Reviews
I cannot claim to be a writer without also being a reader. Here is a collection of reader reviews of the books I’ve binged. To stay even more up-to-date with what I’m currently reading, add me on Goodreads.
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“Raybearer” by Jordan Ifueko • Book Review
“Your heart is not your friend unless you know who you truly are.”
★★★★★ (5 / 5 stars) Raybearer is a masterpiece of young adult fantasy. Not an inch of story is wasted, as Ifueko weaves elegant foreshadowing and thematic symbolism in every beat of the griot's drums, every whisper of the ehru's commands, every memory gifted or stolen, shared or abandoned.
With a delightfully disastrous Catch-22 premise and a richly developed magical world, Raybearer is a booming drum of a story that demands to be devoured.
“Witchy” by Ariel Slamet Ries • Book Review
★★★ (3 / 5 stars) This was a cute story with fun fantasy elements and refreshing diversity. Some of the writing felt a little lackluster for me, but I would still recommend for fans of witchy fantasies, quirky animal companions, and colorful art styles.
“Daughter of the Siren Queen” by Tricia Levenseller • Book Review
“Your enchantments last long after your song fades.”
★★★★ (4 / 5 stars) Wow. This was such a fun sequel. Right away, Levenseller brings you back to the sharp confidence of Alosa and the serious angst with her and Riden.
I wish there was more to this series so that we could see more after the “happy ending,” but overall, I just loved this pirate-mermaid story as a whole. I would highly recommend it for all readers!
“Shadow of the Fox” by Julie Kagawa • Book Review
“It is very hard to be human, little fox. Even the humans themselves don’t do a great job of it.”
★★★★ (4 / 5 stars) I absolutely LOVED this book. It took me a while to get past the first 50-60 pages, but I think that was more because of my own slump than the actual quality of the story. There were a lot of elements that reminded of the anime “One Piece,” which made it all the more enjoyable.
“Sea Witch” by Sarah Henning • Book Review
★★★ (3.2 / 5 stars) This was a very enjoyable story. I loved the interwoven retelling of The Little Mermaid and the added depth we got with Evie, Anna, and the other characters.
All-around a great book. I’m only giving it three stars because it’s pretty short and the ending left a little something to be desired. But, I would recommend for anyone who wants a magical, nautical mermaid story.
“Salt & Storm” by Kendall Kulper • Book Review
“Hope – that silly, stupid creature that lived within me, no matter how often I tried to beat it to death – lifted its nose and sniffed at the air.”
★★★ (2.6 / 5 stars) I had higher hopes for this book than I maybe should have. I wasn’t a huge fan of the narrator from the start, but the premise was super intriguing. I loved the magical realism and the nautical themes intertwined with the love story.
Unfortunately, the plot took some strange turns that mostly just left me thinking, “What was the point?”
“The Sin Eater’s Daughter” by Melinda Salisbury • Book Review
“I’ve learned that being alone and being lonely are not the same thing. Once I was surrounded by people and lonely for it, but now I’m alone and I’ve never been so content.”
★★★ (2.8 / 5 stars) First of all, I REALLY enjoyed the narrator for this audiobook. I hope to find more novels read by her because her voice was just so solemn yet pleasant to listen to, and the non-American accent was so nice to hear as well.
Regarding the book itself, I have to say I started out really liking the story. Many have complained about the slow pace, but because I enjoyed listening to the narrator so much, I did not mind the pace At. All. However, this book kind of got worse as it went. I loved the premise, and the start of Twylla's journey at the kingdom was compelling to me.
“Beyond the Shadows” by Brent Weeks • Book Review
“Growing old with the woman I love would be my first choice, but dying reconciled with her isn't a bad second.”
★★★ (3 / 5 stars) This by far was the best book of the series but still had so many loose ends, unfinished stories, and confusing elements that it's only worth 3 stars. And honestly, I'm surprised more people didn't die. LOL.
Was this book enjoyable? Definitely. There was a ton of action, a quick pace, and there were plot twists every few chapters that kept me on my toes. But was this series worth the read overall (if this is the conclusion we get)? That's iffy…