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kathleenabby's reviews
408 reviews
Sabriel by Garth Nix
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.75
I had so much fun with this world however I do think I would of liked this more when I were younger.
📚 We follow Sabriel who was sent to boarding school as a young child. She has little experience with the random power of free magic or the dead who refuse to stay dead in the Old Kingdom. But when her her father, the Anhorsen goes missing she knows she must enter the old kingdom to find him.
📖 The best thing about this is the world-building. It's interesting and complex. And the magic system is so imaginative I loved it!
Exploring the Old Kingdom in her search was great, the world was vibrant filled with the dead, necromancy I loved the use of bells within the magic system. It felt really fresh and unique. The way death was represented as a river I loved it.
The downside is the characters. They had their moments while interacting with each other and I loved when we were first introduced to mogget because overall they really are pretty dull and bland. Sabriel herself I don't think I could really tell you anything about her other than she's a necromancer. They were lacking spark and personality.
There are also some things within the story telling that didn't work for me. The romance was well freshed out, it was rushed and abrupt but it didn't take up a lot of the book so it was easy to ignore.
I also like my villains to come with a point. And I don't think the big bad was ever established well enough to have any kind of impact. The ending and fight was fun to read I just wanted it to have more meaning.
Overall I had alot of fun, and I will pick up the next book soon. This is the kind of series that once I'm finished I will put it on my son's shelf ready for when he's a bit older.
📚 We follow Sabriel who was sent to boarding school as a young child. She has little experience with the random power of free magic or the dead who refuse to stay dead in the Old Kingdom. But when her her father, the Anhorsen goes missing she knows she must enter the old kingdom to find him.
📖 The best thing about this is the world-building. It's interesting and complex. And the magic system is so imaginative I loved it!
Exploring the Old Kingdom in her search was great, the world was vibrant filled with the dead, necromancy I loved the use of bells within the magic system. It felt really fresh and unique. The way death was represented as a river I loved it.
The downside is the characters. They had their moments while interacting with each other and I loved when we were first introduced to mogget because overall they really are pretty dull and bland. Sabriel herself I don't think I could really tell you anything about her other than she's a necromancer. They were lacking spark and personality.
There are also some things within the story telling that didn't work for me. The romance was well freshed out, it was rushed and abrupt but it didn't take up a lot of the book so it was easy to ignore.
I also like my villains to come with a point. And I don't think the big bad was ever established well enough to have any kind of impact. The ending and fight was fun to read I just wanted it to have more meaning.
Overall I had alot of fun, and I will pick up the next book soon. This is the kind of series that once I'm finished I will put it on my son's shelf ready for when he's a bit older.
The Mask of Mirrors by M.A. Carrick
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
This book is described as having my least favourite things. Which is masquerade balls, tea parties and fashion. But surprisingly I really loved it.
📚 We follow mainly follow Ren and ex street rat trying to con her way into a noble family to ensure a future for herself and younger sister. But she gets herself involved in more than just a simple con. She is trust into family feuds and political intrigues while trying to avoid being caught and maintain her image.
📖 I love how complex the political intrigue is in this, Ren con to get into a noble family although the foundation of the story is such a small part of this story. Everyone is scheming there way to power and the politicals were so layered it was delicious. And the Venice like setting was gorgeous.
The magic system takes awhile to enter the chat but once we start to see it it was amazing. It was a slow growing undercurrent of the plot using tarot cards using patterns/treads. And then also the ruling class have magically infused creations and use planetary alignments in there favour. It was fascinating I do however think it could be better explained and at times the writing over complicated things because it was so busy trying to be pretty.
Now the characters. There is a lot to love about them. I love moral grey characters so I was in it.
Having said that I dislike some things. Ren for example maybe I expected to much out of her because I've heard so often how smart a character is she. And some of the times she is exactly that and I loved it in those moments. The first few chapters I adored her and then there was a period that she read to perfect. She would either solve something in zero point 2 seconds, or just get extremely lucky and at times get out of things because others characters were dumb. She is a smart character I just wanted to see that more. Alot of things just fell into her lap instead of her really having to work for it. I enjoyed her alot more in the second half of the book but if this book had been just from her pov I'm not sure I would have liked this book.
I also think the rook messed up something else character development and I'm not sure they make sense to me as a character now.
I adored the side characters I think they really brought this book alive for me. I love all the scheming and spying and the world that unravelled to us once the magic system was introduced. Regardless of flaws this was a fantastic book and I'm looking forward to Book 2.
📚 We follow mainly follow Ren and ex street rat trying to con her way into a noble family to ensure a future for herself and younger sister. But she gets herself involved in more than just a simple con. She is trust into family feuds and political intrigues while trying to avoid being caught and maintain her image.
📖 I love how complex the political intrigue is in this, Ren con to get into a noble family although the foundation of the story is such a small part of this story. Everyone is scheming there way to power and the politicals were so layered it was delicious. And the Venice like setting was gorgeous.
The magic system takes awhile to enter the chat but once we start to see it it was amazing. It was a slow growing undercurrent of the plot using tarot cards using patterns/treads. And then also the ruling class have magically infused creations and use planetary alignments in there favour. It was fascinating I do however think it could be better explained and at times the writing over complicated things because it was so busy trying to be pretty.
Now the characters. There is a lot to love about them. I love moral grey characters so I was in it.
Having said that I dislike some things. Ren for example maybe I expected to much out of her because I've heard so often how smart a character is she. And some of the times she is exactly that and I loved it in those moments. The first few chapters I adored her and then there was a period that she read to perfect. She would either solve something in zero point 2 seconds, or just get extremely lucky and at times get out of things because others characters were dumb. She is a smart character I just wanted to see that more. Alot of things just fell into her lap instead of her really having to work for it. I enjoyed her alot more in the second half of the book but if this book had been just from her pov I'm not sure I would have liked this book.
I also think the rook messed up something else character development and I'm not sure they make sense to me as a character now.
I adored the side characters I think they really brought this book alive for me. I love all the scheming and spying and the world that unravelled to us once the magic system was introduced. Regardless of flaws this was a fantastic book and I'm looking forward to Book 2.
Where the Dark Stands Still by A.B. Poranek
medium-paced
2.75
I went into this knowing that me and romantasy don't really get on. I know some people say its not romantasy hard disagree, if you were to take the romance out there is no story the whole book falls apart! The romance is the point.
📚 When Liska our not-so-clever-fox goes into the woods looking for a flower that grants wishes our not-so-clever-fox is caught by the demon warden. He offers a bargain. One year of servitude in exchange for a wish. But our not-so-clever-fox is actually a very-clever-fox who learns there is more to this bargain!
FYI she's not actually a fox that's her cute little nickname that he calls her one billion times. It was really fun to read.
📖 Review:
The vibes and atmosphere of this were fantastic! I loved the descriptions and folklore. I liked the magic forest and sentient house. But vibes is all this book has.
The pacing is really off and it's noticeable from chapter one. It was a very abrupt beginning and it almost felt like it relied on you knowing the story of beauty and beast. While a part of me appreciates wanting to skip over something that had been done a million times it also meant the author never established her characters, world or plot. She never gave me a real to care about when things started happening.
The characters and romance were underdeveloped. It's rushed, forced and doesn't make any sense.
Liska couldn't use her magic to start with and she when from weak to strong with no development.
I really dislike the dialogue. Not only is it really repetitive not-so-clever-fox it's also cheesy. Even the villain sounds very bubblegum Disney villain. I couldn't take it seriously.
There were moments I enjoyed, but those moments few and far between. Anytime anything interesting happened the next page over it would flatline for me.
The world and magic is fairly unique. I actually think this is an author that shows potential in her writing and I would revisit this author in a few years time. But this lacks development and feeling, it has zero emotional depth and it just didn't work for me.
📚 When Liska our not-so-clever-fox goes into the woods looking for a flower that grants wishes our not-so-clever-fox is caught by the demon warden. He offers a bargain. One year of servitude in exchange for a wish. But our not-so-clever-fox is actually a very-clever-fox who learns there is more to this bargain!
FYI she's not actually a fox that's her cute little nickname that he calls her one billion times. It was really fun to read.
📖 Review:
The vibes and atmosphere of this were fantastic! I loved the descriptions and folklore. I liked the magic forest and sentient house. But vibes is all this book has.
The pacing is really off and it's noticeable from chapter one. It was a very abrupt beginning and it almost felt like it relied on you knowing the story of beauty and beast. While a part of me appreciates wanting to skip over something that had been done a million times it also meant the author never established her characters, world or plot. She never gave me a real to care about when things started happening.
The characters and romance were underdeveloped. It's rushed, forced and doesn't make any sense.
Liska couldn't use her magic to start with and she when from weak to strong with no development.
I really dislike the dialogue. Not only is it really repetitive not-so-clever-fox it's also cheesy. Even the villain sounds very bubblegum Disney villain. I couldn't take it seriously.
There were moments I enjoyed, but those moments few and far between. Anytime anything interesting happened the next page over it would flatline for me.
The world and magic is fairly unique. I actually think this is an author that shows potential in her writing and I would revisit this author in a few years time. But this lacks development and feeling, it has zero emotional depth and it just didn't work for me.
The Four by Ellie Keel
Did not finish book. Stopped at 50%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 50%.
Me and Dark Academia have a funny relationship. I either love it or hate it! And in this case this just wasn't for me.
📚 This follows four students who are accepted into an exclusive private boarding school on a scholarship but are not accepted or liked by other students!
📖 What I did like about this was the setting I thought the atmosphere was great. There is also queer representation which is always good to see.
I appreciate what the author was trying to do when it came to speaking on bullying and mental health but this was just so unbelievably farfetched that it started to read like a comedy, and I just can't take this book seriously. To me this doesn't read like the tense thriller it's marketed to be. Everything is over dramatised and it really takes away from the impact this book could've had.
In theory I should of liked these characters but they just don't read like real people to me. Things that were happening felt so odd and I kept wondering where the teachers were. There is something nonsensical about how things were playing out. There is a bit of mystery in here but I'm just not interested enough to find out how this plays out.
📚 This follows four students who are accepted into an exclusive private boarding school on a scholarship but are not accepted or liked by other students!
📖 What I did like about this was the setting I thought the atmosphere was great. There is also queer representation which is always good to see.
I appreciate what the author was trying to do when it came to speaking on bullying and mental health but this was just so unbelievably farfetched that it started to read like a comedy, and I just can't take this book seriously. To me this doesn't read like the tense thriller it's marketed to be. Everything is over dramatised and it really takes away from the impact this book could've had.
In theory I should of liked these characters but they just don't read like real people to me. Things that were happening felt so odd and I kept wondering where the teachers were. There is something nonsensical about how things were playing out. There is a bit of mystery in here but I'm just not interested enough to find out how this plays out.
Gunmetal Gods by Zamil Akhtar
dark
2.75
THIS BOOK WAS RUTHLESS!! And I'm in two minds on what I think about it!
📚 This is middle-eastern Grimdark fantasy that mirrors the crusades. We mainly follow two PoVs Micah leader of of invading army and Kevan a once legendary warrior.
✨ Review ✨
I love that the PoVs came from opposing sides and when going into the world-building and lore it created a really well-rounded view.
The mythology and clash of cultures was fantastic!
I also love morally grey and unlikeable characters which is one of the reasons I quickly immersed myself into the book however after a while they felt very cookie cutter. I wanted more complexity and depth.
There is a moment in the book that also completely ruined a character for me at the halfway point. There was a disturbing scene that felt very much like it was shock for the sake of shock. This book was already brutal and I don't think it serves a perpose and it also undermimed his motivations. He no longer made sense as a character to me.
I really loved the premise and magic system and for the most part it was well done but the pacing was off and disjointed. It's really slow at points but the important moments felt they were rushed and glossed over. There was no sense of time.
There are things to like about this but for me it's not enough to want to pick up the next book!
📚 This is middle-eastern Grimdark fantasy that mirrors the crusades. We mainly follow two PoVs Micah leader of of invading army and Kevan a once legendary warrior.
✨ Review ✨
I love that the PoVs came from opposing sides and when going into the world-building and lore it created a really well-rounded view.
The mythology and clash of cultures was fantastic!
I also love morally grey and unlikeable characters which is one of the reasons I quickly immersed myself into the book however after a while they felt very cookie cutter. I wanted more complexity and depth.
There is a moment in the book that also completely ruined a character for me at the halfway point. There was a disturbing scene that felt very much like it was shock for the sake of shock. This book was already brutal and I don't think it serves a perpose and it also undermimed his motivations. He no longer made sense as a character to me.
I really loved the premise and magic system and for the most part it was well done but the pacing was off and disjointed. It's really slow at points but the important moments felt they were rushed and glossed over. There was no sense of time.
There are things to like about this but for me it's not enough to want to pick up the next book!
Five Broken Blades by Mai Corland
Did not finish book. Stopped at 59%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 59%.
The book has potential and a great premise.
There are 5 or 6 POVs and they aren't distinguishable from one another. Add in the fact that chapters are like 3 pages long so POVs keep switching quickly. IM CONFUSED. And keep forgetting who's who!
I also think their development is very surface level.
There are multiple insta love romances or should I say insta horny between POVs and because characters again aren't distinguishable it's hard to keep track.
There is no sense of time, things take months such as travel etc. but it doesn't feel that way.
The writing isn't the worst I've come across but it's not great it could use a bit more editing. It fe ls very disjointed and chaotic. Sometimes I have to reread a sentence and the overuse of commas is really throwing me off. Some of the dialogue is also a bit Cheesy.
The one saving grace of this is Sora she's a great character it should have just been told from her POV. I just don't care enough to carry on with it.
There are 5 or 6 POVs and they aren't distinguishable from one another. Add in the fact that chapters are like 3 pages long so POVs keep switching quickly. IM CONFUSED. And keep forgetting who's who!
I also think their development is very surface level.
There are multiple insta love romances or should I say insta horny between POVs and because characters again aren't distinguishable it's hard to keep track.
There is no sense of time, things take months such as travel etc. but it doesn't feel that way.
The writing isn't the worst I've come across but it's not great it could use a bit more editing. It fe ls very disjointed and chaotic. Sometimes I have to reread a sentence and the overuse of commas is really throwing me off. Some of the dialogue is also a bit Cheesy.
The one saving grace of this is Sora she's a great character it should have just been told from her POV. I just don't care enough to carry on with it.
Ex-Girlfriend by Rosie Walker
3.0
This was a fun, quick easy read.
The beginning had me hooked and the author did a good job at building up the suspense. However I don't think there was enough foreshadowing for that ending it didn't really make sense but overall enjoyable.
The beginning had me hooked and the author did a good job at building up the suspense. However I don't think there was enough foreshadowing for that ending it didn't really make sense but overall enjoyable.