Alana

*was planning to read before the holidays* *ends up reading an entire month later* but hey, it was a book worth waiting for. Moorcock has a talent for writing mythic, adventurous fantasies, harking back to adventures like LOTR or other classic fantasies. This isn't a long read by any means, but there's still an abundance of world-building and travels across an epic fantasy landscape. Perfect for a quick but thorough read, and I'm floored that I actually hadn't heard of this fantasy author until very recently (it's readable even without the context of Elric, but it doesn't hurt to read Moorcock's previous works either)

THIS book. This book right here is why I love reading. I read pretty much any genre and I'll try anything, but epic fantasy with magic, characters who drive the plot, twists at every corner, banter, mystery, and high stakes is exactly what I go for. Every. Damn. Time. There's also books that check off all those boxes but still might not pan out well. Not this one. I cannot think of a single page where I got bored, had to overlook something, or got annoyed with the characters. Every single POV was needed and worked in favor of the story rather than detracting from it. The romance isn't in your face (ya'll don't come at me, but too much spice is getting old and has started to ruin some fantasy books for me, especially when the books are advertised as fantasy/romantasy). The balance here was perfect. Isla holds her own and then some, the elemental magic was written beautifully, the history and world building were the cherry on top of the lore, and even when I felt like I knew where things were going I was proven wrong. Ya'll...if your genre preferences align with mine, read this. And then the next, because I'm already adding that baby to my tbr.

This is a thought-provoking book that tugs at the strings of all fantasy readers. Who doesn't want a magic door that will lead us beyond our often boring life? Gah, I know I do! And yet, McGuire explores so much more here with nuance and care to the characters and the plot. Though I sped through this one (my attention was hooked, I tell ya!) it's one of those books I think of long after I read it. Marvelous, marvelous. Haunting, mysterious, thought-provoking, pertinent.

So...I finished this book, but not happily. There's a lot of good reviews, which is great - maybe it's me who is different. I just found the excessive use of lists and describing what/how characters were doing to be...well, excessive. Took me out of the story and jarred me a bit - BORED me - to the point where by the end, I was glad to be done.

I don't even really want to spend time reviewing this book because it was that bad. I mean...agh, I read this a few months ago (I'm just now getting around to reviewing my read books to hold myself accountable and expand my reading horizons). This is a typical book about werewolves and a plain-Jane type of girl who is an orphan and fulfills all the cliches that make me cringe. Sadly, DNF...but I got far. Around 70%. Just couldn't muddle through the rest.

Nothing against Gabbie Hanna...I don't even really watch her. But I think everyone knows about her infamous “poetry” books. Again, my issue here isn't with Hanna. I know she's not well liked, but I truly don't have an opinion on her. My issue is with YouTubers and other influencers who honestly have very little talent for writing getting published simply because they have followers. There's so many amazing writers out there who pursue the traditional route that get turned down BECAUSE they aren't influencers. And then a YouTube throws together a “poetry book” that really just angsty words on a page and it gets published despite the fact that not many people even like the work that much. But hey - at least they have IG followers! I'm not even a writer myself, but I'm an avid reader, and it's a bit of an insult to me when publishers throw trash out there and gip us of the good stuff because they think blind followers will buy and “love” the book. Gah, that was harsh, but I need to be honest - the turning of books from art into products really grates on me. I gave it 1.5 stars, though, because the cover is cool.

This is a COOL book about sleep-induced realms and Greek dietys. I had a lot of fun reading it. My biggest critique is that Isis is a pretty stereotypical heroine, and this is the kind of unique novel where I would expect the MC to be equally as unique. It wasn't that I didn't like her - I did - I just wasn't “wowed” by her. Still a very hooking and interesting read with a concept that blows me away.

Yet another indie book that blows my mind. Warm does a fantastic job with world-building, weaving separate plots and storylines, and creating vivid scenery that immerses the reader in the book. There's a ton of twists, the story matter is engaging, and the writing is phenomenal. Indie genre...indie authors...you CONTINUE to blow my mind.

460 pages of utter bliss. Vivid fantasy world-building, awesome as hell characters, and a plot that was so intriguing I'm bursting at the seams waiting to read #2! This is a faith-filled tale, which I know won't resonate with everyone, but I'd recommend giving it a try if you like fantasy and romance (as do I). The relationships (especially sibling ones) are very realistic and fleshed out, and the MC is a treat to read.

4.5 stars.

Let's start with the cover. BEAUTIFUL. Dear LORD that is beautiful. This is a small-press publication, but of course, I lean towards those and indie novels because they tend to be more unique in their genre and idea. Never Say Goodbye is a contemp. romance that puts a smile on your face, and then BOOM - there's twists and turns like no other. Beautiful. Just beautiful. Thank you, Grzy, for such a treat to read.

Aaaaand we jump from a 5 star to a 1 star. I usually dislike rating books as 1 star because I feel like such an “armchair quarterback” (and I'll admit, when other reviewers litter books with low ratings, i.e. 2 and below, I wonder what they have ever done equivalent to writing a book. Probably not much. I'll be honest where I need to be). That said, if I can acknowledge that I have no talent to write a book, I can also acknowledge a book that just doesn't vibe with me. I felt like the characters were underdeveloped and the storyline was very boring and cliche to the point where I could easily predict what would happen next. Sadly I won't be reading #2. I'm sure West is a lovely person, and she has enough talent to publish a book which I greatly admire, but this one in particular (minus the lovely cover) just did not do it for me.