a_reader_obsessed's reviews
3107 reviews

Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang

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challenging dark emotional slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Stunning in scope but heavy on all fronts.

Was this an easy read? Uh, that is a big NO. 
However, Wang won me over with The Sword of Kaigen, and though that story is an entirely different beast, this was no less impactful.

Here, Sciona is the lone woman to have ever achieved highmage status in a world that thinks very little of a female’s place in anything other than nurturing the home. She is ready to impress, and no one is going to stop her.  When she “jokingly” gets saddled with a janitor for an assistant, what Sciona and Thomil discover in the search for bettering the city of Tiran will change not only themselves, but everyone else’s belief system and their place in the world.  

Be prepared to encounter a bunch of hot topics - misogyny, racism, oppression, prejudice, bigotry, religion, overpopulation and dwindling resources are just to name a few.

It’s best not to discuss too many details so one can be equally affected as Sciona and Thomil were. You will be challenged. You will be struck by an ingeniously complex magic system that relies heavily on religious justification. You will be impressed with a totally original world and its varied peoples that inhabit it and how close it mirrors our own dark history.

Overall, I think if you are a fan of Wang, or if you want to take a chance on something different, this author doesn’t shy away from tough subject matter. Again, so very far from being an easy read, but like The Sword of Kaigen, the truth is devastating and tragic, and there are plenty who will fight with their whole being to maintain the status quo, who will hide behind a system that doesn't want to upset their divine given entitlement, but because of a select few, there is a chance for something better.  This author won’t sugarcoat things nor give you a perfect HEA, and the result is a moving tale that will make you ponder one’s own humanity and question what is just, fair, and kind.  There is triumph, there is the start of change, and most of all, there is hope.

Just like Sciona and Thomil can never unsee or unknow what they find, I too was affected the same way and won’t soon forget.

Thank you to the author and Del Rey via NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review
House of Frank by Kay Synclaire

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challenging slow-paced
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

2.0

Look. No one wanted to love this story more than me. I admire the premise of Bindery Books Publishing who promotes reader communities to choose books they’re passionate about. This book was chosen by someone I personally follow on IG, who has many a time recommended reads I’ve enjoyed.  Sadly, this was not a win.

Just like the blurb says, Saika is grieving her dead sister and arrives at Ash Gardens to finally lay her remains to rest.  There, she’s pulled in with the denizens who reside at the sanctuary and finds a place of belonging and redemption. Everything else in between missed the mark.

When I don’t like a book, the last thing I want to do is nitpick it to death but inevitably a review must review.  This book promised healing and found family but really fell short for me.  Most of the characters were clueless as to what was going on around them which made no sense if this “family” truly cared for one another, and many were not at all likable, often coming off antagonistic and abrasive which also included the main character.  The sapphic romance was not believable, mistaking insults for flirty banter and desire, and don’t get me started on the multitude of secrets everyone is keeping from each other.  It didn’t help at all that Saika jumps from first person pov to a stream of consciousness dialogue to her dead sister constantly, and it was absolutely jarring everytime she did this, ruining storytelling flow and momentum.

I will concede that the magical system was interesting, and I liked the variety of fantastical beings that were included.  Each character had their own tragic grief that they dealt with separately and that did nudge me a little in the feels. Otherwise, I was mostly bored and impatient to get conclusive answers to all the issues, challenges, problems that Saika and her “friends” were confronted with, and when the reveal and solution finally came, it just didn’t satisfy my particular self in its simplistic incongruous answers. 

Overall, my unimportant opinion in the grand scheme of things is minuscule, as the vast majority who has read thIs book emphatically adored it. I just wish I was one of them.

Thank you to Bindery Books via NetGalley for a copy in exchange for a honest review
Jhereg by Steven Brust

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adventurous mysterious

4.0

I came across this on The Quill to Live blog and was intrigued by the idea of a nonlinear series about a central character, where each book expounds on key moments of the life of assassin Vlad Taltos.  Interestingly, this takes place in an alternate universe that is ruled by a revolving 17 houses embodying different talents, ideals, and strengths that mirror a particular animal’s core traits.  

This first book is about the House of Jhereg, a cunning, ruthless dragon-like creature the size of a cat, and the only house who allows admittance of humans into their ranks.  It is here that lowly human Vlad survives and thrives, and the reader is introduced to him as he tackles his most profitable offer to date -  assassinate a thief who stole from the aforementioned house - a task with many mission constraints including an unfortunate tight deadline.

What Vlad encounters are repeated impossible roadblocks and multiple attempts on his own life.  In and amongst his going about this frustrating job, Brust slowly peppers this story with fascinating reveals about the cultural intricacies and history of this intriguing world.

Overall, this has impressive political intrigue, long lived races, sword fights, crazy heists, plentiful magic, and a cheeky cutthroat familiar.  Vlad is as cunning as he is resourceful, who has built a steady network of varied allies to help in his dubious dangerous endeavors, and curiously, was someone who I enjoyed rooting for.

A solid start and one that I am going to continue to follow through!


The Mystery Writer by Sulari Gentill

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mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated

3.0


As most books are wont to do, often it’s the blurb that will lead a reader to check out the story.  For me, it was the intriguing setup that lured me in as well as the fact that I highly enjoyed The Woman in the Library, and I was ready for another propulsive read to keep me on my toes. No doubt Gentill’s writing continues to be easy to digest.  It’s quick, it flows, it pulls the reader along.

So, I was looking forward to the prospect of conspiracies, a ton of chilling secrets, and an explosive mind blowing reveal. For me, this didn’t really crescendo until the last 20% and when it did, it kinda fizzled. I’m not saying the idea wasn’t smart and interesting because it was, but maybe my unrealistic expectations were just too high. Perhaps because it took over 300 pages to really set things up, the ending seemed too rushed where the conspiracy fallout never truly came and was sinisterly (and sadly probably realistically) left open to continue on its twisty nebulous path. I readily admit that I want my fictional entertainment to be solidly in the happily ever after realm where the bad guys get their well deserved comeuppance.

It didn’t help that the heroine Theo was difficult to root for where my jaded self wanted to shake her way too many times to have a bit more self preservation, to not be so naive and gullible.  In my opinion, the actual standouts of this were Theo’s brother Gus, and his friend Mac.  They’re protective and smart, and both of them work tirelessly (and fruitlessly) to keep Theo from making many mistakes and missteps. I truly enjoyed every scene that they were in.  Also, while I love any bit of romance to a story that I can get, I didn’t buy into what was presented and felt that Theo was one very lucky lady to deserve such devotion.

Overall, this had good bones, and I think many will enjoy this on its own merits or that of the author’s.  I personally wanted more of everything because what was delivered just wasn’t enough to fully titillate and engage me specifically. Regardless, Gentill is still an author of interest, and I’ll continue to check out her future works!

Thank you to the author and Poisoned Press via NetGalley for the ebook in exchange for an honest review
Heartstopper Volume 4 by Alice Oseman

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emotional hopeful slow-paced
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

Super sweet as always, Nick and Charlie warm the old cold heart.  

Most notable in this 4th volume, Oseman continues to bring the angst and difficult topics to light, all the while shining a ray of positivity, showing that though love can’t necessarily conquer all, it can support you through those terrible tough times, sharing the pain and burden of life’s struggles.

Overall, simply lovely.
Dark Space by Rob Hart, Alex Segura

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adventurous dark hopeful inspiring tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Look. I basically became a fan of Rob Hart after reading Assassins Anonymous, so it was a complete no brainer in picking this book up that he co-wrote with Alex Segura.  Not surprisingly, this was a win as well.  

Told in split POV’s running coincidently, this story follows estranged friends Jose Carriles and Corin Timony.  Jose is an ace spaceship pilot who has skated through life on a road of privilege despite a recent personal scandal. Somehow, he has landed a coveted position on a history-making mission to explore the first viable planet that could be the answer to a beleaguered humanity currently struggling to survive on the moon.  Timony, who hasn’t had it easy in life, who also was tied up in the same aforementioned scandal, finds herself demoted to riding a desk monitoring messages from space instead of doing what she does best - being a secret agent serving national interests and preventing general destruction.

As this book goes back and forth between Jose and Timony trying to find answers when unexplainable events stall, and eventually threaten, the success of  the mission, they slowly unravel secrets that don’t want to be found, where the lives of the crew, and ultimately the last of the human race, is threatened with annihilation.  

This has great science to it, and as all stories with this sort of setup, it touches on our base desire and drive to survive and the lengths we go through to merely exist. It is also a very smart, brutally honest, and often unsavory,  commentary on what makes us human, HUGE warts and all, encompassing our greed, desperation, and callousness. However, despite our many inherent failings, this asks the question: are we redeemable as a whole?  Are we worth saving?  I certainly hope so. 

For me, I absolutely loved the Star Trek vibes of this.  Be reassured this isn’t all existential angst.  Hart and Segura don’t fail on the action, suspense, the urgent espionage vibe, shady complex politics, and omniscient powerful aliens who are judge, jury, and executioners of the galaxy where humanity is not exempt.  This held my attention with the fast pace and reveals as both Jose and Timony are like dogs with a bone.  They may be terribly flawed, but there’s honor and personal growth for these two.  They know something is off, that something sinister is going on, and they just can’t let it be.  Good thing they don’t.

I obviously enjoyed this, and I’m simply further reassured that Rob Hart (and Alex Segura) are authors to remain on my radar.  

Thank you to the authors and Blackstone Publishing via NetGalley for the ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Full Speed to a Crash Landing by Beth Revis

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adventurous mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

What can I say?  I obviously really enjoyed this sci-fi novella!

As per the blurb, Ada is a lone scavenger, mostly scouring space or planets for random ghost ships or wreckage to loot anything that might be valuable for resale. While trying to work a crash site before others find it, an accident renders her helpless, and it’s divine luck that another ship is nearby to rescue her or is it?

When Ada’s reluctantly taken in by the Halifax, she somehow charms her way through the governmental crew, especially Rian, the man in charge who’s desperate to find an important piece of intel from the very ruined spacecraft Ada has found. The interactions between these two were spot on, and though they each hold their cards close to the vest for reasons, how fortuitous is it that Ada just so happens to have the skill and equipment to make Rian’s endeavor achievable.

Know that this has some interesting world building.  Earth is basically a dying planet, and humanity has colonized a few new places, but as with most science fiction with this scenario, there’s always the admirable goal to restore Earth to its former glory.  Touching on overpopulation and its repercussions, government bureaucracy, corporate greed, and the fringe factions that have their own agendas, I was impressed that this small package contained so much.  The seriousness of these topics contrasted nicely with the suspenseful mission and entertaining crew dynamics making this a propulsive quick read.

Ending on a bit of a cliffhanger, overall, this was a fun space romp with action, drama, and a touch of romance in the making!  I definitely want to see how these pesky political and personal motives will either keep our two engaging protagonists at odds with each other or bring them together. My obvious bet is on the latter, and I’ll be over here waiting impatiently for the next installment to drop later this year!

Thank you to the author and DAW via NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review
The Warded Gunslinger by Filip Wiltgren

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adventurous lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Seriously, I could not advertise this better than the book’s own blurb. 

I was looking for something fun and quick, and of course, a story that would cater to my love of sci-fi, adventure, and dragons totally caught my eye!  It doesn’t hurt that this features a quasi anti-hero that has hidden tricks up his sleeve and a slightly skewed moral compass.  Here, Jake’s mission (among fixing his broken ship) is to retrieve the hatchling dragon that was stolen from him, and like all interesting protagonists, he’ll do what’s absolutely necessary to take back what’s rightfully his.

Assuredly, this would appeal to Firefly fans as Jake reminds me of Mal Reynolds but with powerful magic and better weaponry. With nods to Star Wars, Harry Dresden, and the Wild West, this had all sorts of things going for it.

More and more these days, I measure my reading experience with how much fun I have, and this had quite a bit.  I’m happy to see there’s 3 more novellas about Jake because I simply want to know more about his past, the dragon he currently has in his possession, and where he’s going next!

Thank you to the author and LVE Press via NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review
Assassins Anonymous by Rob Hart

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adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Really, the blurb says it all.  Mark is this close to his one year anniversary of not having killed anyone.  However, a brute of a Russian makes an attempt on his life which spurs him to discover the whys of how he’s become a target after disappearing from the life of being the best assassin for over the past decade.  If he wants to continue his recovery, Mark needs answers, but things quickly spiral out of control as complications pile up.

Know that the plot is quick, the thrown wrenches hit hard as this alternates between Mark in the present trying to figure things out and the past showing how he arrives at his current predicament.  I was not once bored. I loved the struggle Mark goes through, seeing his world through a lens of paranoia and situational awareness, fighting a deeply ingrained instinct to kill to easily solve life’s problems.  The ingenuity he comes up with to avoid falling back into old patterns was entertaining to see as he’s basically operating with one hand tied behind his back.

So yes, this had plenty of violence, fights, chases, shady agencies, and rival assassins, all entwined with a plausible existential crisis about the moral dilemma that is Mark’s profession. I love me an assassin/mercenary story, and unlike most of these sorts of books, Hart brings a different perspective to his anti-hero that makes him very likable and sympathetic despite his deadly skill set.  Though this is serious in subject matter with some very tragic fallout, the best books that I enjoy the most always have a touch of fun factor and humor to them (and believe me, there's plenty of grim dark books regarding this genre who have none of that) which makes this stand out amongst the masses.

Peppered with pop culture references, Hart knows how to lure the reader through his propulsive writing.  So, if you want a slightly less flashy John Wick-esque tale full of action, suspense, betrayals, reveals, and the hope for some peace and redemption, then this right here is the answer.  Rob Hart is officially on my radar now, and I’ll be checking out previous and future works to come!

Thank you to the author and GP Putnam’s Sons via NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review
The Moon Run by Kathleen Contine

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adventurous tense fast-paced

3.0

I chose this book for the blurb.  I mean, what science fiction lover wouldn’t fall for a futuristic penultimate yearly race for a chance at glory of being the best? A race that lasts for days and has no rules?

Finley has been sidelined from doing said best due to a tragic accident that killed her copilot a year ago. When she’s reminded of her contract obligation to return to the high stakes arena, the last thing she expects is to be paired with Garis, the very guy who caused the accident.

This should’ve been a slam dunk.  I did enjoy the setting, the various characters, and the broad story arc, but in general, I felt a lot of nuance could have been added regarding the world building and the lure and background of this illustrious race.  I wanted more in-depth characterizations, more consequences, more answers.  In general, I wanted more specifics on every aspect of this story.

However, I loved the premise.  I enjoyed what was delivered.  I like that this is going to continue as a series.  Perhaps because several things were left nebulously, that is what will bring me back for the next installment as I feel this only scratched the surface of its huge potential.

Thank you to the author via NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review