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shadow_summit's reviews
113 reviews
Magic Unleashed by K.M. Shea
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This is a super fun trilogy, it's fast paced to read and I really liked the lore of vampires, etc in this. You got the Supernatural element without the weird stuff some novels include, so definitely suited my taste.
I'm still not completely won over to Killian, (maybe I'm a bit more grudgeful than Hazel) but they work for them and for Hazel's character, while I hoped she'd stick to her guns a little longer, the way things played out probably suited her best, given her kind, understanding nature.
I did foresee their twist for the final battle, but it was amusing to read.
This final book introduces more elements which I'm sure will lead into future books in the Magiford series, but it did interrupt/drag this books plot a bit, but I'm sure I'll be grateful for the info reading the rest of the series.
I'm still not completely won over to Killian, (maybe I'm a bit more grudgeful than Hazel) but they work for them and for Hazel's character, while I hoped she'd stick to her guns a little longer, the way things played out probably suited her best, given her kind, understanding nature.
I did foresee their twist for the final battle, but it was amusing to read.
This final book introduces more elements which I'm sure will lead into future books in the Magiford series, but it did interrupt/drag this books plot a bit, but I'm sure I'll be grateful for the info reading the rest of the series.
Shadowgate by Emily Rodda
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This book got especially dark and creepy. I mean the Deltora series definitely dabbles in dark powers etc, I mean the bad guy is called The Shadow Lord.
We follow Lief and the crew as they seek out the next witch at the Shadowgate but they also come across a weird masked circus troupe along the way.
Our crew seem pretty prone to falling for traps but when spooky dark powers are at play manipulating thoughts, desires and sensibility, I suppose things can be pretty tough.
Looking forward to seeing where the crew goes next.
We follow Lief and the crew as they seek out the next witch at the Shadowgate but they also come across a weird masked circus troupe along the way.
Our crew seem pretty prone to falling for traps but when spooky dark powers are at play manipulating thoughts, desires and sensibility, I suppose things can be pretty tough.
Looking forward to seeing where the crew goes next.
The Far Side of the Loch by Renée Graef, Melissa Wiley
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Martha is a fun-filled lively character to follow.
This book focused less on her highland adventurings but still captured our beloved main character in her light-hearted admiration of where she lives and the characters around her.
Grisie was extra annoying in this book and for some reason her parents never called her out on her attitude, they just discipline Martha when she reacts to her sisters attitude.
Also my favourite lad, Duncan, had a really small role in this book. 🥲
This book focused less on her highland adventurings but still captured our beloved main character in her light-hearted admiration of where she lives and the characters around her.
Grisie was extra annoying in this book and for some reason her parents never called her out on her attitude, they just discipline Martha when she reacts to her sisters attitude.
Also my favourite lad, Duncan, had a really small role in this book. 🥲
A Little Bush Maid by Mary Grant Bruce
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This book started a little slow but after the first 1/3 I got into it more.
Most of the book is Jim & Norah recalling past adventures to Jim's school pals, Wally and Harry.
Then we have a mystery? plot in the last half.
Honestly it gave nostalgic tones of Australian storytelling. If you know country/outback characteristics, this is very reminiscent of the era of sheep and cattle stations with horses, camping and the aura of rural land. Very old Australian terms and quotes too, might confuse younger readers or overseas audiences a little.
There are a few questionable moments that haven't aged well, but it's a historical feature rather than innate cruelty, this doesn't excuse the attitude of the 1900s but it is accurate for the thinking of the time. It's something we can be thankful is changing with time and a warning of how social attitudes can be widely spread and accepted as the norm despite their twisted nature.
Most of the book is Jim & Norah recalling past adventures to Jim's school pals, Wally and Harry.
Then we have a mystery? plot in the last half.
Honestly it gave nostalgic tones of Australian storytelling. If you know country/outback characteristics, this is very reminiscent of the era of sheep and cattle stations with horses, camping and the aura of rural land. Very old Australian terms and quotes too, might confuse younger readers or overseas audiences a little.
There are a few questionable moments that haven't aged well, but it's a historical feature rather than innate cruelty, this doesn't excuse the attitude of the 1900s but it is accurate for the thinking of the time. It's something we can be thankful is changing with time and a warning of how social attitudes can be widely spread and accepted as the norm despite their twisted nature.
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal cruelty, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, and Murder
Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Magic Redeemed by K.M. Shea
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Trixie Belden and the Red Trailer Mystery by Julie Campbell
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
As a middle-grade mystery, this book is so much fun. I admit I saw through some of the mystery but that's also because I'm reading it as an adult, but there were still parts that took a while to figure out and were just fun to follow along with as Trixie and Honey sleuth their way to find Jim and solve the stolen trailer mysteries!
Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
Did not finish book. Stopped at 22%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 22%.
Not for me. Wasn't finding it interesting. And one of the leads, was too moody and snapped at our FMC over nothing.
The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Little House in the Highlands by Melissa Wiley
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
The characters in this are so vibrant and full of life. The Scottish setting is fun to read about and goes heavy on the fairy folklore and stories.
Martha is an energetic, red-headed lass. She is filled with a mix of whimsy and realism in the sense she believes in fairies and the tales as fact but also counteracts some of the sayings, like: there's no way she'd be blown away by the wind when shaking out bedsheets because she had her heavy boots on. Lol
It's a light, daily-life focused read.
On a side note I find some of the lower rated reviews on here strange, since it seems adults, who read it as children, are doing rereads and then class it negatively as juvenile, etc...but that's the point, it's a book aimed at kids! It has to be written in a way kids can read on their own and understand. 🤔😂 But in my opinion it's a great fun, light, quick read even reading it as an adult~
Martha is an energetic, red-headed lass. She is filled with a mix of whimsy and realism in the sense she believes in fairies and the tales as fact but also counteracts some of the sayings, like: there's no way she'd be blown away by the wind when shaking out bedsheets because she had her heavy boots on. Lol
It's a light, daily-life focused read.
On a side note I find some of the lower rated reviews on here strange, since it seems adults, who read it as children, are doing rereads and then class it negatively as juvenile, etc...but that's the point, it's a book aimed at kids! It has to be written in a way kids can read on their own and understand. 🤔😂 But in my opinion it's a great fun, light, quick read even reading it as an adult~