out.
There are 2 things here that kept me from rating this book higher. One, I read this on my phone from Hoopla and I detest reading on my phone. Second, since this was written in 1907 the prose is of course different and required me to put in a little more effort to read the story. Both of these combined found me rushing through to reach the end of the tale, and I never felt scared or creeped out.
On a positive note, this has a really good atmosphere and I think if I were to reread it in physical format someday I would enjoy it more.
There are 2 things here that kept me from rating this book higher. One, I read this on my phone from Hoopla and I detest reading on my phone. Second, since this was written in 1907 the prose is of course different and required me to put in a little more effort to read the story. Both of these combined found me rushing through to reach the end of the tale, and I never felt scared or creeped out.
On a positive note, this has a really good atmosphere and I think if I were to reread it in physical format someday I would enjoy it more.
Across the Green Grass Fields by Seanan McGuire
adventurous
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
This wasn't bad, but didn't blow me away either. I enjoyed my time with it but missed that tiny element of danger that usually comes with this series. Instead the ending was a bit anticlimactic.
The Child Thief by Brom
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.5
Not quite what I was expecting. Very dark and bloody but a good time. Wish Peter had been a tad more unlikable/mysterious. Also there's a character who goes crazy but I'm not sure why, it felt thrown in for plot and I wish it was explained better.
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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? Yes
4.0
What a wonderful, short, little feel good novel-so sweet and perfectly cozy! Not a 5 because as much as I like it, I'm not sure I'll want to re-read it anytime soon or if it will really stay in my thoughts/feelings. However, I would definitely read any companion novels or sequels.
PS-Thimble is the best.
PPS- Also the Gnome who plays chess
PS-Thimble is the best.
PPS- Also the Gnome who plays chess
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-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
The disjointed/time skippy writing style and tone were rough, especially at the beginning. I also wanted more discussion on the crappy ethics of what was going on, but overall good story, world, and characters. Sad and heartbreaking.
Silver in the Wood by Emily Tesh
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Read on Audio
A very atmospheric/autumnal read. Loved the setting and lore surrounding the characters and this enchanted and ancient forest. Good characters and a nice little romance as well.
A very atmospheric/autumnal read. Loved the setting and lore surrounding the characters and this enchanted and ancient forest. Good characters and a nice little romance as well.
The Emperor's Soul by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
mysterious
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? Yes
4.5
Read on Audio
I didn't totally understand some aspects of the magic system and I tuned out a little bit at the end during the action scene, but this one was a great short read from Sanderson.
I didn't totally understand some aspects of the magic system and I tuned out a little bit at the end during the action scene, but this one was a great short read from Sanderson.
What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Short, creepy, and fun. Interesting retelling on the Fall of the House of Usher by Poe. The humor wasn't as prominent in this one, and it wasn't as good as The Hollow Places for me, but still enjoyable.
Race the Sands by Sarah Beth Durst
adventurous
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
Read on Audio
I went back and forth on what to rate this one, not sure if it would be 3.5 or 4. There are so many things that are just OK. The writing is fine, the world building was enough to envision a generic desert setting, political machinations were there but not overly complicated. The plot was somewhat predictable but engaging, and while the characters were not flat I had a hard time connecting.
In the end, I still had to rate this one on the higher side. I loved the relationship Tamra has with Reia, and with her own daughter (protect Shallah at all costs!). There were so many little moments (and some big ones) that I enjoyed and small decisions the author made for the story that had me smiling and going "nice!" Also the last 20% of this book was such a fun, fast paced finale!
While this book isn't perfect, far from it, I had a great time. If you're looking for something easy, quick, and entertaining, give this one a shot.
I went back and forth on what to rate this one, not sure if it would be 3.5 or 4. There are so many things that are just OK. The writing is fine, the world building was enough to envision a generic desert setting, political machinations were there but not overly complicated. The plot was somewhat predictable but engaging, and while the characters were not flat I had a hard time connecting.
In the end, I still had to rate this one on the higher side. I loved the relationship Tamra has with Reia, and with her own daughter (protect Shallah at all costs!). There were so many little moments (and some big ones) that I enjoyed and small decisions the author made for the story that had me smiling and going "nice!" Also the last 20% of this book was such a fun, fast paced finale!
While this book isn't perfect, far from it, I had a great time. If you're looking for something easy, quick, and entertaining, give this one a shot.
The Hollow Places by T. Kingfisher
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I had such a fun time with this! For some reason, supernatural horror has just been hitting for me lately, and I go back and fourth between 4 and 4.5 stars for this one. I enjoyed the humor, the characters, the world. I was even properly squirming and had some slight elevated heart race at some points. My only 2 wishes: that we had spent more time in the land with the willows, and that something else had been the source of all the problems.
This is my 2nd book by T. Kingfisher, and I while I didn't love Nettle and Bone, Hollow Places makes me want to read more.
This is my 2nd book by T. Kingfisher, and I while I didn't love Nettle and Bone, Hollow Places makes me want to read more.