“I love you, I have loved you, and I will love you.�
I honestly was not expecting it to be this good??? like, I was expecting it to be good, e4.25!
“I love you, I have loved you, and I will love you.�
I honestly was not expecting it to be this good??? like, I was expecting it to be good, enjoyable but not to this extent because honestly I was so invested in the story, the very idea and the concept of the storyline was so unique and interesting and I truly thing the plot was the aspect of the book that kept me hooked throughout. While I loved the concept, the execution could have been a bit better. The pacing of this book was also very slow. Yeah, yeah, I finished it in 2 days but that's because I pushed through, otherwise the pacing was slow but I found it enjoyable. The writing style was very fun to read. It wasn't like Addie Larue, I would say but it did have a similar vibe which I enjoyed reading and yeah this was heartbreaking!
"I hope you never lose that bottomless love. I hope you hold onto what makes you human.�
So basically, Evelyn and Arden are cursed. This shit made me feel so claustrophobic because I felt like I was stuck and I wanted to escape but I couldn't so Arden has to kill Evelyn before the age of 18 and if she dies, he dies and they both get reincarnated in another era, in another life and this cycle keeps on going on and we're pretty much like Evelyn because we're not getting any answers and it was so frustrating to read because I wanted answers so bad!! I liked how it was divided into the present perspective and the past perspectives which took us through the journey of some of the eras they were reincarnated in and tbh the way it was written made it so interesting because it gave us glimpses of their relationship and it kind of took our mind of the questions we had and I liked it.
“The cruelest fate the gods and stars had ever written: the person I loved most in the world was the person that would ultimately destroy me.�
Evelyn, Our main character, and uff her story was so frustrating to read because she's the one who's killed in every lifetime by her lover and she's kept with these questions as to why all this is happening and Arden just tells her to trust her and that the outcome of letting her live over 18 would be worse and ahhh I had no idea how she was trusting him because if I was her I would have not but thank god I'm not in fantasy but I felt so bad for her because she was a very loving character and she fell in love with each of her family over the years and she was taken from there and placed into another family and it just hurt to read that. Arden, at first it was very hard to like his character because we didn't really know why he was doing all of the things he was doing but then slowly we learned and it made so much more sense, I loved the dialogues that he dropped, the swoon worthy moments but I also liked how heartbreaking all of this was for him as well. I just don't understand why he didn't tell Evelyn all of this.
"If a hero is someone who will give up love to save the world, then a villain is the reverse. Someone who will give up the world to save love."
The romance, was well written, I really enjoyed reading it, fated mates with slow burn and kind of enemies to lovers and with angst so that was very fun to read, the sad moments blend in here so well and the yearning was one of my favorite parts. I didn't really focus on the romance more because I was way more invested in the plot of the story and the romance as subplot felt good and shaped the story to be better but if romance is supposed to be the main plot than yeah I dont really think it was developed that well for me to be invested in it like that.
Overall, it was a really enjoyable read! ___ I just know that this has a pretty cover and is like The Invisible Life of Addie Larue and honestly say no more ...more
“Because the truth is you've always been mine, and I'll always be yours, and that's just the way it is.�
I have only read one book by Kandi St3.55!
“Because the truth is you've always been mine, and I'll always be yours, and that's just the way it is.�
I have only read one book by Kandi Steiner, 'Blind Side' and it was soooo good so obviously I had to read another one of her book and what better book to choose than this?? while this did not get that much of a higher rating from me, you best believe that it was so damn enjoyable! her writing style is so good! it was so captivating and enriching and so damn consuming. I just needed more, I was frustrated with the characters, yes. But I was enjoying the book so muchhh because her writing was so good! it was so fast paced and so easy to good. I read it very fast considering it had long ass chapters but they didn't feel that long because of her writing. I'm also so glad that I read this edition rather than the first one, because the first one, I wouldnt rate that high but I liked reading Jamie's POV and it made me somewhat fond of them. I feel like the saving grace for me was Kandi's writing!! I'm so happy I got an arc for her new book because I want more of her books.
“I should have listened, but if you haven’t learned by now, caution signs didn’t work when it came to Jamie.�
B, Out of all the names, this stupid hoe chose this nickname but uff she frustrated me and Hoda soooo much like AHHHHHHH I was screaming 24/7 at her and JAMIE because what the fuck were they doing, she was such a coward at times and I hated her but I also loved her love for Jamie but I hated what she did and how she was self absorbed and selfish like if I could write an essay on how bad they both were, it still won't be enough to capture my hate. Jamie, Him and B are both for the streets honestly and they both deserve each other. This man said "I’m not sorry I kissed you,� he clarified. "But i’m sorry I did it when you weren’t mine to kiss.� and honestly ok fine I can give you guys one pass but then he went on and fucked her later like?? where did the guilt go? ugh but Jamie's perspective and knowing more about B's bf made me feel a little better. These cheaters had me going in a spiral and I have never been more conflicted everrrr.
“His heart belonged to me, just like mine would always belong to him.�
The romance, look if I take the cheating out, it's such a good romance storyline because B and him are such a good couple, the chemistry and angst between them is off the charts and the love that they have is intense and palpable but how they chose to carry out was not good because ummm she cheats twice on the same guy, he cheats on his fiancee BEFORE she did and then it happens again with B and then the ending happened and IF THE ENDING WAS HAPPENING!! why the fuck did they ruin so many peoples lives like UFFF what were you guys thinking, they were so self absorbed and only thought about themselves and honestly the guilt that they felt after that didnt mean shit because what the fuck do you mean by that lmaoo so even in that way they were perfect for each other lmao. The spice in true Kandi Steiner fashion was amazing. Super hot and well written.
“One day, whether you are 14, 28, or 65, you will stumble upon someone who will start a fire in you that cannot die. However, the saddest, most awful truth you will ever come to find—is they are not always with whom we spend our lives.
The fifth anniversary edition honestly was so needed cuz it made me bump the rating up and it made me understand the characters to an extent and honestly it did decrease my frustration with them and honestly made the whole process of reading this book very enjoyable! Also the last chapter of the original book almost had me throwing my knife at the character because of the direction it was going lmaoo I felt gaslit.
Overall, it was such a fun story and I would recommend it unless you can't stand cheating AT ALL!! ___ HODA made me do it ...more
"I fell from heaven for you. Tracked you down life after life , and I'll continue to find you after this one ends. I'll find you again. I'll a4.35!
"I fell from heaven for you. Tracked you down life after life , and I'll continue to find you after this one ends. I'll find you again. I'll always find you, always know you.
I was waiting for this book for the longest time like I was so desperate for it and because Frankie got a publishing deal it got delayed so I was like very very desperate that I applied for her arc team form and thankfully I got accepted so I got an early access and I am so glad because it fed me, it slowly ended my desperation and gave me life and it may seem like I'm exaggerating but I have come to love this series so much and I am so happy that we have three more books + two novellas more because I can never see this series ending!!! I have grown so attached to this series. It is so underrated and it deserves so much more love than it gets. It has everything. Roman inspired, throne of glass vibes with extremely high stakes and a lush romance storyline and honestly I am obsessed with Frankie's storytelling style, it's so immersive like I actually imagine myself in that world and it's all so vivid that it's hard not to fall in love with it.
“I don’t need to claim you. Nor mark you. It’s not your body that’s mine. It’s your heart, it’s your soul. Just as my heart, body, and soul are yours. In this life, in every life. Forever. Rakame.�
Lyr, I missed her so much and I love how much her character has developed and how much she has been through and how it shaped her, she was such a strong character and it was so good to read her point of view, I honestly missed it so much!! Like, I was craving for it so bad! but I loved reading about her, the way she sacrifices so much for her sisters and how in this series the sisters are also grateful and acknowledge that will forever be my favorite part. The sisterly bond was such a monumental part. Rhyan, It's so hard not to love Rhyan's character because he written in depth, there so much work done around his character, the novellas dedicated to him do his character such justice which automatically makes it so easier to like his character, him reassuring that Lyr was with her by saying 'Partner' was so sweet, him reuniting with his friends was also so fun to read and these moments in this series are what I live for!! Meera, She has so much potential and I feel like she will play a major plot point. Morgana and Aemon, I didnt connect to their story nor did I care for it mainly because I was confused when it came to them.. Daario and Aiden, These two new characters were really fun to read!! Tristan, I love the redemption arc.
"Take me. Take me for all I am. You want to claim me? Mark me? Do it. Scratch me, scar me. I don't care. Your touch is the only one I've ever wanted. The only one I've ever needed. And I'll take it in any way I can."
The romance was amazing!! it's honestly so well done because the way they care for each and how it's shown throughout the series just makes a way into your heart. They have been through so much and seeing them love each other but be forced apart hurts so much and I need them to focus on it so bad, for them to be happy and at peace but I now Frankie would not do that because they went through so much in this one:( Lyrianna and Rhyan were perfect. Morganna and Aemon, didnt really grab my attention and I couldn't care for their chapters. Meera and Daario?? am I seeing a potential something??
"The only thing that has ever moved you, The only thing that has ever unleashed an ounce of submission, or duty, or intelligence into your godsdamned mind is the idea of her in danger."
The plot and the worldbuilding, was so stellar!! I love where the plot was going but in this book I felt like it had filler content and that's one of the reasons why it's not a five because it was long and with filler but her writing was enjoyable so I didn't mind it that much, I really love how rich this world is and how much there is still to explore and how we will explore more but it's honestly amazing what she has crafted, it's not only breathtaking but so easy to visualize and when you do visualize it, its enchanting. The ending made me want to cry because what was thatttttt.
Overall, it was amazing and I can't wait for Son and Traitor!! ___ 4 or 5?!? im so conflictedddd but I enjoyed the hell out of this one. __ I forgot to log it in here but I started this a while ago because I got the arc (arc team privileges) but I am absolutely loving this!!! you guys have to read it and I hope that I continue to enjoy it!...more
“If this was weakness, he wanted to be weak. If this was sin, let him be damned to hell.�
The author ate with this series because oh my god?!?4.45!
“If this was weakness, he wanted to be weak. If this was sin, let him be damned to hell.�
The author ate with this series because oh my god?!?!? this was such a stellar duology! I enjoyed this book literally as much as I enjoyed book. Yes, there were a few predictable scenes but the overall journey that this book took me on was just amazing!! like I loved it so much an it had me hooked from the start to the end!! I finished this duet so fast that im afraid my slump ran away. The writing was so easy to follow, this book picks up right after the events of book 1 and we all know how heartbreaking the end of book 1 was so I bet you can imagine how amazing, thrilling and sad the beginning of this book was. Like honestly if it was a 1000 pages I would gladly devour this and honestly I need to read more of Kristen's books because what do you mean she's been writing bangers without me noticing?!?! Criminally offensive behavior. I feel like she put all her blood, sweat and tears into this and it paid off!!
“The problem with love is the more you try to destroy it, the stronger it becomes. It might look like weakness on the surface. But in truth, it's tougher than steel. Love can't be controlled. Love can't obey unjust laws. Love will always oppose tyrants. Love is the real enemy of the regime, and that's why you despite it. It's why Cressida tries to crush it. Because you both know, deep down, it has the power to topple you.�
Rune, If you found her to be 'not that badass' in book 1, you'll be surprised in this book because Rune did everything, she aced this book and uff I loved her point of view so much, the way she thought about Alex broke my heart, her interactions with Gideon were something that literally burned my heart. Her overall thoughts and just being in her head felt so good that I honestly wish that this was a series instead of just a single book :(( I loved her. Gideon, AHHHHH I take back being confused over Rune's love interest because Gideon is perfect! Gideon was written so well, he gave me a hard time in the first half but I always swooned when he showed up, his inner turmoil, his thoughts and his actions!! I loved them so much. These two are so much precious to me because no one has stood out to me like these two character have over the span of two books! Do yourself a favor a read their story, it's so worth it!
“I may not know Rune Winters, but I know the Crimson Moth. And she is no caged thing.�
The romance in this book was amazing, like enemies to lover to enemies to lovers is sooooo hard to pull off but she executed it so well, the tension between out main characters was sizzling and it felt so good to read, the forced proximity in this book made the romance so much better like that one bathroom scene at the start and multiple like that scattered across the book, it just hit so well, the spicy scenes although minimal served so muchhh, These two are perfect for each other, the angst and the chemistry that they share make them seem like fated lovers!! AND I love to read books with the hunt x hunted vibe so that just added into my enjoyment level.
“Live in the darkness too long, and eventually you won't recognize the light. You'll become like the monsters you hate.�
The plot overall was so well done, the way it developed and unraveled and then finally got executed?? perfection, I also loved how fast paced and action packed it was! I wasn't bored once, I just hoped the world building and the magic system was explored a bit more but besides that this was an outstanding sequel to Heartless hunter.
Overall, I would recommend! __ Easily one of my favourite duologies! _ Finished book 1 right in time for book 2's release and I need to see what happens next because that cliffhanger was so brutal.
This is what I want when I ask for a romantasy!! It was so good and so easy to read like you guys don'4.45!
“The hunted had fallen for the hunter.�
This is what I want when I ask for a romantasy!! It was so good and so easy to read like you guys don't understand how busy my whole week was but I still managed to read so much and binge it when I got the time and I had to take so many breaks but never once did it make me loose interest, the short chapters made this book so fast and I honestly was flying through it, I had to stop myself at times because I would be so consumed in this book and honestly my first book by this author and it was such a banger. This is what I deserve when I go through booktoks recs because AHHH I went in blind but it surprised in every ways and I didn't know that it was going to be Enemies to lovers so it was so refreshing to read and find out about it because it just took me back to my 2021 reading era where I would just pick up a book blindly without looking at the tropes and it would be a surprise for me.
“Some people are determined to live out their own personal tragedies.�
This was easily a character driven story and I honestly was so consumed by it that other aspects of the book didnt even really mattered to me because the characters really shined for me. Rune Winters was easily one of the best characters to read about, she was badass, not easily manipulated, did what she wanted and was so sneaky! I loved it. Yes, at times she did do some dumb stuff but it felt natural and it made her characters actions just more rational and realistic so I liked the way that was showcased but her resilience and her determination was something that I really admired and honestly her in book 2 is even betterrrrrr. Gideon Sharpe, I am sooooo conflicted on his character because while I really liked him, I also hated him and I was so torn between liking him or hating him. He was complex because I didn't like his role but I really liked him with Rune and his backstory was so sad which made it even more worse but the way Gideon managed to me be even conflicted with a role like that is so impressive!! Alex Sharpe, THE MAN THAT YOU ARE!! I know you all love gideon but Alex?? my sweet, sweet cinnamon role you deserve so much and honestly the way things were ending, I saw a future with that but nooooo everything got ruined like whyyyy!! it could have been perfect but just know that I loved Alex so much!
“You are not the things that happened to you, Gideon.�
The romance was so conflicting!! I mean I can see the main couple and I am fully willing to root for them, I actually am and it's not even a love triangle lol but ughhh you guys dont understand :(((( but anyways the relationship between Rune and Gideon was so fun to read because while Gideon was madly in love with Rune, he also hated her alter ego so much and it made everything so much! their dates were so cute and I liked the spice as well, although minimal a nice addition but everything about how it was written was so enjoyable like it was written in a way where no matter what direction it took, I would have been happy but THE DIRECTION IT TOOK CAME OUT OF SOMEWHERE I WASN'T EXPECTING AND I WAS STUNNED.
“Your laugh is like a fuse,� he said. “It lights you up.� Rune’s heart thudded. No one had ever told her that before.�
Lets talk about that situation.....orrr lets not :(( the ending was sooooo bad (in a good way) to say I'm devastated is an understatement cuz I gasped and I actually threw my Ipad on the bed because what the fuck man!!!!! why would you do that to me?? it's not fair and honestly book 2 is going so well but its not the same and ugh I dont even wanna talk about it so I wont.
Overall, amazing and you all need to read this! ___ THAT ENDING ...more
Haven't read Dorian grey but this should be illegal.
I'm going to keep it short but this was honestly unbearable to read like I have no idea how I manaHaven't read Dorian grey but this should be illegal.
I'm going to keep it short but this was honestly unbearable to read like I have no idea how I managed to make it this far. It was a little entertaining but that was it. The characters were not it. Dorian was such a disappointment and Baz did not click either and I did not feel the chemistry between them at all, the plot could be considered fun or intriguing enough for someone to continue but besides that nothing about this book was that gripping. I'm really bummed about it cuz I was expecting more from this book and I hoped to enjoy it. ___ In the mood to read a retelling and this one is a retelling of 'The picture of Dorian Grey' (which I have not read ...more
”Let me make this clear to you. There is nothing uncertain in how i want you. It’s almost maddeningly certain I’ve ever felt. I want you all t4.17!
”Let me make this clear to you. There is nothing uncertain in how i want you. It’s almost maddeningly certain I’ve ever felt. I want you all the time. I want you everywhere�
The biggest problem in life that I have is that I assume things.....and I assumed that this was a duology ahahaha so the shock on my face as I read that ending would make a good meme.
“You see blundering. I see progress. There is beauty to behold in the in between.�
This book tbvh was not as good as book1 for me and I know this is an unpopular opinion because people liked book 2 more but for me book 1 was amazing and that's fine because book 2 was a solid sequel as well, I just felt that it was too long, the writing was really fun to read, I was in a slump but I still managed to read it and besides that I loved how well everything from book 1 was handled, how most of the opportunities that book 1 provided were explored and how its widening it's stance but again it was too long, at times the filler content just got on my nerves, I didn't hate it but I would want it to move on!! like actually move forward but thankfully there was just a patch and it did move forward and gave us that ending >:(
“Silently, Silla watched as light and dark swirled together, marveling at how his darkness made her light shine so much brighter. At how her light cast the deepest shadows from the darkness.�
Silla and Rey Our main characters were so fun to read about!! I was rooting for them since book 1 to see them in this one was the highlight, I loved how much Silla developed as a character and how I felt her character to be more relatable now and how I found more connection and how more likeable she was, Rey's grumpy persona coupled up with him wanting to keep Silla safe was everything, their chemistry worked so well and all the scenes that they shared, their perspectives were the best part about this book. Saga and Rurik, were new characters that got pov's in this book and I do feel that it took me some time to adjust to them and like them like for rey and sillas chapters I would enjoy both the story and the characters arc but as for Saga and Rurik, I enjoyed the story from their perspective more than their character arcs. I do feel like their arcs have more to offer and that in the next book(s?) I will be more fond of them.
“I want you,� he said in a bare whisper. “More than air. More than anything in this gods damned world, Silla.�
The romance, for me Saga and Ruriks romance was cute but I wasn't that invested but as for Silla and Rey, I was bouncing off the walls for them, they were everything, the grump x sunshine vibe was so prominent here and I loved how Silla and Rey's chemistry was so natural and the slow burn was actually so lethal because these two botches weren't fucking kissing!! I also liked how Rey didn't coddle her and how Silla didnt want to be coddled, I just like how they started communicating and understood each other and that is probably the reason why their romance storyline overshadowed the other one.
“You cannot risk your life like that. It’s worth something!� Silla stepped closer. She was small, yet so fierce. He wanted to hold her, wanted to shake her, wanted to kiss her and strangle her all at once. When she spoke, her voice was low and dangerous. “You’d best not suggest your life is not worth the risk, Galtung. I would do it all over again.�
The worldbuilding was done here and it felt so fun to read, it did get a little boring at time but for the most part I was having fun, the plot progressed a little slower but I didn't mind and omgg all that Jonas plotline had me furious because ugghh I hate him sm ___ The first book was so impressive and I just know this one will be even better. One of my favourite romantasies ...more
I really like the ideas that Neal comes up with and the concept and the whole idea of this book was really fun to read about and even the exe2.25!
I really like the ideas that Neal comes up with and the concept and the whole idea of this book was really fun to read about and even the execution was somewhat good. I liked the parts that were divided in this book and the way those parts started, his writing style was also fun to read at times, although there was a part where I felt a little distant from the story, I feel like Neal did enough to keep the story going and for the story to stand on it own and only because of that this book's getting 2 stars. It could have been so much more though If the characters were better. I also felt like the book got a little too long, I enjoyed how concise and well written scythe was and I was hoping this book would be tackled in the same manner as well.
The main problem for me were the characters. I did not connect with them or feel anything, literally no emotions, I read their pov's with a straight face and I could not give any care to them because they were just written that way, the only thing that was driving me towards the end was the plot and honestly the plot cant carry the whole book in it's shoulders, the characters need to back it up. So, I was disappointed also because his characters in his other series were so captivating and interesting to read about. I think Neal tried but eventually it just didn't work out.
Overall, it was definitely not for me! ___ I read and enjoyed his series Arc of a Scythe, and the concept of this book is really intriguing. So can't wait to see how much I like it ...more
For a debut this was amazing and so well written that it honestly did not feel like it was a debut and I actually went to goodreads to see if4.05!
For a debut this was amazing and so well written that it honestly did not feel like it was a debut and I actually went to goodreads to see if she had any other books. I feel like this story was so easy to read and addicting and I feel that the writing style helped this book so much. I was invested from the very first page, the way she started this book with grief was also a nice and surprising way. The pacing on this book was something that affected my rating because the starting and ending's pacing was perfect, it was not fast nor was it slow just enough to keep me invested and while the middle dragged for some time and though it did not loose my interest it did affect my mood a little bit.
I am a little conflicted with Delaney's characters because I did not understand how she literally went to Trace's bed after their second meeting because I think she missed the where she was to hate me him lol but I feel like coming back to where she lived and dealing with loss may have made it her think and want that but it still was little weird to read but I liked how much her character grew from the girl we saw in the prologue , her relationship with Cade was so good and I loved how she raised him so well on her own....then we had our male main character Trace who was alrighttt, I liked him but after the 40% mark and I think that was the authors intentions so it well worked!!
The romance was well done, I loved the yearning and the angst and I also liked the spice, I loved how they reconnected, worked their problems and fell in love again. I also love how loving Trace was!
Overall, it was a fun read! ___ I've like 50% of this book and I am really enjoying it so far. For a debut, this authors writing is amazing!
*Thank you to Grey's promotion for an E-Arc*...more
“But life cannot be experienced one emotion at a time. It is a tapestry of sensation, a braided rope of feeling. We must allow for reflection 4.15!
“But life cannot be experienced one emotion at a time. It is a tapestry of sensation, a braided rope of feeling. We must allow for reflection even when we suffer. We must reach for compassion even when we triumph. If you spend your days waiting for your sorrows to end so that you might finally live� � he shook his head � “you will die an impatient man.�
I kind of want woven four more than watch me right now ...more
This was the most boring, dumbest fucking shit that I have ever read in my life. It actually made Iron Flame look decent.
Let's start.
Onyx Storm felt lThis was the most boring, dumbest fucking shit that I have ever read in my life. It actually made Iron Flame look decent.
Let's start.
Onyx Storm felt like a kid lost in a supermarket trying to find their mother.
This book was so disappointing!! Like, I don’t understand the need to drag this series for 5 books!! Especially when it was supposed to be a trilogy, but apparently after the success of the first book, it suddenly became "a five-book series" in other words, the perfect cash cow. To be honest, I really enjoyed Fourth Wing and it was such a refreshing read. I was frustrated a lot with Iron Flame and had problems, but the enjoyment was still there, and I could see it being a trilogy. This book really proves why it should not be 5 books, because this was honestly a filler novel. 544 pages of filler is too much; there was so much plot filler in this one, and the pacing was so slow. I got a copy early, so I started this book on the 18th and finished it on the 21st, only because I was forcing myself, as I had ARCs to read. But this made it so hard because the writing style was surprisingly boring?? I know Rebecca doesn’t have a perfect writing style, but at least make the book enjoyable, lol. The writing style here felt so foreign to read, it was almost as if she didn’t write it. This book will certainly not help with her AI allegations, and for the love of God, ŷ and RY, don’t take this review down. You still have your paid 5-star reviews, so leave mine alone.
It was so bad that it made me feel bad for rating Iron Flame low, because Iron Flame, when it came to the plot, actually somewhat delivered... this, on the other hand, didn’t. Despite the slow pacing, there were some things that were so rushed. At times literally nothing happened, but information was also being dumped at us, and at the same time, I had so many questions that were there from the start, unanswered consistently. Like, Savannah, slow down. The writing not hitting also just made the whole vibe go off. There were so many new plotlines opened without actually closing the previous ones, and instead of doing that, they were dragged along. There was a lot of traveling in this book, and some of the scenes could have been chopped up; there was no substance provided by them. There were scenes that were just wayyyyy too drawn out. There was literally no consistency, and it was so messy to read, not to mention how boring it was. Like, you know when the writing's good, you don’t mind the fillers that much because at least you’re enjoying some stuff, but yeah, that was absent. It would honestly be better if RY took a long break to think through and deliver because it’s going in a downward spiral and she needs to prove us wrong.
The ending... Yes, it’s a massive cliffhanger, but executed poorly. The writing during that was just terrible. I was so confused when I first read that I had to reread it to understand what was actually happening, but honestly, I was so disconnected from the characters that I actually felt nothing at the ending. But I know people who are still attached to the characters may find the ending more likable. I just feel like the execution was so poor, and it’s actually embarrassing because you have potential but end up bottling it by messy writing. A long break is way overdue. Also, for a filler, this book was awfully long. I don’t know if it was because the greater the length = more money or just her drifting off, but when I saw that she was going to take a year off to write this, yeah, a book worse than Iron Flame was definitely not what I expected. Get a new editor, for the love of God!!
In terms of writing, this book was a big miss.
The Characters (this might get spoilery, only warning!) (this might get spoilery, only warning!) (this might get spoilery, only warning!) (this might get spoilery, only warning!)
Violet, I just don’t like how her character has been going on a downward spiral since the last book. Like, I loved her in the first book, she was amazing, and in Iron Flame, despite trying to understand her actions, I was still annoyed by her a lot. Here, I still felt the same feeling I did when I was reading Iron Flame; her character was giving me war flashbacks to that one traumatizing disastrous conclusion whenever she called Xaden "mine." Like, it’s okay, move on, please. I liked her in that one island scene; that was badass, but besides that, where did her badassery go?? Her monologue got so tiring, and I honestly can’t read her POV only for the next two books. We need multi-POV, PLEASE. I feel she spent most of her time worrying over Xaden in this book and calling him "mine" rather than doing actual stuff. And tbh, the whole island stuff felt so pointless at one point; there was just not enough substance in it for it to be drawn out this much. Like, edit, edit, edit, please, for the love of God, EDIT!! Another thing about Violet is that with this book, every ounce of love that I had for her vanished. I don’t hate her. I dislike her, yes, but it’s because I no longer feel connected to her, and it just made everything revolving around her boring. Also, the Irids created so much hype around her signet, which is apparently dreamwalking... this could be interesting to see.
Also, we finally got to know about Violet's dad and who he was, and tbh, most of the information we got from him didn’t really help them that much, lol. I was expecting it to make things easier for them, but it barely did anything.
Xaden, What was going on with him? I actually liked Xaden in books 1 and 2, and I like the jealousy trope, but him being over-the-top possessive in front of his friends made me roll my eyes so hard. Also, what happened to Xaden in this book?? He just didn’t have the same charm. It felt like Rebecca was trying to recycle the things that he did in the first books here to make him more likable, but it failed :( He was charming though, ngl, but it just didn’t hit right. Also, how is Violet stronger than him when they were fighting on the island? Like, girl was doing everything, and man was doing barely anything. Xaden has a lot of potential, and he sometimes delivers, but other times not so much, and most of those "not so much" moments were in this book. Also, his Venin part at the start was confusing because I thought he turned into a full Venin, so I didn’t think he could control and resist it. I actually liked seeing his restraint, but I wanted more of them finding a cure or at least leading up to it, because Yaros just put a wall everywhere, saying "dead end."
The Romance I have no idea how they are trying to make it work. Like, if it was a trilogy, it would’ve made sense, but Yaros cannot write 5 mega-sized books with them as a couple and not make it boring. They already got boring for me in this one. I loved the romance in the first book, not the part where they... you know... at 80%, because I wanted the slow burn to burn, and them to do it in the next books, but then even in Iron Flame, since it was new, it was fun until it got so messy. I felt so disconnected from the characters here that I just totally lost all my love for the romance. They had a lot of domestic moments in here, but I just didn’t care because the writing was already getting on my nerves, nothing was happening, and everything was being dumped on us at the same time. I couldn’t be bothered to give two fucking shits about the romance, which btw got so annoying because the throne room scene had to be mentioned since it was so iconic, and I just couldn’t with how gross both of them felt and how they were still so horny. I even skipped all the smut scenes, like, come on! I have no idea what she’s going to do with the romance in books 4 and 5, because it’s dragging and repeating.
Side Characters Aaric � Deserves more screen time because he had good moments. Sloane � Was missing from this book a lot. And her and Dainn?? Um, when and why and how? I don’t understand how suddenly Dainn is so nice. Like, hello?? Didn’t we hate him still, or at least dislike him? Why are we on good terms? Cat � Could be a good character, but her storyline was being butchered. I knew Rebecca Yarros wouldn’t kill anyone from the main crew, and it was disappointing because I was building up to that, only for the least interesting people to die. Like, yay, go ahead, girl, take away the only opportunity where I would feel something in this book besides boredom. Garrick and Ridoc � Were actually so good. Like, they should have been the main characters! I would at least get enjoyable POVs! Ridoc and his dragon were such cutie patooties; I loved them!! Bodhi as a Venin?!? Damn, wasn’t expecting that. And Garrick going after them with everyone splitting could serve us a good reunion, but knowing Yarros, I know she would bottle that. We would go in expecting an Aelin/Rowan reunion and would be hit with a mediocre slap.
The New Characters Halden � Boring and only used to make Xaden jealous, sooo skip. Xaden's Mom � Interesting, tbh. I wouldn’t mind knowing more about her and Xaden's brothers. Theophaine � Her character was certainly very strange. I have no clue why she was not in the previous two books but suddenly popped up in this one, and I only say this because she was crazy after Violet. Like, people praise Yarros for foreshadowing, but is the foreshadowing in the room with us?? There was no foreshadowing; she just randomly popped up. There were so many things and opportunities she had which made zero sense, and her character just fell really flat. I think her character could have been way better. Brennan and Mira � Brennan was fine; Mira was on my nerves as well. Like, when her throat slit, I didn’t know whether to be worried or relieved!! Putting Imogen here as well because she was barely in it, and I forgot; she made the ending even more trippy by removing Violet’s memory. Rhiannon � Oops, I almost forgot about her. I liked her in the previous book, but not so much in this one. I feel like the banter was missing, or that it just didn’t serve up to be as good. But I liked the banter between Ridoc, Sawyer, and Vi.
The plot was the worst part of this book. If things moved well and consistently, this book would have been much stronger, and I would have been much more invested. But when it would move at a snail's pace with boring ass writing and two dimensional characters, I sure as hell won’t have any good words. Like, instead of taking vacations on islands, Rebecca could have shortened it and made the book progress, but oh wait, that way there might be one less book, and one less book would mean less money, and I don’t think without that missing book rent would be affordable. LIKE UGHH. You're getting millions; you could write one more and call it quits. There's no need for 5. If the plot progressed here, we could have gotten something. I have no clue how she does nothing the whole book, writes a cliffhanger that she knows will lure the readers into the next book, and drags it again. Because you're telling me the next book would be Xaden finding the cure and Violet finding Xaden while fighting her amnesia? I already know the length is going to be 600 something, and you can already feel how boring it would be. But if everything wraps up quickly and the cure is found and something of substance happens within the next book, then there is hope for books 4 and 5. Otherwise, book 4 would be on track for the same fate as book 5.
Overall, this book was a disgrace to this series!
___ Look who got the book before the release date ...more
Beyond those gilded walls was my second book by this author and my first (also her first) adult book by her and honestly I enjoyed it but the3.25!
Beyond those gilded walls was my second book by this author and my first (also her first) adult book by her and honestly I enjoyed it but there were times where I just wasn't as invested. I had the audio arc so I think that helped a lot. The starting was definitely stronger and I think the middle is where I was lost and the ending though picked up it's pace, couldn't match the strength of the start. The writing was enjoyable but I felt like something was missing.
Our main character Odyssa was such a weird character tbh. I did understand her at times and her monologue was enjoyable but the doormatness and desperation and the need for approval just made me want to slap her. Especially if you want approval from your little siblings, specifically one who slapped you like you have a lot of patience for that. She got on my nerves. The mmc was better but I still felt disconnected by him, tbh I didn't feel anything towards him.
The romance was alright but since the characters weren't that' strong for me....the romance automatically fell and I think that was it ...more
I literally have no idea how to feel about this. It was a really enjoyable book but I think I'm gonna settle with th4.15!
"Madness breeds Madness."
I literally have no idea how to feel about this. It was a really enjoyable book but I think I'm gonna settle with this rating for a while because I actually enjoyed this book and the unpredictable nature of this book because like you would read the scene look at your screen and be like ??? but then it would start to make sense and you would actually start seeing it through. The main conflicting part of the book was the writing style...like I actually don't know if I liked it or not but it sure as hell made this book interesting and enjoyable. It read like a coming of age story and I love those so I really enjoyed this and I think it was done very well.
"Immortality doesn't mean living for ever. It means surviving even after your heart stops beating and your body is burned. It means living in myth, in stories."
The characters were very well written and when I read mythologies I expect characters to be like this so I was prepared for it in advance and it helped. The book itself though was so interesting!! like I loved the concept and how everything was executed. Honestly, it that kind of a book where you dont know if you love it or hate it until you sleep on it for a bit.
I think that to take one's darkness inside yourself can be dangerous. If you have to suffer, at least let it be because of your own shadows."
The characters while interesting were so frustrating. Our main character Semiramis absolutely ate. Like she knew what she wanted to be and she became that person like she was so clever and cunning and the way she thought and crafted her plans and was always ahead was so good like honestly it was so mind-blowing at times and like when you read the final chapters and look back at her characters decisions throughout the book everything hits so much better. Ninus and Onnes Ahahahaha these two were the messiest characters in this book like I would love them for a minute and hate them the other like honestly I had no idea what to make for them but I just know that they would've worked best as a throuple!! Onnes was such a complex character with his dark past and self sabotaging guilt , he was doomed from the start and Ninus manipulated from the start, his life was literally a lie so they both were broken and it worked perfectly for Semiramis lmaoo
"Power is a game that is played in palaces in only," she said "Do not fear Spymaster, I know how to play too."
The romance was the messiest, toxicest shit that I have ever read like what the fuck was that I dont even think I can talk about it because I think it would be spoilery but I shipped her with whoever she ended up with whenever she was with the person like Casati just made it work somehow??? It was amazing and concerning at the same time...also the whole relationship and marriage for power thing in here disgusts me so bad at time like wdym Ninus's mother married her son after her husband died?? ewwwww. Thank god this was not the case for the main love interest. Say what you want the romance was quite literally a tragedy in the making because of how it was everyone was just so twisted and broken and messed up. I dont think anything would've worked maybe one of them under bettcer circumstances or all of them together lol
The ending though was perfect like I really, really, liked the ending of this book and it made the whole experience worth it!!
Overall, I do think that this book isn't for everyone but I would definitely recommend it! ___ I am in the mood for something like this and I have a feeling that I will love this because it feels so intricate and detailed AHHH I'm so hyped up and excited to start it!
*Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks for giving me an E-Arc*...more
“The thing is, when pushing your limits is all you know, when it seems normal to you...it's hard to remember you even have limits. UnAll the stars!
“The thing is, when pushing your limits is all you know, when it seems normal to you...it's hard to remember you even have limits. Until you run right into them.�
It's been such a long time since a book has consumed like this, I actually was speechless because I was so obsessed with this story and how the events were taking place, the way the story was crafted and executed was so well done, and there were so many twists that would leave you gasping till the very end like I was practically begging for happiness and peace but ahahahahah I hate you Layne. This book reminded me of that one TJR book that I have read (Malibu Rising) and the way of writing resembled that so much like I was getting the same vibes but this was so much better?? It was honestly so good and I think what amplified my reading experience was that before picking this up I watched the movie (I, Tonya) and when I saw this book being along the same genre I was so excited to read it!! The pretty cover was also a plus point.
This was my first book by Layne Fargo and it was soo good that I had to put her immediately on my auto-buyers shelves!! This was so scandalous and toxic but also so beautiful and addicting. Honestly this book like a drug because I had to read this arc on my phone since Netgalley on my Ipad wasn't working and I hate reading on my phone but this was so hard to put down that I would just sit and read for hours. Layne managed to capture the beauty and dangers of the sport so beautifully, the competitiveness was also so well written and ufff the way my heart would be full on racing like I was at the edge of my seat for some scenes because they got so intense and the drama, it was SO DAMN GOOD!!. The interviews that were moving alongside the story was such an interesting way to keep the readers hooked because it created this sense of mystery where you would just want to know more and the main characters were not in the interview so you had no idea where this story would go or what would happen and I loved that feeling so much!!
Happiness couldn't be won. It couldn't be hung around our necks while a crowd of thousands cheered. It wasn't a prize, something we had to suffer and toil to earn. If we wanted happiness, we had to create it ourselves. Not in one shining moment on a medal stand, but every single day, over and over again.
Katarina, her character was so intense and passionate and I loved her development throughout the book but the way she was literally giving everything for the sport while the sport gave her nothing back ugh I hated it but I loved how she was determined to move forward, she lost so much but she always managed to move forward and it was so strong to read her determination and her intensity when it came to Ice skating and the sequences that she delivered were amazing and honestly I loved how so many people looked up to her and how when she got angry and stormed off from an interview and how the interviewer looked up to her from that events onwards lmaoo and I also loved the way she didn't give a shit about what people had to say about her, she had one job to deliver and she aced that.
“I thought our story was epic, you know. You and me. Spanning years and continents. Lives ruined and blood shed. Epic.�
Heath, was such a complex character to read about but I loved his character, it was kind of a mix there were moments when I was frustrated by him but he just made this book so much better because his presence to the story was so important and like I just loved reading about his whole storyline with Katarina, all the problems that they had. He himself was such a mysterious character because while we knew about Katarina's past and read about it his was very mysterious and I liked how it unraveled and we finally got answers, it was very satisfying to read. Bella, Idc what you guys say but this friendship was so fun to read, it had so many ups and downs and the competition between them at times would be so intense but friendly. Yes, there were moments when I was so angry at her but I don't know I just like how these two couldn't be separated and went back to each other until everything worked out. Garrett Lin Cute patootie. Ellis Dean, this fucking bitch with camera, I hated him and the slap was soooo satisfying but I kinda was okay with him near the end. Sheila Lin she was soooo intimidating lmaoo. She kinda gave me Shalom Harlow vibes for some reason lol but the cast of characters were absolutely stunning.
People didn't want Heath and me to be "subtle" or "refined." They wanted a grand, epic love story. They wanted raw rip-your-clothes-off passion. They didn't simply want us to be lovers they wanted us to be so in love, we'd burn the whole world down to be together.
The romance was *chefs kiss* it was messy and so out of control at times but I loved the chemistry between them, I just loved how everything between them felt so natural and I like the trust they held had but the thing that I loved the most was how inseparable these two were like these to quite literally went through hell, they faced sooooo many problems but came back to each other! Their chemistry literally could be seen on the ice as well the sequences that they pulled were so hot and honestly they were such a good pair that I just loved reading about them. I grew to be so close and attached to them that whenever something bad was happening to them I felt it!! it was THAT good.
"We used to joke they were going to die in each other's arms or kill each other with their bare hands. Nothing in between."
The plot and the setting, I feel like the writing was off the charts, it created this atmosphere, this world where we literally feel like sitting in the audience watching them, she just created it so good that I just dont how to explain it but I felt it like theres this inexplainable feeling but ugh it was so good. The whole championships that took place but the I loved how the timeline changed and with it how the characters changed and how we saw them develop leading to so many good scenes, some of the scenes were just straight up amazing like so well written. The insane competition was showcased so well, the ending sequence made me soooo mad like AHH I didn't see it coming and the epilogue was so needed it was so NEEDED like I loved it and the plot twists....dont even get me started on them because my mind was blown, jaw was on the floor, thoughts were scattered.
"It isn't a competition." I reached for her hand, "There are lots of different kinds of love." Love like a steady, warming campfire that keeps you alive in the cold. Love like a raging blaze that burns down everything in its path until nothing but ash remains.
Overall, you guys need to read this book!! GO READ IT! ___ I have no words. Honestly ...more
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