You do not often find me in the sci-fi genre, as books in this genre either confuse me or are such explosive reads that my mind is sReview: 4.75 Stars
You do not often find me in the sci-fi genre, as books in this genre either confuse me or are such explosive reads that my mind is still grappling with the story.
Mist would be categorized as the latter, where my poor mind is still trying to come to grips with the whole premise of the story. (Cue: incoming bookish slump). Without giving the story away, Mist is essentially about time travel, the cause/effect concept and the circularity of time. I find it amusing to see an authors note at the start of the story to request the reader not to read ahead or indulge in spoilers because it will spoil the whole premise of it. After reading the book, I can understand why.
It boggles my mind how the author can even write such a complex story on the premise of time travel and space without losing a few brain cells in the process. As I read an unofficial translation of the book, I have to acknowledge that the translator did a fantastic job translating the story, which makes it very clear. The author also has a sneaky way of adding hidden hints in the characters interactions throughout the book. I had to backtrack to reread some parts to understand, finally! From the end to the start, the plot grips you like no other, which leads to me almost binge-ing this book. THOSE FREAKING TWISTS made me scream at the book several times.
Lets also not forget about the characters. Song Qing Lan, the ML, is the Captain of the 7th Guardian Squad under the time travel system. His team unexpectedly loses their scout to injuries and needs to find a replacement asap. Enter Ji Yushi, the MC and a solo-ist who fits the requirements as a scout and reluctantly joins this team of hooligans. He also has Hyperthymesia, which allows him to remember every detail he sees or hears, no matter how briefly. He is also the team's brains and expectedly earns the teams respect. Both of them got off on the wrong start due to some misunderstandings, especially with the MC being vengeful, which leads him to throw out unexpected comments, adding further to the misunderstandings.
The character development was gradual, and the slow-burn chemistry between the ML and MC is undeniable. I was glad the ML didnt struggle with denial once he realized his feelings for the MC. I'm so happy we got those extra stories showing fluff moments in their lives.
My only tiny issue was that the last arc regarding the MCs past could have been tied up better. There were moments where I questioned the plot points, as it felt like it was brushed over with no real consequences and a too-abrupt ending when this was the whole driver of the MCs life.
Note: This book is not licensed, and I read a fan translation...more
The Innkeeper Chronicles by Ilona Andrews will probably always be one of my favourite sci-fi, urban fantasy series.
Book 5 finds Dina Review: 5 stars
The Innkeeper Chronicles by Ilona Andrews will probably always be one of my favourite sci-fi, urban fantasy series.
Book 5 finds Dina and Sean hosting an intergalactic bachelor-like competition for the Sovereign of the Seven Star Dominion, Kosandian in exchange for a portal to a very excluded planet to rescue Wilmos, Seans mentor who has been kidnapped.
I audioed this one as a graphic audio and it did not disappoint!
The world building is phenomenal is this one as we are privy to them playing host to at least twelve different candidates and their respective galactic cultures. The author did a great job in keeping us on track and I did not feel lost in the process of remembering who was who thanks to the miniscule references thrown in. For those reading, there is also a glossary at the back of the book to help and a slight summary at the start of every chapter.
The competition was riffed with political nods and some assassination attempts thrown in, making it very interesting and funWe also got a little background to Caldenias past, Dinas permanent guest adding some complexity to the storysome past characters featured in previous books like Nuan Couki, Dagorkun, Karat who were observers.
I just want MORE to Sean and Dinas relationship - they are so supportive of each other and their personalities just balance each other out. I love how Sean has no qualms saying he misses Dina in the presence of anyone listening and their relationship stays true to who they are!
We did finally get some answers to the disappearance of Dinas parents which is the overarching plot to this whole series but it does open up more questions. Trust the author to always hype it up and I cannot wait for the next one. ...more
I finally caught up to my re-read and this one is also done via audio.
I will read ANYTHING by Ilona Andrews. The Innkeeper chronicles is forever my fI finally caught up to my re-read and this one is also done via audio.
I will read ANYTHING by Ilona Andrews. The Innkeeper chronicles is forever my fav series by them. This one is a spin-off featuring Dinas older sister, Maud who decided to follow Arland back to the home planet. There, she fights for the right to be Arlands wife and made a name for herself and became the Marven of Kahr. It is a phenomenal book that develops her character further as she is very different from Dina and comes from a complicated past and history.
I love her story but I cant wait to get back to Dina and Sean. That abrupt ending, though - geezzz!...more
Reread via graphic audio. Still an awesome series to date.
Rating: 5 stars
Seriously this series just gets better and better. And Finall13th May 2025
Reread via graphic audio. Still an awesome series to date.
Rating: 5 stars
Seriously this series just gets better and better. And Finally, Dina and Sean can get it together!!! Also that ending, I seriously hope they continue this series.
This series has been an emotional and great read. After the 2nd book, I just jump into the 3rd book and had to cancel my outings as I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN.
No doubt that is is a must-read for sure. I admit that it's somewhat different from her Kate Daniels series but this series is just as good!...more
Did this via graphic audio and the sound effects are perfection! This is one of my fav urban fantasy series everrrr and a reread through 11th May 2025
Did this via graphic audio and the sound effects are perfection! This is one of my fav urban fantasy series everrrr and a reread through audio is perfectttt
After a brief break reading the first book due to the release of the In death series, I finally got to continue reading onto the series and this book did not disappoint me.
Let me say that this book has everything you might be looking for in a paranormal series Dina is everything I would ever want her to be as a heroine and the idea that she holds a broom as a weapon is totally still kick-ass. She gets drawn in to hosting a peace summit to close an ongoing war and got dragged into it emotionally and physically. We are also introduce to more species and the world just builds from there. I also like how she is never swayed and stands firm on her ground regardless of how overwhelm she is.
I don't want to give anything away but it's definitely a must read on my shelves!...more
The Innkeeper Chronicles is on my re-read list for 2025, and I'm so glad I started! A friend recommended doing it througReview: 5 stars
23rd April 2025
The Innkeeper Chronicles is on my re-read list for 2025, and I'm so glad I started! A friend recommended doing it through audio, and it was amazing! The audio is done in graphic audio mode, which means added background sound with multiple voice casts - it's like listening to a movie!
It made me remember why I adore this series. Given its unique plot and likeable characters, it will forever be one of my favourite urban fantasy series to date. Onwards to Book 2. ------- 1st Sept 2017 I have always been a fan of IA books, especially her Kate Daniels series. Considering this was a project by them where they would write parts of it online for free, I was a bit apprehensive and cautious about approaching their new series.
I just fell in love with this series. There is just something mystical, quaint and sweet about the main character, Dina. She is badass in that she sticks to her morals regardless of the consequences. As an Innkeeper in charge of housing intergalactic species, she must maintain neutrality, but this was tested when something lurked around her neighbourhood. To top it off, we are also introduced to Sean, a werewolf who does not know his origins. Dina and Sean's bickering, chemistry and silliness can be downright funny and silly. I hope they end up together, as much as I love vampire Lord Arland, Sean is a much better fit for Dina.
Since the first "The League" book, Born of Night, I know that Sherrilyn would have come to this side of the coin. And boy, did she exceed my expectations out of this book!! I have been looking forward to Dagger's story when he made some screentime in the book before, Born of Betrayal and waited in anticipation for this book.
Talk about the one of the most mis-understood hero, considering that he was always portray as the villian. The sarcasm and dialogue just makes me chuckle and it just keeps me going. I couldn't put the book down and just want to keep reading. I have to admit it was a pretty long, long book and there was some parts that drag slightly...but the sarcastic brotherly relationship between Dagger and Trajen is great.
Overall, this remains one of my favourite books that I keep coming back to re-read.