Since this one has articles from various authors on the same topics, there’s a lot of repetition in this one. I don’t remember what “recommended writing craft books” list I found this on, but it wasn’t my favorite.
Favorite Quote: “The further you stray from reader expectation, the more obligated you are to explain how you got there.”
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So I read Story by McKee and couldn’t really get into it, and unfortunately, I felt the same way about this one. A lot of these elements feel repetitive, and are illustrated through in-depth analysis of selected screenplays. Personally, I felt like it read like a super dry textbook without as many insightful nuggets as I would’ve hoped for. In general, the way the information is presented just didn’t really hit for me, but it could work for you!
Favorite Quote: “The more emotional people become, the shorter the words and sentences they use; the more rational people become, the longer the words and sentences they use.”
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I really enjoyed this heartfelt middle-grade fantasy! Going through a difficult time in her life, Lianna is an easy protagonist to root for as she untangles her late father’s legacy, comes to terms with her grief, and adapts to her new life. Her magical, birdlike Hombit companion is definitely a source of light and fun in the story, and it was a pleasure to follow them as they untangled some of the secrets around them. Told in a very classical style with a magical flavor and solid narration, I recommend to anyone looking for an enchanting middle grade story with undercurrents of mystery (especially for fans of Troy’s Lucky Diamond series.) Thanks so much to the author for the Audible ARC, and you can grab your own copy here!
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A very quirky, light paranormal romance with zombies, vampires, witches, fae, and the lot. The narration was excellent, the voice was cute, and the world was interesting, but the romance felt very fast, and some of the ongoing jokes didn’t quite hit for me. Recommended for those looking for a quirky, light romance in a modern, paranormal world.
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I think I should start by saying this premise won’t be for everyone, but if you’re willing to suspend your disbelief for a premise that’s a little out there, the characters are lovable, their chemistry is great, the voice pops, their arcs were satisfying, the audiobook narration is fantastic, they have peak sunshine/grumpy energy, there’s lots of spice for those who are into that, and overall, the found-family themes were super sweet. Recommended for those looking for a spicy romcom that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and I definitely plan on trying other books by this author.
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I love Ilona Andrews books but this one wasn’t my favorite. Though I liked the tie-in to the Innkeeper series, and I also like Elias’s POV, Ada was mostly by herself as she survived/explored the cave, and her parts dragged for me. Although there will be a sequel, this one had a satisfying ending and I did really like the concept, the world, and where the story seems to be headed, so I think will pick up the sequel when it comes out. Overall, I’d recommend this to anyone looking for a scifi survival story in an interesting world.
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Silent Blade (Book 1):
I’ve been on an Ilona Andrews kick, so I’m going through their backlist to see what I’ve missed. I got this whole series on Audible on sale, but I didn’t realize how short these books are. This is an enjoyable but rather simplistic sci-fi romance novella. 4 stars
Silver Shark (Book 2):
I downloaded the kinsmen series package deal thing since it was on sale on Audible. This was a cute, short sci-fi romance. The world-building and sci-fi elements were well-fleshed out for such a short book, but it left me wanting more character & romance-wise. Honestly I felt like this series walked so that the Innkeeper series & The Hidden Legacy series could run. Recommended if you’re looking for a short sci-fi romance. 4.5 stars
A Mere Formality (Novella that was part of the audiobook bundle):
Another fun sci-fi romance short story. Honestly, I felt like the Kinsman series was pretty consistent in tone, but I think my only criticism was that they felt too short to fully flesh out the characters and the romance. But they’re fun if you’re looking for a quick, light read. (Also I just noted that this says Koslov universe, but it was included in the Kinsman audiobook bundle. I can see how the universes are different, but the vibe was super similar.) 4 stars
Fated Blades (Book 3):
Weirdly, though this was the longest book the series (though still short), this was my least favorite of the series. To me, it felt more mechanical – the voice and character chemistry didn’t pop for me the way they do for me in most Ilona Andrews books. The romance felt almost like an after thought here, taking a backseat than in most of their books, and really only coming into play in like the last 5%. Also, I don’t feel like there was the humorous/bantery edge there usually is in their books So… this one wasn’t so much for me, but if you’re looking for a plot-driven sci-fi with a small side of romance, this might be for you. 3.5 stars
Overall Series Rating:
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This one had a strong start with creepy gothic vibe and lots of mystery to untangle. But then in the second half of the book, it felt like we delved more into high school boyfriend / girlfriend / popularity drama, and started hitting some artificial road blocks on information sharing. The audiobook is great, but I probably should’ve DNF’d around the 75% mark when it started to lose me. But though I wasn’t a fan of the high school drama part, a younger teen might be, and I definitely wouldn’t be surprised if my 12-year-old niece got into this.
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This was such a sweet, cozy portal fantasy! Written in a more classical fantasy style, and filled with magic, fun characters, and animal companions, this is the type of whimsical adventure perfect for both kids and adults looking for an escape with a new world to explore. With a budding romance, this is a book one that promises more, and that’d I recommend to anyone looking for a light, quick read with a cute, fantastical band of heroes. Personally, I’d say this book would be great for 9+, and the audiobook narration was fantastic! Thanks to the publisher for the ARC!
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What a great read to start the new year with! Someone recommended this to me on Instagram, & they were so spot on. A fun mystery, a light rivals-to-lovers, forced proximity, lovable characters, and holiday vibes – this audiobook had me walking the dog, doing chores, and doing an extra workout to find time to listen over the holidays. Definitely recommended for anyone looking for a cozy mystery with romance and strong Christmas flavor. (As a bonus, the audiobook narration is fab.)
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Hayley Reese Chow 