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2175 reviews
Initiate's Trial by Janny Wurts
2.5
Annnd the momentum gained by the last book has disappeared.
I was literally so confused at the start of the book and I had to check I hadn’t skipped a book. This was not helped by a massive time jump of 200 years and also a major spoiler point which I won’t divulge.
I just felt cheated. All this building of characters was annihilated in the last book and this one. I also felt numerous character actions felt out of sorts which is strange because that was one of my top praises for Wurts.
The ending was pretty satisfying, but I remained frustrated throughout and I feel extremely annoyed by the way the plot has gone.
I was literally so confused at the start of the book and I had to check I hadn’t skipped a book. This was not helped by a massive time jump of 200 years and also a major spoiler point which I won’t divulge.
I just felt cheated. All this building of characters was annihilated in the last book and this one. I also felt numerous character actions felt out of sorts which is strange because that was one of my top praises for Wurts.
The ending was pretty satisfying, but I remained frustrated throughout and I feel extremely annoyed by the way the plot has gone.
You Should Be So Lucky by Cat Sebastian
2.25
I’m sorry, but this was not for me. YAWN!🫣
I can’t say I really liked either romantic interest, there was barely any ‘sports’ in this sports romance, and NOTHING happened! In 400 pages!!!
1960s, baseball player Eddie isn’t having a great season. Mark is a newspaper reporter sent to get an intimate story about Eddie.
Mark has vowed that he won’t be someone’s secret and Eddie can’t be out as a professional athlete.
Grumpy / sunshine. Experienced / newbie. Cheesy.
It just became repetitive, nothing was surprising, and the secondary characters felt random and forced in.
I think we could have leaned into the queer community of New York in the 60s which was lacking apart from a few bars.
Also, why are characters constantly referred to by their full names? Even in the second half of the book? Sign of the times?
I was also not a fan of the audiobook narrator. Every character sounded exasperated and dry.
Kinda disappointed… my niche of TikTok let me down :((
I can’t say I really liked either romantic interest, there was barely any ‘sports’ in this sports romance, and NOTHING happened! In 400 pages!!!
1960s, baseball player Eddie isn’t having a great season. Mark is a newspaper reporter sent to get an intimate story about Eddie.
Mark has vowed that he won’t be someone’s secret and Eddie can’t be out as a professional athlete.
Grumpy / sunshine. Experienced / newbie. Cheesy.
It just became repetitive, nothing was surprising, and the secondary characters felt random and forced in.
I think we could have leaned into the queer community of New York in the 60s which was lacking apart from a few bars.
Also, why are characters constantly referred to by their full names? Even in the second half of the book? Sign of the times?
I was also not a fan of the audiobook narrator. Every character sounded exasperated and dry.
Kinda disappointed… my niche of TikTok let me down :((
All That We See or Seem by Ken Liu
4.0
If you have been following me for any amount of time, you will know Ken Liu is a favourite author.
This book just proves to me he can pull off any genre.
At 14, Julia became infamous as the ‘orphan hacker’, a teenage prodigy. She is desperately trying to leave that life behind when a frantic lawyer begs her to find his wife (a celebrity artist who uses AI to craft dreams) who has been kidnapped by a criminal syndicate.
Julia craves anonymity, she isn’t good with people, but she cares so much. Liu is the BEST at showing not telling and he can give you an intimate picture of every character - even those not featured presently, the villains, the past.
<b>Very few artists can resist for long the relentless pressure to move from having fun to having an audience, to go from being validated by one’s own childlike wonder to craving the attention of others: awards, fame, money. There is so little certainty in art, so few ways to concretely judge where you are, that the hunger for approval, for the magic that comes from having sold, from being desired by many, becomes the polestar by which all steer.
</b>
This is a scary potential future where AI is everywhere, runs most aspects of daily life. How do we adapt? What trends take over, are shunned? What does privacy look like when so much data is collected every second everywhere? How does someone date, connect, trust?
This also had such an important messaging about artists. Very relevant right now as we see AI replacing more and more human labour.
<b>Whether you viewed it as a way for artists to expand their presence—a natural extension of the way Rodin and da Vinci used apprentices to execute more work than they could do personally—or as the ultimate cheapening and devaluation of human craft, egolets were already a big part of the modern business of art.
</b>
I did find the pacing weird as the climax seemed to occur at the 65% point and then the tone changed which felt quite jarring. The story managed to get darker.
I also occasionally experienced confusion about the focalisation which jumps from first person to third person, as well as person to person. It did create a more intimate experience of the entire story’s arc, but did sometimes pull me out.
Overall, a compelling, character-study thriller that makes you think and takes a very dark turn at the end. If you have read Liu’s short story collections, you might be more accustomed to this style.
Ultimately, this book is about belonging. Craving it, feeling alienated by it, fearing it.
Arc gifted by Head of Zeus.
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
How many times can a character say “I’m very sorry”?!
Overall, this was an enjoyable thriller. It kept me engaged and excited. Yes, there are a few unbelievable plot holes and yes, the ending felt too perfect and easy, but I never found myself wishing I had picked something else up - I was lowkey addicted.
An ex-convict, Millie is relieved to find a job requiring a love-in make. Yes, it seems too perfect and then her employer Nina seems a bit deranged, growing crazier as the story progresses. Oh, and her husband is drop dead gorgeous and kind, trying to help Millie deal with Nina’s mood swings.
The plot twists I saw coming. I think if you’ve read a few thrillers (Verity, Gone Girl, Pretty Girls, You Killed Me First), it is pretty easy to spot. Saying that, I still enjoyed the ride.
Big HMMMM? for me was the fact that Millie could change the lockscreen settings without having to reenter the password.
Also, is it gruesome of me to want the ending stretched out more? I think the descriptions could have been waaay more horrific. Maybe that is the dark thriller, fantasy, horror in me speaking.
It has convinced me to read (listen) to more books my McFadden, but probably not more in this series as I think you can only do the same set up so many times.
Overall, this was an enjoyable thriller. It kept me engaged and excited. Yes, there are a few unbelievable plot holes and yes, the ending felt too perfect and easy, but I never found myself wishing I had picked something else up - I was lowkey addicted.
An ex-convict, Millie is relieved to find a job requiring a love-in make. Yes, it seems too perfect and then her employer Nina seems a bit deranged, growing crazier as the story progresses. Oh, and her husband is drop dead gorgeous and kind, trying to help Millie deal with Nina’s mood swings.
The plot twists I saw coming. I think if you’ve read a few thrillers (Verity, Gone Girl, Pretty Girls, You Killed Me First), it is pretty easy to spot. Saying that, I still enjoyed the ride.
Big HMMMM? for me was the fact that Millie could change the lockscreen settings without having to reenter the password.
Also, is it gruesome of me to want the ending stretched out more? I think the descriptions could have been waaay more horrific. Maybe that is the dark thriller, fantasy, horror in me speaking.
It has convinced me to read (listen) to more books my McFadden, but probably not more in this series as I think you can only do the same set up so many times.
Stormed Fortress by Janny Wurts
3.75
After a lot of threes and even a two, we are back to a four star rating!
In every prior review, I complained about the ridiculously slow start. This one was explosive and kept the book exciting mostly throughout (if you ignore the over elaborate prose and exposition).
<b>‘Does vengeance or blame ease the sorrow of heart-ache? We all make mistakes. Life can’t be lived without harm to others. Worst of all, I have seen Jieret’s path was self-chosen. That sting was the hardest trial to bear. We can’t buy self-forgiveness. Can’t pay for redress through our sorry penchant for guilt-fed lament and self-punishment. I would have you set free,’ said Arithon Teir’s’Ffalenn, ‘since the man you support with such steadfast care is none else but birth kin, and my brother.’
</b>
The curse of Desh-thiere is wakened, driving Lysaer and the Alliance of Light to target the s’Brydion as Arithon’s collaborator. War is building but Arithon doesn’t want any part in it.
However, Jeynsa s’Valerient goes to Alestron, and extorts the blood oath of protection granted by Arithon at Earl Jieret’s bequest.
I cannot believe that this entire calamity is the result of a teenage girls flighty, misunderstanding actions. Especially having read the ending ugh.
Koriani Prime Matriarch had but to wait for Arithon to take her laid bait, then jerk the puppet strings tight at the opportune moment. Compared to earlier instalments, the order was less present on page.
<b>‘And whose fault is that?’ Teive chuckled. ‘Not mine, wild woman.’ Then he sobered. ‘You know by now that wherever you go, I intend to stick like a lamprey.’
‘Including the teeth,’ declared Feylind, unmoved.</b>
Another very emotional book in terms of characters. I also felt the dialogue back to its witty standards rather than dragging on about the same things.
In every prior review, I complained about the ridiculously slow start. This one was explosive and kept the book exciting mostly throughout (if you ignore the over elaborate prose and exposition).
<b>‘Does vengeance or blame ease the sorrow of heart-ache? We all make mistakes. Life can’t be lived without harm to others. Worst of all, I have seen Jieret’s path was self-chosen. That sting was the hardest trial to bear. We can’t buy self-forgiveness. Can’t pay for redress through our sorry penchant for guilt-fed lament and self-punishment. I would have you set free,’ said Arithon Teir’s’Ffalenn, ‘since the man you support with such steadfast care is none else but birth kin, and my brother.’
</b>
The curse of Desh-thiere is wakened, driving Lysaer and the Alliance of Light to target the s’Brydion as Arithon’s collaborator. War is building but Arithon doesn’t want any part in it.
However, Jeynsa s’Valerient goes to Alestron, and extorts the blood oath of protection granted by Arithon at Earl Jieret’s bequest.
I cannot believe that this entire calamity is the result of a teenage girls flighty, misunderstanding actions. Especially having read the ending ugh.
Koriani Prime Matriarch had but to wait for Arithon to take her laid bait, then jerk the puppet strings tight at the opportune moment. Compared to earlier instalments, the order was less present on page.
<b>‘And whose fault is that?’ Teive chuckled. ‘Not mine, wild woman.’ Then he sobered. ‘You know by now that wherever you go, I intend to stick like a lamprey.’
‘Including the teeth,’ declared Feylind, unmoved.</b>
Another very emotional book in terms of characters. I also felt the dialogue back to its witty standards rather than dragging on about the same things.
All Superheroes Need PR by Elizabeth Stephens
3.0
Action alien romcom in the vein of superman.
Two decades ago, people with powers fell to the Earth and either became heroes or villains.
It falls to PR director Vanessa to rebrand one very broody bad guy into a hero.
First of all, what a RELATABLE main character. As someone who also works a lot with marketing, a lot of people expect me to be really sociable and happy around big groups of people. Not exactly… I love seeing my efforts out there, I love the content, I love meeting with people individually. Put me in a room with a bunch of strangers where I have to make small talk and I would rather be curled up in a corner with a book.
This is like insta everything which is cringy, but hey, sometimes you can overlook it. Especially when dealing with alien hormones.
Roland was a super strong, growly, big, gruff hottie.
Fair warning: there is A LOT of sexy, dirty talk. For me, it was waaay too cringy and not for me. In the ‘good girl’ vein.
There were A LOT of steamy scenes. I had not expected as many as this seemed more sweet and cutesy.
I did want more of the whole PR context as, after the first 25%, this is pretty much chucked out the window in favour of domineering male scenes. Like alpha style.
I can’t say I was a big fan of the conflict or climax, but I loved the premise and Vanessa’s character and growth.
And her large adoptive family were INCREDIBLE.
Finally, the effortless representation?! Immaculate.
Queer. Trans. Ethnicity. Family structures.
Audiobook arc gifted by publisher.
Two decades ago, people with powers fell to the Earth and either became heroes or villains.
It falls to PR director Vanessa to rebrand one very broody bad guy into a hero.
First of all, what a RELATABLE main character. As someone who also works a lot with marketing, a lot of people expect me to be really sociable and happy around big groups of people. Not exactly… I love seeing my efforts out there, I love the content, I love meeting with people individually. Put me in a room with a bunch of strangers where I have to make small talk and I would rather be curled up in a corner with a book.
This is like insta everything which is cringy, but hey, sometimes you can overlook it. Especially when dealing with alien hormones.
Roland was a super strong, growly, big, gruff hottie.
Fair warning: there is A LOT of sexy, dirty talk. For me, it was waaay too cringy and not for me. In the ‘good girl’ vein.
There were A LOT of steamy scenes. I had not expected as many as this seemed more sweet and cutesy.
I did want more of the whole PR context as, after the first 25%, this is pretty much chucked out the window in favour of domineering male scenes. Like alpha style.
I can’t say I was a big fan of the conflict or climax, but I loved the premise and Vanessa’s character and growth.
And her large adoptive family were INCREDIBLE.
Finally, the effortless representation?! Immaculate.
Queer. Trans. Ethnicity. Family structures.
Audiobook arc gifted by publisher.
The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle
3.25
The last unicorn goes on a quest to try and find out where her brethren went. Along the way she meets a magician and a maiden - I mean a failing cheap tricks magician and an older woman who lives in the woods with outlaws.
This was magical and reminded me of The Hobbit meets fairytales.
Beagle has a lyrical way of writing where turns of the phrases shouldn’t make sense but work so well in this context with these characters.
Reading about his writing process after in the Q&A was very enlightening.
<b>Marveling at his own boldness, he said softly, “I would enter your sleep if I could, and guard you there, and slay the thing that hounds you, as I would if it had the courage to face me in fair daylight. But I cannot come in unless you dream of me.”
</b>
This gives major nostalgic vibes with so many plot holes but hey-ho, it really represents metaphors of freedom, purity, greed, love, heroism, aging.
The very very start of the book was my favourite. The latter half was good, but I didn’t enjoy the climax.
This edition also included Two Hearts which sets up for the sequel as well as an interview between the author and his agent/best friend.
<b>”Like a lot of writers, my tombstone should probably read “It seemed like a good idea at the time.”</b>
In <b>Two Hearts</b>, Sooz is a ten year old whose village is being attacked by a griffin, her friends eaten, and she goes to seek help. We see our characters from book one much older with different perceptions on life.
Stardust Family by Aki Poroyama
4.25
Warning: this might make you cry.
I spent ten minutes ranting to my mum about this on the phone (sorry), but it gave me sooo many feelings.
This is funny, sad, beautiful, thought-provoking.
Due to a declining birthdate and increase in child abuse and neglect, the government passes a law that caregiving for children requires a license. To acquire one, potential parents must pass tests, the final stage whereby a child inspector is sent to be part of their possible family and judge them.
The aptitude to be a caregiver has now become the new benchmark for being human. If you fail, you are a pariah: denied benefits, loans, sometimes even jobs.
What happens when someone asks an inspector to purposefully fail them?
<b>KINDNESS THAT IGNORES THE WILL OF WHOM YOU'RE BEING KIND TO CAN SOMETIMES LOOK AN AWFUL LOT LIKE CONCEIT.
</b>
This was so sweet and heartfelt and I really need you to read this.
It will really make you think - especially if you have ever dared to go against the norm, break the mould of being a ‘proper’ member of society.
Yes, I lowkey saw the twist and the ending, yet it was still so satisfying.
Arc gifted by Yen Press.
I spent ten minutes ranting to my mum about this on the phone (sorry), but it gave me sooo many feelings.
This is funny, sad, beautiful, thought-provoking.
Due to a declining birthdate and increase in child abuse and neglect, the government passes a law that caregiving for children requires a license. To acquire one, potential parents must pass tests, the final stage whereby a child inspector is sent to be part of their possible family and judge them.
The aptitude to be a caregiver has now become the new benchmark for being human. If you fail, you are a pariah: denied benefits, loans, sometimes even jobs.
What happens when someone asks an inspector to purposefully fail them?
<b>KINDNESS THAT IGNORES THE WILL OF WHOM YOU'RE BEING KIND TO CAN SOMETIMES LOOK AN AWFUL LOT LIKE CONCEIT.
</b>
This was so sweet and heartfelt and I really need you to read this.
It will really make you think - especially if you have ever dared to go against the norm, break the mould of being a ‘proper’ member of society.
Yes, I lowkey saw the twist and the ending, yet it was still so satisfying.
Arc gifted by Yen Press.
Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
3.0
Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo meets Beach Read.
Predictable, kinda boring, not a lot of chemistry. Please don’t come for me with pitchforks.
This lacked her usual banter, her great relationship dynamics (be that romance, friendship), a satisfying ending.
<b>”𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝘀𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺: 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀, 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵.”
</b>
I love when authors try to expand their horizons and experiment in different genre, but sadly none of these genres are my favourites to start with and I just didn’t feel drawn to the story or characters. The only real character development takes place in the last 6% when Alice is home surrounded by friends and family.
The pacing just didn’t work.
Take this with a grain of salt because I’m not a huge Emily Henry lover. I’ll listen to the audiobooks when they become available through my library, but I have never truly understood the hype.
I also didn’t feel shocked by any of the twists which meant any emotional payoff was predictable and thus negligent.
Did anyone else notice a lot of chortles?
I think if you like Taylor Jenkins Reid, you might like this!
Traitor's Knot by Janny Wurts
3.25
Death cults, fanaticism, moody teenagers.
Honestly, I didn’t even realise I hadn’t written a review for this book as it blended into book six and eight. Yet, it was 602 pages. Yes, one of the shortest in the series, but still chonky!
That is my main complaint about this series. So many pages, yet such a slow pace and repetition.
<b>‘What is our experience, but the reflected truth of our misapprehensions and short-falls? And also the grace of our beauty and strength, and the wise choices that make up our character?’
</b>
Arithon survives the arduous challenge of the maze, achieves mastery over the Mistwraith’s curse, and recovers his mage talent. He takes sanctuary there, under guest welcome of Davien.
I wish we got more of Davien before this because I love his meddling. I want him and Dakar to meet and get more interactions between him and Asandir who has been absent recently.
Lysaer finds out his priests are corrupted and it is unclear just how deeply their claws have been sunk into Tysan’s crown council.
We start to see there may be some hope for Lysaer’s moral character where it doesn’t concern his half-brother.
I’m a series completionist, otherwise I would have dnf’ed a while ago.