Josh

Cursed
Benedict Jacka

CAWPILE SCORE
C-8
A-8
W-7
P-8
I-8
L-8
E-10
TOTAL-/10

CAWPILECharactersWe get to see the character relationship between Alex and Luna grow and change, Sadly the death of the ship between the two of them. Martin the character we wish would die. Even though we don't see a ton of his character, we can totally relate him to people we know who think they know better or are smarter. He needed to die which he did, so its all good.Have to wonder slightly about whether the Monkey paw is actually evil, or just its nature and it can't fight against it, but it seems to take pleasure in the killingLight mages living up to Alex's estimation so far except for Taliseid. Belthas unabashedly wanting more power.Stupid Enchantress.AtmosphereStill London still felt realistic.WritingSolid writing, but nothing crazily different from the first book.PlotI liked that it felt like there were 2 plots going on a once. The Magic creature draining and the Monkey's Paw, and that they interacted and caused conflicting issues. The betrayals that you see coming and the ones you don't. Stupid MartinInvestmentVery invested, hard to put the book down.LogicThe Magic system is very consistent within world. The actions that people take make sense to their character, especially luna who just wants to be able to be around people.EnjoymentThese books are just so so good.Misc
I will be talking about it on Libromancy https://libromancy.podbean.com/ on 6/19/26

Fated
Benedict Jacka

CAWPILE SCORE
C-8
A-8
W-7
P-7
I-8
L-7
E-9
TOTAL-7.71/10

Pretty great book. It was lots of fun to read and the pacing really moves it forward quickly.

b>Characters
For a first book in a series some characters might feel a little flat, but with some time and attention I think they'll be anything but. Lots of characters with their own motivations. Interesting dynamics between them.

Atmosphere
Using London as a setting, easy to get things right.

Writing
Good writing, nothing exceptional. Just lots of Oh crap moments that I liked. Maybe a little less explaining the Magic System for this first book or at least less repeating of how powerless Alex is.

Plot
Love the Plot. Similar to a fetch quest but made unique.
Investment

Logic

Enjoyment

Misc
Love the callout to Dresden files, as these series are very similar. At least in the start.
CAWPILECharactersDark Mages and Light Mages. Both apparently suck in this world. But the light mages are more manipulative and polite about it. Dark Mages believe in Might is Right. Bottom lineAlex our MC not his real name, is a Diviner which we learn a lot about. Luna afraid to get close to people because of her curse. Deleo/Rachel lots of unknown quantities here. Cinder and Khazad are both a little flat, but aside from being side characters aren't really important. Abithriax very minor character. Morden working behind the scenes until he's front and center. Levistrus scary scary.Starbreeze and Arachne minor but important characters.Alex's growth reencountering people from his past. AtmosphereWritingPlotI love that all the other diviners saw what was coming way ahead and left before hand. InvestmentVery invested in this story. I am very excited to see where everything will go. Starting the ship between Luna and Alex. Loving the magic system.LogicEverything remains consistent so far. Great applications of using magic as a diviner and using magic in other applicable ways. Characters remained consistent to themselves.EnjoymentI really enjoyed this. I loved the magic system and the tricks that Alex has had to come up with to survive. MiscMy divination magic let me see what might happen; the fateweaver let me pick what would happen. How cool was that scene, advancing on Onyx. Abithriax embedded in the Fateweaver and taking over people.Alex being able to throw perfectly because of divination practice.

I will be talking about it on Libromancy https://libromancy.podbean.com/ on 6/12/2022

Cramming 4 years into 1 book is not my favorite decision but on the whole a good next book.

I really liked this book, a great ending to a great series.

There were a couple different ways that i thought this book could end. It may not have gone the way i thought it would, or the way i would have written it, but it was a great read and i wouldn't change it.

A great book, it had me laughing and loving the whole way through. had a really good time with this book

I really liked this book. i wish it had gone a little farther, but thats my opinion about most books.

A great book, but man was it long!! i loved every bit of it though

A good book, that was well written. It however didn't click with me which is why it only got three stars.

CAWPILE SCORE
C-8
A-7
W-9
P-8
I-9
L-9
E-10
TOTAL-8.57/10

CAWPILECharactersSethraKragerAlieraMorollan- villain MellarDemonVladLoioshConfession: for some reason in my head I had Elric of Melnibone Atmosphere2-4 locationsCastle BlackRestaurantHis officeWritingGreat Writing. Holds up the test of time. SnarkinessVery well thought out and paced perfectly. I never felt like I was too far behind or ahead of VladPlotA quick recap. Vlad Taltos is a human mafia boss living in an elven empire. His side gig is assassination. His companions include a smartass flying reptile called Loiosh, his wife/better half in almost every aspect, Cawti, an arrogant Elven noble, Morollan, Morollan's creepy psychopathic cousin, Aliera, and others. Taltos is hired by his mafia bosses to kill a renegade member, Mellar. The case gets increasingly complicated when Taltos figures out that the renegade is trying to bring down two noble houses at one time through his death. Taltos figures out a way to kill Mellar, save his friends, not start a war, keep his skin intact, and make a lot of money.InvestmentThe use of fantasy animals is astoundingly clear, but also intrigingLogicMorganti weaponsLittle (big) genetic history dump. Btw you're also a very important reincarnated being. Just said and ignoredThe house's are more than just names for the houses. Its how they areEnjoymentEnds up killing Aliera with her great weapon. runsMiscLoiosh flying away with mate.... For honeymoonThe only time his hunches are accurate are when he ignores themWho's doing all the workHow to stop a revivication in 3 easy steps. Morganti blade. Put a sorcerous block/hide the body or burn it with fire.My wife cooked something so bland I'd feel no compulsion to comment on it.The First restaurant scene compared to the 2nd restaurant scene
I will be talking about it on Libromancy https://libromancy.podbean.com/

Compared to the other books in this series. i really didn't like it. the direction the main character felt forced and off in this book.

Absolutely great book. loved it.

CAWPILE SCORE
C-8
A-9
W-8
P-8
I-5
L-7
E-5
TOTAL-7.14/10

Interesting book with an interesting retelling.

Some YA elements but ultimately I think this deserves the Adult tag.

I really liked this book, but i wish it had ended where i thought it was going to end. Thats just me though. i really enjoyed this book, especially the individual story parts. I thought it is fantastic writing.

This book is great, it follows the same general pattern as all of Laurell K. Hamiltons books. However this book only got 3 stars because the whole series is starting to feel like its a lot more about the sex. and i personally don't like that as much.

Otherwise a great book. lots of twists and turns and excitement

10/10 Amazing read

CAWPILE SCORE
C-10
A-10
W-10
P-9
I-10
L-10
E-10
TOTAL-9.86/10

I will be talking about it on Libromancy https://libromancy.podbean.com/ on 01/22/23

These books are amazing and deserve to be read by everyone. Delightful parody with some good substance behind it.

This was the WORST BOOK I HAVE EVER READ. The premise of having Christian terrorists was unique, but it's execution was an abject failure. the plot is full of holes. the characters were simple and static, and poorly written. I barely managed to force myself to finish this book.

I received an ARC for this book, and am giving an Honest opinion about it.

CAWPILE SCORE
C-8
A-9
W-9
P-7
I-8
L-8
E-10
TOTAL-8.43/10

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CAWPILE
Characters
Ansty is a wonderful character! I loved every second with her. Her wonder and her growth, just amazing. Her relationships are beautiful.

Atmosphere
The land of the Lost was great.

Writing
Great writing. Simple yet effective. Clear and precise. You can tell that Seanan McGuire put a lot of care into how it reads on the page.

Plot
The Plot is great. As a Story of Lost things, this story flows perfectly.

Investment
I loved the extra little bits of lore that we get around doors and their workings.

Enjoyment
I enjoyed this book so much. Definitely one of my favorite books in the series