Ria
Not a bad mystery, but certainly not my favorite detective. This one was a bit of an antihero, and utterly predictable (at least for me and that's because I read a LOT of mysteries). The writing was good, although I wasn't particularly interested in any of the characters. The plot was interesting, however it's been done several times and this wasn't anything original. I just didn't really connect with any of it. 3.5 ⭐.
It took me a little bit to get into it, but that's not the books fault I'm fighting a reading slump something terrible so I picked up something short. Boy, I'm glad I did because WOW! WOW! This has familiar tropes then takes those tropes and stomps on them. This was a wild ride by the end and I need book two yesterday! Picture a woman knight, on an impossible quest against the dragon then forget all the other stories you know. It's also a hint blink and you'll miss it sapphic. Dragons, ghosts, and impossible quests with a badass woman lead character. What's not to love? 5 ⭐!
I've read this several times, I think this is number six, though I never finished the trilogy. This is the point of Mercedes Lackeys backlog that I paused at, and I intend to catch up with all the newer releases. Starting with The Outstretched Shadow, book one of three.
This is not an original storyline, by any means, but it's very well done. Kellan Tavadon and the other cast of characters are all playing an important role, in defeating the Endarkened, aka Demons.
It starts off with Kellan at Armethalieh, where he begins his adventure. He desires new things, tired of the same boring rundown city, full of strict rules and an even stricter father, the High Arch Mage Lycaelon.
Kellan, through his wandering and avoiding his studies, locates three books. Books of magic. The Book of Sun, the Book of Moon, and the Book of Stars. However, slight problem in that these books are outlawed, banned, and the very worst sorts of things that he could have possibly gotten his hands on, according to his father.
His father tries to convince him to let go the Wild magic, and not become Tainted, however Kellan refuses and is therefore outcast, banished and forever removed from the only home he's ever known.
What follows is an adventure, featuring unicorns, elves, fauns, centaurs, dryads, even at one point, dragons.
Kellan winds up on a quest to save the elven kingdom from an unnatural drought, and learns about demons and his own power along the way.
At the end of the book, he creates many enemies...and barely survives a great battle.
I adore Mercedes Lackey, but I know her books aren't for everyone. But if you like worlds that you can easily get lost in, I really recommend her books.
Rated: 5 ⭐
The writing was so good. But the characters made me want to bash my head against the wall. Ugh. Will I ever find a romance book that has actual good communication between characters? I get it's relevant to the plot, but it's just really frustrating. Benny and Xander eventually work things out. I'm finding it a bit distasteful they were fucking within clear distance from the kids, even if it was dark, kids are observant.
I loved the kids in this book. Lucky and Beat especially were absolutely adorable and all of them just needed one big giant hug. There's so much trauma. Everyone has a rough backstory.
I loved the hiking scenes and camp scenes. It was the perfect book for summer.
Rated: 5 ⭐
