Codi Taylor
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Nightvine
- The Gardener's Hand, Book 2
- Auteur(s): Felicia Davin
- Narrateur(s): Felicia Davin
- Durée: 12 h et 27 min
- Version intégrale
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Au global5 out of 5 stars 1
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 1
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Histoire5 out of 5 stars 1
Alizhan spent her life in service to Iriyat ha-Varensi as a mind-reading thief of secrets - until she uncovered Iriyat’s crimes. Possessed of both political and magical influence, Iriyat is almost untouchable. Alizhan has stolen a book that might prove Iriyat’s guilt, if only someone could read its encoded text. Alizhan and her companion, Ev, leave the constant sun of their homeland to sail for the Nightward coast. They pin their hopes on His Highness Prince Ilyr of Nalitzva, a man rumored to understand any language, even one he’s never encountered.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Incredible, underknown series full of representation!
- Écrit par Codi Taylor le 2023-10-15
- Nightvine
- The Gardener's Hand, Book 2
- Auteur(s): Felicia Davin
- Narrateur(s): Felicia Davin
Incredible, underknown series full of representation!
Évalué le: 2023-10-15
Felicia Davin, the talented author of Thornfruit, book 1 of The Gardeners Hand series, continues with this second instalment. I think so often in series the first book is the best and the following books spend their time fighting to be as good. This is NOT the case here. Each book is spectacular in its own right, and builds so magnificently on the previous one.
The world building talent of this author is exposed as the characters travel farther across the world and see new places with new people, cultures and vibes. Each translates flawlessly. Something I have felt when reading modern fantasy sometimes is a feeling that we didn’t get enough time in each place or situation. But Felicia Davin let’s us soak in each environment. They show us the nuances and feelings each place elicits while not feeling rushed or forced. I think this is a main compelling feature of the second book. Transitioning through different settings can be difficult and the author said “I see you, and I raise you”.
I loved seeing how they went even deeper into the characters personality and psyche that we already knew, and flawlessly intertwined the new characters that we meet along the way. So often when I’m reading I can guess every twist and turn and this author surprised me in the best way, over and over again.
I think every person should read these books, but especially if you’re queer, poc, trans, poly, or neurodivergent. These are a MUST read for fantasy lovers.
Thank you Felicia Davin for writing such an important and genuinely good series! I can’t wait to read everything you have written!
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Thornfruit
- The Gardener's Hand, Volume 1
- Auteur(s): Felicia Davin
- Narrateur(s): Felicia Davin
- Durée: 11 h et 18 min
- Version intégrale
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Au global5 out of 5 stars 2
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 2
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Histoire5 out of 5 stars 2
Alizhan can’t see faces, but she can read minds. Her mysterious ability leaves her unable to touch or be touched without excruciating pain. Rescued from abandonment and raised by the wealthy and beautiful Iriyat ha-Varensi, Alizhan has grown up in isolation, using her gift to steal secrets from Iriyat’s rivals, the ruling class of Laalvur. But Iriyat keeps secrets of her own. When Alizhan discovers she isn’t the only one of her kind and that a deadly plot threatens everyone like her, there’s only one person she can trust.
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5 out of 5 stars
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A must read for queer and neurodivergents!!
- Écrit par Codi Taylor le 2023-09-06
- Thornfruit
- The Gardener's Hand, Volume 1
- Auteur(s): Felicia Davin
- Narrateur(s): Felicia Davin
A must read for queer and neurodivergents!!
Évalué le: 2023-09-06
*No spoilers*
I read this book on a whim after about 0.02 seconds of research (compared to my normal hour or more investigation before I read most things, but especially by an author I haven’t read before) and I could not be happier with my choice. The characterization is incredible. The way the author (after stalking their Instagram I’m unsure what name they use, so I’m going to call them the author) was able to so effectively show autism in an afab, undiagnosed character, without blatantly stating “this character is autistic” is incredible. And not at all preachy or pushy. It’s just who she is. But you get to see the way she sees the world and how different it is from her seemingly neurotypical counterpart. It’s so well done and just made my heart hurt in such a good way to see someone like me in media being portrayed in a completely non judgmental and healthy way.
Another great thing about this book was the way the author introduced the setting. The lore, history, geography, etc. is very interesting but also very different than the world we live in. Sometimes with fantasy like that it can feel so overwhelming or confusing, or it’s dumped on you in wall after wall of exposition. Neither were a problem in this case. The author did a fantastic job of “showing, not telling” through memories, and experiences.
As I mentioned, this is a no spoiler review, so I can’t get into the story much, but it’s very good. It has intrigue and some mystery, while also being exciting enough to enjoy. The magic system is unique and taught through characters learning about it, again avoiding walls of exposition. The characters are flawed in ways that make them feel real. They are written in consistent ways that make sense with their characterization. When they act, it doesn’t feel like it’s out of character, when they speak, or don’t speak, it makes sense. So often when I’m reading I find characters that have been written one way for so long who suddenly change or act in a way that feels confusing and surprising just to move the story along. But I feel like this author wrote their story around the characters, bringing a whole other level to the story. Things feel earned, they make sense.
I digress. I’m going to sum it up with; if you’re queer, neurodivergent, or love fantasy that cares about the characters, you’ll love this. And even if you aren’t any of those things you’ll love it. Great book. Great writing. I can’t wait to obsessively consume every single thing this author has and will put out.
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