3.5 Stars I am not at all familiar with the RPG games but instead I picked up this one because of the author. It starts with the bang and is an easy re3.5 Stars I am not at all familiar with the RPG games but instead I picked up this one because of the author. It starts with the bang and is an easy read despite its length. I liked this one but it wasn't quite as memorable as I hoped it would be....more
3.5 Stars This is a good third and final book in the Semosis trilogy. This is perhaps my favourite entry because I enjoyed the futuristic setting.
With3.5 Stars This is a good third and final book in the Semosis trilogy. This is perhaps my favourite entry because I enjoyed the futuristic setting.
With the time jumps throughout the series, I never get a chance to get attached to character perspectives. I recognize this is fairly common in the science fiction genre that is more about ideas than people.
I appreciated this series and this book, but it's not a personal favourite series of mine. I would still recommend it to readers looking for a modern science fiction book with a more classic narrative.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher....more
4.0 Stars This was a slow paced of historical fiction, which held similarities with Quicksilver. My favourite aspect were the aspects of science infuse4.0 Stars This was a slow paced of historical fiction, which held similarities with Quicksilver. My favourite aspect were the aspects of science infused into the story. I love reading this author as he shares his knowledge. As a book that isn't directly science fiction, I wouldn't necessarily recommend starting with this one but it's definitely worth reading for any dedicated fans of this author....more
2.0 Stars This was a very straightforward action packed fantasy novel. I am usually quite a fan of a strong female character but this one felt like a s2.0 Stars This was a very straightforward action packed fantasy novel. I am usually quite a fan of a strong female character but this one felt like a stereotype rather than a real person.
To be fair, action packed narratives tend to not be my personal favourite. Personally I find strong characters are the most important factor in my fiction. Readers who enjoy non stop action and don't mind cliche characters might get along better than I did.
Overall I found this one shallow and forgettable. It lacked the complexity to make me truely love it.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher....more
4.0 Stars This might be one of my new favourite “Romantasy” novels. The setup was just cute. The two men were so likable. The writing was great, with r4.0 Stars This might be one of my new favourite “Romantasy” novels. The setup was just cute. The two men were so likable. The writing was great, with right balance of nice prose and witty dialogue. Finally, I was pleasantly surprised that this one got hot. I often assume romance is all “fade to black” but this one got steamy.
I would highly recommend to those who love romance fantasy stories, particularly those with a gay angle. This one was so much fun.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher....more
This novel started our slow but quickly grew into a suspenseful read that I didn't want to stop. I'm4.0 Stars Video Review https://youtu.be/y9h_dc_MtCo
This novel started our slow but quickly grew into a suspenseful read that I didn't want to stop. I'm not someone who normally likes haunted house stories but this one worked because the focus really wasn't about this house.
This novel also leans heavily into social commentary and representation for black, queer neurodiverse individuals. The author does not shy away from those aspects but instead weaves them into the narrative. The story was also surprisingly adult with plenty of “adult situations”. I find it refreshing when author's don't sensor themselves.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher....more
3.5 Stars This is an enjoyable space opera mixed with a spy thriller. I found it an interesting blend of the two genres. This one had a strong start an3.5 Stars This is an enjoyable space opera mixed with a spy thriller. I found it an interesting blend of the two genres. This one had a strong start and ticked a lot of boxes that I look for in science fiction. It had a good story, made better by good characters. I liked this one but wanted it to be more memorable. For a futuristic story, I wish it felt more advanced. I was disappointed how grounded in the present it felt.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher....more
This was one of the most intriguing premises I have read in a long time. I love an environmental “cl3.5 Stars Video Review https://youtu.be/ylEjUV5CZi8
This was one of the most intriguing premises I have read in a long time. I love an environmental “cli fi” novel that deals with the phenomenon of keyboard warriors. I love how this story describes a future where people are addicted to virtually saving the world, rather than actually doing it. Sadly it feels very believable and so I found it quote thought provoking.
The downside of this novel is that the execution of the narrative is so messy. It has threads on the cohesive story, but gets overly ambitious and scattered. With better editing, this novel would have been amazing. I still liked it a lot, which is reflected in my rating but it's a shame it fell short of it's five star potential....more
3.0 Stars This is an easy piece of epic fantasy. The characters and worldbuilding are a bit simplic for my tastes. I would this book to be similar to m3.0 Stars This is an easy piece of epic fantasy. The characters and worldbuilding are a bit simplic for my tastes. I would this book to be similar to my experience with their previous series. The story is generally and easy to follow but lacks the complexity and depth that turns a series into a favourite. There is still a lot of potential here so I would continue on with the series.
I would recommend this one to readers looking for a new fantasy series and go in just wanting an straightforward, entertaining read.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher. ....more
3.5 Stars This is a solid start to a new epic fantasy story. It's clear that this author has experience and again offers a solid story.
However my ratin3.5 Stars This is a solid start to a new epic fantasy story. It's clear that this author has experience and again offers a solid story.
However my rating reflects the fact that I personally wasn't overly interested in the story this author was telling. I have enjoyed their backlist title but found this one less compelling despite having several benchmarks of a good novel.
I would recommend this novel to fantasy readers looking for a new series, especially if they are already fans of Anthony Ryan.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher....more
3.5 Stars This was another enjoyable sequel in this rompy space adventure series. I appreciate that while this story has lighter, cute elements, it als3.5 Stars This was another enjoyable sequel in this rompy space adventure series. I appreciate that while this story has lighter, cute elements, it also has a distinct narrative and plot that move forward with each book. Often these kinds of stories suffer from being too episodic but that is not the case here. Instead this one picked up from the events of the second book and moved on from there. I enjoy the characters who are likable. The writing is easy yet polished.
I would recommend this series to fans of cozy science fiction in the vein of The Wayfarer series. You will want to start back at the beginning with You Sexy Thing
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher....more
3.5 Stars The premise of this one was absolutely intriguing. Some aspects of this narrative were compelling while other sections were not. I found this3.5 Stars The premise of this one was absolutely intriguing. Some aspects of this narrative were compelling while other sections were not. I found this uneven in execution which ultimately left me unsatisfied.
There were intriguing parts of this story which is reflected in my rating, but it fell short of my expectations.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher....more
3.5 Stars This was a decent conclusion to the trilogy that started with The Blighted Stars. I found it a touch underwhelming. I liked but didn't love t3.5 Stars This was a decent conclusion to the trilogy that started with The Blighted Stars. I found it a touch underwhelming. I liked but didn't love the first two books so I was hoping this novel would push the series into the favorites.
If you love character driven sci fi, this one may appeal to you. I wasn't personally very attached to the characters which likely held me back from loving this one.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher....more
3.5 Stars This is an easy space opera series. I liked this second book a bit more than the first. This one built off the original book, providing more 3.5 Stars This is an easy space opera series. I liked this second book a bit more than the first. This one built off the original book, providing more character development and story progression.
I would cautiously recommend this one to fans of The Expanse. I don't think the story or character are as strong but it's a similar kind of modern space opera that could appeal to similar readers. If the characters had been more compelling, I would have been more attached to this narrative.
I would recommend this one to readers looking for a new, lesser known space opera to read.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher....more
3.5 Stars This is a solid continuation of the fantasy series story that started with Gods of the Wyrdwood. This is a direct continuation of that book s3.5 Stars This is a solid continuation of the fantasy series story that started with Gods of the Wyrdwood. This is a direct continuation of that book so I encourage readers to go back to the beginning.
I enjoy this series because this author has a talent for making otherwise traditional stories feel fresh. However this series is not a personal favourite. I just never found myself engrossed in the story, despite appreciating it.
I encourage fantasy readers looking to try a lesser known series set in a rich world with well rounded characters.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher....more
This was a very enjoyable new novella but one of the best sci fi authors publishing these days. The 4.0 Stars Video Review https://youtu.be/ylEjUV5CZi8
This was a very enjoyable new novella but one of the best sci fi authors publishing these days. The premise reminded me of Annihilation, but I personally found this one more engaging from a narrative standpoint. I found the story suspenseful and entertaining. The ending was fantastic and really finished the story on a strong note....more
Goddess driven stories can be challenging to write because the author needs to create a powerful cha3.0 Stars Video Review https://youtu.be/OwmDitabVpI
Goddess driven stories can be challenging to write because the author needs to create a powerful character but also a flawed one. I appreciated that the protagonist was morally and complex.
I likesld a lot of elements of this one but would have liked to see more depth from the characters and worldbuilding. The story felt a bit shallow which held me back from truly loving it. I am still interested to read more in this series to see where the author goes from here
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher....more
I really enjoyed The Bone Shard Daughtee, so I was eager to read another book by the same author. Ho3.0 Stars Video Review https://youtu.be/OwmDitabVpI
I really enjoyed The Bone Shard Daughtee, so I was eager to read another book by the same author. However I quickly learned that this one has a different tone and style so fans of one series won't necessarily love the other.
For me, the strength of the Drowning Empire series was the characters and unfortunately I found these characters to be flater in comparison. This story is vast and ambitious and certainly has potential to turn into a compelling series. Yet judging this book alone, this one was not as compelling or memorable as I wanted it to be. I am still interested in this series but this wasn't the home run I expect from this author.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher....more
4.0 Stars This was a really enjoyable dragon heist story. I was pleasantly surprised to find a decent amount of depth to the characters and their under4.0 Stars This was a really enjoyable dragon heist story. I was pleasantly surprised to find a decent amount of depth to the characters and their underlying story.
I've seen this compared to Fourth Wing but since I haven't read that one and I cannot comment if they are similar or not. On its own, I found this to be a really fun story.
I would recommend this to someone looking for a lighter, but worthwhile fantasy story. I have read the entire Chorus of Dragons and felt this had a very similar tone. If you love that series, you will very likely enjoy this book too
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher....more
This was a beautifully written and often haunting story. I have not read Peter Pan (yet) but I very 3.5 Stars Video Review https://youtu.be/MpVgI5x-87A
This was a beautifully written and often haunting story. I have not read Peter Pan (yet) but I very much want to. I imagine that there were details I missed, but I felt it held up well as a standalone.
I was surprised to find that this portal fantasy was very much set in our modern world. References to modern technology like computers felt like a harsh contrast to this other worldly fantasy story.
There was a lot I liked about this one, but it ended up with this particular rating because I found the actual plot thin. It was a dark story, but lacked teeth. Still, I would still recommend this one to readers looking for a Peter Pan retelling.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher....more
Rachel (TheShadesofOrange)
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Books:
2024-sff
(87)
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