it was good, but the second half + the romance felt very rushed and didn't satisfy me completely. it was good, but the second half + the romance felt very rushed and didn't satisfy me completely. ...more
Men like Grey are either fictional, gay, or taken, and THAT is life's biggest tragedy.
This book was amazing, right up until the end. Why couldn't theMen like Grey are either fictional, gay, or taken, and THAT is life's biggest tragedy.
This book was amazing, right up until the end. Why couldn't they have allied from the beginning? The way I see it, they were never really enemies. They could have found peace with each other, and defeated Lilith somehow. But they didn't.
This was a good book. I won't deny that. But there were somethings that I would definitely change. This book had so much potential to be one 3.5 stars
This was a good book. I won't deny that. But there were somethings that I would definitely change. This book had so much potential to be one heck of a story. The magic system, characters, world, were all so well-thought-out, but it could have been executed better.
Note- I don't think this is a horror book, because it didn't freak me out as much as I think a horror book would. I think this is just a medieval-fantasy with creepy aspects that scared me more than they should.
Annaleigh I absolutely loved how this book didn't use the "not like other girls" trope, which is commonly used in medieval-ish era books. Annaleigh was just like every other girl, though just different enough to stand out as the MC. Her love for her sisters also felt so authentic, and not fake enough for you to cringe at the interactions.
Magic System/Gods The magic kinda disappointed me. And I would like proof of the gods. I mean, obviously, we got that, (view spoiler)[with Komasara and Cassius and the other dude whose name I cannot remember and am too lazy to check (hide spoiler)] but it felt too obscure. And the magic, when we found out what it actually was, confused me so much because the book did have a very abrupt ending and it felt like the author just gave up at the end.
Romance I didn't like the romance. I was a nah from me. It seemed like there was a love triangle, and then things happened, and then (view spoiler)[Cassius died, but I honestly don't think that was necessary. I also didn't like how they fell in love so fast. (hide spoiler)]. Basically, I didn't like how it was paced and it was honestly kind of an insta-love.
Pacing I loved the pacing of the story, because it was really fast-moving, which I love, but the time jumps made some parts unrealistic, (view spoiler)[like when Ligeia and Rosalie died (hide spoiler)]. It was kind of annoying when it jumped between the who-killed-Eulalie to the dancing, and then back. I guess what I'm saying is that the story could have flowed better.
Overall, this was a good story, and it warped my senses of what was real and what wasn't, but I would have liked more explanation about that. It really did feel like it just ended with much explanation and too abruptly and I didn't like it at all. There needs to be some more justification on somethings, and I would recommend it if you're not looking for something very sophisticated, but not if otherwise.
Anyhow, I hope y'all are doing well and staying safe and washing your hands and wearing masks and all that good stuff. xoxo...more
This is definitely the best of the series. Mostly because I could relate to Rosie more than any of the other main characters. I love to read, and I'm This is definitely the best of the series. Mostly because I could relate to Rosie more than any of the other main characters. I love to read, and I'm a klutz. Read this book! That's all there is to say. Read it!...more
The review I wrote got deleted. Whyyyyyy???? A paper I wrote for school got deleted too. I h4.5 stars
This book made it possible for my heart to stop.
The review I wrote got deleted. Whyyyyyy???? A paper I wrote for school got deleted too. I have to rewrite it now. Why is this happening to me.
This is gonna be a watered-down version of what I'd written.
I ship Benedikt and Marshall.
The plot was on point. It was like a problematic car that went smoothly and then lurched and went smoothly again and when you think "Now, it will go smoothly forever and everything is fine" you gon find out you wrong.
The characters and setting could have been more developed. I don't have an emotional connection with any of the characters. And it didn't feel like the 1920s. If I didn't know that it was 1926, I would've thought it was much more recent.
Edit bc afterthought- why did they use madness as a noun? clearly, something bigger is going on if so many people are doing the same thing and they can't all be going mad, so it was a bit disorienting when madness was used as a fricking noun
Also, how long do I wait for the sequel? Chloe Gong, you can have all my money just give me the sequel now. I'm incredibly sleep-deprived because I stayed up past 2 A.M to finish this. Even after my grandma said that I had to rest my eyes after reading for 2 hours straight. Who needs to rest their eyes when they can read more? Not me.
You should read this book. Sorry the review isn't more in-depth I just lost the one that was more justified. And I'm super pissed. Anyway bye read the book....more
This is exactly what I needed right now! Recently, I've not been feeling like reading anything, and last night I couldn't sleep so I zoomed through thThis is exactly what I needed right now! Recently, I've not been feeling like reading anything, and last night I couldn't sleep so I zoomed through this! My friend made me read this, and at first I didn't want to, because I didn't like Geekerella much, but I think I'm going to continue the series, especially now that the new book, Bookish and the Beast, is out. This wasn't the best, but it was a whole lot better than Geekerella. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to get out of a reading slump. It worked for me. ...more
Rhysand, my darling, I love you. If I didn't ship you guys I would find a way to enter the book and make myself your High Lady. He mine.
This book follRhysand, my darling, I love you. If I didn't ship you guys I would find a way to enter the book and make myself your High Lady. He mine.
This book follows Feyre, a girl who's mother, as she lay on her deathbed, made Feyre promise she would take care of her family. This is why on a chilly winter day Feyre is deep in the woods, trying to find some game, when she sees a deer and a wolf. She's heard many, many evil things about faeries, because they live on the other side of a wall she is very close to at the moment, and this wolf looks big enough to be a faerie. Because of all they have done to her kind, (tortured. A lot. It's painful to read about) she feels no remorse in taking down the wolf. She gets to take home both the deer and the wolf, and she gets good money for them. The next day, a beast tears down her door and demands that she come with him because the treaty that was forged centuries ago as peaec between the humans and faeries say that if you kill a faerie, you have to pay for the life with your life. So Feyre goes, to keep her family safe. She learns about the different courts of Prythian, as she resides in the Spring Court.
I could go on and tell the whole story, but I'll let you read the book for that.
This is a reread, but I'll put this first review part spoiler free and then, my friends, we need to discuss some things I noticed in the book this time.
I tried to find a flaw in the book, but I couldn't. I just couldn't.
The writing style was amazing. It really drew you in and made you feel what the characters were feeling, mostly the terror. I felt a lot of that. I feel like this is one of the things that SJM is so good at. Making you feel terrified out of your wits after reading some words. She really owns my heart. Anyway, the writing described everything so perfectly well, and even last year, when I read this for the first time, I could understand the world and everything so well.
The worldbuilding was also wonderful. It's not all dumped in the beginning, but as the character discovers those things herself, which is something I loved. The plot is woven in a way that the world is explained to you, bit by bit, as things happen to the character and you feel you are more with the her.
The plot was excellently written. It has as many twists and turns as a freaking pretzel, and it's really engaging. I was reading a bunch of things at the same time, but last night, I zoomed through it because it was so entertaining.
The characters (please forgive me, I'm going to pretend this is my first time reading this and I'm going to like Tamlin) are very authentic. You don't feel as if some things are forced, and if characters say some things you don't cringe, or feel embarrassed for them. Tamlin is actually one of the most well-written characters, in my opinion. That doesn't mean you like him. That doesn't mean I have to like him. I doesn't. It doesn't!
The only problem is, sometime things seem a bit too plot-convenient, but that doesn't mean you can enjoy the story:)
Overall, this was a really good book with amazing storyline and characters that I would highly recommend reading!
SPOILER ZONE SPOILER ZONE SPOILER ZONE SPOILER ZONE (FOR ALL 3 BOOKS) -------------------------------------------------------
So these are all the things I noticed during the reread.
"Why should I mock you for a shortcoming that isn't your fault? Let me help you. I owe you for the hand."
Rhys would never have called it a shortcoming. Never. He would have said something completely different, something that wouldn't make Feyre feel bad about herself.
'...a pale, faceless woman dragging her bloodred nails across my throat, splitting me open bit by bit.'
This was before Feyre even knew who Amarantha was, much less what she looked like. How would she have a nightmare about her? Someone had a theory that Rhys was sending it down the bond, but was the bond in place yet? I don't think it was completely in place yet, I think that happened after the tattoo, but... I think it's a valid theory.
'It wasn't simply that it was the most beautiful place I'd ever been to...'
She's somewhere with the tool. Feyre, ever heard of Velaris? No, you probably haven't, but trust me, this is not the most beautiful place you have ever been to. No place, no matter how beautiful, can be beautiful with Tamlin there. Even Velaris would be sullied if Tamlin was there.
"No- Tamlin's glorious body was honed by centuries of fighting and brutality."
"Not realizing that I craved his warmth, his nearness, until he was gone."
Blegh. Just blegh. I almost puked so many times while reading this.
"It's exactly what the High Lord of the Night Court would find amusing. The bastard."
You have no idea how much I want to punch Tamlin when he said this. If you did, you'd call the cops.
Then the other things I highlighted were Feyre mooning over Tamlin, so I could share them with y'all and vomit. Let me know if you want them. Here is the last thing:
'- a tall, handsome, brown-haired man with a face similar to his own.'
She's talking about how Lucien looks like his father. But I thought Helion was his father? Or maybe she's seeing Helion and thought it was Beron. God, I hate Beron so much.
Anyway, that's it. Hope you enjoyed. SJM really owns my heart. Feysand forever!!!!!!
And, am I supposed to like Lucien? I kinda do, but I thought the fandom was on difficult terms with him? I still kinda like him.
This may even be a five star... RTC tomorrow morning my brain is literally sludge right now.
#GriaMara forever and I will fight anyone who thinks otheThis may even be a five star... RTC tomorrow morning my brain is literally sludge right now.
#GriaMara forever and I will fight anyone who thinks otherwise
Spoilers ahead for A Curse So Dark and Lonely. I have a spoiler free review, and a spoiler filled one for A Heart So Fierce and Broken.
I have made my decision. This was definitely a five star book.
We pick up a few months (I think 5?) after the end of A Curse So Dark and Lonely. There are rumors floating around that Rhen is not the true heir, and the true heir has magic. Rhen is fearful of magic, for obvious reasons, and wants the heir to be captured as soon as possible, using almost any means possible. Rhen and Harper both don't know that the heir is actually Grey, and he would not willingly do anything to outright harm them.
Grey is in a different town, far from Ironrose, under the alias Hawk because he doesn't want to be captured, and because he wants Rhen to continue being king. This book is not told from the perspectives of Rhen and Harper, but from Grey, and the daughter of Karis Luran, Lia Mara. Lia Mara wants to find peaceful solutions instead her mother's violent ways, but her compassion and love doesn't make her any less badass.
I loved the writing and pacing of this book. It was beautifully written, with parts moving slowly and fast, depending on what the situation demands, and not just really slow or really fast. Rhen and Harper are not the stars of the book, which honestly made me happy. I have nothing against Harper, but I don't like Rhen. More on that later. I would definitely recommend this book to you, but why wouldn't you read it, if you've read the first book?
Now to the spoiler filled review.
When Rhen and Harper were kissing/hugging in the first chapter, and Harper pulled back for a second after Rhen said something, Rhen says "Do not draw away from me" or something like that. In my head, I screamed she can do whatever the heck she wants!! Rhen is a jerk. Anyway, moving on from Rhen and Harper.
I love the author's way of building relationships. And not just the romantic ones. In ACSDAL, Grey and Harper's relationship was kind of cute, how she called him Scary Grey. I never thought of it as a romantic one, and was kind of grossed out when Grey wanted to touch her skin in this book. In AHSFAB, Grey and Jake's relationship grew, and it was so cute to witness in the end! But the main subject here is Lia Mara and Grey. They fell for each other slowly, and I felt like I was intruding on some scenes, because it felt so intimate. It was forbidden close to the end, (which is like my thing) when they were in Syhl Shallow, but then it wasn't when Karis Luran died and that made me so happy! #GriaMaraforever. I'll never get tired of saying it. I'm jealous of Lia Mara.
Another thing I loved was Lia Mara and Nolla Verin's relationship. They have so many reasons to hate each other, with Nolla Verin being the younger daughter and being the heir, and Lia Mara being with Grey even though Nolle Verin was supposed to seduce him. They never stopped loving each other.
Karis Luran. She deserves literally nothing good in the entire world. She is a Keris Veturia level crazy lunatic. OMG, they basically have the same name. What a coincidence! But I don't believe in coincidences. Karis Luran deserves to die slowly, for the pain she caused my babies Lia Mara and Grey. And me. She caused me a whole lot of pain too. She should pay for that. But she dead. My girl Lia Mara killed her. Honestly, if that hadn't happened, I would have found a way to enter the book myself and kill her. NO ONE keeps GriaMara from being together. NO ONE.
I also really liked the character building in this book. Lia Mara had very low self-esteem in the beginning, but in the end, she killed her own mother and became queen. That has to deserve some kind of recognition, right?
Overall, this was an AMAZING book. You meet new characters, like Lia Mara, who deserves the world. You fall in love with Grey more than you have already. And you emotions are messed with. Read the book. Please.
I need a Grey in my life. I like to imagine that I am Lia Mara, and I love Grey. ...more
Wow. This book. It's a straight up 5 star book. 5 sparkly golden stars. I really wish more people knew about it. It deserves to have a spotlight shiniWow. This book. It's a straight up 5 star book. 5 sparkly golden stars. I really wish more people knew about it. It deserves to have a spotlight shining on it at all times.
I really, really, really loved the writing style. It was so beautiful, and I was sucked into the story whenever I picked my kindle up to read. I gasped when Isabelle found her rooster, Bertrand, dead. And that's coming from a person who usually doesn't show outward emotions while reading. I mean, I'll cry if it's sad, and smile if it's happy, and start laughing if someone says something particularly funny, but I don't gasp that often. I usually show all surprise in my head. But I was so surprised when I gasped, because that is so unlike me. I actually felt like I was in the story. Then I 'woke up' and found out I was reading on my bed. Not at a chicken coop in France. Sadly.
I can't express how much I loved this story. Sometimes, you just need a book that doesn't focus on the romance aspect that much, and the romance in this book was the side plot of a side plot, if that makes sense. That made me happy. So happy. Throughout the book, I was outwardly showing emotions, which, like I said, doesn't regularly happen to me, and making predictions. Some of them were true, and some weren't. But it was still fun. This was definitely a book in which you see change in the character. Isabelle changed so much throughout the book. I feel like it's cliche to say that, but she really did. When she told Tanaquill she wanted to be pretty, I scoffed but I knew that she would change at the end.
If I were to stay here and explain every single thing, we'd be here hours, so here is my bottom line: This was AMAZING! It was a much needed "what happens after the end of Cinderella", but also from the stepsisters' perspective. If you've gotten this far into my review, go pick up the book right now! I promise, it won't disappoint. ...more
At this point, I'm just begging and praying and begging that Rhen does not end up like Tamlin. Please. Do not let Rhen end up like Tamlin the tool. ThAt this point, I'm just begging and praying and begging that Rhen does not end up like Tamlin. Please. Do not let Rhen end up like Tamlin the tool. There's a spoiler in the 6th paragraph. The bottom line is at the bottom.
This book was phenomenal. The writing was funny, I actually laughed a few times, it was entertaining, and I didn't want to stop reading it. I think this is one of the fastest times I've finished a 400+ page book in. First off, there were so many similarities to A Court of Thorns and Roses. It's not even funny. I could even find the characters' counterparts. Harper - Feyre, Rhen - Tamlin (though hopefully he doesn't end up like that tool) Grey - Lucian, Lilith - Amarantha, Jake - Nesta, Noah - Elain. I'm still contemplating Jake and Noah's counterparts, but it's pretty similar. I'm not disappointed in the similarities, though, even if I kept getting ACOTAR flashbacks. I love Harper's fiesty-ness. That's truly something to admire about her. She never gave in to Rhen, unlike Feyre, until she was sure of her feelings. She wanted to learn how to fight instead of do nothing, unlike Feyre. Not saying I hate Feyre, just saying that she could have been better. I really wanted more of a bromance between Grey and Rhen. I feel like it would be so cool to have that, and so funny, but it was just kind of a very cordial relationship. I still liked it, though. I don't completely love Rhen yet, I still need to know that he does not end up like Tamlin. I do love Scary Grey though. Inside, he's like a big, warm, gooey, brownie. Cinnamon roll. Well, it's kind of a mix between 'will kill you' and 'cinnamon roll'. I loved the fake Princess of Disi thing, it was hilarious. Overall, I laughed so many times during the book. The part that I didn't like was that everything moved kind of slowly, and I was a little disappointed in the ending. Was that plot twist really needed? And maybe I wasn't reading carefully, but what makes Grey any more legitimate than Rhen? Don't they have the same father, just different mothers? I may have missed that part, so please let me know in the comments.
Bottom line= If you want a good fairy tale retelling which will make you laugh and want the characters to just kiss already, this is the book for you! (I promise I'm working on my professional sounding 'bottom lines')
I hope y'all learned that you shouldn't let shady sorceresses into your bed. They will ruin your life. ...more
Tamlin and Ianthe were friends during their childhood. Go figure.
This I'm going to be eternally jealous of Feyre
#LookingformyRhysandinaworldofTamlins
Tamlin and Ianthe were friends during their childhood. Go figure.
This is the part of the review where I try to voice my thoughts and sound sane.
This book picks up a few months after the end of A Court of Thorns and Roses. Feyre is engaged to Tamlin, and Rhysand hasn't called in the bargain just yet. Tamlin searches for a way to break the bargain every day, and he locks Feyre in the house because he's 'concerned for her safety'. Because of the horrors she faced Under the Mountain, Feyre is suffering from severe PTSD and throws up almost every night. Tamlin says that he needs time to get over what happened UtM, so that's apparently the reason for his locking Feyre in every day. Soon, Rhys calls in the bargain, and during one of the months, when Feyre is back, Tamlin locks her in the house for the millionth time and she goes kinda crazy. She escapes to the Night Court, where she decides she's going to be staying to get away from Tamlin.
This book was even better than the first one. Probably because of the presence of Rhysand.
SJM displays PTSD so well, it actually feels authentic. I've read some books in which it's there, but after something happens, it just abruptly goes away. This took a while to go away, for Feyre, and that's what made it seem real. Even when she was with Rhys, it dwindled a lot and didn't just end.
We progressed so much in this book. We meet new characters, places, experiences, it's all such a journey. A journey I will take a thousand times and never get tired of.
Non-spoilery section over!!
I love these characters so much. One thing I will forever want to do like SJM is build these beautiful relationships in my writing. I do wish the non-romantic ones had some more page time, like Feyre and Mor, Feyre and Cassian, and Feyre and Az, but the progressing relationship that Feyre and Rhys have is beautiful. During some Feyre and Rhys scenes, I honestly felt like I was intruding, because it feels so real, so genuine, you'll want a Rhysand in your life. I know I do.
My favorite Cassian quote- "Get off your ass and give me twenty lunges-" This is so funny, I don't know why it's not talked about more.
A list of reasons why Rhysand is better than Tamlin: Rhysand is hot(ter). Rhysand is thoughtful. Rhysand loves Feyre enough to want her to be happy with Tamlin, even when he loves her. Tamlin wants her even though she said she wasn't coming back because he is a self-absorbed tool who deserves- Rhysand woke up to comfort Feyre when she was puking, when he was under no obligation (read: known obligation) to do so. Tamlin, the man who claimed to love Feyre, didn't even get up to ask her if she was okay, let alone comfort her. Rhysand is my darling baby who deserves the world, okay? No one can hurt him.
The ending didn't have me in tears. No, it had me broken. Well, the first time around. This time I was just like y'all got DUPED!
People I hate: Tamlin The Tool Ianthe King of Hybern The High Lord of the Spring Court Did I mention Tamlin?
Mor, being the most relatable person ever- "Everyone wants to talk-talk-talk," Mor said, giving a warning glare at Cassian, who had indeed opened his mouth. "Can't we eat-eat-eat, and then talk?"
Rhysand, showing his age- "My right knee gets a twinge of pain when it rains. I wrecked it during the war, and it's hurt ever since."
Rhys being like a certain someone we know from another series- He gets what he wants, has plans he does not tell anyone about until after he's completed them, snd does not apologize for any of it. Sound familiar?
A list of my favorite characters from greatest to least: Rhysand Cassian Mor Feyre Azriel
I don't know why, but I've just never liked Azriel much.
Bottom line- I love this book, and you should definitely read it. You will not be sorry....more
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