its_justine's reviews
274 reviews

She knew the storm would have to come, because without rain, there was no life, and without life, there was no meaning.

Once again the fate of Nod rests in the hands of Alice, now Queen of the realm. With hopes that her people can finally find the peace they deserve, a whole new threat bears down on the unsuspecting population, a threat that could tear apart the very fabric of the multiverse itself. Alice embarks on a quest riddled with monsters, pain, and sacrifice, in order to keep the promise she made to protect her people. She seeks aid and allies in unexpected places to prevail over the howling voice seeking refuge in the darkest corners of her mind. But is it enough or will all fall into nothingness?

Queen of Nod is a highly imaginative, creative, and immersive journey into madness. It's a cautionary tale of the repercussions faced when attempting to gain unwarranted and undeserved power, and how greed for more only leads to corruption and anguish. Of being comfortable with and confident in yourself, unwilling to change to appease others, and battling those parts of yourself you loathe, emerging the victor and becoming something new, even if the cost is great. While it may be easier to follow the examples of others, their paths may lead you astray, and the only way to prevent getting lost in the darkness is to follow your own heart.

"I think at this point we're all a little mad."

Snyder continues to amaze me with his exceptionally unique and surreal The Balance series with this eerie sophomore addition. Where I found Child of Nod to be a whimsical adventure, this story is more of an artistic, darker amalgamation of psychological thriller, epic and high fantasy, and horror. It’s beautifully poetic and metaphorical, while using fragments such as 'sunlight filtering through the leaves and branches like knives stabbing the gloom" and "rocks smoothed by gentle tide and time" to exquisitely bathe you in the surrounding world. References to folklore and mythology bring in a whole new understanding to the various aspects of the world without being explicitly exposed, often leading to the formation of your own interpretations and conclusions.

The characters are superbly complex, flawed, and forced to not only fight the monsters that stalk the dark, but the demons they carry within. Alice and Zee perfectly balance and influence each other, even though they initially appear to be polar opposites. While it's great to see familiar faces, new strange and exciting characters join the already colorful cast - there's never a dull moment along this adventure. The threat is chilling, urgent, and palpable, pulling influence from myths and Lovecraftian horror, making this impossible to put down. The settings we're dropped into are ghastly, often hellish nightmarescapes we have to pick our way through to find the light of safety. In all honesty, what could be more haunting and terrifying than an excursion into the human mind?

The thing they don't tell you about hunting monsters is it's always dark…The light reminds them of what they are.

I'm loving this series to pieces. It's weird and fantastical with splashes of humor, all while delving down the deep and dark rabbit hole of exploration of human nature. It's intelligent and eyeopening and tragic, yet hopeful for a brighter future. Queen of Nod has a little bit of something for everyone and I highly recommend giving it a try.

A jaded teacher residing in Florida, Chris goes through the motions of every day life in order to remain close to his brother, who has found himself being charged with a crime he didn't commit. Several weeks after their breakup, Chris receives an invitation from his ex-girlfriend to play Euphoria Online, a fully immersive VR world where players are neurally linked to the environment. With the expensive price tag of one play session, Chris is weary of the offer, but decides to accept in an attempt to save his brother’s life. You see, surviving for six months in Euphoria on Death March mode will grant the player any favor from Albertus Magnus, the world's AI overlord, including pardons for convicted criminals. The only problem: if you die in Euphoria Online while playing Death March, you also die in the real world. Throwing caution to the wind, Chris quickly embarks on the journey, only to be dumped into a decimated stronghold filled with dangers he has no hope of surviving.

Death March is my initiation into the LitRPG genre, and what an introduction it has been! After briefly establishing the who and the why, we're quickly transported into an immersive world, where the tension is unceasing, and action gets progressively more intense. Without knowing what to really expect, this book has been a real treat for me, a gamer at heart. The battles are carefully crafted, the tactical planning intelligent, the leveling and strategizing feel realistic - as realistic as it can get while delving into a world literally filled to the brim with magic. There's an air of mystery as to what has happened to the Cruel Winter stronghold, now battered, broken, and filled with undead. Where a lively and influential player mage once resided, the Dread Lord, a highly intelligent and powerful entity, now rules over the area, but its intentions remain unclear.

Euphoria is a medieval-based world, filled with magic and all manner of monsters and mayhem. Feldgrau, the Winter Castle (and its grounds), as well as the surrounding meadows and forests are handsomely described in such a vivid way, whether painting the mysteriously beautiful landscape, shattered abodes, or soaring towers, you're completely absorbed into the world Tucker has created. The setting itself is littered with all sorts of interesting arcane happenings and traps, not to mention some high level, terrifying enemies. Throughout the chapters, readers are rewarded with beautiful illustrations that bring the world to life even more, showcasing some of the baddies Chris, Lotharia, and Falkon face. I can't reiterate this enough…these are gorgeous! I also found it really interesting how the world genuinely reacts to how the players conduct themselves. Witnessing the benefits and drawbacks of diplomacy versus fighting kept the story compelling, and downright hilarious at times! Lookin' at you, Barfo!

The characters are interesting with subtle cues that there is always more than meets the eye. The scheming and execution of plans are both curious and engaging. The danger feels undeniably authentic. The final battle is epic, leaving you on the edge of your seat, keeping the pages practically flying by. We're left at one hell of a cliffhanger, but luckily the whole trilogy is published and readily available. I'm really excited to jump into book two, Nightmare Keep, to continue my quest through Euphoria with Chris and the gang. Whether you're a seasoned reader of the genre or just looking to finally dip your toes in like me, Death March will surely leave you happily wanting more. I highly recommend.

Whys and what-ifs plague a soul throughout life and in death. It is human to mourn the past, and to curse the way time slips through our fingers like sand, impossible to catch or reclaim.

The City of Countless Souls holds its breath as is stands upon the precipice of chaos as factions war for power on all sides. With deceit and treachery leading everyone astray, and blood flowing freely throughout sprawling streets, the knotted mysteries buried under the sands of Araxes begin to unravel and finally rear their ugly heads. While petty greed reigns, a great unknown threatens the city and beyond, and all who inhabit it, living and dead alike. Locksmith Caltro Basalt seeks freedom. Empress Nilith Renala seeks change. Tal Horix seeks vengeance. Empress-in-waiting Sisine Talin Renala seeks the throne. Tor Boran Temsa seeks more. Although polluted with clouds of betrayal and lies, their fates are entwined, and the future of the Empire rests in their hands as the surging Flood aims to violently sweep them all away.

And so the struggle of Araxes comes to a close, and what a harrowing journey it has been. Breaking Chaos is a perfectly pertinent and wildly entertaining conclusion to The Chasing Graves Trilogy. It is a story of perseverance and sacrifice, and one that upholds the ideal that it only takes one person, one voice to power the machine of change. Submitting to the detrimental and blinding effects of the poisons of hatred and rage, true change will remain unattainable. It is a story of choice, believing in one’s intuition, and how the consequences of your choices solidify your fate. The first half of the book continues to build tension as each of the characters stumble their way towards the Core districts, but the last half is such a staggering reward for readers of the trilogy. Secrets unveil themselves, alliances are forged, and the true threat is presented in a blood-soaked and terrifying way. Once I reached the turning point, it was almost impossible for me to put this down.

We were all the sum of our years, but also the product of what we made of them. A life spent in hate will cripple any soul, wrap it in shadow and rot it from within.

There are many aspects of this story that are worthy of praise, including the complexity of its conflicts, the vivid portrayal of the sunbaked city with its alien soaring towers and deep Nyxwater wells, and its highly imaginative societal structure. However, I have to say the character crafting and development has to be the finest. We’ve already been introduced to bits and pieces of the histories of Caltro, Nilith, and Temsa, but there are plenty of jaw-dropping revelations that decide to blindside you when you least expect it. In addition to the several POV characters, auxiliary characters, such as Pointy, Bezel, and Ani Jexebel, are stunningly utilized to add rich depth and history to the Far Reaches. Galley’s ability to bring about sympathy for characters that shouldn’t deserve even an ounce of it is just incredible.

Throughout the series we’ve been involved in our fair share of nail-biting situations, but Breaking Chaos forcefully cranks up the action meter. From Temsa’s disorganized marches on Tors, Tals, and Sereks, to Nilith’s narrow escape from Chaser Jobey, there’s no shortage of edge-of-your-seat clashes and strife. The Battle of Araxes is one of the most impressively visceral and momentous pinnacle battles I’ve ever read - a chaotic whirlwind where Galley refuses you a single moment of rest. The ample buildup leads to intense moments, and nothing you’ve been introduced to is wasted. The final few chapters are just simply amazing and perfectly wrap up the series.

The Chasing Graves Trilogy is one of the most artistically unique and captivating series I’ve had the pleasure of reading. I cannot thank the author enough for providing me a complimentary copy of this book to bring my adventure across The Long Sands and through Araxes to a satisfying close. Breaking Chaos is a perfect example of what the dark fantasy genre has to offer, a tale drenched in hopelessness, yet set on a course that will guide you to the light at the end of the tunnel. It’s beautifully tragic with surprises at every turn. I highly recommend.

Nothing is certain in Araxes. Not even death.

"This heart that beats for others, for the stars in the sky and the green trees in the wind. Even for all the nine realms. It is a great heart."

And so the epic saga of Raef Skallagrim, Lord of Vannheim, comes to a close. The journey has been long and fraught with dangers and utter heartbreaking betrayal, but Raef’s intent to reclaim his hall from the grasp of his traitorous cousin and bring justice to his father’s murderer remains unwavering. With enemies closing in on all sides, and the end-times steadily breaching the horizon, he must do whatever it takes to not only save his people, but the entirety of the realm of men.

What can I say other than I am in absolute awe of this legendary tale Greylock has weaved. I've been enraptured since the moment I cracked open The Blood-Tainted Winter and with each installment of The Song of the Ash Tree series, my adoration has only grown. I've taken my time with this one, only because I knew turning the final page would be a bittersweet moment for me, regardless of my need to witness the conclusion of Raef's battle for mankind. And what an ending it is. It has been a nail-biting race to the finish line, and probably one of the most satisfying and remarkable conclusions to a trilogy I've ever had the pleasure of encountering.

At its core, this is a cautionary tale of betrayal, revenge, and the steep cost of secrets, but as it continues, the focus shifts to finding one's true purpose through trepidation. About finding yourself worthy of or even possibly capable of altering your fate. The gift of brotherhood through bonds of blood and shield, and the importance of placing your trust and faith in others when all seems lost in darkness.

"The fate is as old as the void at the beginning of all things and I am but one drop of water waiting to drown in the sea."

Greylock has such a beautiful way with words, boldly building a vivid world with pristine, poetic prose, memorable figurative language, and compelling and conflicted characters. Her writing style pays flawless homage to the tales of old, often causing readers to forget this is a story written but just a few years ago, rather than a recollection of the fables of the old gods hundreds years past. The use and threading of Norse mythology to create a unique story involving a fictitious protagonist, yet making it feel as though I've read a poem from the Poetic and Prose Eddas is absolutely brilliant and spellbinding. Even something as trivial as marking the passing of time is done with such finesse, causing you to be completely absorbed into the world: The day grew from youth to middle age as the sun slid across the sky. I could quote this book all day and still would be unable to express its majesty.

Of my many favorite aspects of this series, it is the characters that I hold most dear. Those we've come to know and love continue to astound with their profound honor, raw strength of both arm and mind, and courage in the face of sorrow and suffering. It has been a wonderful opportunity to dive into the minds of Raef, Vakre, and Siv, learning of their ambitions and fears, making these larger than life individuals so relatable. Newly introduced or previously and swiftly mentioned auxiliary characters are perfectly executed to add a rich depth to the story, each with such a unique voice and an enduring loyalty, whether it be to a leader or ideal. I know that more than a few will remain with me even though the back cover has been closed.

Although Already Comes Darkness is an incredible ending to an even more incredible story, I really didn't want it to end. The perfect blend of reality and fantastical elements has violently drawn me and left me wanting more. Norse-inspired fantasy has always held a special place in my heart, but everything I’ve read to this point plainly pales in comparison to the masterpiece that is The Song of the Ash Tree. This has easily become one of my favorite series of all time and I cannot wait to see what T.L. Greylock has in store for us in the future. If you haven't yet started this series, go pick it up...right now.

"Men and women are beautiful in their weakness, Raef, beautiful in their faults and their failings. And because of this, because their lives are fleeting, they are worth saving."

Perhaps, when you love less, it is easier not to let the emptiness become a cavern from which you could no longer see the sun.

Born into a life preordained, Talyien aren dar Orenar of the Oren-yaro lives a life of duty to her people, marrying Rayyel Ikessar, heir of a rival clan, in order to unite Jin-Sayeng. The night before their coronation, Rayyel mysteriously abandons his wife, child, and country, leaving Talyien to rule the war-torn lands as Queen alone. Years pass and Talyien receives word her estranged husband would like to meet in a city across the sea. With a promise to her son to bring his father back home, she sets sail without a word to her countrymen into the unknown. The Bitch Queen of Oren-yaro is willing to face any danger to save her family and bring much needed peace to her people, but she isn't prepared for the trickery and betrayal that await her.

Well, The Wolf of Oren-yaro is one wild, emotional gut punch of a ride! It is a tale of the demanding balance between love and duty, of faith and the pain of deceit and betrayal, of loyalty, even when it is not apparently due. A woman bred to be the indomitable queen of a harsh nation finds herself being hunted and humiliated at every step of her journey to heal the rift between her husband and herself. While the beginning is a bit of a slow start, you’re soon thrown into a deadly game of cat and mouse, not knowing who can and cannot be trusted, with peril and obstacles at every turn. You can't help but earnestly hope things will begin to turn in Talyien’s favor - however, each time you see the sun cresting the horizon, you're knocked back into the dirt right beside her.

Villoso has created some of the most complex and compelling characters I've had the pleasure of meeting. Talyien, a wolf of Oren-yaro with a reputation of a bloodthirsty ruler, but really a hopeless romantic that almost seems to leave the threat of violence as a last resort. Her emotions often cloud her judgment, endangering all that surround her, even though that’s the last thing she would ever want. She finds solace in a life free of duty, but knows in order to honor her people and her father's memory, she must suffer in silence. Khine, a con man with a heart of gold and raw sincerity, who abandoned his path in life to care for his family. Rayyel Ikessar, heir and proclaimed Dragonlord, who is outwardly stoic and reserved, easily hiding his emotions, yet battles a torrent inside his heart. Yuebeck, the scheming and deranged fifth son of the Emperor, who seeks nothing but the power denied him, refusing to accept no as an answer to his demands. As the story continues, secrets come to light, beautifully deepening the personalities of these wonderful characters. Beneath the lofty titles and fine clothes, they're all utterly human with flaws, faults and needs.

But we make mistakes and we hide them with more mistakes and so life goes on like a broken marionette finishing a play, like a lame horse trying to win a race, like the melody from a lute with missing strings.

The world we're dropped into, dominated by Asian influence, is rife with dangers and wonder, whether we’re exploring the dragon pits of Jin-Seyang, navigating the winding roads of Anzhou City, or hidden behind the soaring walls of Zorheng. However, it's safe to say nothing is as it seems. The tone remains hopeful, even though we’re eclipsed by the shadow of desperation throughout most of the journey. Although this is a story where the fate of kingdoms is at stake, it’s surprisingly personal and relatable, keeping you fully invested in the outcome. And the food…oh, the food!

I've had my eye on The Wolf of Oren-yaro since it was released last year and I honestly regret waiting so long to finally dive in. This is the first book I've read by K.S. Villoso, and it certainly won't be the last! I'm excited and very much looking forward to seeing where we're taken next in the Annals of the Bitch Queen series. If you're looking for something that's large in scope, yet extremely intimate and character-driven, this is exactly what you're looking for. I highly recommend.

What starts with a whisper, must end with a roar.

Ein has been given a task by a god of death: gather heroes of legend to end the life of the Emperor of Ten Kings. However, in order to do so, he must kill his companions to bind them to his cause to carry out his will. As they venture across Hosa towards the city of Jieshu, the seat of the Emperor, these heroes not only have to battle each other’s egos, but also dangerous creatures of myth that bar their path. Gathering aid and allies along the way, will they be able to complete a task that has been deemed impossible?

Holy hell, was this a thrilling whirlwind of an adventure! With action that begins in chapter one, and literally does not abate until the final page, it became almost impossible for me to put this book down. At its core, Never Die is a story of life and death, vengeance and justice, and of the oaths, ideals, and morals we as mankind hold dear in our hearts. It's a story of second chances, and choosing the legacy we decide to leave behind, shining light on the fact that villains can indeed become heroes. Friendship and camaraderie are some of the lighter aspects, added in just the right amounts at just the right times, that add an airy tone to the otherwise heavy content. With strong Japanese influence and use of different myths and folklore, I was completely consumed right from the start, and I can honestly say that I have yet to read anything quite like this.

There simply isn't any other way to begin discussing Never Die without first introducing the amazingly diverse cast of characters Hayes has created, each so distinct and beautifully crafted. Ein, a mysterious boy and collector of heroes, who we really don't know much about, other than he was set forth on a path of death by a shinigami. Itami Cho, The Whispering Blade, reserved and renowned Shintei swordswoman, oath taker and oath breaker. Zhihao Cheng (my favorite!), The Emerald Wind, bandit and self-proclaimed villain, who doesn't believe one act of goodness can cleanse him of a lifetime of depravity. Chen Lu, Iron Gut, seeker of glory, and famous for skin as tough as steel with an ample belly that can withstand almost anything. Bingwei Ma, The Master of Sun Valley, undefeated unarmed wushu master who refuses to take a life. Roi Astara, Death's Echo, leper and crackshot that fights from afar and kills for the greater good. With a relatively large cast for a standalone story, the author skillfully breathes life into each of these characters. Shifting focus per chapter, accompanied by a slightly different tone, we're given insight into the characters' personalities, wants, and needs without things being explicitly clarified. As each hero joins the team, it's easy to sense the change in dynamics, and as time continues there's a real sense of companionship that develops, despite their egos, paving the way for welcomed banter, humor, and profound loyalty.

In addition to tremendous characters, I thought it was brilliant how the environment plays a direct role in the action that is encountered throughout. This isn’t just a tale where the heroes are beset by bandits or soldiers along their journey, but instead are barraged by a whole variety of monstrous spirits that seem at home in the settings they're happened upon, progressively becoming more dangerous: vengeful lesser yokai slithering through the bamboo forests in the dead of night, a horrifying mizuchi with its countless eel heads barreling its way downriver, mythical hulking oni stomping through the great forest of Qing. The lands of Hosa are larger-than-life, and the threats hidden within are nothing less. The nail biting action is intense and never ceases; the fights well-chronicled, visceral, and best described as hyper-violent, chock full of plumes of blood and dismemberment. Upon reaching the city of Jieshu, we learn of the greatest threat to the people of Hosa, and the final battle is nothing but epic and heroic.

There were monsters in the world, Cho knew that well enough, but none were nearly so monstrous as man.

I don't think I can truly express how much I love this book without accidentally spewing spoilers, so I'll just finish this off by saying the ending is exactly how it should be. The final chapters had me at the edge of my seat and the revelations that are finally revealed are done so with perfection. I had so much fun reading Never Die and was genuinely sorry I had to turn the final page, as I wouldn't mind spending some more time in this mystical world Hayes has created. There is some room for more building, so I'll keep my fingers crossed in hopes that I'm able to return here someday! If you're looking for a brutal and entertaining adventure, look no further - this is the one you want. I highly recommend.

There was sun somewhere behind them, but it couldn't find a way out. And right now, neither could he.

Gunnar, hermit blacksmith lives in solitude on the outskirts of Klettafjörður, a small village where there is no such thing as a secret kept. His only wish is to live out his days in peace with his "medicine" to keep the darkness at bay, and out of the scrutinizing eye of his fellow villagers. One day Sigurd, a mysterious stranger, shows up on Gunnar's doorstep with a broken ankle, a bag filled with money, and a story to tell. Reluctantly, Gunnar allows the stranger into his home in order to heal, but the man refuses Gunnar's pleas to have a doctor tend to his injury, or aid from anyone else for that matter. During the day Gunnar plugs away in his forge, and at night he warms himself by the fire while listening to the stranger's story of love, betrayal, and murder. The townsfolk begin to grow restless with Gunnar's drunken antics and Sigurd is not at all what he seems - as the story unfolds, it appears the village of Klettafjörður has more secrets than it may seem.

Ok, I'm going to be completely honest here - this story is amazing, and also very incredibly real. Sometimes too real. I have never read anything that has so perfectly embodied the issues faced when dealing with depression and anxiety: loneliness, denial, addiction, suicidal thoughts, doubt, an unwillingness to accept offered help simply because you feel you're not worthy of it. While I went into Storytellers expecting one thing, I was presented with so much more. Yes, I got a story of blind faith and loyalty laced with treachery and heartbreak. Yes, I got a story of a downtrodden man who finally decides to change his life as he sees fit, unwilling to let others pave the path of his future for him. Yes, I got a little bit of mystery with a little bit of magic, followed by INSANE, jaw-dropping revelations. But at its heart, Storytellers is a tale of evading the darkness, bearing with the pain of tragedy, and living to see the sun rise another day.

Storytellers is told in a uniquely executed story-within-a-story fashion, clearly designated as Then and Now, where as the chapters pass, you can begin to see the threads coming together to create a grand reveal. While it is a bit of a slow-burn, the payoff is enormous and oh so satisfying. Larssen skillfully drops breadcrumbs throughout the pages and leaves it up to the reader to pick up on the subtleties, which, when I spotted them, I found to be extremely rewarding. There are twists and turns and lots of unexpected happenings to keep you fully invested and at the edge of your seat, especially during the last couple chapters.

The general tone of the book is pretty somber, completely immersing you in the themes presented, yet also peppered with a feeling of hopefulness and an eagerness for change. The characters are complex, at times frustrating in their behavior, and many with skeletons in their closets that are just waiting to finally be released. Gunnar's development throughout is an interesting journey to witness, especially as he advances from "I want to be left alone" to "I want to be the hero". You're dropped into a beautifully illustrated setting, only further proving the depth of the author's knowledge of both the geographical location and the time period the tale is set in. Larssen uses such awe-inspiring and vivid descriptions that only made my need to visit the beautiful country of Iceland grow even more.

Something that resembled green fire danced in the sky….
"Is this magic?" she whispered. "Is it mountains changing shape? Is the sky burning?"

*Sigh*

I was so excited to finally dive into Storytellers and am even more so now that my expectations have been completely blown out of the water. This story is a bit of a change to what I normally read, but I couldn't be happier with my experience in this place and time in history. Everything about this book is genuine, and completely relatable on so many levels. Larssen is an author everyone needs to keep an eye out for, and I cannot wait to see where he takes us next. I highly recommend.