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A Sin & a Half
Folk Magic. Foreboding Omens. Feminine Rage.
In a crumbing outpost, on the edge of an empire, live ninety-seven magical beings. Among them:
A midwife privy to people’s past lives.
A shaman hiding a dangerous medical condition.
And a guard constantly berated by the crystals he carries in his pocket.
They’re some of the realm’s last remaining humans and they spend their days overcharging the tourists who come to gawk at their dying species. But when a theatrical warlord arrives at their doorstep demanding tribute in the form of a young woman, they’re forced to consider a brutal crime that could bind their fates and change the shape of the realm forever…
A SIN & A HALF is a whimsical and brutal fantasy full of intersecting love stories and heartbreakingly human choices. Perfect for fans of Spinning Silver and Lapvona, this is a spellbinding and unforgettable tale of decisions made and prices paid.
Tropes include found family, band of misfits, small town hysteria, the sacrificial maiden, and feminine rage.
In a crumbing outpost, on the edge of an empire, live ninety-seven magical beings. Among them:
A midwife privy to people’s past lives.
A shaman hiding a dangerous medical condition.
And a guard constantly berated by the crystals he carries in his pocket.
They’re some of the realm’s last remaining humans and they spend their days overcharging the tourists who come to gawk at their dying species. But when a theatrical warlord arrives at their doorstep demanding tribute in the form of a young woman, they’re forced to consider a brutal crime that could bind their fates and change the shape of the realm forever…
A SIN & A HALF is a whimsical and brutal fantasy full of intersecting love stories and heartbreakingly human choices. Perfect for fans of Spinning Silver and Lapvona, this is a spellbinding and unforgettable tale of decisions made and prices paid.
Tropes include found family, band of misfits, small town hysteria, the sacrificial maiden, and feminine rage.
- GenresFantasyDark Fantasy
413 pages, Paperback
First published September 21, 2024
61 people are currently reading
225 people want to read
About the author
Robyn Abbott
6 books16 followersRobyn Abbott is a bestselling Canadian science fiction and fantasy author who writes stories about good people doing bad things. Depending on her mood, she's also either a tarot reader or adamantly against tarot reading.
She was given Honourable Mention in the 2021 L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest for her short story Joseph and Neem Climb a Ladder. She was also nominated for Best Original Screenplay at the 2018 Utah Film Awards.
She was given Honourable Mention in the 2021 L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest for her short story Joseph and Neem Climb a Ladder. She was also nominated for Best Original Screenplay at the 2018 Utah Film Awards.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 5, 2024
This was such an unexpected read. The story is about a small village of gifted humans who are given an ultimatum. It is an impossible choice and one that divides opinion and causes a chain of events that impacts them all. Ultimately, it is about choices, consequences, guilt, sacrifice, revenge, and inaction.
There are initially a lot of characters introduced, and it took a minute to keep track of them all. However, each character is unique and so well developed that I soon got to grips with each of them.
The writing flows nicely, and the author is great at getting the reader to feel a wealth of emotions throughout the story. It is difficult to determine who is right and who is wrong as each character has their view and pays their own price for decisions made. I loved this added complexity.
I also liked the setting and world building. Although the book has a claustrophobic small-town feel, you get the sense that so much more is going on beyond the village walls.
The plot had me completely invested, and I read this book in one setting!
With thanks to the author and Love Book Tours for providing a copy of the book. This is my honest review, which I'm leaving voluntarily.
There are initially a lot of characters introduced, and it took a minute to keep track of them all. However, each character is unique and so well developed that I soon got to grips with each of them.
The writing flows nicely, and the author is great at getting the reader to feel a wealth of emotions throughout the story. It is difficult to determine who is right and who is wrong as each character has their view and pays their own price for decisions made. I loved this added complexity.
I also liked the setting and world building. Although the book has a claustrophobic small-town feel, you get the sense that so much more is going on beyond the village walls.
The plot had me completely invested, and I read this book in one setting!
With thanks to the author and Love Book Tours for providing a copy of the book. This is my honest review, which I'm leaving voluntarily.
September 16, 2024
'A Sin and a Half' is a harrowing, haunting fairy tale populated by a beautifully flawed cast of characters I am eager to follow—in all their incarnations—wherever they go next.
There are no heroes or villains here, only humans and their not-so-human neighbors, and Abbott does a wonderful job of presenting them all with equal empathy and honesty, especially during their darkest moments—and make no mistake, this tale is not for the faint of heart. Love them or hate them, you can't help but care deeply about what to them happens next, and while I spotted a few twists ahead of time, I also gasped aloud at least once or twice.
While the entire novel takes place largely in a single town—Half-Brill—Abbott's deft storytelling quickly immerses the reader in a complex culture and a fully-realized world that seem both utterly "other" and yet strangely familiar. A myriad of gorgeous (if often grim) little details are woven throughout the rotting tapestry of the story with effortless grace, and I enjoyed getting to know Half-Brill itself almost as much as meeting the individuals who live there.
I don't give out five stars often—I reserve that final star only for the best of the best of the best—but I would have given this story 4.5 if I could. A few passages are still (arguably) a little rough around the edges, but this does little to detract from the overall quality of the storytelling. As a counterpoint to those rare moments, I can't remember the last time I highlighted so many lines out of joy (at some truly lovely turns of phrase) or the bittersweet agony of feeling utterly called-out by an author—a feeling I happen to live for as a reader.
All in all, more than worth a read—but be prepared. There are monsters hiding in the shadows of this tale, and they are patient enough to bide their time until your guard is down. And maybe keep some tissues handy, just in case.
(NOTE: This review is based on an advanced copy of the book.)
There are no heroes or villains here, only humans and their not-so-human neighbors, and Abbott does a wonderful job of presenting them all with equal empathy and honesty, especially during their darkest moments—and make no mistake, this tale is not for the faint of heart. Love them or hate them, you can't help but care deeply about what to them happens next, and while I spotted a few twists ahead of time, I also gasped aloud at least once or twice.
While the entire novel takes place largely in a single town—Half-Brill—Abbott's deft storytelling quickly immerses the reader in a complex culture and a fully-realized world that seem both utterly "other" and yet strangely familiar. A myriad of gorgeous (if often grim) little details are woven throughout the rotting tapestry of the story with effortless grace, and I enjoyed getting to know Half-Brill itself almost as much as meeting the individuals who live there.
I don't give out five stars often—I reserve that final star only for the best of the best of the best—but I would have given this story 4.5 if I could. A few passages are still (arguably) a little rough around the edges, but this does little to detract from the overall quality of the storytelling. As a counterpoint to those rare moments, I can't remember the last time I highlighted so many lines out of joy (at some truly lovely turns of phrase) or the bittersweet agony of feeling utterly called-out by an author—a feeling I happen to live for as a reader.
All in all, more than worth a read—but be prepared. There are monsters hiding in the shadows of this tale, and they are patient enough to bide their time until your guard is down. And maybe keep some tissues handy, just in case.
(NOTE: This review is based on an advanced copy of the book.)
October 13, 2024
This was fascinating, it's full of impossible choices, consequences and chain reactions, and a range of complex and flawed characters with unique abilities.
There's lots of darkness in the small town of Half-Brill, and although there's a lot of characters to follow, they all have distinct personalities.
It has great themes of morally grey, omens, reincarnation, magic and sacrifices. It's dark, raw and gritty, but I loved the touches of dark humour and empathy too.
It's an emotional journey of survival, and explores the complexities of humanity, how far you would go, and repercussions.
This is definitely a unique fantasy centred around a quirky small town filled with mystery, drama and intrigue
There's lots of darkness in the small town of Half-Brill, and although there's a lot of characters to follow, they all have distinct personalities.
It has great themes of morally grey, omens, reincarnation, magic and sacrifices. It's dark, raw and gritty, but I loved the touches of dark humour and empathy too.
It's an emotional journey of survival, and explores the complexities of humanity, how far you would go, and repercussions.
This is definitely a unique fantasy centred around a quirky small town filled with mystery, drama and intrigue
September 9, 2025
This is a dark fantasy book about impossible choices and supernatural consequences, set in a chillingly post-apocalyptic future. In Half-Brill, a rare band of humans carve out a meagre existence performing their magical gifts for tourists and keeping their community alive and happy as best they can until a war chieftain invades and demands an unthinkable price. The citizens of Half-Brill make a decision that haunts them for the rest of the book, as increasingly macabre events plague their tight-knit settlement and turn neighbour against neighbour.
The atmospheric writing lent a dark fairytale feeling to the novel, and I felt drawn into the slow and inevitable unraveling of the town. While there was an overwhelming number of characters introduced in the first few pages, their roles and gifts became clearer as the story went on, and I was invested in their lives (I was particularly fond of young Kriztof and his group of invisible interdimensional beings). The focus on flawed humanity was by turns poignant, grim, and affecting, as the characters wrestle with fate and folk magic and find out if history is doomed to repeat itself.
Thanks to Robyn Abbott for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
The atmospheric writing lent a dark fairytale feeling to the novel, and I felt drawn into the slow and inevitable unraveling of the town. While there was an overwhelming number of characters introduced in the first few pages, their roles and gifts became clearer as the story went on, and I was invested in their lives (I was particularly fond of young Kriztof and his group of invisible interdimensional beings). The focus on flawed humanity was by turns poignant, grim, and affecting, as the characters wrestle with fate and folk magic and find out if history is doomed to repeat itself.
Thanks to Robyn Abbott for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
October 1, 2024
I do enjoy fantasy as much as horror and I was really intrigued by the blurb for A Sin & A Half. It is definitely a hefty read at just over 400 pages but is definitely worth it if you enjoy fantasy with a touch of darkness and brutality as well as whimsy. I will be the first to admit I wasn’t sure due to the love story dynamic if it would take me a while to get settled but by the end of the first chapter I was sucked into the world and wanted to know more.
The writing is beautiful, it’s equally loving and dark. I adored how Abbott captures how choices can make all the difference to a persons path. The characters are all wonderful but also wonderfully flawed that makes them realistic and easier to bond with.
We also have a full spectrum of emotions throughout the book, so if you are anything like me get ready to be emotional. I honestly loved this read. Despite the length I managed to read it over the course of a few days and really enjoyed it.
As always thank you to Love Book Tours my copy. My review is always honest and truthful.
The writing is beautiful, it’s equally loving and dark. I adored how Abbott captures how choices can make all the difference to a persons path. The characters are all wonderful but also wonderfully flawed that makes them realistic and easier to bond with.
We also have a full spectrum of emotions throughout the book, so if you are anything like me get ready to be emotional. I honestly loved this read. Despite the length I managed to read it over the course of a few days and really enjoyed it.
As always thank you to Love Book Tours my copy. My review is always honest and truthful.
October 9, 2024
This book caught me completely off guard! From the blurb I was interested and once I started reading I couldn't stop! The world building is great! It has that small town feel with the feeling of so much more! There are a lot of characters introduced in the beginning but once you get to know each one its easy to keep track of them! This was a fantastic read with great writing, unique characters, good world building and more! Thank you Love Book Tours and Robyn Abbott for sharing this book with me!
September 22, 2024
RTC-but this book just fits me like a glove.
September 30, 2024
‘A Sin and a Half’ is the first book in the Forgotten Fragments series and it really wasn’t what I expected it to be. It took me a little while to get into it as you are introduced to a lot of characters quickly at the beginning but I am glad I stuck with it as each character is beautiful and haunting and sometimes terrifying. This novel raised a lot of questions about choices and actions and it really is a novel that you will be thinking about for days after finishing it. It’s a dark and fascinating and compelling read.
November 5, 2024
This book was so easy to get into, I LOVED all the characters and the world building was snuck in so well I didn’t feel like I had to re-read the beginning a million times. A great fall read.
September 30, 2024
Great debut novel!
August 16, 2024
A Sin and a Half is unlike anything I’ve ever read before in all the BEST ways. Abbott has done an incredible job painting a fantastic, twistedly-beautiful picture of humanity in Half-Brill. The book looks at the meaning, or lack-there-of, actions and decisions made by all beings. There is chaos that keeps you turning the pages to find out what happens next to each beloved character (or not so beloved!) and I LOVED it. I cannot wait to dive into more of this author’s world of reincarnation and see just what these characters might do next, or might have done previously! I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a book of magic, the darkest omens, and let’s not forget… mischievous inter-dimensional beings who may or may not be good… because, what is “good” anyway? If you want to reassess just what this world, or others, might have to offer your existential existence, this one probably is perfect for you.
*** This review is based on an ARC of A Sin and a Half. A big thanks to the author for allowing me to watch this story unfold early. ***
*** This review is based on an ARC of A Sin and a Half. A big thanks to the author for allowing me to watch this story unfold early. ***
December 4, 2024
I loved this book! It only took me so long to read because my school semester has been bananagrams, but I would have devoured this a lot more quickly if I could have.
I cared about every character in Half-Brill, and I really love that we got a glimpse into each character's mind at several points throughout the novel. The humans' gifts almost feel like mythical explanations for daily occurrences in our lives. I look forward to reading the next one!
I cared about every character in Half-Brill, and I really love that we got a glimpse into each character's mind at several points throughout the novel. The humans' gifts almost feel like mythical explanations for daily occurrences in our lives. I look forward to reading the next one!
October 6, 2024
🌌 In a world where magic is fading, a small town of 97 unique individuals clings to survival. These are the last humans in a realm that's slowly losing its wonder. They get by charging tourists 💰🧳 who come to see the "last of humanity."
💥 But their peaceful existence is shattered when a powerful warlord arrives, demanding a young woman as tribute. This forces the townspeople to make difficult choices that could change everything 🤯.
📚 "A SIN & A HALF" is a wild ride that mixes fantasy with dark humour 🎭. It's like a mashup of "Spinning Silver" and "Lapvona," but with its own twist 🌪️.
You'll find:
👥 A group of misfits becoming family
🌪️ A small town gripped by fear and paranoia
🙅♀️ A young woman who doesn't want to be sacrificed
🔥 Women fighting back against injustice
🎭 There are lots of characters to keep track of, but each one is so well-written that you'll get to know them quickly 📝.
✍️ The writing is beautiful but doesn't pull punches 🥊. It'll make you feel all sorts of emotions 😂😭😡. And good luck figuring out who's right or wrong – it's complicated! 🤔
🏘️ Although the settings may feel a bit cramped (it is a small town after all) you do still get hints of a much bigger world beyond 🌎.
Overall, I couldn't put this book down and read it all in one go 📚��. Now I'm dying to talk about it with someone.
💥 But their peaceful existence is shattered when a powerful warlord arrives, demanding a young woman as tribute. This forces the townspeople to make difficult choices that could change everything 🤯.
📚 "A SIN & A HALF" is a wild ride that mixes fantasy with dark humour 🎭. It's like a mashup of "Spinning Silver" and "Lapvona," but with its own twist 🌪️.
You'll find:
👥 A group of misfits becoming family
🌪️ A small town gripped by fear and paranoia
🙅♀️ A young woman who doesn't want to be sacrificed
🔥 Women fighting back against injustice
🎭 There are lots of characters to keep track of, but each one is so well-written that you'll get to know them quickly 📝.
✍️ The writing is beautiful but doesn't pull punches 🥊. It'll make you feel all sorts of emotions 😂😭😡. And good luck figuring out who's right or wrong – it's complicated! 🤔
🏘️ Although the settings may feel a bit cramped (it is a small town after all) you do still get hints of a much bigger world beyond 🌎.
Overall, I couldn't put this book down and read it all in one go 📚��. Now I'm dying to talk about it with someone.
October 4, 2024
When I saw the blurb for this book, I knew I wanted to read it and I'm so glad I did. The author penned such beautiful and rich story, the characters were done so well that I could really picture them in my mind. The world building was absolutely fantastic. It did take me some time to get into, the world building and character building was fantastic, but it was a lot, I found I lost track a little and had to re read some bits with the characters. So that might not be for everybody, but if you can manage it, it is absolutely worth it as it made it such a beautiful story.
I would also say this isn't for the faint of heart, the characters are flawed and deal with some darker situations and decisions, I found myself tearing up a few times, their lives are so closely woven with each other and you get to witness the repercussions from the decisions they make. It made me want to keep turning page after page.
This isn't your typical fantasy, it's dark and gritty and sometimes very sad, it makes you look and question the actions of the characters. And the suprise turn of events keeps you on your toes while reading!
Quite a wordy story, but wow what a story!!
I would also say this isn't for the faint of heart, the characters are flawed and deal with some darker situations and decisions, I found myself tearing up a few times, their lives are so closely woven with each other and you get to witness the repercussions from the decisions they make. It made me want to keep turning page after page.
This isn't your typical fantasy, it's dark and gritty and sometimes very sad, it makes you look and question the actions of the characters. And the suprise turn of events keeps you on your toes while reading!
Quite a wordy story, but wow what a story!!
October 3, 2024
✨BOOK TOUR✨
Title: A Sin & A Half
Author: Robyn Abbott
Genre: Fantasy
Format: Book
Publication: 21 Sept 2024
✨ 4/5
Whilst this book took me a little while to get into it was well worth persevering. I enjoyed this different take on the fantasy genre - following some of the last remaining humans (although not humans as we know them with each of them having their own special gifts).
The story is predominantly set in Half-Brill a town made up of tents and basic buildings housing a small community of humans trying to survive under the watchful eye of The Empire. Whilst the world building isn’t widely done the town is well developed giving the reader a good insight into the lives of the characters.
The characters are numerous but not overwhelmingly so with each having their role to play in maintaining the balance in the community. I enjoyed their development and particularly the twist at the end that changes our view of Enid.
Overall an enjoyable and unique twist on fantasy with an exciting twist at the end!
Title: A Sin & A Half
Author: Robyn Abbott
Genre: Fantasy
Format: Book
Publication: 21 Sept 2024
✨ 4/5
Whilst this book took me a little while to get into it was well worth persevering. I enjoyed this different take on the fantasy genre - following some of the last remaining humans (although not humans as we know them with each of them having their own special gifts).
The story is predominantly set in Half-Brill a town made up of tents and basic buildings housing a small community of humans trying to survive under the watchful eye of The Empire. Whilst the world building isn’t widely done the town is well developed giving the reader a good insight into the lives of the characters.
The characters are numerous but not overwhelmingly so with each having their role to play in maintaining the balance in the community. I enjoyed their development and particularly the twist at the end that changes our view of Enid.
Overall an enjoyable and unique twist on fantasy with an exciting twist at the end!
October 5, 2024
I was so excited to dig into this book! It checked so many boxes for me: feminine rage, found family, dark fantasy, etc.
The author does some great world building in this story. I would classify this as a darker fantasy novel that is unique and easy to get lost in. This series (or more collection of books and novellas) has characters that are connected by reincarnation.
If you are someone who likes a nice and tidy HEA - this probably isn’t the book for you. There are surprises and twists and emotional moments that you are not going to expect.
You’ll find many of the these characters operate in the grey area of life, and you’ll find yourself asking what makes someone a hero or a villain? Good or bad? How do your choices affect others and what are those unintended consequences?
I am very curious to see where this series goes and what characters will pop up in the future!
✨What to Expect:
🖤Dark Fantasy
🖤Small Town Hysteria
🖤Feminine Rage
🖤Sacrificial Maiden
🖤Band of Misfits
🖤Found Family
🖤Magical Beings
The author does some great world building in this story. I would classify this as a darker fantasy novel that is unique and easy to get lost in. This series (or more collection of books and novellas) has characters that are connected by reincarnation.
If you are someone who likes a nice and tidy HEA - this probably isn’t the book for you. There are surprises and twists and emotional moments that you are not going to expect.
You’ll find many of the these characters operate in the grey area of life, and you’ll find yourself asking what makes someone a hero or a villain? Good or bad? How do your choices affect others and what are those unintended consequences?
I am very curious to see where this series goes and what characters will pop up in the future!
✨What to Expect:
🖤Dark Fantasy
🖤Small Town Hysteria
🖤Feminine Rage
🖤Sacrificial Maiden
🖤Band of Misfits
🖤Found Family
🖤Magical Beings
September 4, 2024
This is a book unlike any I've read before. It's the most human I've ever seen magical beings portrayed, and it is so freaking beautiful.
Robyn Abbott uses beautiful prose to masterfully weave a story that speaks to the heart of anyone human, and reminds you of the little things that tie all our souls together. From small mannerisms to character's thoughts, there were so many times I related to these characters, and it made them feel alive. I love these souls. <3
My favorite part of reading this was asking myself throughout the whole book, "Would I have done things any differently?" "If it had happened to me, would I have reacted the same?"
When faced with the impossible choice that the souls of Half-Brill were, I'm not sure if I could have. And if it had been me... well, I'm not sure of that either.
I couldn't pick a favorite chapter of this book if you paid me. There are too many! I can't recommend this book enough.
Robyn Abbott uses beautiful prose to masterfully weave a story that speaks to the heart of anyone human, and reminds you of the little things that tie all our souls together. From small mannerisms to character's thoughts, there were so many times I related to these characters, and it made them feel alive. I love these souls. <3
My favorite part of reading this was asking myself throughout the whole book, "Would I have done things any differently?" "If it had happened to me, would I have reacted the same?"
When faced with the impossible choice that the souls of Half-Brill were, I'm not sure if I could have. And if it had been me... well, I'm not sure of that either.
I couldn't pick a favorite chapter of this book if you paid me. There are too many! I can't recommend this book enough.
October 5, 2024
Wow. Okay, I did have a hard time getting into this at first but am I ever glad that I stuck with it. This book is exceptional. If I had to sum this story up, I'd say it's good people doing bad things and the consequences of those actions. Half Brill is a village of humans with gifts in a world where humans are scarce. An army comes and demands payment for their safety. However, when he sees Enid, a young woman of 19, he decides that he'll accept her hand in marriage instead. She refuses and the choice is subsequently taken from her by the others in the village. Everything that happens after that is a result of that choice. The imagery in this book is amazing. The interconnectedness of everyone and everything is exceptional. I love how everyone is reincarnated as well and those past lives are mentioned. It's truly amazing how this author wove this universe together. This book does get very dark very fast and definitely is not for the faint of heart. However, I loved it.
October 13, 2024
A Sin and a Half is a dark, foreboding fantasy set in a small town on the fringes of an out of control empire. The town's inhabitants are magical beings with an impossible ultimatum to face. Will they make the right choice? Be sure to pick your copy up to find out.
So all in all, I very much enjoyed this read. The world building was impressive, I just love getting lost in a good fantasy world, and I certainly got lost here, eventhough the read has a small town feel, there's still plenty to explore.
There are a whole host of interesting characters to get to know, each one unique, well developed and believable.
The story flowed well and kept my attention and although quite a hefty tome at over 500 pages, it doesn’t seem that long, and I flew through this in three sittings.
It's a thought provoking, atmospheric read, full of feeling and emotion and I enjoyed the feminist element to the story.
5 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
So all in all, I very much enjoyed this read. The world building was impressive, I just love getting lost in a good fantasy world, and I certainly got lost here, eventhough the read has a small town feel, there's still plenty to explore.
There are a whole host of interesting characters to get to know, each one unique, well developed and believable.
The story flowed well and kept my attention and although quite a hefty tome at over 500 pages, it doesn’t seem that long, and I flew through this in three sittings.
It's a thought provoking, atmospheric read, full of feeling and emotion and I enjoyed the feminist element to the story.
5 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
November 8, 2024
A Sin and a Half by Robyn Abbott is a dark, thought-provoking fantasy that delves earnestly into the nuances of human nature. Set in an expansive world, the story explores a small town's collective guilt over the fateful decision to protect themselves at another’s expense. This decision haunts each character differently, entrapping the village in a fatal web of secrets and well-intended mistakes.
Abbott’s characters are wonderfully, and dreadfully, complex, grappling with their flaws and fears as they navigate fate and consequence. It’s a great read for fans of The Shadow of What Was Lost, The Fifth Season, and The Village, with its own uniquely unsettling edge. Fans of morally ambiguous tales, immersive world-building, and dark, philosophical themes will find themselves captivated by the haunting narrative and Abbott’s keen insight into the human psyche.
Abbott’s characters are wonderfully, and dreadfully, complex, grappling with their flaws and fears as they navigate fate and consequence. It’s a great read for fans of The Shadow of What Was Lost, The Fifth Season, and The Village, with its own uniquely unsettling edge. Fans of morally ambiguous tales, immersive world-building, and dark, philosophical themes will find themselves captivated by the haunting narrative and Abbott’s keen insight into the human psyche.
September 26, 2024
A Sin & A Half by Robyn Abbot is a spellbinding blend of whimsy and darkness that enchants from the very first page. Set in a crumbling outpost where magic and desperation coalesce, it introduces us to a cast of compelling characters each with their own haunting secrets and formidable powers. As tensions rise with the arrival of a theatrical warlord, the stakes escalate, forcing our misfit band to confront love, sacrifice, and the echoes of their pasts. Abbot masterfully weaves together themes of feminine rage and the human experience in a narrative rich with foreboding omens. For those drawn to intricate tales of found family and haunting choices, this novel is a bewitching journey you won’t soon forget.
September 26, 2024
Thanks so much for the ARC opportunity for LoveBooksTours and the author. As always, this is an honest, voluntary review.
If I could give more than five stars for this, I would. For someone who reads somewhere between 50-100 books a year, it's so rare to find something unique and different. What a journey this was! I'm not even sure how I could describe properly why or how this book is so great. It's the characters, the small things, being human (even for those literally not human characters), being flawed. The writing style pulled me in, loved it from the first word.
I definitely recommend it to anybody who would like to read something different yet fantasy, yet magical.
If I could give more than five stars for this, I would. For someone who reads somewhere between 50-100 books a year, it's so rare to find something unique and different. What a journey this was! I'm not even sure how I could describe properly why or how this book is so great. It's the characters, the small things, being human (even for those literally not human characters), being flawed. The writing style pulled me in, loved it from the first word.
I definitely recommend it to anybody who would like to read something different yet fantasy, yet magical.
September 29, 2024
I love it when I come across something a little different to what you normally get from your typical fantasy read!
A Sin & a Half has a wide range of characters to get to know, while sometimes this can be overwhelming I didn’t feel that way at any point in this book. Each character has complex personalities, unique powers and secrets and I loved learning about every one of them.
I feel this book isn’t for the faint hearted as there ares some brutal and heartbreaking moments throughout.
An absolutely brilliant read that I devoured in two days 🤩 I will be looking out for the future ‘reincarnations’ of these characters in future books
A Sin & a Half has a wide range of characters to get to know, while sometimes this can be overwhelming I didn’t feel that way at any point in this book. Each character has complex personalities, unique powers and secrets and I loved learning about every one of them.
I feel this book isn’t for the faint hearted as there ares some brutal and heartbreaking moments throughout.
An absolutely brilliant read that I devoured in two days 🤩 I will be looking out for the future ‘reincarnations’ of these characters in future books
September 30, 2024
After only starting to read fantasy books a few months ago, I saw this one and couldn't resist! It's a brilliant unique read, not so action packed but full of emotion and deep thinking.
The world of Brill is brought to life with some brilliant characters, all of which have a different power. It did take me a while to get into remembering all the different names and relationships but the story wouldn't be what it is without them all.
I love a deep thinking book that really makes you wonder what you would do in that situation.
There is copious amounts of imagination that made for a great magical fantasy world. I especially liked the feminist element to the book ☺️
The world of Brill is brought to life with some brilliant characters, all of which have a different power. It did take me a while to get into remembering all the different names and relationships but the story wouldn't be what it is without them all.
I love a deep thinking book that really makes you wonder what you would do in that situation.
There is copious amounts of imagination that made for a great magical fantasy world. I especially liked the feminist element to the book ☺️
October 3, 2024
Wow, this was an intriguing and incredible read, with such a beautifully written storyline and was so unique, that I've never come across in a fantasy book before.
This was an amazing and detailed read that has you immersed straight into the world of half-brill, The characters come across realistic and the connection made with the characters made it for an enjoyable read. I found throughout the books there were emotional times that really pull on your heartstrings.
If you enjoy reading fantasy that is both dark and haunting and emotional at times, then I would highly recommend this book. If I could I would definitely give A Sin & A Half more than five stars.
This was an amazing and detailed read that has you immersed straight into the world of half-brill, The characters come across realistic and the connection made with the characters made it for an enjoyable read. I found throughout the books there were emotional times that really pull on your heartstrings.
If you enjoy reading fantasy that is both dark and haunting and emotional at times, then I would highly recommend this book. If I could I would definitely give A Sin & A Half more than five stars.
October 5, 2024
I absolutely loved this storyline, actually quite sad when I finished it because I knew I'd have to read something else. It's very gripping to say the least!
I loved the characters, Enid, Nadia, Pascal, Gektur, Luka, Isolde and many more. I love how they all have there own qwerks and gifts. I like how they are all just trying to survive. I love the use of animals in this book such as the wolves and birds - they are always the first sign something isn't right.
Anyway I don't wanna say too much and give anything away as I feel this is definitely one to read and the author is one to watch out for.
I loved the characters, Enid, Nadia, Pascal, Gektur, Luka, Isolde and many more. I love how they all have there own qwerks and gifts. I like how they are all just trying to survive. I love the use of animals in this book such as the wolves and birds - they are always the first sign something isn't right.
Anyway I don't wanna say too much and give anything away as I feel this is definitely one to read and the author is one to watch out for.
October 9, 2024
If your looking for fantasy that is going to stick with you, long after you finish, and at times makes you stop and think, A SIN & A HALF by Robyn Abbott is the book for you.
This book is beautiful written with a cast of characters that all have something about them that drawn you in and make you want to know more. Robyn beautiful writing also extends to her world building and scenes she sets for these characters.
Overall I give this book a solid 4/5 ⭐️ definitely check out the blurb and if it intrigues you like it did me, definitely pick this one up.
This book is beautiful written with a cast of characters that all have something about them that drawn you in and make you want to know more. Robyn beautiful writing also extends to her world building and scenes she sets for these characters.
Overall I give this book a solid 4/5 ⭐️ definitely check out the blurb and if it intrigues you like it did me, definitely pick this one up.
October 11, 2024
A SIN & A HALF by Robyn Abbott.
The Forgotten Fragments series book 1.
I did enjoy this book. I liked the characters. Enid, Nadia, Isolde, Luka, Gektur, Pascal, Julissa, Abrasha, and many more. I liked how each character had their own gifts. Each one was different. I didn't have a favourite. There was great world building. It actually felt like I was there watching everything happen. I liked the writing style. I got into it straight away. I read this in two sittings. I can't wait for the next book. I would definitely recommend this book
The Forgotten Fragments series book 1.
I did enjoy this book. I liked the characters. Enid, Nadia, Isolde, Luka, Gektur, Pascal, Julissa, Abrasha, and many more. I liked how each character had their own gifts. Each one was different. I didn't have a favourite. There was great world building. It actually felt like I was there watching everything happen. I liked the writing style. I got into it straight away. I read this in two sittings. I can't wait for the next book. I would definitely recommend this book
September 30, 2024
This book sucked me in from the very beginning and I could not put this book down. This is a fairy tale fantasy story about humanity in all its forms. This author does a great job of portraying magical characters as humans. I enjoyed the array of characters including all their flaws. This is not my typical genre of book to read, but I am glad that I did. Tropes include a band of misfits, small town hysteria, found family, and sacrificial maidens. Highly recommend!
August 12, 2024
I am THRILLED to be sharing these messed up characters and the shivery magical world of Half-Brill.
You can expect:
- astrology
- dark omens
- witchy magic
- terrible mistakes
- small town hysteria
- a big ensemble cast of magical oddities
- an absurd regime (and a fittingly absurd rebellion)
You can expect:
- astrology
- dark omens
- witchy magic
- terrible mistakes
- small town hysteria
- a big ensemble cast of magical oddities
- an absurd regime (and a fittingly absurd rebellion)
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