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Where Shadows Meet

Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 04-22-25

Where Shadows Meet by Patrice Caldwell has a lot of ambition — and when it works, it really works. The writing is beautiful at times, almost poetic, and the themes of grief, identity, and healing feel genuine. I appreciated how Caldwell wasn’t afraid to explore darker emotions and let the story sit in uncomfortable places.

That said, the pacing was uneven. The beginning dragged for me, and it took a while before I really connected with the characters. Some of the world-building felt a little underdeveloped, and there were moments when I wanted more clarity about the rules of the magic and the stakes. I also found parts of the emotional arcs a little repetitive.

Still, there’s something powerful in the way the story lingers after you finish — even if getting there wasn’t always smooth. Worth picking up if you like introspective fantasy, but maybe not if you’re looking for a fast-paced, tightly plotted read.

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The book I didn’t know I needed

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 02-12-25

This was really a lovely read. I loved the sort of smart rom-com feel that we often get from Ali Hazelwood juxtaposed against a kink-centric relationship dynamic. I’m glad I bought this one so I can revisit it again sometime soon!

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A promising start with room to soar

Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 01-13-25

S.F. Williamson's "A Language of Dragons" presents a fascinating premise: a world where dragons and humans coexist, and language itself holds the key to understanding and peace. The world-building is imaginative, blending historical London with fantastical elements.

The characters, particularly Vivien, are intriguing, and the exploration of dragon languages and their impact on society is thought-provoking. However, the plot occasionally felt a bit predictable, and the pacing could have been more consistent.

As someone who works with languages myself, I found the concepts presented here fascinating if a bit uneven. “Every act of translation requires sacrifice” does to some degree strike me as true but the idea that “There exists no direct correlation between the words of one language and another, and no translation can be entirely faithful to its original” feels somewhat (perhaps reasonably as this is fiction?) dramatic.

Despite these minor drawbacks, "A Language of Dragons" shows real promise, especially as a debut novel. Williamson has crafted a unique and captivating world, and I'm eager to see what she does next.

I’ll also add that the audio version of this was very well done in my option, with several vocal variations that made the story both easy to follow and enjoyable.

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1 person found this helpful

A Whimsical Quest for Friendship and Magic

Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 11-06-24

E.B. Asher's This Will Be Fun is a delightful blend of fantasy and friendship. This cozy quest follows a group of diverse friends as they embark on a magical adventure, as well as come to terms with their individual trauma from their first quest.

The characters are endearing and relatable, each with their own unique quirks, strengths, and struggles. The world-building, while not overly complex, is imaginative and charming.

While the plot may not be groundbreaking, the book's true strength lies in its ability to evoke feelings for the reader as the characters overcome their pasts and work through their relationships.

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A very promising sequel

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 10-03-24

Jaclyn Kot's Between Sun and Moon continues to explore the intricate world-building and character development established in its predecessor. While the pacing may be slower than some readers might prefer, the story offers a rich tapestry of characters and complex relationships.

Sage's journey of self-discovery and personal growth remains a central focus. However, her lack of questioning of certain aspects, such as Von's persistent use of the term "mate" or "bonded", until the end of this book was frustrating to me as my first question would have been "what's that supposed to mean?!" The lack of Von's presence in significant portions of the narrative is also a noticeable absence.

Aurelius's revelation as a morally ambiguous character is both expected and satisfying. His betrayal adds a layer of complexity to the story and sets the stage for future conflicts.

One additional challenge for listeners of the audiobook is the sometimes unclear distinction between scenes in Sage's past life and those in the present. This can make it difficult to follow the narrative and fully appreciate the context of certain events.

As the series progresses, it will be intriguing to see how the author develops the overarching storyline. Will Von and Sage ultimately unite? The remaining books in the series hold the promise of exciting developments and satisfying conclusions.

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Here for the romance

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 09-20-24

Kingdom of Claw by Demi Winters is a captivating sequel that picks up right where The Road of Bones left off. Winters continues to weave a complex tapestry of political intrigue, forbidden magic, and undeniable romance.

At the heart of the story lies Silla And her struggle to master her power as well as find herself. I won’t even try to lie, I was living for Silla and Rey’s love story in this book. Their love is both thrilling and emotionally charged and I could not get enough. Just goes to show, never to trust the blonde first love interest.

Saga's arc is equally compelling, though it starts a bit slower than Silla's. However, the introduction of Cass adds an intriguing layer to the story. His enigmatic personality and unique perspective make him a fascinating character to follow. I particularly enjoyed the audiobook narrator's portrayal of Cass's accent, which added depth to his character. I’m excited to see how their relationship develops.

Winters' writing is both evocative and powerful, creating a vivid and immersive world. The action sequences are thrilling, and the characters are well-developed and relatable. If you enjoy romantic fantasy with complex characters and a captivating love story, Kingdom of Claw is a must-read. I can't wait to see where the series goes next.

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Elizabethan Escapades with a Twist

Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 07-17-24

Huge thanks to Farrago Books and NetGalley for letting me crash this fantastical Elizabethan party!

Instead of stuffy nobility, we meet a diverse cast of characters, all immigrants to this hidden world. They bring a unique perspective to Elizabethan London, both above and below ground. The story unfolds at a brisk pace, fueled by witty dialogue and unexpected plot twists. As the adventure progresses, we learn more about each character's motivations and how their paths intertwine.

The story's a laugh riot, with banter sharper than Henry VIII's temper. You'll be racing through the streets (and tunnels!) of "Upper" and "Lower" London, dodging curses and swooning over this mismatched crew. Just when you think you've got a handle on someone, BAM! The author throws in another hilarious quirk to their backstory.

Word to the Wise: Don't Get Hung Up on History

Now, some folks might scoff at the anachronisms (hello, zombie Kit Marlowe!) or the fact that the Queen's guard features more beaks than boots. But listen here – when your royal constabulary is a squad of talking swans, historical accuracy goes out the window with a flamboyant feather boa. Just roll with it and enjoy the ride!

Cliffhanger? More Like Cliff-Diving!

Be warned, though, this wild romp ends with enough unanswered questions to leave you dangling precariously over a plot hole. Don't worry, though – the breadcrumbs are clearly scattered for a sequel, and frankly, I can't wait to see where this delightfully absurd adventure goes next.

Finally, kudos to the author for being the narrator for her own book! I've seen that go wrong before but she does a great job!

So, should you read it? Absolutely! If you're looking for a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud fantasy romp with a dash of romance (and a talking swan with a badge, because why not?), then Cursed Under London is your new Elizabethan bestie.

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Glint Audiobook By Raven Kennedy cover art

Mystified

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 01-01-24

Story was good (if a tad predictable) but I’m really mystified by how the assumedly native English speaking narrator manages to mispronounce common English words…

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What a ride!

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 07-10-23

I throughly enjoyed this book—could not stop listening!! Like up until 3am could not stop. I’m excited to read the next book in a few months!!

I also enjoyed the female narrator. While I do agree she sounded sick for at least part of her recording, I didn’t find it overly distracting like some folks did and overall I thought the characterization and the pacing were quite good.

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