Spectacular steam punk machinery and scientifically engineered beast-weapons combine with fun, interesting characters in this pseudo-historical fictioSpectacular steam punk machinery and scientifically engineered beast-weapons combine with fun, interesting characters in this pseudo-historical fiction novel.
The world building alone would be a solid 5/5 stars for me, because it's so creativity and thoughtfully established, flawlessly incorporated, and never felt confusing or overwhelming despite how much of it there is to grasp. I did, however, take a little while to connect with the characters, especially the FMC Deryn. But by the end of the story, I definitely wanted to know what happens to them next!
The main characters are both 15 and it reads as a story written for early-to-mid-teens, which you may find somewhat disappointing if you're looking for upper YA or NA steampunk. It took me a bit to get adjusted to appreciating that, since I'm about a decade past the target audience, but I really enjoyed the story once I did....more
I don't ordinarily read fairytale retellings and didn't get into this book right away, but I found myself thinking about the characters and intrigued I don't ordinarily read fairytale retellings and didn't get into this book right away, but I found myself thinking about the characters and intrigued by the story even when I wasn't reading, and for me that's a sign of good storytelling.
By the first half, I was hooked and finished the book deeply touched by the sweet and unexpected love story, the depth of themes explored, and, of course, I fell head over heels for Oliver.
If you like Snow White's story as it's traditionally told, you'll be surprised by the twists this one takes, but I think you'll enjoy them as much as I did. Malcolm and Oliver will steal your hearts and make you rethink everything you know about Prince Charmings and what true love really means....more
Bex Gil weaves a potent, gripping, and heartfelt tale about finding the strength in kindness, looking past lies you've been taught to believe to find Bex Gil weaves a potent, gripping, and heartfelt tale about finding the strength in kindness, looking past lies you've been taught to believe to find the truth, and falling in love against all odds.
As someone who's never read or watched Korean royalty romance or historical fiction, and never particularly liked the enemies to lovers trope, I wasn't expecting to absolutely LOVE this story as much as I did, but rest assured, I absolutely devoured it.
Protagonists Seojun and Bora won my heart within the first few chapters, and proceeded to make me cheer, cry, and swoon as the story progressed. The plot falls into two parts, the first focusing more on the romance and the second more on the political intrigue of the Joseon court. I really enjoyed this because it allowed me to enjoy Seojun and Bora's relationship longer.
It's hard to explain just how much growth both characters have without spoiling anything... Bora grows from a kind but easily manipulated young woman, into a confident, caring, and wise queen, while Seojun learns to share his heart and hopes with another. Their dynamic was so heartwarming and wholesome. It's clear Bex cares about portraying healthy romances, and that means a lot to me. I also appreciated that Bora is a curvy queen like me!...more
A charming tale full of plot twists and characters worth rooting for!
I enjoyed Cerys and Zion and all the adventures in this unique and interesting woA charming tale full of plot twists and characters worth rooting for!
I enjoyed Cerys and Zion and all the adventures in this unique and interesting world. A lot of original ideas blended with classic myths and fairy tales and plenty of twists and turns to keep the action flowing!
This is a marvelous debut novel teens are sure to enjoy....more
Come for the 2010s college nostalgia, stay for the deeply loving themes.
"Slice of life" seems far too simple a term to describe this masterpiece. The Come for the 2010s college nostalgia, stay for the deeply loving themes.
"Slice of life" seems far too simple a term to describe this masterpiece. The author calls it "a love letter to change," and I can't think of any better way to put it.
Gray Matter may just be a story about "some guy," as Stephen calls himself, but the themes of family love, overcoming hardship, facing change, accepting unexpected disappointments, and the unmistakable IMPACT we can have on each other as humans stays with me to this day.
There is something inexplicably cozy about the story--and it's more than just the early 2010s nostalgia woven throughout; it's the subtly-growing message of being there for the ones you love, and of experiencing their love for you in return, and often when you don't feel you deserve it. The author has an almost uncanny perception into the human experience, one which spins magic from the mundane and invites unexpected introspection.
I challenge you to read this story and not come away with a new perspective on life and love....more
Just as heartwarming and full of surprises as book 1, this sequel did not disappoint! If anything I may have enjoyed it slightly more because of EmilyJust as heartwarming and full of surprises as book 1, this sequel did not disappoint! If anything I may have enjoyed it slightly more because of Emily and Wendell's progressing relationship. I haven't adored a fictional couple this much in ages. ...more
"You have scars, ugly scars, because an ugly, evil thing was done to you. People see the scars. But they see you too, and you aren't the scars. You ar"You have scars, ugly scars, because an ugly, evil thing was done to you. People see the scars. But they see you too, and you aren't the scars. You aren't ugly. You aren't evil. You are Therru and beautiful."
A stellar conclusion to a breathtaking saga.
This one has me on the edge of my seat the whole time, full of mysteries and danger and sage, poetic wisdom. Although Le Gruin's style has changed somewhat in the time since the original Earthsea Trilogy, this story is a close second favorite (A Wizard of Earthsea can't be beat IMO).
I was so happy to read another story about Tenar. As with Tombs of Atuan, the themes of recovery from trauma and abuse were handled gracefully and with a focus on hope beyond the evil unjustly done. Therru's horrible mistreatment and the fierce love and protection with which Tenar guards her are stirring. The story is an ode to motherhood--and by extension, to womanhood.
MILD SPOILER: Speaking of which, I can't express just how overjoyed I was to see Ged and Tenar together again and to finally watch their friendship blossom into more....more
**spoiler alert** "My Lord, do nothing because it is righteous, or praiseworthy, or noble, to do so; do nothing because it seems good to do so; so onl**spoiler alert** "My Lord, do nothing because it is righteous, or praiseworthy, or noble, to do so; do nothing because it seems good to do so; so only that which you must do, and which you cannot do in any other way."
Another epic adventure with Sparrowhawk the Archmage comes to an end. I really enjoyed the themes of mentorship and the value of life in this one. The mystery of the disappearing magic grew with just the right level of tension to keep me constantly hooked, and I loved some of the world building, like the raft people of the far South Reaches, and the dragons! There were also a lot of callbacks to previously established lore that made me feel like a true inhabitant of Earthsea.
Arren is such a lovely protagonist. The way his relationship with Sparrowhawk develops throughout the story, from hero worship to devotion, and finally undying friendship, almost brought me to tears. Le Gruin has such a talent for describing the raw, intricate emotions of young people growing into their adult understanding of the world, and Arren is the best example of this yet!...more
"You were never made for cruelty and darkness; you were made to hold light."
The sequel to A Wizard of Earthsea has proven just as moving, just as powe"You were never made for cruelty and darkness; you were made to hold light."
The sequel to A Wizard of Earthsea has proven just as moving, just as powerful, just as healing as its predecessor. Le Gruin's intricate world building continues to provide a richly textured backdrop for this story of loss and healing and hope.
--- SPOILERS --- Like Sparrowhawk, Tenar is a deeply compelling hero whose story feels incredibly personal despite the fantastical setting and circumstances. Her trauma and subsequent recovery are handled with a respect and authenticity rarely seen in fiction today. Sparrowhawk's gentleness in the face of her initial cruelty and scorn, and then in the complex unraveling of her reality and her identity, feel like balm on the reader's heart. I wish more modern fiction focused on heroes like Sparrowhawk, whose power is outmatched only by his kindness....more
Earthsea is so rich and complex and nuanced that entering it feels like truly becoming a part of another wThis isn't just a story; it's an experience.
Earthsea is so rich and complex and nuanced that entering it feels like truly becoming a part of another world. This first book in the series takes a "bird's-eye view" of the early years and training of Sparrowhawk and the writing style, though somewhat dense compared to modern fantasy, is incredibly vivid and immersive.
Sparrowhawk's journey is one of deep personal discovery, wounds, regrets, and learning. It's little wonder Hayao Miyazaki was drawn to create a film from the world; the metaphors are astonishing and the personal applications leave me feeling healed and vulnerable all at once.
There is no direct connection to Christian themes, so the comparison to Chronicles of Narnia may not be accurate in that sense, but for me as a Christian myself, the magic system based on True Names and the wise council of Sparrowhawk's mentors to pursue truth and light and goodness all point to Biblical truths....more
Maybe it's a little on-the-nose to call a book about faeries "enchanting," but I can't think of a better word to describe this journey to Ljosland. EmMaybe it's a little on-the-nose to call a book about faeries "enchanting," but I can't think of a better word to describe this journey to Ljosland. Emily is a practical, level-headed, and clever protagonist with an all-to-relatable dread of small talk and human connection. Her relationship with the people of the mysterious winter village of Hrafnsvik starts out a bit frosty, but unlike the weather, her bond with them grows warmer throughout the tale.
The plot itself was fresh, surprise-filled, and charmingly interwoven with mysterious tales of the Folk and their inscrutable ways. The encounters Emily and her associates have with the fae are unsettling in a delicious, eerie sort of way that makes you feel all the cozier for reading the tale from the comfort of your own home. (Emily is a quite a bit braver than me!)
Anyone who enjoys Howl's Moving Castle for the effortless banter between vain, charismatic Howl and down-to-earth Sophie, will be delighted by Emily and Wendell's friendship (or perhaps MORE than friendship...) As a big fan of "friends to lovers" relationships, I loved them together. I thought it was especially cute that he calls her "dragon," to tease her about being so cold-hearted and scholarly. I can't wait to see more of these two in the sequel!...more
As a fan of Tessa and Weston's first adventure, 100 Days of Sunlight, I was absolutely enchanted by this sweet sequel featuring all the butterflies anAs a fan of Tessa and Weston's first adventure, 100 Days of Sunlight, I was absolutely enchanted by this sweet sequel featuring all the butterflies and doubts of first love. Tessa and Weston remind me just how precious young romance can be, and their scenes together left me grinning like a little kid
But for as cozy and Hallmark-esque as this holiday tale is, it isn't one-dimensional or shallow. Tessa confronts some serious grudges, and Weston faces his own fears of rejection. But their relationship grows deeper as they learn to trust each other's love and be honest about the things that matter most.
This story felt like a warm cup of hot cocoa and left me feeling satisfied and cozy....more
I love Ysa Marie not only because she fulfills all my childhood fantasies of being a pirate captain, but even more Powerful. Heartfelt. Swashbuckling.
I love Ysa Marie not only because she fulfills all my childhood fantasies of being a pirate captain, but even more so because her history of trauma and the shame and pain she feels because of it resonated deeply with my adulthood struggles. The wise words of the godly characters she encounters throughout the tale found their way into my own heart, especially in my favorite quote from the book, "Don't stop at servanthood, but enter into daughterhood."
Should you read this book? If you like pirates, historical fiction, swashbuckling mysteries, truly evil villains that get the justice they deserve, handsome captain's sons with wind-tossed blonde hair, gruff brotherly best friends with hearts of gold, stories with gospel power and narrative intrigue, then the answer is a resounding YES....more
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