4.5 Crimson Stars with Gideon Sparks (oh, I mean, Golden- sryyy, mental autocorrect!)
2025 Top10
it was soooo sweet. I laughed. I yelled. I cried.
while I wa4.5 Crimson Stars with Gideon Sparks (oh, I mean, Golden- sryyy, mental autocorrect!)
2025 Top10
it was soooo sweet. I laughed. I yelled. I cried.
while I was wondering to give book 1, 5 stars but there were a few things I didn't like, this one had none of those issues, so it's a solid round-up.
it was amazing. I had such a good times with laugh & the excitements. the world expanded. Rune & Gideon were just so sweeeeeeet & funny! the banters, the jealousy! & the thrills of the plot!
I loved the new characters or the old ones we see more; Bart, Antonio, Seraphine, Juniper, Felix, Laila, & Harrow was back to my liking list. & I don't know why but I kind of liked Cress as the villain. she was vicious & cruel with charisma & confident. I was afraid of how it might end (because there were two possible ways) but I'm satisfied. maybe there were a few anticipations I'd liked to see, but that doesn't matter. I really enjoyed it. - Crimson Moth series: 4.25 Crimson Stars with Golden Sparks 1) Heartless Hunter: ★★★★/5 2) Rebel Witch: ★★★★(�)/5...more
once again, I'm glad that I read a book I didn't want to read in the first place. (tho after I decided to read it, I 4 Crimson Stars with Golden Sparks
once again, I'm glad that I read a book I didn't want to read in the first place. (tho after I decided to read it, I was excited to do so) it's the first book of 2025 I really enjoyed. I even want to give it 5 because of the characters!
yes. it was a Witch & a Witch-hunter yes. there was similar elements to Serpent & Dove at some points (the magic system a little, the characters' templates -which I mentioned above- & whatever world schematic it brought)
yes! I still love them both! in a different way. while this one was soft & burning & reading it gave me a warm & sweet feeling, the other was loud & bold. the difference between a nice flame in a hearth & fireworks. both lovely in its own way. (I can't not compare the two in my review, sorry!- also, don't make me choose.)
the Characters were amazing; I loved Rune & Gideon & Alex & Verity & Harrow (at least until near 80%) even Laila was interesting. in S&D, Lou was loud & funny, defying the rules, Rune is sweet & witty & secretive & laying low. love them both, but maybe Rune more, since her personality are more like me. I liked Gideon more.
the Plot turned in different directions the romance, more engaging, a sort of games, yet they both fall into the deadly game, full of secrets & deceptions. challenging. Loved the chemistry! & the way some things were hidden until near the end was astonishing. tho the revelation could be better. I'd done it differently.
also the paiiiiiin! on both sides of the story. it made me so emotional. & that ending! double emotional! even though I felt it. it was not only black & white. I couldn't just pick one side, each one had Advantages and disadvantages. right & wrong, good & bad. I hope we reach a peaceful coexistence in the end in this world or my heart breaks...
the Magic system was not something special; blood & symbols usually accompanied the witches in pop culture, so I don't blame it, tho how the scars turned out was interesting. but the plot & the characters made up for it.
I said in S&D, the general plot (protagonist vs villain) wasn't special for me, meanwhile this plot & twists & that ending engaged me a lot & I was invested to see how it all turned out, what would happen) also the super-hero-y vibes now I'm waiting for book 2 to see how Rune acts because I am furious at this character, & Gideon too!
the Writing style was not as funny as S&D, or bold, but it was graceful & I liked it.
some tiny things I liked here more;
Gideon has a solid reason to hate the witches & I'm with him. we actually saw how the blood guards working, no sentimentality in thee way. the ruler of the country had more role in here. the world building here, seemed more advanced, more like a regency era, parties & royals & Operas with middle ages tendencies toward witches, not the full medieval vibes I gathered in S&D - World building: ★★★★/5 Characters: ★★★★(�)/5 (MCs & Alex: ★★★★�/5) Written style: ★★★★/5 Plot: ★★★★/5 General idea: ★★★★/5...more
5 Silver Stars with Golden Sparks (think I should consider it Golden Stars)
TOP5 (most likely the Best of) 2025
Wowwowowow! So many things happened! start5 Silver Stars with Golden Sparks (think I should consider it Golden Stars)
TOP5 (most likely the Best of) 2025
Wowwowowow! So many things happened! started from the beginning! I didn’t see that coming! The horror!
my favourite moments that I kept track of: new characters; Aron, Anjelica & the new side of this old character, that I didn't think was important in book 1 (for a while, I'd even forgotten his look) the new ship! I'm all for it! though it was very small moments, the chemistry building. I hope we have more about them & more POV around them (or just having their POVs)
Chapters 6 & 17 were fire! Chapters 14 & 15 were wild! Last chapters... a wild Roller coaster on fire! it broke my heart. I cried. I loved it. I mean I expected something like that would happen. something bad. but this was the worst possible way! (Yeah, it's Cassie Clare after all. not only tormenting characters (& us) in the romance side of the story, but in the main plot as well. (my dark side enjoys it. I love the thrills.) the Epilogue made me whoop! it was one of the anticipations I wanted for long!
book 1 seemed slower because introducing us to the world & the characters & the routine took time. but I love that too. it showed the big potential the series has. & this book showed even more; it was all action-tender romance & mystery. love the characters! (well, except Gremont, an ass! but every book needs these kind of characters, right? :D )
I should reread them before book 3 coming out. I forgot some details from book 1 (I remembered by the mention here, but I want to remember the whole scene & how it ended that way)
you can read my more coherent review about the characters & world building & not fangirling screams in book 1; Sword Catcher - Plot: ★★★★�/5 (Pace: medium-slow, but didn't bother me, I was devouring every chapter & enjoying reading the story.) Characters: ★★★★�/5 (likability) Writing style: ★★★★�/5 World building: ★★★★/5 Concept: ★★★★�/5 - - - Pre-read:
wait wait wait! we have a date & a blurb!!??? why I didn't notice it before! yes! I thought now I've read book 1 I should wait an unknown amount of years book 2!
first most anticipated book of 2025! (finger crossing that the date won't change!)
I even love the temporary cover. (do you think the final cover be purple or blue too? I have a feeliiiiing....) Updated July 20: told you it's gonna be blue!...more
1st book of 2024: I guess it was a good choice (not that I could wait any longer!) cute, funny & quick with mysteries
we4 Silver Stars with Golden Sparks
1st book of 2024: I guess it was a good choice (not that I could wait any longer!) cute, funny & quick with mysteries
well, when I've started the first book just days ago, I didn't expect to find Sherlock vibes here. I was actually quite doubtful to read it. (I didn't like the covers, the title didn't attract me)
but why nobody told me that!? [image]
now I'm absolutely convinced it has a strong Sherlock vibes (this impression actually came to me at the end of book 1, so I'm putting it here. & it's not a retelling)
Kim/Sherlock: the consulting detective sort of way (though not exactly, not independent, he's working for some hush-hush organization), the not-caring/thinking about others' feelings & consequently being a jerk, & doing what must be done, the posh way of talking & of course, being smart & having plans inside plans & manipulative to his own purposes: He is a sweetheart nonetheless (just like Sherlock)
& then there's Will, an ex-soldier who still craves for excitements rather than settling in the peaceful life of a bookshop, good with words & feelings & quick to jump into action (sounds familiar? yeah, me too. Watson!) Kim is also soooo smart with words when he's in planning, manipulative or taunting mode, I almost highlighted everything he said!
Johnlock is actually happening! I repeat! Johnlock is actually happening! & I, a fangirl who are always mooning over these two in an alternative universe of bookdom, get the hints (& wondering why no one had mentioned it???? so you see, I had to write this review!) no one can convince me otherwise & I'm having the time of my life & can't be happier! I might even continue with my Sherlock books.
the Writing style was fun the Characters are great (I love the main characters, especially Kim, but beside that, Phoebe & Maisie are wonderful) the Mystery was cool & it's Historical (1920s)
it's a little more Adult for my taste & I preferred it wouldn't go further than the passionate kisses, at least not in words, but hey, no one can have everything one....more
Well, now this was what I had been talking about. Yes, we had different cases (& expecting it made it easier to read) but they were slightly linked, or at least the main plot was flowing inside the whole story while they were solving the cases.
i wish we had Lockwood's pov as well.
opinion on the series: 3.75 Silver Stars with Golden Sparks
it was exciting. but the whole series lacked something that I can't put my finger on it. yet I can't give the books 3 stars. & the possibility of a reread is very low, which is the usual factor for being a 4. so it's an exception. i guess it was a new perspective & I had great times with good characters. though after 2-3 books it felt a little repetitive, until the end of book 4, which the main plot came to light. (I think it's a little late.) I think if instead of 5, we had 3-4 books it would be better. I felt some of the cases were just there to fill the pages & showing the routine life of the supernatural investigations, which would've been cool, if there were lesser? the Characters & their interactions were fun, I enjoyed it especially in the first two books (& of course the Skull) another complaint that I know of & the series lacked, the romance was soooooo minuscule, I wanted more than just Lucy''s heart stuttering, or Lockwood's worry (it was sweet, but not enough) I wanted some actual scenes that showed it. at least a kiss or something!...more
I enjoyed it, that goes without saying, I loved the characters, the moment I've been waiting for, the banters, the 4.25 Silver Stars with Golden Sparks
I enjoyed it, that goes without saying, I loved the characters, the moment I've been waiting for, the banters, the dynamics, the fun, the feelings, the magnificent writing style. also the new POV left me sooo happy.
it's not a letdown. (just to be clear one more time!)
but there was a lack of something I can't exactly put my finger on it. maybe it was the slow pace (which wasn't new for this series & didn't bother me before. I devoured the descriptions & emotions. they were beautiful & heartfelt) & the less Thrilling parts. it was all about emotions & internal thoughts & while I do love to read about them at some extent (not only they are necessary, but I like to know about the characters' inner motivations, turmoils & feelings, & this way I can feel connected to them), but I suppose this was a bit pushed to the extreme edge. (the problem I had with Kamran's pov for a while in first half of book 2 it just hindered the plot & the flow of the story. though here it was better than Kamran's in book 2, I liked it here, while in book 2 I wass gonna slap Kamran in the head, I'm just comparing the general feeling.) or maybe because the thing I felt so wholeheartedly in book 1 was kind of crushed in this book. (hey, it's a possibility, even though I like the path the relationships are going) or maybe because I liked Kamran & now... not so sure what. (though he was better than book 2, I liked his POV chapters a lot & had a good laugh) I'm just listing the possible reasons why I didn't enjoy it as much as the first 2 books. I'm curious myself.
MAIN SUSPECT: the deteriorating status in excitement & danger!!!
& I liked to see more actions & feel the dread for the characters I care about. like, I dunno... dungeons, dangers, fights, escape, actions, more dynamics between the enemies (tho I was happy to see them together) & more urgent plot? the first part was good & satisfying & I was going to give it 5, but the second was slower & less excitements. so, sorry to say, it's a 4.
with that ending, I believe next book is better & maybe, finallyyyy....?...more
it was about time someone (who is familiar) actually writes a fantasy based on Shahnameh & Persian mythology
I was do4.5 Silver Stars with Golden Sparks
it was about time someone (who is familiar) actually writes a fantasy based on Shahnameh & Persian mythology
I was doubtful & afraid to read this; because 1- Mafi's Shatter me wasn't for me. | 2- I'd heard this book was not that good.
BUT it was Persian mythology (Shahnameh) & I really couldn't stay away from it! so I decided to cautiously give it a try & I was here with very low expectations. I AM GLAD I DID!
(for non-Persian friends: if you're interested to learn more about Shahnameh: The Persian Book of Kings & one of the greatest origin of Persian mythology, & Ferdowsi you can check out "Las Plumas De Simurgh" on YouTube (not me, in case you wondered)- GR doesn't allow me to put the ink)
the Pace of the Plot was slow & you know that I'm usually into a plot-driven stories & fast paced ones preferably, but here, I was soooooo invested in the characters, I was willing to see their everyday's routine life! the slow building of their characters & the changes & the developments, & thrilled to see the small hints to Shahnameh that I absolutely loved it. the World Building felt warm & cozy & colourful. also I didn't expect to see Iblees or the famous story from Shahnameh (I thought it's only world-based inspirations not an actual retelling. it was kinda both)
plus the Writing Style was magnificent & I found myself drowned in the beautiful descriptions & devoured every drops of it. (I also usually don't like a lot of descriptions, but this book was exceptions to many of my reading traits)
I was also overjoyed to see Persian language in the names of some characters, the chapters numbers & the hints the madeup language
omg, Kamran, Kamran, Kamran, omg omg omg... knowing the retelling & seeing the hints, I was terrified for him & what would happen to him! but the horrors weren't exactly as I expected... yet? he's kinda reminded me of Magnus Damora in Falling Kingdoms; the conflicts, the struggles, the dilemmas, trying to be good, do good, & his nature is good. & I liked Alizeh too. the banters between the characters were soooo funny. & oh, Cyrus!
the romance seemed like a mild Enemies to Lovers (I guess? not deep hatred or & "I dunno I want to kill you or kiss you" sort of thing, but there were dilemmas) I'm normally not a fan of this trope (I'm more into rivals to lovers) but this was sooooo sweet that I couldn't wait to see it. & I was sooooooo over the moon when it happened & everyone in the family knew it by my squeals & little dances I did. so sweet. & the banters. - Plot: ★★★★/5 Characters: ★★★★/5 Writing style: ★★★★/5 World building: ★★★★/5 Concept: ★★★★/5...more
" Tamquam, said Ronan, and Adam said, Alter idem. "
my heart swells with joy whenever they say this.
the bittersweet feeling of finishing a series got me again. I loved it, the characters, & now a hole in my soul that only can be filled by returning to this world.
the ending was hectic & thrilling & terrifying! I loved it! I was afraid! I cried! tears tears tears OMGOMGOMGOMG... & in the end, the grin. it was beautiful & wholesome. that epilogue, wonderful. I can't tell you how much I love Maggie's writing.
who would've thought Lynch brothers' lives were this much complicated?
finally reached 4, I enjoyed this one much better, finally things make sense, some answers. we had Niall. I finally care about other chapters (not only Declan's, Adam's, Jordan's or Ronan's), because the plot is more integrated & pieces fell into places. so I was intrigued to see how or who or why. the abstract concept & the world expansion was not so confusing & I understood it better.
one day I will be back to reread this series (maybe skip a few chapters in between) because it had many golden & favourite moments that can't be ignored! (warning! the Dramatic self is writing!); some of the characters became my favourite in this series & I'd love to see this side of them, their internal struggles, thoughts, motivations. I will miss it. & Pynch! the pure joy of my heart & the primary & main reason for me reading this series. - Important note: please keep that in mind that this series is a spin-off for the Raven cycle; one of the character's story continues here. so better to read that series first; knowing the characters, their past, their path & character developments.
it was so sweet. I'm usually not a Romance reader (Romance as one of the major genres/plots in a book, I like seeing i4 Silver Stars with Golden Sparks
it was so sweet. I'm usually not a Romance reader (Romance as one of the major genres/plots in a book, I like seeing it as a subplot or something, slowly brewing beside the main plot, but not all the focus on it. which wasn't exactly the case here anyway (probably that's why I liked it), but the plot is slow & romance is obvious), & here I was rooting for them & wanted to see them together. it was beautifully written. the writing style was unique & fun & the story telling even more so. I loved it, great times. I laughed so much at the narrative. though I had a little problem with the slow pace, especially around the middle which bored me, but the general view was interesting. the idea was brilliant. the characters were realistic & appealing; I liked the Painter, his conflicts & his action made sense & I was emotionally engaged & Yumi also grew on me after 50% or so. the ending was outstanding, the action I'm usually anticipating finally arrived. (even though I didn't expect it here, because I already knew it was more revolving around the romance part) so what do I need more from a story?
it was my most anticipated Secret Project the moment I heard about -wow, Sanderson writing 4 books this year??- & the first that I read.
just a short review, because I cannot "not" write one! haha - World building: ★★★★/5 Characters: ★★★★/5 Written style: ★★★★�/5 plot: ★★★★/5 (Pace: ★★�/5) General idea: ★★★★/5...more
wowowowowowow! it was sooooooo good! definitely one of my best times in 2023. I was grinning th4.75 Golden Stars
92%
2023 Top 10
"Nicky no!!!!" "Nicky yes!"
wowowowowowow! it was sooooooo good! definitely one of my best times in 2023. I was grinning the whole time, if not laughing!
I didn't plan to read it so soon after book 1, but then the lgbt mood hit & the superhero mood continues & I can't say no to a reading mood this strong! (especially because I was in a slump a while ago) so what was the best option? yep, this baby! & I read it so quick I didn't notice when it was over!
I laughed so hard at the banters, the drama queens & all the funny moments! I shouted so many times in the intense & exciting situations! (i.e. the END! I was horrified! so sooooo intense!) in tears a few times; emotional!
SETH & GIBBY & JAZZ & NICKY! their squad's moment were soooo heartwarming & wholesome & soooo damn funny. & Mateo added to the list of my fav characters in this series Seth & Nicky moments were soooooo tender, I love the cuteness fluff of it all! sweeeeeeet!
(sometimes I feel my thinking speed & considering multiple possibilities in miliseconds & the way I'm over-excited about my favourite things (you see the proof just in this review, & all my other fav-books reviews!- so many exclamation points) & talking so much about them (to the right person) is equal to Nick. relatable, Nicky.)
the Plot was amazing; the beginning was cool & sweet & funny. the middle was exciting & like book 1, it kept my mind working overtime, theorizing mode (by the unwritten rule of writing that something will always happen challenging their promises, also the way a superhero movies turning & secrets & action & an arena full of potentials ahead, just think about the opportunities!) some of them were true, some were not. still having that wishful thinking in mind, probably for book 3? hopefully? please!? (tho it kind of happen in the battle in the end, but, I need more of this stuff!) the end was action-packed & maybe I didn't like a certain something about it (& book 1 ending had comedy beside the thrills, because, you know, the fic-related stuff?) but I liked both ending.
more Spidey vibes; RF channeling J. Jonah Jameson & that made me freakin' maaaaaaaad! (but, laughing (& thrilled) at how magnificently Klune added this element to the story too) while in book 1 she did JJJ but we didn't know becauseeeee.... you know, somethings weren't clear yet... sometimes X-men vibes. also Osborn briefly, which was in book 1 too.
the audiobook is sooooooo good, I love the narrative; the emotions, the pace of Nicky's thinking & talking when he's excited, the "modulated" voices, he performed amazingly.
I'm thinking about jumping into next book, because that post-credit scene... whaaaaaaaaaaat????
my only slightly negative point about this book: the dirty talk, again - Writing style: ★★★★/5 Plot: ★★★★(�)/5 Characters: ★★★★�/5 World building: ★★★★�/5 Concept: ★★★★�/5...more
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