Weekly Reading Check-In: 01/06/21

Happy Wednesday everyone!  Time for another weekly check-in using WWW Wednesday, a meme hosted by Taking on a World of Words. Want to participate?  Simply answer the three questions below and tag the host site!  Book covers link to Goodreads.

What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?

    

Currently Reading: PAWN’S GAMBIT by Rob J. Hayes
First self-published read of the year! PAWN’S GAMBIT is a wuxia-inspired adventure about a woman general in hiding after a tragedy some years earlier. Yuu’s hiding comes to an end when a goddess reveals Yuu is her champion in a contest to determine the next ruler of heaven. The contest is simple: divine artifacts have been hidden all over the kingdom. Whosever’s champion finds the most artifacts wins. I’m only a few chapters in, but really enjoying being back in the world where NEVER DIE was set – looking forward to seeing where this goes!

Recently Finished: THE THOUSAND DEATHS OF ARDOR BENN by Tyler Whitesides
Boy, this one was a book of highs and lows. I really enjoyed the world-building, the heists, and the fairly impressive reveal that had me racing through the final pages. On the other hand, I found the characters lackluster and paper thin. The fact that my lack of connection to the characters didn’t completely sink this book is a testament to the strength of the rest of the writing, because I am a girl who prioritizes characters above all else when it comes to story elements. You can read my full review here for a bigger explanation, but if you just want a bunch of escapades and dragons, you might want to check this book out.

Probable Next Read: THE MASK OF MIRRORS by M.A. Carrick
Jumping right along through the ARC pile! Next up will be another January release, one that sees a con woman infiltrating noble houses, and accidentally crossing paths with a vigilante and a crime lord. M.A. Carrick is the pen name for writing duo Marie Brennan and Alyc Helms, the first of whom has been on my list for a while to check out as an author. I read an excerpt from THE MASK OF MIRRORS earlier this year and liked what I read, so I’m hoping to really like this one!