z_bookfluencer's reviews
897 reviews

A blend of fantasy, mystery, and horror, Anna Dressed in Blood is intriguing with its unique characters and reveals. The novel skillfully intertwines suspense and paranormal elements, crafting an engaging narrative. Its distinctive characters are interesting and easy to follow.

I absolutely enjoyed Paladin's Grace. I thoroughly enjoyed the blend of dark fantasy, horror, and humor—it was an incredible reading experience. The forced proximity trope and the chemistry between the characters felt natural and well-executed, more so than in other books I’ve read. I listened to Paladin's Grace as an audiobook, so I might have missed a few details, but I really appreciated Grace’s characterization. Her social anxiety was portrayed in a way that made me feel truly seen. I also found many quotes I loved and scenes that made me laugh out loud, which is rare for me. I’d definitely annotate a physical copy if I had one.

Tales of the Slayer was a very quick and easy read. Ideal for fans of Buffy, vampires, or creatures of the night, this collection of short stories is a great addition to any book collection. Tales of the Slayer contains explicit content-mainly pertaining to gore and death, that sensitive readers should be aware before diving in.

Artemis weaves together a get-rich-quick scheme, political intrigue, and a crime underbelly into a complex story. The characters are intricate and well-developed, with their flaws having a significant impact on the plot. The diverse cast adds depth to the narrative, and the consequences of their mistakes are explored in depth throughout the novel. The pacing is steady, with my interest particularly piqued by the halfway point. For hardcover sci-fi fans, the book offers a notable exploration of scientific concepts and the economics of sustaining a community in space. Overall, Artemis is a sci-fi thriller that I enjoyed reading and is a welcome addition to my book collection.

Hannah Nicole Maehrer delivers once again in Apprentice to the Villain. Like its comedic romantasy predecessor, Assistant to the Villain, this installment skillfully blends humor with fantasy elements. The result is an engaging story that features perfectly timed reveals, a slow-burn romance, and intricately woven plotlines. Adding to the allure is an evolving, intriguing call of destiny that keeps readers captivated.

Breath of the Dragon centers on a main character named Jun, whose flaws significantly impact those around him, not just himself. Jun is impulsive, and his self-centered nature often leads him into precarious situations that create conflict and tension in his relationships. Despite these shortcomings, there’s an undeniable quality about him that compelled me to keep reading. 

The writing is exceptionally cinematic, making it hard to put the book down. The plot is well-rounded and adventurous, filled with twists and turns that kept me engaged. Some of the themes Breath of the Dragon explores are of redemption and the ominous beginnings of war, adding depth to the Jun's journey and the challenges he faces. Overall, it’s a captivating read that balances character development with an exciting narrative.

I highly recommend Breath of the Dragon to other fantasy readers.

I was given an Advanced Reader's Copy through St. Martin's Publishing Group, and I give my honest review voluntarily. My review is my own thoughts and opinion; my experience in reading this story. 

Reminiscent of a seasonal drink that you can enjoy year-round, Iron Rose is a captivating retelling that I couldn’t put down! Blending nods to the Disney film with original elements, this fantasy tale explores femininity and the transformative effects of war on innocence.