Tag: fantasybooks

The Well of Ascension Review

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Vin, the street urchin who has grown into the most powerful Mistborn in the land, and Elend Venture, the idealistic young nobleman who loves her, must build a healthy new society in the ashes of an empire. Three separate armies attack. As the siege tightens, an ancient legend seems to offer a glimmer of hope. But even if it really exists, no one knows where to find the Well of Ascension or what manner of power it bestows.

The Lies of Locke Lamora Review

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The Thorn of Camorr is said to be an unbeatable swordsman, a master thief, a friend to the poor, a ghost that walks through walls. Slightly built and barely competent with a sword, Locke Lamora is, much to his annoyance, the fabled Thorn. And while Locke does indeed steal from the rich (who else would be worth stealing from?), the poor never see a penny. All of Locke’s gains are strictly for himself and his tight-knit band of thieves: The Gentlemen Bastards. The capricious, colourful underworld of the ancient city of Camorr is the only home they’ve ever known. But now a clandestine war is threatening to tear it apart. Caught up in a murderous game, Locke and his friends are suddenly struggling just to stay alive…

May Wrap Up 2020

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The month started off pretty successful, I have a new 5 stars to the list but sadly in the latter half of the month it started to dwindle.

  • I read 6 books this month.
  • I continued with my challenge by reading 1 ONTD Challenge books, 2 sequels and 1 from my physical TBR.
  • For genre: 2 fantasy, 2 murder mystery and 2 sci-fi books.
  • For age range: 1 middle grade, 3 adult and 2 YA.
  • I read 1 ARC, 3 ebooks and 2 paperbacks.

Coraline by Neil Gaiman (3 stars)

I didn’t review this one despite reading the book in its entirety. This was down to the fact that while I enjoyed it I didn’t have enough strong opinions on this story to warrant a review. I personally preferred the movie over the book.

The Mystery of the Blue Train by Agatha Christie (4 stars)

This was a really nostalgic read despite the fact I had never read it before. Reading Agatha Christie novels just makes me feel like I am on holiday soaking up the sun. This book was a massive improvement over her previous book and was a fun read though I wasn’t so sure on the ending.

The Honjin Murders by Seishi Yokomizo (5 stars and FAVOURITE)

A brilliant 5 stars! I have only read one Japanese novel and 6 volumes of manga so I was super excited to read more fiction by Japanese authors and Yokomizo did not disappoint! I am not sitting and waiting for the next book in this series to be translated and sold in England!

The Last by Hanna Jameson (3 stars)

This book gave me very mixed feelings. Some parts of it I loved and was hooked in straight away and then other elements of the story bored me and made me consider DNFing it. One thing I will say is Jameson knows how to write scenes of panic.

Finale by Stephanie Garber (2 stars)

This was a disappointing ending for what could have been a great trilogy! The writing style and the romance were good but I felt that a lot was either missing or not set up properly for a satisfying ending.

Predator’s Gold by Phillip Reeve (3 stars)

This was a very low 3 stars. Sadly, I don’t think I will continue with this series as I was quite disappointed by this novel. Unnecessary girl on girl hate, a bland protagonist and emphasis on Hester’s ugly appearance to much for my liking.

Finale Review

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It’s been two months since the last Caraval concluded, two months since the Fates have been freed from an enchanted deck of cards, two months since Tella has seen Legend, and two months since Legend claimed the empire’s throne as his own. Now, Legend is preparing for his official coronation and Tella is determined to stop it. She believes her own mother, who still remains in an enchanted sleep, is the rightful heir to the throne.
Meanwhile, Scarlett has started a game of her own. She’s challenged Julian and her former fiancé, Count Nicolas d’Arcy, to a competition where the winner will receive her hand in marriage. Finally, Scarlett feels as if she is in complete control over her life and future. She is unaware that her mother’s past has put her in the greatest danger of all. Caraval is over, but perhaps the greatest game of all has begun―with lives, empires, and hearts all at stake. There are no spectators this time: only those who will win…and those who will lose everything.

April Wrap Up 2020

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A month of ups and downs this time round! I read some all-time favourites and I also DNFed a bit. Let’s get into it!

  • I read 6 books this month.
  • I DNFed 2 books this month.
  • I continued with my challenges and read 1 book for my ONTD challenge, 1 book for my sequel challenge and 5 books were from my Physical TBR from the beginning of the year.
  • In terms of genre I read; 2 classics, 2 fantasy, 1 urban fantasy which was also a murder mystery and 1 contemporary drama/thriller. We had a lot of cross over this month!
  • I read 1 ARC, 4 paperbacks and 1 hardback.
  • 2 books that I read this month were a gift.

The Great Gatsby – F Scott. Fitzgerald (DNF)

I wanted to pick this book up after watching the movie and falling in love with the story. That being said the love stopped at the movie and did not pass over to the book! I found the writing really boring and slow paced and I lost interest very quickly!

The Paris Mysteries – Edgar Allan Poe (DNF)

I normally don’t do reviews of DNFs but this book was an ARC so I must give a review for this book. My main struggle was the writing style. The writing was quite flowery and I couldn’t really grasp what the characters were saying.

The Hod King – Josiah Bancroft (5 stars)

Great worldbuilding, great character development. Bancroft really champions his female characters. I can’t actually believe there is only one book left of this amazing series!!

If We Were Villains – M.L. Rio (5 stars)

A book which is a love letter to Shakespeare! This book is all about relationships and the different dynamics between characters. It was seriously a book I could not put down!

Storm Front – Jim Butcher (2 stars)

Yeah… this was not it. Normally I tend to give 2 stars to books I don’t finish as I tend to not give low ratings but this was it. Had some good elements but the overall sexist vibe just ruined the story for me.

House of Salt and Sorrows – Erin A. Craig (5 stars)

A book which restored my faith in YA fantasy! A dark re-telling of one of my favourite fairy tales, this book had me on the edge of my seat and theorizing the entire way through!