estora book blogger
Reviews
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Fracture: Shattered Numbers I by R. Sinclair
Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Straightforward Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Descriptive
Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down Emotional Response: Strong emotions
Thought Provoking: Did some research after reading
Cover: Matches the story well The plot had me on high alert every single page as I experienced everything from joy to grief to horror to terror to amusement and then back to existential horror. A master-class in "show don't tell". Reviewed on |
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Queen of Blood by Nicola Zhang
Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Straightforward Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Descriptive
Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down Emotional Response: Strong emotions
Thought Provoking: Did some research after reading
Cover: Matches the story well This is a brutal book. If you thought the characters went through it in the first two, then Queen of Blood raises the bar again. The brutality of war is not shied away from. [The] prose during battle scenes... is stunning. Reviewed on |
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Prince of Dawn (Book 1 of the Celestia Trilogy) by Nicola Zhang
Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Straightforward Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Descriptive
Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down Emotional Response: Strong emotions
Thought Provoking: Did some research after reading
Cover: Adequately represents the story While Prince of Dawn was a full and satisfying narrative, there are still many challenges and uncertainties in the future for Anden, River, Colleen, and another character who I think will become a much larger player going forward. War is brewing, and I’m on the edge of my seat. Reviewed on |
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Valley of Secrets by H. L. Moore
Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Straightforward Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Descriptive
Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down Emotional Response: Strong emotions
Thought Provoking: Did some research after reading
Cover: Matches the story well Reviewed on |
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The Death Bringer (The Tharassas Cycle Book 4) by J. Scott Coatsworth
Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Straightforward Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Descriptive
Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down Emotional Response: Strong emotions
Thought Provoking: Did some research after reading
Cover: Matches the story well I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, that my favourite part of the series is the worldbuilding. Coatsworth seamlessly integrates science fiction and fantasy, and the blend results in a world that is incredibly alien and yet hauntingly familiar. Reviewed on |
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The Hencha Queen (The Tharassas Cycle Book 3) by J. Scott Coatsworth
Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Straightforward Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Descriptive
Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down Emotional Response: Strong emotions
Thought Provoking: Did some research after reading
Cover: Adequately represents the story My favourite part of this series is unquestionably the worldbuilding. With each revelation – particularly through the little AI companion “Spin”, whose past comes into full focus – we learn more about the world and pieces of the puzzle begin to slide into place. Reviewed on |
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The Gauntlet Runner (The Tharassas Cycle Book 2) by J. Scott Coatsworth
Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Straightforward Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Descriptive
Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down Emotional Response: Strong emotions
Thought Provoking: Did some research after reading
Cover: Adequately represents the story Where the first book was mostly set-up, The Gauntlet Runner is packed with adventure and moments of danger for our beloved heroes on their perilous journeys. The worldbuilding continues to be truly fascinating, and things have only just gotten started. Reviewed on |
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The Dragon Eater (The Tharassas Cycle Book 1) by J. Scott Coatsworth
Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Straightforward Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Descriptive
Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: Did some research after reading
Cover: Adequately represents the story Coatsworth’s talent undeniably lies in worldbuilding. Alien artifacts! Monsters! World-altering revelations! This is an alien world rich in history. It reads initially like a fantasy novel, but the more we learn...you realise that this is actually a sci-fi novel. Reviewed on |
