Blood Brothers Being by Rob J. Hayes is a novella that manages to contain more than plenty of long novels do.
It is the story of three men, so close thBlood Brothers Being by Rob J. Hayes is a novella that manages to contain more than plenty of long novels do.
It is the story of three men, so close they considered each other brothers. But things happened and life separated them. Now two of them meet after a long time, to carry their dead brother up a mountain, to fulfil his last wish.
This story handles grief and loss in a raw and powerful way. It's both quiet and subtle and yet also deep and profound. I have no idea how, but this book just is so relatable and while I haven't met Asian spirits, it still feels realistic.
I loved how with each page I turned, I learned a little bit of what happened to drive these men apart, and how hard it is to now have lost a brother you never managed to heal the rift with. And now it is too late.
There is action, banter, mythology, spirits, demons and everything to make this a fun and quick read, however the topic of death is also so well handled, it leaves you thinking about it long after you finished reading.
For me it was the perfect balance between introspection and entertainment, and the way up the mountain and through their feelings was as soothing as it was heart breaking. Like that feeling when you have hot water running over your ice cold feet. It stings, but it is a good and relieving pain.
I'm sure I will reread this when life gets hard....more
I'm not usually into retellings, and don't even like original fairytales.
Starting Bryony and Roses by T. Kingfisher I had no idea it was a Beauty and I'm not usually into retellings, and don't even like original fairytales.
Starting Bryony and Roses by T. Kingfisher I had no idea it was a Beauty and the Beast story, I just bought it for the author.
And it was so much fun! I lived the twist, the beauty being a gardener who hates all the pink girly fluff, and the beast being a lot more beastly than Disney.
There's the expected banter and fun, and some wonderfully weird ideas - a real delight....more
Even Though I Knew The End by C.L. Polk was somehow both exactly what I expected, and yet quite different.
It has the great LGBT rep I was looking forEven Though I Knew The End by C.L. Polk was somehow both exactly what I expected, and yet quite different.
It has the great LGBT rep I was looking for, but is a bit darker than I thought from previous books I read by the author.
The story was bittersweet and left me both happy and sad, in the best of ways.
I loved the time period, and while I'm not usually into the religious angels and demons, I can enjoy it when done well. And here I was hooked all the way through. Especially the voice of the MC drew me in right away.
It was a great mix of murder mystery, historical sapphic romance, fantasy / mythology blend and family issues.
I read the whole thing in one go, and was sad when I reached the end. I'd happily have spend more time with these characters!...more
I enjoyed A Promise of Vipers by Steve McHugh more than the previous books on the series. I am starting to get as attached to the characters as I did I enjoyed A Promise of Vipers by Steve McHugh more than the previous books on the series. I am starting to get as attached to the characters as I did with his earlier series, it just took me longer than it did with Nate and his crew.
There is just as much action, fun and cool magic as I'm used to by his books, and the idea behind the riftborn is just super intriguing.
This one ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, which I don't mind, it just makes me want the next book more......more
Christmas Pie by Jodi Taylor is another novella within the Chronicles of St Mary's series. I personally only read the Christmas stories, so I miss a lChristmas Pie by Jodi Taylor is another novella within the Chronicles of St Mary's series. I personally only read the Christmas stories, so I miss a lot of the story between them, which is handled in the novels. I personally don't mind that one bit, I just enjoy a good Christmas fantasy story, and spoilers are no problem for me.
I liked the tone and voice of this, but the idea behind it wasn't as interesting to me as some previous years. Admittedly, at some point your run of the typical Christmas topics, so it will get harder to have ideas for more Christmas novellas.
It was still a lot of fun, and the banter was great, so I was very well entertained, even if finding the best original pie recipe was a bit underwhelming....more
Grave Importance by Vivian Shaw was a lot of fun, like the previous books, but I didn't live it just as much. I absolutely adored how this was pretty Grave Importance by Vivian Shaw was a lot of fun, like the previous books, but I didn't live it just as much. I absolutely adored how this was pretty much not a romance so far, and so I didn't enjoy this angle getting more central in this book. Duvet get me wrong, someone who is looking for paranormal romance will be very disappointed by the amount of romance in here, it's still on the low end of things. I'm just always so happy to read a female lead UF without a romance, so even the little bit was too much for me.
I adored the mummies, the fresh setting, and found the apocalyptic troubles fascinating. Angels, demons, mummies, vampires and screaming skulls? What's not to like about all this.
So while in reviews it less than previous books, it was still super entertaining and fun, and I'll definitely keep an eye out for the author....more
Blue Angel by Phil Williams is the second book in the Ordshaw series.
I still am very much enamored with the sweaty tiny fairy, and I can't get enough Blue Angel by Phil Williams is the second book in the Ordshaw series.
I still am very much enamored with the sweaty tiny fairy, and I can't get enough of female lead urban fantasy, that is not actually a romance!
I enjoyed the first one a tiny bit more, as this book seemed to stall a bit in some aspects, but the banter, humour, action and cool world building still kept me well entertained.
Read for SPFBO, this is only me personal opinion, group verdict might differ widely!
Wolf of Withervale by Joaquín Baldwin, is a fascinating story I reRead for SPFBO, this is only me personal opinion, group verdict might differ widely!
Wolf of Withervale by Joaquín Baldwin, is a fascinating story I read in just a few days.
I liked the main character, and especially enjoyed the banter and loyalty between him and his best friend, and later on now travel companions. I'm always fond of group dynamics that are built on loyalties and trust, rather than unnecessary drama.
A few times the pace of people changing their minds or forming bonds was a bit too quick to feel entirely realistic to me. I might just be a wary person, but I'd not risk my life, and those of everyone there, for random strangers, or just trust random strangers with my life....
I did like how the book handled being different. Be it the main character being gay and decidedly liking bellies, or the racism against people who are outside of overs culture. Humans with fox tails or other such traits sounded very intriguing to me, and definitely enriched the world for me.
I personally could have done with less talk about cocks and how big people are, but I guess it's realistic for a hormonal 18 year old.
The budding romance definitely didn't grab me, but then I dislike 99% of romance, so I shall not detract any stars for that. But despite the clear message of accepting people for who they are, a relationship between said 18 year old, and a wizened "man" who's seen centuries come and go just felt a bit off for me. I mean as long as everyone's happy, that's fine, I just always find a strong imbalance in power or life experience icky personally.
The writing was good enough to not stand out, but really let the story shine. It's not pompous or clunky, but really just does it's job fine.
The world building was intriguing, but could have used some smoothening. There was a bit too much at once in parts, which I'd have preferred more spread out, as to not bog down some scenes, especially in the start.
The ideas, magic, cultures and so on definitely had me hooked, so overall it did work out well....more
Song of night by Jacob Cooper is the second main book in the series. There are shorter works as well, which I enjoyed.
I've definitely left it too longSong of night by Jacob Cooper is the second main book in the series. There are shorter works as well, which I enjoyed.
I've definitely left it too long between books. That's wholly on me, as I usually remember books really well, so don't mind a few years gap between books. Here I had a hard time getting back into the story, even though I really breezed through Circle of Reign and the novella.
There's even a whole "what happened so far" section at the start, but I still didn't really settle back into this world until about the halfway mark. I didn't detract any stars for this, as it's not the books fault, but my actual enjoyment was more around 3,5 stars.
I still adore the world building, the magic, the lore, and the twists and turns! I just lost the connection to the characters somewhat....more
Magicians' Rivalry by H.L. Burke is a quick and easy read. It has some dark(er) bits, but mostly I'd class it as cosy fantasy.
I did enjoy the family bMagicians' Rivalry by H.L. Burke is a quick and easy read. It has some dark(er) bits, but mostly I'd class it as cosy fantasy.
I did enjoy the family bonds and the budding friendship, but felt it was all a bit quick. From never even heard off to best friend should take a little bit longer, even if shared peril does quicken the way. The same goes for old family friction, which just seems to vanish with the snap of a finger. It might be due to the shortness of the book and the quick style, but I just would have wanted these worked out a bit more, as it's one of the major draws of the book.
It was still a very fun and amusing read, don't get me wrong, but with a bit more depth it could easily have been a 5* read for me.
The plot and world building were interesting enough to keep me reading. Some pieces felt a bit too contrived for me, even in fantasy, but in a popcorn style book like this, I don't mind. As long as it's entertaining me, I'm fine.
The hook definitely was in the banter, and humour, and i am looking forward to sequels hopefully bringing that strength out even more!...more
Undying by Steve McHugh is a novella, set within the Hellequin series.
While it can theoretically be read on its own, you'll get the most out of it, ifUndying by Steve McHugh is a novella, set within the Hellequin series.
While it can theoretically be read on its own, you'll get the most out of it, if you read the main series first.
This short and fast paced action story works so well, because all the world building and character development has already been done, and you're ready to just step into the story.
And what a fun little ride it was! I just can't get enough of Remy the sweary foxman, and having a bit of Nate again was a special treat after such a long pause.
I would happily have spent 10 times as many pages with this crew, but the story managed to be satisfying even at that length.
Between Dragons and Their Wrath by Devin Madson is a queer epic fantasy that held me hostage from page one.
I absolutely loved the characters from the Between Dragons and Their Wrath by Devin Madson is a queer epic fantasy that held me hostage from page one.
I absolutely loved the characters from the start, with a women working in a glass blowers workshop, a dragon rider, and a laundry maid with sudden strange plant magic creeping up.
All three of them felt so real, they walked off the page and into the real world, or at least it felt like that to me. Non of them are heroes or villains, they all have their strengths and weaknesses, their virtues and vices.
The world building was equally amazing, with different cultures, politics, drugs enabling speaking to dragons, science, poisons, magic and much more.
The plot was nice and twisty, with betrayals and loyalties as well as plenty of backstabbing, blackmail and spys everywhere. Trust no one, but find allies. Sounds fun right? I know I'd not survive a single week, luckily the characters are way better adjusted than me.
It's definitely an epic fantasy with spicy scenes though, do not expect a romance or romantasy, or you'll be disappointed. The world is queer normative, and there's plenty of m/m and f/f attraction, with a few rather spicy scenes. Especially one of the female characters is rather horny, and keeps getting distracted by pretty bodies.
If you follow my review, you know I usually despise most romance (tropes) and sex scenes in my books, as most of them feel badly written to me. The ones in here I didn't mind, as they didn't follow the annoying tropes, and the sex scenes were straight forward, no "plowing the fields" or exploding beds.
My only tiny niggle is the end being rather abrupt, and so I felt like there should have been a bit more. I seriously can't wait for the next book!...more
Read for SPFBO, this is only my personal opinion, group verdict might differ widely!
By a Silver Thread by Rachel Aaron is a fun and unique urban fantaRead for SPFBO, this is only my personal opinion, group verdict might differ widely!
By a Silver Thread by Rachel Aaron is a fun and unique urban fantasy, and I already can't wait to read the sequels.
The main character is a changeling, but due to blood magic he has long outstayed the typical time they usually are in the human world. I loved the magic and the strengths and weaknesses that come along with it! It felt fresh and different, which is always a treat.
Her wanting to be a normal human, and not a monster is her main agency and goal, and made for a very interesting and engaging character. I simply love the nonhuman characters, who make you wonder what exactly being human means.
There are dark bits, especially as the MC and her best friend are deeply bound by above mentioned blood mage, who is not a good person. Overall however it was more of a fast paced and fun read to me. There's banter and action a plenty, and some of the scenes had me all out snort and giggle.
Some nice twists and turns surprised me, while still feeling like an organic part of the story. Others bits went exactly as expected, which made for a very satisfactory read.
There's a tiny bit of romance in here, but it's definitely more along the lines of Dresden or Verus than it is paranormal romance. This made me really happy, as it's so hard to find female led UF that's not actually PR in a trenchcoat.
I was perfectly entertained, and would highly recommend!...more
Read for SPFBO, this is only my personal opinion, group verdict might differ widely!
By Blood, By Salt by J.L. Odom was a bit of a mixed batch for 3,5*
Read for SPFBO, this is only my personal opinion, group verdict might differ widely!
By Blood, By Salt by J.L. Odom was a bit of a mixed batch for me. I really enjoyed the outsider perspective, with Azetla becoming the leader in an army, despite technically not even being allowed to wear the sword.
The tone and voice were engaging, and I always enjoy the conflict that comes from different cultures clashing! Especially another addition to the cast later on was very intriguing, and a main draw for me.
The world building and cultures are well developed, and gave the book some nice depth.
However, other than Azetla I didn't really form a bond with the characters, and the slow pace started to lose my interest over time. I started really curious, but the farther in I got, the more I found myself drifting off, and having to reread whole sections. Which in the end led me to not really remembering a lot of the plot, just weeks after finishing the book. The start is still strong in my mind, but it gets foggy from the halfway point on.
This obviously doesn't have to be a fault of the book, sometimes book and reader just don't vibe well with each other....more
Thunder Kraken by Dyrk Ashton and David Estes is the second book in the series, and even better than the first!
Be warned, this is very much the typicaThunder Kraken by Dyrk Ashton and David Estes is the second book in the series, and even better than the first!
Be warned, this is very much the typical progression fantasy, with all the tropes those come with, so if you don’t like them, this isn’t for you.
If you however enjoy a good bit of military training, plenty of found family and friendships, an amazing bond between a human and his best friend, who happens to be a kraken, competition between teams, and some good fight and action scenes, this is definitely for you!
I adore how the main character is nice, and while we get the typical bully storyline, it’s not going the way I expected, and doesn’t take center stage like in so many other stories. He’s just a good kid, happy to give others a chance, and kinda assembled a band of “left over” people.
The camaraderie and loyalty that grew between them is a main draw for me. The focus is definitely on being better together, and helping each other out, instead of the often found drama and jealousy. It was simply a joy to read, and I’d love to be part of their team!
As you can see from the quote above, there’s also quite a lot of banter and humour to round the story off.
Yes, he, and especially him and the kraken together are quite OP (over powered), sometimes to a ridiculous amount, but to be honest, I wasn’t bothered by it, despite noticing.
It’s an easy and quick paced read, despite there being quite some world building and technically “slow” bits. As I found those bits interesting, they didn’t feel slow to me. I rather enjoyed learning about the magic, the world and the bond.
My only niggle is the sheer amount of Easter eggs and name cameos from the bookish community. While it is super cool to find myself in the book, it was so many names, and sometimes a lot of them in one scene, it did throw me out of the world at times. I felt more like being in one of the Facebook groups than in a secondary world.
This is a tiny niggle though, outside of that it was simply a whole lot of fun, and I blew through the pages!
I was so surprised when I saw the page count at the end, as I just devoured it in no time at all....more
Herald by Rob J Hayes is the first epic story in a new series. It's a whole series of 3 series, all interconnected, but I was told by the author this Herald by Rob J Hayes is the first epic story in a new series. It's a whole series of 3 series, all interconnected, but I was told by the author this one was the best start. You apparently can read each series on its own, but if you are like me and really want a reading order, start here.
I LOVED this book! It has everything.
* A deep history, and mythology - even more so in the other series as I understand.
* Likeable young characters with a good coming of age story.
* Characters as old as dirt. Maybe older.
* Friendships and betrayals.
* Bad villains who you can still kinda relate to - the best villains there are.
* Characters who surprise you with who they really are. I love it when they feel organic and yet manage to catch me off guard.
* Mysteries, twists and turns.
* Adventure, action and thrilling fight scenes.
* Slow and thought provoking moments.
* Banter and humour for a nice balance.
I was immediately drawn into the story, and really blew through the whole, rather big, book in no time at all, when I didn't even have much time to read or listen.
I can't recommend it highly enough, and can't wait to delve into the others!...more
Drown Deep by Phil Williams is the second book in the Blood Scouts series, and in my eyes even better than the first!
I adored having Wild Wish as the Drown Deep by Phil Williams is the second book in the Blood Scouts series, and in my eyes even better than the first!
I adored having Wild Wish as the central character, and seeing her trying to adjust to where life takes her. From being supposed to be an instructor, to a leader, to whatever will be next - it definitely never gets boring around her. Her tone and voice was just super easy for me to fall in love with.
It must’ve taken a series of huge explosions, and indeed a particularly heartless attacker, to destroy such a grand bridge. “Bloody animals,” Dalliance repeated, shaking his head. Wish agreed, but silently wondered if the Drail had even done it. It was the sort of thing she could imagine herself doing, even if mostly by accident.
There's a tiny bit of romance, but it fits perfectly well with Wild Wish's character, and didn't detract from the story at all. None of the typical romance tropes, and instead more of a "do I even have time for this?" vibe combined with her confusion about her current place in the world overall gave her a whole other angle. It definitely added to her growth and the character arc over all. If I may remind you, I usually detest romance, so if I think it enhances something, it must be a bit special.
It has been a while since I read the first book, but from memory, this sequel is even bloodier than the first, if only a bit. However it also had me chuckling aloud quite often, which led to strange looks coming my way on a plane. So maybe read this in the comfort of your home, if you have social anxiety like me...
Having been given the quick rundown of the Saints Mire’s generally disagreeable territory,with a particular focus on how brutal the bogs were (and it was mostly bogs), she was informed their best hope was to enter the region via boat, through the delightfully named Paradise Fails. Using the waterways of Paradise Fails, they could easily (as if) reach the equally delightfully named priory of Drowndeep (not one with nuns), before striking out across the land where it was possible to drown.
The mix of (dark) humour and gore galore was just immensely entertaining, while the more thought provoking bits gave the book a lot of depth as well.
Combine this with utterly wonderful worldbuilding, and a setting that is nature in its rawest and harshest form, as well as some ancient monasteries, and it's an amazing allrounder. ...more
A Roll of the Dice by Tim Hardie is a short story collection, with stories set in the world of his main series.
It says it can be read as a stand aloneA Roll of the Dice by Tim Hardie is a short story collection, with stories set in the world of his main series.
It says it can be read as a stand alone, like a stapler of the style and tone - I personally think I'd have enjoyed it more after reading at least one of the main books.
Having no idea who anyone is, or the world, it took me too long to settle into the scenes, and when I finally did, it was over.
I did like the tone and voice, so it did help me know that I will like the actual novels, but I was pretty sure about that even before.......more
The Last Shield by Cameron Johnston was exactly my cup of tea!
We have a female, older main character, who is used to being an exceptional fighter, butThe Last Shield by Cameron Johnston was exactly my cup of tea!
We have a female, older main character, who is used to being an exceptional fighter, but then has to struggle with injury.
Her coming to grips with how her whole life and profession changes was a major draw for me. Her character felt like she was written just for me, going on a bout of vengeance, while also trying to rescue her chief and his heir. Never giving up, but being very open to using any trick or cheat available to get her goal, it felt a lot more realistic than so many overly perfect and heroic characters.
There's plenty of banter and fun along the guts and gore, which makes it a very entertaining and satisfying read, from start to finish!...more
The Wishing Stone by Adam Holcombe is the second book about the necromancer grandma Gam Gam and her new ward Mina.
The relationship between these two hThe Wishing Stone by Adam Holcombe is the second book about the necromancer grandma Gam Gam and her new ward Mina.
The relationship between these two has grown even stronger, and I just adore the found family vibes. The humour and love makes this a warm and cosy book, but then there's the necromancy, and the big bad villain, so it's quite dark in places as well.
Cosy-Dark is definitely my latest obsession, and after I found Kingfisher I can't get enough of it. Holcombe absolutely delivers on this craving!
This second book is faster paced and has more stakes and adventure. We meet friends and enemies, old and new, and get into a whole lot of trouble.
The story also delves a little deeper into the characters emotions. So it gives us both more action, but also more introspection and a look on loss and how they deal with it. There's hope, friendship and family to counter balance the hard bits, which works out perfectly for my taste. I have no idea how the author manages to put so much story and character in such a short book, it must be magic....more