Gabriella Holly Ashlin

Too Saccharine

Revisado: 02-16-25

This book has a pacing issue. We're introduced into a rich world, but the love interest isn't introduced until midway, which I think is too late. The world of magic is rich. I like the positive LGBTQ+ relationships, but there's something that doesn't ring true in the 19th century setting and with only the main characters and one other couple representing. The author also uses tattoo artistry, but it doesn't come into play enough to really make a difference in the story. All characters are committed to the truth of the world, but it is unclear if witchcraft magic is commonly accepted or kept a secret. The twist comes way too late. A lot of backstory before we get to plot.

There is also a genre issue. The story does not know what it wants to be, there are elements of coziness, suspense, mystery, and horror. That would normally be a good thing to have such variety, but in this story it does not blend well. The performer for my audiobook was too quiet, would have liked better expressive storytelling. I loved a lot of the prose, beautiful description; low magic system that could have been made more clear. I found it hard to like either main character until later in the book. Try it for fun, but don't have high expe tations of this first book. I'd like to see more work from the author in the future.

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stellar

Revisado: 02-07-25

I'm grateful for the audiobook format of this book. it takes a second to get into but what an absolutely beautiful story told uniquely and lovingly. Would read again.

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Amazing World but Lackluster Characters

Revisado: 04-15-24

The world the author created was really interesting. sci-fi, steampunk, world lore, this was something I really loved and wanted more of.

I think this marketing is misleading. I felt convinced walking in that I would be hooked into this intricate adventure/love story. I truly don't think it needed to be pride and prejudice. A fun enemies to lovers story can be achieved without being the goal of your syoru. If that was the goal that the marketing was toting along, this book failed.

I don't feel like this is the writer's fault, I think this comes off as an editor or publisher pushing the author into vague character archetypes. The main characters come off as juvenile in their writing, which cheapens the adventure aspects and takes away focus from rich world that I feel was the first intention. I don't think you need to make another Elizabeth and Darcy. Case and Hallie deserved to stand on their own without this idea of who they are being pushed on us. Their histories and personalities are so interesting but I hated how much they seemed pushed into a Pride and Prejudice outline. It shows no bravery for who the author knows them to be.

I don't blame the performer on this, but I do think having a masculine voice in for Hallie changed the intention of the words for the character. I do wish they had a fem voice actor in for Hallie.

Ultimately, walk in with no expectations. It all comes off as setting up for a sequel rather than being interesting on its own. I would read the sequel, and I do believe this author capable of writing a beautiful love story, but this ain't it.

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incredible Read

Revisado: 11-07-23

I wish I could read it again for the first time. at first I was confused by the two narrators but I implore the listeners to reserve judgment and go all the way through the book. I adore this author's attention to detail and love of their subject matter. the story is captivating, the characters all fleshed out and fully crafted with the hints of realism but also the fun that books bring. If this were a TV show, I would watch it. Great adventure story!!

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Fascinating Science Fiction

Revisado: 09-21-23

I'm not usually one for academy books, School subjects often feel the same. however, the world of Vita nostra is a dark but endlessly inquisitive and fascinating story that is told from a perspective of someone who has no idea what's going on until she does. these authors are brilliant in their delivery, this story is asking us, the readers, to think in the abstract and recontextualize our perceptions of reality. personally, I am someone who does better with visuals so my imagination is often left in a vague sense of what is being talked of rather than having a clear understanding of the picture that is being painted. that being said, I love these characters, there is such a real understanding of authority and what it feels like to be in a box with authority constantly making choices around you. I want to read the next book, I am attached to the story that Sasha is enduring, and I hope she comes out triumphantly.

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I've never read a book like this and I loved it

Revisado: 02-02-23

if you're here for a Gothic horror sci-fi fantasy swirled in with a dark humor narration and complicated love hate relationship, then this is the book for you! I have not laughed out loud more than I have with any other book, there is absolute delight in the grotesque comedy, and the glib titular character. I found myself laughing along with this absolutely brilliant voice performer as she encompasses these larger than Life characters that are telling a grim, I'll be it hopeful story. I would highly recommend to anyone to give this book a read, cannot wait to listen to the sequel!

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Loved it!

Revisado: 12-21-22

fun mystery full of period drama. I love Frances as a heroine. Smartly written by R.J Koreto. Very elegant performance by Justine Eyre

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Brilliant Sequel

Revisado: 08-26-22

I remember my review of A Court of Thorns and Roses being less than kind. A Court of Mist and Fury makes up for all my criticisms of the first book in this series. Jennifer Ikeda's sultry and grounded voice narrates things that in my mind fix the first book. Strong sense of characters that were vastly strengthened with agency, opinions, beautiful descriptions, and twists that had me reeling.
Sarah J. Maas has started a dead sprint to an engaging epic with romance, action, drama, and humor; forgiving some writing critiques I have of simplified writing style and repeated use of phrases that often annoyed me in ACOTAR. She's taken definite strides. I look forward to listening to the next installment.

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Fair Attempt at a Fairy Fantasy

Revisado: 02-23-22

solid C+ book. Not amazing for me in terms of plot. There is too much derision from Fairytales, which lacks the bravery to stand out as its own story.
Compelling in dialogue and fantasy elements such as the loose magic system, fey politics, and the twist on the fairies as reimagined, monstrous sylvans, making for interesting characters. However, the main character, Feyre loses this sense of cleverness that we see from her in the beginning after she falls in love. We see her so desperate from her feelings that she doesn't stand to think or do anything remotely smart. I was also disappointed with the lack of agency she had throughout, where every attempt she has in scheming is barred by some fairy sense or recognition of what she plans, and is foiled. She doesn't get anywhere in this world on her own merit, always helpless by the whims of the fairy characters around her, and gets controlled so much, it's hard to enjoy the times when she DOES make decisions for herself.
Maas is also one of those writers who will use the same turn of phrase repeatedly, making her editors seem lazy. Intense violence without gratuity (could have stood to be a LITTLE steamier). Enough of a broader world was laid down that I'm interested in reading more.

Performance is fantastic, voice actor is very fun to listen to, and keeps the action flowing.

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Beautifully Written Characters and World

Revisado: 02-10-22

Exploring the world of Klara and the Sun is never boring, it hooks you right from the start. there are episodes of black mirror I could compare it to. A full and rich perspective is found with Klara as you also navigate her fly on the wall experiences and evolution, as well as the humans she's learning from. Loved it all, read it if you're ever worried about the relationship between humans and technology.

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