I definitely liked this more than Free Country but this still didn't work for me as well as I would have liked.I definitely liked this more than Free Country but this still didn't work for me as well as I would have liked....more
I've never read the comic this is adapted from and I felt kind of out of the loop. Still had fun though!I've never read the comic this is adapted from and I felt kind of out of the loop. Still had fun though!...more
Of all the Dead Boy Detectives comics I've read, this has probably been my favorite so far.Of all the Dead Boy Detectives comics I've read, this has probably been my favorite so far....more
A Dowry of Blood (A Dowry of Blood #1) by S.T. Gibson ended up being a pleasant surprise. I didn't know how much I needed this unique and darkly gothiA Dowry of Blood (A Dowry of Blood #1) by S.T. Gibson ended up being a pleasant surprise. I didn't know how much I needed this unique and darkly gothic Brides of Dracula retelling, but this was pretty cool. I will say that it took me a minute to get into the style, but really though the format of the novel really made the whole thing work for me. I'll now have to read everything by this author, and I wouldn't mind a return to this world in the future....more
I've never read the original shirt story that this comes from but this was a good novels with great illustrations from Nate Taylor.I've never read the original shirt story that this comes from but this was a good novels with great illustrations from Nate Taylor....more
Sweep in Peace (Innkeeper Chronicles #2) by Ilona Andrews is such a fun sequel. I love how it blends both fantasy elements with sci-fi and it has a goSweep in Peace (Innkeeper Chronicles #2) by Ilona Andrews is such a fun sequel. I love how it blends both fantasy elements with sci-fi and it has a good sense of humor which I really appreciated. I'm very glad I decided to continue this series on GraphicAudio audiobook because the production is absolutely outstanding. I hope to continue it in the same format....more
The GraphicAudio production of Clean Sweep is so much fun. I wish there were more full cast audiobook productions like this. I can't wait to continue The GraphicAudio production of Clean Sweep is so much fun. I wish there were more full cast audiobook productions like this. I can't wait to continue this series....more
The short stories of Foxfire, Wolfskin and Other Stories of Shapeshifting Women by Sharon Blackie were really cool. I'm glad this was recommended to mThe short stories of Foxfire, Wolfskin and Other Stories of Shapeshifting Women by Sharon Blackie were really cool. I'm glad this was recommended to me for the 12 Books 12 Friends challenge because otherwise I might have completely missed it. If you're looking for mythology and fairytale retellings, you'll have to try this anthology. ...more
I'm glad I decided to listen to this on audiobook because the narrator totally makes it.I'm glad I decided to listen to this on audiobook because the narrator totally makes it....more
Faebound (Faebound #1) by Saara El-Arifi is a tough one to rate because there is a lot to like but then again it missed the mark for me in a few key aFaebound (Faebound #1) by Saara El-Arifi is a tough one to rate because there is a lot to like but then again it missed the mark for me in a few key areas. I really did like the world and setting, but it took awhile to get to where I was expecting the story to begin. I also wasn't invested in the romance element of this romantasy as I feel like I should have. That said I'd still like to try more from this author in the future....more
I didn't realize just how much I needed this kind Western fairytale retelling. Six-Gun Snow White by Catherynne M. Valente really worked for me. It's I didn't realize just how much I needed this kind Western fairytale retelling. Six-Gun Snow White by Catherynne M. Valente really worked for me. It's short and sweet and it's easy to read it practically in one sitting. I wouldn't mind seeing other fairy tales given this kind of treatment....more
Notorious Sorcerer (The Burnished City #1) by Davinia Evans sounded like it was going to be right up my alley, but it didn't quite work out for me as Notorious Sorcerer (The Burnished City #1) by Davinia Evans sounded like it was going to be right up my alley, but it didn't quite work out for me as well as I had hoped. I just couldn't get into it. I might have preferred it without the multiple POVs and if the pacing were slowed down a little bit....more
The idea of Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation: Mo Dao Zu Shi, Vol. 1 (Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation: Mo Dao Zu Shi #1) by Mo Xiang Tong Xu pulleThe idea of Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation: Mo Dao Zu Shi, Vol. 1 (Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation: Mo Dao Zu Shi #1) by Mo Xiang Tong Xu pulled me right in from the get go. So much happens and there's a lot to keep track of - I'm glad their was a glossary and appendix included because that was quite a useful too. As cool as it was though, I still felt somewhat out of the loop with this novel, but I would still really love to watch the live action TV show someday. I'm not sure if I'll continue with the novels or not though. Visuals might help make more sense of all of it for me, honestly....more
I received copies of the three novels in this series in exchange for an honest review.
Review for Army of the Cursed:
Army of the Cursed (War of the LasI received copies of the three novels in this series in exchange for an honest review.
Review for Army of the Cursed:
Army of the Cursed (War of the Last Day #1) by Karim Soliman is a fantasy series opener that I'm so glad I decided to take a chance on. I wasn't at all familiar with the author before going into this book, but this impressed me enough that I'm going to have to try more of his past works soon. His character work is excellent. I feel like everyone including the side characters are just about ready to walk right off the page. All of the cast are given their chance to shine. I also liked getting to know the world of Gorania. I know this book is the first installment of a spin-off which I've never read, but while reading this I never felt terribly out of the loop though I definitely wanted a little more detail that I've missed. I highly recommend this engaging and fast-paced fantasy even if, like me you aren't already familiar with the previous series. This definitely won't be my last read from this author. I can't wait to see what's more for this series, and more of Soliman's past work.
For Tattered Banners:
Tattered Banners (War of the Last Day #2) by Karim Soliman was a fantastic follow up to Army of the Cursed. I'm glad I jumped one the opportunity to return for this sequel because it took everything I loved about the first installment and just improved upon it. I loved getting to see more of Gorania and the world-building is quite visual. It's very easy to see everything that's happening - and to picture the cast as well. The characters could all practically walk right off the page they're so well developed. The pacing throughout is well balanced and the whole story is a bit of a roller coaster. I was on the edge of my seat wondering where things were going to end up for everyone. The action is so well done, but for me the characters are the ones worth sticking around for. One of these days I need to get to this author's Tales of Gorania series since the War of the Last Day series is a spin off. Thanks again for this brilliant opportunity, Mr. Soliman.
For Reign of Demons
Reign of Demons (War of the Last Day #3) by Karim Soliman is the third (fourth if you count the prequel) and final installment of what has become one of my favorite epic fantasies. I'm so glad I jumped at the chance to return to this world for the grand finale because the author really sent it off in style. It's a long read, but it's worth every second and it feels like it just flies by. The world-building and the character development is as usual outstanding. I especially love all of the little details we learn here. This series needs to be on any fan of the genre's must read list as every installment just seems to outdo itself. There honestly needs to be more stars to accurately reflect just how much I loved this!...more
I can't believe just how cute The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich is! It's just so dang delightful and wholesome.I can't believe just how cute The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich is! It's just so dang delightful and wholesome....more
So Let Them Burn (Divine Traitors #1) by Kamilah Cole is an amazing YA LGBT+ Fantasy debut! This fantasy is Jamaican inspired and the atmosphere and wSo Let Them Burn (Divine Traitors #1) by Kamilah Cole is an amazing YA LGBT+ Fantasy debut! This fantasy is Jamaican inspired and the atmosphere and world-building are outstanding, the characters are feel like they could walk right off the page (especially Faron), and the magic system is pretty cool. Plus, there are dragons! The story does deal with some heavier topics, but the author handles them well. I highly recommend this and I can't wait to read the future sequel....more
Before the Devil Knows You're Here by Autumn Krause was everything I never knew I needed. Let's just say I wasn't expecting this folk horror featuringBefore the Devil Knows You're Here by Autumn Krause was everything I never knew I needed. Let's just say I wasn't expecting this folk horror featuring Johnny Appleseed would work quite so well, but this was such a pleasant surprise. I highly recommend it!...more
I received an ARC from Reedsy Discovery in exchange for an honest review.
Holiday Spirit by John DeGuire is a fun holiday romp that combines genres in I received an ARC from Reedsy Discovery in exchange for an honest review.
Holiday Spirit by John DeGuire is a fun holiday romp that combines genres in some unexpected ways. The novel follows some classic horror characters from Count Dracula, Frankenstein, the Invisible Man, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, the Phantom of the Opera, along with mummies, werewolves, witches, and the like throughout this Christmas tale. The witch and her associates are trying to get rid of Christmas and other beloved holidays while Dracula, his werewolf wife, and company are attempting to save the holidays.
I don't often read holiday themed novels, but genre and monster mashups can be a lot of fun when done right. John DeGuire does a great job working with the classic characters. The classic characters are still recognizable and feel like themselves while getting a modern update. He also makes some really creative calls when it's time for the characters to interact with one another, especially classics that haven't interacted before in past mashups. Honestly, there's a bit of something for everyone in this book.
I only have one real issue with this story. It clocks in at 386 pages, but it could easily be tightened up and streamlined to somewhere around the 300 page mark. As much as I loved where this story started, around the mid-point I was starting to flag and lose some interest. The novelty of the whole thing was starting to wear off a bit. Things picked back up in time for the ending, but I would have preferred this to be much shorter.
While Holiday Spirit by John DeGuire isn't quite a favorite read, I still had a good time trying this author's debut. As much as I enjoyed the story in this format, I bet it would make a cool movie as long as it had the right cast. If you are a fan of the classic Universal horror movies, The Sandman, or The Nightmare Before Christmas, you may also like this as well. ...more
