Katee Robert really said, I'm going to put every single supernatural creature in one story and run with it. This felt like a jumble of magic and lore Katee Robert really said, I'm going to put every single supernatural creature in one story and run with it. This felt like a jumble of magic and lore as a result, and while it was fun, I couldn't really take it seriously. (Especially not when Bowen was levitating Evelyn while they were having sex, the descriptions were too funny.)...more
Happy to have finally read this and rounded off the duology, but I didn't enjoy it quite as much as the first book. I think it's because the crew of tHappy to have finally read this and rounded off the duology, but I didn't enjoy it quite as much as the first book. I think it's because the crew of the Merigold made the first novel so good (to me), and, apart from West and Fable, they rest of those characters weren't in this book very much. ...more
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me an audio copy in exchange for an honest review.
I saw "pirates" and immediately wanted to give thThanks to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me an audio copy in exchange for an honest review.
I saw "pirates" and immediately wanted to give this a shot. This is an adult fantasy about Mary, a stormsinger who can can control the skies and seas, and Samuel, a disgraced navel officer who's thown in with pirates. The two end up entangled together in their bid to stop a common enemy - infamous pirate Silvanus Lirr.
This was one of those books that started and ended well, but got a little muddled/lost in the middle. The world-building and magic system were well thought out, well written, and I loved the concept of stormsingers and ghistings. But I felt disconnected from the main characters and their emotions for most of the book, and I think this was due to the writing style. Some of the actions scenes were great (some quite graphic), but there were definitely moments when the narrative didn't hold my attention and I felt my mind wandering. ...more
I love a good mermaid story so I thought I'd give this one a go and it was fun and light-hearted, if a little predictable. My favourite aspects were pI love a good mermaid story so I thought I'd give this one a go and it was fun and light-hearted, if a little predictable. My favourite aspects were probably the fake dating, discussions of gender, and 'big reveal' moment, but I also liked how much emotional growth both and self-reflection main characters had. The ending also took me by surprise, so extra points for that. ...more
I fancied something a little lighter (and more romantic) after reading 1984, so I picked this up on a whim after seeing the audiobook on Audible an2.5
I fancied something a little lighter (and more romantic) after reading 1984, so I picked this up on a whim after seeing the audiobook on Audible and reading the synopsis. It's basically exactly what it says in the title; a professor moves to a small Cornish village and meets a gruff smuggler, they start to spent time together so the professor can take photos of the area and both begin to catch feelings. The plot was a little predictable, but there were some sweet moments, dramatic moments and some good action (with a side serving of mortal peril, always enjoyable). The romance wasn't particularly innovative or fresh, but it was exactly what I was after at the time and I raced through it in less than two days.
Content warnings for explicit sexual content, violence and threats of violence, near death experience, cave-ins....more
This book has content warnings for: death of a parent (not on-page), parental abandonment, scarring, burns, violence, murder, kidnapping, men4.5 stars
This book has content warnings for: death of a parent (not on-page), parental abandonment, scarring, burns, violence, murder, kidnapping, mentions of drowning.
Every now and then, a fantasy novel comes along that captivates me completely. The narrative, characters, and world-building all work together seamlessly to produce an exceptional story. Fable was that fantasy for me.
I read Adrienne Young’s The Girl the Sea Gave Back a few years ago and enjoyed it, so I expected to enjoy this too. I didn’t expect to find a new favourite and end up desperate for the sequel.
The story begins with Fable working hard to survive on the island of Jeval after her father marooned her there four years previously. We learn that Fable is a dredger; someone who dives deep into the reef to scavenge for pyre and other gems.
West is captain of the Marigold and a trader who has been coming to buy Fable’s pyre for a few years. When he sees that she has enough coin to buy a passage to the Narrows (to try and find her father) he reluctantly agrees to take her on board the ship.
West is a very private, impassive character, to the point of being stoic. We rarely get glimpses of how he’s feeling but when we do see his emotions, it makes those scenes the more special because he’s usually so stolid. He’s basically a fondant; firm on the outside, soft on the inside.
I loved Fable and West’s dynamic because they’re a variation of the grumpy/sunshine trope. He’s stern and serious and she’s determined and passionate. And the only time we see West truly break his controlled exterior is when he’s worried about Fable.
There’s a particular scene when doesn’t know if she’s OK and he YELLS her name and I melted into goo.
Although I liked West and Fable, my favourite character was undoubtedly Willa. She’s tough and intelligent but compassionate too. I adored the way her able Fable’s relationship progressed from Willa actively distrusting Fable, to them being almost sister-like in their companionship.
The other members of the crew, Paj, Auster, and Hamish, bring the ship to life, creating one big found family.
I really enjoyed the witty, humorous dialogue between the crew and this has got to be one of my new favourite YA squads. (Yes, friends, it’s a squad. I said it.) There’s also a gay romance which gives us some really sweet scenes that I loved.
One of the best aspects of the book is how well the action scenes are spaced out. There’s some form of action, drama, or romantic tension in every chapter, which kept things exciting and meant the pacing was SPOT ON.
If you enjoy squad goals, high seas action, a slow-building romance, underwater kissing, and hints of magic and mystery, I’d highly recommend picking up Fable. It’s fun, fast-paced, and riveting from start to finish....more
4.5 stars. WOW. What a story. The climax in this novel was one of the best I've read in a long time and the ending was fantastic. Vicious is the best f4.5 stars. WOW. What a story. The climax in this novel was one of the best I've read in a long time and the ending was fantastic. Vicious is the best fantasy I've read in 2018, but this comes in a very close second. Full review to come....more
Kate (Reading Through Infinity)
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Books:
sea-tales
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