I really liked the idea of this, and the fantasy world is clever and creative. But the story just didn't work for me. I think part of the problem is tI really liked the idea of this, and the fantasy world is clever and creative. But the story just didn't work for me. I think part of the problem is that it's told in letters. Now I generally really like epistolary novels, but here everyone had exactly the same voice (sort of a pseudo-academic) and it all ended up just feeling stilted....more
Immersive and magical. The Lost Bookshop isn't perfect - it drags a bit in the middle, the transition between time periods is a little wonky,4.5 stars
Immersive and magical. The Lost Bookshop isn't perfect - it drags a bit in the middle, the transition between time periods is a little wonky, and the villain is two-dimensional (probably a sociopath?). But it's the best kind of magical realism - nothing cutsie like some books, but just sweet (and sometimes dark-ish) magic that you wish existed in our world.
TW: domestic violence, forced incarceration in a 1920s mental institution...more
Highly atmospheric, The Ward Witch is a combination of murder mystery, cozy fantasy, and light romance, with a gothic feel. There are unanswered questHighly atmospheric, The Ward Witch is a combination of murder mystery, cozy fantasy, and light romance, with a gothic feel. There are unanswered questions but since it's the first in a series, I suspect we will learn more as the series progresses....more
The concept for this novel is an intriguing one - Ashley is a fake psychic, her brother feeds her information in an eDark, immersive, and suspenseful.
The concept for this novel is an intriguing one - Ashley is a fake psychic, her brother feeds her information in an earpiece when she performs in her public shows. But she isn't actually a fake. Like her grandmother before her, she sees what she calls The Heedful Ones, dark shadowy figures that appear during dangerous or dark times. She just doesn't know what they mean or how to let them help her. And are they helpful or evil?
At its core, this is a mystery with some horror elements. I found it to be much more suspenseful than scary. And that worked for me - I definitely prefer suspense to horror. Williams grabbed me from the beginning, and I was spellbound through to the climactic ending.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own....more
Generally speaking, an okay romantic suspense with lots of paranormal sprinkled throughout. I wasn't a fan of the big info dump at the end or the instGenerally speaking, an okay romantic suspense with lots of paranormal sprinkled throughout. I wasn't a fan of the big info dump at the end or the insta love. Same with some of the various character voices from the narrator....more
I think this is one of those wrong place.... or more correctly wrong time situations. Armstrong's debut novel is now 24 years old and I suspect I woulI think this is one of those wrong place.... or more correctly wrong time situations. Armstrong's debut novel is now 24 years old and I suspect I would've liked it much better had I read it in the 20-oughts or -teens. As it is now, the FMC really got on my nerves. I'm not a big fan of cheating and she cheated on her bf without much of a thought. She came across as an airhead and not at all likeable. I won't be continuing the series, but I'm happy to read Armstrong's more recent works....more
A bit out of my comfort zone, but then I'm generally a fan of fantasy and magic. It felt overly long but that might just be me.
I loved that 3.75 stars
A bit out of my comfort zone, but then I'm generally a fan of fantasy and magic. It felt overly long but that might just be me.
I loved that the MC was over 60, and really enjoyed the interaction between him and his daughter Julia.
But let's talk about the cover. An amateurish cover brings down the expectation of the reader. The illustration looks like it was done by someone's 10th grade child. Do better....more
Ohmygosh! I've been enjoying this series, but it just escalated from very good to amazing.
The mystery is excellent as usual, but it's Mallory's emotiOhmygosh! I've been enjoying this series, but it just escalated from very good to amazing.
The mystery is excellent as usual, but it's Mallory's emotionally charged situation that nearly took my breath away. There will be no spoilers from me, but I will say that I stopped what I was doing so I could listen without any other distractions.
And although not related specifically to Mallory, I do want to say that I loved the Goblin Market. What fun!
Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of the audiobook. My opinions are my own....more
A fun small town paranormal rom-com. I enjoy Jen DeLuca's writing - I can really hear her voice when reading her books.A fun small town paranormal rom-com. I enjoy Jen DeLuca's writing - I can really hear her voice when reading her books....more
A very powerful debut autobiographical novel. But a good editor would've made it better. There was just too much going on and it felt like it3.5 stars
A very powerful debut autobiographical novel. But a good editor would've made it better. There was just too much going on and it felt like it was all over the place. And honestly, the magical realism wasn't needed.
And just a note for something that kept bringing me out of the story: I understand 5-year-old Echo was very smart, but her vocabulary was just OTT in terms of complexity and terms that were or were not in usage at the time. I was constantly saying 'what?' when she said things like unapologetic or Latino....more