Sometimes a book just doesn't hit right and I am trying to take back my time and power over these ones...I don't want to struggle through them, I just want to put them down - for now or for good.
The below notes are just my current feelings around these books - that does NOT mean that they were bad, I just wasn't feeling them. Feel free to pick them up!
In the Did Not Finish... vibe is off, might pick back up category...
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date: July 15, 2025
Goodreads Synopsis:
Deep in the forgotten city of the Deathless Kings, an ancient relic of untold power waits—for one bold enough to steal it.When seventeen-year-old Sparrow joined the Thieves Guild she made a vow of binding loyalty to their cause. So when a mission comes along from The Circle, a group of mysterious, dangerous beings who control the Thieves Guild from the shadows, Sparrow is determined to cement her place in the guild.What ensues is a death-defying adventure that has Sparrow and her band of thieves venturing into the heart of the forgotten city of the Deathless King. The fate of Sparrow, her companions, and Raithe, the enigmatic yet alluring assassin Sparrow is forced to join forces with during their quest, all hang in the balance as they find themselves battling ancient forces within the tombs and facing the unwavering hold of fate.Perfect for fans of Alexandra Bracken and Sabaa Tahir, this new fantasy trilogy from New York Times bestselling author Julie Kagawa will sweep readers into a bold and exciting new world, where a twisted game of destiny has far-reaching consequences.
I am a bit sad about this one, I wanted to love it and finish it, but I got through Part 1 ~50% done and just had no push to pick it up. At about the 15% mark I even bought the Audible edition (with my own $/credit) to see if that helped, and it did for a bit.
I think that this has a good story in it, I am just not fully invested. Sparrow the FMC is a thief/ rogue who is young but accomplished. However, these types of characters even when young generally have the trust no one attitude and she consistently says 'every man for themselves' but she doesn't quite get it and it gets her into trouble. So the character class lost me a bit. I also felt like there was more telling than showing, and I would have loved more showing because it seems like this world could be a really cool one.
I think I may grab this one again, just not at the moment - putting it on pause for the time being.
If you like video games like Assassins Creed and fantasy books - this could be for you.
In the Did Not Finish … and unlikely to pick back up category...
Publisher: Craig Montgomery
Publication Date: July 7, 2025
Goodreads Synopsis:
Some wounds never heal…It’s been a few months since Casper Bell saved Novilem from crumbling under the pressure of revolution. The dust hasn’t settled, and neither has his nerves. A strange sickness is spreading in the city, and Casper is having visions about the tower Jacob sent to the Surface. Helix convinces him to bring his concerns to the Estellar council, but Helix’s trust in the system backfires. They send the pair to the last place Casper wants to be: Earth.Casper’s past is right where he left it and corrupted aether still creeps on the streets of Chicago. When they find someone who is aether sick, it is clear they haven’t finished uncovering the council’s secrets.With their friends and family falling sick, the fragile peace in Novilem collapsing, and the council ready to abandon the home they have fought so hard to protect, Casper and Helix must confront their inner darkness before Novilem is lost forever.
Why I DNFed
No real fault of the author - but my ARC would not stay downloaded on my Kindle and it was driving me insane. Any time I wanted to read it would act like it never downloaded and queue up to download... then after multiple clicks finally let me into the book.
...That compounded with the fact that I was not really that invested in the characters or story, put this in the DNF pile. I enjoyed the first one and think that this one just fell at the wrong time for me.
I made it 23% in. At that point in the plot - we had covered most of the things noted in the synopsis - Casper a hero but having visions, no one taking them seriously, Helix loooooves him, and they go to Chicago for a bit and have to bring someone back because they have aether sickness. While it was flowing, I wasn't fully committed - sorry.
If you like a good sci-fi and are looking for some LGBTQ+ rep, this could be for you.
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