notsamwilson's reviews
61 reviews

Can't Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne

adventurous funny lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

While this book may have been a slow read, it still was a good addition to the cozy fantasy genre. In small part reminiscent of dnd, it solidified the genre as a go to when I need a break from others. I loved the banter and the relationships between characters. I enjoyed how stubborn the two main characters were, but were able to acknowledge it and make efforts to change. The profession they both chose is something I sometimes dream about. And to have a small, close knit community. Which luckily, I do. I am looking forward to the second book.

Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao

emotional informative reflective sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I generally don’t enjoy things with mech suits in them, but this book surprised me. I initially picked it up because it’s loosely based on Empress Wu Zetian. I think I would have enjoyed it even if it wasn’t. The main character showed strength despite her disability and loved who she wanted, even though it wasn’t socially acceptable. The twist at the end was unexpected but has me anxious for the next book. I enjoyed every one of the main characters and their growth.

The Puzzle Box: A Novel by Danielle Trussoni

adventurous informative mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

A suspense filled story that had me guessing what was going to happen next through out the whole book. A book that reminded me why I love thrillers so much and of the Robert Langdon series. I did read this before knowing about the first book, which I now need to get. I loved the Initial D reference (it’s a favorite anime of mine). I’m thankful I had the opportunity to read this; it gave me a look into a culture I’m not familiar with and I enjoyed learning about it.

Soul of the Deep by Natasha Bowen

adventurous emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

A good conclusion to a duology so full of life and color. I enjoyed the extension into West African mythology; more was explained about creatures that weren’t Orisa. The character development with Simi and Kola was satisfying to see as they both came to terms with decisions made in Skin of the Sea and the con consequences of them. This book extended on the strength of the people in West Africa and how much their faith influences them. It makes me want to read more about these cultures. Thankfully, the author but a list in the back of the book for further reading.

Skin of the Sea by Natasha Bowen

adventurous hopeful reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

A world full of life and color. Masterfully built in how it shows the West African deities. I was very easily able to picture every scene and feel the emotions of the gods. This book is a good introduction into the world of the Orisha and their creations. It also shows, even though they are devine, they have wants and feelings just like humans do.

A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen

adventurous emotional sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I hadn’t intended to read this book. But my husband brought it home because he saw the Norse influences on the cover and thought I might enjoy it, being that I am Norse pagan. I’m happy he did bring it home. It was better than I thought it would be. I loved how the concept of being a child of a god was done. This book depicted what I know of Norse history fairly well. The only thing that was slightly off putting was the depiction of one deity in particular. But, it is merely a story. A good story I look forward to continuing. That cliff hanger has me needing more.

Masquerade by O.O. Sangoyomi

adventurous fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I’m not entirely sure how to feel about this book. While I was grateful to get an arc for it, it really was up and down through the whole thing. There was love then a couple chapters later there was dislike for the person that the main character loved. The ending also came out of nowhere. I was very confused the whole time about what the main character’s feelings truly were. It could be that I’m not understanding it because it is not about my culture, but it was hard for me to get through. There were still characters I admired though.

Barbarian Alien by Ruby Dixon

fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

This book was okay. Not much substance. It’s got a very simple plot and fast moving time line. Good for if you’re craving spice, but not for a complex story.

The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn

funny lighthearted reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I’m still not entirely sure how I feel about the series. While I did enjoy seeing the differences between the book and the show, I’m not sure if the book was too slow. And while yes I needed a break from my normal genre, I’m also not sure if period dramas/romances are really my thing. Although I’ll probably finish the series as the seasons of the show come out. Purely for the curiosity of their differences. I know I’ll take my time with this particular series and use it as a fall back when my brain needs a break.

Scarred by Emily McIntire

adventurous tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

A familiar set up to Hooked. The ‘villain’ turns out to not really be the bad guy and gets the girl that he somehow can’t live without. And while we all dream of finding the one person that would burn the world down for us, Sara found hers. While I enjoyed this book, it was a quick read that didn’t bring much deep introspection. But that’s not what it was supposed to be. It was nice to read something I didn’t have to work hard to wrap my brain around.

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Content Warnings

Minor: Abortion