Tag: review

The Binding by Bridget Collins Review

by booksteff, posted in menu, Reviews

Hey Beautiful Booklovers! Today I am coming at you with an overdue review for The Binding by Bridget Collins! I read this book a couple of weeks ago, and now that I can consolidated my thoughts I am finally ready to give you my opinions on this book!

You can buy a copy here on Amazon
  • Title: The Binding
  • Author: Bridget Collins
  • Hardcover: 448 pages
  • Publisher: The Borough Press (10 Jan. 2019)
  • Genre: Historical Fantasy
  • ISBN-10: 0008272115
  • ISBN-13: 978-0008272111
  • My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Synopsis – From Amazon

Imagine you could erase your grief.
Imagine you could forget your pain.
Imagine you could hide a secret.
Forever.

Emmett Farmer is working in the fields when a letter arrives summoning him to begin an apprenticeship. He will work for a Bookbinder, a vocation that arouses fear, superstition and prejudice – but one neither he nor his parents can afford to refuse.

He will learn to hand-craft beautiful volumes, and within each he will capture something unique and extraordinary: a memory. If there’s something you want to forget, he can help. If there’s something you need to erase, he can assist. Your past will be stored safely in a book and you will never remember your secret, however terrible.

In a vault under his mentor’s workshop, row upon row of books – and memories – are meticulously stored and recorded.

Then one day Emmett makes an astonishing discovery: one of them has his name on it.

My Review

You know as general rule I try to keep things non-spoiler, and this review is no different in that department, though that really is a tough feat!

From the synopsis you think you know what your getting into with this book, at least I did, but let me tell you this book was not what I expected it to be! Nevertheless, the writing was gorgeous, the characters in-depth, and the plot…wow that plot takes you on a ride.

There was so much I didn’t expect to encounter. So much I just didn’t see coming, and quite honestly I really had an unexpected surprise with this book; not because I didn’t expect it to be good, but because I was expecting something, got something else, and yet still managed to really enjoy it. That in itself is an unusual thing for me.

There isn’t a whole lot of focus on the magic of book binding, but what is there is sound enough, and to be honest this is a book that is focused firmly on the characters – whom I adored/ hated where necessary. There is so much to love about this book – the story line for one, the relationships for another, and I really am glad I read it (even if I originally picked it up thinking it would be more magic focused etc,).

If you like historical type fiction/ magical realism with lgtbq+ representation, I honestly think you can’t go wrong with a book like this. I laughed and I cried, which to me shows the great skill of an authors ability to make you feel a part of their world.

Have you read this book? Or are you planning on reading it? Let me know in the comments below! I’m always happy to fangirl/ boy over books with you all!

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The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

by booksteff, posted in menu, Reviews

Today is my review of the beautiful and highly anticipated The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon, which is a chunky and fantastic fantasy novel with dragons!

Sorry I didn’t post this yesterday (I was meant to) but unfortunately being on a deadline for Uni took precedence! I’m here now! And as promised my review of The Priory of the Orange Tree is finally here for you to feast your eyes upon!

You can buy your copy here on Amazon!

Aside from the beautiful cover with foil detail, and a bloody dragon I really enjoyed this book. Anything with dragons is pretty much going to go straight to the top of my tbr so this was obviously one of those cases!

  • Title: The Priory of the Orange Tree
  • Author: Samantha Shannon
  • Hardcover: 848 pages
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury Circus (26 Feb. 2019)
  • Genre: Fantasy
  • ISBN-10: 1408883465
  • ISBN-13: 978-1408883464
  • My Rating:🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Synopsis – From Amazon

A world divided. A queendom without an heir. An ancient enemy awakens.

The House of Berethnet has ruled Inys for a thousand years. Still unwed, Queen Sabran the Ninth must conceive a daughter to protect her realm from destruction – but assassins are getting closer to her door.

Ead Duryan is an outsider at court. Though she has risen to the position of lady-in-waiting, she is loyal to a hidden society of mages. Ead keeps a watchful eye on Sabran, secretly protecting her with forbidden magic.

Across the dark sea, Tané has trained to be a dragonrider since she was a child, but is forced to make a choice that could see her life unravel.

Meanwhile, the divided East and West refuse to parley, and forces of chaos are rising from their sleep

My Review (non-spoiler)

There is a lot to say about this book, yet a lot to give away, and I really don’t want to spoil this for anyone, especially given that this is still a new release. The Priory of the Orange Tree is a chunky slab of a book, and damn I enjoyed every page of it.

One of the reasons I love fantasy in general is the split POV’s. I love flitting from one character to the next, and having that suspenseful wait in between. Samantha Shannon definitely delivers that within this book. We are introduced to the different perspective of characters, and interestingly they are in different locations of the world too. You may be wondering why I would find that so interesting, but Samantha Shannon has the ability to tell the story of two sides of the coin this way. A land that cherishes and worships dragons, and a land that hates them all.

The beauty of this book isn’t just the action, fierce characters, diverse relationships, and fantasy ridden world. It is also that within it all Samantha Shannon shows the coming together of two opposing religions, which I really adored. This book was full of things I loved; Fierce females, dragons, shocking turns, and the ability to leave you wondering what the hell was going to happen next.

Although this book is a chunky 848 pages long it definitely doesn’t feel like that reading it. Things progress quickly, and in my opinion that type of pacing works really well for a novel like this. Creating a stand alone fantasy of this size is a tough order to meet, but I think Samantha Shannon does it admirably.

Were there things I disliked? Not particularly, to begin with I did question if I would like it or not, but that was very early doors, and it quickly became addictive. The only thing I would say is that the resolve seemed too sweet to me, but that would be my only irk. Generally speaking it did not hinder my enjoyment, and therefore I saw no reason to reduce my rating because of it.

Overall, this book was a really great read, and considering I had built it up in my mind so much, I found that I was not disappointed (which can often be the case with me). It was fun, action packed, suspense filled, and addictive! It is definitely a recommended read for those who like dragons, and fantasy or even if you just like the sound of it!

Let me know if you have read this, and want someone to gush about it with. I would be more than happy to talk spoilers etc, but would rather not ruin anyone else’s reading experience so if you want spoilery talk then be sure to DM me on twitter or instagram. For non-spoiler talk, the comments below are absolutely fine.

Master of Sorrows by Justin Call Review!

by booksteff, posted in menu, Reviews

Today is the release day of Justin Call’s debut dark fantasy novel Master of Sorrows – The Silent Gods #1. Are you excited? I am! I had the privilege of reading this as an arc, and oh my gosh Booklovers it gripped me something fierce! I am in love with this book, and honestly can’t wait for the rest of the community to get their mitts on it!

You can get your copy here from Amazon

Isn’t this cover amazing? I love it, it’s so beautiful. I know…we shouldn’t judge a book by the cover, but c’mon this makes you want to pick it up, and trust me the inside is just a amazing!

Anyway, I’m gushing, but let’s get on with the review! 

  • Title: Master of Sorrows
  • Author: Justin Call
  • Hardcover: 592 pages
  • Publisher: Gollancz (21 Feb. 2019
  • Genre: Fantasy
  • ISBN-10: 1473222869
  • ISBN-13: 978-1473222861
  • My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Synopsis – from Amazon

The Academy of Chaenbalu has stood against magic for centuries.

Hidden from the world, acting from the shadows, it trains its students to detect and retrieve magic artifacts, which it jealously guards from the misuse of others. Because magic is dangerous: something that heals can also harm, and a power that aids one person may destroy another.

Of the Academy’s many students, only the most skilled can become Avatars – warrior thieves, capable of infiltrating the most heavily guarded vaults – and only the most determined can be trusted to resist the lure of magic.

More than anything, Annev de Breth wants to become one of them.

My Review (non-spoiler)

I know the synopsis doesn’t give much away, that’s kind of the point, but trust me it’s better that you don’t know much going into this (which is why I’m keeping this review vague and short). This book brings you in from the very first chapter! You are introduced to a new world, and it’s religious practices from the get go. I instantly fell in love with the world, and it’s history. Justin Call has managed to create such a beautiful and complex world with it’s own religious systems and Gods.

But this book isn’t just a bunch of world building and religion; there is action, there is monsters, and there is brutality to keep you on the edge of your seat. Annev, our main character, is navigating the world along with us, as he knows only what he has been taught, and is finding out there is much more than he could have ever suspected. More than anyone is letting on.

We follow Annev as he struggles to find the right path, and makes hard decisions. We experience every emotion with him, and I honestly loved reading his inner turmoil, and outward battles. This book had me guessing all the way, and was fantastic.

Master of Sorrows is definitely a fantasy not to be missed.

Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson Review

by booksteff, posted in menu, Reviews

Hey Booklovers! Happy Valentines Day!! Since today is a day to spread some love I wanted to review a book I recently fell head over heels for, and the book of honour today is…Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson! 

  • Title: Warbreaker
  • Author: Brandon Sanderson
  • Paperback: 672 pages
  • Publisher: Gollancz (29 Dec. 2011)
  • Genre: Fantasy
  • ISBN-10: 9780575097469
  • ISBN-13: 978-0575097469
  • My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Synopsis

WARBREAKER is the story of two sisters – who happen to be princesses, the God King one of them has to marry, a lesser god, and an immortal trying to undo the mistakes he made hundreds of years ago.

Theirs is a world in which those who die in glory return as gods to live confined to a pantheon in Hallandren’s capital city. A world transformed by BioChromatic magic, a power based on an essence known as breath. Using magic is arduous: breath can only be collected one unit at a time from individual people.

But the rewards are great: by using breath and drawing upon the color in everyday objects, all manner of miracles and mischief can be performed.

My Review

Trying to put this book into words literally leaves me like “blahgergerangahallafle!!” I really don’t know how to begin gushing over this book with you all! Perhaps a fair assessment would be to say that since I gave it 5 stars I must have liked it! Well, I do, I love it! It was so much fun! So many unexpected moments occured, and there were so many vibrant characters worth falling in love with!

Another easy assessment would be to say that given this book was 672 pages long, and I managed to finish it in less than 8hrs – something must have kept me turning those pages. Yes! This book though chunky by some peoples standards was fast paced and full of “what will happen next?” moments! I literally didn’t want to put it down.

I went into this book not knowing much (that’s generally how I like to go into books these days) and I really enjoyed watching the plot unfold. The story follows two princess sisters Siri and Vivenna; the former considered an unimportant daughter of a king, and the latter has been raised to know that she will someday marry the brutal God King Susebron. Last minute plans change, and Siri who has forever believed herself to be unimportant is now tasked with marrying the God King and bearing him a child, whilst her sister is to stay safe within her kingdom.

This doesn’t go to plan…obviously, and Vivenna decides to take actions into her own hands to recover her sister from this monstrous man, but all is not as it seems, and during this book the previous roles of the sisters seem to change forever.

I loved the characters so much, each was so well constructed. Siri is so wild and unapologetically herself that I couldn’t help but love her early on, and don’t get me started on Lightsong; he is hilarious, and amazing, and gosh I love him!! Susebron was not at all how I was expecting him to be! Vivenna had an amazing arc, and I really rooted for her, Vasher was one who crept up on me, and took my breath away!

Honestly I don’t want to ruin this experience for anyone who hasn’t read it yet, but damn I’m so happy I read this book, and am trying hard not to leak the spoilers!

Overall, this book was fantastic! Definitely recommend it to everyone who is a fan of fantasy…and maybe even if you aren’t! I adored this. So much of this book wasn’t what I thought it would be. I made my assumptions, and was shocked to realise they were all wrong. Warbreaker is truly a great book; one of my faves this year so far. Confessedly becoming a Sanderson Fangirl over here!

Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb Review

by booksteff, posted in menu, Reviews


Hello Booklovers! Time to review the beauty that is Robin Hobb’s Assassin’s Apprentice, as I mentioned on my tbr this is the first of many that I am trying to read this year by Robin Hobb (The plan is to read as much of her work in this world as I can).

Without further delay, let’s get to the review!

  • Title: Assassin’s Apprentice
  • Author: Robin Hobb
  • Paperback: 400 pages
  • Publisher: HarperVoyager (27 Mar. 2014)
  • Genre: Fantasy/ Epic Fantasy
  • ISBN-10: 000756225X
  • ISBN-13: 978-0007562251
  • My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟. 5

Synopsis 

The kingdom of the Six Duchies is on the brink of civil war when news breaks that the crown prince has fathered a bastard son and is shamed into abdication. The child’s name is Fitz, and he is despised.

Raised in the castle stables, only the company of the king’s fool, the ragged children of the lower city and his unusual affinity with animals provide Fitz with any comfort.

To be useful to the crown, Fitz is trained as an assassin; and to use the traditional magic of the farseer family. But his tutor, allied to another political faction, is determined to discredit, even kill him. Fitz must survive: for he may be destined to save the kingdom.

My review 

☆ This is a non-spoiler review ☆

This story was slow to start, I have to admit, but that did not hinder my overall enjoyment, which is why I still rated it highly.
We follow Fitz through his many trials and tribulations as he tries to navigate life as the bastard born son of the crown prince, getting himself into some sticky situations here and there as can be imagined.

The first real thing I have to say about this book is that the writing was great. Robin Hobb really is a great writer. One who gives us simplicity and style, and doesn’t comprise on character development. I thoroughly enjoyed her world, and characters. There was plenty of action, and intrigue to keep me on the edge of my seat. There was beautifully constructed twists and turns that I personally just didn’t see coming (at least not all of them). You quickly start to cheer on Fitz, hoping he will prevail through all, and your heart is clenching during the time of tension and turmoil in this book. I honestly really enjoyed this book. As I said, it is a bit of a slow burner and that trait alone, I know, isn’t for everyone….but once you’re in there, the story unfolds and takes hold of you.

I can’t wait to read the next installment in this trilogy! Definitely recommend to those who love fantasy and intrigue.