story_goblin's reviews
363 reviews

The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison

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dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I don't normally like a ton of political intrigue, personally, so I was a bit surprised when this was recommended to me. The high-fantasy setting is certainly right up my alley, and the recommender said it "transported me to a new world" when I'd asked for very immersive reads. I'm glad I gave it a chance. I was pretty immediately hooked by the vivid prose, and I really liked the main character. I found myself more eager than expected to continue it and struggled to put it down when I needed to.
Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

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adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I love this book, and this was my first time listening to the audiobook. It was very well done, but I though the choice for Howl’s voice was kinda weird.
The Sandman Vol. 2: The Doll's House by Neil Gaiman

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challenging dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

The Deceivers by Margaret Peterson Haddix

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This series is incredibly important for young readers today. It does an excellent job of allowing kids to confront the evils they see around them and giving them hope that it’s still possible to change the world for the better. Plus, they’re honestly just good reads. 
System Collapse by Martha Wells

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful reflective tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

This book continues the Murderbot feel and structure. I like the fast-paced, action-heavy plot mixed with sarcasm and humor. 
The Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities by Rick Riordan

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adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted 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? Yes

4.25

This collection was exactly what you’d expect if you’re familiar with Riordan and Riordan Presents. Each story was fun and unique to its mythology/setting. I have only read some of the Riordan Presents authors, but I had no trouble with stories from series I haven’t read yet. It might even be a good way to get a “taste” of several of those series to help you decide which you’d like to read!
Starling House by Alix E. Harrow

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adventurous challenging dark funny hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I didn’t really know what to expect from this book, but can you really know what to expect out of any Alix E. Harrow book? I loved her first two novels, so I picked this up automatically. It’s difficult to describe Harrow’s writing… it’s dark and creepy and heavy and so full of love and hope at the same time. If you’re looking for something unique and complex, this is for you. 
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The Siren, the Song, and the Spy by Maggie Tokuda-Hall

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adventurous challenging emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

I found this one slightly less immersive than the previous one, but I still really enjoyed it. 
The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang

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adventurous challenging dark funny hopeful reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Very few fantasy authors can write books this big and complex and still maintain a good pace. Even fewer can do that while writing such vivid prose that even I feel like I’m watching what I’m reading. Wang’s character building is absolutely phenomenal, and her world building is almost equally strong. 
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Weyward by Emilia Hart

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challenging dark emotional hopeful sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes

3.75

I read this on the recommendation from a book club member. It was beautifully written, I know it’s very important to tell these kinds of stories. Still, some part of me wishes that there had been more… variety? Abuse is not the only thing that makes women feel othered and isolated. 
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