Born to Fly

 Stave, 185 pieces. This Tormentor is amazing because it plays completely fair: there is a consistent pattern on the image, and yet that's not very much help at all, in part because of the carved-out slivers that change a corner to a not-quite-match with its neighbor. 10/10 instant classic

now that I look at the photo, I suspect that flame was supposed to hook into the top of the feather!

Shades of Blue

 Stave, 410 pieces. This was a challenge because of the aforementioned shades; I really like the process of seeing the colors become more and more distinguishable as I work through the puzzle. Also some unusual whimsies--that rose was not something I'd seen from Stave before. 7/10

multipiece rose

multipiece structure

rose in context

rebus

The Big Cheese

 Stave, 130 pieces. This is a surprisingly difficult Teaser--surprising because the spaces are scattered so only 2-3 special figures fit in each one. 6/10

Bibliodrome

 Stave, approx. 200 pieces (misplaced my photo of the box). Darker image but really interesting cut. 6/10

globe trotting

The Jazz Frog Choir, Miko

 BCB Puzzles, 250 pieces. There are actually some subtle color changes here, despite the division between the top and bottom. 3/5

Getting Together, Pat Scott

 Liberty, 740 pieces. Really charming whimsies, including two lines of cats that could be animation frames of cats jumping. 4/5

One line of jumping cats

so many cats and an empty birdcage

Christmas tree and hearth

also a lot of food

skateboarding cat

paw prints

Dragonfly Dance

 Stave, 225 pieces. A little tricky to flip over because of the cutout frame, but lovely colors and the usual quality. 6/10

multipiece frog

Painted Dragon Tails

 Five Frogs, 41 pieces. I never get tired of this type of puzzle! 4/5

Masha Mologyth, Behind the Scenes

 DaVici, 190 pieces. Really intricate piece design here, with whimsies melding into other pieces including other whimsies--take a look at that back, especially along the top edge! A little dark, if that kind of thing is a problem. 4/5

Beat the Heat

 Stave, 140 pieces. This cactus-themed puzzle is really fun, with just enough difficulty and pieces that don't seem to fit until they magically do. 9/10