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397 reviews

Fanfic readers and queer fantasy lovers, I have a recommendation for you!!! 😂

Okay so, I just finished this book, and I honestly feel like I just read a 100k-word AU fanfic with all the angst, pining, and entertainment that I want. And yes, that's a compliment! That's what this book felt like for me! And while I already had an inkling that I would like this book (it's queer fantasy, friends-to-lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers trope, plus time travel... what's not to like?), reading it and enjoying it is a delightful experience on its own.

This book starts a little heavy and dark, to be honest. I mean, the cat died. That was already sad enough for me. But our main character, Cyril, was going through a tough time. Not just because he was obviously filled with guilt, grief, and regret. And this darkness loomed over him and the story for the great part of the book. Fortunately, as the plot unraveled and the story progressed, there was little more life and lightheartedness. Not just in Cyril, but also in the dialogue, the scenes, and the story altogether.

Now, the plot is interesting and entertaining. But I'll admit the pacing isn't the best. A lot of the story, especially the first parts, are about Cyril's introspection, inner monologue, and scheming. And even when the story is progressing, it seems slow and tedious. The truly exciting parts for me are the twist reveals and the climax towards the end of the book. What makes up for it, though, are the characters.

Cyril was a great main character for me. I love that, in a way, he's the opposite of a Mary Sue character. He gets winded when he runs; he doesn't become amazing in combat after a few trainings; and doesn't magically defeat an army of mages (lol). He's just a flawed character that I've come to love. Eufrates is also an interesting character. Because on one hand, Cyril remembers him as this sweet, gentle bard prince, but on the other hand, he also knew what he had become—a mad and paranoid tyrant. I did like his and Cyril's chemistry though, and I loved the journey of them finding their way back to each other. Suffice it to say, I loved Eufrates' overall arc in this story.

I will also say, I loved the part where Eufrates owned up to his mistakes in front of Cyril, and that he doesn't get an easy pass/forgiveness just because he was mind-controlled.

Also, they are essentially middle-aged men transported back into their youthful 20s bodies, so there's a dynamic between them that's funny.

When it comes to the world-building, I think it's just enough. It's not as intricate as other high fantasy/second world fantasy novels, and I think the focus was more on the magic system and the court politics of the world. I have to say though, the author is incredible when it comes to visualization and descriptions. Not just the sceneries and locations, but also when it comes to the emotions and thoughts of the main perspective. I really loved that.

Overall, this was such a fun and entertaining book with a lot of heart. Expect a lot of angst and pining, cute familiars, ridiculous shenanigans, and tropes that we've come to love in fanfiction. (And yep, there were a few parallels to Our Flag Means Death that I found absolutely funny, okay? Like, welcome back Stede Bonnet and Edward Teach 😂)

Anyway, I think this has gotten long enough. I'm saving my full review for my blog!

Exact rating: 4

CW: suicidal ideation, blood, death, animal death, murder, tyranny, slut shaming (in terms of court politics)

A big thank you to Angry Robot for sending an ARC my way in exchange for an honest review!
(This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.)

Kicking my feet. Giggling like a schoolgirl. Covering my eyes and blushing? Oh book is an absolute delight 😭😂

Love Momo and PG as individual characters, but I also love seeing them together and seeing how their relationship progressed. There's something so sweet and just heartfelt with their characterizations and their overall story. I would also say it's probably not the most original? Just in terms of the storyline/tropes used, but I don't really care much 😂 It's a sapphic love story with a QPOC cast (Black MC, Asian love interest), and that's already precious to me 🥹

Miscommunication is also not a fave trope for me, but the miscommunication in here was done right and I just absolutely love that 😭 And of course, colors and art style are amazing, I'm in love! 

Exact rating: 4

Listen, I would be so jealous too if a bot I hate is trying to talk to the bot who happens to be my friend/not friend 😂 Anyway lol, yes, that ending was funny 😆

But listen, this is the 7th book in the Murderbot series and I am truly in awe of Martha Wells' storytelling. Murderbot is becoming one of my ultimate SFF faves and characters. This is just so good.

That being said, System Collapse has to be the saga with the least action and rollercoaster plot. Because unlike the other books, this one felt slow and kind of uneventful? It took like half of the book for something to *really happen*. There was a lot of waiting and introspection in here. HOWEVER, okay this is a big however 😂 I feel like the less action is warranted because this storyline focused on Murderbot's emotions and trauma instead. Like I couldn't believe this book about bots and AI was actually talking about mental health. But then again, it shouldn't really be a surprise because this whole series is about being human and humanity. That for me made sense when I think about it more.

So yes, not totally action-packed or fast-paced. But the focus on trauma and healing (or the journey of healing) is absolutely wonderful. (Of course the anti-capitalist, anti-slavery themes are always present in these books as well)

Exact rating: 3.75

CW: violence, injuries, gun violence, death

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Okay wait a minute, this is getting intense. And the kind of intense that makes me think it's ending soon? Which is funny bc I still have like 7 omnibus volumes to go.

Anyway yes. Intense, fast-paced, still funny and heartfelt. I love the whole lore and everything, I don't think I've mentioned it in my previous reviews yet. But the lore about demons and the Shikon jewel, the Black Pearl, the demon graveyard/otherworldly. Even the Tetsusaiga upgrading and collecting its own character arcs is so good lol. I think they all tie up nicely and they're just so interesting.

Also this volume also made me think about Kikyo's endgame here. I don't think I finished the anime completely but I do know she dies in the end. But like? This push and pull with Naraku, as well as with Kagome/Inuyasha, can feel particularly annoying and dragging in a way? Her character is nuanced, I appreciate that. But it's still hard to like her 😭😂

Band of the Seven arc is done. Naraku has a new body. The Shikon jewel is almost complete. The evil but also cute baby is here. And Hakudoshi is now wreaking havoc. This installment was a wild ride tbh. And the action never seems to run out and I love that. Still, even though it's fast paced, we still get to have deep and tender moments in between.

Like for example, Sango and Miroku at the cave? InuYasha still feeling responsible for Kikyo (her presence and her death)? Shippo helping that otter and having full trust on InuYasha? I love these moments because they show vulnerability and humanity. I always want more of these, that's for sure.

Exact rating is 4.25 😆

Never have I been so happy and excited that I accurately predicted the plot twists omfg. 😂 But listen, this was madly entertaining, funny, snarky, and action-packed—basically everything I imagined from a new P. Djeli Clark masterpiece.

At first, I thought it was a little slow but I was quickly proven wrong. Once I got past the first chapter, the story is just filled with action and magic from there. Apart from that, I really appreciate the level of world-building and the effort of getting the reader to care about the world-building even when it's just a novella. Because the world in this book—Tal Abisi, the festival happening, the lore and the magic—everything tied up with the storyline itself and that's just so good for me. It's so well-written and compelling that way.

Of course, the characters are really interesting. Eveen, Sky, Fennis, even the goddess Aeril and the other minor characters, I cared about all of them because their characterizations were on point. Not to mention the fact that this story, in a way, kind of raises the question of knowing yourself and what you could have been or what you could be. I just think that's pretty neat, especially for such a snarky, comedic SFF like this.

As for the actual plot/storyline? Perfection. Yes I did guess some of the major plot twists, but it's just so fun 😂 And I think it's because the author did such a great job laying down hints and small crumbs for the readers. They can go unnoticed and surprise the reader for sure. But as for me who's a little fond of the [redacted], I loved getting to see that particular plot twist and guessing it right 😆

Overall, The Dead Cat Tail Assassins is an excellent novella perfect for SFF lovers, especially for fans and new readers of the author! 🥹

Exact rating: 5 stars lol

CW: Blood, gore, body horror (a little bit), murder, violence, death of children, injury detail, fatal injuries

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for the e-arc! This, of course, did not impact my overall opinion of the book.

STOP this was just so cute and silly and also wholesome?? I saw this on NetGalley Read Now section and decided to pick it up even thought I don't know much about it. I just wanted a cute, short BL manga. And that's exactly what I got 😂

This was simple and funny. I usually don't like miscommunication but this one had levels of miscommunication reminiscent of Modern Family and I was just cracking up 😂 The romance is just so cute, and while it's minimal, I still felt "kilig" 🥹 Like I was giggling and kicking my feet kind of moment 😂 The romance also reminded me of the Japanese BL My Love Mix-Up and that was just so cute, I swear. I also thought this would be poly?! Lmao, there was a moment when I thought that was the endgame lol

The art is gorgeous, although some dialogue/narrative seemed confusing at times? And it's hard to discern that a scene was actually a flashback. Other than that, this was good and entertaining!

Exact rating: 3.5

When I say that Jordan Ifueko is a master storyteller, I mean it!!! Omfg.

Diving back into the world of Raybearer universe was so interesting. Not only because I loved the Raybearer duology, but also because it would be fascinating to see what happens after the world has toppled the exploitative governments and people in power. Like yes, common people have taken back what's theirs and have ridden nobles. What's next after the revolution? Will they flourish? Will it stay the same?

Here in The Maid and the Crocodile, we have Small Sade and the Crocodile. Small Sade was such a compelling main character. And she's not a Chosen One, she's not a queen. She's a maid, an orphan. And I love that her journey perfectly showed us that we can choose to be something else or more. And that we deserve something better. Small Sade's story is a tale of discovering self-worth, allowing yourself to be angry at the system not designed to help you win, and still looking out for others and remaining grounded.

As for the Crocodile, Raybearer fans will know who he is! And yet, we still have a lot to know more about him. He was already so charming in Redemptor, but this story, I think, really built up his character and allowed him to fully complete his arc. Because while I liked him in Redemptor, there were some things about him that bothered me then—things that we could still see in him in this story. It was nice to see him realize those on his own.

(Also I had to remind myself, while 10 years have passed, Zuri still remained the same. He's that nineteen-year-old boy-king so desperate to fix the world and yet still so clueless to the world and its people.)

 

Now, the story might be an extension of the Raybearer universe, but the problems were very much a reflection of the real world. Ableism, child labor still happening in different parts of the world, violence against women and pregnant women from their very own partners, class discrimination, and laborers being exploited and treated badly despite their significance in societies. It was all so real. And we see Small Sade live in a world where she has experienced and seen all of this, and we see how these have shaped her as a person and how these will impact her decisions in the future. Of course, it was also a good way to highlight how horrific these are in the world, bringing awareness—and anger—to every reader.

As for the romance, this was just perfection. Because while Small Sade and the Crocodile had immediate chemistry, it took a while for their romance to simmer. And you know what? I'm quite alright with that. Sometimes, romance doesn't need to be flashy and bold; it needs to be patient. And that's what this was. Also I love that this book is being marketed as "romantic fantasy" and not romantasy. I think "romantasy" comes with both expectations and implications that wouldn't have fit The Maid and the Crocodile. Yes it did have romance, but it wasn't a big part of the plot that could alter the story altogether. And I don't know about others, but I really love my fantasy novels that way. 😆

And of course, let me mention the writing style and the overall storytelling, because this was just exquisite. This had minimal action (maybe even less action in Raybearer and Redemptor, nothing more than small instances of rioting and a building crumbling down, really). But the story held so much substance that you're never really bored. The way the author knows how to pull emotions out of you and steer you in the next direction after a plot twist is just so freaking good. Because how do you go from feeling giddy to feeling remorseful in one scene? 😂 And how do you write such a great plot twist in a fantasy, but it's like the calmest scene ever?? The author really knows how to tell a good story, hands down. So, hats off to her. Another thing, second person POV was also used here in a very unique way, and I think it really worked. Not only did it add to the storytelling, but it also had impact and significance in the right moments. I thought that was really clever.

If I had anything to nitpick, maybe I just wished that more justice was brought upon the villains of this book, particularly the ones who hurt Sade. But I kind of also understand why that wasn't part of the book. That wasn't the focus or the essence of the story. (I will hold a grudge for Sade lol, I hope [redacted] and [redacted] rots in hell).

Overall, this is such a powerful standalone fantasy in the same universe as Raybearer. I am so glad to have read it. 🥹

(ALSO, SAPPHICS STAY WINNING YES)

Thank you so much to Abrams Books/Pique Beyond for sending an advanced copy my way! This, of course, did not impact my overall opinion of the book.

CW: pregnancy, childbirth, domestic violence, ableism, limb injuries, child labor, death of a parent, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts (off-page) 

I just screamed into my pillow, this was absolutely incredible storytelling 😭

Thank goodness I reread Rarybearer bc diving into Redemptor, you're immediately taken into another world. One with more expansive world-building, same beautiful writing style, and new characters. Redemptor is expansive and clever and it just takes you in.

I admit the new set of characters set me off a bit, I feel like this needed a cast of characters just so I can keep up 😭😂 I would have also loved to know more about these new characters better? But I can't really say that soured my opinions of the book, because this book still had good characterization, particularly Tarisai, Dayo, Ai Ling, Sanjeet, as well as other minor characters like Min Ja and Ye Eun. Like Redemptor feels like it's most plot-driven, but the characterizations are still good. The conversations between Tarisai and Dayo? Sanjeet? Ai Ling? Adukeh and Adebimpe? I loved it 😭

Also I have to say, Tarisai makes it to the list of my favorite main characters. As a reader, yoh root for her and you feel her suffering. You feel her guilt, you feel her compassion, you feel her need to be loved and her need to create a world worth living. Some of her decisions I don't agree with (I don't want to spoil that much 😆), but her self-realizations at the end? And her character arc as a whole? I just really love it 🥹

Oh and the plot! Kudos to Jordan Idueko because she is a genius storyteller. I love how reading the whole book is just "I don't know what happens next...wait what", but you find everything irresistible and you enjoy the ride 😂 There's one plot twist that I should have seen coming, but it's so clever. And there's also one plot twist that I predicted! (I felt proud because this book is a rollercoaster okay 😂) Overall, this was just an incredible story. A fitting finish to a great start. 

Raybearer and Redemptor are only a duology and yet it feels like I read more than two books. Truly chef's kiss. Proud to say they are now one of my favorites.

Exact rating: 5 just because 

CW: death, war, murder, grief, trauma, death of a parent, death of children (sacrifice), enslaved dead children, fatal injuries, limb injuries, discussions of pregnancy/abortion

You know that meme/scene with Homelander saying "It was perfect. Perfect. Down to the last minute detail." Yeah, that. That was me after rereading this book 😂

For a moment I was actually a bit scared diving into this again, thinking my opinions would change (since I will be rereading after four years). But you know what? My opinion is still very much the same: Raybearer is one of the best YA fantasy novels I've read. If anything, my love for this book just soared to new heights.

This is just so perfect—from the writing, to the world-building, the magic system, the pacing, the characterization, the intricacies of the plot. There's also a lot to learn in this book, a lot of things that we can notice in our own reality. Misogyny, toxic masculinity, histories being erased, governments failing their own people, just for example. You get so engrossed with the story and with Tarisai's character that you just go along the emotions with her. You root for her, and you feel for her. There's also not much action if you think about it, but the overall suspense and the political atmosphere just keep you engaged throughout the entire story. That for me is a feat right there.

You can also tell there's so much love and effort put into this book and it paid off. It worked, and it's such an incredible experience reading this from start to finish 🥹

Exact rating: 1 million stars

CW: death, murder, grief, trauma, death of a parent, death of children (sacrifice), child abuse/neglect