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katerzjoy's reviews
148 reviews
The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon
challenging
hopeful
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Grim and Bear It by Juliette Cross
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Resting Witch Face by Juliette Cross
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Always Practice Safe Hex by Juliette Cross
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
Witches Get Stitches by Juliette Cross
funny
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The Last Witch in Edinburgh by Marielle Thompson
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-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
4.25
A journey with witches through time. From witch trials to today. Examining the attack upon women with the only reason being their gender. A strong feminist account of how patriarchy works against everyone and the participation from all to continue it. This book captures feminine rage, pain, fear and joy perfectly leaving me in tears at times. Great representation for LGBTQIA+, chronic pain and loss. Characters are complex with a history and rich emotions. Despite the main characters and plot line being witch/gods driven the story remains relatable with the plot line being for everyone. A perfect ending that doesn’t rely on a magical solution but an every day one.
Where it lost me was the “woah is me I’m too pretty”. While I appreciate the hazard it brings along with its privilege the main character was singularly focused upon her own beauty and others. Further perpetuating the oppression. She recognizes it is wrong, yet continues it.
The other concern I had was with the main relationship. It felt more of a matter of circumstance rather than compatibility. They want each other to be what they aren’t and are cruel to each other for not meeting those expectations. While there is growth it is not because of a healthy relationship.
Thank you Kensington Publishing for the opportunity to provide and honest and free review for the opportunity to receive a free advanced reader copy via NetGalley
Where it lost me was the “woah is me I’m too pretty”. While I appreciate the hazard it brings along with its privilege the main character was singularly focused upon her own beauty and others. Further perpetuating the oppression. She recognizes it is wrong, yet continues it.
The other concern I had was with the main relationship. It felt more of a matter of circumstance rather than compatibility. They want each other to be what they aren’t and are cruel to each other for not meeting those expectations. While there is growth it is not because of a healthy relationship.
Thank you Kensington Publishing for the opportunity to provide and honest and free review for the opportunity to receive a free advanced reader copy via NetGalley
The Ravaged Dark by Allison Carr Waechter
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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
3.75
Violent yet sweet. Great world building. Beautiful relationships and emotions. While I enjoyed every minute I felt it could’ve wrapped up a little quicker.
Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Am I allowed to say this was fun?? I mean no good people were hurt… the romance isn’t as dark as you’re led to believe. Would/will read the next one
Thistlefoot by GennaRose Nethercott
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Really enjoyed! The Baba Yaga lore and pogrom history was well done. Interesting narratives and great perspectives. A lot of themes and commentary relating to now
A Curse of Breath and Blood by K.W. Foster
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
A redemption arc without the failure part. A fantasy tale travelling through lands with varied races to save the day.
Though the characters share a deep background there’s very little history/depth provided. While I’m glad that the side characters declaring their deep friendship and platonic love weren’t killed off after said declarations it felt like they were made to reinforce a history unseen. This book felt like it was the second or third in a series rather than the first one.
Good chemistry between interests and friends and side relationships. Some great dialogue and healthy relationships. Difficult topics aren’t skimmed over or dismissed or used for plot device. The lore is slowly building to a grand story in the next book. A plot hole which we’ll ignore or we can’t save the day (or be saved) and be in two places.
Overall a good book which was exciting to read and close to those iconic romantasies just a little darker but needs some more developing. I also said that of ACOTAR and it’s become my personality. Would give the next book a chance
Thank you Aetheon Books through NetGalley for an advanced reader copy for an honest and voluntary review
Though the characters share a deep background there’s very little history/depth provided. While I’m glad that the side characters declaring their deep friendship and platonic love weren’t killed off after said declarations it felt like they were made to reinforce a history unseen. This book felt like it was the second or third in a series rather than the first one.
Good chemistry between interests and friends and side relationships. Some great dialogue and healthy relationships. Difficult topics aren’t skimmed over or dismissed or used for plot device. The lore is slowly building to a grand story in the next book. A plot hole which we’ll ignore or we can’t save the day (or be saved) and be in two places.
Overall a good book which was exciting to read and close to those iconic romantasies just a little darker but needs some more developing. I also said that of ACOTAR and it’s become my personality. Would give the next book a chance
Thank you Aetheon Books through NetGalley for an advanced reader copy for an honest and voluntary review