This Inn-verse book featuring Cora, the singer, the undead singer, pop-star, really got to introduce us to some great characters. It's very grounded aThis Inn-verse book featuring Cora, the singer, the undead singer, pop-star, really got to introduce us to some great characters. It's very grounded and has moments of comfort and progression, of course, but I was here for the whole package. Action, excitement, pumping up the audience--OR a group of noob hunters in WAY over their head--had me enjoying it even more.
This next book is just proving to me that I can't get enough.
I'm getting superstar-van-helsing vibes. :)
My synesthesia sees nothing but zombie moth-bears and pink hair. Cool, right?
Personal note: If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
Oh lordy, this is really hitting the spot for me. Pirateaba has been reliably hitting it out of the park with everything. The balance between comfort-Oh lordy, this is really hitting the spot for me. Pirateaba has been reliably hitting it out of the park with everything. The balance between comfort-emotions, overcoming odds, dealing with issues, and beautiful worldbuilding that sets up some pretty awesome foils--AND heart-wrenching action on a huge scale, as if the former wasn't enough, is just doing it all for my poor old heart.
The balance, here, is just as good as the later Wandering Inn books, and indeed, we are in the same world and hear some interesting, familiar names. But this one is special all on its own.
A song, whether it comes from an actress or a struggling earther thrust into a fantasy world that behaves by leveling-up rules, can still have enormous power.
It's just a bit more interesting when the song in question has THIS much power.
Really great stuff.
My synesthesia smells not grave-dirt or zombie rats, but comfort-tea and honey, together with a mouth watering biscuit and warm company.
Personal note: If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
This war-centered Fantasy continues to deliver with the war-flavor. If you've gotten this far in the story, you're really here for the gritty ambianceThis war-centered Fantasy continues to deliver with the war-flavor. If you've gotten this far in the story, you're really here for the gritty ambiance, the female-led gun-heroes, and a little bit of romance to go with the rare appearances of demon-infused carriers of the Names.
Honestly? I loved the end. I loved a little of the romance. The battles, when they happened, were fascinating.
But the rest--it was kinda a glide. I was there for a bunch of normal stuff written in a normal way. Every day life between battles. I'm sure others will get more out of that than me. I admit to being a bit bored during these much-longer sequences.
But overall, it was still solid--so no harm or foul.
My synesthesia really smelled a lot of airborne ash throughout the read.
Personal note: If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
Despite the pretty epic confrontation with the old village he founded, with plenty of surprises in store, or the overall re-focus on Earth and Earth'sDespite the pretty epic confrontation with the old village he founded, with plenty of surprises in store, or the overall re-focus on Earth and Earth's image of itself to grow and protect itself from the coming cataclysms, the whole novel has a serious introspective mood to it. Reflection and a sharpening of focus.
I think it's pretty awesome--like a self-therapy session that ultimately builds a brand new foundation for your soul.
Of course, this has happened multiple times in the series, but it really stands out as something that tackles much bigger "state of the universe, of existence," questions.
I'm a sucker for this stuff in OTHER literature. So the fact we're getting it taken seriously in a LitRPG where it OUGHT to be forbidden or laughed out of existence, I'm very pleasantly surprised to get a hefty dose of self-improvement alongside massive magics, cataclysms, and large-scale bloodshed.
I likey.
My synesthesia is getting the sensation of paper under my fingers, of a chocolate smell.
Personal note: If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
Any book that can keep me up all night wanting to know what happens next is obviously going to be a cherished one. And that's what happened to me withAny book that can keep me up all night wanting to know what happens next is obviously going to be a cherished one. And that's what happened to me with this.
I really enjoyed the progression and the whole "as above, so below" structure to this one. The soul skill, indeed, a whole world-building AS a narrative conceit and source of character power is pretty awesome to behold. And not only do we get to visit as a god, but all changes work both ways, changing yourself.
If that wasn't enough, the full, bright story of the world of Tellus comes to a head, complete with the Calamity and resolution. Nobody comes out of it unscathed.
Very neat novel. Humble beginnings for the series, but this one really made it stand out.
My synesthesia tasted a wholesome ham on rye with really spicy mustard, oddly enough--with a dose of blood in the air.
Personal note: If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
Solid work. If you've come this far in the series, you know you'll have to challenge your current limits with every volume, so it should come as no suSolid work. If you've come this far in the series, you know you'll have to challenge your current limits with every volume, so it should come as no surprise that Randidly must face some demons and get pounded before arising to the top again.
In this volume, we return to the world of spears. Stronger, a little wiser, and now a bit more smug than is healthy, he turns to ash and cold and mass annihilation to get the respect of his peers. He's living the dream.
Honestly, I'm having as much fun as I generally do with these, which is to say, I'm quite amused and invested. It's all action and leveling and finding all new ways to level. In this case, imagery. And what monstrous power it is.
My synesthesia tastes yet more ash, but this time it's not a hot wind, but a cold one. Kinda perfect for the setting.
Personal note: If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
What's weird: novel structure. Some of the characterizations.
I'll explain. Randidly builds his own class at the end of the last novel, and now jumps into a high-level dungeon with a few friends to flesh it out. It's all cool. His old, pre-apocalyptic friends are kinda ass-hats. And upon leaving that dungeon, which takes up what I thought was a big deal of the novel, Randidly up and skips town and levels up in a time jump to an all new place and PoV which builds a nice little western/cyberpunk city that feels like a completely different novel.
Ok, no problem, except, for the most part, we're generally always focused on Randidly. It does go back to him, and he's kinda aimless again, but I enjoyed watching him grind through new skillsets, so the original purpose of the novels was served.
Weird? Perhaps. But still enjoyable in the end.
My synesthesia smells gunpowder and a forge.
Personal note: If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
You know your life is getting strange if, within two weeks, you read two books with intelligent parasites learning to live and love their potential hoYou know your life is getting strange if, within two weeks, you read two books with intelligent parasites learning to live and love their potential hosts. Hell, it's even more odd to see these parasites suffering from social anxiety or just plain anxiety, feeling needy and pathetic like an ACTUAL parasite.
Too funny. This isn't Leech, however. The other was a doctor. This one was just lovestruck in a framework story that was all pretty awesome horror. Or dark supernatural fantasy, if you like.
Enjoyable, either way. Nommed for '25 Nebula.
I guess I kinda expected this to be richer, more imaginative. The premise was delicious. My synesthesia tastes good gore. Exactly what the parasite ordered.
Personal note: If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
Unfortunately for me, this book was kinda a slog. Other people's mileage might vary, of course.
I've read quite a few books like it--just imagine a buUnfortunately for me, this book was kinda a slog. Other people's mileage might vary, of course.
I've read quite a few books like it--just imagine a bunch of young idiots, have them die, come back, have magic they need to control, but underneath it all, they're all pretty self-absorbed and thoroughly NORMAL in how they mess up their lives, love-lives, etc.
Sure, it's magical realism, and that's unfortunate, because realism when it comes to young idiots is all too commonplace and... frankly... dull.
But what about the fantasy elements? Wasn't that good, Brad?
Yeah, well, it was okay as far as it goes. On par with Locke and Key or any number of UFs, just so long as you imagine a goodly solid handful of main characters all circling each other on the peripheral, bound by the same aegis, and eventually requiring themselves to do SOMETHING (that something taking a LONG time to get to in the plot) while messing around with their after-life afterlife. Or rather, love-life.
Honestly--it was rather annoying. If you are looking for loving with a little fantasy, with all the miscommunications and ennui it involves, then this one is okay.
I don't really understand why it was nommed for the '25 Nebula.
My synesthesia smelled very little but wet fur and dust. It was familiar, but not in a good way.
Personal note: If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
The author has been getting quite a bit of notoriety for her fantasies for the last few years, sticking close to fairy-tNebula award nominee for '25.
The author has been getting quite a bit of notoriety for her fantasies for the last few years, sticking close to fairy-tale retellings and generally feel-good light fantasy that manages to satisfy that comfort-food craving we all seem to get these days.
As I was reading it, I thought it might have started a bit heavy-handed, but I REALLY loved the whole Miss Marple meets a good old fashioned Regency novel feel. The sorcery, mischief, and murder was quite fun.
My synesthesia tastes bread and marmalade. Yes, seriously. Marmalade. And it's good.
Personal note: If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
Getting really fun now. The LitRPG brought Randidly back to Earth, way overpowered, but still managed to give him a little space to grow and tend his Getting really fun now. The LitRPG brought Randidly back to Earth, way overpowered, but still managed to give him a little space to grow and tend his garden. How nice!
(And for those who actually KNOW how it turns out: yes, I'm being wildly droll.)
What a seed to grow at the end of that novel, right?
Can't wait to get back in and see what this first class will do to him.
My synesthesia smells wet fur, sweat, and a hint of sulfur--and not unpleasantly so.
Personal note: If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
Well, I admit this one hit all my sweet spots. Actual story gets laid down, progressed. But even more than that, we get a full-on exciting tournament Well, I admit this one hit all my sweet spots. Actual story gets laid down, progressed. But even more than that, we get a full-on exciting tournament with lots of setbacks and breakthroughs and even more sideways-progressions that make it all feel worthwhile.
I love this sweet spot of LitRPG complexity, further developments of skills, transcendence. It's why I keep coming back, why I keep chasing these highs. :)
It's safe to say that I think this has found its stride.
My synesthesia believes it smells peanut butter cookies. Rich, fattening, and fresh out of the oven.
Personal note: If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
Two times in this book, I found myself curled in a blanket, tears in my eyes, clutching onto reality for dear life as either the best What can I say?
Two times in this book, I found myself curled in a blanket, tears in my eyes, clutching onto reality for dear life as either the best thing--or the worst thing--came to pass.
Any book that can rip such an emotional reaction out of me, heedless of anything, gets absolute full marks.
There's plenty I could say about the new Hell's Wardens, or the showdown with the other mages, but all of that was completely outstripped by what came out of the blood fields. And the aftermath? We've had Toren's (skeletal worker) epic arc develop across all these books, only to have a brief, and utterly shattering reunion with his old boss. This, I should say, nearly shattered ME.
There's a reason why this series has been widely, widely praised, and I'm completely on-board. Vast adventure, wonderful characters of all kinds, and extremely imaginative fantasy. And best of all, it's balanced in all things. Humor, comfort, earth-shattering tragedies, violence, friends, sympathetic villains, even stories surrounded by miscommunication AND (oddly enough) GOOD communication. It's so refreshing.
Anyway, I'm shook. Shaking. This book has me reeling.
My synesthesia makes me feel like I'm stroking cold steel, with the scent of magnolias on the air.
Personal note: If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
Five stars for consistent, great entertainment. Characters and real character progression take the font seat here, as elsewhere, but especially here.
PFive stars for consistent, great entertainment. Characters and real character progression take the font seat here, as elsewhere, but especially here.
Pisces evolution, or rather, his unearthing, has been especially sharp and painful. I can't believe I once kinda rather disliked him.
As for all the rest, I'm still fascinated by the King of Destruction and how smart he is to use EVERY tool at his disposal, including the kids and our world's tech. He's so damn charismatic. But isn't that the true danger? A cult of personality has always been our single most dangerous opponent. *stares pointedly out into the distance*
Either way, the climax of this one was rather low-scale but it seems to be long-term with potential for massive grief on a huge scale, later, assuming certain people don't throw away Pisces like they had thrown away goblins. Of course, him being a necromancer probably means exactly that in the end. *rages*
My synesthesia smells nothing but clean, clean soap. I suppose that's for the best.
Personal note: If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
After the last, I kinda expected a continuation of the hints of magic invading technology drawn from our world into theirs, but I was NOT expecting a After the last, I kinda expected a continuation of the hints of magic invading technology drawn from our world into theirs, but I was NOT expecting a full-on witch novel that not only gives nods to Pratchett, with a direct reference to Weatherwax, but a full-on novel doing the crankiness and utter individuality of each memorable member of a coven coming to seek sanctuary with the quirky blind emperor.
Hell, they don't even get to meet the emperor for most of the book, instead aiding and hindering and causing varied ruckuses across River Hill while a certain wind runner tags along, trying to learn everything she can.
It was an utter delight to read. And the general/witch, having it all out with the greatest witch of them all? It was everything you'd want in a spat between a mother and a daughter, but deeper. Even the truly evil can love their daughters. So, yeah, THIS one hit really hard.
Especially the full climax to this tale. It hit HARD. Every step of the way, we hope. We see signs. The story was so gripping. And then it... ripped my heart out.
Just wow. It's going to live rent-free in my head for quite some time. And while I've got you here listening to me, I should mention--this series is GREAT!
Damn.
My synesthesia smells smoke on the wind and a hot breeze at my back. Run... run... run...
Personal note: If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
I'm literally caught in a neverending spiral of storytelling that I can't imagine escaping from.
Each book immediately drives me to the next, and despiI'm literally caught in a neverending spiral of storytelling that I can't imagine escaping from.
Each book immediately drives me to the next, and despite them being MASSIVELY long, I rarely feel THIS invigorated or feel the need to keep reading this effortlessly.
That's coming from someone who reads 500 books a year on average. So, let me spell it out: this series is special.
So many damn threads, with fun times, dire times, angry times, funny times, and sad times, I'm utterly losing myself in this world and all its people. Even the people that I know are either evil or close enough as to make no difference. Hell, I even love the people who've betrayed me (them, the characters,) and the god-damned town that keeps having likable people that do such horrible things to others that I also like.
It's driving me crazy. And I love every single second of it. And best of all, there is UNDERSTANDING. There is COMPASSION. It's beautiful. So very beautiful.
Am I right, little doom bringer? Am I right, you damn drakes? Am I right, innkeeper?
*Deep Sigh*
This series has now developed into a gem of surpassing worth--at least to me. Whatever faults it might have, it will never be unwanted or unappreciated. It is always welcome in my heart and hearth.
My synesthesia smells cornered rats, tears, and an immense swelling of hope. It also smells like spring.
Personal note: If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
After the previous doorstopper, my anger at the town is still rather bright-hot. And even though we're getting back into the Wind Runner's story, not After the previous doorstopper, my anger at the town is still rather bright-hot. And even though we're getting back into the Wind Runner's story, not to mention Ruin's and a certain doctor, I'm still hot over the aftermath of the goblins.
This book leads us out of those very depressing woods. Things aren't better, so to speak, and I wouldn't blame her for never really forgiving ANY of them, but there is hope for new adventure and growth and there ARE some nice people out there. Indeed, I can think of a couple of GREAT blacksmithing sequences that had me practically cheering for how fun they were.
So much happens. I can't stress to you enough just how huge these stories are, of how vast and varied and interesting they are. And best of all, everything continues forward from what has already been built. Think One Piece, the weight of so many events, great characters, and then get an idea about THIS particular series.
The best part IS that it has serious stuff going on, even epic battles, serious consequences, WHILE carving out really beautiful, light-hearted, even GOOFY sequences to let the happiness, the caring, shine.
These books are showing me just how much I'm unwilling to set any laurel upon grimdark fantasy. It has its place, but it can be so damn draining. The Wandering Inn, however, effortlessly recharges me even as it builds to the serious bits.
Hence: it's an endlessly enjoyable read.
My synesthesia is now, quite simply, stuck with true bubbly drinks that literally float in my mouth. I can't quite figure out whether I want to cough or laugh at any moment.
Personal note: If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
Well, it IS the last one. The finale was quick, at least for this volume, and the aftermath was, in my opinion, a bit too rushed, but itBook hangover.
Well, it IS the last one. The finale was quick, at least for this volume, and the aftermath was, in my opinion, a bit too rushed, but it is as I should have expected.
Sadness. The end. I guess this means I need to move on.
I think, maybe, Deku got a bit shafted. That kid really did everything, didn't he? I know the message says otherwise, but damn.
My synesthesia just smells rubble. The only really great part was the talking with the old villains, or at least their wrap-ups. That was cool.
Personal note: If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
This is one hell of an almost-end. The final moments, the final build-up, and release...
And of course, there's the requisite twist, the fan service, aThis is one hell of an almost-end. The final moments, the final build-up, and release...
And of course, there's the requisite twist, the fan service, and the acknowledgements to all the other shonen that came before it. (I actually DO respect that a LOT, considering that it STARTED that way).
I think it's sticking to a great, if short, landing. Not quite there yet, but this feels like a great blow-out. I'm already feeling sad that the next is the last volume.
My synesthesia needs to take a nice, warm bath after this one. It's definitely made me dirty and raw.
Personal note: If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
Penultimate resolutions here. Fan service, too, but self-aware and frankly not bad at all. All for One... is such a monster.
As for WHO gets the spotliPenultimate resolutions here. Fan service, too, but self-aware and frankly not bad at all. All for One... is such a monster.
As for WHO gets the spotlight next, I won't spoil, but damn... that was great. Very satisfying.
Deep breath.
Next volume will be enormous. Deku vs Shiggy. End battle.
My synesthesia is burning with much more than woodsmoke and accelerants now. It's heady.
Personal note: If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
![僕のヒーローアカデミア 42 [Boku no Hero Academia 42]](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1732298197l/216976063._SY75_.jpg)
![僕のヒーローアカデミア 41 [Boku no Hero Academia 41]](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1722655269l/209362151._SY75_.jpg)
![僕のヒーローアカデミア 40 [Boku no Hero Academia 40]](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1711454527l/209362139._SY75_.jpg)
Loading...
