Unapologetic Reviews

To Touch a Silent Fury is the first book in R.A. Sandpiper’s brand-new duology, The Bride of Eavenfold. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this one, so thank you to the author for the chance to dive in early. This is probably her longest book yet, and it’s set in a fresh new universe, separate from her previous series. The world is built around the number five—five seasons, lives measured in five cycles, five kingdoms tied to the five senses. It’s an imaginative, intricate system that feels coherent and alive. The main character, Tani, is born Moontouched. She looks a bit like an albino; her skin is pale, hair white, but her eyes are completely white. Children like her are sent away around the age of ten to an isolated island, but she is special: she’s the only girl on an island full of men. When we meet her she awaits her Fate, they key to unlocking the full potential of her powers. Lang’s chapters balance out Tani’s isolation perfectly. Where she is cut off and vulnerable, he i...

I finally finished my ARC copy of A Claiming of Souls by R. A. Sandpiper. This is the final part of her Amefyre trilogy, and it was a satisfying conclusion to a great series. (Also, just FYI—there’s a companion novella!) The ending was genuinely unpredictable. I usually have a good sense of where stories are going, but this one kept me guessing—so kudos to the author. I really enjoyed the story in this final book. A lot was happening, and there was even a little callback to the novella, which I appreciated. There were some surprising moments throughout. Suri’s new powers were used really well—I liked that they didn’t make her feel overpowered or invincible. She still had real moral dilemmas to face and discovered a lot about herself. Her arc was deeply satisfying; she truly developed as a character while still staying true to who she was at her core. Kol, the other main character, wasn’t as prominent in this instalment. He was present, but he didn’t stand out as much this time. Anothe...

I listened to Shari Franke's The House of My Mother as an audiobook, narrated by the author herself. It was a mixed experience. In the early chapters—where she describes her mother, Ruby’s childhood and their family’s early years—her reading felt distant, almost detached. Since Shari wasn’t part of that story, it came across as a recitation rather than storytelling. However, once the focus shifted to her own experiences, her narration became more engaging. Shari is careful not to tell her siblings' stories beyond what directly overlaps with her own, which is intentional and respectful. The only sibling she delves into is her brother Chad, and honestly, I felt bad for him at times. She recounts life before the cameras, the YouTube years, and what happened after their family’s channel declined—suddenly and dramatically, about halfway through the book. At that point, I thought, OK, so what’s the rest of the book going to be about? I couldn’t help but compare it to two other memoir...

I listened to Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao as an audiobook. The narrator was excellent, though Hana’s voice was sometimes a bit too breathy. That aside, her performance was enjoyable—especially the way she voiced the male characters. Let me warn you: the book’s blurb is misleading. It describes a whimsical, magical journey through a mystical world, making it sound light, cosy, and happy. It’s not. This book is emotional, raw, and deeply unsettling. It forces you to think, reflect, and question everything. It’s best experienced as an audiobook because, while you’re listening to the story, you can’t help but reflect on your own life. It’s like having two narrations running at once: the story’s journey of self-discovery and your own. You find yourself wondering about all the choices you’ve made—whether they were right, wrong, or simply inevitable. I finished the book just moments ago, and I haven’t stopped crying. Half of me doesn’t even know why. Japanese fiction always does this ...

Agatha Christie's Five Little Pigs was written in the 1940s, so it's a rather old book—but that's true of pretty much all of Agatha Christie's books. I actually tried to read this book once before. Funny thing: when I was in high school, I had a summer of reading Agatha Christie. I didn't just read Poirot and Miss Marple, but I also read Tommy and Tuppence’s stories. I highly recommend them; I really love that duo. The best one was N or M?, which is actually more of a spy novel than anything else. That summer, I got most of my books from an antique store because they were very cheap there. The library didn’t really have Agatha Christie because it was considered lowbrow reading—not classic literature. The books I bought were old. My copy of Five Little Pigs was a misprint, missing parts of the story, so I never finished it. Plus, by the end of the summer, I had to switch back to reading the required school books, which were long and numerous. I got behind because of ...

I listened to Ally Carter's The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year as an audiobook. It is a blend of romance and mystery. I'm a huge fan of mysteries, especially the classic amateur detective story, but I'm not really a fan of romance. Still, I gave this a chance, as it was Christmas, and I wanted to read a book set during Christmas. Usually, I’m looking for a crime story that takes place during the holidays. I gave this book three stars because it was okay. It didn't blow me away; it wasn't terrible—it was just okay. The mystery has a couple of layers. The initial mystery in the story—well, the thing is, no one really cares about that part. The main characters do, but no one else seems to. Then there’s a secondary mystery, which was hard to figure out. The solution for that was... well, without spoiling it, let’s just say it really wasn’t what I thought it would be—in a bad way. Sometimes, a twist can work well if you don’t see it coming, but this felt like it was al...

The Answer is No is a short story by Fredrik Backman. It was translated by Elizabeth DeNoma from Swedish. So, this guy is a famous author, and I've never read any of his books because I normally don't read contemporary novels. But this just came out in December, and I saw it as a recommendation. I needed one last book to make my book count, which is only 20, mind you. It's 68 pages, and it was the end of December, so I was like, "Okay, let's give this a shot." The description said it's funny. I was actually pleasantly surprised by this short story. It talked about the absurdities of modern life in a very intelligent —and also funny way. I chuckled out loud several times while reading this. I also loved how it just started from one little event, and that led into this whole chain of events that culminated in the main character being in a different, but also very similar, space in the end. That was very interesting. The main character is called Lucas, and he...

I gave this book four stars. Although I’ve never read anything by Veronica Roth, I’ve always known her as the author of the Divergent series—which, frankly, isn’t my thing. I saw the movies and didn’t enjoy them much. But this novella? It’s a different story. One of its biggest strengths is the use of Eastern European mythology, especially Polish folklore. I loved how the mythical creatures seamlessly blended into the modern world. The fast-paced narrative also worked well for a novella, keeping it engaging and compact. That said, there were a few drawbacks. The present-tense narration felt jarring and unnatural, which made it hard to settle into the story. I kept hoping it would switch to past tense, and it sometimes did, but that didn't last. Another issue was the excessive descriptions. For a novella, there were just too many details—room layouts, herb lists, even comb counts. These slowed down the plot and felt like filler rather than substance. Despite these gripes, the core s...

An Air of Water is a prequel novella set in the Amefyre world, focusing on Viantha Waterborne. It’s an intriguing addition to the series, offering valuable backstory and hints that enhance the main storyline. While it stands alone as a self-contained tale, fans of the series will appreciate its connections to the larger narrative. The novella is set in winter, but don’t expect a cosy, festive vibe—this is no heartwarming Christmas story. It leans heavily into romance, which makes it more predictable than the main novels, but it’s still an enjoyable read. Viantha, a somewhat minor character in the main series, is fleshed out here, giving her depth, and explaining a lot of her actions. This development leads me to believe she’ll play a larger role in the next book. Her brother also makes an appearance... While the novella is well-crafted, I feel R.A. Sandpiper’s writing shines brighter in full-length novels, where the expansive world-building and intricate plots have more room to unfold...

A Promise of Blood is the second book in the Amefyre series and continues Suri's journey through an increasingly complex world. This instalment takes her to more places than the first, expanding the scope and depth of the story. The novel picks up where the previous book left off, and for a significant portion, we remain in that initial setting. Without revealing spoilers, I’ll say that during this time, Suri finally gets some much-needed rest and nourishment, which was a relief. We’re also introduced to key characters who play larger roles in this book, and we learn much more about Cole’s backstory. The opening section is slower-paced than the first book, and I found it a bit challenging to get through at times. However, the slower pace had a purpose, and I appreciated the character development it allowed. Interestingly, Suri herself starts to feel restless in this setting, leading her to make some questionable decisions. Second books in a series often feel like filler, serving a...

R.A. Sandpiper's A Pocket of Lies is a fantasy book. The story follows Suri, a young woman navigating a world filled with gods, politics, and danger as she uncovers secrets about herself and her place in this complex world. There's not much romance in it, which I was very glad about. There's some smut, but it never happens within a love relationship. The story takes place in a completely different world, one filled with old gods, new gods, poverty, wealthy rulers, kings, and regions with distinct politics. It's a very rich and immersive world. I really appreciated the depth and how distinct their culture felt. The characters wore different clothes, and even accents were mentioned at one point. Let’s talk about the writing. It was... nice. Not too flowery, which I liked, but not too plain either. There were a few parts where I found it hard to understand what was happening, but this wasn’t consistent. Some fight scenes were very well done—I could picture them easily—but ...

3.5 stars. A Whisper of Death is a book by Darcy Burke, and it's the first book in the Raven and Wren series. It's set in Victorian London, and for the most part, it's a historical mystery. However, there is a supernatural element. Let's start with the writing. The writing style is reminiscent of Victorian speech, fitting for an author who’s spent years writing historical romance. I enjoyed the language—it gave the story a sense of immersion that a more modern tone wouldn’t have. Next, let's have a look at the characters. We start with Hadrian Ravenhurst, a forward-thinking lord in Parliament, rich, powerful, and one of the most important people in society. To anyone who's read the synopsis, it will not come as a surprise that in the first chapter he's attacked by a man, and this results in him gaining an unusual ability. I can't tell you much about Lord Ravenhurst's personality. He's the male protagonist. He has a sense of righteousness, and he...

What a let-down! I love a good mystery and the set-up sounded great. Murders in a resort? I love it when people's holidays get ruined like that! Hotels, beaches, cruise ships, that's my favourite setting. That's pretty much the only thing I liked about it though. I ended up giving up at 43%, then looked for the solution and wanted to see if that would make me want to read the stuff in between, but it didn't. The solution just solidified my resolve to not finish this. I'll start with my biggest issue. Ellery, the main character. We're in her head. Third person limited. I don't mind that usually, but it wasn't a pleasant head to be inside. She's going through a divorce and the guy already has a girlfriend. I could understand anger, but she's wallowing in pain like the guy wasn't an AH. Page after page of "my marriage has ended and I'm lonely" in the most melodramatic way possible. We even get the lying in bed sobbing scene. I. Don...

My rating: 3 of 5 stars Columbus Day by Craig Alanson is a sci-fi novel that explores a sudden alien invasion and the subsequent alliance between humans and aliens. While the concept is intriguing, my feelings about the book are mixed. The story revolves around an unexpected alien invasion and humanity's efforts to ally with the aliens. This premise, as revealed in the book's synopsis, initially drew me in. However, certain parts, especially the detailed military descriptions, felt tedious and detracted from my overall enjoyment. These sections about procedures and preparations were uninteresting to me, perhaps because I don't have a particular interest in military topics. The characters are where I have the most mixed feelings. The protagonist, Joe, is an average American with a strong moral compass but otherwise quite ordinary. His nonchalant attitude towards many situations felt off and difficult to relate to. Additionally, there's a character named Skippy who, while...

In "Newcomer" by Keigo Higashino, I found myself immersed in a captivating blend of mystery and family dynamics. This isn't your typical detective story—it's a masterfully crafted collection of interconnected tales intricately woven into a larger narrative. The brilliance lies in how Higashino seamlessly integrates small mysteries within the broader context, creating a rich tapestry of characters and relationships. What sets "Newcomer" apart is the emphasis on family. The characters grapple with familial complexities, and Detective Kaga's keen observations shed light on the profound search for family connections. There are no great scandals in this story, just very real relationships between people and family members. The novel is not just a whodunit but a reflective exploration of human bonds. The main mystery gradually unfolds and gains focus in the narrative, with the final solution slowly coming into focus. The last chapter gives a satisfying conclus...

"Malice" by Keigo Higashino takes readers on a captivating journey through the intricate web of a murder mystery, offering a fresh perspective for those diving into Japanese mysteries for the first time. The author's simplistic writing style, devoid of unnecessary embellishments, becomes a strength, catering to readers with a preference for concise narratives, making it an ideal fit for my ADHD mind. The brisk pace of the narrative ensures that there is never a dull moment. From the outset, we are introduced to the mind of Nonoguchi, skillfully setting the stage for the unfolding drama. Detective Kaga's perspective adds to Nonoguchi's account and provides a different perspective on events. Eventually, Kaga's narrative dominates the story, however, to expand on that would contain spoilers. What sets "Malice" apart is its ability to defy expectations. Approximately a quarter into the story, I encountered a twist that blindsided me. As someone who typic...

I finally enjoyed a book! I've been in quite the slump lately, DNFing books, dragging my heels reading a book. This one I started reading on the bus. Not a lot of time to read when you have a newborn and an online university. This book dragged me in and wouldn't let go. I stole a minute here, an hour there. I read while feeding my son, preparing formula... So what got me so hooked? This story isn't too complex. It's about a girl who's attending an elite university on a scholarship. Yes, there's magic, but you won't see spells flying around on campus, nor a Potions class. Magic here costs and the funds are limited. That's something I found unique about the magic system. Every spell costs a kind of money and how much you have a month depends on your worth. A division between rich and poor even in that. That's one of the themes of the story. Ren, our heroine, can be a bit of a cliché. She's poor, dead father; because we can't have a protagonist ...

Ruthless is about Dave Miscavige, as seen through the eyes of his dad. In some ways it’s an interesting book. It’s not solely about Dave, as Ron calls him. It’s actually about a couple of things. First of all, it’s about Ron himself. You do have to understand where he comes from, to understand his parenting, and his marriage. His first marriage was a tumultuous one. They fought a lot, and sometimes it turned violent. From his description it was the fault of both of them, but he does point out that maybe he saw it wrong. His wife, Loretta, died some years ago. I do applaud that he says that, because it could be easy to blame it on her, maybe her Italian temper, or that she wanted a kind of a man that he just wasn’t. However, he came from a place and an era when people often didn’t have the tools to resolve their marital problems. It’s partly in an effort to find a better way to communicate with his wife that he got into Scientology. Another aspect of this story is what Scient...

I really wanted to like this book, but it was a major disappointment. Let me tell you why. The setting is the same as the previous books, mostly taking place in the capital city. The difference is that in this case the main character isn’t a mortal, but actually one of the godlings, Sieh. He is the oldest and the first. I was actually excited to read from his point of view, because I liked him a lot in the first book. It’s hard to talk about this book without spoiling the major plot point, but I’ll try. He meets two children by chance, a brother and sister, both Arameri. He meets them several times, at a few points in their lives, until an incident happens that changes his life forever. Now, you may think this is a start of a great adventure of self-discovery. Herein lies my problem with the story. Things do happen. Here and there. In between those sporadic events though are lots and lots and lots and … did I mention … a lot of thinking. And talking. Then more thinking a...

First of all, having read the book, I still don’t really get the title. I mean, if the title has the word “kingdoms” in it, you expect intrigue, politics, conflict, that sort of thing. I’m trying to decipher a hidden meaning, and at the edge of my thoughts there is something that I cannot grasp, but it eludes me. No wonder I had a hard time even remembering the title. This, however, didn’t mean that the book was bad, it just means that I think the title was a poor choice. I actually enjoyed this book, though perhaps not as much as the first one. The reason for it was the ending. It almost seemed like it had this steady pacing up until a point, when the author realised she was coming up on her word limit, and suddenly tied everything up into this neat little bow. It felt off, but you’ll have to read it to understand it. It was an okay ending, but it was still weird. Now onto the story itself. This is a sequel of a kind. You still get some of the original characters, but they ...