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istaisa's review
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
annettenis's review
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
doogsley's review against another edition
i just wrapped up a mediocre book and i’m just not in the mood for one that isn’t fully keeping my attention. no reading slump for me! onto the hobbit!
dylan_harney's review
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
clkipp103's review
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
unicorn's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I wanted to love this so so much! The stories are interesting and the worldbuilding is good. I loved seeing glimpses into the world the author created through these short stories, and her imagination really shines through. My only complaint here is that some of the stories felt unfinished, like there could be more that could be told to wrap them up nicely.
But sadly I had a really hard time actually reading it. The writing was stilted, sentences were too short more often than not, and it just doesn't flow through. The fact it took me 2 months to get through it is why I'm giving this 3 stars.
But sadly I had a really hard time actually reading it. The writing was stilted, sentences were too short more often than not, and it just doesn't flow through. The fact it took me 2 months to get through it is why I'm giving this 3 stars.
keandrews95's review against another edition
5.0
This was such a nice, cozy read. I could see it being read as bedtime stories. I now want a cat like Nebula. The witch from Monterra Mountain, Archipelago of Wonder, and Moonflower were some of my favorite stories in this short story collection. Hastjarjanto creates such an interesting and vivid world inside these pages. 4.5 out of 5
snappydog's review against another edition
4.0
I suspect this book is exactly what a lot of people will need in their lives right now. Hastjarjanto captures the fleeting feeling of escape that all the best fairytales provide, but I've rarely come across it done so well in contemporary fiction. As a whole and as its individual stories, Tales of Lunis Aquaria is really easy to read in the best way: you can just sort of disappear into its world for a bit.
That's not to say that there aren't rewards for a closer reader; the stories, though they all appear separate narratives and there's little to place them geographically or chronologically in relation to each other, are connected by the wider framing device of the world itself and the quasi-divine 'observers', five animal-shaped beings who watch but don't interfere.
There's definitely room to expand the world, and perhaps some of the individual stories - I can see a second collection of Tales, perhaps some more explicitly interrelated than in the first volume, or perhaps a full-length novel or two either set somewhere else entirely (but perhaps bringing some of the tales together) or continuing where one of the stories left off.
You should read Tales of Lunis Aquaria, 'cos it's probably not like much else on your bookshelf. It's a refreshingly earnest trip to another world, a fresh plate of mixed fruit - different flavours, but all the right sweetness, and much easier to digest than a big ol' burger.
That's not to say that there aren't rewards for a closer reader; the stories, though they all appear separate narratives and there's little to place them geographically or chronologically in relation to each other, are connected by the wider framing device of the world itself and the quasi-divine 'observers', five animal-shaped beings who watch but don't interfere.
There's definitely room to expand the world, and perhaps some of the individual stories - I can see a second collection of Tales, perhaps some more explicitly interrelated than in the first volume, or perhaps a full-length novel or two either set somewhere else entirely (but perhaps bringing some of the tales together) or continuing where one of the stories left off.
You should read Tales of Lunis Aquaria, 'cos it's probably not like much else on your bookshelf. It's a refreshingly earnest trip to another world, a fresh plate of mixed fruit - different flavours, but all the right sweetness, and much easier to digest than a big ol' burger.
writingwwolves's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this little collection full of magical tales & I really hope Tessa releases another volume so I can find out what happens next with some of the stories. Tessa’s writing was calming & had that wonderful chilled out fairy tale vibe that is loved so much. I definitely want to read more of her work!
⚠️ Deaths by a fire, some violence, hunting animals & some horrible violence towards a mythical creature ⚠️
Extended Review: https://wp.me/p8MbIo-383
⚠️ Deaths by a fire, some violence, hunting animals & some horrible violence towards a mythical creature ⚠️
Extended Review: https://wp.me/p8MbIo-383