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The heart does not go backward. Only the mind: Reviewing The Swan Thieves by Elizabeth Kostova

Hey everyone! How are you all doing? I hope you answered positively. If you didn’t , then I hope your day improves. I am currently drowning in books because of all of the summer library sales that are happening around where I live. There are a couple of “little libraries” in my neighborhood as well, so I like to check those from time to time for anything good. Unfortunately, I have no impulse control and will take home any book that looks remotely interesting to me. With that being said, don’t forget to support your local libraries and small bookshops. Anyways, you can check out my review of The Historian, also by Elizabeth Kostova. For now, we are talking about The Swan Thieves.

Robert Oliver, a reclusive and brilliant artist, is arrested for attempting to attack a famous painting with a knife. He is placed under the care of psychiatrist Dr. Andrew Marlow. Marlow is also a painter and wants to relate to his stubbornly silent patient. In an attempt to understand Robert Oliver, Marlow goes on a journey through his patient’s past. By doing so, Marlow finds himself enthralled in a tale of obsession, passion, and secrets. The key to all of this is through the love letters between a nineteenth century artist and her forbidden lover. Only through these can Marlow finally understand his patient and himself.

Where The Historian fell in to the category of “dark academia,” The Swan Thieves fits comfortably in “light academia.” Kostova’s prose is breezy, eloquent and uncomplicated. This style, though, does not simplify or demean the themes of the novel. It is a novel focused on the complexities of identity and love, all told with art history in mind. Kostova gives no clear answer to her characters’ motives, but paints a picture (pun intended) and leaves the reader to interpret what any of it truly means. This is all done, though, with no pretention or assumption. It is a presentation of the complicated lives of characters who feel so incredibly lifelike, even in a slightly idyllic fictional setting. Kostova is a ridiculously talented writer and I so wish she had more than two books out. With all of that being said, you should absolutely read The Swan Thieves and The Historian.

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The measure of a person is not how much they have lived. It’s in how they make use of what life has shown them: Reviewing The Alloy of Law (Book 4 of the Mistborn Saga) by Brandon Sanderson

Hello everybody! How are you all doing? I hope you answered my silly rhetorical question while reading this. I am back (yet again) with another Brandon Sanderson book. Go ahead and check out my reviews of The Stormlight Archive and the first three books of The Mistborn Saga. It’s a lot, but it’s a good time I promise. With that being said, it’s time to talk about The Alloy of Law, the first book in the Wax and Wayne series.

Content Warning: Violence, Some Disturbing Imagery

Three hundred years ago, Vin, Kelsier, Elend and Sazed saved Scadrial and they live on trhough legends. Now, Scadrial is a flourishing city with steam powered locomotives and electricity. The outskirts of the city, known as the Roughs, are a lawless land where only those with magic have any hope of survival. Lord Waxillium “Wax” Ladrian is one of those. As a rare Twinborn, Wax has Allomancy and Feruchemy which allows him to Push on metals and control his weight. A tragedy, though, pulled him away from the life of a lawman. Just as Wax feels content with being a nobleman and politician, a gang of Allomancers go on a robbing spree and take several valuable hostages with them. With his city in danger, Wax finds himself drawn back into the life of a lawman once again.

The Allow of Law is a fun, fast-paced continuation of an already action-packed series. What I appreciated about this book was that it didn’t rely heavily on the previous trilogy but had enough references. This book was not as dark nor as centered on political drama as its predecessors. I appreciated the slight light-hardness because it didn’t detract from the excitement of the main plot. I enjoyed the new batch of characters in this book. They offered plenty of witty dialogue and just enough believability to the novel. Sanderson continues to dazzle me with his fascinating worlds and non-stop avalanche of interesting ideas. I am interested to see where this series goes and I would recommend that you join me in reading the Mistborn saga.

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He was mine to protect. Mine to adore. Mine to lose forever: Reviewing Sweet Obsession (Book 8 of the Dark Olympus series) by Katee Robert

Hi everyone! I hope you are all still doing well. I don’t intend to keep you waiting much longer for reviews. I’m going to keep cranking them out. I’m debating giving my review of Dune, or at least sharing my thoughts on it. I think “reviewing” such a widely regarded book is a little unnecessary, but I think some of you might be interested in knowing whether it is worth reading or not. That is a topic for a different day, though. If you’re interested, feel free to read my reviews of the previous books in the Dark Olympus series. Now, let’s talk about Sweet Obsession.

Content Warning: Explicit Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence, Discussions of Abuse

Olympus is officially under attack by Circe and her armada of ships. That, however, is the least of Icarus’ worries. He dared to take a chance and fell right into the hands of the enemy. He didn’t mess with just anyone, though. Icarus is now captive to Poseidon, whom he finds to be frustratingly handsome. Poseidon is just trying to keep his crew safe and stop Circe’s attack, but he finds himself inexplicably drawn to Icarus’ charm and mysteriousness. The two find themselves being drawn closer together as they are forced to cooperate to stop Circe. Poseidon and Icarus are forced to reexamine their relationship and decide if their allegiances lie with each other or with their respective legacies.

Sweet Obsession is Katee Robert doing what Katee Robert does best: providing fun drama and steamy romance that keeps me coming back for more. While I do enjoy Katee Robert’s Greek myth series, my only gripe is that this is the only one that isn’t based on any particular myth like the previous books. In Greek mythology, Poseidon and Icarus never interact unless you count Icarus falling into the sea. It’s a little bit of a stretch, but maybe Katee Robert was going for something with that. I digress. Sweet Obsession had my favorite romance by far, mostly because the dynamic was a bit unexpected. Katee Robert, though, continues to create surprisingly believable romances that aren’t just “insta-love” or one character basically falling in love because the plot says so. That is why it’s all the more satisfying when the relationships end up working out, regardless of the challenges. The obstacles don’t go away, but the characters actually work through them. In a world where a lot of “dark romance” means that the characters are weirdly abusive to each other, and that’s somehow deemed to be love, Katee Robert’s books are a breath of fresh air. That is what keeps me coming back. With that all being said, if you want some steamy scenes and juicy drama (without any of the icks), then I’m going to continue to recommend the Dark Olympus series.

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May you have the courage someday to walk away. And the wisdom to recognize that day when it arrives: Reviewing Wind and Truth (Book 5 of The Stormlight Archive) by Brandon Sanderson

Hi everyone! I apologize for my prolonged absence. This book was mostly that reason because I decided to buckle down and finish the darned thing. Before you read this review, feel free to check out my other reviews of Brandon Sanderson’s novels. I have started the second arc of the Mistborn Saga, and I am excited to review that one much sooner than later, along with a bunch of other books that I am already excited to talk about. Enough with my yammering. Let’s (finally) talk about Wind and Truth.

Content Warning: Violence, Disturbing Imagery, Intense Battle Scenes

In ten days, Dalinar Kholin must face the evil god Odium. While Dalinar does his best to prepare, Oduim’s forces continue to wreak havoc across the lands. Adolin Kholin fights in Azir, Sigzil holds the Shattered Plains, and Jasnah continues her negotiations in Thaylenah City. In Shinovar, Szeth seeks to break the hold of the Unmade of his homeland. Kaladin, accompanying Szeth, must continue to fight his inner darkness while facing off against an insane Herald named Ishar. In another world, Shallan is forced to face her past while Renarin and Rlain try to unlock the secrets of the Unmade. Navani hopes to find an advantage against Odium and stop him. In ten days, the fate of the cosmere will be decided once and for all.

Wow. This entry into The Stormlight Archive was the most intense and existential thus far. So much happened, and I feel like I haven’t processed the other four books in this series. With all of that being said, I am still deeply impressed with Brandon Sanderson’s intricate storytelling and his deep care for this particular story. Despite the sadder parts of the book, there was still an underlying message about the power of optimism and resiliency in the face of internal and external obstacles. The tragedy in this novel didn’t exist for the sake of tragedy, nor did the triumph exist because that is what a story should call for. It is rare to find such purposeful writing in a book series that is comprised mostly of intense battle scenes and an interesting magic system. In case you can’t tell, I am still very much enjoying this series. I was shocked, needless to say, when I learned that Mr. Sanderson has FIVE more books planned for The Stormlight Archive. I’m hooked on this series, and I think you should get yourself hooked too.

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Don’t do what you can’t undo, until you’ve considered what you can’t do once you’ve done it: Reviewing Assassin’s Apprentice (Book 1 of the Farseer Trilogy) by Robin Hobb

Hi everyone! I hope you are enjoying your summer and surviving the heatwave. I still have an obscene amount of books to read and am reading more than my brain can handle at times. Still, I am having fun and enjoying everything so far. Summer just feels like the best time to read, but that is my humble opinion. I shall not ramble on when I haven’t posted here in quite some time. Let’s talk about Assassin’s Apprentice.

Content Warning: Violence, Some Descriptions of Graphic Injuries, Animal Death

Fitz is a young boy with no memory of his past. The only thing he knows is that he is the bastard son of Prince Chivalry. One day, he is presented to his grandfather King Shrewd, who decides he has use for the boy. He sends Fitz to be raised by Chivarly’s stable keeper until the boy comes of age. King Shrewd reveals to Fitz that he bears the Skill, a magical talent that only runs in royal blood. Fitz is sent to an eccentric tutor to hone his Skill and eventually become the king’s assassin. While Fitz is training, raiders start to lay siege upon the kingdom. Fitz is sent on a mission that will save the kingdom, but may be his last order from the king.

Assassin’s Apprentice was equal parts adventure, fantasy, and tragedy. Robin Hobb creates a steady narrative filled with political intrigue and fascinating world-building. The tension and tragedy of the novel make it all the more shocking and thrilling with each page. There were, admittedly, parts that dragged on a bit for me, but it wasn’t so slow-paced that I became annoyed or bored. If anything, it made me appreciate Hobb’s attention to detail as she balances her world-building and character development. All in all, Assassin’s Apprentice is an exciting high-fantasy novel that feels entirely unlike anything else.

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In the end, they will kill us. But first, they will fear us: Reviewing The Hero of Ages (Book 3 in the Mistborn Saga) by Brandon Sanderson

Hi all! As always, I hope you are doing well. Before you read this book, check out my reviews of the first two books in this series. I have the next book in the saga, or rather the first book in the next arc. You can think of it either way. I’m feeling invigorated with all of these good books I have been reading lately. If you want to know what I’m reading, feel free to follow me on StoryGraph (@n0vel_ideas). You can also follow me on BlueSky (@perseph0ne28.bsky.social). With all of that being said, let’s talk about The Hero of Ages.

Content Warning: Violence and Gore, Disturbing Imagery, Intense Battle Scenes

For a moment, Vin thought she had succeeded. She had reached the Well of Ascension and seemingly fulfilled the prophecy. It was, however, all a trick set by a dark god called Ruin. Now, Ruin seeks to destroy the world through flame. The only glimmer of hope is Elend Venture, who has a become a Mistborn himself. Now an emperor of a dying land, Elend must figure out what the Lord Ruler’s secret motives were and do so while staving off a war. Vin, on the other hand, refuses to believe that the world will fall to Ruin. She must figure out if she can truly be the Hero of Ages before the world ends.

Say what you will about Brandon Sanderson, but this man knows how to pack a punch at the very end of a book. This was an intense read with plenty of twists and turns in the middle of great action scenes. The battles and magical fights, though, don’t take away from the message of hope that is featured so prominently throughout this book, even the trilogy itself. So far my favorite thing about Brandon Sanderson as an author is that he is not afraid to break the reader’s heart in the process of restoring some faith in the world of the novel. (Slight spoiler here) I don’t know very many authors who aren’t afraid to kill off main characters in order to make a point, but here we are at the conclusion of this trilogy with as much satisfaction as heartbreak. Needless to say, I am so excited to start the next arc of this series and I highly recommend you join me in reading The Mistborn Saga.

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Let us show the world what love and poetry truly mean: Reviewing Orphia and Eurydicius by Elyse John

Hi everyone! I hope you are enjoying your summer so far. I also hope that you have found plenty of time to read. I feel as though I am not reading fast enough. Unfortunately, I live close to a couple of used bookstores and libraries that have summer book sales. With that being said, I can’t control myself when I see books for sale. I’m sure you all understand the “struggle.” Let me not ramble on any longer. It is of the utmost importance that I give you my review of Orphia and Eurydicius.

Content Warning: Grief and Mourning, Discussions of Sexual Assault, Brief Descriptions of Violence, Discussions of Misogyny, Self-Harm

Orphia knows in her heart that she is destined to be a poet. Her father, the sun god Apollo, has other plans for her and forbids her from studying art. Instead, Orphia spends her days training with the finest warriors on the Whispering Isle. The only person to recognize her true passion is a young shield-maker named Eurydicius. As their love blooms, Orphia finds the courage to stand up to all of the men who have forced her to be someone she isn’t. With Eurydicius by her side, Orphia sets out to claim glory for herself by sailing with the Argonauts and facing many deadly foes along the way. This, however, is not her destiny and Orphia will have to decide how far she is willing to go for love.

If you know me then you know I love a good Greek mythology retelling and one of my favorite myths is about Orpheus and Eurydice. Elyse John handles her re-telling of the myth with such care and passion. The prose is as gorgeous as it is blunt at times, balancing the idealistic romance of two poets and the reality of power imbalance between men and women. Too often, women-centered stories force the main female character to choose between love and herself. It is nice to see Elyse John strive for a story where Orphia and Eurydicius love and support each other in equal measure. With that being said, the novel still holds true to the original tragedy of the myth. It is a story of love, perseverance, identity, and empowerment. I loved everything about this novel and I sincerely think that you will love Orphia and Eurydicius too.

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The others call me mad. As I have said, that may be true: Reviewing The Well of Ascension (Book 2 of the Mistborn Saga) by Brandon Sanderson

Hey everyone! How are you all doing? I hope you are doing well, despite it all. Before I get into this review, feel free to check out all of my previous reviews of Brandon Sanderson’s other books. I am still working my way through Wind and Truth. Bear with me because I am only about at the halfway point. I, however, have the first book in the Wax and Wayne series/the second half of the Mistborn Saga ready to go. Sanderson sure knows how to crank these books out. With that being said, let’s talk about The Well of Ascension.

Content Warning: Violence, Intense Battle Scenes, Discussions of Sexual Assault, Some Graphic Depictions of Injuries

The Lord Ruler is dead. The battle for Luthadel rages on. Elend Venture holds a tentative grip on the city as the newly crowned king. Vin struggles with her new title as the people’s savior. Multiple threats from inside and outside the city grow stronger and stronger with each passing day. The only chance for hope is a prophecy about the Well of Ascension, a source of incredible power. With everything crumbling down, hope is the only thing that stands between the people of Luthadel and the end of the world.

The Well of Ascension is as equally action-packed as it is bleak and bloody. Even the “quieter” parts of this book are relentless in their drama and intrigue. I appreciate how Sanderson doesn’t try to “soften” the harsh reality of the worlds he creates. There is much detail and depth that makes you as the reader want to uncover how everything in this world works. I also appreciate how the characters are far from perfect, but still endearing in their own ways. This book also spares no main characters which makes it all the more interesting. With that being said, dive into The Mistborn Saga as soon as you can this summer.

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Death is kind. It’s only life that holds suffering: Reviewing The Monster of Elendhaven by Jennifer Geisbrecht

Hi everyone! I promised I would be back soon and I kept my promise. Happy Memorial Day to my fellow Americans. As for everyone else, I hope you are having a good day. After this review, don’t be shocked if you don’t hear from me for a while because the other books I’m currently reading are pretty long. As much as I love long books, I am also an impatient person. That is why I needed a novella or two to throw into the mix. Regardless of that, I have something for you. So, let’s talk about The Monster of Elendhaven.

Content Warning: Violence and Gore, Disturbing Imagery, Strong Language

Elendhaven is a town shrouded in darkness, nestled between a black sea and a silver mountain. In the town lurks a monster named Johann who cannot die. He amuses himself by killing at a whim. One day, Johann meets a wealthy and reclusive man named Florian. Florian has a secret and a plan that he needs help with. Johann is more than happy to join him in his quest for vengeance. In doing so, he might finally find out the nature of his peculiar condition. With a sinister pact made, the two monsters plot to bring Elendhaven the bloody justice it deserves.

The Monster of Elendhaven is darkly funny and morbidly gripping with every page. The book felt much longer than its 159 pages and I mean that in a good way. Jennifer Geisbrecht manages to pack in so many interesting ideas and concepts into this fast-paced novella. At the heart of this book, though, is a twisted love story between two characters who only want to find their purpose in the world. I just loved the Gothic atmosphere and detailed (albeit gorey) descriptions that pain a vivid picture. Needless to say, this was such a fun and gross read that I am going to strongly recommend, especially if you need to get out of a reading slump.