a_reader_obsessed's reviews
3099 reviews

Assassins Anonymous by Rob Hart

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adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Really, the blurb says it all.  Mark is this close to his one year anniversary of not having killed anyone.  However, a brute of a Russian makes an attempt on his life which spurs him to discover the whys of how he’s become a target after disappearing from the life of being the best assassin for over the past decade.  If he wants to continue his recovery, Mark needs answers, but things quickly spiral out of control as complications pile up.

Know that the plot is quick, the thrown wrenches hit hard as this alternates between Mark in the present trying to figure things out and the past showing how he arrives at his current predicament.  I was not once bored. I loved the struggle Mark goes through, seeing his world through a lens of paranoia and situational awareness, fighting a deeply ingrained instinct to kill to easily solve life’s problems.  The ingenuity he comes up with to avoid falling back into old patterns was entertaining to see as he’s basically operating with one hand tied behind his back.

So yes, this had plenty of violence, fights, chases, shady agencies, and rival assassins, all entwined with a plausible existential crisis about the moral dilemma that is Mark’s profession. I love me an assassin/mercenary story, and unlike most of these sorts of books, Hart brings a different perspective to his anti-hero that makes him very likable and sympathetic despite his deadly skill set.  Though this is serious in subject matter with some very tragic fallout, the best books that I enjoy the most always have a touch of fun factor and humor to them (and believe me, there's plenty of grim dark books regarding this genre who have none of that) which makes this stand out amongst the masses.

Peppered with pop culture references, Hart knows how to lure the reader through his propulsive writing.  So, if you want a slightly less flashy John Wick-esque tale full of action, suspense, betrayals, reveals, and the hope for some peace and redemption, then this right here is the answer.  Rob Hart is officially on my radar now, and I’ll be checking out previous and future works to come!

Thank you to the author and GP Putnam’s Sons via NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review
The Moon Run by Kathleen Contine

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adventurous tense fast-paced

3.0

I chose this book for the blurb.  I mean, what science fiction lover wouldn’t fall for a futuristic penultimate yearly race for a chance at glory of being the best? A race that lasts for days and has no rules?

Finley has been sidelined from doing said best due to a tragic accident that killed her copilot a year ago. When she’s reminded of her contract obligation to return to the high stakes arena, the last thing she expects is to be paired with Garis, the very guy who caused the accident.

This should’ve been a slam dunk.  I did enjoy the setting, the various characters, and the broad story arc, but in general, I felt a lot of nuance could have been added regarding the world building and the lure and background of this illustrious race.  I wanted more in-depth characterizations, more consequences, more answers.  In general, I wanted more specifics on every aspect of this story.

However, I loved the premise.  I enjoyed what was delivered.  I like that this is going to continue as a series.  Perhaps because several things were left nebulously, that is what will bring me back for the next installment as I feel this only scratched the surface of its huge potential.

Thank you to the author via NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review


The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley

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emotional funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

The Guncle is back and is still in fine form!

Again, I don’t want to go into too many details. What I will say is that often, sequels have an upward climb to maintain that glowing first feeling of the original and while completely understandable, the older Maisie and Grant weren’t as captivating as they were 5 years younger. I completely know that Rowley depicted these characters realistically but sullen and antagonistic (mostly on Maisie’s part) with an uphill battle to try and really engage these two dulled the shine for me a bit.

However, Rowley brings back Patrick’s trademark wit and snark (especially deployed against a new nemesis), and I was continuously charmed by his world weary view, his apt observations of love which he too, needs to embrace and employ.

The one constant in life is always change, and this continued commentary on grief was a poignant reminder of its effect on how people heal and evolve without those they loved dearly.

Overall, honestly, I never expected to get another book about Patrick and company, but if Rowley deigns to give us more, I’ll be here to read their next adventure!  Cheers to that wonderful ending!

Thank you to the author and GP Putnam’s Sons via NetGalley for a copy in exchange for a honest review 
Fire in the Heart by Hailey Turner

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adventurous emotional funny tense
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

Look. For me, Alexei and Sean are the top couple of this series, and their wedding and subsequent honeymoon is not something I would say no to.

Of course, this being Alexei and Sean, you know shenanigans are inevitable in terms of baddies, gunfights, and things exploding spectacularly. Toss in Prince Liam and grumpy MI6 agent Oliver that sets things up for their book, and I’m already there with my soda and popcorn!

Sexy, full of action, and found family. This was an obvious win!
The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen

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hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

In the spirit of <i>“You’ve Got Mail</i>, this was a sweet romantasy set in the Underworld where marshal Hart and undertaker Mercy are long time nemeses built on misunderstandings and preconceived notions. When the magic of their realm allows their anonymous letters to find each other, they bare their tender souls blindly making them hope for more from their lonesome lives.

Overall, this was a pretty cozy read (minus some violence with zombies) showcasing enemies to lovers, grumpy sunshine, with a touch of nice smexy that I think most will enjoy. My small niggles revolve around Mercy’s family dynamics and how she deals with them, and the fact that there are secrets that are just begging to be found out.   

However, I liked the evolution. I liked how once Hart and Mercy’s guard was down, they finally started seeing each other in a different light that progresses things quite quickly until the aforementioned inevitable reveal.   Again, an interesting take on the denizens that border and work the Underworld with plenty of mythical creatures and gods, all tied up in an enjoyable love story.
An Easy Death by Charlaine Harris

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adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

I haven’t read a Charlaine Harris novel in a little over ten years, and what stood out to me the most is that her female protagonists are still sensible and resilient.  What also remains the same is her simple storytelling that just pulls the reader along easily with no fuss.

Here, Lisbeth Rose is a very good gunslinger, and she knows it.  So when she takes a job escorting and guarding two wizards across the southern US and into Mexico, she does it not only for the money but to also ensure some secrets remain hidden. As Lisbeth and her two companions travel across the brutal landscape, one knows that their journey will be anything but easy.

This series is an untamed alternate history Western, where the US has been devastated by disease, loss, and an unraveling of the government and its territories.  Toss in the Holy Russian Empire who now rules from California, along with plenty of magic and shootouts, this is a world where everyone’s just trying to survive any which way they can.

Overall, Lisbeth is an unconventional heroine, competent and deadly when needed, older than her young 19 years, firmly grounded in practicality, and not prone to nonsense from herself and certainly, not from others.

I enjoyed exploring Harris’s latest creation and plan to come back to see what’s in store for this shrewd heroine soon!


Ice Planet Holiday by Ruby Dixon

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emotional medium-paced

3.5

Another enjoyable interlude as the women from earth think it’s the perfect time to break up the winter monotony. They’ve been mostly thriving for over a year now and many are paired up, pregnant, and some are even moms, so why not make a holiday of it to give thanks and liven things up for their newfound family!

Focusing on Georgie who’s pregnant and tired of being so, as well as unmated Claire who’s struggling in her current miserable relationship with Bek, I liked seeing how these two separate peoples and cultures have come together so harmoniously.

A nice read to indulge in a feast, treats, and presents, not to mention a few births and a newly resonated couple!


The Brides of High Hill by Nghi Vo

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dark mysterious tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Well, that certainly took an unexpected turn! 

As per the blurb our beloved cleric Chih finds themselves accompanying a would-be bride to meet her potential husband to engage in a 3 day event of negotiations and hopefully, celebration.  However, suspicious event after suspicious event makes Chih slowly realize that everything is not as it seems.

I really don’t want to spoil things. I applaud Vo for throwing such a curveball, as Chih’s usual efforts at discovering any story they can, results in finding themselves eyeball deep in the making of one.

My personal favorites of this series are those with more of an emotional heft such as The Empress of Salt and Fortune and Mammoths at the Gate, but despite a more mystery vibe with layers of horror, this was still a captivating look at a fantasy world reminiscent of Imperial China.  

Overall, I have enjoyed myself with these varied adventures of Chih and their companion bird Almost Brilliant, and I will do so for as long as Vo continues to write them!

Thank you to the author and Tordotcom via NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review
Steelstriker by Marie Lu

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.5

Again, that gorgeous cover just catches the eye!

Look.  I’m not sad or mad that I read this.  However, know that for me, the romance was uninspired and the struggles to survive were the usual roadblocks seen in this standard dystopia YA.  If that is what you love, then this fully delivers!

What I enjoyed were the little plot twists and reveals and the supporting cast with their own personal angsty struggles. 

Overall, tough awful decisions were made, the big battle was big, and the win comes at a very high cost.  Be reassured that Talin and Red win the end game and live to heal and ultimately, thrive, and in the end, that’s what counts. 
Time's Agent by Brenda Peynado

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adventurous challenging dark emotional sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Truly original and truly steeped in speculative science.

Here, this is a future where small pockets of worlds exist, each with their own ecosystem and time dilation (either super slow or super fast compared to current reality).  They represent every hope and opportunity to make life on earth better, learning about old civilizations, discovering new flora and fauna, and in turn, seizing a chance on renewable resources.  

Following scientist Raquel, who is part of the venerated Institute that spearheads exploring these wondrous worlds, she makes one small mistake, setting off a chain reaction where every good intention goes horribly wrong.

In this alternate reality, Peynado unfurls a grim outlook on corporate greed and voracious negligent consumerism that is an endless cycle of depletion and enslavement to the big machine that keeps things turning.  As Raquel tries to right her wrongs in a world that is hostile and hopeless, how Peynado brings forth Raquel’s enlightenment and ultimately, how she tries to resolve her issues was actually quite ingenious. 

Overall, this story wasn’t an easy or happy read. It is seriously mired with tech, AI, scientific advancements, and unfathomable repercussions of all these small alternate realities that are readily accessible and exploitable.  However, Peynado surprised me through Raquel’s grief and guilt as she offers her protagonist a miniscule chance of healing redemption through her drive for an unobtainable utopia, forcing her to make a grand sacrifice.

Again, this is far from a tidy HEA, but it made me think hard, and I only hope that Raquel’s offering was enough to keep a part of the universe whole and untainted.

Thank you to the author and Tordotcom via NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review