lazyowl's reviews
1692 reviews

The Way of Shadows by Brent Weeks

adventurous dark medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This took me far too long to read. It was sitting on my shelf for ages after it was gifted to me. I thoroughly enjoyed. A couple of good twists in this story about a boy training to become an assassin and attempting to cut ties with his former life.

We Are Legion (We Are Bob) by Dennis E. Taylor

adventurous lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

 This was a fun easy going read from your usual scifi romp. I think I will read more from the Bobiverse, as it's nice palate cleanser from my usual reads. 

The Rising by Jo Riccioni

adventurous hopeful fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Really enjoyed the conclusion to the Branded. Again, the plot and pacing was just perfect. I love these characters and the tension between Nara and the Wrangler was just perfect. I'm a sucker for a story heavy on character development and this hits the sweet spot for me between that and plot pacing. I will definitely be looking out for more from Jo Riccioni.

The Sunlit Man by Brandon Sanderson

adventurous hopeful fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.5

This is a real treat for anyone who has read Stormlight Archive. Such a unique world that the story is set in. This gave me a real hankering for re-reading Stormlight, which I may do very soon. I 

The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry

dark emotional mysterious sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

This was extremely wordy and unnecessarily descriptive. I found the pacing difficult and hence I found it difficult to get into. It took me a good three quarters of the book before I felt like I got into it. 
Some of the plot points felt a bit too convenient and some felt entirely pointless. 

There is a scene about two thirds into the book that I felt quite emotional and became more invested in the story. If it wasn't for that, I may not have been compelled to read the rest.

The story overall was quite interesting if you look at it in its entirety, but I struggled with the style of writing.

The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni

dark hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

A YA fantasy with a splash of romance. The plot was interesting enough and there was a twist that I did not see coming, however I don't think I was the right audience as I am going off YA at the moment and it wasn't enough to hold my attention. I would recommend to those who enjoy YA that is not heavy on the romance.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Torture

Minor: Rape

The Wonder Engine by T. Kingfisher

adventurous hopeful lighthearted 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

3.75

I enjoyed more than Clockwork Boys. The pacing was better and the character development was more enjoyable for me. 

My Grandmother Sends Her Regards and Apologises by Fredrik Backman

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted sad medium-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

4.75

Fredrik Backman is officially my go to for heart-warming and funny stories. He manages to deal with such difficult topics and at the same time make me laugh and feel good after reading. 

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Content Warnings

Minor: Death of parent, Alcoholism, and Domestic abuse

Yumi and the Nightmare Painter by Brandon Sanderson

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 I loved this almost as much as I enjoyed Tress. This had such unique magic system. I loved Yumi and Painter as characters and we see some great character development along the way. Loved it! 

Gods of the Wyrdwood by RJ Barker

adventurous mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

I really enjoyed the atmospheric setting of this book in the descriptions of the wildness of the woods. I also equally enjoyed the characters and the plot pacing. This was my first RJ Barker read and I thoroughly enjoyed.