What a brilliant book. If you enjoy books that Indiana Jones/Lies of Locke Lamora type of stories then this is foLies of Locke Lamora meets Uncharted?
What a brilliant book. If you enjoy books that Indiana Jones/Lies of Locke Lamora type of stories then this is for you. Utterly addictive with an incredible amount of twists and turns that will keep you hooked all the way to the end.
There is definitely an argument to be had that Logan relies a bit too much on plot armour. However, if you are willing to pick up this book with being overly critical then this can easily become one of your favourite reads in a while because the story is so addictive.
Travis Baldree knows how to write cosy fantasy! Bookshops and Bonedust is a brilliant prequel that focuses on Viv and her jourDefinitely worth a read!
Travis Baldree knows how to write cosy fantasy! Bookshops and Bonedust is a brilliant prequel that focuses on Viv and her journey as she falls in love with READING! What I loved about this book is that the plot is much more intricate.
I still prefer Legends and Lattes but this was a delight!
I am glad I read this book but probably won't continue!
We read this book for October for the Viking Book Club! Overall, I really enjoyed the setting, I am glad I read this book but probably won't continue!
We read this book for October for the Viking Book Club! Overall, I really enjoyed the setting, the worldbuilding was brilliant and this book has some fantastic analysis of themes such as identity, heritage and self discovery!
However, I probably won't continue this series. I found the scope of the story to be too focused on relatively 'small events', the romantic aspect didn't do much for me and found the politics a bit confusing.
Nonetheless, glad I read this book!
Full video review on my Patreon!
Next up for the Viking Book Club - The Dragonbone Chair!
I’ve realised that I actually enjoy the novellas a bit more than the epic novels in this series. Don’t get me wrong – I lRyan Cahill delivers – AGAIN!
I’ve realised that I actually enjoy the novellas a bit more than the epic novels in this series. Don’t get me wrong – I love the long, epic novels in The Bound and the Broken. There is just something very satisfying about seeing the world become more fleshed out with each novella and seeing Ryan write a more character-focused story.
Similarly to The Exile, this novella follows primarily one character. The Ice tells the story of Aeson, some months before Of Blood and Fire takes place and tells the story of a man driven to find a dragon’s egg in hopes of bringing dragons back to the world and help give the rebellion a crucial advantage. The only problem is that Aeson must travel to the icy wastelands of Valacia, where no one ever returns.
If you are a fan of Star Wars, then you will know that Rogue One is one of those movies you didn’t know the world needed, but after you’ve watched it, you are so glad it exists. Similarly, as Rogue One fleshes out how the rebellion infiltrated the Death Star, this novella tells us how the rebellion tried to get hold of a dragon egg. And yes, I know I am comparing this novella to Star Wars, but the analogy holds.
There is much to love about The Ice. This story is filled with tension, intense action scenes, and some fantastic character moments. Moreover, in typical Ryan Cahill fashion, this story is fast-paced and covers a lot of ground in relatively few pages. Cahill’s ability to write epic stories in such few pages is praiseworthy. There is little doubt that fans of this series will love The Ice since it fleshes out the overall story and the world in greater detail and simultaneously takes readers on an emotional and exciting adventure. Oh, and also, this novella introduces some new creatures (and they are scary!).
Ryan Cahill delivers on writing an enthralling story where hope and sacrifice are interwoven in both beautiful and shocking ways. If you are a fan of classic fantasy that feels modern, then do not overlook Ryan Cahill.
4.5 / 5
Merged review:
Ryan Cahill delivers – AGAIN!
I’ve realised that I actually enjoy the novellas a bit more than the epic novels in this series. Don’t get me wrong – I love the long, epic novels in The Bound and the Broken. There is just something very satisfying about seeing the world become more fleshed out with each novella and seeing Ryan write a more character-focused story.
Similarly to The Exile, this novella follows primarily one character. The Ice tells the story of Aeson, some months before Of Blood and Fire takes place and tells the story of a man driven to find a dragon’s egg in hopes of bringing dragons back to the world and help give the rebellion a crucial advantage. The only problem is that Aeson must travel to the icy wastelands of Valacia, where no one ever returns.
If you are a fan of Star Wars, then you will know that Rogue One is one of those movies you didn’t know the world needed, but after you’ve watched it, you are so glad it exists. Similarly, as Rogue One fleshes out how the rebellion infiltrated the Death Star, this novella tells us how the rebellion tried to get hold of a dragon egg. And yes, I know I am comparing this novella to Star Wars, but the analogy holds.
There is much to love about The Ice. This story is filled with tension, intense action scenes, and some fantastic character moments. Moreover, in typical Ryan Cahill fashion, this story is fast-paced and covers a lot of ground in relatively few pages. Cahill’s ability to write epic stories in such few pages is praiseworthy. There is little doubt that fans of this series will love The Ice since it fleshes out the overall story and the world in greater detail and simultaneously takes readers on an emotional and exciting adventure. Oh, and also, this novella introduces some new creatures (and they are scary!).
Ryan Cahill delivers on writing an enthralling story where hope and sacrifice are interwoven in both beautiful and shocking ways. If you are a fan of classic fantasy that feels modern, then do not overlook Ryan Cahill.
Arguably the worst conclusion I've ever read to a series. It honestly feels like Bancroft just wanted to finish this book asap, because this is one ofArguably the worst conclusion I've ever read to a series. It honestly feels like Bancroft just wanted to finish this book asap, because this is one of the worst uses of Deus Ex Machina I've come across.
I've made a full spoiler-free review on my channel....more
Okay, I must admit I made a HUGE mistake reading this novella 3.5 years after reading The Mistborn trilogy (and after reading ErThis felt unnecessary.
Okay, I must admit I made a HUGE mistake reading this novella 3.5 years after reading The Mistborn trilogy (and after reading Era 2). I know this novella is much loved by Cosmere fans, but I didn’t get why.
Firstly, this novella utilises one of the most dangerous tropes in fantasy – the resurrection trope – and I didn’t see any significant justification for using it except that this character is a fan favourite. Secondly, I didn’t find the novella that entertaining. Thirdly, and most importantly, it almost felt like this novella diminished the achievements of Vin and Elend and the original crew. I fully acknowledge that I probably felt this way since I don’t remember everything from the Mistborn trilogy since it has been so long since I read it.
I didn’t hate this novella, but I don’t really understand why Sanderson needed to write this story.
I have no idea what this book is. Extremely disjointed story, dry writing style and characters that feel like caricatures. I know this bookDNF at 45%.
I have no idea what this book is. Extremely disjointed story, dry writing style and characters that feel like caricatures. I know this book has had a huge influence on the genre, especially the grimdark genre so it makes me sad I couldn't get into it....more
Okay, I am pretty confident that this is a “right book, right timing” case because I never expected to enjoy this book this muchHOW WAS THIS SO GOOD!?
Okay, I am pretty confident that this is a “right book, right timing” case because I never expected to enjoy this book this much. I absolutely consumed this book!
So what did I love? Firstly, the setting feels super fresh and exciting. We are set in a futuristic, almost sci-fi setting, where conflicts are dealt with through duels – not massive wars. SUCH A COOL IDEA! Secondly, I am a huge fan of a good underdog story and the mentor trope, and this book has both of those tropes. There is just something so satisfying about seeing an underdog overcome seemingly impossible situations. Thirdly, this book is just plain addictive. The pacing is spot on, and you will constantly be rewarded as a reader as you flip through the pages.
Now, I am reasonably sure I would have given this book a lower rating if I had read this book at a different stage in my life. There are many training sequences, and some of the side characters aren’t fleshed out that well. However, I have been nearing a reading slump for a while, and this was precisely what I needed. The Combat Codes is a refreshing, unique, fun and fast-paced novel that hooks you with its brilliant characters and plot twists.
Phenomenal read. Really impressive how engaging this book is considering it primarily told through log entries and follows a character that is alone mPhenomenal read. Really impressive how engaging this book is considering it primarily told through log entries and follows a character that is alone most of the time.
Not as good as Project Hail Mary but still had a great time and understand the love for this book!...more
Let me start this review by stating that Francisca has contributed to my blog, and we’ve interacted many times on Instagram. I woulBest cover of 2023?
Let me start this review by stating that Francisca has contributed to my blog, and we’ve interacted many times on Instagram. I would consider Liliana as a friend, so keep that in mind! Firstly, I cannot praise the cover enough. It screams EPIC FANTASY in the best way possible and was a key reason I wanted to pick up this book. According to the cover, this book has a wolf, an eagle and a massive dragon!? What more do you want in a fantasy book?
Let me start with the things I loved! Firstly, this novel has some great characters. Sou and Eve were my favourites, but it is clear that the author took great care in fleshing out all the characters. Secondly, the world is fascinating and feels intricate. This story has a lot of lore (which I appreciate), a fascinating magic system and various locations and cultures. Thirdly, this novel sometimes feels quite grimdark, and Liliana has no problems killing off important characters. I was pretty surprised at how many characters were killed off! Isla’s Reach is one of the most ambitious debuts I have read in a while. The scope of the story is epic, and the world-building is rich with history and lore.
However, I must highlight some things that kept this book from being a 5/5 star read. Firstly, the pacing felt quite inconsistent at times. I was actually considering DNF this novel in the first 15%, but then the book took a turn, and the next 15% - 70% flew by. However, the ending felt a bit rushed, which led to a bit of a disjointed reading experience and made it a bit more challenging to connect with all the characters. What helped me going was that I could see so much potential in this cast of characters and the world! Secondly, while I appreciate that we get a POV for the villain in this novel, I must admit that the villain felt a bit flat. It might just be a personal preference, though!
What are my concluding thoughts? Isla’s Reach is an incredibly ambitious epic fantasy novel that has almost everything I love about the genre. This book has intricate world-building, animal pet companions, dragons, a complex magic system, the found family trope and satisfying plot twists. However, I wonder if Liliana was overly ambitious with this novel considering it is a debut! Nonetheless, this world has immense potential, and I could see book 2 becoming a 5/5 read if Liliana is able to build upon everything she has crafted her! I am glad I read this novel, and I would recommend giving it a read ...more
Out of the three trilogies I've read in RotE so far, The Tawny Man is unfortunately my least favourite. That is not Well, this trilogy was depressing.
Out of the three trilogies I've read in RotE so far, The Tawny Man is unfortunately my least favourite. That is not to say it is bad - I loved this trilogy. The prose, the characters (love you Fool ❤️) and the worldbuilding is still some of the best I've come across!
However, the pain Fitz goes through is almost unbearable at times. I have no idea how Fitz is able to go on. I am glad the series had a bit of an happy ending though!
Also this series (especially book 2) was crazy slowpaced.
Nonetheless, a brilliant series which I can't recommend highly enough!
The Book That Wouldn’t Burn was supposed to be the book that would finally make me fall in love with Mark Lawrence’s work. I have previoI am so sad :(
The Book That Wouldn’t Burn was supposed to be the book that would finally make me fall in love with Mark Lawrence’s work. I have previously read Prince of Fools and One Word Kill, and both of them were just okay, and I gave them 3 stars. However, when I heard about this book, it sounded like it would be right up my alley. To make matters worse, Mark Lawrence ensured I would get a physical arc to read and review. I REALLY wanted to love this book, but unfortunately, it just wasn’t for me.
Let me start by saying that there are a lot of things I enjoyed about this book. The prose is beautiful and atmospheric, the concept of a “neverending” library is fascinating, and this book centres around BOOKS! How awesome is that?
Unfortunately, even though I enjoyed many elements in this book, this story ultimately never really captured my imagination. At the heart of this book is a big mystery, and as a reader, you will have many questions as you progress through this story. Therefore, if you find this mystery to be compelling and exciting, then it is very likely you will love this book. Unfortunately for me, this big mystery never made me excited.
In a lot of ways, this book made me sad. The Book That Wouldn’t Burn. should have been a new favourite of mine since it has beautiful prose, interesting fantastical elements and a story that centres around books. Ultimately, I have to conclude that this is not a bad book (it has received many glowing reviews) but is just a book that wasn’t a good fit for me as a reader. I am still hopeful that The Book of the Ancestor. will be a series I will enjoy, so I am not giving up on Lawrence just yet!
3 / 5
Thank you so much to Mark Lawrence and Harper Voyager for sending me a physical arc in exchange for an honest review.....more
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