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"we are all pieces of what we remember"
- City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare
![— Now, THIS. IS EPIC FANTASY.
if i took a shot every time Kaladin said how tired he was…. i would be knocked out (said lovingly). As someone who initially DNF-ed Rhythm of War, it proved me wrong and i now retract all statements of me saying my interest dissipated
[ my current thoughts on the stormlight archives by brandon sanderson ]
*no explicit spoilers but peruse at your own discretion*
All across the board, this book manifested how the characters have developed mentally. I had a difficult time with the beginning, coming from OB and immediately being plunged into Kaladin’s turmoil. I had to put it down. However, after some time (and that scene with Adolin), I get it. I was challenged being in the mind of a depressed boy losing things that he feels he just gained. Mental health discussions are concretely manifested across a LARGE CAST.
Done in a way that doesn’t feel like you’re buried in their misery, you can see that they’re all clearly going through it and how it tangibly affects their decisions. They’re constantly finding ways to live with their trauma and it adds that extra layer to the lore and action to make it truly an epic fantasy. It balances it’s emotions, light when it can be and heavy when the moment calls for it. The characters are flawed in ways that feel real, tastefully mixing heart and compassion to a story that just keeps building on top of itself.
some people say this is the weakest book but i don’t think that. it has the deepest heart of the Stormlight Archives series and i think their motivations/experiences fall apart without it. Feelings of hopelessness is prevalent and i love how it demonstrates that even the ppl you can lean on might be a little broken too, but that’s just part of being alive.
This series is basically self-help books disguised as an epic fantasy. You don’t need another self-help book talking about leadership and mental health… what you need is Stormlight Archives.
I stand by the opinion that OB was a slog but RoW has the heart and mental dev that i was waiting for… esp as someone who loves character-driven plots in political epic high fantasy](https://scontent-lga3-3.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/641183449_18083784014349188_1868362170201273581_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=mWQsbsB4CL0Q7kNvwFjWXF-&_nc_oc=AdrsDYy6NXQM4I4B4LenvHVUhXJaGGpRFihwanOn7VBns63zheoTRFfJopql84X1W0Q&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=O-kyGgpccYLUxA5hcWtJLw&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQF4IwMvrGk2LnSEbV4OVqME4Z5QAPc17sfzKAHfmtfeTlHXni4n8YFuMLP8bFN8stgRh4nHMaGc&oh=00_Af316cSCWXn6E8jbpE1H4K4iNSwdQ4xO9H4uipCGyOye_A&oe=69E7417C)
![— for those who love tender character dynamics amidst dark realities with artful world-building in fantasy books
[ my thoughts on Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb ]
Hobb successfully captures the innocence, nostalgia, and wonder of childhood while simultaneously carving a well-realized and cleverly plotted story.
it took me a while to write my review for this one bc i was trying to pinpoint what made it so fascinating to me aside from Hobb’s artful world-building…
i realized it was Fitz’s relationship with every other character. Hobb manages to do something both addicting and bewildering with her character work. truthfully, i didn’t realize how invested i was in the character dynamics until the last page. by the end, i wanted to slow clap — this isn’t a mystery but i was blindsided until the last moment and didn’t notice how much the characters outgrew my initial skepticism (for their motives)
the discussion on companionship, parenthood, and nuanced perspectives on family was insightful and done with a caring hand. something about relatively grim settings feels lighter if the character relationships are tender
from the material of the buildings to the fabric of their clothes, Hobb’s writing is vibrant and almost bursting at the seams… but she rightfully holds back in order to not make this story feel like it’s biting off more that it can chew. something that i think is very skillful to know as a writer. all these aspects combined makes the narrative flow seamlessly.
i have a feeling Royal Assassin is going to take me OUT. you’re in for a ride if u get emotionally attached.
do check trigger warnings because although i have a strong stomach for dark themes i have 1 weakness and that was apparent here. otherwise, if you’re used to adult fantasy themes, i don’t think this was depressing to the point i couldn’t keep reading. i needed happiness breaks bc i hadn’t yet figured out Hobb’s point but after, i’m having an easier time being in Fitz’s head in Royal Assassin~](https://scontent-lga3-3.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/602252553_18077340809349188_8933238666382572758_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=NTxcz9UNYDMQ7kNvwFKhOXa&_nc_oc=Adq2BVfddpiPNh_0exUe48H9rdPcVRNLVbtLFpZUAdbqhy5wi0r95ponnvg7ijwWtEo&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=O-kyGgpccYLUxA5hcWtJLw&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQEgZcn_YyIV5Kb0mPb4SeoD0bxfq-DgQd2bcOhSDw8nzYmsAVZT_etS4V61zD29zZuI0fBWXKGK&oh=00_Af2mmo8tsr4bry1PhRvvMCWvAHCuBoRyPSCtAXJqDlrk-g&oe=69E73872)
![in my mind, i am filleting some fish, cleaning a small hut, and sitting on a small boat on the waves of a small island… patiently waiting for them to come home.
[ my thoughts on The Trident and the Pearl by Sarah K.L. Wilson ]
I FEEL ALIVE!! the island atmosphere was so tangible and the character dynamics made me want to jump out of my skin 😭🤍 Sarah K.L. Wilson, i was not familiar with your game. this isn’t a greek myth retelling but it’s definitely for those who like the yearning tension and high stakes those stories bring. i was hooked.
the atmosphere and setting was seamlessly interwoven. reminiscent of Poseidon x Amphitrite, highlighting the weight of responsibility and how people will believe what’s convenient to them. i underestimated how dark this was willing to go and how much it would explore systemic power imbalance, specifically, how those given power by its people should be in service of those same people. it’s fantasy foundation was incredibly well-realized and insightful.
fast-paced and built on character motivations while still feeling like the author is comfortable letting their readers live in the moment. i usually feel that fantasy fully written in first person is limiting but i think this was very self aware. from the main characters’ inner monologue to the action sequences, the author understands what she wants readers to take. by the end, i think its the only way to write this book to keep the tension and mystery alive
the FMC understandably goes through a lot and the MMC never invalidates her emotions.
most importantly, however, is how much it was able to capture the ocean’s nuance, something vast and encapsulating but also grounding. the author’s bio says she spends a lot of time in the “outdoors of Northern Ontario” with her family and it reads like it. only someone who spends a lot of time in nature with her loved ones can translate this much whimsical nostalgia of the ocean and outdoors into writing. and i say this as someone who lives in a tropical country.
i’m already anticipating the next book and this isn’t even out yet #altheasreviews
*ARC sent by @littlebrownbookgroup_uk @orbitbooks_uk 🤍 out Feb 24 2026](https://scontent-lga3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/591172865_18076764986349188_7502689286111730884_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=E8P8-OMUagwQ7kNvwEvj21L&_nc_oc=AdrWpt34vwFgCvDb-k_AxEPxnEG_ialCq1t7ydFnc8UYZZiCeV7BxMGkTMBc700xpt0&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=O-kyGgpccYLUxA5hcWtJLw&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQFhlYVVMyNaJqGfWhUQonjFLzbhSTvYJszailGjrPlAyCLbiocvINKvv4E1EpO37n0ok23V_5GH&oh=00_Af3GwbxzQlkWeImFff8ft82BkBQs0M5mLWu-33IB8dhyOQ&oe=69E74E22)
![a masterclass in character-focused narratives. on this hill, i stand.
[ my thoughts on gifted & talented by olivie blake ]
if you like nuanced character work built around a big event where context unfolds through flashbacks and character interactions, with unreliable narrators (like Daisy Jones and the Six) you should read this.
for a book tackling generational trauma and grief, this was the farthest thing from depressing.
THE DRAMA AND CHAOS was perfectly balanced with it’s softer beats. when i opened the first page, i immediately understood what ppl were saying abt the writing style BUT… the sharp-tongued and uninhibited chewy writing suits the tone. It made the softer moments sink deeper and stand out. i was crying and laughing within the same page.
if i read this with less years in me, i might not have loved it as much — a lot of subtext would have gone over my head. luckily, it found the 20-something version of me that is more traumatized by life lol
additionally, the exploration of biracial identity and diaspora weaved into the narrative?? the fully bipoc cast with illustrations so that no one can deny it?? this is peak. i didn’t mind that it had little magic and i wouldn’t exactly read it for the fantasy but the intros to their powers were so creative. it also matches how traditional filipino culture looks at magic/myths
i’ve seen criticism that “the writing is too much. it does not need to be 500 pages.” but respectfully, i DISAGREE. i sometimes think we’ve lost the love for character-building and the ability to sit with characters and let the author build upon a point. a commentary on capitalism and how we fixate on specific ppl’s incapacity to love us the way we need them to — but fail to see the other types of love around us or how we, ourselves, might be hindering our own happiness.
this is a new favorite of mine for it’s nuance and self-awareness. it’s chewy and explores nuanced perspectives on adulthood, parenthood, and friendship but never forgetting to remind me that olivie blake could be taking it more seriously when she drops the most beautiful lines and tender moments. she just chooses to be wonderfully unhinged 🤍](https://scontent-lga3-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/588953534_18075912620349188_1257163679297382028_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=OWxB68S_N1wQ7kNvwE2oye_&_nc_oc=AdoO62kRUxDvpnDhkKvgHLS0P1fqeg_jZNcpLhvvKGcHN6w7OIrPNVJnen986U48h94&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=O-kyGgpccYLUxA5hcWtJLw&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQHGdm680j7T8DCvXVCcW6EV9cyveeyXB-TnTaaxO6ueTV8jdLvu7X8vX9j230nxQMtde3sP2hGB&oh=00_Af05NH1SKKISAAncswD920ClvKDwZxwwtJ5uhNRbU0bAlA&oe=69E75A53)
![i lived through 10 heart attacks by the time i finished
i didn’t expect Green Bone Saga and Poppy War level of historical inspiration and for these characters to be so addicting to read about — my level of intrigue was ridiculous!
my current thoughts on The Bone Season series by Samantha Shannon [author’s preferred text only]
this series is difficult to grasp from the outside bc u risk spoiling a lot and i think it’s best to go in knowing little about the settings/plot. part of the fun is figuring out people’s motives and who to trust with a sarcastic mc
TBS as a series is a more character and politically-focused fantasy, exploring fascism and trauma. i understand why those looking for a queernormative world that takes out intentional and unintentional misogyny would resonate with this
something about it is both weirdly comforting and traumatic. no wonder ppl keep rereading. the depictions of platonic and romantic relationships full of love but found amidst trauma were enticing and heart wrenching… one poke and i was going to pass out (in the best ways). it explores being faced with the realities of a system that benefits u and the complexities that come with that kind of implied loyalty without feeling like you’re losing yourself — i didn’t expect it’s strong social commentary on colonization and i was so fascinated with the tangible use of literature as propaganda
miss shannon is committed to her first person POV and you know what, i respect that. even if she has to be creative in depicting characters’ history. she has a vision — i am seated and letting her cook. i do think u need to be prepared with the nature of the POV and wide range of clairvoyance, there are times when parts of the magic system are suddenly used at certain scenes which might be jarring if you’re used to multi or third person omniscient. i only really felt it’s disadvantages later on though
it’s biggest strengths are in it’s character plays, deep exploration on trauma, exhilarating action, fueled tension, and how effectively samantha shannon makes u feel every single thing the mc feels
i think Dark Mirror ended in a good place for me to collect enough peace to last until 2027](https://scontent-lga3-3.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/581643222_18074387537349188_2938634542848569092_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=YVaFvJxG6vgQ7kNvwG0L44I&_nc_oc=Adpu6brKSR69LJqDNgsvX0S1LHMP8bMBqCwJq7Qq29029BFTmUH3HzTe_id4opirBFg&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=O-kyGgpccYLUxA5hcWtJLw&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQEcu0NysU7IhYOTjpr3wmm7W1p_ZVfRl2wreHg2JpiGCvt-ggGNZrFUiQqHFLXiBYtRkL2McxnM&oh=00_Af34d8GFB1JT9EdiCW8zhH-TbDgyHLMxdDMYYFFnmJm0uw&oe=69E726A2)
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An Academy for Liars by Alexis Henderson | Spoiler-free Book Review
If you like politically intriguing urban fantasy that centers around morally questionable characters with complicated pre-established relationships that find themselves in the middle of inter-clan conflict but still sticks together in the end because they are family… this is the book for you.
~ Althea ~
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Jade City by Fonda Lee | Spoiler-free Book Review
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Jade Legacy by Fonda Lee | Spoiler-free Book Review
The Green Bone Saga is heavily political, brutal, intense, fight scenes that will give you a heart attack… but also heart-warming, emotional, detail-oriented and sincere down to it’s core. It’s as much about family as it is about everything else related to it. The most satisfyingly beautiful and painful conclusion I could have ever asked for. If you want something emotionally investing, I think it is an understatement to say that I highly recommend. My new favorite series of
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Eye of the World by Robert Jordan | Spoiler-free Book Review
this is for those looking to immerse themselves in a classic epic fantasy — because there are moments when you just want to feel like you’re sitting on the shoulder of a farm boy and slowly trudging into a world that has yet to know who you are
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