Book Review: Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber

This sucked me in and didn’t let go. I haven’t stayed up late to finish a book. While that messed up my already screwed up sleep schedule, I loved the nostalgia of doing that again. I also want to read the next one ASAP, but then I have to wait for 9 months for the last book. I’m scared of how hard that wait will be. 

I can’t even explain why this worked for me so well. Evangeline was a great heroine. She occasionally made stupid mistakes, but it didn’t really bother me. I’m interested in a lot of the characters and I’m confused about who I can trust. 

I think I know the end-game romance. Normally, I would be bothered by the ambiguity, but it works here. I Hope we get more development and tension in book two.

There was a fairy tale feel to this which really worked for me. It felt magical and colorful.

I hope we get the ending to the Ballad of the Archer and the Fox. THere are also little breadcrumbs that I’m very curious to see if my theories are correct. 

I loved this so much that the next day I picked up the Caraval trilogy from my library. I want to spend more time with her writing. 

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Book Review: The Hollow Heart by Marie Rutkowski

This book destroyed me. It had no right being this good. Marie Rutkowski has a skill that truly impresses.

I enjoyed The Midnight Lie, but nothing like this. I also probably should’ve re-read the first book. I do remember connecting more with Nirrim than Sid last time, but here I was obsessed with Sid. I loved every single time we had a chapter with her. The God chapters really got to me as well.

There is still a romance here, but Nirrim and Sid are mainly apart. Normally, this bothers me, but it worked here. The romance wasn’t the main part of the story, but it’s very prominent. Heavy on the angst-especially Sid.

Sid’s story was beautiful. I was crying a lot during her chapters. Not sobbing, but gentle tears of the empathy I felt for her. Reading about her relationship with her parents and the desire to be loved and feel wanted just hit hard. I don’t want to go into it too much because of spoilers. But it felt so very real and raw.

Nirrim also goes on a journey. This one was harder to read, but I think on purpose. She’s losing her humanity, throughout this and that’s heartbreaking. 

You could probably read a lot into this when it comes to feminist and queer theory. But you can also read it as a book. I can appreciate a novel with layers.

I’ve been so impressed by Marie Rutkowski. I think I’m going to read it even though it’s a genre I don’t read. Now, I need to stop myself from re-reading the Winner’s trilogy and the duology.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Book Review: Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim

I am obsessed. Obviously I thought I would like this but I didn’t expect to fall in love. There are some glossed-over things and I can see why people might have an issue, but this sucked me and didn’t let go.

This is pitched as Mulan meets Project Runway and it delivers on the premise. Maia pretends to be her brother to compete in a competition to be a Master Tailor for the emperor. That competition is definitely like Project Runway. There’s odd tools and materials and dramatic tasks. It’s an interesting plot point, but it does end about ⅓ of the way through. I think some readers wanted it to last longer.

Considering how much visual clothing design is, Lim executes this concept well. She thoroughly describes the clothes made by Maia. I also liked how she described the process and how Maia felt working on her craft. 

The romance is very prominent. As a romance reader this doesn’t bother me at all, but I can see people wanting less romance. It did occasionally feel like it was rushed. Maia does make some extreme choices for “love”. That half bothered me but also half felt like something an 18 year old would do. I do care about this romance and am on the edge of my seat about where it’ll go. 

Something that surprised me was Maia’s family. I did not expect to care about them so quickly. Lim obviously has some magic. 

Speaking of the magic-what is it? This may be the weakest part of the story. I don’t understand the magic at all. There appears to be rules, but we don’t get to know any of them. I can’t tell if it’s supposed to be a soft magic system or if Lim;’s just poorly explaining things. Maybe I’ll decide after teh second book.

While I’m invested in teh romance, the other plot is compelling, too. I’m not sure who we’re supposed to like or trust. That adds to the tension. It also means I have no idea what’s going to happen in the next book. Honestly, I don’t know what our endgame is.

They don’t have a lot in common, but this made me feel a lot like I felt when I read Poison Study. After I finish the second book it may be time for a Poison Study re-read. I’m definitely glad I gave Elizabeth Lim a chance.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Book Review: Buried Heart by Kate Elliott

The last 50 pages were so good. I almost changed my rating because of it, but then my rational brain reminded me that doesn’t make up for 400 pages of mediocrity.

Some series take time to develop, but not this one. Jess didn’t seem to ever develop and she is constantly making bad decisions. Often these horrible and selfish decisions magically work out for her. It’s really frustrating.

I still feel like other characters-Jess’ sisters, Talon, etc. are more compelling. I don’t often say this, but this would probably be better with more POVs.

The resolution was OK. It wasn’t the most unrealistic, but I would’ve preferred more of the social and political implications. I’m actually still really confused-especially about Efean culture.

Overall, this story had a ton of potential, but the execution was lacking. It wasn’t bad-just not as good as it could’ve been. And I am open to reading another Kate Elliott book at some point.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Book Review: Crown of Coral and Pearl by Mara Rutherford

Honestly, I didn’t have the highest of hopes for this-maybe that’s why I enjoyed it so much.

I love the sisterly relationship between Nor and Zadie. And I’m very happy Ms. Rutherford really took the page time to build their relationship. It helped me get really invested.

A world/culture living on water was really interesting. And it was a nice contrast to the Ilareans. Your physical environment does influence you and i liked what she did with that. There were difference in food, dress, health, etc.

There isn’t a magic-system-at least not yet. But there are almost supernatural elements. I am very eager to find out about more with that.

The romance. Honestly, it felt a little off to me. I think it would be better a little slower. Talin is a compelling character and a nice love interest. Actually, Talin’s conflicting feelings with his brother was so real. It added a great layer to the conflict. Speaking of his brother-Ceren was fascinating. He was super creepy and made my skin crawl. Then, he would have these moments of humanity-or what seemed like humanity. I’m pretty sure he’s a sociopath, but Ms. Rutherford wrote him so well.

I think this story would’ve been made better by additional POVs-at least one more (perhaps Zadie’s). It would help flush out the story and world. Plus, it would help raise the stakes. With only one POV I basically know Nor won’t die. But that’s just my opinion.

There was a thing at the end which I called-or at least half called. I am definitely excited to see where the story goes. I do really hope this is just a duology, because I’m not sure there’s enough there for more. Plus, the world could use more fantasy stand alones and duologies.

Thanks for reading!
Holly