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hardcover_hazel's reviews
175 reviews
Upon the Sands by Jeremy Forsyth
adventurous
challenging
informative
slow-paced
3.5
Upon the Sands is a high fantasy, with tons of characters. At over 500 pages, it was wonderfully written with a depth of different cultures and traditions.
I enjoyed the story and the fantasy. We follow a multitude of perspectives across sand, sea, and the land of Alepion. We travel alongside Blademasters, prisoners, and mindfinders. From sand elves to Norrhan, to star elves.
I personally felt like the writing style didn't create enough emotion with the characters as I would have liked. The descriptions often used are the more intellectual type of word, when a more evocative and emotional word would have created more imagination and feelings.
At over 500 pages, I expected more questions that were brought up to have been resolved. I know there's more books to come but we're given more questions than answers! π©π I think it could have been split into two books π
I did appreciate reading The Little Fairleaf and The Other Fairleaf beforehand. It really helps you feel acquainted to the world, and helps you look forward to familiar characters π
My absolute favourite part was the connection over a campsite fire between a giant Lemonstar and a volunteer.
If you love high fantasy, love warcraft (especially night elves and their invisibility ability at night), and in-depth crafted worlds, this is definitely one for you β¨
I love that the author is South African - Don't forget #localislekker (and I've met him, he's pretty cool)
You can check out his work (and grab some of his books) at www.jeremyforsyth.co.za/shop
Thank you #JeremyForsyth for the signed review copy in exchange for an honest review β¨
I enjoyed the story and the fantasy. We follow a multitude of perspectives across sand, sea, and the land of Alepion. We travel alongside Blademasters, prisoners, and mindfinders. From sand elves to Norrhan, to star elves.
I personally felt like the writing style didn't create enough emotion with the characters as I would have liked. The descriptions often used are the more intellectual type of word, when a more evocative and emotional word would have created more imagination and feelings.
At over 500 pages, I expected more questions that were brought up to have been resolved. I know there's more books to come but we're given more questions than answers! π©π I think it could have been split into two books π
I did appreciate reading The Little Fairleaf and The Other Fairleaf beforehand. It really helps you feel acquainted to the world, and helps you look forward to familiar characters π
My absolute favourite part was the connection over a campsite fire between a giant Lemonstar and a volunteer.
If you love high fantasy, love warcraft (especially night elves and their invisibility ability at night), and in-depth crafted worlds, this is definitely one for you β¨
I love that the author is South African - Don't forget #localislekker (and I've met him, he's pretty cool)
You can check out his work (and grab some of his books) at www.jeremyforsyth.co.za/shop
Thank you #JeremyForsyth for the signed review copy in exchange for an honest review β¨
Soulmates by Holly Bourne
emotional
lighthearted
sad
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? No
3.5
"Real love does change you. It moulds you. It burns your heart into a charred cinder that relights like a phoenix, stronger and more blazing than ever."
I knew this book didn't have a happy ending and I've been going through a breakup, so I didn't want a happy love story. I wanted a story that would make me cry and I got that plus some comfort.
This, albeit very YA novel was Holly Bourne's first and I love her as an author. Her writing is strongly feminist, and usually includes some mental health representation which I feel should be mentioned more in books.
I really enjoyed the idea behind this book. Soulmates are real, but not what you expect.
This is a love story to end the world.
I knew this book didn't have a happy ending and I've been going through a breakup, so I didn't want a happy love story. I wanted a story that would make me cry and I got that plus some comfort.
This, albeit very YA novel was Holly Bourne's first and I love her as an author. Her writing is strongly feminist, and usually includes some mental health representation which I feel should be mentioned more in books.
I really enjoyed the idea behind this book. Soulmates are real, but not what you expect.
This is a love story to end the world.
Where did my industry go?: Why once successful Estate and Letting Agencies are struggling and how a new dawn can turn them back into great busine by Mark Burgess
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
The Other Faileaf by Jeremy Forsyth
adventurous
challenging
dark
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A brilliant summer fantasy read.
Yes, you heard that right π It may be winter, and summer reads and fantasy don't usually go hand in hand, but this book is during a summer festival full of... Well, festivities.
From champions challenging each other in melee combat, to our hero's fighting in the ring, to cheering on the fastest swimmers. It gave a great illustration into the summer world of fantasy.
But of course, something is hiding in the shadows.
And it's our boy, Eldrian who LEVELED UP! Honestly my favourite part of the whole book. Which I will refrain from mentioning in case you want to read it π€
A wonderful short story from a local South African author gifted in exchange for an honest review. Available on his website: www.jeremyforsyth.co.za
I'm so keen to dive into #uponthesands next month and see the older versions of these characters π€
Thank you #JeremyForsyth
Yes, you heard that right π It may be winter, and summer reads and fantasy don't usually go hand in hand, but this book is during a summer festival full of... Well, festivities.
From champions challenging each other in melee combat, to our hero's fighting in the ring, to cheering on the fastest swimmers. It gave a great illustration into the summer world of fantasy.
But of course, something is hiding in the shadows.
And it's our boy, Eldrian who LEVELED UP! Honestly my favourite part of the whole book. Which I will refrain from mentioning in case you want to read it π€
A wonderful short story from a local South African author gifted in exchange for an honest review. Available on his website: www.jeremyforsyth.co.za
I'm so keen to dive into #uponthesands next month and see the older versions of these characters π€
Thank you #JeremyForsyth
The Little Fairleaf by Jeremy Forsyth
adventurous
challenging
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Ambition. Bravery. Friendship.
The Little Fairleaf was a cute and exciting short fantasy story set in the same universe as the upcoming _A symphony of Shadow and Darkness_ series.
We follow an upcoming family who are ambitious and determined to get the attention of Alepion's royalty. Their plot to do this is mentioned briefly in the beginning, which I feel would have left more of an effect if only mentioned at the end. I'm sure I would have been shocked at the reveal then π
There are a lot of names and titles that get included, which sometimes threw me off and lost me a little bit but I did love terms like "united-one" for those who are married π₯° The plot, the budding friendship, and the adorable mind of Eldrian more than made up for all the names!
Eldrian was by far my favourite character - inquisitive, imaginative, passionate, and brave. And he's only 5! The descriptions of his imagination were amazing and I really loved the interactions he had with the Daughter of Alepion.
I'm looking forward to diving into more of this universe. Oh, and did I mention he's a South African author? Love it! πΏπ¦
#JeremyForsyth
www.jeremyforsyth.co.za
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Cosy! Wholesome! Sapphic!
Placing bets right now that this is going to be my favourite read of the year.
This book GAVE! It had so many comfortable, wholesome moments that had me tearing up a good few times. It had a slow romance build that wasn't the main story. It had a community I want to move to. It made me feel warm in this cold π₯°
It's fantasy where an orc adventurer has retired as a small coffee shop owner. The story focuses on her building up her shop, her menu, her relationships, and her beliefs on luck when challenges come along.
Looking for peace? Comfort? Something to keep you cosy this winter? This book must have a charm on it because it gives you all that wrapped up in a stunning, sprayed-edge hardcover that makes you fall in love before you even pick it up.
I took forever to read this because I didn't want it to end π€£
This book will make you increase your warm drink and pastry consumption!! You have been warned.
5/5 β¨ I'm gonna need this turned into a syrup I can have in my coffee so I get a daily dose of this cosiness.
Placing bets right now that this is going to be my favourite read of the year.
This book GAVE! It had so many comfortable, wholesome moments that had me tearing up a good few times. It had a slow romance build that wasn't the main story. It had a community I want to move to. It made me feel warm in this cold π₯°
It's fantasy where an orc adventurer has retired as a small coffee shop owner. The story focuses on her building up her shop, her menu, her relationships, and her beliefs on luck when challenges come along.
Looking for peace? Comfort? Something to keep you cosy this winter? This book must have a charm on it because it gives you all that wrapped up in a stunning, sprayed-edge hardcover that makes you fall in love before you even pick it up.
I took forever to read this because I didn't want it to end π€£
This book will make you increase your warm drink and pastry consumption!! You have been warned.
5/5 β¨ I'm gonna need this turned into a syrup I can have in my coffee so I get a daily dose of this cosiness.
Love in the Time of Serial Killers by Alicia Thompson
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
A lighthearted read, we follow a 30-something master student who has an unhealthy obsession with true crime. So much so, that she's even completing her dissertation on it, makes serial killer references, and is convinced her neighbour may be one of them.
It's a cute, easy read that might give you some true crime recommendations. However, the author makes a fictional serial killer story for the purpose of the plot which was a bit disappointing, but it is easy to find the true crime where she got the inspiration.
Our MC needs therapy but shows a lot of character growth towards the end which we love to see! I read this while I was sick and it kept me distracted and was easy to read. Some fluff, a sprinkle of spice, and a grumpy x sunshine trope from the perspective of the grumpy type.
It's a cute, easy read that might give you some true crime recommendations. However, the author makes a fictional serial killer story for the purpose of the plot which was a bit disappointing, but it is easy to find the true crime where she got the inspiration.
Our MC needs therapy but shows a lot of character growth towards the end which we love to see! I read this while I was sick and it kept me distracted and was easy to read. Some fluff, a sprinkle of spice, and a grumpy x sunshine trope from the perspective of the grumpy type.
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-ExupΓ©ry
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-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
A book I wish I'd read as a kid. This delightful read gives a fresh perspective to the world and life and you walk away with a new sense of it. The writing is fun yet knowledgable and reminds me of the way Lemony Snicket writes. Don't be an adult and think of the way things work or don't work, just use your imagination and let the story take you away β¨
Five Survive by Holly Jackson
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Eight hours. Six friends. One sniper.
Five Survive was a really enjoyable book, pulling me to it in thoughts when I wasn't reading it. This was a holiday read for me, enjoyed sometimes on the beach (in my defense, the characters were on the way to their own holiday) π€£ but it wasn't too scary or too wild to disrupt the vibes πβ¨
We follow Red, a teenager who's mother was executed, and who has been blaming herself for it ever since. She doesn't have a lot - of money, friends, or memory lol - but she does have a secret. And so does everyone in that RV with her that slowly trickle out over 6 long hours in the dark.
At one point I got a bit annoyed with all the plot twists being thrown around because they weren't being spaced out nicely, and this is written as a young adult thriller, so our characters don't have the best ideas (they are teens), but besides all that, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It gave suspense, it gave excitement, it gave beautifully written gems scattered around. Such as red - the colour, the character. A theme all on its own, splashed around the entire book as both terrifying and beautiful.
It also really made you guess who the friend is that doesn't make it π I also haven't read any other Holly Jackson books but it has made me excited to start her series.
(finished in) Ten days. Four stars. One book.
π
Five Survive was a really enjoyable book, pulling me to it in thoughts when I wasn't reading it. This was a holiday read for me, enjoyed sometimes on the beach (in my defense, the characters were on the way to their own holiday) π€£ but it wasn't too scary or too wild to disrupt the vibes πβ¨
We follow Red, a teenager who's mother was executed, and who has been blaming herself for it ever since. She doesn't have a lot - of money, friends, or memory lol - but she does have a secret. And so does everyone in that RV with her that slowly trickle out over 6 long hours in the dark.
At one point I got a bit annoyed with all the plot twists being thrown around because they weren't being spaced out nicely, and this is written as a young adult thriller, so our characters don't have the best ideas (they are teens), but besides all that, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It gave suspense, it gave excitement, it gave beautifully written gems scattered around. Such as red - the colour, the character. A theme all on its own, splashed around the entire book as both terrifying and beautiful.
It also really made you guess who the friend is that doesn't make it π I also haven't read any other Holly Jackson books but it has made me excited to start her series.
(finished in) Ten days. Four stars. One book.
π
One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
"Every time you love, everyone you love, the love is different. You're different in it."
I probably would have never picked this up if it weren't TJR and if I were a little younger, the lessons learnt would have resonated louder. That's one thing I love about TJR - you always learn something about life by just reading her books.
"I had predicated my life on the idea that I wanted to see everywhere extraordinary, but I'd come to realise that extraordinary is everywhere."
Emma and Jesse have been in love for forever - high school sweethearts. Until the helicopter Jesse's on goes missing mid-flight ("how to fall in love and fall to pieces"). Years later, Emma is back in her hometown, grieved, and opening her heart again. She's fallen in love. She's living again. Then, one evening, she receives a call - from Jesse. How do you choose when you have a husband and a fiancΓ©?
I found myself voting for Sam, then Jesse, then Sam - whoever was in the current chapter π€£ and before that I wanted to scream at her to just be non-monogamous π
In the end, it wasn't about who she loved more, but about what version of herself she wanted to be.
"You were a wonderful person to love," I say. "It felt so good to love you, to be loved by you."
Had me sobbing before page 100 at 1am so I recommend π
I probably would have never picked this up if it weren't TJR and if I were a little younger, the lessons learnt would have resonated louder. That's one thing I love about TJR - you always learn something about life by just reading her books.
"I had predicated my life on the idea that I wanted to see everywhere extraordinary, but I'd come to realise that extraordinary is everywhere."
Emma and Jesse have been in love for forever - high school sweethearts. Until the helicopter Jesse's on goes missing mid-flight ("how to fall in love and fall to pieces"). Years later, Emma is back in her hometown, grieved, and opening her heart again. She's fallen in love. She's living again. Then, one evening, she receives a call - from Jesse. How do you choose when you have a husband and a fiancΓ©?
I found myself voting for Sam, then Jesse, then Sam - whoever was in the current chapter π€£ and before that I wanted to scream at her to just be non-monogamous π
In the end, it wasn't about who she loved more, but about what version of herself she wanted to be.
"You were a wonderful person to love," I say. "It felt so good to love you, to be loved by you."
Had me sobbing before page 100 at 1am so I recommend π