Category Archives: Book Review

2016, ARC review, Book Review

[Review] Truthwitch — Susan Dennard

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Book Title                  Truthwitch (The Witchlands #01)
Author:                        Susan Dennard
Number of pages:  416

Synopsis:

truthwitch-susan-dennard-book-coverSafiya is a Truthwitch, able to discern truth from lie. It’s a powerful magic that many would kill to have on their side, especially amongst the nobility to which Safi was born. So Safi must keep her gift hidden, lest she be used as a pawn in the struggle between empires.

Iseult, a Threadwitch, can see the invisible ties that bind and entangle the lives around her—but she cannot see the bonds that touch her own heart. Her unlikely friendship with Safi has taken her from life as an outcast into one of reckless adventure, where she is a cool, wary balance to Safi’s hotheaded impulsiveness.

Safi and Iseult just want to be free to live their own lives, but war is coming to the Witchlands. With the help of the cunning Prince Merik (a Windwitch and ship’s captain) and the hindrance of a Bloodwitch bent on revenge, the friends must fight emperors, princes, and mercenaries alike, who will stop at nothing to get their hands on a Truthwitch.

(re: Goodreads @ Truthwitch by Susan Dennard)

Should this book be picked up? the tl;dr review:

– Multi-POV with 4 perspectives
– The world is reminiscent to Avatar: The Last Airbender with magic systems of both the elemental (wind, water, fire, etc.) and immaterial variety (concerning values/emotions)
– Slow burn romance with lots of sexual tension
– Strong female chars., admirable leading lads, morally ambiguous antagonists, diverse characters; solid sismance/meh bromance
– Consequences don’t feel dire; supporting chars. lacked substance
– Be warned: if you read Truthwitch, you’re in it for the long haul

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Initial Thoughts

Ahoy to unpopular opinions. Sorry bout it.

Disclaimer: The copy I read was an ARC given to me by Amanda @ Brains, Books and Brawn that she received from an Indigo Teen giveaway.

Continue reading [Review] Truthwitch — Susan Dennard →

2015, Book Review

[Review] Six Of Crows — Leigh Bardugo

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Book Title                 Six of Crows (Six of Crows #01)
Author:                        Leigh Bardugo
Number of pages:  465

Synopsis:

Leigh Bardugo - Six of Crows - Book CoverKetterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price—and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can’t pull it off alone… Kaz’s crew are the only ones who might stand between the world and destruction—if they don’t kill each other first.

(re: Goodreads @ Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo)

Should this book be picked up? the tl;dr review:

–  Come for the heist, stay for the characters. Five alternating POVs with witty banter, slow burn romance, and plenty of dissonance
– Two primary settings: a gritty merchant port with gangs, bars and speakeasies + a prison atop a frozen landscape; incorporates the high fantasy of the Grishaverse
– Voices are distinct and everyone has their own motivations (no pawns for pawns sake)
– There are Easter eggs for those who’ve read The Grisha trilogy. The learning curve isn’t steep for those who haven’t read her other series

Initial Thoughts

INFINTELY BETTER THAN THE GRISHA TRILOGY.

Continue reading [Review] Six Of Crows — Leigh Bardugo →

2015, Book Review

[Review] A Darker Shade of Magic — V.E. Schwab

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Book Title                  A Darker Shade of Magic (ADSOM #01)
Author:                        V.E. Schwab
Number of pages:  398

Synopsis:

A Darker Shade final for IreneKell is one of the last Travelers—rare magicians who choose a parallel universe to visit.

Grey London is dirty, boring, lacks magic, ruled by mad King George. Red London is where life and magic are revered, and the Maresh Dynasty presides over a flourishing empire. White London is ruled by whoever has murdered their way to the throne. People fight to control magic, and the magic fights back, draining the city to its very bones. Once there was Black London—but no one speaks of that now.

Officially, Kell is the Red Traveler, personal ambassador and adopted Prince of Red London, carrying the monthly correspondences between royals of each London. Unofficially, Kell smuggles for those willing to pay for even a glimpse of a world they’ll never see. This dangerous hobby sets him up for accidental treason. Fleeing into Grey London, Kell runs afoul of Delilah Bard, a cut-purse with lofty aspirations. She robs him, saves him from a dangerous enemy, then forces him to another world for her ‘proper adventure’.

But perilous magic is afoot, and treachery lurks at every turn. To save all of the worlds, Kell and Lila will first need to stay alive—trickier than they hoped.

(re: Goodreads @ A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab)

Should this book be picked up? the tl;dr review:

– Mainly plot-driven, multi-POV story set in four parallel Londons akin to The Fellowship of The Ring with characters bringing a rock back to Not-Mordor.
– Imaginative world building that reads effortlessly with an easy-to-learn magic system
– Romance is either non-existent or is that of a slow burn (you can still ship though)
– Villains who were complex on paper but felt different in action
– Kell’s coat is made out of Doraemon fur (see picture below)

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Initial Thoughts

Kell’s coat, Kell’s coat, Kell’s coat, Kell’s coat, Kell’s coat, Kell’s coat.

Continue reading [Review] A Darker Shade of Magic — V.E. Schwab →