The Good: Fantastic concepts, especially in terms of world building and history. Strong themes from start to finish, with shock reveals along the way. The Bad: While Witchsign got off to a cracking start, I felt that the pace slowed in the middle, though it quickened to breakneck speed in the last 10%. Additionally, I … Continue reading Book review: Witchsign by Den Patrick
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Review: The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
The Good: One of the most badass and brutal POV characters I have ever had the pleasure of reading, worldbuilding that rises up around the reader without you even realising, and a plot so tightly packed and paced that this veritable tome of a tale turns from page-turner to hair-tearer when you realise it’s all … Continue reading Review: The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
Review: Empire of Sand
Empire of Sand by Tasha Suri My rating: 5 of 5 stars The Good: Empire of Sand delivers exactly what it says on the tin and THEN SOME! Strong female lead (check), magic by birth but you know there’s more to it than that (check), empires and gods (check), non-western fantasy (in this case inspired … Continue reading Review: Empire of Sand
Review: Priest of Bones
Priest of Bones by Peter McLean My rating: 5 of 5 stars The Good: Colourful characters, grimdark gangsters and good ‘guys’ (and girls!) with grit, and a page turner of a plot packing plenty of pace and punchy prose.The Bad: Several reviews have laboured the ‘this seems familiar’ point as a negative, but for me … Continue reading Review: Priest of Bones
Review: Blood of Assassins
Book Review: Blood of Assassins by RJ Barker. The Good: A return to one of the most relatable POVs in fantasy, development that breathes life into characters-plot-and-world alike, more twists and turns than a maze of mirrors, with a heart at its centre that beats with the life of a full fleshed-out fantasy favourite for … Continue reading Review: Blood of Assassins
Review: Snakewood
Book Review: Snakewood by Adrian Selby The Good: A masterclass in character/narrative voice(s), kickass murderous mercenaries, a unique magic-system based on what is essentially magic-mushrooms and their effects, and a genre-bending/blending/breaking triumph of style. The Bad: Now, whilst this wasn’t a ‘bad read’ for me, the style and voice will be polarising. As a reader … Continue reading Review: Snakewood
Review: The Ninth Rain
Book Review: The Ninth Rain by Jen Williams The Good: A trinity of truly memorable PoV characters, an enemy host that isn’t just another orc variant, a fresh take on a ‘big bad’, and a plot that pulls the rug from beneath you when you think you’ve found your feet. The Bad: I. Have. Nothing. … Continue reading Review: The Ninth Rain
