Posted on by hrchow12

Book Review – The Swan’s Daughter

This one was totally a surprise, and kind of reminded me of T. Kingfisher’s writing style. It’s a  unique, quirky fantasy with a fairytale vibe and a plot that reminded me of “The Selection.” However, though there is a very sweet, slowburn romance, it’s very understated, so I don’t know if I would label this as a Romantasy so much as a Fantasy Romance. (I know that sounds like splitting hairs, but my distinction is that I recommend Romantasy for people who prefer romance over fantasy, and I recommend Fantasy romance to people who prefer fantasy over romance.) I thought the end was a little abrupt, but overall, I enjoyed the read! 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This one was such a good surprise!

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – A Sorceress Comes to Call

I love T. Kingfisher’s voice, but this one didn’t make the top three for me on her list. It’s a solid read with great narration, but the pacing was a little on the slower side, and I think I was hoping for more character development by the end. I can’t shake the feeling it didn’t quite pack as much punch as it could have. Recommend for readers looking for a solid fairy-tale retelling in class fairy-tale setting.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Still a huge T. Kingfisher fan and have more of her books on my TBR!

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – Lianna and the Hombit

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!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I’m always here for a sweet middle-grade read!

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – Beautiful Creatures

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.

⭐⭐⭐½

My face when I should’ve DNF’d a book, but didn’t

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – Charting Stars

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!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

If you’re looking for a super sweet lower YA fantasy, this one is for you!

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – The Six Deaths of the Saint

A friend recommended this one to me, so I read this novella without reading the others and can confirm that it works well as a standalone. Overall, this was a dark, well-thought-out fantasy novella. Maybe a little two gritty for me, but short and satisfying and beautifully written.

⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Not going to lie, the reality’s gritty enough as it is these days. I think I’m in my cozy joyful fantasy era.

Thanks for reading!

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Audiobook Review – The House Witch

So this was a very charming, cozy fantasy that I definitely enjoyed! I really liked the world-building, the array of characters told through 3rd-person omniscient, the character growth, the magical vibes, the concept and the narration. And if you’re looking for a cozy fantasy with a side of romance that doesn’t skimp on world-building, I totally recommend this for you. However, as this is a rather lengthy read (658 pages), I think I was expecting a little more plot progress/resolution at the end of the book. I feel like this reads more like a “part 1” then a complete book, and I don’t know if I was sufficiently hooked enough in the chemistry between the characters to invest in book 2.

⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Not going to lie, some House Witch powers would be pretty sweeeeeet.

Thanks for reading!

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Audiobook Review – A Preposterous Adventure with Fantastic Foibles

This was such a charmingly sweet adventure! I would honestly describe this book as a magically warm bubble-bath of a fantastical journey. Set in a fantastically quirky world, the story follows two heroes as they set off on separate journeys featuring giants, dragons, and other magical characters on a series of escapades through a coming-of-age-tale with a light sprinkling of sweet romance. Though this is lower YA, I’d definitely recommend this to anyone with a 10+ reader looking for a light, joyful escapade with likable characters and whimsically cozy capers. Thanks so much to the author for the ARC!

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Everyone needs to go on a preposterous journey sometimes.

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – This Woven Kingdom (1-3)

This Woven Kingdom (Book 1):

This was another one I picked up from my friend’s TBR and I loved it! Interesting world, interesting characters, fast-pace, some Cinderella vibes, but with epic potential. Highly recommend for anyone looking for excellent YA Fantasy. (And the audiobook narration was fabulous.) 5 stars.

These Infinite Threads (Book 2):

Definitely enjoyed this sequel, although I was surprised because it felt like we had a lot less plot progress in this one than in the first. But I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, the world, and the writing, so I’ve already picked up book 3 and would definitely recommend this one to any fans of book 1. 5 stars.

All This Twisted Glory (Book 3):

While I still enjoyed this book, I feel like the plot pacing has slowed drastically from book one, and I feel my impatience with the story’s progress growing. Every moment is dragged out, and while the writing is great, there’s actually very little that happens in books 2 & 3. I think I’ll still try book 4, but I wouldn’t be surprised if I don’t make it to book 5. 4.25 stars.

Overall Series Rating so Far:

⭐⭐⭐⭐½ 

I mean, it started out strong, and I’ll read number 4, but I’m not sure I’m feeling confident right now.

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Book Review – Dyrwolf

I fear I might’ve been in a bit of a reading slump when I started Dyrwolf, but I did like all the elements. Strong female MC, sweet love interest, great writing, lots of action, interesting world dynamic between the Dyr and humans, and interesting political intrigue—but I think there was just something about the pacing and possibly the chemistry between Lea and Henrik that threw me off just a smidge. Even so, I definitely enjoyed this action-filled fantastical adventure, and would recommend to anyone looking for a fun YA fantasy with a wolfy twist.

I think this book has convinced me that I’m *really* not a paperback person. I’m always losing them, and after spending hours editing, revising, and beta-reading, I really just want to have someone read to me on an audiobook. While I’m not saying I’m moving exclusively to audiobooks… I think the paperback life might be behind me. Which feels weirdly bittersweet for some reason.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Happy trails Dyrwolf!

Thanks for reading!