Thank you to NetGalley and Daw for the arc! I fucking loved this. I’m struggling to put all my thoughts and feelings into coherent sentences, but I’llThank you to NetGalley and Daw for the arc! I fucking loved this. I’m struggling to put all my thoughts and feelings into coherent sentences, but I’ll try. Here are some things I adored about this book.
-Tears of the Kingdom lovers, come get your soup! There’s a location we spend a lot of time in that vividly reminds me of the depths. Speaking of which, I love the indulgent descriptions we get in this book. The author really takes me there, and I spent a lot of time happily and vividly hallucinating to a screen with letters on it. This book rocked my artistic socks.
-the world building is plentiful and fascinating and beautifully unique. As someone VERY partial to world building, this book was extremely satisfying. The religion, the history, the cultures, the divine blessings, the socioeconomic state of the city, the mythology, the everything, MOONMACHIST? COSMOSCAPE? BEES? Mwah
-I love the main character fiercely. She’s easy to love, and her arc was incredible. I rooted for her the entire way, and I love everyone she was surrounded by too. They were all fleshed out, unique, and lovely to read about. I felt sympathy for almost all of them, and I felt what I was supposed to towards each character. I also loved how almost everyone was splotched in shades of grey.
-the relationship between Lythlet and Desil was was so tender and written so beautifully. God I love platonic love. It is SO underrated, and the way it was done here made my chest squeeze and heart ache. Genuinely one of the best bonds between two characters I’ve read about this year.
-this book challenges you, and has beef. It’s full of wisdom, philosophy, metaphysical schemes, very quotable and powerful lines, and I could spend forever rambling about how well this book challenges the mythos of storytelling. It also has a good deal and depth of both socioeconomic commentary and political intrigue. Not to mention the symbolism, which was detailed and plentiful; I can think of a certain scene that is VERY ghibliesque.
All in all, this book cleansed my skin. I loved it from start to finish, it had substance, and it was chef’s fucking kiss. More books like this please -5 sun-cursed beasts...more
Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit for the arc! When I read, I usually jot down some notes or thoughts that I have. I did none of that here. Simply, nothThank you to NetGalley and Orbit for the arc! When I read, I usually jot down some notes or thoughts that I have. I did none of that here. Simply, nothing was good or bad enough for me to point out. This book was fine. The plot was fine. The characters were fine, if a bit bland. I can say the same for the concepts, themes, and execution. Simply, this book reads just like every other (mediocre) fairytale book out there, even if it is from a different perspective. I expected more subverting for a book that markets itself as such. That’s about all I have. -3 stars ...more
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for the arc! Well… this was a disappointment. I didn’t know what I was expecting from this book going into iThank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for the arc! Well… this was a disappointment. I didn’t know what I was expecting from this book going into it, but I at least wanted a compelling character and a decent plot. I found neither of these here.
My biggest problem with The Legend of Meneka is Meneka herself. I would call her a Mary Sue, but at least Mary Sues are less melodramatic and pathetic. I was sick of hearing her whine and whine ad nauseam for at least half of the book. Girl, I get that you’re miserable, and I get that you’re confused, but simply… you don’t need to shove that down my throat 100 times. Tbf, shoving that bs down my throat is still more erotic than the lacking romance, but more on that later. Anyways, there is nothing unique, identifiable, idiosyncratic, and/or compelling about Meneka besides her Aspara status. Also, the concept of beauty as a weapon in a fantasy book? Shocking, revolutionary...more
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the arc! I usually love Ava Reid’s works, but this one didn’t hit for me like their previous novels have.Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the arc! I usually love Ava Reid’s works, but this one didn’t hit for me like their previous novels have. Maybe it’s because I’m not a huge dystopian fan, but unfortunately I did also find multiple problems in the book itself. That being said, there were a few redeeming aspects. Here are some thoughts.
I thought Mel was supposed to be good at her job, but her skill-set was very much cast aside in the beginning for the sake of the plot, which annoyed me
There were a few instances of convenience which irked me, and also undermined the realism that this genre is known to have. Often, Caerus seemed more like a cartoony big bad as opposed to a terrifying and possible future we could have.
There were some very stupid decisions made by the mcs in order to further the romance
The middle dragged for me a little, but I could also see why others would not think so. It became a slice-of-life, vibes based “plot” in order to further the relationship development between Mel and Inesa. It was almost cozy. Honestly, I liked it as much as a loathed it
There were a few anticlimactic revelations, and some predictability with not enough elements to make up for it
The ending pissed me off, all though the last two pages did regain my interest. This could easily turn into a duology. Reid could make it up to me by writing a high-stakes, high octane, pedal to the metal, blade-runner, cyberpunk, Thelma and Louise, sapphics who want revenge-esque banger of a sequel. I would tune in so hard for that. I would be so sat my ass would practically be superglued to the chair
In conclusion, meh? I was not a huge fan of this book, but I also found some aspects interesting. I’m sure many others would enjoy this more than I did. Also, Mrs. Reid, I’m serious about that sequel. -3.5 mutated deers ...more
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for the arc! Hm, I appreciate what this book was trying to do, but it did fall very flat to me. Let me breakThank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for the arc! Hm, I appreciate what this book was trying to do, but it did fall very flat to me. Let me break down my grievances:
I did like the world building we got, but there should have been more. I wanted to be more immersed than I was. I felt the same with the descriptions. I loved what cyberpunk descriptions we did get, but for a book that pitched itself as a Blade Runner comp… yeah I was let down.
The plot was boring and damn laborious to read through. I ended up being uninterested in the plot pretty early on, but pushed myself through. Yet, my apathy didn’t go away, even as it ended. I think my feelings (or lack thereof) stemmed from the fact that I’ve read many stories like this before. Essentially, the plot was not unique in the slightest. So many books have done what this book is trying to do, and so much better.
I could have hung on more if only we had compelling characters. Unfortunately, I was not engaged with any of the characters, nor were they compelling. In addition, the antagonist I found to be cartoonishly bad. He was as dimensional as a straight line.
The romance was irritating and predictable, not to even mention the fact that there was barely any development. In my opinion, this was the weakest aspect of an already weak book. The relationship between Angel and Edie was toxic and unbelievable all the way through. You’re telling me that Angel ruins Edie’s life and for the vast majority of the book they fight all the goddamn time, yet all of a sudden they’re in love and have loved each other forever??? Huh??? Jesus fucking Christ give me a fucking break.
The ending made me roll my eyes. This book is a Lifetime movie
I will give this book points on its cultural (diaspora) and socioeconomic commentary. The most intriguing parts of this book came from Edie and their family practicing and hanging onto their cultural identity. The same can be said for Edie’s thoughts and feelings on class difference and gentrification; of wanting to become the man, yet hating them all the same. The author ate with that one little thing
To make the long fucking story short, if you’re looking for a good sci-fi, cyberpunk-esque read, unfortunately you won’t find it here. There were a couple things this book did well, yet most of it I found lacking and uninteresting. I’m very disappointed and sad, and if anyone has any diverse cyberpunk recs, I need them indubitably ...more
Ahhh this book is being re-released today! Thank you very much to the author for an arc! This was very cute! I love the world building we got, all theAhhh this book is being re-released today! Thank you very much to the author for an arc! This was very cute! I love the world building we got, all the festivals. I love the coming-of-age narrative that’s actually used on an adult, even if I do sometimes wish she was even older; thank god! The characters were all compelling, including the side characters. Lastly, Veritas stole my heart and ran away with it. I need an interconnected standalone in which Veritas gets the love he deserves. Goddamn it he deserves the world -4 stars!...more
Thank you to NetGalley and Redhook for the arc! This was an intriguing, decadent, and intellectual novel that I devoured within 3 days. Here are some Thank you to NetGalley and Redhook for the arc! This was an intriguing, decadent, and intellectual novel that I devoured within 3 days. Here are some things that I adored about it:
The atmosphere was decadent, mysterious, and intriguing; I soaked all of it up. This book is truly for the dark academia whores, and what I should have done was wait to binge this on a rainy, fall day.
The characters grow on you like one of Eddie’s plants. They were complex, flawed, and yet I couldn’t help but root for them. Gotta say though, I love Hero indubitably.
The plot was whiplash inducing, even when it wasn’t. You may think you know where this book is going, and you may be right, but you will also be VERY wrong. It took so many twists and turns that had me reeling and giggling mischievously. The plot truly gripped me, even in the slower sections. There is a stark contrast in the pacing and vibe of the two different halves of this book, but I found both equally interesting.
This book will be more emotional than you are expecting. At least, it was to me. No punches were pulled here, and that shit hurted!
The ending. It was phenomenal. Good shit!
All in all, this book was a scholarly slay. I would love to get more content in this world, even if this book is a standalone, and I hope that it is. Spin offs would be greatly appreciated. Anyways, I would love to reread this in the fall, while sipping some hot tea and lightly a candle. -4.5 doors...more
Thank you so much to the author for giving me an arc! This is a fantastic sequel to an already fantastic book. No second book syndrome here! There wilThank you so much to the author for giving me an arc! This is a fantastic sequel to an already fantastic book. No second book syndrome here! There will be devastation and carnage though! Anyways, here are some things I loved about this book:
-Expanded and incredible world building to add on to the already-immersive world we got in the first book. More lore! More cultures! More landscapes! It’s delicious
-the character arcs and plot lines are both believable and incredible. These characters are really their own autonomous beings that come to life outside of the page.
-Redemption storylines, as well as characters that redeemed themselves in my eye
-Vahid
-plot twists I didn’t see coming! I’ll say no more than that…heehee
-Ancient cultures and weapons! This series is quickly genre bending with some tasteful and awesome sci fi aspects that’s you’ll read about! I loved every second of it, and am excited to see it take even more of a focus as the series continues.
-Fierce rituals, resurrection, visions, and prophecies. I won’t give any more details, but this series is also very much leaning into “old man fantasy” realness. You really can’t pin this book down. It swerves into so many cool niches and sub genres as well as plain genres, and with grace. Just know you will find some lovely sword and sorcery here.
-the ending is VERY intriguing
So, yeah! What a fantastic series! It seems it is getter better with each installment, and I am heavily anticipating all future releases. Everyone needs to read this. -4.5 stars ...more
Thank you to NetGalley and orbit for the arc. Wow, I hated this! After halfway in, I just couldn’t do it anymore, and I DNFd.
To make the long fucking Thank you to NetGalley and orbit for the arc. Wow, I hated this! After halfway in, I just couldn’t do it anymore, and I DNFd.
To make the long fucking story short:
This book contains a stereotypical, nearly naked, bad mannered, objectively attractive, brash, lustful, violent, and selfish fmc that I’m sure gets some shallow character arc. I would be much more receptive to this type of character had they any depth or nuance to them. Unfortunately, there was absolutely nothing of the sort here; Sonja is as dimensional as a straight line. She is simply another stereotypical, over-sexualized, female character written for men -at least in my opinion. When they say they brought this “red devil” to a new generation of readers, they clearly didn’t mean women! For an author who has coined the term “fridging women” and has criticized over-sexualization, the portrayal we get of this “she devil” is laughably hypocritical.
This is a stereotypical fantasy that doesn’t do anything new, and is mediocre at best. There are many books that do what this book is trying to do so much better.
There are way too many useless POVs and interludes that I just never gave a shit about. I don’t care about all these characters. I don’t even care about the main one.
There are some things that don’t make sense. Take some overblown emotions that seem out of place, for example. There’s a guy going after a woman’s ex to hurt said woman in some fucked way because she simply stole something that belonged to his boss, and NOT him.
Some shallow concepts that have been covered before by stronger and better authors. Humanity is two sided; what a fucking deep concept I’ve never ever seen explored at all before ...more
Thank you to NetGalley and Little Brown Books for the arc! I’ve never seen a book intentionally torpedo itself like this. I did not enjoy this at all.Thank you to NetGalley and Little Brown Books for the arc! I’ve never seen a book intentionally torpedo itself like this. I did not enjoy this at all.
It sucks, because it did start so strong. I’ve struggled to connect with this author’s characters in the past, but I was engaged when it came to Branwen. The other characters weren’t as lucky, but one began to grow on me slightly. The other, however, I came to dislike almost immediately. I believe this wasn’t the author’s intention, as they started to shove this character down my throat. They wanted me to root for this character, but I wanted to Old Yeller said character.
Further along into the book, the focus really began to shift from Branwen to the character I hate. Why name a book after Branwen when she doesn’t even maintain control of the narrative? It became all about this specific dipshit, and then towards the ending the plot really went off the rails.
The third act and ending were both so hideous. The book devolved so much you’d think it had tuberculosis. I started skimming, and it just kept on getting worse and worse. If I had a physical arc I would have thrown it across the room. The ending itself was purely enraging; I can’t say anything positive about it if I tried. Thanks, I fucking hate it! I fucking hate that shithead character and I want to see them burn on a pyre. I mean Jesus, that ending will haunt me. I guess this book left an impact, at least!
Anyways, this book is the most pure example of squandered potential. My therapist will be hearing about this, and I’m going to send the author the bill. I am pissed, I am hyperbolic, but I am free. 2 stars...more
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the arc! Hm, I’m conflicted on this one. This book was engaging, but the weakest aspect of this story wasThank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the arc! Hm, I’m conflicted on this one. This book was engaging, but the weakest aspect of this story was the romance, which is unfortunate for a romantasy. I did like some other aspects about this story though. I’ll break it down into pros and cons.
Cons: -Instalove -I really liked the world building we got, but as always I wish there was more. -I know this was a YA romantasy, but the romance read very cliche and juvenile. Once again, it was easily the weakest aspect of this book. -I thought we’d see more of Elia pushing the boundaries of her magic. We got way too little. It was essentially a zero to hero arc, and it felt very underdeveloped. -Third act was a decline in quality, especially towards the end. Some plot points frustrated and/or confused me. -Speaking of the ending…nah fam
Pros: -Loved the world building we did actually get. I can see (and I want) more interconnected standalones in this world -Speaking of which, I want more Serratura. What a fascinating country we spent too few pages in. I especially want to see more of the big city with its Rings, culture, advancements, and library. That being said, the countryside also had its own culture and appeal. The lore of this country was fascinating too; I just want all of it. MORE SERRATURA PLEASE! -Loved Elia’s family and all their dynamics. This is the relationship I wanted more focus on. This was way more developed than the romance. -Interesting yet underutilized magic system. Elia’s type of magic was unique and interesting. -Cuddles -ikyk
All in all, this book was a fascinating concept with a lukewarm execution. That being said, I did love this world, and would love to see more in it, particularly plot/character forward as opposed to romance. I do see potential for this author, and will watch out for what she writes next, all though cautiously. -3.5 cursebound scrolls...more
Thank you to NetGalley and Ghost Orchid Press for the arc! Hmm, this didn’t really do it for me. I didn’t find the mc to be believable. She was traineThank you to NetGalley and Ghost Orchid Press for the arc! Hmm, this didn’t really do it for me. I didn’t find the mc to be believable. She was trained to rule, but couldn’t employ any of those skills, and then at some point she just could? I feel like some things were told more than shown, and especially about her character. All the other aspects of this novella weren’t too special either. That being said, I liked the gods and their domains, the love one has for their city with the city loving them back, and the theme that men shouldn’t be centered. The story was easy to read and I read it in a single sitting, so was engaged enough to do so. All in all, that equals out to 3 stars. ...more
Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit for the arc! It seems Orbit is finally finding their fire again, because this novel was an explosive, romantic, heartThank you to NetGalley and Orbit for the arc! It seems Orbit is finally finding their fire again, because this novel was an explosive, romantic, heart wrenching, dark, surreal, fantastic mindfuck of a start to a series I’m begging to devour. Here are some things I loved about it:
The characters: they’re incredible. I was engaged and felt for them the entire journey. They were complex; they felt so real. I love them all. There was not a single POV I wasn’t excited to get back to.
Caine: Normally when people refer to a male character as a “golden retriever” I just end up wanting to euthanize them, but I loved Caine, and the metaphor actually applies here. He drooled over Ila the entire time, and it was adorable to watch. In addition, my intrigue with him grew throughout the book, and I’m VERY excited to learn more about and also read about where his character goes throughout the series.
Ila: Speaking of Ila, my heart hurts for her. I’m wishing nothing but happy things for my fierce, no bullshit weaver. Also her powers are so fucking cool. I hope we get to see more of her weaver magic and roots as the series progresses. Caine better give this woman the life she deserves after this shitstorm is over.
Alaric: Of course, I can’t talk about characters without mentioning my 2 favorites, Alaric, and my absolute favorite: Nightstrider (Wren) herself. Alaric, my man, my sexy and perceptive nightmare of a man. I haven’t been this feral for a man since I read Foul Days (I love you Asen), which wasn’t too long ago tbh, but still. I rarely want to devour a character, but Alaric is one of the two male characters I’ve been obsessed with this year. He was so real, convoluted, but had a softness and heart to him that makes me rabid. The way he held out love for Wren, was so patient with her… oh my god. All he wants is for her to find her light, for her to be happy, and lord I’ve seen what you’ve done for others! WHEN IS IT MY TURN?
Wren: Don’t even get me started on Wren, the titular, complex, and heartbreaking character. My eyes are welling up as I’m writing this, because I see so much of myself in Wren. Her pushing others away to self destruct reminds me of myself. The image she has of herself reminds me of the image I have of myself, and that I’m trying to unlearn. I’m in a better place now, thank goodness, but I see her for all that she is (as does Alaric), and she allows me to take a step back and realize that I deserve good things too. I’m also with Alaric on his mission to make her see herself as he does. She is a tragic character, but there is hope for her. She deserves the world, my fierce, loyal, sharp, hardheaded, firecracker of a woman. I fucking love her. I fucking love them all.
Side Characters: The side characters had beef to them as well. They were also well rounded and deeply engaging. I fucking hate Ondine, but I understand her. Morthil and Mica I’d like to tuck into bed and kiss them on each of their foreheads. There are some characters I will not mention who I’d like to do the same to. They’re ephemeral, barely there, but I loved them regardless and as intended. I felt my love of them through the mcs, which is hard to do, but the author wrote it perfectly with grace.
King/Para Warwick: My only nitpick is with the character of the Para, the King. I do understand Warwick, I was engaged when reading about his bitchass, and I hate his guts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely, but I wish I knew a bit more about his background and what led him on this bloody and abhorrent path. I have a feeling that’s saved for the next book, though.
The world building: I was suspicious at first, reading about a dream world and waking world. Whenever I’ve come across a book that has a similar concept in the past, it’s usually poorly done and juvenile. That is not the case here, thank fuck. In fact, it’s one of the more unique and one of the most mind melting worlds I’ve come across. I drooled over anything involving weaving in particular. Take the tapestry in Disney’s Brave, and put it on steroids and LSD, and you’ve got the foundation for the world in here, and it’s fascinating. There are rules, but they are made to be broken. Everything makes sense, and yet nothing does. If you love Everything Everywhere All at Once, come get your soup! Weird creatures, stunning landscapes, terrifying and fascinating manifestations, lovely descriptions, a world that breathes and cowers (two actually). The author didn’t just throw shit in a pot; as weird and bizarre as this world is, the foundation is solid. Things make sense, even when they don’t. My brain is mush, but it’s good mush. In addition, woven (hehe) within the fabric of this world, you can feel the oppression just like in ours. It’s all an insane allegory of fear and division allowing masses to be easily controlled, but it works, and wonderfully. In addition, we also get themes of power building on power, and how absolute power rots you absolutely. How it takes one to break a world, and one to change it for the better. What fierce messages.
The plot: I was engaged the entire goddamn time. Every second of the plot, and of the novel was not a second wasted. The plot does take a bit to truly kick in, yet in the exposition I kept on wanting to turn the page nonetheless -it’s indulgent and interesting. When the plot does kick in, prepare to be on the edge of your seat until the book ends. I’m also happy to report that the book doesn’t hold your hand. You will need a working brain for this, and you’ll likely need to return to your glossary, but it’s worth it and then some. There are many twists as well, with only a couple more predictable than all the others. Even the predictable twists I enjoyed, as everything else in this novel kept me hooked and engaged, and also guessing things early on makes me feel like an intellectual and shit. The ones that are not as much so will shatter your brain like dropped pottery. To truly get a grasp on everything, you will need to read this novel a few times. Each time I go back to a passage, I pick up something that I didn’t notice prior; annotating girlies, you’ll love this. Once again, as the world building suggests, everything and nothing make sense. Once again, prepare for a mind fuckening!
In conclusion, hell fucking yeah. Orbit, you picked a winner. We’re so back. With amazing characters that definitely need cognitive behavioral therapy, a world that is bizarre and intricate, and plot that will hook and melt you, read this book. I need the second installment so bad actually. -4.75 nightmares, rounded up
Update: I cannot stop thinking about Wren. She genuinely means so much to me, as I identify with her to the 10th degree. I cannot stop thinking about her and Alaric; they’re set up to become my absolute favorite fictional couple. Alaric and Wren are some of my favorite mcs of all time as well. The world itself is incredible, and nearly every aspect of this book I love immensely. The nitpick I had earlier is negligible in comparison to the way this book and its characters make me feel. She’s a 5 star!...more
Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit for the arc! My enjoyment and experience with this book very much mirrored the stonk market. Just up and down and up Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit for the arc! My enjoyment and experience with this book very much mirrored the stonk market. Just up and down and up and down before it finally crashed.
I had trouble connecting to any of the characters. Binsa especially kept on gaining and losing my trust. I often questioned if she had the potential and skill of a true, cunning villainess. After all, she was bested so many times. You can call her naive, sure, and then she kept on making the same mistakes. Towards the end, I thought we were finally getting there with her character. In chapter 32, she reached her zenith; that was the villainess I wanted. Binsa then proceeded to lose my trust for good during the last 2 chapters of the book. In addition, the focus shifted too severely, too messily. I’m confused about what this book wanted to do, actually. It became something completely different out of left field, and I’m left frustrated as a result.
I also wanted more of a character study for Binsa. We know that she’s desperate and why, but I wanted a complex, in depth study into her desperation. Instead, her character always felt too distant. I often felt that her desperation was told instead of shown. It’s palpable, sure, as she won’t shut up about it, but I wanted something more believable. Instead, the focus remained on corruption, as opposed to the desperation that then leads to said corruption; there’s no build up at all. The “why” is extremely important to make the plot and character believable, and I wasn’t convinced.
I will say, some of the plot was intriguing. Mainly, I enjoyed the book when Binsa was actually competent. I loved the more violent aspects too, as THAT is what I expect from someone who is supposedly desperate and ruthless. I also very much enjoyed when she actually pulled the strings correctly, and truly manipulated people. Again, that is the behavior I expected from her character going into this book. The world building was fascinating as well. Forbidden historical tomes, all kinds of demons, the magic that different nations have, the history and wars of said nations, all the different Rakhtas and who they serve, prophecies, and even more yummy stuff. If only the other pillars that held this book up were as strong.
All in all, I wish I liked this better than I did. Unless the sequel exceeds in all areas mentioned, and exceeds them by far, I likely wont pick it up. 3 sneaky stars ...more
Thank you to NetGalley and Lanternfish for the arc. I’ve been having a string of disappointing reads lately, and unfortunately this book only added toThank you to NetGalley and Lanternfish for the arc. I’ve been having a string of disappointing reads lately, and unfortunately this book only added to it.
My most glaring complaint: nothing in this book serves a purpose. The tense changes, the POVs, the “romances.” I just sat there screaming “WHAT IS THE POINT” on multiple occasions; nothing felt necessary. Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. It feels forced, and at worst it felt like a sloppy attempt at recreating a Simon Jimenez book, except in Jimenez’s books his literary choices actually have meaning and a purpose. As a result, this book often seemed incomprehensible. No payoff was satisfying, including the ending. I had no connection to this book or its characters at all. It just all fell flat, and was like a block of text that had no idea what it wanted to be.
The author also made choices that harmed my impression of the characters and their characterization. We simply don’t need the Sheriff’s POV. I would have preferred the police as a looming presence. I do see it as an attempt to educate and humanize (fuck the police), which would have maybe worked if the author went about it a different way instead of forcing us inside this random man’s head. Maybe one of the mcs could have had a family member in the police, maybe Samuel is a retired cop, or maybe some mcs had some type relationship with one. It does not help the story having a POV from this rando. Julian’s POV does not help the story either. It would have benefitted the story more to keep Julian as a mysterious and ominous figure instead of immediately clearing the veil. Samuel’s POV would have served much more of a purpose imo. And again, the tense changes add absolutely nothing. As such, I don’t give a shit about any of these characters at all.
Also, the entire plot and premise of this book was different from what I expected from the synopsis. Going into this I was excited to read what I thought was a Latino/Mexican weird and possibly eldritch western. It instead focused on Brujeria and one leathery old fuck who I didn’t care about at all. I would have much preferred the fantasy weird western, with a razzle dazzle of Brujeria, but definitely not what we were served here.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for the arc! Ho boy, if I could sum up this book in one sentence, it would be the following: This is too mucThank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for the arc! Ho boy, if I could sum up this book in one sentence, it would be the following: This is too much and yet not enough. Big ideas, huge ambition, but it does not stick the landing. I’m going to break this down into pros and cons since I’m not feeling eloquent rn
Pros: -the author has potential -intriguing world building at the beginning -intriguing concepts -war cats and big, bad dragons -this book does not hold your hand -definitely unpredictable!!!
Cons: -this book got lost in the sauce of its ambition and concepts; it was very unwieldy and messy -the scale of this book was too big for the author’s current talents -so many things weren’t well explained or weren’t explained at all. This made for a confusing reading experience (I’m saying this as a seasoned epic fantasy reader) -author should of focused more on certain pieces of lore as opposed to the book’s scale -characters were unmemorable, and I felt disconnected to them all -I felt zero emotion save frustration and annoyance -some plot points made me roll my eyes excessively -repetitive plot in general
So yeah, this was definitely a lot!!!! Unfortunately, I’m going to have to pass on the sequel. Anyways, -2.75 war cats...more
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