The descriptive writing style gradually reveals a fascinating world filled with cutthroat politics, diverse creatures, and a creative magic system. While the intricate world-building details cause the first half of the story to drag, the writing is smooth and vivid, making it easy to get lost in the narrative. Only the occasional gore or sexual detail seemed off-putting and excessive.
4-stars
Book reviews with 4 star rating
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NEARLY ALL THE MEN IN LAGOS ARE MAD by Damilare Kuku
I was impressed by the different styles and perspectives used for each short story. These were smoothly executed, with light-hearted satire that made the book more entertaining, even though it did not make me laugh out loud. The cultural and setting details woven into the stories were also a great touch that I enjoyed.
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THE PRISONER’S THRONE by Holly Black
The casual, easy-to-follow writing style contains vivid descriptions that smoothly establish the fascinating world of Elfhame, with its various creatures and landscapes. The narrative is also presented from Oak’s witty point of view, which constantly brought a smile to my face, but I craved Suran’s perspective as well.
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THE SILVERBLOOD PROMISE by James Logan
Although I initially struggled to find the formal writing style and third-person narrative engaging, I was soon engrossed in the story due to the strong prose and wit. The world-building was also well-developed and fascinating, with a creative magic system, diverse creatures, and intricate politics.
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THE UNBROKEN by C. L. Clark
Though I found the third-person narrative slightly confusing, I loved the vibrant descriptions that brought the desert setting and complex world brimming with culture and brutal politics to life. However, the magic system was underwhelming, as it seemed to be a convenient plot device and was poorly explained.
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HOW TO SOLVE YOUR OWN MURDER by Kristen Perrin
The picturesque writing style smoothly creates an atmospheric narrative and setting. Alternating chapters between past and current events are also skillfully used to deliver crucial backstories and add to the building tension across the story.
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THIEVES’ GAMBIT by Kayvion Lewis
Though the casual writing style and modern references initially seemed simplistic, it quickly grew on me as picturesque descriptions and details brought the action-packed story to life.
TWAS THE NIGHTSHIFT BEFORE CHRISTMAS by Adam Kay
The dry humour I loved in This is Going to Hurt is once again woven into the anecdotes in this book, though some punchlines fall flat. The cleverly written stories also have just enough details and context to make them clear and easy to follow.