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cbarcenam's reviews
197 reviews
The Ballad of Never After by Stephanie Garber
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
4.0
The only reason this book is getting 4 stars instead of 5 is because there are a couple of things that get repeated over and over again
Avalon Tower by Alex Rivers, C.N. Crawford
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
A Story Spun in Scarlet by R. Dugan
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Renee Dugan takes us to the incredible kingdom of Mithra-Sha. A place where Storycrafters bring stories to life, creating abundance in the land, helping crops flourish, and helping the people. However, one day, the stories lose their endings, and with that, the power to come to life. That's where our story begins, a few years after the power of StoryCraft disappears Audra has been making her way to the Tailbone City where she hopes to start a life doing honest work trying to forget the disappointment of not being able to finish the story and the rejection of society because of it. One day she's asked her to entertain the patrons of the tavern where she works with an Undying story, a story that would not end and there she meets Jake. Starting as reluctant allies together they embark on an adventure to find out what happened to the endings of stories and how is it connected to them.
This book feels like a love letter to storytellers, emphasizing the impact of stories on our lives and the importance of hope. Audra embodies the fear of not being able to finish, the fear of chasing an adventure, and the strength of sacrifice. Jake is the help and push needed to choose what is waiting in the unknown. Their relationship is great because they represent both sides of the coin: fear and hope.
This story made me smile, made me cry, angry and sad, hopeful of what is to come, I thought it was very well written and a lesson in every story that Audra shares with us. It makes you wonder, root for the characters, visit the mountains, sail the sea, and fight the monsters. It is truly a work of art.
I am very thankful to Renée Dugan for sharing this amazing story Netgalley for allowing me to read it
As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
The Stolen Heir by Holly Black
adventurous
dark
emotional
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
I enjoyed going back to this world. A few years after the end of “The Queen of Nothing” this time we follow the life of Siren, the queen of the Court of Teeth as she joins Oak's quest to save his father.
I found it emotional to see the world from Wren’s perspective and all that she went through in the Court of Teeth, and what she goes through after the Battle of the Serpent. It does pull your heartstrings.
Holly Black did an amazing job with this tale.
I found it emotional to see the world from Wren’s perspective and all that she went through in the Court of Teeth, and what she goes through after the Battle of the Serpent. It does pull your heartstrings.
Holly Black did an amazing job with this tale.
The Swan Harp by Elizabeth Creith
adventurous
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
When I first heard about this book, I found it interesting. The story takes place in the medieval world of Valenia, where humans and swanfolk live in harmony. However, they are always at odds with their northern neighbours. The story is told from Kiar's perspective. She is the middle daughter and heir to the king and queen. Once Kiar is chosen as the heir, her father starts training her to defend and rule the kingdom. Meanwhile, her sisters Adana and Orla, who can turn into swans, learn about the swanfolk from their mother. Kiar feels left out, especially when some of the swanfolk agree to live with them, and she becomes friends with Willow and Tiar. The King of Noermark tries to get one of the girls to marry one of his sons to take over the land, which he is also raiding constantly.
I liked this book. I enjoyed it a lot. The story was slow-paced with a lot of build-up. When the great reveal occurred, it was not what I expected, and it was brilliant because you are really waiting for something different to happen. I am going to rate it with 4 out of 5 stars because some parts felt very slow. You're waiting for something to happen, and you feel like it's almost there, but you keep waiting and waiting. That didn't work for me at all. However, Kiar is a strong main character, she understands and accepts her duties incredibly well. The story includes a romance, but it's a slow-burning one, and it's not the main focus. Willow's character annoyed me because she lacked common sense, but it's probably justified because her culture is different.
Would I recommend this book? Yes. It's a refreshing read with different expectations from the all-powerful main character, and the world is just delightful. This book is coming out in April 2024, so keep an eye out for it.
Losing Neverland by Brittany Montgomery
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0