Escapist Reviews

Eight mini reviews

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Here are mini reviews for fantasy and science-fiction books I read from July to September 2024. Give them a shot if they sound interesting.</p>

The links lead to the book page on goodreads, from where I've also copied a portion of the blurbs for this post.</p>

Beware of Chicken: hilarious and heartwarming

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Beware of Chicken</a> is an ongoing series written by CasualFarmer.</p>

Ten mini reviews

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Here are mini reviews for fantasy and science-fiction books I read from April to June 2024. Give them a shot if they sound interesting.</p>

The links lead to the book page on goodreads, from where I've also copied a portion of the blurbs for this post.</p>

Mini reviews for six Royal Road stories

Tue, 28 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Here are mini reviews for some of the works I've been reading recently on Royal Road.</p>

Mini reviews for five progression fantasy books

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Here are mini reviews for progression fantasy books I read from March to April 2024. Give them a shot if they sound interesting.</p>

The links lead to the book page on goodreads, from where I've also copied a portion of the blurbs for this post.</p>

My 2023 /r/Fantasy bingo card

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This is the fourth time I'm participating in the /r/Fantasy bingo</a>. The idea is to expand your reading by filling 5-25 squares. Each square has an easy mode and a hard mode with additional restrictions. I usually add an extra criteria of my own making, but this year I just allowed most squares to be filled naturally.</p>

I'll add a link to the full reviews where applicable. Hard mode squares are indicated as (HM)</em> and ratings are provided out of 5.</p>

The Broken Knife: a dark and compelling read with excellent worldbuilding

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
The Broken Knife</a> is an ongoing webseries written by SilverSidhe.</p>

My first week on Royal Road

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

I've read stories on Royal Road</a> (site for webserials) before, but they were kinda completed stories/arcs and much longer than what I've reviewed below. Last week I made an account to check out newer works, participate in discussions, reviews, etc.</p>
TL;DR</p>

The Runic Artist</strong> — isekai, 4.5 stars</li>
Enchanter's Emporium</strong> — cozy crafting, 4 stars</li>
I'm Getting Too Old For This Quest</strong> — top tier writing, 5 stars</li>
The Immaculate Collection</strong> — merchant MC, 4.5 stars</li> </ul>

Mini reviews for eight progression fantasy books

Sat, 02 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Here are mini reviews for progression fantasy books I read from January to February 2024. Give them a shot if they sound interesting.</p>
The links lead to the book page on goodreads/royalroad, from where I've also copied a portion of the blurbs for this post.</p>

Five mini reviews

Sat, 02 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Here are mini reviews for some of the books I read from January to February 2024. Give them a shot if they sound interesting.</p>
The links lead to the book page on goodreads, from where I've also copied a portion of the blurbs for this post.</p>

Dear Spellbook: engaging time-loop progression fantasy

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Dear Spellbook</a> series is written by Peter J. Lee</a>.</p>

Eight mini reviews

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Here are mini reviews for some of the books I read from November to December 2023. Give them a shot if they sound interesting.</p>
The links lead to the book page on goodreads, from where I've also copied a portion of the blurbs for this post.</p>

Favorite fantasy and sci-fi novels I read in 2023

Wed, 27 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

I read 100+ fictional novels in 2023, including re-reads. Most of them were fantasy, rest would fall under sci-fi and magical realism. Progression fantasy continued to be my favorite subgenre.</p>
In this post, I've listed the books/series that I rated 5 out of 5. For some entries, only a short description is provided followed by links to my spoiler filled blog posts. Picking favorites is a tough task, so I have ordered the books by dates I read them. I've also listed honorable mentions at the end.</p>
The links lead to the book page on goodreads, from where I've copied a portion of the blurbs for this post.</p>

The Pale Blade: engaging epic fantasy set in a wondrous world

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
The Pale Blade</a> is the first book in the Empire of Flame & Fang</a> series written by Alec Hutson</a>.</p>

The Engineer: a nice mix of space action, humor and intrigue

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
The Engineer</a> is the second book in the The Last Horizon</a> series written by Will Wight</a>.</p>

Bookshops & Bonedust: a mix of cozy elements, action and philosophical musings

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Bookshops & Bonedust</a> is written by Travis Baldree</a>.</p>

Sanctuary: entertaining mix of slice-of-life and action

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Sanctuary</a> is the third book in the Manifestation</a> series written by Samuel Hinton</a>.</p>

Mini reviews for eight progression fantasy books

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Here are mini reviews for progression fantasy books I read from September to October 2023. Give them a shot if they sound interesting.</p>
The links lead to the book page on goodreads, from where I've also copied a portion of the blurbs for this post.</p>

Five mini reviews

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Here are mini reviews for some of the books I read from September to October 2023. Give them a shot if they sound interesting.</p>
The links lead to the book page on goodreads, from where I've also copied a portion of the blurbs for this post.</p>

A Coup of Tea: a delightful read

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
A Coup of Tea</a> is the first book in the Tea Princess Chronicles</a> series written by Casey Blair</a>.</p>

Can't Spell Treason Without Tea: cozy-ish mixed with higher stakes

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Can't Spell Treason Without Tea</a> is the first book in the Tomes & Tea Cozy Fantasies</a> series written by Rebecca Thorne</a>.</p>

Silvers (Quest Academy #1): great mix of magical academy, crafting and slice-of-life

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Silvers</a> is the first book in the Quest Academy</a> series written by Brian J. Nordon</a>.</p>

Mother of Learning: well paced time-loop with plenty of twists

Mon, 04 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Mother of Learning</a> is written by Nobody103</a> (Domagoj Kurmaić).</p>

Ten mini reviews

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Here are mini reviews for some of the books I read from June to August 2023. Give them a shot if they sound interesting.</p>
The links lead to the book page on goodreads, from where I've also copied a portion of the blurbs for this post.</p>

Overpowered Dungeon Boy: lighthearted fun read

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Overpowered Dungeon Boy</a> is a two book series written by Benjamin Barreth</a>.</p>

Card Mage: Slumdog Deckbuilder, well written dark fantasy

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Card Mage</a> is written by Benedict Patrick</a>.</p>

Wakespire: loved the tournament arc and world exploration

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Wakespire</a> is the seventh book in the The Weirkey Chronicles</a> series written by Sarah Lin</a>.</p>

Harper Hall of Pern: delightful low-stakes fantasy

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Harper Hall of Pern</a> series is written by Anne McCaffrey</a>.</p>

Mark of the Fool: nice mix of magical academy, action and slice-of-life

Sat, 22 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Mark of the Fool</a> is the first book in the series with the same name</a> written by J.M. Clarke</a>.</p>

Portal to Nova Roma: fast paced and entertaining progression fantasy

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Portal to Nova Roma</a> is the first book in the series with the same name</a> written by J.R. Mathews</a>.</p>

Favorite Progression Fantasy series

Fri, 23 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

List of my favorite fantasy series that fall under the progression subgenre. The links lead to the series page on goodreads.</p>

Waybound: way beyond expectations

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Waybound</a> is the 12th and final book in the Cradle series</a> written by Will Wight</a>.</p>

Five mini reviews

Thu, 25 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Here are mini reviews for some of the books I read from March to May 2023. Give them a shot if they sound interesting.</p>
The links lead to the book page on goodreads, from where I've also copied a portion of the blurbs for this post.</p>

The Last Echo of the Lord of Bells: a fitting conclusion to an epic series

Mon, 15 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
The Last Echo of the Lord of Bells</a> is the final book in the Mage Errant</a> series written by John Bierce</a>.</p>

The Steerswoman: epic fantasy with a focus on exploration and discovery

Thu, 04 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
The Steerswoman</a> series is written by Rosemary Kirstein</a>.</p>

Scion of Storms: entertaining mix of slice-of-life, training and tournament arc

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Scion of Storms</a> is the second book in the Manifestation</a> series written by Samuel Hinton</a>.</p>

The Captain: action packed space fantasy

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
The Captain</a> is the first book in the The Last Horizon</a> series written by Will Wight</a>.</p>

The Rascor Plains: great worldbuilding and plenty of twists

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
The Rascor Plains</a> is the second book in the The Immortal Great Souls</a> series written by Phil Tucker</a>.</p>

Jekua: slice-of-life progression fantasy

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Jekua</a> series is written by Travis M. Riddle</a>.</p>
This review covers all the three books that have been published so far.</p>

My 2022 /r/Fantasy bingo card

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This is the third time I'm participating in /r/Fantasy bingo</a>. The idea is to expand your reading by filling 5-25 squares. Each square has an easy mode and a hard mode with additional restrictions. I added my own extra criteria for this year's card — Kindle Unlimited books and minimum of 4 stars (out of 5). Note that some of these books are no longer part of Kindle Unlimited.</p>
I have already made separate review posts for each of these books. I'll post shortened reviews here and add a link to the full reviews. Hard mode squares are indicated as (HM)</em> and ratings are provided as (4/5)</em> or (5/5)</em>.</p>

Crafting Magics: time-loop with a twist

Sat, 04 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Crafting Magics</a> is the first book in the The Mage of Shimmer Mountain</a> series written by Adam Sampson</a>.</p>

Eight mini reviews

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Here are mini reviews for some of the books I read from January to February 2023. Give them a shot if they sound interesting.</p>
The links lead to the book page on goodreads, from where I've also copied a portion of the blurbs for this post.</p>

For We Are Many: entertaining space opera

Sat, 04 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
For We Are Many</a> is the second book in the Bobiverse</a> series written by Dennis E. Taylor</a>.</p>

Bloodcrete: another enjoyable entry in the Weirkey Chronicles

Sat, 14 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Bloodcrete</a> is the sixth book in the The Weirkey Chronicles</a> series written by Sarah Lin</a>.</p>

Seven mini reviews

Thu, 05 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Here are mini reviews for some of the books I read from November to December 2022. Give them a shot if they sound interesting.</p>
The links lead to the book page on goodreads, from where I've also copied a portion of the blurbs for this post.</p>

TJ Young & The Orishas: magical academy inspired by African lore

Sat, 31 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
TJ Young & The Orishas</a> series written by Antoine Bandele</a>.</p>

Favorite fantasy and sci-fi novels I read in 2022

Wed, 28 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

I read 100+ fictional novels in 2022, including re-reads. Most of them were fantasy, rest would fall under sci-fi and magical realism. Progression fantasy continued to be my favorite subgenre. I'm highly excited by the recent trend of cozy and comfort reads.</p>
Picking favorites is a tough task, so I have ordered the lists by dates I read them. I've also listed honorable mentions at the end.</p>
The links lead to the book page on goodreads, from where I've copied a portion of the blurbs for this post.</p>

The Diviner: engaging magical academy tale

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
The Diviner</a> is the second book in the Journals of Evander Tailor</strong> series written by Tobias Begley</a>.</p>

Secret Agent Mom: cozy urban fantasy

Sat, 10 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Secret Agent Mom</a> is the first book in the Case Files of an Urban Witch</a> series written by Martha Carr</a> and Michael Anderle</a>.</p>

Old Wizards Home: A Light-Hearted Fantasy Adventure

Sat, 03 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Old Wizards Home</a> is written by D.G. Redd</a>. This is a standalone novel set in the Stories from The Three Kingdoms</em> series.</p>

Miss Percy's Travel Guide to Welsh Moors and Feral Dragons: cozy historical fantasy

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Miss Percy's Travel Guide to Welsh Moors and Feral Dragons</a> is the second book in the Miss Percy Guide</a> series written by Quenby Olson</a>.</p>

The Lost Metal: cosmere crossover

Sat, 19 Nov 2022 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
The Lost Metal</a> is the final book in the Mistborn Era 2</a> series written by Brandon Sanderson</a>.</p>

Carly Piper and the Mystery of the Ruby Ring: cozy mystery

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Carly Piper and the Mystery of the Ruby Ring</a> is written by Shirley Gilmore</a>.</p>

Five mini reviews: cats and dragons

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Here are mini reviews for some of the books I read from September to October 2022. Give them a shot if they sound interesting.</p>
The links lead to the book page on goodreads, from where I've also copied a portion of the blurbs for this post.</p>

Daros: light-hearted science fiction with good amount of action

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Daros</a> is written by Dave Dobson</a>.</p>

The Hidden Blade: dark fantasy with good worldbuilding

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
The Hidden Blade</a> is the first book in the Sangwheel Chronicles</a> series written by Marie M. Mullany</a>.</p>

The Silence of Unworthy Gods: fast paced magical learning, action and twists

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
The Silence of Unworthy Gods</a> is the fourth book in the Arcane Ascension</a> series written by Andrew Rowe</a>.</p>

Eight: gripping magical survival adventures in a gamelit world

Fri, 30 Sep 2022 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Eight</a> is written by Samer Rabadi</a>. This is a progression fantasy series.</p>

Pilu of the Woods: emotional and heartwarming

Sat, 24 Sep 2022 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Pilu of the Woods</a> is written and illustrated by Mai K. Nguyen</a>.</p>

Warping Minds & Other Misdemeanors: fast paced and fun urban fantasy

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Warping Minds & Other Misdemeanors</a> is the first book in the The Guild Codex: Warped</a> series written by Annette Marie</a> and Rob Jacobsen</a>.</p>

The Book of Zog: cozy fantasy starring an eldritch horror

Fri, 16 Sep 2022 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
The Book of Zog</a> is written by Alec Hutson</a>.</p>

Rogue Dungeon: portal litRPG fantasy with a twist

Wed, 14 Sep 2022 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Rogue Dungeon</a> is the first book in the The Rogue Dungeon</a> series written by James A. Hunter</a> and Eden Hudson</a>.</p>

Five mini reviews

Fri, 02 Sep 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Here are mini reviews for some of the books I read from July to August 2022. Give them a shot if they sound interesting.</p>
The links lead to the book page on goodreads, from where I've also copied a portion of the blurbs for this post.</p>

Phoenix Down: light hearted adventure with magical creatures

Sat, 06 Aug 2022 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Phoenix Down</a> is the first book in the The Naturalist</strong> series written by Brooke Hatchett</a>.</p>

Bondsfungi: character focussed and pleasant surprises

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Bondsfungi</a> is the fifth book in the The Weirkey Chronicles</a> series written by Sarah Lin</a>.</p>

Soul Relic: wholesome adventure in progression fantasy setting

Fri, 29 Jul 2022 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Soul Relic</a> is Samuel Hinton</a>'s debut book.</p>

Stout: a love letter to Discworld

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Stout</a> is Taylor Small</a>'s debut book.</p>

Seven mini reviews

Sat, 16 Jul 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Here are mini reviews for some of the books I read from April to June 2022. Give them a shot if they sound interesting.</p>
The links lead to the book page on goodreads, from where I've also copied a portion of the blurbs for this post.</p>

Dreadgod: action packed, great humor, plenty of cool moments

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Dreadgod</a> is the 11th book in the Cradle series</a> written by Will Wight</a>.</p>

Wyngraf Issue #1: cozy fantasy short story collection

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Wyngraf Issue #1</a> is edited by Nathaniel Webb</a>.</p>

Axtara - Banking and Finance: slice-of-life story of a dragon banker

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Axtara - Banking and Finance</a> is a standalone novel written by Max Florschutz</a>.</p>

The Lord of Stariel: fantasy-of-manners, mystery and romance

Sat, 04 Jun 2022 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
The Lord of Stariel</a> is the first book in the Stariel</a> series written by A.J. Lancaster</a>.</p>

Shadow of a Dead God: fast paced fantasy mystery

Mon, 30 May 2022 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Shadow of a Dead God</a> is the first book in the Mennik Thorn</a> series written by Patrick Samphire</a>.</p>

Favorite fantasy and sci-fi comfort reads

Sat, 28 May 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Discussions and requests for low stakes, slice-of-life and cozy SFF novels have been coming up frequently in the past few months. I've been maintaining a list of books I've enjoyed to quickly recommend whenever such threads came up. And then I thought, I should put up a blog post with mini-reviews as well.</p>
The links lead to the book page on goodreads, from where I've also copied a portion of the blurbs for this post.</p>

Starship's Mage: good mix of magic and science fiction

Mon, 16 May 2022 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Starship's Mage</a> is the first book in the Starship's Mage</a> series written by Glynn Stewart</a>.</p>

The Umbral Storm: engaging epic fantasy with progression magic system

Sun, 15 May 2022 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
The Umbral Storm</a> is the first book in the The Sharded Few</a> series written by Alec Hutson</a>.</p>

Morcster Chef: fantasy cooking adventure

Thu, 05 May 2022 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Cleaver's Edge</a> and Into the Fire</a> are the first two books in the Morcster Chef</a> series written by Actus</a>.</p>

Tongue Eater: setup for the finale

Tue, 03 May 2022 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Tongue Eater</a> is the 6th book in the Mage Errant series</a> written by John Bierce</a>.</p>

Ascendant: fast paced, dragon bond based progression magic

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Ascendant</a> is the first book in the Songs Of Chaos</a> series written by Michael R. Miller</a>.</p>

The Enchanter: engaging magical academy tale

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
The Enchanter</a> is Tobias Begley</a>'s debut book.</p>

Five mini reviews

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Here's mini reviews for some of the books I read during Mar 2022. Give them a shot if they sound interesting.</p>
The links lead to the book page on goodreads, from where I've also copied a portion of the blurbs for this post.</p>

My 2021 /r/Fantasy bingo card

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0000

This is the second time I'm participating in /r/Fantasy bingo</a>. The idea is to expand your reading by filling 5-25 squares. Each square has an easy mode and a hard mode with additional restrictions. I added my own extra criteria for this year's card — minimum of 4 stars (out of 5). Visit 2020 hard mode bingo</a> for last year's card.</p>
I have already made separate review posts for each of these books. I'll post shortened reviews here. Hard mode squares are indicated as (HM)</em> next to the book title and ratings are provided as (4/5)</em> or (5/5)</em>.</p>

Legends & Lattes: slice-of-life with a dollop of romantic froth

Fri, 04 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Legends & Lattes</a> is Travis Baldree</a>'s debut book.</p>
Yes, the same Travis Baldree who narrated the audio books for Cradle and other fantasy series.</p>

Four mini reviews

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Here's mini reviews for some of the books I read during Feb 2022. Give them a shot if they sound interesting.</p>
The links lead to the book page on goodreads, from where I've also copied a portion of the blurbs for this post.</p>

By Winged Chair: a Robin Hood retelling

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
By Winged Chair</a> is the first book in the Mark of the Least</a> series written by Kendra Merritt</a>. Here's the series description:</p>

The Mark of the Least is a series of familiar stories told from unfamiliar points of view, highlighting main characters with disabilities. Each book stands alone and the series is designed to be read in any order.</p> </blockquote>

Heaven Fall: engaging mix of epic and progression fantasy

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Heaven Fall</a> is the first book of a progression fantasy series written by Leo Petracci</a>.</p>

Dim Stars: A Novel of Outer-Space Shenanigans

Sat, 05 Feb 2022 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Dim Stars</a> is Brian P. Rubin</a>'s debut novel. This can be read as a standalone, with sequels likely to come.</p>

Tales from Ruun: fantasy short story collection

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Tales from Ruun</a> is a short story collection set in the The Power Yet Wielded</strong> series written by Chad Retterath</a>.</p>

Six mini reviews

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Here's mini reviews for some of the books I read from Dec 2021 to Jan 2022. Give them a shot if they sound interesting.</p>
The links lead to the book page on goodreads, from where I've also copied a portion of the blurbs for this post.</p>

Edict of Honor: fantastic sequel

Wed, 12 Jan 2022 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Edict of Honor</a> is the second book in the The Eldest Throne</a> series written by Bernie Anés Paz</a>.</p>

The Weirkey Chronicles: enjoyable fast paced progression fantasy

Tue, 04 Jan 2022 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
The Weirkey Chronicles</a> series is written by Sarah Lin</a>.</p>
This review covers all the three books that have been published so far.</p>

Favorite fantasy and sci-fi novels I read in 2021

Tue, 28 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000

I've read 80+ fictional novels in 2021, including re-reads. Most of them were fantasy, rest would fall under sci-fi and magical realism.</p>
Picking favorites is a tough task, so I have ordered the top list by dates I read them. I've also listed honorable mentions at the end.</p>
The links lead to the book page on goodreads, from where I've also copied a portion of the blurbs for this post.</p>

Six mini reviews

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Here's mini reviews for some of the books I read from Nov to Dec 2021. I rated all these six books with 4 stars (out of 5). Give them a shot if they sound interesting.</p>
The links lead to the book page on goodreads, from where I've also copied a portion of the blurbs for this post.</p>

Bastion: fast paced epic progression fantasy

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Bastion</a> is the first book in the The Immortal Great Souls</a> series written by Phil Tucker</a>.</p>

Reaper: bountiful harvest

Sat, 06 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Reaper</a> is the 10th book in the Cradle series</a> written by Will Wight</a>.</p>

A Dash of Trouble: what could go wrong?

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
A Dash of Trouble</a> is the first book in the Love Sugar Magic</a> series written by Anna Meriano</a>. Can be read as a standalone too.</p>

Winter's Orbit: romance in space

Thu, 21 Oct 2021 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Winter's Orbit</a> is a standalone novel written by Everina Maxwell</a>.</p>

Three Mages and a Margarita: a fun read

Tue, 12 Oct 2021 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Three Mages and a Margarita</a> is the first book in the The Guild Codex: Spellbound</a> series written by Annette Marie</a>.</p>

The Wizard's Butler: slice of life

Sat, 02 Oct 2021 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
The Wizard's Butler</a> is written by Nathan Lowell</a>. This can be read as a standalone.</p>

This Quest is Broken: absurd gamelit story

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
This Quest is Broken!</a> is the first book in the This Trilogy is Broken</a> series written by J.P. Valentine</a>.</p>

Worldbuilding For Fantasy Fans And Authors

Sat, 21 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Worldbuilding For Fantasy Fans And Authors</a> is written by M.D. Presley</a>.</p>

Piranesi: mysterious world

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Piranesi</a> is a standalone novel written by Susanna Clarke</a>.</p>

Awakening Arte: nicely paced progression

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Awakening Arte</a> is the first book in the The Eldest Throne</em> series written by Bernie Anés Paz</a>.</p>

Project Hail Mary: a thrilling mission

Fri, 06 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Project Hail Mary</a> is written by Andy Weir</a>. This is a standalone novel.</p>

The Cloud Roads: fantastic alien setting

Tue, 27 Jul 2021 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
The Cloud Roads</a> is the first book in the The Books of the Raksura</a> series written by Martha Wells</a>. Can be read as a standalone too.</p>

Baking Bad: cozy mystery aided by dragons

Sat, 10 Jul 2021 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Baking Bad</a> is the first book in the Beaufort Scales Mystery</a> series written by Kim M. Watt</a>. Can be read as a standalone too.</p>

The Queen of Blood: malevolent spirits

Wed, 07 Jul 2021 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
The Queen of Blood</a> is the first book in the The Queens of Renthia</a> series written by Sarah Beth Durst</a>.</p>

Dreadnought: a different kind of superhero

Mon, 05 Jul 2021 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Dreadnought</a> is the first book in the Nemesis</a> series written by April Daniels</a>.</p>

Heir to Insanity: nicely paced and entertaining

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Heir to Insanity</a> is written by A.J. Nadir</a>. This can be read as a standalone.</p>

Soulbrand: this series keeps getting better

Fri, 18 Jun 2021 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Soulbrand</a> is the 3rd book in the Weapons and Wielders series</a> written by Andrew Rowe</a>.</p>

Truthwitch: fast paced political epic

Sat, 05 Jun 2021 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Truthwitch</a> is the first book in The Witchlands</a> series written by Susan Dennard</a>.</p>

The Unseelie Court: refreshing humor

Tue, 25 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
The Unseelie Court</a> is the first book in the Frotwoot's Faerie Tales</strong> series written by Charlie Ward</a>. This is also the author's debut novel.</p>

The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart: a delightful read

Sat, 22 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart</a> is the first novel in the Tales from the Chocolate Heart</a> series written by Stephanie Burgis</a>. Can be read as a standalone too.</p>

Elatsoe: ghostly mystery

Sat, 15 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Elatsoe</a> is Darcie Little Badger</a>'s debut novel.</p>

Nimona: packs a punch

Wed, 12 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Nimona</a> is a standalone graphic novel written by Noelle Stevenson</a>.</p>

Dragon Mage: fast paced epic fantasy

Fri, 07 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Dragon Mage</a> is a standalone novel in the Rivenworld</a> series written by M.L. Spencer</a>.</p>
See this /r/Fantasy thread</a> for author AMA.</p>

Street Cultivation: a different take on progression

Fri, 30 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Street Cultivation</a> is a completed trilogy written by Sarah Lin</a>.</p>

Order of the Magi

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Order of the Magi</a> is Christopher Scott</a>'s debut novel. This is a standalone work, but ends with the possibility of a sequel.</p>

It's Punny Oops, I mean Funny!

Thu, 22 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
It's Punny Oops, I mean Funny!</a> is written by Namita Das</a>.</p>

The House in the Cerulean Sea

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
The House in the Cerulean Sea</a> is a standalone novel written by T.J. Klune</a>.</p>

Sorcerer's Legacy: gripping political intrigue

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Sorcerer's Legacy</a> is a standalone novel written by Janny Wurts</a>.</p>

Battle Mage: standalone epic fantasy

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Battle Mage</a> is a standalone novel written by Peter A. Flannery</a>.</p>

Bloodline: endgame begins

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Bloodline</a> is the 9th book in the Cradle series</a> written by Will Wight</a>.</p>

r/Fantasy's Favorite Female Authors

Fri, 09 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0000

I wanted to do a sample project using Reddit's praw</a> module. r/Fantasy is one of my favorite subs and they conduct various polls to help readers find new books to read. So, I decided to do a small analysis using one of their lists.</p>

The Siege of Skyhold: clash of titans amidst politicking

Wed, 07 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
The Siege of Skyhold</a> is the 5th book in the Mage Errant series</a> written by John Bierce</a>.</p>

Spit and Song: a tale of friendship and rediscovering yourself

Mon, 05 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Spit and Song</a> is authored by Travis M. Riddle</a>.</p>
This standalone book is part of the Ustlian Tales</a> series and can be read on its own.</p>
Click to view content warnings</summary>Drugs, Swearing</details>

Derkholm duology: whimsical fantasy at its best

Fri, 02 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Dark Lord of Derkholm</a> and Year of the Griffin</a> duology is authored by Diana Wynne Jones</a>. See also The Tough Guide to Fantasyland</a>.</p>

The Revenge of Kaivalya: fast paced paranormal thriller

Fri, 02 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
The Revenge of Kaivalya</a> is Sumana Khan</a>'s debut novel. This was originally self published before being published by Westland.</p>

The Shadows of Dust: a riveting space fantasy epic

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
The Shadows of Dust</a> is a standalone novel authored by Alec Hutson</a>, well known for The Raveling</a> series. Here's the announcement post</a> from the author on /r/Fantasy.</p>

The Wolf and the She-Bear: fast paced dark fantasy thriller

Sat, 20 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
The Wolf and the She-Bear</a> is an introductory novella for other books in this setting, authored by Morgan Stang</a>:</p>

She Topples Giants</a></li>
She Courts Darkness</a></li> </ul>

Exodus of Gnomes: a delightful sequel

Fri, 19 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Exodus of Gnomes</a> is the 2nd book of the God Core</a> trilogy. This comes under the progression fantasy</a> category, specifically GameLit/LitRPG, but there are no stat sheets in this series.</p>

Mini-reviews for 2020 r/Fantasy hard mode bingo

Tue, 16 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0000

This is the first time I'm participating in r/Fantasy bingo</a> despite being subscribed to this subreddit for about 5 years. The idea is to expand your reading by filling 5-25 squares. Each square has an easy mode and a hard mode with additional restrictions. Since I average more than one book a week, I felt I could easily do one Hard mode</strong> card and perhaps do a few more cards later. In the end, I struggled to finish a single HM card.</p>
I also added another self-imposed rule that any author I've already read prior to the start of the bingo cannot be used for this card. That made it tougher to fill the squares. In retrospect, I should've kept this rule but chosen easy mode. I don't plan to do HM next time, but perhaps I'll keep the tradition of picking a self-imposed rule.</p>

Half a Soul: wholesome romance and fantastic banter

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 00:00:00 +0000

About</h2>
Half a Soul</a> is Olivia Atwater</a>'s debut novel.</p>
This standalone book is part of the Regency Faerie Tales</a> series.</p>

10 favorite fictional books I read in 2020

Thu, 31 Dec 2020 00:00:00 +0000

I read 97 fictional novels in 2020, including re-reads. Most of them were fantasy, rest would fall under sci-fi and magical realism. </p>
A few years back, I would finish a book no matter how difficult or boring it was. Not so anymore, I had at least three DNF this year — one was too dark for my tastes and the other two were too boring.</p>
Picking favorites is a tough task and choosing the order of presentation even more so. I've gone with books I enjoyed the most and these are all great candidates for future re-reads. I am not so good with rating prose, characters, worldbuilding, plot holes, etc anyway.</p>

Mini reviews for 16 books

Sat, 03 Oct 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Here's mini reviews for books I read from June to Sep 2020.</p>

Escapist Reviews

Eight mini reviews

Beware of Chicken: hilarious and heartwarming

About</h2> Beware of Chicken</a> is an ongoing series written by CasualFarmer.</p>

Ten mini reviews

Mini reviews for six Royal Road stories

Mini reviews for five progression fantasy books

My 2023 /r/Fantasy bingo card

The Broken Knife: a dark and compelling read with excellent worldbuilding

My first week on Royal Road

Mini reviews for eight progression fantasy books

Five mini reviews

Dear Spellbook: engaging time-loop progression fantasy

Eight mini reviews

Favorite fantasy and sci-fi novels I read in 2023

The Pale Blade: engaging epic fantasy set in a wondrous world

The Engineer: a nice mix of space action, humor and intrigue

Bookshops & Bonedust: a mix of cozy elements, action and philosophical musings

Sanctuary: entertaining mix of slice-of-life and action

Mini reviews for eight progression fantasy books

Five mini reviews

A Coup of Tea: a delightful read

Can't Spell Treason Without Tea: cozy-ish mixed with higher stakes

Silvers (Quest Academy #1): great mix of magical academy, crafting and slice-of-life

Mother of Learning: well paced time-loop with plenty of twists

Ten mini reviews

Overpowered Dungeon Boy: lighthearted fun read

Card Mage: Slumdog Deckbuilder, well written dark fantasy

Wakespire: loved the tournament arc and world exploration

Harper Hall of Pern: delightful low-stakes fantasy

Mark of the Fool: nice mix of magical academy, action and slice-of-life

Portal to Nova Roma: fast paced and entertaining progression fantasy

Favorite Progression Fantasy series

Waybound: way beyond expectations

Five mini reviews

The Last Echo of the Lord of Bells: a fitting conclusion to an epic series

The Steerswoman: epic fantasy with a focus on exploration and discovery

Scion of Storms: entertaining mix of slice-of-life, training and tournament arc

The Captain: action packed space fantasy

The Rascor Plains: great worldbuilding and plenty of twists

Jekua: slice-of-life progression fantasy

My 2022 /r/Fantasy bingo card

Crafting Magics: time-loop with a twist

Eight mini reviews

For We Are Many: entertaining space opera

Bloodcrete: another enjoyable entry in the Weirkey Chronicles

Seven mini reviews

TJ Young & The Orishas: magical academy inspired by African lore

Favorite fantasy and sci-fi novels I read in 2022

The Diviner: engaging magical academy tale

Secret Agent Mom: cozy urban fantasy

Old Wizards Home: A Light-Hearted Fantasy Adventure

Miss Percy's Travel Guide to Welsh Moors and Feral Dragons: cozy historical fantasy

The Lost Metal: cosmere crossover

Carly Piper and the Mystery of the Ruby Ring: cozy mystery

Five mini reviews: cats and dragons

Daros: light-hearted science fiction with good amount of action

The Hidden Blade: dark fantasy with good worldbuilding

The Silence of Unworthy Gods: fast paced magical learning, action and twists

Eight: gripping magical survival adventures in a gamelit world

Pilu of the Woods: emotional and heartwarming

Warping Minds & Other Misdemeanors: fast paced and fun urban fantasy

The Book of Zog: cozy fantasy starring an eldritch horror

Rogue Dungeon: portal litRPG fantasy with a twist

Five mini reviews

Phoenix Down: light hearted adventure with magical creatures

Bondsfungi: character focussed and pleasant surprises

Soul Relic: wholesome adventure in progression fantasy setting

Stout: a love letter to Discworld

Seven mini reviews

Dreadgod: action packed, great humor, plenty of cool moments

Wyngraf Issue #1: cozy fantasy short story collection

Axtara - Banking and Finance: slice-of-life story of a dragon banker

The Lord of Stariel: fantasy-of-manners, mystery and romance

Shadow of a Dead God: fast paced fantasy mystery

Favorite fantasy and sci-fi comfort reads

Starship's Mage: good mix of magic and science fiction

The Umbral Storm: engaging epic fantasy with progression magic system

Morcster Chef: fantasy cooking adventure

Tongue Eater: setup for the finale

About</h2>
Beware of Chicken</a> is an ongoing series written by CasualFarmer.</p>