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hyrulebalverine's reviews
32 reviews
Stones of Light by Zack Argyle
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
The Sunlit Man by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Voice of War by Zack Argyle
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Cursed Cocktails by S.L. Rowland
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Marketed as a "cozy fantasy", Cursed Cocktails has been compared to Legends and Lattes. I haven't read that one yet, so I can't comment on the comparison. What I can say is that Cursed Cocktails reminds me of those brief moments in other books where a character's backstory is touched upon. This is a mostly lighthearted story with pretty low stakes. This is an enjoyable story for somebody looking for a little bit of light reading.
Red Seas Under Red Skies by Scott Lynch
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Support Your Local Wizard by Diane Duane
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
The Funny Business by Kevin J. Anderson
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-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
3.0
A collection of short stories; some a single page and others dozens of pages. While this is called The Funny Business and touted as "a collection of 18 of [Kevin J. Anderson's] funniest science fiction, fantasy, and horror stories", I personally didn't find much humor in most of the stories beyond their premises. However, most, if not all, of these stories would be great entries into Anthology series such as The Twilight Zone or Black Mirror. If you go in with this in mind, I expect you will enjoy the read because they are good.
For me, the stand out story was the original scripts for the comic series Grumpy Old Monsters, with Rebecca Moesta. This story had an appropriately silly premise, clever references, and genuinely funny moments. I would truly love to see the final version of this comic.
For me, the stand out story was the original scripts for the comic series Grumpy Old Monsters, with Rebecca Moesta. This story had an appropriately silly premise, clever references, and genuinely funny moments. I would truly love to see the final version of this comic.
Yumi and the Nightmare Painter by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A literary journey that will have you questioning the reality your characters live in.
I typically read books in the science fiction, fantasy, crime, thriller, or horror genres. A friend of mine suggested that I read this book because she really liked it. I will admit to going into it with skepticism, expecting this to be some sort of romance novel. While there is some discussion of a romantic history and potentially some romantic feelings between the characters that is not what this book is about.
As you read through the story, getting to know the characters and events unfold, including the tales that Marianne tells of the past, you start to question whether this woman is telling the truth or if she is actually crazy. The book never blatantly tells you one way or the other, but rather leaves it up to you to decide based on what you read and take from the book. I definitely have a clear opinion as to what was really going on but I won't spoil it for you by telling you what I think or why.
I will tell you after having read this book, I made it a point to recommend it to other friends I have that read because I thought it was that amazing especially given that it is not the type of story I typically read.
I typically read books in the science fiction, fantasy, crime, thriller, or horror genres. A friend of mine suggested that I read this book because she really liked it. I will admit to going into it with skepticism, expecting this to be some sort of romance novel. While there is some discussion of a romantic history and potentially some romantic feelings between the characters that is not what this book is about.
As you read through the story, getting to know the characters and events unfold, including the tales that Marianne tells of the past, you start to question whether this woman is telling the truth or if she is actually crazy. The book never blatantly tells you one way or the other, but rather leaves it up to you to decide based on what you read and take from the book. I definitely have a clear opinion as to what was really going on but I won't spoil it for you by telling you what I think or why.
I will tell you after having read this book, I made it a point to recommend it to other friends I have that read because I thought it was that amazing especially given that it is not the type of story I typically read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide