This will be a review of The Sunken Archives series (duology? It feels like it, but I'm not sure) by Sylvie Cathrall. There will be no major spoilers. Apologies for any misspellings relating to names or places!

general plot

The series is written in epistolary format (HM for 2025 Bingo), chronicling how two people (Sophy and Vyerin) discover correspondences between their respective siblings (Sophy's sister E. and Vyerin's brother Henerey). E. has made a remarkable discovery that could revolutionize things as people know it and decides to write to Henerey, a Scholar whose work she admires. The pair begin writing to each other, getting to know one another through their letters and forming a bond. However, something happens that causes them to mysteriously disappear. Later on, their letters and respective journals are found by Sophy and Vyerin who in turn begin writing to each other. Together, they work to solve the mystery of their siblings disappearance and form a platonic friendship of their own (Sophy already has a wife, and Vyerin already has a husband.) In the second book, we of course learn about what happened.

I'd say the overall themes to expect from these books are those of belonging, acceptance, how knowledge should be disseminated (and if it should be), friendship, and romance. I think it's apt to call this a cozy series.

the bad (so that we can end with the good)

The series greatest flaw is that there is practically no distinction between each character's voice. They all sound the same. I will say that the audiobook (of the first book, but I'm sure the same will apply to the second once it's released) is excellently done and would be my suggested method of reading it if possible; the cast elevates the text and brings out the far too subtle characterizations of the people they portray. In writing, though, it was like reading from a single perspective whose name happened to change every once in a while. The person in question has a "fake it till you make it" attitude, has a varying degree of imposter syndrome, prefers to be with people they care about but can find the strength being around strangers, and has an almost uncanny ability to memorize every single conversation they've had or heard...along with the ability to portray said conversations with extraordinary imagery. (Okay that last point is clearly something the book expects you to suspend your disbelief for. I think.)

That's not to say there are no differences at all between each character, but they're so subtle as to be virtually nonexistent. Thankfully, this was somewhat remedied in the second book, though if I'm being honest, not to the extent it should have been. It actually was a big deterrent for me from initially finishing the first book. I had to wait until I could get it on audio. (See earlier remark.)

the good

The series is just really interesting and captivating. I was invested in what happened with the characters, and it was heartwarming seeing E. and Henerey slowly develop a relationship. I loved reading about where they ended up (Strange New Worlds 2025 Bingo). The world and culture building were excellently done and were a highlight of the series. While I still stand by my opinion of the lack of distinct character voices, the overall epistolary format (including journal entries and the like) was very well done. I think it really brought something special to the text. It got even better in the second book. There are a lot of time jumps, which are easy to follow. That, alongside what could also be a rather confusing and convoluted plot, were well executed. For me at least they're the types of books which are hard to articulate in person but easy to understand once you actually start reading. And I would be remiss to not mention that these books are very inclusive when it comes to sexuality. It's not an overt part of the story; it's just a normal part of their societies.

overall

It's tough. There are a lot of good things I could say about these books, but the major flaw is, well, pretty major and could understandably turn people away. The series rides that line of being both plot driven and character driven. But when the characters are hard to distinguish from one another, that becomes a problem. My suggestion would be to at least give the first book a shot in written form, and if that doesn't work, try it out as an audiobook if that option is available for you. Things do improve in the sequel for both the plot and characters. If the good outweighs the bad is ultimately for you to decide.

(As an aside, the general plot of someone having gone missing while others try to find them while learning more about that person and the slightly unconventional story structure [i.e., something other than just a straightforward novel] reminded me of Catherynne M. Valente's novel Radiance.)

There's been a few posts on here lately asking who the greatest manipulators in fantasy are. Well, now I'm asking the same question in our real world. Who are the greatest manipulators?

I'll start by nominating Edward Bernays, who made it cool for women to smoke cigarettes, helped overthrow the government of Guatemala for corporate and political interests in 1954, and is the main reason Americans traditionally eat bacon and eggs for breakfast.

I've realised that in every movie or show, vampires, werewolves and witches are always in hiding. They're more powerful than humans and could easy take over control of the world and yet they are always hiding and running away from them. Why is that?

Hello, currently looking for a series where romance is very much a subplot. I like the MC having a romantic partner, just like the building of the charectar and has someone to connect with. I've read romantasy and really like it, however I don't want it to be the main focus. I'm reading the way of kings (stormlight archive) and it is the best thing I've ever read...so something like that I guess?

I do have the red rising series can't wait. Have noticed that the writing style is a bit different.

I don't mean competent in a political way. But more like a person who can just kinda get shit done. The type of character that gets stranded, and immediately starts cutting firewood, and preparing materials for the challenges ahead. Pragmatic, and emotionally haunted are my favourite type of protagonists.

Before making this post, I went ahead and searched up "fantasy books with competent protagonists", so I got a pretty great rundown of the mainstream stuff, Gremmel, 16 Ways to Defend a Walled City, Dungeon Crawler Carl.

I'm not really looking for anything grimdark, or gimmicky, you know? I just want a classic fantasy story that I won't likely have seen recommended one hundred and sixty seven million times.

I have a soft preference for male characters.

brown girl fatigue: fantasy name edition

so you’re telling me…

in a world where characters are named Cardan Greenbriar, Thryden of the Ashenmoor, and Kaz Brekker— where entire languages are invented, where apostrophes are thrown around like confetti, where names have to sound mystical, ancient, ethereal—

you looked at all that lore and labour and said: “hmm. yes. this one shall be called… Aditi.”

i’m sorry, what?

jesper’s mom is named aditi. cardan’s mom is named asha.

not Adithae or Ashynia. no fantasy rework. no explanation. no context. just straight-up, real-world, desi girl names.

you expect me to believe that in a land where people ride snorting wyverns and fight with blood-bound shadowsteel, there’s a woman named asha, just chilling? like she doesn’t sound like she’s doing a PhD in Delhi or teaching 6th grade science in Bangalore?

you invented an entire court system for the fae but couldn’t be bothered to invent a name for the queen. you gave us four maps, three prologues, two dialects, and one veda-coded side character with a dead mom named aditi.

and it’s always the side character. the mom. the healer. the sacrificial lamb. never the heroine. never the main love interest. just some poor brown name plucked off babycenter.com and dropped in like garnish.

no spice. no substance. no respect.

and that’s the problem.

if your world is entirely fictional, don’t come looting our names when you’re too lazy to make one. because we notice. we always notice.

and we’re tired.

[Edit - I made a whole reddit account just to post this, because it was one pattern I saw in two of my fav fantasy books. And I can see within the first few mins that this did not reach it's niche audience. I might delete this soon, just avoid being racist in the replies guys.]

[Edit 2- Quick note: I was wrong to single out Six of Crows—it does use several real-world names across cultures, and pretty thoughtfully. My frustration was more about a broader trend in fantasy where South Asian names, in particular, often feel out of place or underdeveloped. Thanks to those who pointed that out respectfully.]

As the title says. I’m looking for stories all about witches and witchcraft. For reference, I’m almost done with the TOG series and the storylines with Manon and the Thirteen are my favorite parts and have left me wanting more. Romance is a bonus but not mandatory. Just looking for TOG/GOT type books with witchy vibes. Thanks!

except Eren Yeager and Anasûrimbor Kellhus . Also if possible do mention the name of the series of that character .

I’ve been meaning to get into the Way of Kings and have yet to really start. I think what’ll help is if anyone can describe the aesthetic to me. Any songs/playlists that really capture the essence of the book? Any descriptions of the aesthetic that you can come up with in your own head that exemplify what reading this book is like? I want to read this book as a journey, and I want to know what kind of journey it’s going to be!

Hello all! Your local Cult is back with a new review, and this book has been on my TBR for years. I kept pushing it off for other reads, or had it packed away because of a move that still doesn't feel done, but I'm FINALLY getting around to reading Nicholas Eames' debut novel. Now, let's get the review under way!

Title: Kings of the Wyld (The Band book 1) by Nicholas Eames
Book Bingo Tags: Parents, LGBTQIA Protagonist
Rating: 5/5
Short Review: A fun, crass, rock n' roll romp through a world seen through weary eyes! Excellent characters make it worth reading!

Full Review:
I. Am. SO GLAD I read this book! The humour, action, and character dynamics were phenomenal. But that's just me gushing over it. The POV we follow is that of "Slowhand" Clay Cooper, a retired adventurer who gets approached by his old mercenary bandmate, "Golden" Gabriel, because he wants to get the band back together to save his daughter, Rose. The world as we see it feels lived in and jarringly new, as per Clay's POV, and it is full of colourful characters. Arcandius Moog is a stand out that gives off severe John Cleese energy, though this goofy energy is well balanced with his sad past and ongoing problem associated to it. Matty is just a very capable Jack Black and is on par with Moog for comedic moments. Ganelon is a badass, that is all I can say without spoiling plot points. They don't really explore the magic system, though it seems to be mostly based in magic items and alchemy, and given how the story goes, I didn't really need an in-depth exploration. A month or so, I described Legends & Lattes as DnD-core, this book is doubly so worthy of that identifier. I am so looking forward to getting to Bloody Rose sooner rather than later!

That said, I am still looking forward to my next read. It'll be my first sci-fi read in 10 years, Leviathan Wakes by James S.A. Corey!

Hey All,

So one of my favorite types of manga/anime are series with tournament arcs or some sort of games. I would love to read some novels that fit this kind of theme. I think the best examples of novels I can give are things like Hunger Games or Maze Runner. I also use the term "tournament" and "game" loosely. Anything that follows a story about being involved in some sort of pitting characters against each other or some sort of place that follows specific rules???? I hope I am explaining this well enough and I'm sure my examples were enough.

Thanks!

When I first saw Star Wars as a kid (the Special Edition release in ’97), I was around ten years old—and I still remember how alive it felt. The dusty streets of Mos Eisley, the strange droids and creatures, the gritty cantina… it was a world that didn’t pause to explain itself, and somehow that made it even more real.

That was the moment something clicked for me. I started drawing maps of alien planets, just to imagine what stories might unfold there. And I think that feeling—that sense of wonder and discovery—has never really left me.

Now, as I build my own world, I find myself chasing that same magic. I want my story to unfold in a world that’s mystical, perilous, beautiful, and grounded—one that feels both alien and familiar, like a place that should exist somewhere out there.

It’s a feeling I think many of us chase in the stories we love—and the ones we create.

So, I wonder, what fantasy world first captured your imagination?

I saw someone post that they hadn't seen any new recommendations in a while. I've finished two of the three and working on the last. The Bartimaeus Trilogy by Jonathan Stroud. Granted it's intended for young adults, but it's a fun read. It's an alternate realty where magicians summon and enslave djinni's, afrit's, imp's, and other higher beings (as they put it).

I'm garbage at descriptions, but I hope this is acceptable.

I’m hoping to start writing my very own novel soon but have one very specific part of it that I want to be absolutely perfect, the opening line. So, I’m asking you guys to share either your favorite opening lines and what makes them so great to you or just what you think makes an opening line amazing.

Also on Goodreads

I have no memory whatsoever how this charming little mystery ended up on my TBR shelf – it was on some ‘best of’ list or another I skimmed through more than likely. However it happened, I’m happy it did – this was hardly high art, but it was a fun and engaging Twilight Zone episode of a novel, and left me very interested in reading more of Turton’s other work.

The novel is set on a remote island some time after the apocalypse, the only place in the world where the last heroic efforts of preapocalyptic scientists created a barrier to hold back the plague of poisonous fog which boiled up from beneath the world and wiped out all other life. Ninety years later, the three surviving Elders and the omnipresent, mind-reading artificial intelligence Abi guide and rule over a village of a hundred-and-seven, the last remnants of all the refugees who reached the island before the end. Filled with now-irreplaceable medical technology and genetic enhancements, the Elders are fairly literally superhuman and viewed by the generations of villagers who have been born and died since the end of the world with near-religious awe. So when the eldest and most beloved of them dies – and seemingly after directly ordering Abi to wipe everyone else’s memories of the ruinous night before her brutal murder – things get very tense. And that’s before everyone realizes that the barrier holding back the fog was deactivated by a dead man’s switch tied to her heart beat. Now it’s up to the irritatingly curious and irreverent village neerdowell to to solve the mystery and satisfy the system that justice has been done so it will reactivate the barrier before the fog consumes them all.

So this is a very high concept novel. First and foremost, it’s at the moment literally the only book I can remember that more or less pulls off first-person-omniscient narration – the book is told from Abi’s perspective, and all the increasingly sinister asides and bits of context that leak through from it as its attention shifts from one character’s brain to another is a major part of the book’s charm. It is very on brand for me to say the creepy AI is the best character, but as far as compellingly nonhuman intelligence go it is right up there.

It’s also a strikingly misanthropic book – in the literal sense, the book has a very dim view of humanity and the ambiguous but happy ending involves taking the species off the board for at least the foreseeable future. Thematically it’s about getting over the past and trusting your students/children/successors to find their own way in the world without your constant guidance, but on a very literal level this is a story where humanity’s successors are strictly better off with us. And also where a project that in basically every other story I’ve ever read would be the cartoonishly evil plot of a cackling supervillain is portrayed as monstrous in execution but well-intentioned and more tragically impossible than evil in concept. It’s an interesting shift in perspective from most self-consciously humanist sci fi I’ve read.

The actual mystery is very fun and satisfying twisted and obscured by all the other dirty secrets the Elders are keeping from each other – the narrative used the memory to have multiple people come think they were the murderer and act accordingly in a very satisfying way. That said, I’m not sure the broad strokes twilight zone-ness of the setting really mixed well with the mystery plot – not that it wasn’t used for some fun twists, but it’s more than a bit unclear at points which parts of the world you should carefully interrogate for clues and hints, and which you kind of just need to shrug and take as a given for the story to work.

I admit I do just have a reflexive, contrarian aversion to stories that end up just being someone’s planning going off perfectly. Which isn’t really fair to hold against the book, but on a purely subjective level did make me enjoy the finale and epilogue less than I might have otherwise. Still, all in all this was a fun brain teaser and page-turner. Would recommend, if the synopsis at all appeals.

I just saw on a major bookselling site that my favorite author John Crowley has a new book out: "Heir of the First Song (The Burrowed Crown) Hardcover – April 7, 2025." The whole page looks legit, but the book title appears nowhere else on the internet. Is this AI-generated? Who would/could put a fake book page on A##### , and to what purpose? Here's the plot, which now that I reread it looks odd enough to be AI-generated:

"A forgotten crown. A hidden heir. A destiny woven through the roots of the First Oak.”

In the tranquil village of Brackenhold, Silas, an orphaned Skwirl, dreams of adventure but never imagined the darkness waiting beyond the Deepwood. When Noctis, the ancient ruler of the Hollow Spire, sends his forces to destroy everything Silas knows, he is thrust into a dangerous quest he does not understand.

Fleeing through the wilds of Sylvanholt, Silas finds himself among new allies: Liora, a gifted Mycen healer; Ephraim, a hardened Bavar warrior; and Tobias, a sharp-minded Shryg with a mysterious past. Together, they must navigate ancient ruins, uncover hidden truths, and face the shadows of Noctis' reign.

But as visions haunt him and trust is tested, Silas must confront his own doubts and discover whether he holds the key to restoring hope to a world where the First Song has nearly faded away.

Step into a world where ancient prophecy and mystical technology intertwine, where the Burrowed Crown holds the power to change everything—but only if Silas can find the strength to claim it.

Hi, I know there is mixed opinions about the translations. But I find the vocabulary nice in that it’s nice to learn a few words I’ve not come across before. I’m looking for my next series after Witcher and I like the writing style, or more, the “level” of vocab. Upon reading some examples like Brandon Sanderson, and Abercrombie, I’m just not getting the same vibe. Basically I need a good fantasy series, similar writing style. Any recommendations?

Square used: Not a Book (HM) - animated film

Also Qualifies: N/A

Genre: Historical fantasy, science fantasy

You know, before the announcement of the new 2025 Bingo, I have been interested in watching this movie for a couple of days (and struggling to acquire it in a way that wasn’t Netflix which lasted for a week after – thanks USPS).  So, color me surprised that Bingo had a non-book square. It’s a unique choice, and I never anticipated it to be done but here we are. I’m glad I get to include this finally in the Bingo, cause this book absolutely deserves it.

This Review is NOT Spoiler Free.

What is The Tale of the Princess Kaguya about?

The story begins with a bamboo cutter working in his grove and discovering a small shoot which grows and bears a small little girl as its fruit. He takes her home, and he and his wife adopt her, naming her ‘Princess’ based on the finery she was wearing when she was discovered. She grows quickly, unlike most children, often in hours to the surprise of her parents and the people of the village. Young Princess – Nicknamed Lil’ Bamboo by the kids at the village due to her unnatural rapid growth, grows (ha!) to love her village, and her friends. Whether it’s be wandering in the forest, nearly getting flatlined by an angry wild sow, or helping her friend (and crush never realized) Sutemaru catch pheasants, she does adore her simple life as a village girl. That is, until her father upends the family to move to the City.

Because you see, the whole time the Bamboo Cutter has been building a house at the Capital. Not long after discovering Kaguya, he discovers a bamboo stalk with gold, and another with fine clothes. This, he takes as a sign that to make his daughter happy, he must give her the best life – which he decides is living as nobility. Which he imposes on his daughter – lessons with etiquette teacher Lady Sagami, no mixing with the ‘Poors,’ embracing of noble traditions and functions including festivals, and ultimately marriage prospects. But what Miyatsuko (the Bamboo Cutter) fails to realize that instead of making his daughter any happier, his need to live vicariously through her is making her more and more depressed. The Princess Kaguya, yearns for the freedom from these oppressive shackles, she yearns for a life back at the village, to escape…

Final Thoughts -  and why science fantasy?

I want to preface by saying this movie is a masterwork of an artist with decades of animation experience. The Magnum Opus of an Artiste who’s nailed both human emotion, flaws, and both the beauty and tragedy of living. The art style is stunning and the way the animators alter the animation style to suit the mood of the scene in question is such brilliant storytelling – scenes such as Kaguya’s flight from her Naming Banquet, her flight with Sutemaru, are perfectly contrasted with the others to showcase the raw emotion of the scene, to make the audience understand what Kaguya is feeling, to bring us into the moment. This highlighted by gorgeous music by maestro Joe Hisaishi, bring the audience deeper into Kaguya’s happiest movements, in those that are her worst. The audience is moved with the story.

The film is dripping in foreshadowing and symbolism. From simple details such as her childhood name is “Princess” – thus highlighting the lofty expectations her parents have for her – to details such as the bird in the cage (representing Kaguya herself), the massive moon hanging over her as she runs away, runs toward it. The moment she confronts the coalmaker, - symbolic of how things could get better for Kaguya, but the irony being she will never have the time to experience it. The cycle he speaks of, also tying into the not-so-subtle foreshadowing that she has done this before, and possibly, will do so again – the cycle of the seasons and all. The way the return to the Moon itself is about fearing death, even suicide in a way – Death is inevitable. The contrast between utter bland perfection of the moon vs the imperfect dynamic-ism of the sky. I could go on.  Even her unnatural growth symbolizes the rapidness in which children grow – how many parents look away, and then realize how the years pass, that their child has grown up? Princess Kaguya goes from the toddling child to the young woman leaving for the skies in almost no time at all.

There’s also a not subtle critique of superficiality and greed. Miyatsuko is obsessed with giving what he deems a better life as much as he is with the idea of ascending to a high position in court. In doing so, he alienates himself from his wife and daughter – who go on trips without him and leave him behind when they try unsuccessfully to bring her back to the village in attempt to restore her happiness/delay the arrival of the celestial beings. He becomes more and more of a buffoon, and even as he gains wealth, he never does gain the respect from his new ‘peers’ – all of Kaguya’s engagement gifts are falsehoods for one. Kaguya herself becomes despondent enough to summon them in the first place, after the Emperor embraces her without her consent (symbolic of rape) – something she wouldn’t have had to experience were they still living the simple life. It matters not in the end either, this rich life – Kaguya is whisked away back to the Moon, paid army or no paid army.  

Feminism and critique of the patriarchy are also strongly embedded themes. Why did Miyatsuko think making Princess Kaguya a noble princess would be the best way to make her happy? Well that was the system in which Heian Japan operated on! And said system required a strict adherence to certain norms – painting the teeth, plucking the brows, no carefree-ness, perfect decorum – stifling his daughter, making her miserable to be palatable for a man who does see her as an object. In a different world, Miyatsuko would be trying to send her to college – but in this world, a concubine or wife for the Emperor would’ve been her best bet. There are other subtle critiques – the women are expected to play their parts perfectly – Miyatsuko yells at his wife and Kaguya for engaging in peasant activities now ‘beneath’ them while also failing to adequately perform the traditions. Sagami and Kaguya are expected to being the perfect ladies of the Court but the Princes, nobles, and ministers are allowed to be drunk buffoons, to shirk traditions and rules, their own roles in society. A perfect double standard.

Kaguya’s character herself is lovely. I do love the impish, almost feral way she is as a kid and teen. The way she outwits these fool suitors, the pain, sorrow, the depression. She’s such a multifaceted character; I’m saddened this is the only movie we have with her even. Studio Ghibli has such a way to write both kids and teens that makes them their age while also not being obnoxious. I cannot get over her dropping her outer robe to literal crab-walk away from her etiquette lessons, or her rolling over Me no Warawa and crashing into the divider to avoid painting her teeth. Or even the perfect joke where Sagami thinks she’s practicing her writing only to discover she’s doodling. She’s such a charming character.

The only character I really had a personal dislike (other than maybe the Emperor, and every other gross dude) for is Sutemaru. Unpopular opinion I know. Yes, I am aware that he’s symbolic of the idyllic simple life that Kaguya idealizes – the perfect suitor in her mind to contrast the fools she gets mind you. But I don’t know, the way he was willing to abandon his wife and child at the drop of the hat to go with Kaguya rubs me the wrong way. It could be Kaguya’s own enchantment – but even when the spell is broken he still is disappointed which :/ . But perhaps, that is another tragic example set by Takahata himself – cause even if Kaguya were to stay to have the perfect life, she’d have to force Sutemaru to give up what he already has. Sutemaru, is yet another imperfect man who would be able to buck the roles expected of him (supportive husband and father) to pursue what he wants whereas the wife is forgotten with their child. Much to think about.  

Now to address the question – why did I tag this as ‘science fantasy’? The movie is an adaptation of the Tale of the Bamboo Cutter – one of the oldest pieces of scifi in history – dated to the late 9^th or early 10^th Century. And yes scifi – the original is very similar to the film (with some key differences) – the Princess is born to the Bamboo Cutter in a stalk of bamboo, she grows up very quickly into a beautiful woman who captures the hearts of many a man, sends her suitors to acquire impossible items, rejects the Emperor ultimately, and is swooped away on a chariot made of clouds by the Moon People, who’ve come to collect her. While the story is fairly classic folktale, what makes this one stand out is the Moon people. No doubt meant to be celestial/god-like beings of some kind (they give the Princess the Elixir of Immortality which in the myth she gives to the Emperor), the whole idea of Moon people arriving in a flying saucer like object (the cloud chariot procession) is very much a scifi element we do see in modern science fiction. The story highlights the distinction between the Princess and the people of Earth – and thus, how she cannot stay with them as a result. It’s a typical alien on earth story.

This difference is further emphasized in Takahata’s The Tale of the Princess Kaguya. Kaguya is frequently portrayed as having otherworldly powers. Beyond her Sims Short Lifespan styled growth pattern, she induces her elderly mother to produce breast milk so she can feed, have some sort of phasing/translocation/invisibility powers, can travel long distances and have real experiences while remaining in the same location ultimately. She is not human, and the movie slowly builds up to that reveal. Breaking the rules to do so even. She’s a larger than life individual, otherworldly even. It goes to show that humans are not so different in the past. What genres we think are today have roots in history.

This movie is such a lovely, tragic, and gorgeous tale of both the joys and sorrows of life. From the animation to the music to the story, it breaths life, the adoration of the simple life, the condemnation of the superficial, the sadness, the happiness, the fun and the serious. An underrated masterpiece by a criminally underrated master of the field of animation. Highly recommend.

Recommend for: Fans of Studio Ghibli works, those who love stories set in feudal Japan especially the Heian period, those who love gorgeous animation and tragedies; everyone really.

Overall Rating: Solid 10/10. May you rest in peace Isao Takahata.

Thank you for reading! If anyone is willing to send me other works set in Heian Japan like this movie I would greatly appreciate it ngl.

Just curious—what fantasy novels/series were the most impactful to you individually? For me, it’s probably The Inheritance Cycle and The Belgariad. They truly made me love fantasy.

I just finished this book and I just have to say I absolutely loved it. I cried, I laughed, I scratched my head, you name it. I can honestly say I’ve never read a book like this before. Simon Jimenez wrote such a powerful, unique story that contrasts a lot of the fantasy books we all spend time with. The juxtaposition between the audience members and the introductory protagonist, and the two main characters taking up the majority of the story really made this book special. It introduced an almost magical element into the story that felt like reading folklore when you were a kid. The way Simon incorporated the inner monologue of characters who normally wouldn’t have the opportunity to have their story or thoughts voiced throughout the book really made this book shine. It added much appreciated perspective and gravitas to the story. I’ve never read a book that has done this quite like this book does. The prose shines through here. It’s beautiful and poetic but also direct and utilitarian. It makes you sit back and smile or dab at your eyes as you read at your local coffee shop ( or so I’m told cough cough). There were just so many layers to this story that worked for me and I found it touching. Highly recommend this book to anybody looking for something that goes a bit against the grain. Truly a fantastic piece of literature and Simon Jiminez has a new fan in me.

So what I like about these is the details about dragons and the bond between them. It doesn't even have to be dragons but other mystical creatures. Or the part in Avatar movies that their riders have to be chosen. I am not focusing on dragons other fantasy creatures who need to form a bond with people works too. BTW I already read Rebecca yarrow so please recommend other series. Thanks in advance.

On April 26th in the USA is an event called Independent Bookstore Day, with information about it here. For anyone who lives in or near a large metro area in the USA, I recommend checking out what your local bookstores are doing, a lot of cities have events and some are even providing shuttle buses so you can visit a bunch of stores in a single day! I am not the mods but I think this would be a fun option for the "not a book" bingo square this year.

I didn't know this existed until I found out about it from a local bookstore last month and I'm really excited!! I'm going to be out of town that day but I'm gonna try to participate in the city I'll be in, instead. And next year at home for sure!!

Recently I made a post on this sub talking about my frustrations with reading through the first few wheel of time books. I noticed a lot of people suggested the audio books instead and it solved almost all of my problems. Robert Jordan's style works much better for me when narrated, especially when I can turn up the playback speed. It doesn't matter how repetitive the books are if I'm working out at the gym or doing chores around the house. I also started using the WOT compendium for the side characters and that has been very helpful. I reread book 2 with the audiobook and compendium app. I would've rated book 2 a 6/10 before when I read it physically but now I'd put it closer to a 9/10. I'm really excited to be able to read the rest of the books now.

Wow one of the best sci-fi experiences for me and easily joins my favourite books list. The amount of grounds covered by this 500 pages standalone puts a lot of trilogies I've read to shame. This is how you deliver on a concept—entrenching it into every facet of the work from characters, to the worldbuilding, to the plot, and down to the very construction and distribution of POV: Abigail Interludes to open parts and the two protagonist taking turns and alternating with every chapter— Resulting in what I can only call an excellent exercise in how to handle an enigmatic work with perfectly paced and placed reveals and twist.

I can keep on gushing about it but I'll just end it by saying Abigail and all her Shatterlings specifically the marvellous couple that is Purslane and Campion are amongst the best characters I've read in anything period. Also Hesperus is easily the best robot I've seen in anything and easily puts a lot of human characters to shame in terms of both depth and likability... Speaking of none human entities, well the none sentient entities in Dalliance and especially Silver Wings are easily 2 of my favourite space ships now. Anyways, this is my book of the year so far and I can't wait to read a lot more from Alastair Reynolds. 5 ⭐️