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Witch King
Witch King | Martha Wells
From the breakout SFF superstar author of Murderbot comes a remarkable story of power and friendship, of trust and betrayal, and of the families we choose. I didn't know you were a... demon.You idiot. I'm the demon.Kai's having a long day in Martha Wells' WITCH KING....After being murdered, his consciousness dormant and unaware of the passing of time while confined in an elaborate water trap, Kai wakes to find a lesser mage attempting to harness Kai's magic to his own advantage. That was never going to go well. But why was Kai imprisoned in the first place? What has changed in the world since his assassination? And why does the Rising World Coalition appear to be growing in influence? Kai will need to pull his allies close and draw on all his pain magic if he is to answer even the least of these questions. He's not going to like the answers. WITCH KING is Martha Wells's first new fantasy in over a decade, drawing together her signature ability to create characters we adore and identify with, alongside breathtaking action and adventure, and the wit and charm we've come to expect from one of the leading writers of her generation.
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review
Doppoetry
Witch King | Martha Wells
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Panpan

Boy, do I have a lot to say about this. I went into this book with little expectation but was still disappointed. I wasn't the biggest fan of Murderbot, but I thought if the same care was applied to the characters it would be a fun read. I was wrong. There was a general sense of lost potential and bad execution throughout the novel. I think it could have been negated with a short prologue introducing the world. --

Doppoetry As it stands it feels like you‘re reading the 2nd book in a trilogy and not the 1st. It isn‘t enough to just slap a map in the front of a book and a Dramatis Personae and expect readers to constantly flip between the narrative and the cast. Some effort is required to build on those characters. This does not do the book any favors. --
6d
Doppoetry The book had a strong and refreshing beginning, but due to the lack of basic world-building, it falls flat. Even when MC explains how his magic works, he does it with reluctance. I can't say that nothing is explained because there are rare occasions that factions are mentioned and somewhat explained, and you can deduce some conflicts with basic critical thinking skills, but not to the point that you really comprehend what's going on. Very much a “ 6d
Doppoetry -“this is the basic gist” 6d
See All 11 Comments
Doppoetry I don't know how the author made a powerful, demon necromancer guy extremely boring to follow but she managed to do that. The characters blended together in many parts due to a lack of distinct personalities. There is little connection or relatability to anyone because they feel like blank slates. There is little character growth until the very end. --
6d
Doppoetry The majority of the characters were POC but due to the lack of care, they came off more like token characters. There are hints at distinct cultures but it isn't elaborated much aside from vague gender norms and garb. “Archipelago brown” was thrown out there and that's the most racist term for skin I have read in a contemporary fantasy novel. Embarrassing. --
6d
Doppoetry The writing itself isn‘t bad, the book is action-oriented and at times even feels like things are going too fast. I genuinely believe that if there was a bit more effort put into the world building this would have been a really good read, but alas.
6d
Doppoetry I really wanted to like this. I really did. I'm so sad that it just wasn't it. 6d
5feet.of.fury I agree- I struggled with the worldbuilding on this one, it was overly complicated & the characters seemed flat in comparison when the character started interacting I didn‘t have any emotional connection to anyone 6d
Doppoetry @5feet.of.fury I felt the same. This felt like a fantasy book for people who hate fantasy 😅 6d
5feet.of.fury @Doppoetry I love Murderbot also, and that was so character driven, I was really surprised 6d
Doppoetry @5feet.of.fury It's true, felt like a downgrade, very unfortunate :( 6d
7 likes11 comments
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Doppoetry
Witch King | Martha Wells
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#Bookreport

📚Currently reading:

🎧Lud in the Mist
🎧Rise of the King
🎧Witch King

Progress:
I didn't finish anything last week, although I am very close to finishing Witch King (78% currently) so that will be done this upcoming week. I've mostly been trying to get through Witch King. I'm reading Lud chapter by chapter daily and I am really loving it. Not so much Witch King. Not sure when I'll finish Lud, but we shall see.

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PageShifter
Witch King | Martha Wells
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Mehso-so

I couldn't relate to characters, they felt too flat. I was intrigued at the beginning but soon noticed how almost nothing was happening. To be honest I was a bit bored. The writing was also overly descriptive to my taste (I don't have to know everything about everyone's appearances).

I wouldn't say that this was a bad read but bland.

#spookoween #serieslove2024

TheSpineView Bummer! 1mo
20 likes1 comment
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CoffeeK8
Witch King | Martha Wells
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A little reading while my daughter is at basketball practice

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bookishbitch
Witch King | Martha Wells
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Panpan

This started strong but lost me along the way. I didn't hate it, but I didn't enjoy it either. I won't be reading more of this series. The narrator did a great job though.

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TieDyeDude
Witch King | Martha Wells
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Did you know V.E. Schwab has an interview podcast discussing the craft of writing with other authors? I only just learned about it, and enjoyed her chat with Martha Wells, but this is the second season, and she has some of my favorite authors in past episodes.

lil1inblue I had no idea! Thanks for sharing: I adore V.E. Schwab. 4mo
Meshell1313 Oh wow! Awesome! Will have to give it a listen! 4mo
peanutnine Oh cool! I'll have to check it out! Thanks for sharing 4mo
bthegood Thanks for the information - just added this to my podcast library. Make a great day 🙂 4mo
ShelleyBooksie Thank you for sharing, I had no idea!! 4mo
55 likes5 comments
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bookishbitch
Witch King | Martha Wells
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My current Libro.fm audiobook choice. I'm loving it so far.

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Zuhkeeyah
Witch King | Martha Wells
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Pickpick

Overall, I liked it, but the plot sometimes felt forced. It‘s a soft pick for me. I did enjoy the back and forth between then and now, though I had trouble maintaining the timeline for past events.

A strong recommend for those who enjoy new magical systems mixed with politics.

Another Hugo award nominee.

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kwmg40
Witch King | Martha Wells
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Mehso-so

It hurts me to rate a Martha Wells book anything less than a wholehearted pick, but I just couldn't get into this one. The opening scene was fantastic and I liked the world Wells created, but the story seemed to drag on.

It did get a Hugo Best Novel nomination, though, so a lot of others must have liked it! #hugoawards #hugo2024

#gottacatchemall @PuddleJumper (prompt 55. Sirfetch'd: Titled character)

PuddleJumper That's a shame! 6mo
47 likes1 comment
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Kenyazero
Witch King | Martha Wells
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Pickpick

It‘s been a while since I read an epic fantasy, and this one did not disappoint. It was interesting jumping back and forth in time from where Kai is trying to solve why he was assassinated, alongside throwbacks to his journey figuring out his current set of powers.

Used for #OwlHouseReadathon Matt Tholomule: a well organized leader; and #GottaCatchEmAll Grimmsnarl: read the longest book on your TBR @PuddleJumper

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kwmg40
Witch King | Martha Wells
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These are the books I've got planned for the #AwesomeApril readathon! @Andrew65

Andrew65 Best of luck, great to have you with us 😊 Excellent book choices. 7mo
41 likes1 comment
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peanutnine
Witch King | Martha Wells
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Pickpick

This was such a brilliant fantasy. The world building was phenomenal & the storytelling was thoughtfully paced. It was so interesting following Kai's quest to find answers in the present, balanced by the story of the past which revealed more & more of his and the world's origins.
This book was on my radar but I was hesitant to dive into such a sprawling fantasy. I'm so glad Sarah put it on her #ALSpine list, which encouraged me to pick it up!

44 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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peanutnine
Witch King | Martha Wells
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I'm behind on reviews but my favorite February read was definitely Witch King - I kept looking for excuses to listen to my audiobook so I could get back to the story!
I'm glad for this bracket by @Catsandbooks as there is no way I can choose between the Queen or King just yet!
#ReadingBracket2024

Catsandbooks Yay! Glad you like it! 🩵 9mo
29 likes1 comment
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wanderinglynn
Witch King | Martha Wells
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Pickpick

Martha Wells quickly became an auto-buy author with the Murderbot series. So I of course had to have her stand alone fantasy book. 5 stars! But . . . (1) I wish I could read it again for the first time, and (2) I wish there were more books in this world—I would read them all!

Book 2 for #yearend #20in4

Ruthiella I definitely want to try her fantasy work. I‘ve only read The Murderbot Diaries so far, but absolutely love them! Stacking! 11mo
RamsFan1963 @wanderinglynn @Ruthiella I've read 3 of Martha Wells fantasy novels, The Death of the Necromancer, City of Bones and The Element of Fire. IMHO they're all excellent. 11mo
wanderinglynn @RamsFan1963 she is a master storyteller 11mo
76 likes4 stack adds3 comments
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wanderinglynn
Witch King | Martha Wells
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#weekendreads

In between writing sessions, I‘m trying to catch up on some readings challenges I‘ve fallen behind on.

Witch King is from October‘s #trappedinaspookyhouse

The Winter Garden is my Nov book for this round of #LMPBC.

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behudd
Witch King | Martha Wells
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TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 13mo
24 likes1 comment
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kgriffith
Witch King | Martha Wells
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I wanted something familiar but new, needing media to fill the heavy air but not having the bandwidth to process anything too close to our current reality. Enter the latest Martha Wells, whose Murderbot books have been easy, light reads without being “fluff.” I‘m listening to the audiobook but got the Kindle sample for the dramatis personae 😏

GondorGirl I really enjoyed this one. I'd like other books in this world. 14mo
kgriffith @GondorGirl it seems likely, given how prolific Wells is and the extent of the world! 14mo
17 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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5feet.of.fury
Witch King | Martha Wells
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@bnp #lmpbc group F is on the way to you! 🍍🎃

I didn‘t get a group B book last month, but I know we had someone drop… but I don‘t have one to send for @sweetpealsd

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5feet.of.fury
Witch King | Martha Wells
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Mehso-so

The world was interesting, but at times felt overly complicated. Unique though.

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5feet.of.fury
Witch King | Martha Wells
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@Laughterhp I took your #lmpbc book to the Witch City @Pogue @bnp

Laughterhp Oo to Salem? 1y
5feet.of.fury @Laughterhp yes indeed 🧙🏻‍♀️ 1y
kspenmoll Salem is such fun! Especially this time of year 1y
bnp Awesome! 1y
5feet.of.fury @kspenmoll it is! I try to go atleast once a year. Already busy out there! 1y
43 likes5 comments
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CallMeIshmael
Witch King | Martha Wells
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Bailedbailed

I absolutely love Murderbot but this isn‘t it and I just couldn‘t get into it, I hate when authors make it so complicated to follow by creating words and worlds unnecessarily.

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Pedrocamacho
Witch King | Martha Wells
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Pickpick

This book is a ton of fun! I loved Kai, Ziede, Bashasa, and bunch of the other characters. I‘m just going to assume this will be the first book of a series 🙂

CoffeeK8 I am really looking forward to reading this! 1y
Pedrocamacho It‘s a blast, @CoffeeK8. I hope you enjoy it too! 1y
17 likes2 comments
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vlwelser
Witch King | Martha Wells
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Pickpick

This author has a stunning imagination. If this turns into a series I will most likely read another. Unfortunately this does not substitute for a murderbot fix.

#BookSpinBingo @TheAromaofBooks

CallMeIshmael I‘m about 50 pages in and it hasn‘t gripped me yet, hoping it gets better 1y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 1y
41 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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Jen2
Witch King | Martha Wells
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Pickpick

Fun!!!

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Branwen
Witch King | Martha Wells
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Happy Friday, everyone! 💕📚🌿

Taking advantage of some outside reading time since I'm off today!

dabbe 🤩🤩🤩 1y
AnnCrystal 😍👍 1y
BethM So pretty! 1y
Bette Didn‘t know what to expect, but I loved this book. 😊❤️👍 1y
Branwen @Bette RIGHT?! It was so good! 🥰 @dabbe @AnnCrystal @BethM 🥰📚💕 1y
58 likes5 comments
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Laughterhp
Witch King | Martha Wells
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Mehso-so

So not sure I actually liked this. I don‘t want to say much because it‘s my pick for #LMPBC #Round18.

It‘s a heavy epic fantasy that has a lot of politics. It was interesting and I was intrigued but 🤷🏻‍♀️.

I‘m hoping to mail this out Monday, Tuesday at the latest!

bnp Intriguing. I've liked other fantasy I've read by her, so I'll wait and see. 1y
Laughterhp @bnp This is my first fantasy I‘ve read of hers. I love her Murderbot series. And I‘m interested in reading her other fantasy books. 1y
56 likes2 comments
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Branwen
Witch King | Martha Wells
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Spent most of the day reading at the park! It was warm but not as humid as it has been, so it was really quite lovely! ☀️🌿📚 Has anyone else read Witch King by Martha Wells? I like her, so I was excited to read this, but it's blowing my expectations right out of the water! It's so fantastic so far!

HeyT I really enjoyed this! I think I read it over two days and then was like omg now what? Also I'm really peeved MurderbotBros are down rating it because it's not like Murderbot. (I say this as someone who loves Murderbot) 1y
52 likes1 stack add1 comment
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HeyT
Witch King | Martha Wells
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#BookReport
This week was entirely dedicated to Martha Wells lol. I finished up my Murderbot relisten and absolutely devoured Witch King.

#WeeklyForecast
My goal this week is to make a dent in both of my current reads. Pump Six for the eyeballs and RBC to listen to on my commute because it's next month book club pick at work.

22 likes1 stack add
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HeyT
Witch King | Martha Wells
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Pickpick

I found this absolutely delightful and would love to see more of these characters and their world. There are like three different magic systems but you're not bogged down with the mechanics of it all. I know there's a segment that are buttmad this isn't Murderbot but I found this to be really lovely and will now have to go back and read more of her fantasy books because of it.

Bette Agree! 👍 1y
26 likes1 comment
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HeyT
Witch King | Martha Wells
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I am absolutely flying through this because I‘m loving it so much. As much as I love Murderbot I can‘t be mad that she is also doing more fantasy.
#CatsOfLitsy

LeticiaToraci I unfortunately didn't like it as much as Murderbot. 1y
17 likes1 stack add1 comment
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rmaclean4
Witch King | Martha Wells
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Pickpick

What a delightfully complex world. There is a map as well as a Dramatis Personae! Loved the characters. I hope this is a start os a series. It's a great fantasy read. 3.5 🌟

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Branwen
Witch King | Martha Wells
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Today was the first day this week that the air was clean enough to go outside for a nice long bookish walk! The fires from Canada have caused the air here (and lots of other places too!) to be super polluted and unsafe. 😭 I was going crazy with not being able to come to the park and read/walk so I'm really grateful things started to clear up! 🌿☀️

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks I‘m glad things are better 💚 1y
JuniperWilde Fire smoke is so stressful. We get it every summer. Enjoy the fresh air 🌲 1y
Branwen @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Me too! Thank you so much! 💕 @JuniperWilde Oh my god, I'm so sorry you have to deal with it every summer! 😭 How is it right now where you are? 1y
JuniperWilde @Branwen it‘s ok right now. Every summer day without smoke is a blessing. 1y
47 likes4 comments
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Lindy
Witch King | Martha Wells
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Pickpick

He‘s no Murderbot but Kai the demon is still a character I could root for as he tries to figure out who assassinated him. Kai inhabits bodies of any gender & his closest companion is a witch seeking her missing wife, so I‘m comfortable calling this a queer novel. The dramatis personae takes 4 minutes at the start of the audiobook but Eric Mok‘s performance makes this elaborate standalone fantasy by Martha Wells easy to follow. #LGBTQ

31 likes2 stack adds
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Lindy
Witch King | Martha Wells
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Finished patchwork trousers, which I made from quilt scraps donated from a friend who is no longer able to sew. I listened to the entire 13-hour tagged audiobook while I worked on them. #audiocrafting #LitsyCrafters

Freespirit Love these pants 1y
Lindy @Freespirit Thanks! They‘re comfy and I am really pleased with them. 1y
TheBookHippie Omg LOVE LOVE LOVE 😍😍😍 1y
See All 16 Comments
MrsMalaprop How beautiful 😍 1y
dabbe 🤩🤩🤩 1y
Lindy @TheBookHippie Thanks ☺️ 1y
Lindy @MrsMalaprop thanks ☺️ 1y
Lindy @dabbe thank you 😊 1y
Cathythoughts These are gorgeous! Beautifully made 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 1y
julesG Gorgeous pair of trousers! 1y
Lindy @Cathythoughts @julesG @TheLudicReader Thank you my friends ☺️ 1y
bnp Awesome! 1y
Catsandbooks Those are amazing!! ❤️ 1y
Lindy @bnp @Catsandbooks Thanks ☺️ 1y
CatLass007 So amazing! 13mo
35 likes1 stack add16 comments
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Lindy
Witch King | Martha Wells
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Lizpixie
Witch King | Martha Wells
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Bk7Continuing on with my recent #BookHaul is the new book from the author of MurderBot.Unlike those, this one is not SciFi but a fantasy novel. Kai-Enna is the Witch King, but he hasn‘t always been, and he hasn‘t always been Kai. After being assassinated, his consciousness was in a water trap until he wakes to find someone trying to steal his power. But why was he imprisoned? What‘s changed in the world since he was murdered? Sounds fascinating.👍

37 likes1 stack add
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Twainy
Witch King | Martha Wells
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#Illumicrate signed special edition. The end papers are different images. The front & spine have gold foiling. Purple block sprayed edges on top & bottom & purple on purple digitally sprayed long edge. It‘s pretty I

Texreader Lovely!! 1y
Roary47 Oh man so many pretty books! 😍 1y
Twainy @Texreader @Roary47 I might be procrastinating … my reviews are SO FAR behind … 😩 I‘m 24 behind 😭 I have a feeling these will be short. 1y
27 likes1 stack add3 comments
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Laughterhp
Witch King | Martha Wells
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Just signed up for round 18 of #LMPBC!!

This round is a bit different where you have to put a book down and you don‘t really discuss it with your group! (Terrifies me!)

But if you want to read the tagged book with me go sign up for #groupf!

It‘s a google doc this time, so find the link at @suvata ‘s page!

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Laughterhp
Witch King | Martha Wells
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It was our 6th wedding anniversary this weekend. My husband brought me to the bookstore and bought me some books. ☺️☺️

And then scrolling through instagram a bit later and Claire Fuller was apparently at the bookstore around the same time I did. 🤦‍♀️

#newbooks #bookhaul

TheAromaofBooks Happy anniversary!! 1y
Tamra Happy Anniversary! I hope Memory of Animals is great! 1y
AmyG Happy Anniversary! 1y
See All 8 Comments
Ruthiella Happy Anniversary! 🥳 1y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Happy anniversary ❤️🎊🎈 1y
Deblovestoread Happy anniversary 🥂 1y
marleed Happy Anniversary- great gifts! 1y
DivineDiana Happy Anniversary! Sorry you missed Claire! 1y
68 likes8 comments
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Booksblanketsandahotbeverage
Witch King | Martha Wells
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A quick trip to Barnes to pick up my free premium member tote and the Witch King caught my eye. I‘ve been in such a 📚 slump, I couldn‘t leave without it after the first chapter hooked me…

38 likes1 stack add
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RobynTholme
Witch King | Martha Wells
Pickpick

This was my favorite book that I‘ve read so far this year! One of a few books that I‘ve finished and immediately started rereading. I love Martha Wells‘ protagonists so much, and Kai is no exception.

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RaeLovesToRead
Witch King | Martha Wells
This post contains spoilers
show me
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LOOT!!! May's Illumicrate haul. The book is beautiful - a new fantasy from the creator of Murderbot. The plant pot is gonna be used for stationary!
Also pictured- bookmark, phone grip and book organiser that I haven't yet figured out how to use! 😆

Soubhiville I love seeing these! I‘m not a subscriber, maybe someday… their boxes always look fun! 1y
RaeLovesToRead @Soubhiville It's like Christmas every month! (I've ordered a few past boxes too, but they have not yet been dispatched 1y
Branwen What a gorgeous box! The bookmark is to die for! 💕 1y
21 likes4 comments
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RaeLovesToRead
Witch King | Martha Wells

I'm gonna post this month's Illumicrate box under a spoiler tag.

Is anyone here who follows me a subscriber? Are the spoiler tags necessary? Let me know your thoughts! 😊

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TracyReadsBooks
Witch King | Martha Wells
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Pickpick

Fascinating world, complex, shades-of-grey, intriguing, & likable characters & a focused, whodunit story set in a fantasy world. The Witch King wakes to find he was murdered &, collecting a group of friends both new & old, he sets out to find the answers to who & why. This isn‘t a sprawling epic fantasy but rather a story about found family & the lengths to which we go to protect those we love. Different from Murderbot but a good read I enjoyed.

Karisa Oh! I‘m a sucker for found family. Sounds great! 1y
31 likes1 stack add1 comment
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TracyReadsBooks
Witch King | Martha Wells
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Started this one earlier and Wells just throws you right in. Story is switching between present and the past and right now, a lot of the action is taking place at sea! Yep, another book contributing to my new found love for fantasy stories set at sea—this one following after The Bone Ships and Dark Water Daughter…

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deirdrebeecher
Witch King | Martha Wells
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Mehso-so

I find myself torn. I want my Spec Fic writers to swing for the fences. But while I really enjoy the originality and ambition of the worldbuilding it is too much for a standalone. There were too many characters and important relationships were not given the time to gestate. Now I read the whole thing in a day with ease, so it is not fatally flawed. Just not at the same level as Raksura and Murderbot.

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sebrittainclark
Witch King | Martha Wells
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Hard choice between Witch King by Martha Wells and Mammoths at the Gate by Nghi Vo.

@chasjjlee

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TracyReadsBooks
Witch King | Martha Wells
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Today‘s #bookmail is super exciting—Wells is an automatic buy and I‘m thrilled she‘s written a new fantasy. Can‘t wait to dive in!

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Johanna414
Witch King | Martha Wells
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I completely forgot that I had preordered this… what a happy surprise I had waiting in the mail for me today!

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sebrittainclark
Witch King | Martha Wells
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Pickpick

5/5

I love this book! Kai wakes up next to his own casket and knows he has been betrayed. He just need to figure out why. Alternating between Kai's past and present, an rich world and incredible magic system are slowly revealed. I loved all the characters and the story that was told.

#netgalley

TheBookStacker I preordered it and am planning to bring on my vacation next month! Very excited! 2y
Krdugan This sounds awesome! 2y
WhyNotReadAllDay This does sound quite like such an intriguing book! 2y
49 likes5 stack adds3 comments