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There is consolation in dying in the pursuit of justice, no matter how small or big that death is: Reviewing The Dungeon Anarchist’s Cookbook (Book 3 of the Dungeon Crawler Carl Series) by Matt Dinniman

Hi everyone! Let’s skip the pleasantries and get right into this review. If you haven’t seen my reviews for the first two books in the DCC series, please check those out. Now, let’s talk about the third book in the Dungeon Crawler Carl series.

Content Warning: Violence, Gore, Crude Humor, Explicit Language

Not so long ago, Earth was colonized by a powerful group of aliens and turned into the set of their most popular survival show, Dungeon Crawler World. Carl and Donut have been pretty lucky so far, but nothing could have prepared them for the third floor. The Iron Tangle is the most complicated railway system in the galaxy. Trains of all sorts zip along on impossible tracks. Monsters lurk in every car, and there are only so many ways to escape. Luckily for Carl and Donut, they have the popularity and skills to survive even the toughest situations, and they’ll need all of the luck they can get. Along with all of the other enemies, they now have bounties on their heads. Not even their fellow crawlers can be trusted. The key to surviving all of this could be hidden in a silly little cookbook.

Out of the three books I have read thus far, The Dungeon Anarchist’s Cookbook has been the most fun. I love the setting and appreciate Matt Dinniman explaining that it is purposefully confusing. I think what worked for this book most was that there was little to no exposition about the new floor. Previously, I had praised the first two books for utilizing exposition effectively, but the lack of reasoning or any sort of logic made it all the more fun. This book is not all fun and games, though. Dinniman does a good job sprinkling in hints at Carl’s backstory, among other tragedies that are hidden within the bizarre world of this novel. I also appreciated the new side characters, like Katia. I’m interested to see what the new group dynamic will be in book four. With all of that being said, I’m hooked on the Dungeon Crawler Carl series and cannot wait to see what kind of nonsense is in the next book.

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You’re the wind. You’re the stars. You are all endless things: Reviewing The Lost Metal (Book 7 of the Mistborn Saga) by Brandon Sanderson

Hey everyone! I hope you are all doing well since I last posted. I am very excited to (kind of) wrap up this series. I highly suggest that you check out my reviews of the other books in the Mistborn series. More than likely, this will be my last review of a Brandon Sanderson novel for a bit. Good news, though: it looks like this series will be adapted into a TV series in the near future. Needless to say, I’m very excited for that. Now, without further preamble, let’s talk about the last book in the Wax and Wayne saga.

Content Warning: Violence, Some Disturbing Imagery

In the years since the Bands of Mourning had been discovered, tensions have slowly grown in Elendel. Waxillium Ladrian has shifted his focus to politics, but finds himself being met with resistance at every turn. Detective Marasi Colms and Wayne are investigating the mysterious stockpiles of food and weapons being sent to the Outer City of Bilming. All the while, the Set continue to spread their corruption throughout the city, even influencing the Elendel Senate. The Set, though, have a greater and more destructive plan. Wax and his wife Steris discover a new type of explosive that the Set already have access to. They soon learn that the Set plan on destroying Elendel for their god, Trell. With everything they have ever cared about at stake, Wax and his crew must fight against forces beyond their comprehension to save the world as they know it.

The final book in this era of the Mistborn saga is a satisfying, albeit bittersweet, ending to an interesting and action-packed story arc. As always, Brandon Sanderson delivers an exciting plot and plenty of tense, well-written fight scenes. When you get to the last 40% of a Sanderson novel, you have no choice but to lock in and lose yourself to the ebb and flow of the relentless plot. With that being said, this novel is a bit of a slow burn in the beginning. While there are plenty of great character moments, it does take a bit for all of the built-up plot points to come together. When it did come together, it was incredibly satisfying. Sanderson has always demonstrated attention to detail, and The Last Metal has plenty of those moments. The book, though, is not without emotional weight. A lot of the intense action scenes could have easily just been that- cool action scenes. Sanderson, however, uses those moments as important character development. There are certainly some emotional moments in this book, but I will not talk about those because I don’t want to spoil anything. I think it goes without saying that I was satisfied with the Wax and Wayne saga. I will continue to highly recommend the Mistborn saga to anyone looking for a compelling fantasy series.

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To love is to devour: Reviewing House of Hunger by Alexis Henderson

Hey everyone! I hope you are all doing well. I’m coming back with yet another horror novel. I know I should save these for fall, but I’m in the mood for something a little spooky. It has been a while, but I have reviewed a different novel by Alexis Henderson. If you want to, feel free to check out my review of The Year of the Witching. But now, let’s talk about House of Hunger

Content Warning: Violence, Disturbing Imagery, Sexual Content, Explicit Language, Substance Abuse, Abusive Relationships

Marion Shaw has spent her entire life struggling to survive. Her menial job as a housemaid pays next to nothing, and her brother spends what little he earns on drugs. One day, Marion spots the opportunity to change her life. She decides she will become a bloodmaid, a young woman whose only purpose is to provide her blood to nobles. In exchange, a bloodmaid gets to live a life of luxury. Marion seizes the offer and travels to the North. When she arrives, she meets the mysterious Lizavet, the Countess of the House of Hunger. Underneath the glamor and riches, a dark secret lurks in the walls. Marion must discover what’s truly happening in the House of Hunger before she and her fellow bloodmaids are consumed by something far more dangerous than they could have ever imagined.

House of Hunger is tense, Gothic horror with plenty of intrigue and thrills. If you know me, you know I love a classic Gothic horror that takes place in a mysterious manor. Alexis Henderson perfectly captures the best parts of Gothic horror, while incorporating plenty of steamy scenes and interesting twists. While this book is not about vampires, it is certainly vampire-adjacent and could easily appeal to any fans of classics like Dracula and Carmilla. Speaking of Carmilla, this novel is undeniably sapphic and presents a whole host of compelling female characters. I had such a hard time putting down this book and devoured it (pun intended). I don’t want to say too much more because I don’t want to give away anything else. Go read House of Hunger ASAP!

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If it used to be okay, but it’s not okay anymore, then maybe you should do something about it: Reviewing Carl’s Doomsday Scenario (Book 2 of the Dungeon Crawler Carl Series) by Matt Dinniman

Hello everyone! I promised I would be back, didn’t I? If you want, you can check out my review of the first book in this series, Dungeon Crawler Carl. After this, I’m planning to finish the Mistborn Saga, and then I’ll be reading more standalone books for a bit. I’m holding off on getting any new books for a little bit because I need to finish what I have. I have no self-control when it comes to buying books. You all understand. Now, it’s time to talk about Carl’s Doomsday Scenario.

Content Warning: Violence, Gore, Crude Humor, Strong Language, Disturbing Imagery

Aliens have taken over Earth and have turned it into their own personal TV show: Dungeon Crawler World. Carl, an ex-Coast Guard engineer, and Princess Donut, his ex-girlfriend’s cat (the cat talks now), have quickly become the fan favorites across the galaxy. Now on dungeon level three, they face a whole host of new challenges and quests. This level, known as the Over City, is a cesspit for all kinds of dark magic. A cursed circus lies on the outside of the border. Dead women have been falling from the sky. All the while, a curse of unimaginable power is slowly growing stronger. Carl and Donut are the unlucky crawlers tasked with solving these mysteries. Only (a very limited) amount of time will tell if they can save the city and if Carl will finally get pants.

Carl’s Doomsday Scenario was a pleasant surprise as far as this series goes. I know it’s only book two, but I quickly saw a major difference between this book and its predecessor. The best compliment I can give this book is that it is more subversive than I thought it would be. Most of the book was a fun and energetic adventure that involved a bunch of weird creatures and shenanigans. The last third of the book, though, was surprisingly gruesome. Despite all of the strangeness of the book and the crude humor, there is heart to it and a message about not letting oppressive systems destroy one’s hope. It’s not cheesy, which I appreciate. Matt Dinniman clearly has a vision and a strong narrative voice throughout these books, which makes me appreciate them. There’s a good balance between the absurdity of the plot and the self-awareness of the prose itself. In conclusion, this series has quickly grown on me and I look forward to reading more of Dungeon Crawler Carl.

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How do you untangle madness from reality?: Reviewing The Starving Saints by Caitlin Starling

Hi everyone! I hope you are all doing well. The weather is finally nice, and I am eager to begin my summer reading. There are a ton of books coming out this year that I am so excited to read. Before I get to those, though, I must get through what I have. This is now the second time I have reviewed a novel by Caitlin Starling. You can check out my review for The Death of Jane Lawrence. Now, its time to talk about her newest novel: The Starving Saints.

Content Warning: Violence, Gore, Disturbing Imagery, Sexual Content

It has been six months since Aymar Castle has been under siege. Food has become scarce, and people are growing desperate. Phosyne, a young and skeptical nun, has been tasked by the king to perform a miracle to feed his people. The king’s most loyal knight, a terrifying woman named Voyne, doubts that this nun can accomplish such a feat but must watch her to ensure that she at least tries to help them. Meanwhile, a young woman named Treila is torn between escape and vengeance. Just as everything seems entirely hopeless, the most divine Constant Lady and her fellow saints arrive at Aymar. They promise salvation and relief from the famine. Phosyne, Voyne, and Treila all suspect that this is not the miracle that the people have sought for so long. As the castle descends into madness, the women must figure out if they can save everyone or else be consumed by the darkness spreading throughout the land.

Let me begin with a few compliments. The Starving Saints has such an interesting concept and aesthetic that immediately intrigues the reader. The novel was well-written, doing an excellent job capturing the visceral horror of cannibalism. I like the religious aspect of the horror, too. With all of that being said, I simply couldn’t enjoy The Starving Saints. It felt entirely too long for me. All of the interpersonal drama was entirely too dragged out and the horor wasn’t showcased in a way that made it interesting. For me, the novel was missing out on plenty of key moments that needed something shocking. I also felt that the novel was lacking the necessary ambiguity that comes with horror. It was immediately apparent that the saints were the villains, and it took away any suspense. They were also entirely too corporeal as antagonists. There was nothing compelling about them and I was mostly annoyed at how cartoonishly evil they were at times. The protagonists weren’t much better. I enjoyed the dynamic between Phosyne and Voyne, but Treila felt superfluous to me. There was a romance subplot that felt too forced to me. It just muddied what could have been a compelling storyline about being torn between duty and survival. I was also annoyed by world buildig because there was no real explanation or speculation as to who or what actually showed up at castle. Overall, I wasn’t satisfied with The Starving Saints. I am not going to say to not read it, but just know that I didn’t feel it was an enjoyable reading experience.

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Without law, there’s no freedom: Reviewing The Bands of Mourning (Book 6 in the Mistborn Saga) by Brandon Sanderson

Hi everyone! I hope you are all doing well. I, sadly, have come down with some sort of illness. When my eyes stopped watering and I stopped sneezing, I took the opportunity to finish the penultimate book in the Mistborn saga. Before you read this review, check out my reviews of the previous books in this series. Now, let’s talk about The Bands of Mourning.

Content Warning: Violence, Some Disturbing Imagery

Legend has it that the Bands of Mourning, a powerful set of metalminds once owned by the Lord Ruler, still exist. Anyone who wields these artifacts would be granted immense power. Most people regarded this as a myth…until recently. Waxillium Ladrian receives proof that the Bands may very well be real. Not only that, but he has proof that his sister Telsin is alive and being held captive. With the help of Wayne, Marasi, Sterris, and MeLaan, Wax sets out on a journey to New Seran to find the Bands. He is not the only one looking for them. It is a race against time to stop the Bands from falling into the wrong hands.

The Bands of Mourning is a fun, fast-paced adventure with so many interesting story elements. I realize that this sounds a lot like my previous reviews of Sanderson’s books, but it holds true. I can’t help but be reminded of movies like Indiana Jones and The Mummy (1999), which is why I have a slight nostalgic bias towards these books. With that being said, I continue to appreciate the pacing of this series. Sanderson is great at making his worlds feel new and exciting with each story. Everything feels cohesive and holistic, which I appreciate greatly when it comes to fantasy novels. I also appreciate the fun moments where we are given insight into the characters’ minds. Some fantasy novels sacrifice one element for another, but this book was balanced throughout. There were some great emotional moments as well. I don’t want to go into too much detail because that will involve spoilers. I am excited and hesitant to read the last book because I have enjoyed this series so much. I highly recommend that you partake in this series too.

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It is not a lesson, until we learn it. It is not a story, until we tell it. And every story serves someone: Reviewing The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow

Hi everyone! I hope you are all doing well. It always feels like I take too long between my reviews. I am sure no one else cares, except me. I, however, have a desperate need to share my book-related opinions with anyone willing to listen. With that being said, I want to thank you for perusing my little blog. I always appreciate your support. Before we talk about this book, feel free to check out my other reviews of Alix E. Harrow’s novels. Now, let’s talk about The Everlasting.

Content Warning: Graphic Violence, Sexual Content, Some Strong Language

Thousands of years ago, a legendary knight called Sir Una Everlasting freed the people of Dominion and helped her queen establish one of the most powerful countries that the world had ever seen. Thousands of years later, a young academic named Owen Mallory dedicates his life to studying her legacy. Just as he starts to give up on his research, Owen finds a mysterious book on his desk and a promise that will change his life forever. The book sends him back in time – and right into the path of Una Everlasting. His task is to ensure that Una meets her tragic fate. Owen, however, falls deeply in love with Una. He decides that he can rewrite history and save the woman he loves.

Oh my gosh, I don’t even know where to begin with this book. I was absolutely obsessed with The Everlasting from page one. It’s a sweeping tale of romance, realization, tragedy, and bravery. It’s hard to enjoy a “romantasy” when the market is flooded with so many copy-and-paste love stories. Alix E. Harrow throws all of those preconceived notions out the window and presents something significantly more compelling. The Everlasting explores themes of legacy, colonialism, and imperialism with a deft hand. Harrow does an amazing job balancing such heavy themes throughout the narrative. The story also reckons with questions about fate and destiny, and if it means anything in the end. At the heart of this novel, though, is a beautiful and tragic love story between two people who are displaced by the world at large. I simply could not get enough of this book. I was kicking my feet and giggling one moment, and the next moment I was deeply upset because I had no idea how everything was going to be resolved. The time travel/time loop portion of the novel is intergrated so cleverly and it made everything all the more interesting. All I want is something different and Harrow delievered that and then some. I simply cannot express how much I loved this book. Go read The Everlasting ASAP! You won’t regret it!

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Fortunately, some things stay true whether we believe in them or not: Reviewing Snake-Eater by T. Kingfisher

Hello everyone! I hope you are all doing well and reading plenty of good books. I’ve been feeling more motivated to complete a book in one sitting, instead of hopping from book to book. As for this review, this will be the eighth book that I have read by T. Kingfisher. I finally got a copy of What Stalks the Deep, so I can finally wrap up that trilogy. There will probably be more Kingfisher books in the future. I’m just a tad obsessed at the moment. I feel like that’s enough rambling for now. Let’s talk about Snake-Eater.

Content Warning: Mild Sexual Content, Some Strong Language, Discussions of Religious Psychosis, Fantastical Violence, Animal Death

After losing her mom and breaking up with her partner, Selena decides it’s time for a fresh start. With nothing but a suitcase and her loyal dog, she buys a ticket to the small town of Quartz Creek, where she hopes to reunite with her aunt Amelia. Unfortunately, Selena finds out that her aunt has passed away. She is, however, the sole heir to her aunt’s humble home. Selena is hesitant to settle into this unfamiliar land, but she is quickly charmed by the desert landscape and the quirky residents of Quartz Creek. That isn’t the only thing special about this small town. Selena begins to encounter strange beings and has bizarre dreams of a man with strange eyes. Through her aunt’s journals, Selena learns that she had a relationship with a spirit called the Snake-Eater. Now, Snake-Eater has become obsessed with Selena and refuses to let her go.

One thing I love about T. Kingfisher is her ability to take conventional narratives and flip them on their heads. I initially thought that Snake-Eater was going to be a monster/human romance novel. Instead, it’s a story of found family and learning to embrace oneself. Kingfisher consistently writes realistic female characters who have strong character arcs. Selena’s anxious tendencies were relatable and understandable from a reader’s perspective. I also particularly enjoyed the side characters in this novel. Kingfisher effortlessly incorporates a diverse array of characters that feel just as realistic as her main characters. Of course, there’s also the well-crafted fantasy elements. Kingfisher always creates such fun mythologies, and Snake-Eater is no exception. The desert setting is so atmospheric and feels so alive throughout the narrative. I loved this book. I am begging you to start reading T. Kingfisher immediately. Snake-Eater isn’t a bad place to start.

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Power is not given. It is taken: Reviewing I, Medusa by Ayana Gray

Hi everyone! I hope you are doing wonderfully. I don’t have a ton to say before beginning this review. If you have been keeping up with my blog, you might note that this is not the first retelling of the myth of Medusa that I have read. You can check out my review of Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes. It is time, however, for a new take on the classic myth of Medusa. With that being said, it’s time to talk about I, Medusa.

Content Warning: Discussions and Depictions of Misogyny, Sexual Assault, Consensual Sexual Content, Violence, Some Gore, Domestic Abuse

Meddy is the youngest daughter of two minor sea gods. She is also the only mortal in her family. Meddy has spent her whole life on her family’s island, wondering if there was anything for her outside of her sheltered life. When Meddy catches the eye of the goddess Athena, she finds herself presented with an opportunity she had never dreamed of before. She is sent to Athens to train to be one of Athena’s priestesses. Athena, though, is not the only god drawn to Medusa. Poseidon, the king of the ocean, irrevocably alters Medusa’s fate. With snakes for hair and eyes that turn men to stone, Medusa must reckon with her new purpose and decide who she is before anyone else can.

I, Medusa is a refreshing take on a myth that has been told time and time again. Ayana Gray provides an exceptionally crafted narrative that stands out in the sea of Greek myth retellings. Gray’s Medusa is a young woman struggling to figure out where she fits in the world. She is easy to sympathize with and relatable in many of her decisions. The prose is elegant, but painfully honest when it needs to be. This story is a tragic one, with complex characters and characters whom I simply couldn’t stand. That is a testament to Gray’s writing. The best retellings are the ones that make you dread the ending even if you already know it. I was dragging my feet reading this because I didn’t want to be sad, if I’m being honest. With that being said, this was a beautifully written tragedy. I am going to strongly recommend this novel. Go pick it up immediately. You won’t regret it.

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But I’ll find a way, because I need to, and I’ll walk barefoot through hell for what I need: Reviewing Starling House by Alix E. Harrow.

Hi everyone! I hope you are all doing well. I’ve been dragging my feet a bit to review new books. Instead, I’ve made a point to re-read some of my favorites. I re-read Wuthering Heights in spite of the newest movie adaptation, and I’ve re-read Project Hail Mary because I’m excited for the new movie adaptation. I plan to reread Jane Eyre because it’s been a while, and I plan to reread The Odyssey because I am tentatively excited about the movie adaptation coming out this summer. All of that is neither here nor there, though. You are all here for my newest review. I have been meaning to read another Alix Harrow book since I read The Once and Future Witches some time ago. Feel free to check out that review. After so long, I am finally delving back into the world of Harrow. With that being said, let’s talk about Starling House.

Content Warning: Fantastical Violence, Sexual Content, Discussions and Depictions of Racism, Discussions and Depictions of Hate Crimes, Discussions and Depictions of Slavery, Strong Language, Forced Marriage, Domestic Abuse, Incest

The small, simple town of Eden, Kentucky, hides a dark secret. Among the failing businesses and coal mines, Starling House waits with darkness in its many rooms. No one would dare approach this home. Opal, though, isn’t just anyone. She dreams of the house every night and finds herself insatiably curious about why Starling House is seemingly calling to her. Starling House also just so happens to be the former home of Eleanor Starling, the author of Opal’s favorite childhood book, The Underland. When Opal is allowed to finally know the secrets of Starling House and earn money for her brother’s education, she jumps at the opportunity. Unfortunately for her, that means dealing with the manor’s enigmatic and standoffish owner, Arthur Starling. The longer she spends in Starling House, the more Opal learns about the true history that lies beneath the home. For once, Opal won’t run away. Instead, she’ll fight for a chance to finally live and overcome her own dark past.

Starling House is a darkly fun blend of Gothic vibes, fairy-tale allusions, and magical realism. I saw many different story elements here, such as Beauty and the Beast, the myth of Hades and Persephone, and a dark take on Alice in Wonderland. All of this is wrapped up in an interesting (albeit dark) story of American history. It is a bit of a slow burn, but that helps establish that dark atmosphere that seeps through every page of this novel. I appreciate Harrow’s sharp, atmospheric prose and her talent for building tension. Her characters are complex and endearing. I particularly enjoyed Opal’s bravery, wit, and kindness. She made for a compelling heroine and the ideal underdog. I also appreciated that the story was pleasantly unpredictable. I didn’t know where the story was going, and that was what made it such an enjoyable experience. There weren’t any sharp plot twists or intense reveals, but I didn’t know what to expect, which made it all the more fun. I think you can guess my overall thoughts at this point. I definitely recommend Starling House and plan on reading more Harrow books in the near future.