What the author really excels at here is the character development. I would argue that this first book in the series is far more about character development and situating them in the world than it is about a huge amount of plot progression.
Fantasy
The Soul’s Instruments (The Aspect #2) by Mark Holloway
Synopsis Kehlem the Butcher. Hero. Villain. A pale ghost that haunts the empire, or righteous revenant of Casere. Titles thrust upon him that he had no desire to bear, charged by the Aspect itself to end the Vin Empire. And yet his true and only desire is to get to Mercy before the empire does, […]
Review: In the Shadow Garden by Liz Parker
Enchanting magical realism set in a small town in Kentucky, perfect for fans of Practical Magic.
Review: A Practical Guide to Evil by ErraticErrata
A epic seven book series that’s unique in world building and offers full throttle action and dark humor filled with colorful and memorable characters! Fun read and easily bingeable. A series like no other. Highly recommended!
Review: Ithaca (The Songs of Penelope #1) by Claire North
A beautiful retelling of Penelope’s life through the eyes of goddess and protector, Hera.
Book Review: The Memoirs of Elikai: The Ritual of the Fallen (Book 2) by D. Alexander
Synopsis Phantonix. Phantonix! PHANTONIX! The second Crusader, Metentis, has united the souls from the Forest of the Fallen under the banner of Destiny to overthrow Ankou, the purveyor of Death. Ankou delivers a haunting message to Danny and warns of horrors that are to come, but his admission comes too late. As the army of […]
Review: One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
Gothic romantic fantasy with tarot-inspired magic system. Perfect for an October read!
Review: Not Good for Maidens by Tori Bovalino
Oh. My. God. I LOVED this. I’ve already practically thrown the book at multiple people, although basically shouting ‘it’s about the goblin markets’ probably isn’t the best approach I could’ve gone for. Not Good for Maidens does contain a fair amount of body horror and is definitely horror rather than a YA horror (although it does have a 17-year-old protagonist). But that being said, if you like your horror gory, and creepy, and heart-pounding, this is the book for you.
Book Tour and Review: Pink Guitars and Falling Stars (Rockin’ Fairy Tales #1) by Leslie O’Sullivan
Hello and welcome to my stop on the Escapist Book Tours run of Pink Guitars and Falling Stars by Leslie O’Sullivan! I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I hope that by the end of this, you’re convinced to give it a shot. Special thanks to the author for the review copy!
Review & Discussion: Hunter Exam Arc (Hunter X Hunter, 2011)
Synopsis The Hunter Exam arc is the first story arc of the series and follows Gon on his journey to become a Hunter and find his father. After becoming friends with Kurapika, Leorio, and Killua, Gon must endure the Hunter Exam’s deadly phases to obtain an all-important Hunter License. Review This is the start of a review and […]
Review: The Book of M by Peng Shepherd
Synopsis One afternoon at an outdoor market in India, a man’s shadow disappears—an occurrence science cannot explain. He is only the first. The phenomenon spreads like a plague, and while those afflicted gain a strange new power, it comes at a horrible price: the loss of all their memories. Ory and his wife Max have […]
Review: The Ballad of Perilous Graves by Alex Jennings
Alex Jennings captures the spirit of New Orleans in The Ballad of Perilous Graves.