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katerzjoy's reviews
150 reviews
Dragonfall by L.R. Lam
adventurous
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A slow start for the first third with two complex worlds being built and Everens direct POV threw me off for a bit. But then you’re immersed in a complex queer normative world with a new take on magic and dragons. Quickly devoured the rest of the book and excited for the next one.
Gallant by V.E. Schwab
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The Stormborne Vine by Tilly Wallace
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I absolutely loved The Stormborne Vine by Tilly Wallace! It's a cozy fantasy story set in Regency England, and it had everything I was looking for—exciting characters, interesting special interests, dragons, friendship, and a well-built world. I just wish I could jump right into the next book!
The only small thing I noticed was that the chapters changed abruptly, which caught me off guard a few times during intense scenes. I found myself checking to see if I had missed a page.
Thank you to Ribbonwood Press and NetGalley for letting me read this early copy and share my honest thoughts!
The only small thing I noticed was that the chapters changed abruptly, which caught me off guard a few times during intense scenes. I found myself checking to see if I had missed a page.
Thank you to Ribbonwood Press and NetGalley for letting me read this early copy and share my honest thoughts!
Cursed by Gina LaManna
adventurous
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Cursed is a delightfully charming fantasy story that brings out all the warm and happy feelings. It focuses on themes of communication, friendship, and healing. The book was enjoyable and easy to read, immersing me in a unique and magical world.
The relationships between both the main characters and the supporting ones were wonderful. The dialogue was engaging, and the characters felt well-rounded and lively. The story and its world were easy to follow, with potential for further development.
On the downside, there's a part that might seem a bit unrealistic—no first-year medical resident is that skilled. Even in a magical setting full of curses and mythical creatures, this took me out of the story. Additionally, the main character handled everything with ease, which was acknowledged in the story, but I would have liked to see more growth in her journey.
Thank you LaManna Books via NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy and provide my honest and authentic thoughts
The relationships between both the main characters and the supporting ones were wonderful. The dialogue was engaging, and the characters felt well-rounded and lively. The story and its world were easy to follow, with potential for further development.
On the downside, there's a part that might seem a bit unrealistic—no first-year medical resident is that skilled. Even in a magical setting full of curses and mythical creatures, this took me out of the story. Additionally, the main character handled everything with ease, which was acknowledged in the story, but I would have liked to see more growth in her journey.
Thank you LaManna Books via NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy and provide my honest and authentic thoughts
A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen
adventurous
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
The Empress: a Towerfall novel by Kristin Cast
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
I've been thinking a lot about how to talk about The Empress. I liked reading it, but I felt it could have been even better.
The idea behind the tarot cards was intriguing, but it wasn’t fully explored and didn’t really seem to matter much in the story. The characters felt pretty one-dimensional and didn't grow in a believable way. While the banter between them was enjoyable, it wasn't enough to make me believe they could fall in love in just a few days. They had no substantial conversations to inspire more than lust. I appreciated the friendships in the book. She makes friends and focuses on growing them and herself. More attention was put to them than the MMC. The focus on strategy, relationships, and how people see each other was a refreshing change from the usual stories about strength and bravery. However, the plot felt a bit disjointed. The main character claims she can blend in, but her modern language felt jarring.
Honestly, I think this is a decent start for a new author, which was confusing because the author is actually established. I might recommend it if you're a fan of this author, but I wouldn’t say it’s a must-read for everyone. I’m still open to reading the next book, hoping that the story and characters will grow more, as the humour and friendships were definitely enjoyable.
Thank you SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books via NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy and provide my honest and authentic thoughts
The idea behind the tarot cards was intriguing, but it wasn’t fully explored and didn’t really seem to matter much in the story. The characters felt pretty one-dimensional and didn't grow in a believable way. While the banter between them was enjoyable, it wasn't enough to make me believe they could fall in love in just a few days. They had no substantial conversations to inspire more than lust. I appreciated the friendships in the book. She makes friends and focuses on growing them and herself. More attention was put to them than the MMC. The focus on strategy, relationships, and how people see each other was a refreshing change from the usual stories about strength and bravery. However, the plot felt a bit disjointed. The main character claims she can blend in, but her modern language felt jarring.
Honestly, I think this is a decent start for a new author, which was confusing because the author is actually established. I might recommend it if you're a fan of this author, but I wouldn’t say it’s a must-read for everyone. I’m still open to reading the next book, hoping that the story and characters will grow more, as the humour and friendships were definitely enjoyable.
Thank you SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books via NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy and provide my honest and authentic thoughts
Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
No notes. It’s perfect.
An autistic demi/ace who’s hyperfixation of creating a comprehensive supernatural encyclopedia gets pulled into faerie shenanigans
An autistic demi/ace who’s hyperfixation of creating a comprehensive supernatural encyclopedia gets pulled into faerie shenanigans
A Day of Fallen Night by Samantha Shannon
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I am struggling for the words… it’s just so good. I just. Ugh perfect. So many moments and characters. It is not an easy read that you can skim, it demands your attention but gods is it worth it. The build is perfect. It’s easier to get into than the orange priory and definitely should be read first. And now I want to re read the Priory to just continue the world
Feral Sins by Suzanne Wright
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
The problem with constant humour is it eventually loses its edge. Especially when it’s the same bit recycled.
The dialogue was shut, characters terrible caricatures and plot meh. Crap representation
But this was very typical shifter romance and scratched the need so back to regular reading thank you
The dialogue was shut, characters terrible caricatures and plot meh. Crap representation
But this was very typical shifter romance and scratched the need so back to regular reading thank you
Rejected by Jaymin Eve
2.5
After reading Bride I wanted to read another shifter novel. Highly rated with thousands thought it would be good. Nope. Terrible inner monologue and plot. Regrets