Quantum Fantasy's Brain Cinema Curated List

This curated list is for those of you with a wildly vivid imagination, be it the autistic with sensory sensitivity, the maladaptive daydreamer, or any number of the millions of people who can imagine in 2 or more senses. We are the people who experience books like a previous life. I’m not here to rank prose or literary value. I don't even know how to do that or what that is. I’m just here to log what made my brain go full fireworks. If I yell about it, it hit the zone.Welcome to Brain Cinema.We're building a home for:
Neurodivergent readers (ADHD, autistic, etc.)
Hyperphantasiacs — the 3% with ultra-vivid imagination
Vivid imaginers who experience stories in all 5 senses
That’s over 1 billion people worldwide who crave books that ignite the inner world.If that's you? You're not alone. You just haven't had a shelf made for you yet. Give me some time. That's what I'm working on with your support. :)Welcome home.

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The Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo

Quick Take:

World Immersion: 10/10
Magic/Tech/Strange System: 9.5/10
Character Connection: 10/10
Pacing & Plot Snap: 8/10
Brain Cinema Rating: 5/5
Full British: NO**This book's strong themes makes it a book I cannot UNIVERSALLY recommend. Proced with caution.GET IT ANYWAY. Hate yourself for it afterwards. This book is a masterpiece.NOTES:It's pacing score isn't a flaw.
Let me explain:The story is intricate, it weaves in places, and like… honestly? You have to know when to slow the story down. Because the payoff and resolution? Masterful.The way Bardugo controls the tempo, you realize the slow parts are intentional. Leigh is writing into the moment… the world is slow when it’s supposed to feel slow. It even reflects itself in how the characters relate to each other. Things slow down and characters slow down with it. It’s actually wild. How did she do this?Non-Affiliate Author Link: Leigh Bardugo's Website

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Blue Veil: The Endless Sky Playlist
The Endless Sky series #1 and #2
by LoveBrain

Featured Book Link: Here on Gumroad. Or Here on its website.What's up, my nuggets?I found this trolling Gumroad’s discovery page for stupid things to spend money on. I found many, by the way. Aside from that, I found this diamond in the rough.LoveBrain, the author, writes what he calls "RawPrint" fiction, and trust me, this book is exactly that: raw and intensely real. He believes writing shouldn’t have rules. That if artists are free to paint outside of the traditional rules, why can’t writers?And you know what?He does.
And he’s right.He wrote an episodic tale about an autistic heroin addict mid-forced-recovery who also gets thrust into an oncoming war of gods while trying to find her sister in an unbelievable mythpunk setting.That was a mouthful.
So are waffles.This is Portal Fantasy at it’s absolute peak. Portal Fantasy mythpunk?
And he nails it?… I’m so here for this.He released two books at the same time, Side A and Side B of Blue Veil: The Endless Sky Playlist and they read like a saga. One picks right up where the last left off and each chapter reads like episodes in a streaming series.These books are about recovery and what it really means to be an underdog.Charlie’s super power is getting back up. Both literally and metaphorically.
And it’s awesome. LoveBrain himself is an autistic self-proclaimed nerdy left-leaning dad who takes shots in both directions. If you can begrudge him his old fashioned traditional curmudgeony.Be warned: This one’s got drugs, sex, LGBT themes and alcohol… this is NOT a Christmas Gift for the kids.You’re diving into the lens of an autistic person and a heroin addict who is constantly lying to herself and everyone else. About her actions. About her autism. About everything. She’s flushing her life down the drain to escape the pain of a past mistake. One that would break most people. It's a brutal, honest, and utterly compelling journey from the gritty streets of Earth to the mind-bending, shattered lands of Blue Veil told through an autistic stream of consciousness that's electric. Each chapter feels like its own episode, building to something truly epic across two acts, Side A and Side B.Get. Them. Both.What makes Blue Veil an absolute obsession for me is how utterly authentic Charlie's voice is. She's hilarious, self-deprecating, and so incredibly human. The world-building is next-level, with its unique blend of ancient powers and strange tech, from the floating continents to the terrifying Valkyrie. Pure "Brain Cinema" that will leave you breathless. It needs to be repeated:LoveBrain’s ability to write action, combat and consequence is unflinchingly brutal, raw, and physically-grounded in a way that is incredibly rare.If you have a vivid, wicked imagination though? You and LoveBrain were designed for each other. Like Doritos and bean dip.Shut up. It’s good.He breaks all the traditional rules of writing to craft a binge-worthy saga that's as messy and beautiful as it is action packed and cinematic.He says writing is jazz.
This was his Whiplash moment.

Quick Take:

World Immersion: 8.5/10
Magic/Tech/Strange System: 8.5/10
Character Connection: 10/10
Pacing & Plot Snap: 7.5/10
=Brain Cinema Rating:== 5/5
Full British: NO**Strong themes, cannot universally recommend. This ain't for the kids, people. Like Bardugo however, LoveBrain is in his own lane.Get it anyway. It's free during launch. AND LEAVE A REVIEW. Don't be a jerk. Link at the bottom. Go.Go, go, go. It's really good.Note:Plot isn’t a problem. This book’s story is easy to fall in love with. Pacing however, you can tell he’s making intentional decisions to let us live in the world. It has an MMO-like wandering quality that I think is awesome. You get to see what the world is doing when nothing is happening. That said, pace might seem like a weakness, but if you’re like me and you love to live in a cool world? This is SO for you. This 7.5 for pacing, like Bardugo is a triumph not a failure. RawPrint fiction leaves in all the Marvel Extras, if that makes sense, and that might bother some people.Non-Affiliate Author Link: Blue Veil's Website

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Dead Man
Black Magic Outlaw series #1
by Domino Finn

What's up, my nuggets?Fellow dorks who live for non-stop action, gritty heroes, and Vice City vibes, grab your notebooks!Dead Man is pure Brain Cinema. The Black Magic Outlaw series is what this place was made for. Oh. My. God!Not gonna lie. Domino Finn is quickly becoming my favorite from the Brain Cinema catalog. This guy's writing is absolutely bonkers. And I mean that in every good way imaginable.Cisco is one of the most electrifying protagonists in Brain Cinema! Seriously, this dude is the Dwayne Johnson of writing.You smell what I'm cookin'?
It's hot cocoa.Just thought that I should mention.This book throws you into a world where the supernatural underworld is Miami's most dangerous secret, and our main character, Cisco (or Francisco Suarez. But only if you're family.), is a back-from-the-dead man with a seriously unique voice. He literally refers to himself in the third person.Only, he doesn't do it like a Chav loser from Essex. It's all identity and I'm here for it.
Somehow it’s genuinely cool. Cisco is kind of like the man child version of James Dean in Rebel without a Cause. He’s got this wild mix of boyish charm and arrogance, but at his core, he’s the bighearted underdog you can’t help but cheer for, even when he’s knee-deep in trouble.And he’s always knee deep in trouble.
My kinda guy!Seriously, this guy can’t go 24 hours without stuff happening to his undead rear end. It's like, wow, Cisco. You and God need to have a chat, man. Somethin' ain't right.This is a full-throttle, relentless ride packed with all types of magic and creatures from across cultures, so you know there's never a dull moment. The magic system is just intricate enough to feel great, lived-in and chunky. The combat has a tactile feel that I'll get into later, but for we autistic dreamers, this is pure painting with words.This entire book feels like reading Undead Vice City.I may or may not have listened to the Vice City Soundtrack for parts of this read. Juuuust sayin’.Not even joking. Try it. It’ll bring back memories.
Please GTA 6 don’t suck.What utterly obsessed me about Dead Man is the relentless pace and how vividly Domino Finn brings this hidden world to life. And let me tell you, my nuggets…Domino can write.
Domino can write his butt off.It’s a constant barrage of high-stakes situations, magical confrontations, and brutal decisions, making you feel every page. It’s grit and a little noir with hard-boiled eggs for breakfast. And the magic? Like I said, it’s cool. It’s functional.It’s Cooluntional. Functionool.
Whatever. Invent a better term then.
Genuinely, it's Miles Davis.
It’s jazz.Rhythmically off beat and chaotic. It's painting with sentences while Cisco fights like an undead MMA magician.One of my favorite things about the writing is it's ability to give combat kinetic, cinematic flare. It feels like reading an anime, or an old school action movie in the middle of an amazing mystery. Throw in this hyper realized, sinfully glamorous Vice City vibe and it's hard to match. I love the way the writer subtle-flexes his ability to write tight and punchy when he needs to, but still throws in these vivid runs and licks of descriptive world-building like a master guitarist.Domino Finn is genuinely underrated. He's Jimi Hendrix with a pen. Absolutely in his own lane with very little competition.Is he perfect? No. Is he, at this point, one of the GOATs of Brain Cinema? Keep in mind, we're talking about Brain Cinema as a category, but yeah. He's Top 5. And in rare company.
From weird spells involving earthworms in cemeteries to unique supernatural creatures, it's just so cool and surprisingly diverse. Plus, the side characters are amazing- I mean c'mon. A Norwegian biker tattoo artist with enchanted Norse runes named Kasper!?“Because you know he’s a gangsta,” she said, in the most suburbanite 1st worlder tone ever.The book does a stellar job of wrapping up its mysteries, but still leaves you desperate for more action and intrigue, which is perfect because the next book, Shadow Play, is apparently just as good. I'll definitely be jumping on the rest of the Black Magic Outlaw series.If you’re into dark fantasy, magic, and paranormal thrillers, this is your next jam.

Quick Take:

World Immersion: 9/10
Magic/Tech/Strange System: 8/10
Character Connection: 9/10
Pacing & Plot Snap: 9/10
Brain Cinema Rating: 5/5
Full British Rating: Full BritishThemes are still pretty dark but not quite as triggering as some other titles on this list.Non-Affiliate Author Link: Domino Finn's Website

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Gideon the Ninth
The Locked Tomb Series #1
By Tamsyn Muir

Whats up, my nuggets?You thought you'd seen every kind of fantasy out there.Hah!Prepare to have your brain absolutely removed and then lovingly put back with greater respect in it for Tamsyn Muir.You better put some respect on her name.Gideon the Ninth is a straight up Babe Ruth, Chili Pepper, Rocket Ship screaming over the back fence homerun.Full stop.
No other words necessary.It defies genres, blending necromantic space opera with a locked-room murder mystery. Oh, and more sarcasm than you can shake a stick at.Not that I've ever run around shaking sticks at sarcastic people. Can you imagine that life? Just someone walking around the park shaking sticks at teenagers?"You sarcastic little so&so... Why I oughta shake a stick at you."
What an unhappy and totally uncool joker.Be warned, though. You want to go into this with a "new eyes approach". You either run the risk of hating it, or absolutely falling in love with it. And what I've found from reading other reviews: It's purely a matter of expectation.Don't be that guy or girl.I respect either take, but I think if you go at it like you’re expecting nothing and can forgive it a few plot holes, mind… You’ll have one hell of a good time. Besides, I think the holes are future book tie-ins.Least it kiiinda feels that way?
Spot check me.
I haven’t read more than this from Tamsyn. But I will!Ol’ Tam Tam.
Tamsyn and Delilah.
Tamsy Hams…I’m gonna stop now.You've got Gideon Nav, a foul-mouthed, sword-wielding powerhouse, forced into a deadly trial with Harrowhark Nonagesimus, the brilliant but utterly terrifying necromancer who basically hates Gideon's guts.Seriously, their dynamic alone is worth the price of admission.
It’s dark, it’s hilarious, and it’s unlike anything else you've ever read!Depending on what you’ve ever read…!Either way it's an autistic reader's delight. Not only is it side ripping hilarious in parts, but the action in this book is rivaled by very few. I was surprised it felt this kinetic and sharp. I love writers who can make the world and the words sizzle between my left and right ear like a country flapjack on a griddle.Tamsyn Muir is absolutely Top 5 in Brain Cinema. Up there with the likes of Joe Abercrombie and Domino Finn. And in the realm of Brain Cinema? That's HIGH praise. She's GOATed around here.This is candy for your brain, an IV drip of well described, cinematic excellence punching you in the pre frontal cortex. Or whatever part of your brain your imagination is in, I can’t be bothered to google it.You do it. You're going to anyway.What truly possessed my dorky soul about this book is its wildly original magic system. We're talking necromancy, but not like you know it. It’s bone magic, spirit manipulation, and grotesque beauty, all tied to nine houses of utterly bonkers, space-faring necromancers.The world-building is properly freakin’ brilliant!A decaying galactic empire filled with ancient secrets, political backstabbing, and incredible, horrifying (you’ve been warned...) lore. The prose itself has this unique, biting wit that will make you laugh even as you're gasping at the gruesome details.Tamsyn Muir can really freakin’ write!
She. is. a. SAVAGE with a pen!It’s action-packed, full of intricate duels, and has a mystery that will keep you guessing right up until your brain breaks.You’ll be like:
Wait. Wut?Then you’ll be like:
HUH!?Then you’ll be like:
Nooooo waaayyy!If you want a book that's audacious, deeply emotional (in its own weird way), and utterly unforgettable, get on this now! I can't wait to read more of this series.

Quick Take:

World Immersion: 8.5/10
Magic/Tech/Strange System: 10/10
Character Connection: 8.5/10
Pacing & Plot Snap: 9/10
Brain Cinema Rating: 5/5
Full British Rating: 7.5/10 Full BritishNotes:
Gideon and Harrow's relationship is so fun to watch. Pacing is fine, the plot is where it fails a little because honestly? I'm unsure if those are plot holes or spots for future expansions in the series. I haven't read them yet but I LOVE Tamsyn Muir's writing style. Please don't let the Full British rating fool you. That's just because of things I'm sure about. That number could evolve as I read more of the series. Tamsyn is Top 5.Non-Affiliate Author Link: Tamsyn Muir's X/Twitter

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Hard Magic
Grimnoir Chronicles #1
By Larry Correia

What's up, my nuggets?Dorks who love their magic loud, their action explosive, and their history seriously messed with, you are about to find your next TBR entry. Hard Magic drops you right into an alternate 1930s Earth where magic isn't some whispered secret; it's a quantifiable, scientific force that basically changed the world (and not always for the better, obviously). Meet Jake Sullivan, a "Heavy" who can control gravity. He's got a troubled past, a no-nonsense attitude, and he gets dragged into a global conspiracy involving secret magical wars and incredibly powerful, often oppressive, organizations. It’s noir’s slightly darker cousin.No relation though.Like. Old school noir. The collar turned up, sleuth with a suit kind of Noir. Got it?
Okay, now punch it with a diesel-grease-covered fist and give it a black eye.Nailed it.He’s offered a deal that if he can catch 5 baddies (and I don’t mean instagram ones), he can earn his freedom from his now 15-years-and-running prison sentence. This book is a full-throttle, pulp-adventure ride that keeps its foot pinned, even when you think it’s going to let up.I’ll warn though… It definitely has the flashback trope.But wait!Before you roll your eyes and back out of the room like Homer Simpson through a bush, hear me out. It’s a soft landing, okay? Relax.Larry handles this one like a champion. Let’s all say it together:Thanks Larry.Was that hard? No.Larry Correia also handles altered history like a genius. A masterfully written magic system that I loved (and was jealous of. Not gonna lie…) and characters that were fun to hang out with in your head.Plus did I mention the magic system was absolutely waffles?
It doesn’t get any better than waffles.
So. Freakin’. Good!You can’t help but marvel at how Larry Correia keeps history straight just so he can alter it and build a world around a completely different timeline of events with magic woven throughout.What absolutely made my dork heart sing about this book is how incredibly rule-bound and visceral the magic system is. I said it before, I’ll say it again, the magic system is a masterstroke. It's not just "poof, a spell"; it's a force with physics, consequences, and battles that feel genuinely destructive and impactful. Correia's world-building seamlessly blends the historical 1930s aesthetic with wild magical advancements, creating a “dieselpunk"-esque vibe that's just pure art.This guy can really write, people.The pacing is relentless, throwing you from one high-stakes action sequence to the next, with magical duels and conspiracies that keep you glued to the page. If you're craving a unique historical twist on urban fantasy with an action-packed, cinematic punch that will make your brain light up, grab this book NOW!Parts of this story are abstract, parts of if weird, but all of it makes sense and I couldn’t put it down. Airships, magical power bequeathing creatures, did I mention the giant airships… yeah, think I did… and noir all in the same place. Not to mention the ending!Don’t give away the ending!... Like I admittedly did before deleting the last like two paragraphs of this already overlong review.Sorry. (Hey! We don't judge...)

Quick Take:

World Immersion: 9/10
Magic/Tech/Strange System: 9/10
Character Connection: 10/10
Pacing & Plot Snap: 8/10
Brain Cinema Rating: 5/5
Full British Rating: YesVERY cinematic, I almost didn't give it a Full British because of its hard dieselpunk vibe. But I'm glad I reconsidered on this one since my initial review.I love Larry's writing style though.Non-Affiliate Author Link: Larry Correia's Website

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Hounded
The Iron Druid Chronicles #1
By Kevin Hearne

What's up my nuggets?Do you secretly wish all those old gods and mythological creatures would stop being so mysterious and just show up in our world, already?Meeeee tooooo!Hounded is a fast-paced, witty, and wildly entertaining ride that drops ancient Celtic mythology right into a modern-day Arizona town.Shout out to Arizona. This is that state you don’t really ever move to, you just kinda “end up”.You’ll meet Atticus O’Sullivan, a ridiculously charming, 2,000-year-old Druid who looks like he’s fresh out of college and runs a quiet occult bookstore. But here’s the problem: he's been dodging a very angry Celtic god for centuries, and that god just found him.Yikes, right?This book is a genius blend of ancient mythology, modern snark, and high-octane magical action that will make you laugh out loud and gasp in equal measure. Also, like… you guys know how I am about combat, kinetic motion and sensory description. This book has it. It’s legitimately a good time.This is the part where you take a week off of work.
Why? Because you’ve been meaning to anyway, right? No problem. Atticus is definitely worth it.
Stay-cation engaged.What made my dork heart bubble over like a tea pot about this book is Atticus himself. His first-person voice is everything.It’s everything.It’s packed with pop culture references, dry humor, and a genuine love for his unique, modern "found family." You can't help but get completely obsessed with the world-building, which is a brilliant mash-up of gods, fae, witches, and werewolves all trying to coexist in the digital age. The magic is so cool and creative (talking to his telepathic Irish Wolfhound, Oberon, is a constant source of humor and wisdom!). The pacing is relentless, throwing you from one magical showdown to the next, making this an absolute cinematic force. Kevin Hearne serves fan service like no one else. He writes like someone’s got a gun to his head. Absolute breakneck speed like his life depends on it and its AWESOME. It’s never cheesy, it’s never too much. It’s always a liberal serving of just what the doctor ordered.Get this book now.
Now!

Quick Take:

World Immersion: 9.5/10
Magic/Tech/Strange System: 8/10
Character Connection: 10/10
Pacing & Plot Snap: 7.5/10
Brain Cinema Rating: 4.5/5
Full British Rating: No.Not quite a Full British, it gets intense and pacing gets a little thick in the weeds. It's not everyone's cuppa. It's mine though!Non-Affiliate Author Link: Kevin Hearne's Website

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The Last Sun
The Tarot Sequence #1
By K.D. Edwards

What's up, my nuggets?K.D. Edwards expertly dances in and out of this sweeping history as if every bit of it was recalled from a previous life. I couldn’t believe how much I wanted to live in the world. All of its flaws, all of its triumphs. The visuals in the descriptions are beyond anything I could have expected, my nuggets. This series is painterly in it's written execution.Also. Side note: This book is SUPER gay. And I don’t mean that as an insult. I’m letting you know. It freely leans into LGBT themes, completely unafraid to toss it on the table. Group marriage, gay marriage, all of the above shows up immediately without fear. In fact, the protagonists Rune and Brand are married.And they're awesome.And no its not the typical Disney snore-fest we’ve been tossed the last few years via cinema. While I respect Disney's efforts, their biggest issue wasn't the inclusive agenda.It was the poor writing. Let's be honest.K.D. Edwards has come to save us from that. In rarified air in fact. This guy is on Brain Cinema mount rushmmore. Absolutely GOATed in my Top 10 Brain Cinema writers.This novel makes it all fit even if you’re as straight as a plank of wood. It isn't a forced contrivance for clicks and views and it isn't going outs of its way to sit front and center. It's part of the narrative.By the way, please have more dimensions than a plank of wood. You’d be a very oddly shaped human.This book drops you into a reimagined, modern-day Atlantis (I know. Chill. It’s not self-insertion Atlantis porn). A magical city-state where the descendants of gods are trying to survive after a devastating war. Our main character, Rune Saint, is a survivor of a massacre that wiped out his whole family, and he's basically on the run with his incredibly hot and dangerous husband, Brand, trying to live a quiet life.Untiiiill.Side note: I use the term ‘hot’ because that’s the way the book talks about him. Use your own imagination liberally.What I love though is that Brand is HILARIOUS. Like, oh my God. The way Rune and Brand take shots at each other from one page to the next is an absolute accomplishment. K.D. Edwards’ dialogue is incendiary. You will have so much fun with these two going back and forth. They made this read an absolute joy.But! Back to UntiiilllSo y’know, chaos ensues, right? It's a high-stakes, action-heavy ride with one of the coolest magic systems I've ever seen! Why?"Because you know K.D. is a gangsta," Brit said, sounding like a suburbanite who has never met an actual gangster,I won’t spoil it for you, just dive in. This is one you’ll want to pay attention to. The magic system informs the combat and kinetic flow of motion in every encounter. You’ll find yourself absolutely glued when the sparks start to fly. It's a neurodivergent reader's dream come true. K.D. Edwards' knows how to make a story come to life.What obsessed me about this book is the sheer creativity of the world-building and the magic. Like holy COW. It’s so deep. So rich.It’s just. Plain. Cool!The powers are drawn from the Tarot's Major Arcana, and it's so visually stunning and well-choreographed. It’s like a neon-lit, magical martial arts movie playing in your head. The world of New Atlantis is so stylish and so packed with unique lore to get lost in. And the characters? The dynamic between Rune and Brand cannot be overstated. Their chemistry on the page shines from the very beginning.You won’t be made to feel that strange "fifth wheel" feeling I've heard described when faced with something you may or maynot agree with in novels involving a love interest. K.D. Edwards thinks about the reader but doesn't try to sanitize the work. He gets that we're adults.Thank you for that, by the way. I've seen both extremes in LGBT novels. The "Shock value" that often leads to:“Oh, you’re straight? Well guess what Hetero-Boy!? Surprise! Buttseggs!”And then the other extreme. Over sanitization which basically reads like an LGBT suggestive poem that never has the guts to just put it out there.This is also bad.None of that! K.D. Edwards handles it with class and writes truth. Bravo. I have zero misgivings about recommending this to hetero friends.There are some trigger warnings about sexual assault handled via flashback and there are some “moderately” explicit scenes, but nothing an adult can’t handle. Not fork kids though.You’ve been warned.This one is super spectrum-approved, if you’ve got a vivid imagination.This book is a masterpiece as far as Brain Cinema is concerned. It’s almost perfect. One of the best books I've ever read.Cinematic telepathy.I mean that.

Quick Take:

World Immersion: 10/10
Magic/Tech/Strange System: 10/10
Character Connection: 10/10
Pacing & Plot Snap: 9/10
Brain Cinema Rating: 5/5
Full British Rating: YES!80% of readers will not regret this book. Absolute Full British. But listen. TRIGGER WARNING: Sexual assault is a briefly touched upon theme here, and I cannot stress that enough. If this bothers you, be careful going in.Non-Affiliate Author Link: K.D. Edwards' Website

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Spider's Bite
Elemental Assassin Series #1
By Jennifer Estep

What's up, my nuggets?Friends. Romans. Dorky men. Lend me your rears.To sit... Down. Like, to sit down and listen.What were you thinking?If you've been searching for a book where the main character is basically a lethal force of nature with a side hustle, then you NEED Spider's Bite in your life! This book drops you into Ashland, a city where crime runs deep, and magic is the ultimate weapon.Meet Gin Blanco, our protagonist, who's a professional assassin.I know. I know. Just relax.
Yes it’s another female assassin story. Some people might see this as a bad thing, but hang in there, that changes quickly.Yes she’s an assassin, but here’s the kicker: she’s also got some serious elemental magic.Oh, and she runs a BBQ joint as a cover. Apparently it’s pretty good, but my money’s still on Corky’s in Tennessee.
Don’t @ me.This book is an absolute explosion of action, revenge, and intricate underworld dealings that will leave you gasping for air and demanding more. The writing skillfully makes the action feel real. I love living in the combat scenes and the kinetic motion. Very auti-approved if you’re a sensory person. If you’ve got a vivid imagination, you’re gonna dig this so, so much.This. Book. Is. Vivid.And I don’t mean the overly wordy kind. It’s the kind of kinetic literary boom-boom-bap that I love. This entire list features quite a lot of that, but that’s the point. This book is the epitome of “Brain Cinema”.If you’re not into love triangles, I get that. I’m not judging. I don’t like them much either. This one isn’t what you think though, because it kinda just exists in the background. I respect that it’s there but it’s not annoying.Kinda like when your friend forces you to try a blue Taki, right? You don’t mind, it’s just a little annoying.Assuming you don’t like that kinda thing anyway. If you’re here for the romance though?Don’t get too excited, it's not the main part of the story.What makes Spider's Bite an absolute obsession for me is how brilliantly Estep mixes brutal action with a genuinely unique magical system. Gin isn't just throwing spells; she's using her elemental powers, assassin skills, and even rune magic to craft magical artifacts in some seriously well-choreographed fight scenes. Every punch, every elemental blast, every tactical move feels so real and visceral, it's a movie playing on the back of your forehead. The world of Ashland is just as captivating- a dark, gritty urban jungle teeming with powerful families, lurking vampires, and giants. Gin herself is complex, tough, and driven by personal vengeance, making her a protagonist you can't help but root for, even when she's doing morally questionable things.If you love your Urban Fantasy with a side of intense combat, intricate conspiracies, and a heroine who handles business like a boss, this is your next up. I genuinely enjoyed this book and suspect the series is probably S-Tier as well.

Quick Take:

World Immersion: 9/10
Magic/Tech/Strange System: 9/10
Character Connection: 10/10
Pacing & Plot Snap: 8/10
Brain Cinema Rating: 4.5/5
Full British Rating: Full BritishNon-Affiliate Author Link: Jennifer Estep's Website

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Three Parts Dead
Craft Wars series #1
Max Gladstone

What’s up, my nuggets! My dork nuggets that is! Specifically the ones who are tired of the same old magic schools and gritty detectives- though I can’t imagine why. How dare you curl your lip at Harry Potter. Prepare yourselves for a book that's going to twist your brain in the best possible way.Three Parts Dead drops you into a world where gods are literally corporations, and magic isn't just about spells; it's about legal contracts, divine law, and cosmic corporate intrigue. Our main character, Tara Abernathy, is a necromancer lawyer (I know, right? Waste not want not I guess!) trying to resurrect a dead god.Seriously, the sheer audacity of that premise? My dork heart nearly exploded. What a job! This book is a mind-bending blend of murder mystery, legal thriller, and high-concept urban fantasy that will shock you at how deep the narrative is. Tara was the lawyer protagonist I never thought I’d ever enjoy.But I did. And for whatever reason that made me feel good about me. Weird, huh?I think it was how different it was from my usual protagonist. A lawyer isn’t exactly what comes screaming to mind when you think: World ruled by God Co. LLC. Also, let’s not act like we didn’t see it:Parkour!
Super freakin’ cool parkour.What absolutely obsessed me about this book is the world-building and that insane magic system. Combat is engaging, inventive and so. Freakin’. COOL. Mix that with a world that feels both real and surreal because Gladstone builds a city where faith is literally currency and spells are complex legal arguments. It's intricate, it's clever, and it just feels so incredibly unique. Like, seriously.This book is special.This is one of those magic systems I was Kinda mad I didn’t think of first.I’ve never wanted to go back in time and mug someone’s brain for an idea more in my life than those moments when I run into a really unique, really cool magic system. Tara herself is a brilliantly flawed protagonist, battling her past and trying to find her place in a world where even divinity is subject to boardroom politics. Like Constantine cleaned himself up and got a law degree instead of a heaven or hell pass.Or cancer.
Cancer sucks.The narrative is dense, I’ll warn. Like, you can get lost in it if you’re not careful. Best advice is trust Max to get you there. At times it feels like wading through the world, but if you just relax and enjoy the ride, enjoy living in the story, the author gets you to the conclusion.Amazingly well, I might add.
Max is a wizard.Like binge-watching a super-smart legal drama where the lawyers can throw fireballs and all the characters verbally spar. It demands your attention, but it rewards you with layers of plot and character that are just so freakin’ cool. If you're looking for a modern fantasy that's cerebral, action-packed in a wonderfully conceptual way, and utterly original, this is your next obsession like it was mine.

Quick Take:

World Immersion: 8.5/10
Magic/Tech/Strange System: 10/10
Character Connection: 9/10
Pacing & Plot Snap: 8/10
Brain Cinema Rating: 4.5/5
Full British Rating: Yes. Definitely. Full BritishNon-Affiliate Author Link: Max Gladstone's Website

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