Book Reviews Archives - Novel Notions

Book Review: Adrift in Currents Clean and Clear (Wayward Children, #10) by Seanan McGuire

January 2, 2025 Celeste Comments 0 Comment

Adrift in Currents Clean and Clear by Seanan McGuire
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received an advance digital copy of this novel from the publisher, Tordotcom, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

One of the highlights of my reading year always comes right on the heels of Christmas, when I snuggle in and read the newest Wayward Children novella right ahead of its release. Adrift in Currents Clean and Clear is the tenth installment in the series, and marks the seventh year of this tradition I always anticipate. The tone of McGuire’s writing always immediately draws me in. There’s something lovely and soothing and sad about her voice. This entire series is equal parts whimsical and maudlin. …

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Book Review: Labyrinth’s Heart (Rook and Rose, #3) by M.A. Carrick

December 28, 2024 Petrik Leo Comments 0 Comment

Cover art illustrated by Nekro XIII

Labyrinth’s Heart by M.A. Carrick

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Rook and Rose (Book #3 of 3)

Genre: Fantasy, High Fantasy

Pages: 688 pages (Kindle edition)

Word Count: 220,000 words

Publish date: 15th August 2023 by Orbit

Labyrinth’s Heart provides a satisfying conclusion to every major characters of the Rook and Rose trilogy. …

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Book Review: Brand of Light (The Droseran Saga, #1) by Ronie Kendig

December 11, 2024 Celeste Comments 0 Comment

Brand of Light by Ronie Kendig
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Brand of Light is completely unlike anything I’ve ever read. For one thing, it’s such an interesting blend of medieval fantasy and space opera. I’ve never encountered quite this mix of the two. It is also among the edgiest Christian fiction I’ve read. Kendig takes this story to some dark places, but she does so with a respectable amount of tact and grace. You know that some horrible things are happening, but she never revels in descriptions of that darkness. Instead, even when things seem to be at their most hopeless, she finds a way to shine a light into that darkness. If this first book is any indication, the Droseran Saga can hold its own against any sci-fi in the general market. …

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Book Review: Empire of Grass (The Last King of Osten Ard, #2) by Tad Williams

December 1, 2024 Petrik Leo Comments 0 Comment

Cover art illustrated by Michael Whelan

Empire of Grass by Tad Williams

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: The Last King of Osten Ard (Book #2 of 4), The Osten Ard Saga (Book #5 of 7)

Genre: Fantasy, High Fantasy, Epic Fantasy

Pages: 684 pages (Hardcover edition)

Word Count: 319,000 words

Published: 7th May 2019 by DAW Books (US) & Hodder (UK)

Empire of Grass is the darkest entry in the entire Osten Ard Saga by Tad Williams so far, and I feel it is going to be outshined by its sequels.

“You don’t know you’re in a story until someone tells it to you afterward.”

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Book Review: The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine (The Rivenlea Sphere, #1) by Lindsay A. Franklin

November 25, 2024 Celeste Comments 0 Comment

The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine by Lindsay A. Franklin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received an advance digital copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.

When I first saw the cover for The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine, I was intrigued. When I read the synopsis, I was instantly charmed, and had a feeling that this could end up being a lifetime favorite. And I was absolutely correct. From the premise to the setting, from the characters to the references to classic works of fiction, from the voice to the profound musings on the power of story and why stories matter, I was captivated by every page of this book. I dove deep into this story, reading it slowly because I didn’t want it to end. I wish Franklin would write a dozen more books in this series. I would eat up every single one. …

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Book Review: Brothers of the Wind (The Last King of Osten Ard, #0.75) by Tad Williams

November 12, 2024 Petrik Leo Comments 0 Comment

Cover art illustrated by Jim Tierney

Brothers of the Wind by Tad Williams

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: The Last King of Osten Ard (#0.75 of 4)

Genre: Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, High fantasy

Pages: 276 pages (Kindle edition)

Word count: 104,000 words

Publish date: 2nd November 2021 by DAW (US) & Hodderscape (UK)

Super underrated. Brothers of the Wind is beautifully written, melancholic, and layered with impactful details.

“Duty is honor,” my stern father often used to tell me. “And honor is all.” But I would amend his saying. I have learned that our first duty is to truth, because without truth, honor itself is hollow.

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Book Review: Ghost Stories: Stephen Fry’s Definitive Collection

October 28, 2024 Celeste Comments 0 Comment

Ghost Stories: Stephen Fry’s Definitive Collection by Stephen Fry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Did I purchase this on Amazon solely because it was narrated by Stephen Fry? You bet. He’s one of my favorite narrators of all time. There’s something about his voice that is incredibly soothing, something about his delivery that is cozy and instantly transportive. Additionally, I loved the thought of getting not only his narration, but his brief thoughts on each of these classic, spooky tales. I love his way with words almost as much as the way he says them, and I found his introductions to each story interesting and informative. This collection proved to be perfect for spooky season.

Not only is it an excellent narration of eight classic tales of horror, Fry and the audio producers took things a step further by adding in sound effects that really added to the experience. These effects were perfectly balanced, contributing greatly to the tone and mood without being so prominent as to distract. I wish more audio productions would follow suit. …

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Book Review: The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong

October 25, 2024 Petrik Leo Comments 0 Comment

ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Cover art illustrated by Devin Elle Kurtz

The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone

Genre: Fantasy, Cozy Fantasy

Pages: 336 pages (Paperback edition)

Publish date: 5th November 2024 by Ace (US) & Hodderscape (UK)

The Teller of Small Fortunes could become the new benchmark for cozy fantasy novel. …

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Book Review: The Devils (The Devils, #1) by Joe Abercrombie

October 2, 2024 Petrik Leo Comments 0 Comment

ARC provided by the publisher—Gollancz—in exchange for an honest review.

Cover art by Will Staehle

The Devils by Joe Abercrombie

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: The Devils (Book #1)

Genre: Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, High Fantasy, Historical Fantasy

Pages: 512 pages (Paperback edition)

Word Count: 213,000 words

Publish date: 6th May 2025 by Gollancz & Tor Books (US)

I fully realize this book is not out until May 2025, but so far, The Devils by Joe Abercrombie is the best fantasy book I’ve read this year. It’s devilishly brilliant.

‘No matter how you fight, you can’t beat time. It lays low every empire, topples every tyrant.’

…

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Book Review: The Liar’s Knot (Rook and Rose, #2) by M.A. Carrick

September 26, 2024 Petrik Leo Comments 0 Comment

Cover art illustrated by Nekro XIII

The Liar’s Knot by M.A. Carrick

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Rook and Rose (Book #2 of 3)

Genre: Fantasy, High Fantasy

Pages: 688 pages (Kindle edition)

Word Count: 215,000 words

Publish date: 9th December 2021 by Orbit

The Liar’s Knot took its time to get its gear running, but the moment it started, the M.A. Carrick duo proved why this is a stronger installment than its predecessor. …

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