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theblacklodgebookshelf's reviews
540 reviews
The City of Dusk by Tara Sim
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
3.75 stars
I think this is a pretty solid opener and introduction to this world and characters. The first half I really enjoyed – the characters were all really unique and well fleshed out. They had interesting backstories and dynamics with each other as well as with their families. I thought the premise was dark and menacing and I loved the political aspects, as well as the lore behind the world and the 4 gods. The opening page is easily one of the best introductions to a story I’ve read.
For me, where this suffers is in its pacing. This book is long. The second half felt never ending and could have easily been edited down. I’m happy to read a 600+pg book if the content is sharp and relevant but my attention kept getting pulled away.
I will be continuing with the series however as there is huge potential here and hope that the pacing issues resolve themselves!
The Mask of Mirrors by M.A. Carrick
adventurous
mysterious
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? Yes
4.0
I am so confused as to how this series is not more popular?
This was such an excellent start to what is promising to be a truly rich and compelling trilogy.
The Mask of Mirrors is definitely a story to be savoured as the world building can be very dense to start (I listened to the audio and kind of wish I had the physical to refer to as the names and places can blend into each other). But once you get into the ‘meat’ of the story, the many terms/honorifics etc… are well embedded in your knowledge that it doesn’t leave you too confused.
The authors have done such a fantastic job of balancing the character development and the plot simultaneously. One doesn’t really sacrifice for the other at all. I would be really interested to hear about their writing process and how they divide the work between them?
I loved the cast of characters. I think the standout for me so far has to be Vargo (I am desperate to know more about him and his origins, as well as his relationship with Mr Peabody). I thought the Rook was a great character and will certainly give Ren someone to bounce off of as the books continue. This is also set in a queer normative world which makes me so happy to read.
Can’t wait to continue the series – 4 stars
Sing Me to Sleep by Gabi Burton
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
If you are looking for an easy fantasy read or are new to the genre and want something with a simple to follow magic system, this is a great book for you.
I enjoyed the fact that the FMC is almost at war with herself and her siren nature. She feels guilt over the kills she makes, but knows that it isn’t enough to stop her from doing it.
The writing was enjoyable and the pacing was great, but for me it felt like I had read this before?
3 stars
City of Nightmares by Rebecca Schaeffer
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Upon reading the blurb I thought this would be a really interesting read, especially as it had a lot of things I would usually enjoy. Urban fantasy, nightmares & monsters, a dark & gritty underbelly etc… Unfortunately this fell really flat.
Everything felt very….surface level? I didn’t connect with the authors writing at all and I ended up getting so frustrated with the main protagonist I skimmed the last 100 or so pages.
2.5 stars
House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas
challenging
emotional
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
5.0
It was always going to be hard to please everyone in such a die-hard fandom that is SJM fans (I count myself in that). So I understand why some people may have found this book a little underwhelming.
However for myself I actually really enjoyed it. I read this so fast. There was action on every page, reveals in near enough every chapter and I was thoroughly engaged with the plot. I do think that where this offering fails is in its character development. In particular with Bryce and her relationship with Hunt. I also thought that several characters were so underutilised whilst others seemed to have arcs that led to nowhere?
I’m trying really hard not to spoil anything but I think if you have read the authors other series’ you will find this book extremely satisfying, but I am curious as to what direction we will be going in with CC4.
Overall I had a great time with it, but it’s not her best work imo. That being said it’s still 5 stars from me.
That Sik Luv by Jescie Hall
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- 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
I think if you’re looking for something to scratch that dark romance itch this is a great book for that. I did struggle with the religious aspects (not because I’m religious myself, but because I’m not and it I find it gives me the ick). I enjoyed the push/pull dynamic of Aero & Briony but felt that sometimes it tried a bit too hard?
3.5 stars