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tinyelfarcanist's reviews
323 reviews
The Blood of Crows by Alex C. Pierce
adventurous
funny
mysterious
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? No
5.0
As a fan of thieves in fantasy, I had high expectations about this book. I guess what I enjoy the most about these stories is the balance between a dark atmosphere and funny scenes and dialogue. I was glad to find this book didn't disappoint.
I enjoyed the worldbuilding but I would have loved for things to be explained more deeply. I'd like to know more about the society, the history and the magic system's limitations.
When I was not reading I wanted to go back to Ren's adventure because I cared about him. I was also fond of the supporting characters and there's much to know about them still. I loved getting to know the victims even if it was for a brief time.
Ren is someone you root for, noble but flawed. He's a little slow in putting two and two together when the answer was right in front of him. I enjoyed following Ren as a protagonist and seeing him fluster in front of a sassy girl.
There's not a dull moment in the story: It's funny, it's exciting, and it's got beautiful mentor relationships. The Blood of Crows has a sweet blossoming romance, elemental magic, lots of parkour and an overarching mystery. Call me a fan of Alex C. Pierce.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Bullying and Gore
Minor: Child abuse, Confinement, Drug abuse, Self harm, and Sexual harassment
Desolate Seasons by Dana C Brentson
adventurous
dark
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This is part of a series of interconnected standalone stories. There's a sense of detachment to the story and its protagonist, and multiple time jumps between more expanded scenes that reminded me of LeGuin's The Wizard of Earthsea.
The beginning was its weakest point, but as the story develops, it keeps getting better. The villain was a compelling character and their machinations are something to look for in future works in the series.
There's a lot packed in fewer than 100 pages. There's action, death, and even hints of romance. I was pleasantly surprised with every turn it took.
The beginning was its weakest point, but as the story develops, it keeps getting better. The villain was a compelling character and their machinations are something to look for in future works in the series.
There's a lot packed in fewer than 100 pages. There's action, death, and even hints of romance. I was pleasantly surprised with every turn it took.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Sexual content
Odder Still by D.N. Bryn
Maraheem is an underwater steampunk city populated by freckled ginger selkies. The class disparity is evident, and Rubem readily empathizes with the lower city's hardships. He finds an unlikely ally in Tavish, who uses his wealth to help the underprivileged.
Bryn built a queernormative and diverse world. Rubem is dark-skinned and gay, never fitting in any place and silencing his grief with alcohol. Tavish is an altruistic selkie princeling who happens to be plump, blind, and trans. From the moment they meet, their interactions are filled with bangxiety.
The alliance between these two men from different standings while fighting for their lives drives them to question the future they want.
An environmentalist tale of loneliness, connection, and love. Get it if you are looking for mental health and queer representation. There's a beautiful poem at the beginning of each chapter.
adventurous
emotional
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? Yes
4.0
Rubem is running away from people who invaded his home in search of energy-producing parasites. But everyone he meets is more interested in taking advantage of the parasite attached to him than his well-being.
Maraheem is an underwater steampunk city populated by freckled ginger selkies. The class disparity is evident, and Rubem readily empathizes with the lower city's hardships. He finds an unlikely ally in Tavish, who uses his wealth to help the underprivileged.
Bryn built a queernormative and diverse world. Rubem is dark-skinned and gay, never fitting in any place and silencing his grief with alcohol. Tavish is an altruistic selkie princeling who happens to be plump, blind, and trans. From the moment they meet, their interactions are filled with bangxiety.
The alliance between these two men from different standings while fighting for their lives drives them to question the future they want.
An environmentalist tale of loneliness, connection, and love. Get it if you are looking for mental health and queer representation. There's a beautiful poem at the beginning of each chapter.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Animal death, Death, Gore, Mental illness, Blood, Murder, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Ableism, Animal cruelty, Body horror, Gun violence, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual content, Violence, Medical content, Grief, and Colonisation
Minor: Bullying, Torture, and Death of parent
Beyond Ragnarok by Carl Alves
adventurous
medium-paced
3.0
I'll concede contemporary isn't my first choice when reading fantasy, so take that as you will while reading this review.
What troubled me from the beginning is that it's based on Norse mythology. I won't claim to be an expert, but I'm moderately familiar, and the depiction of these legendary characters was Marvel-esque. Odin is a noble man who sacrifices himself for the greater good. Loki is an evil maniac fixated on power and recognition.
I found the characters 2-dimensional. Modi, our MC, is strong, honourable, and selfless. The women are tools to exalt him or connect him to other men who will help him on his quest.
In the style of a Marvel movie, this story is quick and action-packed. I believe it would have worked better as a generic superhero novel rather than claiming to be Norse-related.
What troubled me from the beginning is that it's based on Norse mythology. I won't claim to be an expert, but I'm moderately familiar, and the depiction of these legendary characters was Marvel-esque. Odin is a noble man who sacrifices himself for the greater good. Loki is an evil maniac fixated on power and recognition.
I found the characters 2-dimensional. Modi, our MC, is strong, honourable, and selfless. The women are tools to exalt him or connect him to other men who will help him on his quest.
In the style of a Marvel movie, this story is quick and action-packed. I believe it would have worked better as a generic superhero novel rather than claiming to be Norse-related.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Genocide, Gore, Gun violence, Violence, and Colonisation
Moderate: Bullying, Cursing, Blood, Grief, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Pedophilia, Sexism, and Suicide
Reforged by Seth Haddon
adventurous
slow-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? Yes
4.0
I'm not gonna lie, this cover won me over. I love the passion in it and I immediately knew I was gonna love it. Sadly, my expectations weren't met. It took me a while to get into it. I didn't like Zavrius at first, although his attitude was probably due to his rocky relationship with Balen.
I've found that my favourite books usually include some of my favourite characters. They can be a make-or-break for me, and I didn't find these memorable enough. As the author's debut novel, I see the potential for future works.
This is about the romance between a king and his bodyguard. I've never read this trope but I was worried about the power dynamics impacting the relationship. This wasn't a problem as Balen constantly disregarded Zavrius's authority.
All older siblings die mysteriously so Zavrius, 5th in line to the throne, is now king. He was never prepared for it, he didn't even want it. I had trouble believing a crown prince over 30 has no heirs or is even married. Seeing Zavrius was the youngest at 22, how is it that none of his siblings had a family?
A twist thrown over there, add betrayal, spicy scenes, and likeable supporting characters, and you get Reforged.
I've found that my favourite books usually include some of my favourite characters. They can be a make-or-break for me, and I didn't find these memorable enough. As the author's debut novel, I see the potential for future works.
This is about the romance between a king and his bodyguard. I've never read this trope but I was worried about the power dynamics impacting the relationship. This wasn't a problem as Balen constantly disregarded Zavrius's authority.
All older siblings die mysteriously so Zavrius, 5th in line to the throne, is now king. He was never prepared for it, he didn't even want it. I had trouble believing a crown prince over 30 has no heirs or is even married. Seeing Zavrius was the youngest at 22, how is it that none of his siblings had a family?
A twist thrown over there, add betrayal, spicy scenes, and likeable supporting characters, and you get Reforged.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Sexual content, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Animal death, Gore, Murder, and War
Minor: Homophobia, Terminal illness, Grief, Death of parent, and Sexual harassment
The Alchemy of Sorrow by Quenby Olson, Krystle Matar, Madolyn Rogers, Angela Boord, Levi Jacobs, Intisar Khanani, Sonya M. Black, M.L. Wang, Carol A. Park, Rachel Emma Shaw, Sarah Chorn, Clayton W. Snyder, Virginia McClain, K.S. Villoso
THE WITCH IN THE WOOD – QUENBY OLSON
THIEF – VIRGINIA MCCLAIN
THE QUIET – MADOLYN ROGERS
THE PAPERWEIGHT WATCH – KRYSTLE MATAR
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I’m fortunate enough to have my loved ones with me, but if grief is a sensitive subject for you I suggest checking CWs before opening this Fantasy and Sci-Fi anthology of grief and hope. It will be available later this year, but I was able to read it as I’m a Kickstarter backer. I’ll confess I wasn’t a fan of the illustrations.
LULLABY – K.S. VILLOSO
Not a fan of the second person, but the narrator’s voice gives urgency to it that sucks you right in, and it has an interesting twist.
SKIES ON FIRE – SONYA M. BLACK
This one is about grief for your old life. I liked the idea but the execution, not so much.
A MATTER OF TRUST – ANGELA BOORD
Strong women and multifaceted characters. I’ve been having trouble getting immersed in a story; this one kept my attention and made me want to know more about the world and characters. I loved the commentary on toxic masculinity. I’ll look into other works from this author.
A RECURRENCE OF JASMINE – LEVI JACOBS
Arabian Nights vibes with a woman keeping a god enthralled to keep her head on her shoulders. This story would have benefited from being longer. The end was predictable but the journey was enjoyable nonetheless. It was more about hope than grief.
TWICE DOMESTICATED DRAGONS – INTISAR KHANANI
Interesting premise but it felt like two unrelated concepts. The dragons from the title feel more like an afterthought.
THE WITCH IN THE WOOD – QUENBY OLSON
The usage of the second person bugged me from the first page. But what annoyed me the most was the frequent use of the word babe. Predictable and melodramatic.
THIEF – VIRGINIA MCCLAIN
This one doesn’t really feel like fantasy. Probably fans of contemporary fantasy would enjoy this one more than I did.
THICKER THAN WATER – CAROL A. PARK
Marvellous. Great characters and good incorporation of the theme. I was consumed by the feelings of desperation our protagonist was suffering from. Probably my favourite. I just wanted to dive into this world afterwards. I’m glad there are other books about it.
DEATH IN THE UNCANNY VALLEY – M.L. WANG
I heard of this anthology from this author. Wang is an expert in representing grief, and I didn’t hesitate backing it. This one’s very different from Sword of Kaigen, though. YA tale about coping mechanisms and sharing pain as a path to healing.
SUMMER SOULS – CLAYTON SNYDER
This feels like a portion of a bigger story. I couldn’t connect to it.
RELIQUARY OF THE DAMNED – RACHEL EMMA SHAW
Interesting concept that I’d love to see applied on a larger scale, which apparently is coming. A story about empathy and opening up.
THE QUIET – MADOLYN ROGERS
I thought this was the darkest in the anthology. Better explained by the author:
-Madolyn RogersI wanted to explore the strange duality of depression—that as miserable as it is, it can also be a refuge, its numbness a shield against unbearable pain.
THE PAPERWEIGHT WATCH – KRYSTLE MATAR
The aftermath of losing loved ones. Mourning rituals and realizing you’re not the only one suffering. Pain is usually easier to overcome when shared.
I usually have trouble with anthologies, especially from different authors as the quality and style vary and I lose interest midway through. I also prefer detailed plots with multiple twists and character development. Some of these succeeded in creating complex characters and fascinating worlds in a short format. My favourite anthology so far.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Infertility, Infidelity, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Blood, Grief, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexism, Suicide, Terminal illness, Torture, and Classism
Minor: Child death, Cursing, and Misogyny
An Inheritance of Ash and Blood by Jamie Edmundson
adventurous
dark
slow-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
5.0
Dalriya is a place reminiscent of Westeros. With all the political intrigue, just not as grim.
We follow Sanc's family. He's the son of a duke and nephew to the king of Guivergne. It is primarily a coming-of-age story, but not something I would suggest for a YA audience. With war as the book's central theme, the characters are forced to hastily grow and resort to previously inconceivable measures to keep their loved ones safe.
The book includes a helpful Dramatis Personae at the beginning, but I suggest you take advantage of the maps available on the author's page to keep track of the complex world he has created.
I had no idea of the scope of this tale, but I'm certain Edmundson has more surprises in the saga that I would gladly dive into.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Homophobia, Misogyny, Sexism, Violence, Blood, Sexual harassment, and War
Moderate: Bullying, Terminal illness, Murder, Colonisation, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Animal death, Confinement, Incest, Infidelity, Sexual content, Excrement, Vomit, Grief, Death of parent, and Alcohol
The Prince of Starlight by Lou Wilham
(I'm still not convinced Cricket isn't based on myself.)
There's not a lot of action, but enough mystique to trap you in. The author seemed to have fun writing interactions between Prince Cricket and his sisters/best friends.
I loved this book. It made me feel all mushy and keep thinking about the characters even after the end. Fortunately, Cricket's story is still not over.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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
5.0
Strange happenings are occurring all around Lunette. Prince Cricket decides to take matters into his own hands. Accompanied by his loyal knight, Ignacia, he's determined to solve the mysteries threatening his kingdom's fate.
The prologue recounts Cricket's story, written with the beauty of a legend lost in time.
Following a charismatic queer elf (not me) with a sincere dimpled smile, it's a sweet and funny tale of found family and determination. Filled with cute encounters with a dashing white night, lovers of the grumpy/sunshine trope may find it captivating.
The prologue recounts Cricket's story, written with the beauty of a legend lost in time.
Following a charismatic queer elf (not me) with a sincere dimpled smile, it's a sweet and funny tale of found family and determination. Filled with cute encounters with a dashing white night, lovers of the grumpy/sunshine trope may find it captivating.
"People love me! I'm very lovable! Lovable and cute."
-Prince Cricket
(I'm still not convinced Cricket isn't based on myself.)
There's not a lot of action, but enough mystique to trap you in. The author seemed to have fun writing interactions between Prince Cricket and his sisters/best friends.
I loved this book. It made me feel all mushy and keep thinking about the characters even after the end. Fortunately, Cricket's story is still not over.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Bullying, Violence, and Vomit
The Dark Forest Of Mysterious Evils by D. Heyman
adventurous
funny
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? Yes
4.0
In the vein of a classic D&D campaign, a ragtag lot get together to go into their first adventure. Will they be able to defeat whatever is causing the villagers to get lost in the forest at night?
Anyone who's into TTRPGs can find a familiar story in the Dragons In Dungeons series. Working with unhelpful team members, dealing with uncooperative NPCs, and swinging weapons before giving diplomacy a chance. I found each character more irritating than the last one, although I found the "grass trolls" appealing, whatever that says about me.
This low-stakes story is full of misunderstandings, shenanigans, and head-smashing. Get it if you're looking for a fun and quick read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore and Violence
Moderate: Death and Vomit
Minor: Xenophobia and Alcohol
Fledgling by C.F. Welburn
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Balagir is resourceful and tenacious. In a world of perpetual danger, his wits are his best weapon. Essential in a heavily character-centred story, he is a character you can root for.
This book is mysterious, captivating, and written elegantly without falling into purple prose. This is my first dive into LitRPG, and I'm having trouble believing other works will reach this level of craftsmanship. I loved every second of it. I'm eager to keep reading this author's work.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Death, Gore, Xenophobia, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Addiction, Sexual content, and War