en-US Sat, 03 Aug 2024 18:05:56 -0700 60 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg Review6727168864 Sat, 03 Aug 2024 18:05:56 -0700 /review/show/6727168864 William gave 4 stars to The Flaw in All Magic (Magebreakers, #1) by Ben S. Dobson
bookshelves: fantasy
The Flaw in All Magic is the first installment of the Magebreakers series.

This novel was a fun, entertaining, suspenseful read from start to finish. The focal premise is a murder mystery.

Both world building and characterization are well done. Kadka was my favorite character. She had me laughing a lot.

Although the narrative is light and the setting is a fantasy world, real world thought provoking themes are present. I could not help drawing parallels to our own world.

The finale was plausible and provided adequate closure.

I plan to read more books in the Magebreakers series. ]]> Review6372062371 Tue, 16 Jul 2024 16:34:04 -0700 /review/show/6372062371 William gave 1 star to House of Earth and Blood (Crescent City, #1) by Sarah J. Maas
bookshelves: fantasy
House of Earth and Blood is the first installment of the Crescent City series.The cover caught my eye in the store and the blurb seemed intriguing.

Unfortunately, this novel did not work for me and was a DNF.

There is way too much info dumping. I could not form an attachment to care about the characters. The profanity is extreme and over the top gratuitous. The dialogue was often cringeworthy. ]]> Review6659342042 Wed, 10 Jul 2024 18:24:13 -0700 /review/show/6659342042 William gave 4 stars to The Sunlit Man (Kindle Edition) by Brandon Sanderson
bookshelves: fantasy
The Sunlit Man is yet another solid Cosmere 'secret project' novel Sanderson released in 2023. Although not mandatory, I suggest reading The Stormlight Archive series first as multiple references are made to Roshar.

The word building in this story is superb. Through the eyes of Nomad, the main protagonist, we visit another planet within the Cosmere.

I really enjoyed this fast paced heartfelt story and was satisfied with its conclusion. ]]> Review97755120 Sat, 27 Jan 2024 20:00:20 -0800 /review/show/97755120 William gave 5 stars to The Way of Kings (The Stormlight Archive, #1) by Brandon Sanderson
bookshelves: fantasy
I rarely reread books as there is so much out there. However, I made an exception for The Way of Kings. Finished this incredible book for a third time to prepare for Wind and Truth, the fifth installment of The Stormlight Archive series slated for a December, 2024 release.

The Way of Kings remains the best fantasy book I have ever read as of January, 2024. World building and characterization both reign supreme. Sanderson must have definitely attracted a boatload of creationspren while writing this.

The novel is also very thought provoking and philosophical. I could not abstain from drawing parallels in my mind to the real world for countless themes pondered throughout.

I am usually not a fan of epic battle scenes. However, one that occurred near the end of this book was mind blowing.

I cannot recommend The Way of Kings enough for epic fantasy lovers. ]]> Review5924443649 Sun, 07 Jan 2024 18:25:43 -0800 /review/show/5924443649 William gave 4 stars to Yumi and the Nightmare Painter (ebook) by Brandon Sanderson
bookshelves: fantasy
Yumi and the Nightmare Painter is another 2023 'Secret Project' novel set in the Cosmere. Hoid returns as the narrator. Dedicated readers of other works in this universe are treated to some 'easter eggs'.

This story is imaginative and endearing. Character growth is very strong.

The start of the book was slow and a bit repetitive, but fortunately nearly half way through picks up steam. The finale is emotional and provides adequate closure. To fill in gaps along the way, Hoid needs to dump information on us we do not acquire 'on screen'.

Overall I definitely enjoyed Yumi and the Nightmare Painter. It was great to visit another planet within the Cosmere. When needing a brief escape from the real world, this novel fits the bill. Thank you Brandon Sanderson for consistently delivering quality works of art!
]]> Review5921478626 Sat, 21 Oct 2023 19:51:16 -0700 /review/show/5921478626 William gave 1 star to Tell Me I'm Worthless (Paperback) by Alison Rumfitt
bookshelves: horror
There should be no place for fascism, racism, antisemitism, and transphobia in this world.
If one goal of this novel was to convince readers of this fact, it failed miserably in at least my opinion.

I am not offended by profanity present in books. However, it is ridiculously overplayed here. In addition to always cussing, multiple characters are self destructive; excessive drinking, substance abuse, piquerism, etc. Spending time with these people was not my cup of tea.

The tone of the narrative is often pretentious, heavy handed, political and repetitive. The forum post porn rant that spanned multiple pages saying the same thing over and over and over again tempted me to DNF. I wish I caved instead of trudging on. Metaphors and symbolism are employed throughout, but it seemed the author did not trust their readers to be smart enough to get them. The same points are blatantly repeated ad nauseam.

More editing was needed. It was very annoying to fight through so many run on sentences and lengthy paragraphs.

I was hoping for a decent fresh scary haunted house story and Tell Me I'm Worthless was not it. ]]> Review5905032337 Thu, 19 Oct 2023 19:01:14 -0700 /review/show/5905032337 William gave 2 stars to Natural Beauty (Hardcover) by Ling Ling Huang
bookshelves: horror
This novel does well bringing to light the yearning for youth and physical beauty. Sadly, regardless of other traits, society often continues to value women based on just these elements alone.

The narrator and first person protagonist gradually gets sucked in to striving to become as visually appealing as possible. Initially she jokes and acknowledges how silly it is for everyone trying to look the same to achieve perfect beauty. However, as she herself transforms and discovers how much better others treat her, she abandons her original values and beliefs.

The premise for this book was very promising and tempted me to give it a go. Unfortunately, the execution was disappointing.

Nearly all of the characters were simple caricatures, acting as mere devices to advance the plot. Dialog between the characters was very basic and unrealistic. Everyone acted and spoke the same way.

For a shorter novel, too many unnecessary gratuitous scenes were present, especially sex scenes. I initially discovered this book by searching 'best of' horror reads for 2023. I am certainly not opposed to blending genres and often appreciate it. However, I was not seeking a romance novel and at times it felt like I was reading one.

The climax was abrupt and seemed rushed; inconsistent with earlier pacing. I was satisfied though with the ending.

Although Natural Beauty did not work for me as well as I hoped, it is a short, fast read that may fit the bill for others. ]]> Review5904965870 Thu, 12 Oct 2023 18:34:38 -0700 /review/show/5904965870 William gave 5 stars to Tress of the Emerald Sea (Kindle Edition) by Brandon Sanderson
bookshelves: fantasy
So many positive words come to mind when thinking about Tress of the Emerald Sea. Enchanting, beautiful, and heartwarming just to name a few. I absolutely loved this novel.

Admittedly, at the start I was doubting whether this book would work for me. Initial thoughts were of an unoriginal Cinderella knockoff. Fortunately I was wrong. The story quickly became very creative and imaginative in vintage Sanderson style.

Loved the idea of having Hoid be the narrator. This enabled the work of fiction to become philosophical and thought provoking, allowing we readers to ponder our own beliefs and behaviors.

Character growth is superb. It was delightful to witness the transformation of multiple characters. Cunning plausible plot twists are also present. The finale was well done and satisfying.

As an added bonus, since this is a Cosmere novel, dedicated readers of other works in this universe are treated to a few hidden 'easter eggs'.

Highly recommended! ]]> Review5089467844 Fri, 06 Oct 2023 20:02:58 -0700 /review/show/5089467844 William gave 3 stars to Small Favor (The Dresden Files, #10) by Jim Butcher
bookshelves: fantasy
Small Favor, the tenth edition of The Dresden Files, sticks with a similar formula.

I also enjoyed this installment, but not as much as earlier volumes. The plots and settings with this particular novel seemed too formulaic and repetitive, lacking the expected blend of fresh creativity.

Overall Small Favor was a fun, fast paced escape and I plan on continuing the series. Still engaged and curious regarding what happens next with Harry and both his friends and adversaries. ]]> Review5678463339 Thu, 05 Oct 2023 19:14:54 -0700 /review/show/5678463339 William gave 5 stars to Sapphire's Flight (The Agartes Epilogues, #3) by K.S. Villoso
bookshelves: fantasy
Sapphire's Flight is a fantastic conclusion to the trilogy. Villoso continues to improve as a writer and this volume is certainly the best.

Admittedly, I was somewhat concerned regarding whether everything would be adequately wrapped up. Fortunately, this book greatly exceeded my expectations.

Character growth was superb and authentic. None of us are perfect and this reality is inherited by the characters in this fantasy novel. Difficult decisions need to be constantly made in a brutal world. The power of love and self sacrifice drive multiple outcomes.

The finale was very emotional and satisfying.

Definitely recommend this trilogy to fantasy book lovers! ]]>