novelswithnick's reviews
119 reviews

A cultural and political murder mystery with a shining main character that will leave a lasting impression on your memory

This is a slow burn thriller, if you’re looking for constant action like your typical space opera then you will probably be disappointed. There’s some excellent world building implemented into the storyline and it’s sprinkled with unexpected plot twists that was enough to keep me invested

There’s some really bizarre names and terminology used and it can take a while to stop scratching your head. Thankfully there is a glossary at the back which comes in very handy

As time goes on, Mahit, our main character, really does become the star of the show. Her relationships with the side characters is executed really quite well and they all help each other to grow

It’s a well written and layered book and I appreciated how the plot had a beginning, middle and end

Parts of this world feels like Skyrim and that’s an absolute yes from me. Snowy backdrops, crypts, evil beings, magic, communing with the dead and lots of mystery

Following the main character Raine is really quite the adventure. She is faced with many challenges and has decisions to make all whilst harbouring a deadly secret (literally)

The story starts off fast and throws you right into it, the only issue with this is that it does lose its momentum halfway through but the last few chapters brings it back

Its an enjoyable read and I will be checking out book 2 when it comes out✌

It was great visiting this world again with everyone’s favourite clerk. If you enjoyed the first book, there’s no doubt that you will also love this

More twists, turns and plotting, it’s a bigger story and it’s better for it

I was glad to delve deeper into the magic of this world and what it’s like to be a Justice. You also learn more about the background of these characters as to why they are who they are

The writing may not be to everyone’s tastes though, especially if you get annoyed by over using of words

It sets up the final book in the trilogy very well with a satisfying ending and I already can’t wait for it

I have one hell of book hangover

Leigh is an auto buy author, I love her writing style and her creativity and Hell Bent was absolutely no different

Alex’s mission to hell was a dark and twisty venture that expanded on this world and her character mixed with creatures from the underworld

These books could’ve been written by Stephen King, they’re atmospheric, mysterious, gruesome and they don’t hold back from breaching sensitive topics. This is definitely adult fantasy

It’s recently been announced this is going to be a trilogy and what a trilogy it will be!!

Ahh I’m not too sure about this one, I just don’t think it was for me but I’m not saying that this is a bad book by any means

I think this is a book aimed at those who love challenging and intricate narratives, it requires patience and willingness to put in the time as it’s quite demanding

It’s definitely epic fantasy with lots of names and places that explores many social issues. It has quite the learning curve getting to grips with the world, the characters and what’s currently happening

It’s definitely a slow burn and that would be down to the reader if they thought it was worth it not

Maybe I will give the sequel one last chance

I don’t think I’ve ever read a 600 page book so fast without realising it, im not sure if it was the writing or the lesser words on each page but this was so much fun to read!!

I loved the concept of it and could not put it down! As someone who hates spiders, I was rooting for them the whole time!

There’s some heartfelt moments which was very surprising and also very appreciated. I think even non sci-fi lovers will enjoy this and I always think that makes a great book

The ending I was not expecting and it definitely worked. I am going to have a break until I read Children of Ruin as I have heard mixed things about it and im still hyping over this

It’s books like this that are the reason that I love to read, Shannon has blown it out of the waters yet again!!

Amina is a wonderful main character who has layers of personality and traits. It’s an absolute joy to follow her many voyages in this multi stage quest in other realms with unexpected visitors and magical creatures

I thought the side characters in this book were also brimming with personalities and secrets that made them all stand out, put them all together and it’s a swashbuckling combination

This is one great well paced adventure in the start of what I already know is going to be a fab trilogy, it is not to be missed

This is definitely a Mark Lawrence book, adult fantasy that that sometimes reads like YA, not that this is a bad thing in terms of accessibility

Reading fantasy books that are about books and libraries always gives off that wholesome feeling for me, even if the story is not always that wholesome

It takes a while for the story to get going and there is a learning curve with getting to grips with what is happening, it’s worth persevering with though as the plot does get interesting and well paced after

I did enjoy following the two main characters overall, Livira and Evar, especially in how they had a common goal even though they have different lives and the desire to see beyond their current living situations

The mechanism of the library was also really cool to read about, I felt like I was lost in my own labyrinth of books

I think if you are already a Mark Lawrence fan then you are bound to find this book enjoyable

Im so glad these standalones are being reprinted in hardcover, this is such a great addition to the First Law world

The title is self explanatory, this is a 500+ page story about revenge and it has great execution (pun obviously intended)

It’s gruesome, gritty and witty all at the same time. The cast of characters are all interesting and you are constantly rooting for them to succeed in their quest of bloody vengeance even with how flawed they can be

It has a straight forward plot but with excellent writing, additions to the world building and great pacing, it keeps it dark and exciting

much as this. The world building is just perfection, it’s magically rich whilst avoiding info dumping

It’s a slow political burn in the backdrop of dragons with some focus on family relationships. It follows a cast of layered characters where each POV has you equally invested. I did have a favourite though

If you want non stop action then this book definitely isn’t for you but if you just take it all in then I think it will be hard not to love

It stands so well as a prequel to The Priory of the Orange Tree, this isn’t some rewritten story. There’s just the perfect amount of historical context in the world that links the 2 books

I have a book hangover and I could’ve easily read another 800+ pages