its_justine's reviews
274 reviews

There really isn't much else to say other than Naomi Novik is a master storyteller. Spinning Silver is a beautiful and whimsical tale filled with hope, enchantment and charm. Much like our heroine Miryem, Novik has taken this story and turned it to gold.

This novel begins following an impoverished village girl as she vows to take up the family business of money lending to create a better life for herself and her family. However, her actions have consequences and soon she finds herself caught within a battle of ice and fire. As the story progresses, her fate is weaved together with those of several other strong and unwavering women who are all attempting to do what's best for the ones they love. Together, they may be able to save countless lives, both human and otherwise.

We follow a central plot through the eyes of multiple well-developed characters, each of whom have their own distinct voice that turns this tale into something I rarely see in any type of literature. As I read, I kept feeling as though I was being told a story while sitting around a campfire with a gentle breeze at my back.

The writing and prose is immaculate. The conflict is well-defined and tangible. A beautiful setting is described in such a way that easily allows readers to close their eyes and imagine it within their reach. I really loved everything about this novel. I cannot recommend it enough.

Let me start off by explaining that slice of life stories are not usually my first choice when picking up a book in any genre. They definitely have a special place and sometimes it's necessary to delve into one for something a little different than the norm. Having that said, Balam, Spring is a solid 3.5 for me, with some aspects I liked and some I really liked.

The quaint and quiet town of Balam is suddenly disrupted when its white mage falls ill and perishes to an unknown illness. In an attempt to find answers to this mysterious occurrence, the town requests a replacement and is sent Aava, a freshly-graduated mage from a nearby academy. Soon, she finds that whatever is sweeping through the town is much more than she bargained for. Together with local (and extremely bored) ex-mercenary, Ryckert, Aava must find the the cause and quickly cure the town of this sickness before an epidemic takes the lives of everyone. Oh yeah, and there are bugs. Big bugs.

Balam, Spring is a genuinely unique whodunnit tale that is part mystery, part slice of life, filled with a suspense that refuses to release its claws. Right when you think you're coming upon a reveal, Riddle throws in another twist that leaves you back at square one with more questions than before. The pace is a bit slower than I generally like, but it serves its purpose by building the tension. There are also seemingly random flashback interludes for all the POV characters that appear throughout, but their purpose becomes very apparent as the story continues on. The action scenes are well written with a palpable sense of urgency that involve most of the tale's likable characters.

The tone is filled with a realistic and tangible sadness as it deals with the loss of loved ones. However, there is a strong sense of uplifting hope that can easily be attributed to the camaraderie of the small town setting.

Speaking of the setting, I'd have to say it's one of the strongest aspects of the book. The world building in here is just absolutely beautiful. The descriptions were so vivid, I felt like I could close my eyes and upon opening them, I'd be resting under Balam's massive yunesca tree on an picturesque spring morning framed with the calming sounds of waterfalls. I'm really looking forward to exploring more of this world in the future.

WARNING: DO NOT read this when hungry. There are multiple scenes involving detailed descriptions of various foods that may cause snacking.

So closes the tale of Girton Club-Foot, Death’s Jester and Chosen of Xus. All the threads have come together to weave this magnificent tapestry that is known as The Wounded Kingdom trilogy. King of Assassins has not only landed on the list of my favorite reads of the year, but is also one of the most satisfying endings to a series I have ever experienced.

The story takes place many years after the events of Blood of Assassins as King Rufra ap Vthyr embarks on an arduous journey to acquire the throne of High King. With the constant threat of assassination plaguing him, there is only one who can truly protect him, his own assassin and Heartblade, Girton Club-Foot. They meet conflict at every turn as danger lurks in every shadow and alliances are forged and broken. It is up to Girton to solve the many mysteries surrounding the supposed curse that haunts his king in order to protect those he holds dear to him.

Barker delivers a brutally beautiful and tragic tale with exquisite and poetic prose. It is deeply rooted in the importance of love and family, while also diving into the conflict between duty and loyalty. We often find Girton struggling between what his king asks of him and doing what he believes is right, his decisions often leading to unexpected consequences.

Each of the characters we have come to know and love throughout the series, as well as those newly introduced, are flawlessly crafted, complex and three-dimensional. The interludes finally give us insight into Marela’s past, which adds a deeper and welcomed emotional element to her relationship with Girton. Aydor, who I absolute loathed in book one, quickly became my favorite character within the first thirty pages of this one.

The revelations of this book are simply mind-blowing and completely unexpected, evidence of masterful storytelling. As all the pieces fall into place and all mysteries come to light, you’re left with a genuine feeling of contentment. Lastly, the epilogue was perfection. I absolutely love this book and I cannot recommend this series enough.

Another indie story for the books (pun intended). I am really having a blast with these self-published books as of late and Sorcerous Rivalry is one that I've had the most fun with in a while. It's a short and fast-paced read that is overflowing with humor, secrets and a sibling rivalry that acts as a constant reminder of how relieved I am to be an only child!

A king's mistress, who has birthed him seven children, has been discovered to be a sorceress and while she is imprisoned, bounties have been declared for the lives of her mage-born children. Reshi, shape shifting royal (bastard) mage-born and local town drunk, lives a peaceful life in a small village successfully avoiding the king's law for many years. One day a mysterious and captivating mage hunter arrives and discovers Reshi's secret. In his attempt to flee the danger that arrived on his doorstep, Reshi reaches out to his siblings with the idea that working together will be the only way to survive the unrelenting onslaught of the mage hunters. He soon learns that enemies sometimes take on unsuspecting guises, while friendships may arise from strange circumstances.

Although the story has a plot with serious themes and haunting backstories, it was refreshing to read something with a bit of a light-hearted and humorous tone. In a market currently seeped in grit and grimness, this is definitely a welcomed diversion. The character development is also well planned and skillfully executed. While all the mage-born are of the same parents, they could not be more different from one another as each have their own distinct voices, quirks, powers, strengths and weaknesses. The witty dialogue and interactions between them often had me laughing out loud.

I'd have to say my absolute favorite parts of the book are the intense, thrilling battles. Oh man, can Nicol write an epic battle scene! Elemental magic, swords, daggers, massive ice mantises (yep, you read that right), hulking fire golems, and the list goes on! While the story as a whole was a genuine pleasure to read, these were the most enjoyable parts for me, which is pretty convenient since Reshi and company coincidentally run into conflict at each and every turn.

Sorcerous Rivalry is a strong and entertaining debut that leaves you on a cliffhanger begging for more. It's a fun romp that I thoroughly enjoyed and am excited to see what comes next.

Heliopause by J. Dianne Dotson is the next book up in my self-published marathon and not only has it been a nice break from my fantasy-strict reading diet, but it's always amazing to discover strikingly talented storytellers. While this story is sci-fi at its core, it’s also an alluring mystery that keeps you on your toes while nothing is as it seems. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am so glad it was recommended to me.

At the edge of interstellar space, strange occurrences descend upon the usually quiet Mandira Space Station and only one man is witness to mysterious transmissions sent from the unknown. Forster, along with his ambiguous shipmate Efron, ventures out amongst the stars to uncover the source of these messages only to discover an invisible and dangerous adversary. Are they capable of saving not only the lives of their station crew, but of all life in the solar system?

This is a fast-paced read with a strong and conscious plot that remains gripping through the final page. Dotson does a wonderful job of creating rich, empathetic characters that really draw the reader into the main story, as well as their pasts. While the tone of the book can be relatively dark at times, there is a strong sense of hope throughout with focus on the strength of family bonds and the importance of perseverance.

I truly love how this story ties up nicely, yet leaves just enough of a thread to continue in the future. Heliopause is a stunning debut and I am really looking forward to reading more as The Questrison Saga continues.

What a wyld ride! (Yep, I said it.) As I began Bloody Rose, I was part excited, part apprehensive, only due to the fact that Kings of the Wyld was one of my top reads of 2017 and it set the bar pretty high for any follow-up. Cue brain matter flying absolutely everywhere because my mind has been completely blown. I didn’t think it possible, but this book is EVEN BETTER than its predecessor.

Tam Hashford lives a sheltered life in her hometown of Ardburg, spending her days working at the local pub. Her wyld heart aches to see what the rest of the world has to offer and she finally gets that chance when Fable, one of the most famous mercenary bands in all of Grandual, led by none other than Bloody Rose, comes to town looking for a bard. Tam hits the road and tags along with the band as they finish up the last leg of their tour and joins them in their final gig that will let their names live on in legend forever. What they don’t know is completing this contract has severe consequences that threaten the lives of every living being, both man and monster. Does the band have what it takes to save the world from eminent destruction?

I don’t even know how to properly put my thoughts into words. Honestly, this was one of the best stories I’ve ever read. While it is technically a standalone, it works as an amazing sequel and a true treat for fans of KotW. The events of book one play a huge role in the plot of book two and we see quite a few familiar faces.

I have to give it to Eames…he’s a master when it comes to character development and progression. Throughout the book, we follow a core group of six characters so distinctly different from one another, yet fit perfectly together like a jigsaw puzzle. The dynamics between Tam, Rose, Freecloud, Brune, Cura and Roderick show us that you need not be related through blood to be family. Each gets their own moment in the spotlight that gives insight into their pasts and answers for their present personalities and drives. Although each are perfectly flawed, these flaws only make you admire them more.

As for the tone, this whole book is a 500-page rollercoaster ride! It made me laugh. It made me cry. And it made me laugh some more. The pages are dripping with a humor I so rarely see in any genre and I can’t tell you how many times I audibly giggled/cackled at the one-liners littered throughout. And yet, two minutes later I’d be holding back tears. Most importantly, there is a profound sense of hope that always lightens the darker moments of the book.

The writing and prose are superb - intelligent, but not always taking things too seriously, making this such an enjoyable read. The jaw-dropping action scenes are insanely intense and I found myself frantically turning the pages just to see what would happen next. And that ending…perfection. I don’t think I’ve ever been so emotionally affected by a single page’s worth of words.

So, if you couldn’t already tell from my dripping praise above, I absolutely loved Bloody Rose. It completely blew my expectations out of the water. I cannot recommend this enough and I cannot wait for more.

It has been a long time since I’ve finished a book on such a note of intensity and I believe my heart has broken.

Earlier this year I read and loved The Blood-Tainted Winter and immediately picked up The Hills of Home. Somehow it got lost within Mount TBR and I only just got to it earlier this week. I thoroughly regret waiting so long to read book two in The Song of the Ash Tree series…it is stunningly beautiful.

Raef Skallagrim returns to the coast of home after the great battle of the burning lake only to be mysteriously attacked by a hidden foe. He later awakens in a dragon boat as it crashes upon the shores of a faraway land beneath stars unknown to him, revealing he has somehow travelled beyond the realm of men. He begins the long and arduous journey to once again see the hills of home, his path replete with trials that would break the strongest of will. In his absence, the wolves circle seeking power, threatening everything Raef longs and cares for. If he is able to find his way, will there be anything of significance or anyone loyal to him remaining as the End Times approach?

This story is intense and alluring and violent. Told with such a vivid voice, it’s almost impossible not to mentally envision the characters and landscapes throughout with ease. Greylock has painted a masterpiece, each page a carefully crafted brush stroke.

The three realms we’re transported to are so amazingly distinct with their own exotic and dangerous inhabitants. Characters we’re introduced to in book one, as well as interesting newcomers, venture to make their mark on the world, however their true intentions remain shrouded. Intrigue and betrayal lie in wait around each and every corner. The saga of Skallagrim is so well-designed I feel like I am reading a Norse myth of old.

I absolutely loved The Hills of Home and am anxiously awaiting the arrival of book three, which was ordered within seconds of finishing this one. The final chapters had me on the edge of my seat and I NEED to see what happens next!

Firstly, I’d like to thank the author for giving me an advanced copy of this book. I was so intrigued with the concept of an original fantasy world built with an Egyptian flavor that it was instantly pushed to the top of my TBR - I am so glad for this decision. Chasing Graves is a deliciously dark tale of treachery, secrets and murder filled with a cast of truly detestable characters whose intentions cannot ever be taken at face value. The only drawback of reading the first installment of a series before its official release date is the grueling wait for its sequel!

Araxes, the sprawling City of Countless Souls, where wealth is measured by the amount of bound dead slaves owned, lies within the heart of The Arctian Empire. As renowned locksmith Caltro Basalt arrives upon its docks with a promise of employment, he quickly finds himself being pursued by a group of brutal killers that violently heave him into the city’s infamous soul trade and sold to the mysterious Widow Horix. Nilith ventures across the Long Sands with her dead husband’s corpse - and ghost - in tow; her timely arrival at the Gem of the Arc her sole ambition. Boss Boran Temsa makes a living illegally selling souls to the city’s aristocracy with a hunger for power that will allow him to finally emerge from the shadows. Princess Sisine grows weary of her father’s inability to rule the empire and wickedly schemes to take control by any means necessary. All the while, as the people of The Arc deal in death and betrayal, the believed dead gods plot to come back to the land of men.

Of all the things that deserve praise, it’s impossible not to begin with the outstanding character development. In my opinion, Galley has given breath to some of the finest and most complex voices in modern fantasy. Caltro is incredibly snarky and self-indulgent, yet I couldn’t help but feel sympathy for his wrongful enslavement. Nilith is a strong, badass woman who can handle herself in a multitude of adversarial situations, but I had to keep reminding myself she murdered her husband and dragged his corpse through a desert in order to bind his soul. Sisine appears to be a calculating and merciless queen-in-waiting, but she's set to inherit a city so corrupt that her extreme measures may be just what Araxes deserves. Temsa is a despicable murderer and soulstealer, however, he’s charming and an unfortunate product of his violent environment only attempting to raise his station. This three-dimensionality made it insanely enjoyable to get acquainted with each and I’m really looking forward to learning more about them.

The setting and environments are beautifully built with striking detail, transporting you directly into this peculiar, yet familiar world. From the diverse districts of Araxes to the endless expanse of the Long Sands to the alien peak of the Firespar, every aspect of this world is so distinct and tangible. The pacing changes based on the character of focus and the situations they’re embroiled in, at times passive and other times breakneck, which I found to be extremely refreshing. The prose is articulate and picturesque with seriously cynical undertones, making this an entertaining read.

Chasing Graves is one of the most unique stories I’ve read this year and ended with a cliffhanger that had me internally screaming for more. It's a strong start to a new series and I’m really excited and looking forward to seeing what happens next. Due out December 7th, this is one you really need to add to your to-read list.