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leannarapier's reviews
114 reviews
Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? Yes
5.0
Humorous and whimsical.
I absolutely adored Tress of the Emerald Sea. This is one I need to get for my physical book shelves.
I absolutely adored Tress of the Emerald Sea. This is one I need to get for my physical book shelves.
Miles Standish, the Puritan Captain by Pradip Das, John S.C. Abbott, John S.C. Abbott
informative
slow-paced
4.5
This book is written as a tribute to Miles Standish and while he is mentioned throughout, his story is inseparable from that of the Pilgrims, so that it is more a history of them than him, though there is a short biography of his life in the last chapter.
Nonetheless, it is an easy book to comprehend despite being an old one, having been written in 1872. It relies heavily on direct quotes and narratives of people living the events told, so that it is less a history book and more a combined diary.
I give it a 4.5 rating.
Nonetheless, it is an easy book to comprehend despite being an old one, having been written in 1872. It relies heavily on direct quotes and narratives of people living the events told, so that it is less a history book and more a combined diary.
I give it a 4.5 rating.
A Trace of Memory by Keith Laumer
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I read this book years ago as a teenager and remember really enjoying it, so I decided it was time to pull it out again. My reading preferences have changed since then, but it’s still a great little scifi. It’s worth reading just for the last third of the book. The story is fast paced and filled with action, but I wish that we could’ve spent more time in Vallon.
Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was a looong book! I feel like the pacing during the time that Fitz was pretending to be a shepherd could have gone faster and I missed his wolf. But that’s only a minor complaint.
Without spoiling the ending, it is bittersweet, but beautiful. At face value, it might seem that this trilogy is your common “chosen one” and it is, but so much more. The overarching theme of the series and particularly the Assassin’s Quest is “sacrifice.” I think, the trilogy ended as happily as possible without losing that theme. I’m very satisfied with the ending, and I think this has become my all-time favorite fantasy.
Without spoiling the ending, it is bittersweet, but beautiful. At face value, it might seem that this trilogy is your common “chosen one” and it is, but so much more. The overarching theme of the series and particularly the Assassin’s Quest is “sacrifice.” I think, the trilogy ended as happily as possible without losing that theme. I’m very satisfied with the ending, and I think this has become my all-time favorite fantasy.
Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis
5.0
A true classic—this is the best book I have read in a long time. I’ve read many others of C.S. Lewis’ books but had not read Till We Have Faces. It is a beautifully written piece of work. It began slow, building up the story, but about halfway through, I could not put it down. It took me weeks to read the first half and only days to read the second half. I am rarely brought to tears by a book, but the last chapter was deeply moving. This tale has incredibly depth and will leave you with much to ponder.
Thief of Corinth by Tessa Afshar
5.0
Oops, I meant to review this book long ago. I think it took me a week or two to read, but I could have easily read it in a few days if it wasn’t for life demands. The pacing was good. Not too slow, but not jumping from action to action. Overall, it was an unique tale. The MC was relatable and her motivations clear. I was never left to wonder, “why is she doing this.” Historical and Biblical facts were interesting without any info dumps. It was humorous at times and never boring. I think the only criticism I have was the MC’s first kiss with her crush was odd. Who is angry at someone then decides to kiss them? Maybe this does happen, but not in my experience. But that is really a small thing. I gave it a 5 star because I couldn’t think of any real reason not to. I would recommend it to others and it is the better of Christian fiction I have read.
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
5.0
Well, the fact that I read the book in two days should say it all. I’ve been reading various new authors (not necessarily new themselves, just new to me) trying to find the next author for me to follow. Typically when I find an author’s style I like, I will binge on all their books until I’ve read nearly everything they’ve written. Definitely looking forward to reading the next two books.
UPDATE:
I still think about this series and am anticipating the next book. The characters are memorable and their world compelling. Her writing style is enjoyable and top quality.
UPDATE:
I still think about this series and am anticipating the next book. The characters are memorable and their world compelling. Her writing style is enjoyable and top quality.
A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir
5.0
An excellent sequel to the first book and did not disappoint.
UPDATE:
I still think about this series and am anticipating the next book. The characters are memorable and their world compelling. Her writing style is enjoyable and top quality.
UPDATE:
I still think about this series and am anticipating the next book. The characters are memorable and their world compelling. Her writing style is enjoyable and top quality.
A Reaper at the Gates by Sabaa Tahir
5.0
The only thing I have to say is “When will the next book come out?”
But I will add, now that I’ve read all 3 books that have so far been written in this series, that the author has done an excellent job of telling a compelling story set in a believable multilayered fantasy world—no small task.
UPDATE:
I still think about this series and am anticipating the next book. The characters are memorable and their world compelling. Her writing style is enjoyable and top quality.
But I will add, now that I’ve read all 3 books that have so far been written in this series, that the author has done an excellent job of telling a compelling story set in a believable multilayered fantasy world—no small task.
UPDATE:
I still think about this series and am anticipating the next book. The characters are memorable and their world compelling. Her writing style is enjoyable and top quality.
Korrigan by Rebecca F. Kenney
4.0
I want to start off by saying I typically prefer high fantasy over contemporary fantasy, yet despite that I found this book delightful with its mixture of Irish lore. The MC’s are cute and lovable with enough teenage rebellion to be believable but not obnoxious. It was well written and the pacing was perfect. Really the only negative comment (and I’m not sure this was the authors intent) was that it might leave a bad impression of homeschooling. Obviously, most homeschoolers (and nobody I know) are locked away all day by their “aunts” or parents. In fact all the homeschooling families I know have a well-rounded social life. If anything, we have more time to socialize and socialize with a wider age range. For example, I was taking a few courses at the community college when I was 16, which I thought was super cool and was not in the least intimidated by being the youngest person there. That said, I would recommend this book for clean entertainment.