Tag: fantasy

Reviews

The Obelisk Gate Review

by amyleighreadsLeave a Comment on The Obelisk Gate Review

*Some spoilers*

This is the way the world ends… for the last time. The season of endings grows darker as civilization fades into the long cold night. Alabaster Tenring – madman, world-crusher, saviour – has returned with a mission: to train his successor, Essun, and thus seal the fate of the Stillness forever. It continues with a lost daughter, found by the enemy. It continues with the obelisks, and an ancient mystery converging on answers at last. The Stillness is the wall which stands against the flow of tradition, the spark of hope long buried under the thickening ashfall. And it will not be broken

I took me quite a few chapters to be situated back into the story simply because I read The Fifth Season back in February and some of the finer details and characters eluded me. But around the first 100 page mark I was pretty much reintroduced to everyone and very much invested back into the storyline.

Essun I think has evolved even more in this book than the first. We’ve learnt nearly all there is to know about her and her background and now we get to see how her previous experiences affect her choices moving forward. I think we definitely see how the Fulcrum has influenced her and from her run in with the Guardian we see that her old relationship with Schaffa has definitely left some scars. I like how committed she becomes to her new Comm and the banter between her and Ykka is very entertaining. She truly comes into her powers in this book and I can’t wait to see where she will go next!

I liked the inclusion of Nassun’s point of view. From her reaction to her brothers death and then the subsequent journey with her father afterwards and how she manipulates him through his love for her. It’s definitely an act of desperation to cling to the only parent she actually loves but we can see how it skews her perception of what a proper relationship with a father figure should be and why she latches on to Schaffa who actually listens and tries to understand her. Even though some of the choices she makes is questionable I remember that she is only 10 years old, incredibly impressionable and just a product of her surroundings. I can’t wait for the reunion she is going to have with her mother and I am excited to see their reactions to each other.

The Stone Eaters are what intrigues me the most. They’ve been very much present throughout the course of the series so far and we’ve only just started to learn more about them and their history. I’m still unsure of their motivations yet, we have some like Hoa and Antimony who are helping the Roggas and others who want the human’s to go extinct. Is Hoa actually being honest and honourable with his intentions or is he going to double cross Essun?

I find this book to be quite a bit slower pace wise than the previous. I found the writing to be a little bit harder to get into than what I remember from The Fifth Season as well. It’s very descriptive but there’s a lot of terminology to try and get your head around which I struggled with at times. Overall though I think this was a great continuation from the first book and I am for sure picking up The Stone Sky whilst everything is still fresh in my brain!

⭐️4/5 stars Immersive, surprising and ever evolving!

Reviews

Witchshadow Review

by amyleighreadsLeave a Comment on Witchshadow Review

*A little Spoilery*

War has come to the Witchlands . . . and nothing will be the same again. Iseult has found her heartsister Safi at last, but their reunion is brief. For Iseult to stay alive, she must flee Cartorra while Safi remains. And though Iseult has plans to save her friend, they will require her to summon magic more dangerous than anything she has ever faced before.

The structure of the plot wasn’t a favourite of mine to be honest. I didn’t really like that we lost all of that time right at the start and then have to have flashbacks throughout the course of the plot to find out what happened. Once again Safi and Iseult have been torn apart and even though they are evolving and distinguishing themselves as characters we don’t see them together enough anymore.

I feel like this was definitely Iseult’s book as she figures out what it means to be the new puppeteer and her voidwitch powers. We witness her struggle with the guilt of having to kill so many people and being able to do it so easily and not giving in to that ‘monstrous’ side of herself that she feels is within her. She has many revelations and epiphanies and we learn so much through her about the truth of who the paladins actually are.

Safi’s storyline was a little stunted to begin with. I didn’t really care about the Emperor at all and I wasn’t as invested in what was going on with that. I did like the fact that we learnt more about the Hell-bards and their history and the restrictions that they have now that Safi is one of them.

Vaness and Vivia was a storyline I wasn’t sure where it was going. Definitely didn’t think that they would actually form a relationship which seems to be the direction it’s going. Having that weaved into Stix and Ryber and their adventures was very entertaining and had me wanting to find out what was going to happen next.

Overall the Paladin’s and Exalted Ones were brought into the story way too quickly for me. Had they been introduced right from Truthwitch at maybe I would be on board but right now I’m kind of confused as to who is who. You absolutely need to read Sightwitch to have any indication as to what was going on in this book and even though I only reread it a month ago I was still kind of like huh?

The only thing that is really pushing me forward is Iseult and Aeduan finally being reunited and Merik’s little appearance right at the end with those mysterious sisters. I have no idea what is going to happen next I just hope Iseult and Safi get a chance to sit down, catch up with us and let us as a reader take a breather.

⭐️3/5 stars I’m invested, the story just veered far from what I was expecting

Reviews

Vespertine Review

by amyleighreadsLeave a Comment on Vespertine Review

*Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC for review!*

Artemisia is training to be a Gray Sister, a nun who cleanses the bodies of the deceased so that their souls can pass on; otherwise, they will rise as spirits with a ravenous hunger for the living. She would rather deal with the dead than the living, who trade whispers about her scarred hands and troubled past. When her convent is attacked by possessed soldiers, Artemisia defends it by awakening an ancient spirit bound to a saint’s relic.

I feel like I didn’t get to connect enough with Artemisia before all the action happened. We get a brief example of the ostracisation that she felt living with the Gray Sisters and how much more comfortable she was with the dead than the other nuns. But then all the action starts and we are swept away into the story before I could form that bond with her. Throughout the plot we are given insight into what she had to endure growing up and why she acts the way she does which I appreciated.

I liked how Marguerite came back into the story. I didn’t think any of the nuns were going to be super relevant to the story since Artemisia leaves them so quickly but it was nice to have her come back in and give us some understanding about how people perceived Artemisia and the misunderstanding that could occur when people don’t communicate properly with each other.

The terminology in the book was a little hard to understand and completely wrap my mind around. Keeping track of all the different orders of the souls and the clergisy was difficult and wasn’t explained as well as it could of been I feel. We’re thrown straight into the action and all of these names and titles keep flying around and I wasn’t as rooted into the story as what I could of been if it was all just drawn out a little longer.

The same thing can be said for the setting and the structure of the plot. I found it quite difficult to picture where we were and what was happening a lot (which I found to be similar to Magaret Rogerson’s two previous books). We are just moving through so quickly and I wasn’t given enough description and I was lost a couple times and had to go back and reread a few pages.

Overall I really liked the concept, I thought it was highly original and compelling. I just would of liked the pacing to slow down and we can get situated with what’s happening before jumping into all of the action. The were some twists and turns throughout the course of the storyline that ultimately kept me turning the pages but was a bit underwhelming in the end.

⭐️3/5 stars The potential was there just lacking that oomph for me…

Reviews

Malice Review

by amyleighreads2 Comments on Malice Review

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me an ARC for review!

Princess Aurora. The last heir to Briar’s throne. Kind. Gracious. The future queen her realm needs. One who isn’t bothered that I am Alyce, the Dark Grace, abhorred and feared for the mysterious dark magic that runs in my veins. Humiliated and shamed by the same nobles who pay me to bottle hexes and then brand me a monster. Aurora says I should be proud of my gifts. That she . . . cares for me. Even though it was a power like mine that was responsible for her curse. But with less than a year until that curse will kill her, any future I might see with Aurora is swiftly disintegrating—and she can’t stand to kiss yet another insipid prince. I want to help her. If my power began her curse, perhaps it’s what can lift it. Perhaps, together, we could forge a new world.

Alyce’s character and background is just so intriguing. How she was found on the streets and handed in to the crown, who is her family and why is she different than the other graces. We really got quite an in depth history of the lands of Briar and Etheria and also Malterre. I really enjoy that we get the backstory and understand the prejudices that Alyce has had to deal with her whole life. I honestly think she was justified in how her arc progressed, finally finding happiness with Aurora and then having it snatched away by the Briar King.

The Graces were an interesting addition to the plotline. I liked that this was something completely new that was added into this fairy-tale that was unique and compelling. The contrast between the graces and Alyce really drove home how ostracised and looked down upon she was even though she was stronger than them. Just seeing how controlled they were from the crown and the length that these graces would go to secretly to ensure that they don’t fade.

Aurora’s character I didn’t feel as much a connection to as I would of hoped. I think she’s a product of her environment and means well but doesn’t understand the depth of hatred the realm has for Alyce. I think she really should of known that her father would blackmail Alyce into working for him especially after she seen what she could do with her powers. Kal on the other hand I felt like was almost too good to be true. He just seems to have all the answers for Alyce which immediately made me not trust him. I knew there was more to his story than what we were being told but the way his storyline played out seems a little rushed.

Overall I was highly invested in this storyline. The magic system and the world building was descriptive and pretty easy to understand. I would definitely appreciate a more in depth look at Vila magic and what the limitations are like we’ve gotten about the Graces. The pacing was a slower at the start and then felt rushed right at the end. But I was highly entertained, I was invested in Alyce and there were some twists and turns along the way that kept me turning the pages!

⭐️4/5 stars Can’t wait to finish off this duology and see what will happen next!

Reviews

All the Tides of Fate Review

by amyleighreadsLeave a Comment on All the Tides of Fate Review

*SPOILERS AHEAD*

Through blood and sacrifice, Amora Montara has conquered a rebellion and taken her rightful place as queen of Visidia. Now, with the islands in turmoil and the people questioning her authority, Amora cannot allow anyone to see her weaknesses. No one can know about the curse in her bloodline. No one can know that she’s lost her magic. No one can know the truth about the boy who holds the missing half of her soul.

I honestly didn’t think Amora really went through any growth from the first book to now. Sure she is now the Queen of Visidia but other than that title she now holds she is pretty much the same. She still comes across as unrelatable and naïve and won’t let anyone in her crew in on what’s going on with her and has way to many secrets. She will play the friendship card with them but as soon as they have an opinion or idea that contradicts with her plans she will order them to submit. She’s a tad too reckless and just overall not likeable to me.

Bastian remains one of my favourites out of all the characters. He will challenge Amara regularly and the banter between them is still so entertaining to read. I like that his communication with her is always open and honest and he will express how he is feeling to her consistently. Amara was blinded by what effects the curse had on him because she was so concerned about herself and he exposed that to her which I appreciated.

Ferrick was always a stable and consistent character throughout the course of the series. He was a great friend and advisor to Amara and would give her sound advice often that she continually chose to ignore. I didn’t appreciate how he ultimately chose Amara over himself and made that sacrifice. I think his character’s arc deserved a better ending, even just being remembered would be better than what we got. I liked the fact that Vataea stood up for herself and had that blow up with Amara. She didn’t just accept the apology and continued on being one of her crew mates. I didn’t think it was the right decision for Amara to keep that secret from Vataea and I felt justified when she left.

Overall this was a highly entertaining and thrilling read. There were several plot twists that kept me wanting to read more and had me guessing what was going to happen next. I like how Amara decided to end the reign of the Montara’s and allow everyone to learn soul magic. I think it was the right decision and gave her the freedom she was yearning for.

⭐️3/5 stars A few things I didn’t like, overall a good duology!!