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queer_bookwyrm's reviews
513 reviews
The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
4 ⭐ CW: violence, death, suicide, incest, child sexual abuse mention, torture, enslavement, sexual content
The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin is book one in the Inheritance trilogy. This book is hard to describe. It's a secondary world adult fantasy that is very complicated. As with all Jemisin's works, I'm left feeling like I'm not smart enough to read it, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
We follow Yeine, who is telling the story by recalling it as if in a memory, but it doesn't become clear to whom until much later. She has been summoned to Sky (the palace) by her grandfather to become one of the heirs alongside her twin cousins Scimina and Relad. Sky is a dangerous place for someone unused to the ways of the Arameri, between treacherous relatives and the enslaved gods who live there. Yeine is pulled into a political and godly battle where she is a pawn for both.
This book was so involved. Jemisin does an excellent job of building cultures. I loved the creation story she weaves with the Three: Itempas (day), Enefa (dawn and dusk), and Nahadoth (night). I don't know how else to describe what is happening in this story than to just say it is complex. Similar to her Broken Earth Trilogy, you don't really know what is going on until you're most of the way through the book, but I couldn't put it down. Her writing is so beautiful that you are transported
This is a story about free will, freedom, forgiveness, and agency. It also sets up a redemption arc for one of the characters. I really liked Yeine as a character. I loved that she isn't just one thing (iykyk). She is angry and fearful, loving and ruthless. Her relationship with Nahadoth is also complex and compelling. Sieh definitely stole the show for me though. A god who embodies childhood, and he's just so sweet. Like Yeine, I couldn't help but love him.
If this review confuses you, you'll just have to read the book and be even more confused 😂. I'm looking forward to book two l, since it will have a lot more world-building and focus on different characters.
The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin is book one in the Inheritance trilogy. This book is hard to describe. It's a secondary world adult fantasy that is very complicated. As with all Jemisin's works, I'm left feeling like I'm not smart enough to read it, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
We follow Yeine, who is telling the story by recalling it as if in a memory, but it doesn't become clear to whom until much later. She has been summoned to Sky (the palace) by her grandfather to become one of the heirs alongside her twin cousins Scimina and Relad. Sky is a dangerous place for someone unused to the ways of the Arameri, between treacherous relatives and the enslaved gods who live there. Yeine is pulled into a political and godly battle where she is a pawn for both.
This book was so involved. Jemisin does an excellent job of building cultures. I loved the creation story she weaves with the Three: Itempas (day), Enefa (dawn and dusk), and Nahadoth (night). I don't know how else to describe what is happening in this story than to just say it is complex. Similar to her Broken Earth Trilogy, you don't really know what is going on until you're most of the way through the book, but I couldn't put it down. Her writing is so beautiful that you are transported
This is a story about free will, freedom, forgiveness, and agency. It also sets up a redemption arc for one of the characters. I really liked Yeine as a character. I loved that she isn't just one thing (iykyk). She is angry and fearful, loving and ruthless. Her relationship with Nahadoth is also complex and compelling. Sieh definitely stole the show for me though. A god who embodies childhood, and he's just so sweet. Like Yeine, I couldn't help but love him.
If this review confuses you, you'll just have to read the book and be even more confused 😂. I'm looking forward to book two l, since it will have a lot more world-building and focus on different characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Deadnaming, Death, Sexual content, Slavery, Torture, and Violence
Moderate: Incest and Suicide
Minor: Child abuse
Bitter by Akwaeke Emezi
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-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
5 ⭐ CW: violence, police violence mention, abuse mention, anxiety, self harm, death
Bitter by Akwaeke Emezi is the prequel to their first YA novel, Pet. This one blew me away just as much as Pet did. Emezi's writing is just so powerful and evocative. Like Pet, it's a short and fast read, but doesn't feel rushed.
We follow Bitter, Jam's mother, when she is a teen going to the art school Eucalyptus during the time of Lucille's peak violence and protests. Bitter is a traumatized and jaded girl who wants nothing to do with the protests that often get people hurt and killed. She is resentful of the Assata, the group of young people fighting in the streets against corporate greed and police brutality. She just wants to stay within the walls of Eucalyptus and focus on her art.
When one of her friends is severely injured by police during a protest, Bitter's rage takes over, and she begins to paint something from that rage and brings it to life. She doesn't realize that she has opened a gate for the violent angels to come through seeking vengeance on Lucille's monsters. Bitter learns that there are other ways to contribute to a movement without being on the front lines. Movements need artists too.
There was so much diversity and representation in this book! Almost every single character is queer. The story is so apt and prescient. Emezi poured all their rage and frustration into this book and still gave it a hopeful outcome. I think Bitter represents so many of us who struggle with the conflict of wanting the suffering to end, but not wanting to inflict violence or be on the front lines themselves. It was validating to read that there are other ways to contribute without being in the streets.
I would recommend this to any young person tired of the constant fight or feeling inadequate about their role in the fight. I recommend this to elders to see the hurt and rage the youth are going through. The main message here is to not lose hope, and that we must move beyond violence.
Bitter by Akwaeke Emezi is the prequel to their first YA novel, Pet. This one blew me away just as much as Pet did. Emezi's writing is just so powerful and evocative. Like Pet, it's a short and fast read, but doesn't feel rushed.
We follow Bitter, Jam's mother, when she is a teen going to the art school Eucalyptus during the time of Lucille's peak violence and protests. Bitter is a traumatized and jaded girl who wants nothing to do with the protests that often get people hurt and killed. She is resentful of the Assata, the group of young people fighting in the streets against corporate greed and police brutality. She just wants to stay within the walls of Eucalyptus and focus on her art.
When one of her friends is severely injured by police during a protest, Bitter's rage takes over, and she begins to paint something from that rage and brings it to life. She doesn't realize that she has opened a gate for the violent angels to come through seeking vengeance on Lucille's monsters. Bitter learns that there are other ways to contribute to a movement without being on the front lines. Movements need artists too.
There was so much diversity and representation in this book! Almost every single character is queer. The story is so apt and prescient. Emezi poured all their rage and frustration into this book and still gave it a hopeful outcome. I think Bitter represents so many of us who struggle with the conflict of wanting the suffering to end, but not wanting to inflict violence or be on the front lines themselves. It was validating to read that there are other ways to contribute without being in the streets.
I would recommend this to any young person tired of the constant fight or feeling inadequate about their role in the fight. I recommend this to elders to see the hurt and rage the youth are going through. The main message here is to not lose hope, and that we must move beyond violence.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, and Self harm
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Child abuse and Police brutality
Calling of Light by Lori M. Lee
adventurous
dark
emotional
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? No
5.0
5 ⭐ CW: violence, death
Calling of Light by Lori M. Lee is the final book in the Shamanborn trilogy. I loved this one so much 😭! It's definitely my favorite of the three books in the series. There is so much growth from Sirscha, so much heartfelt friendship between all the characters, and it's confirmed that Sirscha and Saengo (probably) is bisexual. Potential spoilers for previous books ahead.
We pick up with Sirscha after the events of the last book, and she is now the King's Shadow. There is a lot of social strife to be dealt with now that King Meilek has freed the Shamanborn. The Shamanborn are naturally angry and distrustful of the soldiers who imprisoned them, and the rest of the non-shamans are wary due to years of prejudice from Queen Meilyr. This is also a time of great political upheaval with a new reign, plus the threat of the Soulless to the Nuvali Empire.
So much happens in this book! We get to learn more about the Mountain Spirit and how it is alive and has a will of its own. We see the return of Kendara, who is seemingly betraying Sirscha, and the continued conflict between the Kazan clans and the Nuvali. The Soulless is such a great villain, because in a lot of ways, he isn't wrong, but his methods are. Lee had me so stressed about Saengo! The ending was so epic and perfect, it had me on the edge of my seat the whole time.
This was such a wonderful series that had zero romance and focused solely on the friendships between Sirscha, Saengo, Theyen, and Meilek. Wonderful world-building, with beautiful prose, morally gray characters, and political intrigue. I'm sad to see this world go. I'm so glad my friend Kaitee convinced me to read these books!
Calling of Light releases April 16th!
Calling of Light by Lori M. Lee is the final book in the Shamanborn trilogy. I loved this one so much 😭! It's definitely my favorite of the three books in the series. There is so much growth from Sirscha, so much heartfelt friendship between all the characters, and it's confirmed that Sirscha and Saengo (probably) is bisexual. Potential spoilers for previous books ahead.
We pick up with Sirscha after the events of the last book, and she is now the King's Shadow. There is a lot of social strife to be dealt with now that King Meilek has freed the Shamanborn. The Shamanborn are naturally angry and distrustful of the soldiers who imprisoned them, and the rest of the non-shamans are wary due to years of prejudice from Queen Meilyr. This is also a time of great political upheaval with a new reign, plus the threat of the Soulless to the Nuvali Empire.
So much happens in this book! We get to learn more about the Mountain Spirit and how it is alive and has a will of its own. We see the return of Kendara, who is seemingly betraying Sirscha, and the continued conflict between the Kazan clans and the Nuvali. The Soulless is such a great villain, because in a lot of ways, he isn't wrong, but his methods are. Lee had me so stressed about Saengo! The ending was so epic and perfect, it had me on the edge of my seat the whole time.
This was such a wonderful series that had zero romance and focused solely on the friendships between Sirscha, Saengo, Theyen, and Meilek. Wonderful world-building, with beautiful prose, morally gray characters, and political intrigue. I'm sad to see this world go. I'm so glad my friend Kaitee convinced me to read these books!
Calling of Light releases April 16th!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Violence
In Diana's Shadow by Liz Helfrich
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
3 ⭐ CW: death, substance use/misuse mentions
In Diana's Shadow by Liz Helfrich is book one of the Constance Grey Mystery series. I won this book in an Instagram giveaway by a friend. Mysteries are not something I typically pick up for myself since I'm primarily a fantasy and scifi reader, so keep that in mind as you read this review.
We follow Constance Grey and her sister Vivianne, who own and run a dress shop in 1920s London. When Constance's close friend Diana Dunbarton is found dead in her home, Constance becomes compelled to help solve the murder.
Usually, I'm not very good at figuring out mysteries and who the real culprit is in who-done-it stories, but I had this one figured out half way through, which unfortunately, made the story drag on a bit. I also thought there was too much info dumping at the beginning and a lot of unnecessary details. It was quite a slow paced story. Although there was some through line about the drug scene in London at this time, it was a fairly tame depiction of it, with little action or twists.
I did quite enjoy Lady Grey, the mother of Constance and Vivianne. She was a no nonsense lady in the suffrage movement for women's rights. It was also cool to see the Spiritualism side of things at that time. The historical aspect was my favorite part, and was well researched. I got the impression that Constance may have been neurodivergent, and there were a couple of small side characters that were gay and lesbian.
If you enjoy cozy mysteries and a 1920s aesthetic, I would recommend this book.
In Diana's Shadow by Liz Helfrich is book one of the Constance Grey Mystery series. I won this book in an Instagram giveaway by a friend. Mysteries are not something I typically pick up for myself since I'm primarily a fantasy and scifi reader, so keep that in mind as you read this review.
We follow Constance Grey and her sister Vivianne, who own and run a dress shop in 1920s London. When Constance's close friend Diana Dunbarton is found dead in her home, Constance becomes compelled to help solve the murder.
Usually, I'm not very good at figuring out mysteries and who the real culprit is in who-done-it stories, but I had this one figured out half way through, which unfortunately, made the story drag on a bit. I also thought there was too much info dumping at the beginning and a lot of unnecessary details. It was quite a slow paced story. Although there was some through line about the drug scene in London at this time, it was a fairly tame depiction of it, with little action or twists.
I did quite enjoy Lady Grey, the mother of Constance and Vivianne. She was a no nonsense lady in the suffrage movement for women's rights. It was also cool to see the Spiritualism side of things at that time. The historical aspect was my favorite part, and was well researched. I got the impression that Constance may have been neurodivergent, and there were a couple of small side characters that were gay and lesbian.
If you enjoy cozy mysteries and a 1920s aesthetic, I would recommend this book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
Minor: Drug abuse
Transitions: A Mother's Journey by Élodie Durand
emotional
informative
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
4 ⭐ CW: depictions of genitalia, misgendering
Transitions: A Mother's Journey by Élodie Durand is a French graphic novel depicting the struggle of a mother's acceptance of her transgender son.
I thought this was a pretty good look at how difficult it can be for parents, particularly parents that consider themselves to be liberal and open minded, to accept the apparent sudden change in their child's identity. We all know how difficult it is for trans people in the world, suicide rates are way too high for us, but often the perspective of the parent is left out. I think this is a great book for parents to see that they are not alone in these difficulties, and that they can choose to accept their child.
I appreciated the letter at the end that Alex (the MC's son) wrote to his mother explaining that although he was grateful his mother was now a part of his life and fighting for him, he went through his transition alone. I think this can serve as a warning for parents, that by resisting the truth of their trans child they are forcing them to go through this harrowing journey alone and without emotional support.
There is a lot of education in this book, which is great for beginners having a hard time wrapping their heads around gender identity and expression, but I didn't love how focused it was on science and biology. Yes, there is science that supports being transgender and gender differences, but even if there is no "scientific" basis, it doesn't make someone's identity less valid.
This is a quick read with a lot of resources at the end. I recommend this to the cisgender person who wants to accept, but doesn't understand.
Transitions: A Mother's Journey by Élodie Durand is a French graphic novel depicting the struggle of a mother's acceptance of her transgender son.
I thought this was a pretty good look at how difficult it can be for parents, particularly parents that consider themselves to be liberal and open minded, to accept the apparent sudden change in their child's identity. We all know how difficult it is for trans people in the world, suicide rates are way too high for us, but often the perspective of the parent is left out. I think this is a great book for parents to see that they are not alone in these difficulties, and that they can choose to accept their child.
I appreciated the letter at the end that Alex (the MC's son) wrote to his mother explaining that although he was grateful his mother was now a part of his life and fighting for him, he went through his transition alone. I think this can serve as a warning for parents, that by resisting the truth of their trans child they are forcing them to go through this harrowing journey alone and without emotional support.
There is a lot of education in this book, which is great for beginners having a hard time wrapping their heads around gender identity and expression, but I didn't love how focused it was on science and biology. Yes, there is science that supports being transgender and gender differences, but even if there is no "scientific" basis, it doesn't make someone's identity less valid.
This is a quick read with a lot of resources at the end. I recommend this to the cisgender person who wants to accept, but doesn't understand.
The Guinevere Deception by Kiersten White
adventurous
dark
slow-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
4.0
4 ⭐ CW: violence, rape mention
The Guinevere Deception by Kiersten White is book one in the Camelot Rising series. I have always loved Arthurian legends, starting with Disney's The Sword in the Stone to The Quest for Camelot, and on to The Mists of Avalon and Merlin. I can now add this to the list! It was nice to finally have a story all about Guinevere, instead of her just being a background character or a plot device.
We follow Guinevere, who isn't really Guinevere, as she becomes Arthur's Queen. Her true identity is kept secret, because magic is outlawed in Camelot, but Guinevere is there to provide magical protection since Merlin cannot. The more we learn about Guinevere, the more we realize that she is more of a mystery to herself than she should be, and it turns out that the deception isn't her's, but Merlin's and Arthur's.
This was a little slow on the plot, but I enjoyed the twist on the Guinevere story. White wrote this so that Guinevere could finally have agency within her own story, which I appreciate, but she was a little more damsel in distress than I would have liked. I enjoyed her friendship with Brangien (who gets to be a lesbian!) and the little bits of magic we see. It was a bit hard to get attached to her friendship with Mordred, because if you know anything about Arthurian legend, you know Mordred will betray Arthur at some point. We do get a female (gender non-conforming?) Sir Lancelot! I loved this development so much, and I can't wait to see more from her in the next book.
I love that this story really focuses on the man versus nature trope, but makes it a bit more gray. On the one hand, you want our heroes to succeed and defeat the chaos, but on the other you can also understand the urge to let nature's chaos take hold and reclaim what man has destroyed. We see Guinevere struggle with this as well. I'm pretty sure I know what is going on with her missing memory and why, but I'm excited for it to be confirmed!
Definitely looking forward to book two!
The Guinevere Deception by Kiersten White is book one in the Camelot Rising series. I have always loved Arthurian legends, starting with Disney's The Sword in the Stone to The Quest for Camelot, and on to The Mists of Avalon and Merlin. I can now add this to the list! It was nice to finally have a story all about Guinevere, instead of her just being a background character or a plot device.
We follow Guinevere, who isn't really Guinevere, as she becomes Arthur's Queen. Her true identity is kept secret, because magic is outlawed in Camelot, but Guinevere is there to provide magical protection since Merlin cannot. The more we learn about Guinevere, the more we realize that she is more of a mystery to herself than she should be, and it turns out that the deception isn't her's, but Merlin's and Arthur's.
This was a little slow on the plot, but I enjoyed the twist on the Guinevere story. White wrote this so that Guinevere could finally have agency within her own story, which I appreciate, but she was a little more damsel in distress than I would have liked. I enjoyed her friendship with Brangien (who gets to be a lesbian!) and the little bits of magic we see. It was a bit hard to get attached to her friendship with Mordred, because if you know anything about Arthurian legend, you know Mordred will betray Arthur at some point. We do get a female (gender non-conforming?) Sir Lancelot! I loved this development so much, and I can't wait to see more from her in the next book.
I love that this story really focuses on the man versus nature trope, but makes it a bit more gray. On the one hand, you want our heroes to succeed and defeat the chaos, but on the other you can also understand the urge to let nature's chaos take hold and reclaim what man has destroyed. We see Guinevere struggle with this as well. I'm pretty sure I know what is going on with her missing memory and why, but I'm excited for it to be confirmed!
Definitely looking forward to book two!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Rape
Legend by Marie Lu
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
3.5 ⭐ CW: gun violence, police violence, torture, death of a child, death of a parent, sickness
Legend by Marie Lu is book one in the Legend trilogy. This was a YA dystopian scifi about a fractured America. I typically like dystopian novels and this author, but this one didn't do it for me. I didn't really love the characters, there wasn't quite enough world-building, and the plot was super predictable.
We follow Day, a boy living on the streets of the Republic doing a Robin Hood kind of thing and causing trouble for the military and government. The Republic's poorest districts are riddled with plague, and when Day tries to break into a hospital to steal a cure for his sick brother, already the most wanted criminal, he becomes embroiled in a plot that tangles him with June. June is a prodigy, and when her brother is killed she is given the task of finding the killer, Day.
While under cover, June gets to know Day, but still gets him caught by the military. They both realize that there is more going on than meets the eye. June realizes that maybe her government isn't as innocent as it seems. As I said, this plot was pretty predictable. I knew where it was going the whole time, so the twists lost their impact. The romance also didn't do it for me. It was kind of insta love, and shallow at that. I just don't think the story was well executed.
I don't think I'll continue the series. This was a disappointment, considering I loved a couple of Lu's other books.
Legend by Marie Lu is book one in the Legend trilogy. This was a YA dystopian scifi about a fractured America. I typically like dystopian novels and this author, but this one didn't do it for me. I didn't really love the characters, there wasn't quite enough world-building, and the plot was super predictable.
We follow Day, a boy living on the streets of the Republic doing a Robin Hood kind of thing and causing trouble for the military and government. The Republic's poorest districts are riddled with plague, and when Day tries to break into a hospital to steal a cure for his sick brother, already the most wanted criminal, he becomes embroiled in a plot that tangles him with June. June is a prodigy, and when her brother is killed she is given the task of finding the killer, Day.
While under cover, June gets to know Day, but still gets him caught by the military. They both realize that there is more going on than meets the eye. June realizes that maybe her government isn't as innocent as it seems. As I said, this plot was pretty predictable. I knew where it was going the whole time, so the twists lost their impact. The romance also didn't do it for me. It was kind of insta love, and shallow at that. I just don't think the story was well executed.
I don't think I'll continue the series. This was a disappointment, considering I loved a couple of Lu's other books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Gun violence, Terminal illness, Torture, Police brutality, and Death of parent
Broken Web by Lori M. Lee
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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
4.0
4 ⭐ CW: violence, death
Broken Web by Lori M. Lee is book two in the Shamanborn trilogy. This was a good second book for world-building. There was a lot of exposition, which was a little slow, but it added so much to the world and background of the characters. It's definitely rambling up for an epic conclusion.
We pick up with Sirscha and Saengo a few weeks after the events of the previous book. We finally get to explore some new places in Thiy, starting with Nuvali, on their way to the city of Mirrim. This is where we learn more about the war and the beginnings of the Soulless. Lee has some beautiful descriptions that really paint a picture, and also expands the creatures.
We also get to learn more about our antagonists, Queen Meilyr who we love to hate (glad we got more of her); and the Soulless, who is finally awake and visiting Sirscha in her dreams. We learn a lot more about the Soulless 's background and how he became what he is now, revealing that when the people in power write history, it's usually so they can stay in power and not face consequences.
I do like that Sirscha isn't immediately in control of her powers, since it's only been a month. She struggles through the entire book to keep her power at bay while still trying to keep Saengo from succumbing to the Rot. We get a lot more of Theyen, and he's as sassy as ever. Way fewer spider descriptions, so I'm happy about that.
Excited for Calling of Light to come out in a few months!
Broken Web by Lori M. Lee is book two in the Shamanborn trilogy. This was a good second book for world-building. There was a lot of exposition, which was a little slow, but it added so much to the world and background of the characters. It's definitely rambling up for an epic conclusion.
We pick up with Sirscha and Saengo a few weeks after the events of the previous book. We finally get to explore some new places in Thiy, starting with Nuvali, on their way to the city of Mirrim. This is where we learn more about the war and the beginnings of the Soulless. Lee has some beautiful descriptions that really paint a picture, and also expands the creatures.
We also get to learn more about our antagonists, Queen Meilyr who we love to hate (glad we got more of her); and the Soulless, who is finally awake and visiting Sirscha in her dreams. We learn a lot more about the Soulless 's background and how he became what he is now, revealing that when the people in power write history, it's usually so they can stay in power and not face consequences.
I do like that Sirscha isn't immediately in control of her powers, since it's only been a month. She struggles through the entire book to keep her power at bay while still trying to keep Saengo from succumbing to the Rot. We get a lot more of Theyen, and he's as sassy as ever. Way fewer spider descriptions, so I'm happy about that.
Excited for Calling of Light to come out in a few months!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Violence
Five Dark Fates by Kendare Blake
adventurous
dark
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
4.0
4 ⭐ CW: violence, torture, blood, gore, death, war
Five Dark Fates by Kendare Blake is the fourth and final book in the Three Dark Crowns series. This is such a good and underrated YA fantasy series! So many strong female characters, a cool magic system, a matriarchal society, and lovable and dynamic characters. Warning for spoilers of previous books.
This book did a great job bringing the series to an exciting climax and satisfying conclusion. I loved seeing how each of the sisters grew and changed throughout the four books. I love that it was a story about sisters, and about how none of them were what they were supposed to be. Mirabella, the oldest and a strong elemental unwilling to harm or fight others; Katherine, the youngest raised as a poisoner, but giftless and possessed by the dead; and Arsinoe, raised as a naturalist while actually being a poisoner, who ultimately, was only really good at low magic. The island needed them all, while breaking the line of queens.
I love that Jules got more of a role in this book as the Legion Queen. She's our powerful bisexual babe. I also liked the unexpected growth of Pietyr Renard. He's not someone I really liked in the other books, but he kind of grew on me. This edition also had a bonus epilogue, so we got a really cute reunion scene. I really want to be friends with Camden (cougar) and Braddock (brown bear).
This is a great series if you like dark fantasy, different types of magic, sister dynamics, animal companions, and political intrigue.
Five Dark Fates by Kendare Blake is the fourth and final book in the Three Dark Crowns series. This is such a good and underrated YA fantasy series! So many strong female characters, a cool magic system, a matriarchal society, and lovable and dynamic characters. Warning for spoilers of previous books.
This book did a great job bringing the series to an exciting climax and satisfying conclusion. I loved seeing how each of the sisters grew and changed throughout the four books. I love that it was a story about sisters, and about how none of them were what they were supposed to be. Mirabella, the oldest and a strong elemental unwilling to harm or fight others; Katherine, the youngest raised as a poisoner, but giftless and possessed by the dead; and Arsinoe, raised as a naturalist while actually being a poisoner, who ultimately, was only really good at low magic. The island needed them all, while breaking the line of queens.
I love that Jules got more of a role in this book as the Legion Queen. She's our powerful bisexual babe. I also liked the unexpected growth of Pietyr Renard. He's not someone I really liked in the other books, but he kind of grew on me. This edition also had a bonus epilogue, so we got a really cute reunion scene. I really want to be friends with Camden (cougar) and Braddock (brown bear).
This is a great series if you like dark fantasy, different types of magic, sister dynamics, animal companions, and political intrigue.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Torture, Violence, Blood, and War
The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
3.5 ⭐ CW: death, death of a parent, underage drinking
The Wicked Deep is a YA contemporary fantasy that is like Hocus Pocus meets Practical Magic, but in Oregon. This is the second book by this author I've read, and although it was beautifully written and atmospheric, I think I preferred Winterwood more.
We follow Penny Talbot, a girl who lives on an island with a lighthouse off the coast of Sparrow, Oregon. Sparrow has a tradition every summer called the Swan Season, based on the story of three sisters who were sentenced to drowning for being witches two hundred years ago. Every June 1st, mysterious singing comes from the harbor until three girls are possessed by the sisters, and then boys start drowning.
This is a story about love and revenge. It started out as just a ghost story with some witch hunt elements, but quickly turned into a love story with an undercurrent of revenge. I liked the concept, but I found myself bored with the romance, and I wanted more from the sisters and their need for revenge. I thought it was a bit too simple that they just kept killing boys for two hundred years because they were drowned.
It just missed the mark a bit for me, but I think those that enjoy romance with a dash of supernatural elements would like this.
The Wicked Deep is a YA contemporary fantasy that is like Hocus Pocus meets Practical Magic, but in Oregon. This is the second book by this author I've read, and although it was beautifully written and atmospheric, I think I preferred Winterwood more.
We follow Penny Talbot, a girl who lives on an island with a lighthouse off the coast of Sparrow, Oregon. Sparrow has a tradition every summer called the Swan Season, based on the story of three sisters who were sentenced to drowning for being witches two hundred years ago. Every June 1st, mysterious singing comes from the harbor until three girls are possessed by the sisters, and then boys start drowning.
This is a story about love and revenge. It started out as just a ghost story with some witch hunt elements, but quickly turned into a love story with an undercurrent of revenge. I liked the concept, but I found myself bored with the romance, and I wanted more from the sisters and their need for revenge. I thought it was a bit too simple that they just kept killing boys for two hundred years because they were drowned.
It just missed the mark a bit for me, but I think those that enjoy romance with a dash of supernatural elements would like this.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Death of parent, and Alcohol