Elizabeth Allen > Recent Status Updates

Mostly set-up so far. Repeated descriptions are something I've noticed a lot so far. Excited for the horror to truly begin!

I think this might end up as a DNF. It has been taking me far too long to make progress on this book, and while I'd recommend the first 200~ pages outright as a melancholy rumination on the burden of responsibility and the need for human connection, the direction this has since taken just doesn't do anything for me. I wouldn't turn people away from The Hands of the Emperor, but I probably can't finish it myself.

I'm not sure this one is for me. The narration is all tell and very little show, which makes the chapters drag. And I could write an essay about how much Allana's depiction bothers me. Much of the book has been 'sex. sex. sex.', which is concerning in and of itself, but Allana having a traumatic sexual assault experience and then having tee-hee casual sex a few hours later...is just...what is this writing?

Page time being taken up by Helena having small crushes on every man available is a continued annoyance for me, but it's counterbalanced by the fantastically eldritch dream states that she goes into. Much more detailed than the first book, and it builds on that foundation exceptionally well.

Binged this one. Consider it essential reading for Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts.

I think if this wasn't historical fantasy I'd enjoy it a little more, but because the historical elements are interwoven, it makes the modern dialogue and politics seem off. It's one of those books that feels like it was written in the style of what's popular, rather than what serves the world best.

Review to be written.

Long time Dragon Age fan, but perhaps surprisingly this is my first interaction with the books. I love David Gaider's work with the games, and that translates well enough to this novel. Though it bears reminding that his writing definitely matures with time, and this is him at the earliest stage of that progression. Great Dragon Age writing punctuated with deep flaws, which I'll elaborate more on once I review.

The Tyranny of Faith is feeling much more like a mystery novel than the political thriller its predecessor was. It's not impacting my enjoyment, and if anything, I'm impressed that Richard Swan has managed the slight tonal shift.

Gweniver is quickly becoming my favourite character in the entire series and I've only just met her. It's good to be back in the world of Deverry; Katharine Kerr has a way of writing archaic dialogue that is really enjoyable to read.

In a multi-pov story, it's usually a bad sign when you're only coming back for one of those perspectives, but that's exactly what I'm experiencing here. Miryem is just vastly more interesting than anyone else, and her arc also holds the most intrigue. I don't know if that's enough for me to push through to the end.

I still get annoyed by the writing perspective spoiling itself, but beyond that, I love everything about the way this series is continuing.

I'm making slow progress on this already monolithic book, but that unintentionally matches the slow-burn feeling it gives off. Besides the fact that it might take me another 2-3 months to finish this at my current pace, I'm otherwise enjoying it a lot.

Review Copy for EPIC INDIE

Interesting story, if a bit emotionally vacant. The magic elements are starting to come to the forefront and I think that's for the best.

It took a few chapters to get started, but it's beginning to grip me now. I appreciate the setting of the story and the delivery of Amina al-Sirafi's character. There's maybe a mismatch going on between the modern sensibilities of the writing and the time period and characters it is emulating, but I'm still undecided on that.

I've come to really appreciate this style of multiple POV narrative, where instead of switching perspective each chapter, you actually get to sit with the character for three or more chapters in a row. It maintains the excitement and interest of having various points of view while still giving you room to really study the individual.

The necromancy is this book is going to be living on in my head for some time - so spectacularly visceral.

Richard Swan is simply an incredible storyteller to boot.

Some plot beats have since damped my enjoyment of the book, but I still think it's incredibly good for what it is. I can see a lot of people liking this even more than the Eragon / Inheritance cycle books.

Cozy, listless, melancholy - I'm in love with this.

If I don't end up giving this a glowing review by the end, I'll be very surprised. Sarah K. Balstrup explores the intersection between trauma, religion and rage ridiculously well.

Giving me that classic fantasy feel that I've come to crave. This is my first interaction with Katherine Kerr's work and so far it's a treat. I know some people have criticisms towards the gender dynamics in this book, but so far I'm finding it quite tactful.

Quickly evolving into one of my favourite reads of 2023 so far.

Nothing quite like this, very gentle, cosy and glacially paced, and overall pleasant. Which doesn't automatically mean it's the best thing ever made - I can see people hating this book for how little actually happens - but I imagine that for many, this is a flavour of story they didn't know they were hungry for. Let's just hope my opinion doesn't worsen after 300 more pages. go by.

I'm not big on YA, so there's a lot about this book that just isn't appealing to me, but looking at it for what it is, it's quite good.

Very action heavy and quick to read. Light on the prose which also translates to light on description as well, which is definitely a weakness. Still, I'm starting to get quite into it.

Reminds me a lot of The Witcher, but without the numerous thing I disliked about the series.