Everyone expected Violet Sorrengail to die during her first year at Basgiath War College—Violet included. But Threshing was only the first impossible test meant to weed out the weak-willed, the unworthy, and the unlucky.
Now the real training begins, and Violet’s already wondering how she’ll get through. It’s not just that it’s grueling and maliciously brutal, or even that it’s designed to stretch the riders� capacity for pain beyond endurance. It’s the new vice commandant, who’s made it his personal mission to teach Violet exactly how powerless she is–unless she betrays the man she loves.
Although Violet’s body might be weaker and frailer than everyone else’s, she still has her wits—and a will of iron. And leadership is forgetting the most important lesson Basgiath has taught her: Dragon riders make their own rules.
But a determination to survive won’t be enough this year.
Because Violet knows the real secret hidden for centuries at Basgiath War College—and nothing, not even dragon fire, may be enough to save them in the end.]]>
This was 600 gahdam pages of a couple doing and saying the same bullcrap with either one making any effort to change anything. I couldn't even focus on what was happening on the story outside of the Xaden and Violet because everything was literally about how messed up their relationship was. It was a "will they or won't they" situation the entire book. The moment we get a little action and focus on some other characters, Yarros for some reason would immediately take us back to the dumpster fire that is the conversation(s) between Xaden and Violet.
In addition, the ending I saw came a mile away and it is a little disappointing to see Yarros fall into that same stereotype for a young character [spoilers removed] I hope to see her decenter Xaden and Violet in book 3 if she is not going to focus on their growth as characters. If book 3 is more of the same, this will be the end of the series for me.]]>
author: Rebecca Yarros
name: Lex
average rating: 4.33
book published: 2023
rating: 2
read at: 2025/03/10
date added: 2025/04/26
shelves:
review:
So disappointed. I'm sure I'm on an island alone with my opinion but here goes.
This was 600 gahdam pages of a couple doing and saying the same bullcrap with either one making any effort to change anything. I couldn't even focus on what was happening on the story outside of the Xaden and Violet because everything was literally about how messed up their relationship was. It was a "will they or won't they" situation the entire book. The moment we get a little action and focus on some other characters, Yarros for some reason would immediately take us back to the dumpster fire that is the conversation(s) between Xaden and Violet.
In addition, the ending I saw came a mile away and it is a little disappointing to see Yarros fall into that same stereotype for a young character [spoilers removed] I hope to see her decenter Xaden and Violet in book 3 if she is not going to focus on their growth as characters. If book 3 is more of the same, this will be the end of the series for me.
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Blythe Hawthorne has never let anyone tell her what to do—not society, not her overprotective father, and certainly not the man she’s bound herself to, no matter how rude and insufferable he is. In fact, she’s determined to be a thorn in his side for the rest of her days, even as he ensures that her life in his palace is anything but a fairytale. But as Blythe discovers a new side of herself linked to his past, she’ll have to decide if she’s willing to let an unexpected spark ignite…and to discover the truth about who she really is.]]>
author: Adalyn Grace
name: Lex
average rating: 4.25
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/11
date added: 2025/04/26
shelves:
review:
A very fitting conclusion.
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But not everything monstrous-looking is evil and not everything fair is good... and in every fairy tale there is a grain of truth.
Librarian's Note: Alternate cover edition of ASIN B0010SIPT4]]>
author: Andrzej Sapkowski
name: Lex
average rating: 4.12
book published: 1993
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/10
date added: 2025/04/26
shelves:
review:
I started the series after watching the show and I have to say that this does provide a tad more insight into the story - especially the dynamics between Yen and Geralt. I will continue the series just to see how the changes continue to differ especially considering that they may be going a different direction from the show than they do in the books.
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Bree Matthews is alone. She exiled herself from the Legendborn Order, cut her ancestral connections, and turned away from the friends who can’t understand the impossible cost of her powers. This is the only way to keep herself—and those she loves—safe.
But Bree’s decision has come with a terrible price: an unbreakable bargain with the Shadow King himself, a shapeshifter who can move between humanity, the demon underworld, and the Legendborn secret society. In exchange for training to wield her unprecedented abilities, Bree has put her future in the Shadow King’s hands—and unwittingly bound herself to do his bidding as his new protégé.
Meanwhile, the other Scions must face war with their Round Table fractured, leaderless, and missing its Kingsmage, as Selwyn has also disappeared. When Nick is detained by the Order’s Merlins, he invokes an ancient law that requires the High Council of Regents to convene at the Northern Keep and grant him an audience. No one knows what he will demand of them...or what secrets he has kept hidden from the Table.
As a string of mysterious kidnappings escalates and Merlins are found dead, it becomes clear that no matter how hard Bree runs from who she is, the past will always find her.]]>
I know its not a love story but still. On another note, the dynamic between Erebus and Bri!!!!! It's almost like a father figure dynamic and I was pleasantly surprised by it. It reminded me of Arya Stark and The Hound. In this dynamic, it almost felt like Erebus didn't really want to hurt Bri, but that he wanted to help her reach her full potential even if it was at the sake of what is wrong. And the way that it ends confirms it!]]>
author: Tracy Deonn
name: Lex
average rating: 4.39
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/07
date added: 2025/04/26
shelves:
review:
I need more angst!!!!!!
I know its not a love story but still. On another note, the dynamic between Erebus and Bri!!!!! It's almost like a father figure dynamic and I was pleasantly surprised by it. It reminded me of Arya Stark and The Hound. In this dynamic, it almost felt like Erebus didn't really want to hurt Bri, but that he wanted to help her reach her full potential even if it was at the sake of what is wrong. And the way that it ends confirms it!
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Along with her former academic rival-now fiancé-the dashing and mercurial Wendell Bambleby, Emily is immediately thrust into the deadly intrigues of Faerie as the two of them seize the throne of Wendell's long-lost kingdom, which Emily finds a beautiful nightmare, filled with scholarly treasures.
Emily has been obsessed with faerie stories her entire life, but at first she feels as ill-suited to Faerie as she did to the mortal world-how could an unassuming scholar like herself pass for a queen? Yet there is little time to settle in-Wendell's murderous stepmother has placed a deadly curse upon the land before vanishing without a trace. It will take all of Wendell's magic-and Emily's knowledge of stories-to unravel the mystery before they lose everything they hold dear.
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author: Heather Fawcett
name: Lex
average rating: 4.14
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/06
date added: 2025/04/26
shelves:
review:
OMG! I love this series so freaking much. This will be one of the cozy OG's in my opinion. I love Wendel down.
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As the long-lost heir to the Jinn throne, Alizeh has finally found her people—and she might’ve found her crown. Cyrus, the mercurial ruler of Tulan, has offered her his kingdom in a twisted exchange: one that would begin with their marriage and end with his murder.
Cyrus’s dark reputation precedes him; all the world knows of his blood-soaked past. Killing him should be easy—and accepting his offer might be the only way to fulfill her destiny and save her people. But the more Alizeh learns of him, the more she questions whether the terrible stories about him are true.
Ensnared by secrets, Cyrus has ached for Alizeh since she first appeared in his dreams many months ago. Now that he knows those visions were planted by the devil, he can hardly bear to look at her—much less endure her company. But despite their best efforts to despise each other, Alizeh and Cyrus are drawn together over and over with an all-consuming thirst that threatens to destroy them both.
Meanwhile, Prince Kamran has arrived in Tulan, ready to exact revenge. . . .
Layered with exquisite tension and heart-stopping romance, All This Twisted Glory is the explosive third book in the captivating, bestselling Woven Kingdom series.]]>
author: Tahereh Mafi
name: Lex
average rating: 4.07
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/03
date added: 2025/04/26
shelves:
review:
This was a great series and one that I like but I think the story good have been wrapped up here. A little repetitive but we'll see what she has to say in book 4 and - hopefully there will be a little more action than there was before.
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Now Violet must journey beyond the failing Aretian wards to seek allies from unfamiliar lands to stand with Navarre. The trip will test every bit of her wit, luck, and strength, but she will do anything to save what she loves—her dragons, her family, her home, and him.
Even if it means keeping a secret so big, it could destroy everything. They need an army. They need power. They need magic. And they need the one thing only Violet can find—the truth. But a storm is coming...and not everyone can survive its wrath.]]>
This book sort of decenters the relationship between Violet and Xaden whilst still giving us the spice and love story we want. In book two, I think it was just entirely too much - I began not to care whatsoever about Xaden and Violet and it seemed as though there was no growth between the two or as characters. In this book, I felt like there was a shift from that which I liked.
The ending was a stressful one but a good one all the same.
If you had issues with book two, please don't give up without reading book 3 first before you make a decision on continuing the series or not.
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author: Rebecca Yarros
name: Lex
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/02
date added: 2025/04/26
shelves:
review:
Whew! Much better! After the disaster that was book two, I truly didn't know what to expect with this book. However, I'm pleasantly surprised and my faith in the series has been renewed.
This book sort of decenters the relationship between Violet and Xaden whilst still giving us the spice and love story we want. In book two, I think it was just entirely too much - I began not to care whatsoever about Xaden and Violet and it seemed as though there was no growth between the two or as characters. In this book, I felt like there was a shift from that which I liked.
The ending was a stressful one but a good one all the same.
If you had issues with book two, please don't give up without reading book 3 first before you make a decision on continuing the series or not.
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Alizeh, the heir to the Jinn throne, is destined to free her people from the half-lives they’ve been forced to live under human rule. When Kamran, the heir to the human throne, falls in love with her, he’s forced to question everything he’s been taught about Jinn.
Kamran’s grandfather lays dead at the hand of Cyrus, ruler of the neighboring kingdom of Tulan. Cyrus has stolen Alizeh away to his homeland and plans to marry her there, giving her everything she needs to become the Jinn queen—and when she assumes the throne he will have fulfilled his own bargain with the devil.
Alizeh wants nothing to do with Cyrus’s deal or the devil. But without a way to escape Tulan, and with the fulfillment of her own destiny tantalizingly close, she’ll have to decide whether she can set aside her emotions to become the queen her people need.
Kamran, meanwhile, is picking up the pieces in Ardunia. Facing betrayal at every turn, all he knows is that he must go to Tulan to avenge his grandfather. He can only hope that Alizeh will be waiting for him there—and that she hasn’t yet become the queen of Tulan.
Full of explosive magic, searing romance, and heartbreaking betrayal, this breathtaking sequel to This Woven Kingdom is from the award-winning and bestselling author of the Shatter Me series and is perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo, Sabaa Tahir, and Tomi Adeyemi.]]>
author: Tahereh Mafi
name: Lex
average rating: 4.09
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/09
date added: 2025/04/26
shelves:
review:
It held my attention for a sequel - I listened via audio. I'm not a big fan of love triangles but it was nice to see Mafi begin to diminish one of the triangles for something new.
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I’ve always loved fairytales. I never imagined I'd actually be in one.
When my father wanders into the enchanted realm of the fae, I know I have to go after him. And when he gets imprisoned, I'll do anything to save him... Even trade my freedom for his. I had no idea I'd end up imprisoned by four sexy fae who turn into beasts at night.
I have to win my freedom, and that means making a bargain with them. They must find their mates in order to break the curse. If I can help them do that, they'll set me free. Sounds simple, right?
It's not. Because against my better judgment, I'm starting to fall for these beastly princes. One is smart and sweet, the other mysterious and deadly, another flirty and confident, and the last prince... He's handsome, strong, has a wicked temper, and is dead-set against breaking the curse. Why does he want to keep me here forever?
But it's not just my freedom on the line. If I don't break the princes' curse soon, all the magic in the Enchanted Vale will be stolen by the evil—and stupidly hot—Prince of Thorns. And I'm not letting my princes stay cursed.
Not after I've fallen in love with them.
BONDED BY THORNS is a steamy adult Beauty and the Beast retelling set in a fantasy fae realm. In this version, our beautiful bookworm doesn't have to choose between the four sexy fae princes. It is a full-length novel that ends on a cliffhanger. It includes MF and MM content. It is intended for mature readers only.]]>
Just going to go through with my issues and points...
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author: Elizabeth Helen
name: Lex
average rating: 3.94
book published: 2023
rating: 1
read at: 2024/09/14
date added: 2025/04/26
shelves:
review:
No shade to anyone who enjoyed this, but this was by far the worst book I’ve ready all year and I don't say that lightly. My reviews usually don't have any books rated this low, but here we are.
Just going to go through with my issues and points...
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She crosses into the magical lands of the Fae, trying to discern if her enemy is Mortal, Elf, or a Halfling like her. But the Faeland is not what it seems, and neither is the Shadow. Keera is shocked by what she discovers and can’t help but wonder who her enemy truly is�
The King that destroyed her people? The Prince that tortures them? Or the Shadow that threatens her place at court?
As she searches for answers, Keera is haunted by a promise she made long ago. A promise not only to save herself but an entire kingdom.]]>
author: Melissa Blair
name: Lex
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2021
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/06
date added: 2025/03/09
shelves:
review:
A collage of tropes squished into one book is what A Broken Blade is. I listened to it via audio which made it less of a drag. I don't think I will continue the series as the mc and mmc just didn't quite appeal to me. None of the characters were flushed out enough for me to care about them. Even their subplots didn't make me care about them. I felt like it was just "novel", but those aspects I felt like were missing would have made it a story imo!
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I have never been favored by the gods. Far from it, thanks to Zeus.
Living as a cursed office clerk for the Order of Thieves, I just keep my head down and hope the capricious beings who rule from Olympus won’t notice me. Not an easy feat, given San Francisco is Zeus� patron city, but I make do. I survive. Until the night I tangle with a different god.
The worst god. Hades.
For the first time ever, the ruthless, mercurial King of the Underworld has entered the Crucible—the deadly contest the gods hold to determine a new ruler to sit on the throne of Olympus. But instead of fighting their own battles, the gods name mortals to compete in their stead.
So why in the Underworld did Hades choose me—a sarcastic nobody with a curse on her shoulders—as his champion? And why does my heart trip every time he says I’m his?
I don’t know if I’m a pawn, bait, or something else entirely to this dangerously tempting god. How can I, when he has more secrets than stars in the sky?
Because Hades is playing by his own rules…and Death will win at any cost.]]>
author: Abigail Owen
name: Lex
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/05
date added: 2025/03/09
shelves:
review:
I've mentioned this in prior reviews about romantasy books, but sometimes it feels like I'm reading the same book but by different authors. I'm trying to compartmentalize that and just "read the d@mn big". That said, this book has the stereotypical mc and mmc, a cringey antagonist, and a competition. If you're just looking for something fun to read, this was not slowly paced at all and its easy to breeze through. I didn't care about the main characters, but did like and worry for the side characters! That was very well done! Overall, if you don't mind the "standard romantasy starter pack", this is a great and fun read.
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In a world where no entities exist but the Stars, cruel and merciless gods that watch over the world, Elara has been cursed by fate. A prophecy that promises she will fall for a Star, and it will kill them both.
But when one descends to wreak havoc on Elara's Kingdom, she is forced to flee into the arms of her enemy in the neighbouring country.
As she learns more about her own magic, and the depth of the Stars' deceit, she also finds herself learning more about the country she is forced to take refuge in, and the enemy prince forced to train her into a weapon.
Something dark brews within her, a power made of night and shadows that begs to be broken free.]]>
author: Imani Erriu
name: Lex
average rating: 3.97
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/06
date added: 2025/03/09
shelves:
review:
This started off predictable in some areas, but overall the ending was great. Given the stakes, that felt like it made sense. I will be picking up the sequel, but I'm hoping to see some of the predictability diminish. I think some of the romatansty stories have started following the same plot in some areas and I'd love to see a book deviate from that a little bit. I think this could be that given how it ended. The characters were also not complete tools which is always a plus!
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Tao is an immigrant fortune teller, traveling between villages with just her trusty mule for company. She only tells "small" fortunes: whether it will hail next week; which boy the barmaid will kiss; when the cow will calve. She knows from bitter experience that big fortunes come with big consequences�
Even if it’s a lonely life, it’s better than the one she left behind. But a small fortune unexpectedly becomes something more when a (semi) reformed thief and an ex-mercenary recruit her into their desperate search for a lost child. Soon, they’re joined by a baker with a knead for adventure, and—of course—a slightly magical cat.
Tao sets down a new path with companions as big-hearted as her fortunes are small. But as she lowers her walls, the shadows of her past are closing in—and she’ll have to decide whether to risk everything to preserve the family she never thought she could have.]]>
This story is no different! The stakes are quite low throughout the book, but different mini sub plots are happening throughout this story. And by the end of the book, they are all wrapped up nicely. It may not be everyone's cup of tea - pun intended - but I do think that if you typically like cozy stories, this one offers a unique perspective on what it means to be any of the following: a person struggling with identity, an immigrant, a person relocating to a new area, or someone with a mixed heritage. All of these topics come up in some way in the story, but also give you some perspective about how people feel or what they experience.]]>
author: Julie Leong
name: Lex
average rating: 3.81
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/02
date added: 2025/03/09
shelves:
review:
As with most cozy stories - the stakes for the book may not be as exciting or high as some people may prefer!
This story is no different! The stakes are quite low throughout the book, but different mini sub plots are happening throughout this story. And by the end of the book, they are all wrapped up nicely. It may not be everyone's cup of tea - pun intended - but I do think that if you typically like cozy stories, this one offers a unique perspective on what it means to be any of the following: a person struggling with identity, an immigrant, a person relocating to a new area, or someone with a mixed heritage. All of these topics come up in some way in the story, but also give you some perspective about how people feel or what they experience.
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When Ning hears of a competition to find the kingdom's greatest shennong-shi—masters of the ancient and magical art of tea-making—she travels to the imperial city to compete. The winner will receive a favor from the princess, which may be Ning's only chance to save her sister's life.
But between the backstabbing competitors, bloody court politics, and a mysterious (and handsome) boy with a shocking secret, Ning might actually be the one in more danger.]]>
I do think that for a YA, it's great but I feel like a lot of YA authors play it safe, and it's rare to seem the writers take a chance to branch out from beyond predictable things. I think this would be a fantastic series to have seen branch off from being so "safe" but overall a great book!
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author: Judy I. Lin
name: Lex
average rating: 3.81
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/05
date added: 2025/03/09
shelves:
review:
This is a wonderful rendition of ancient Chinese tea brewing and I liked that this book pays homage to it!
I do think that for a YA, it's great but I feel like a lot of YA authors play it safe, and it's rare to seem the writers take a chance to branch out from beyond predictable things. I think this would be a fantastic series to have seen branch off from being so "safe" but overall a great book!
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In a manor by the sea, one sister is still cursed.
Despite dreams of adventures far beyond the Salann shores, seventeen-year-old Verity Thaumas has remained at her family’s estate, Highmoor, with her older sister Camille, while their sisters have scattered across Arcannia.
When their sister Mercy sends word that the Duchess of Bloem—wife of a celebrated botanist—is interested in having Verity paint a portrait of her son, Alexander, Verity jumps at the chance, but Camille won’t allow it. Forced to reveal the secret she’s kept for years, Camille tells Verity the truth one day: Verity is still seeing ghosts, she just doesn’t know it.
Stunned, Verity flees Highmoor that night and—with nowhere else to turn—makes her way to Bloem. At first, she is captivated by the lush, luxurious landscape and is quickly drawn to charming, witty, and impossibly handsome Alexander Laurent. And soon, to her surprise, a romance . . . blossoms.
But it’s not long before Verity is plagued with nightmares, and the darker side of Bloem begins to show through its sickly-sweet façade. . . .]]>
author: Erin A. Craig
name: Lex
average rating: 4.11
book published: 2023
rating: 5
read at: 2025/01/09
date added: 2025/03/09
shelves:
review:
This is probably my favorite book from Craig thus far followed by Small Favors! I truly was not expecting the plot twists/turn that happens midway through the story. The ending was chef's kiss. I love books that don't follow the standard norms you'd expect. Excellent!
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All gifts come with a price.
Hazel Trépas has always known she wasn’t like the rest of her siblings. A thirteenth child, promised away to one of the gods, she spends her childhood waiting for her godfather—Merrick, the Dreaded End—to arrive.
When he does, he lays out exactly how he’s planned Hazel’s future. She will become a great healer, known throughout the kingdom for her precision and skill. To aid her endeavors, Merrick blesses Hazel with a gift, the ability to instantly deduce the exact cure needed to treat the sick.
But all gifts come with a price. Hazel can see when Death has claimed a patient—when all hope is gone—and is tasked to end their suffering, permanently. Haunted by the ghosts of those she’s killed, Hazel longs to run. But destiny brings her to the royal court, where she meets Leo, a rakish prince with a disdain for everything and everyone. And it’s where Hazel faces her biggest dilemma yet—to save the life of a king marked to die. Hazel knows what she is meant to do and knows what her heart is urging her toward, but what will happen if she goes against the will of Death?
From the astonishing mind of Erin A. Craig comes the breathtaking fairy tale retelling readers have been waiting for� what does a life well-lived mean, and how do we justify the impossible choices we make for the ones we love?]]>
Overall, this is not a book worth skipping. Craig writes some fantastic thrillers and I always enjoy the fantasy component she includes in her story! ]]>
author: Erin A. Craig
name: Lex
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/08
date added: 2025/03/09
shelves:
review:
This book didn't grip me as quickly as Craig's other books have. This one seemed, incredibly slow to get to the "crescendo" whereas in her other books, the build-up and mystery happened in every chapter. In this book, there are breaks between the mystery and plot build-up, and instead, those chapters focus on character development. Normally, I don't mind that, but in this book, those chapters that focused more on character development made the story a little slower and harder for me to stay engaged.
Overall, this is not a book worth skipping. Craig writes some fantastic thrillers and I always enjoy the fantasy component she includes in her story!
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Ren is a con artist who has come to the sparkling city of Nadežra with one goal: to trick her way into a noble house, securing her fortune and her sister's future.
But as she's drawn into the elite world of House Traementis, she realizes her masquerade is just one of many surrounding her. And as nightmare magic begins to weave its way through the City of Dreams, the poisonous feuds of its aristocrats and the shadowy dangers of its impoverished underbelly become tangled…with Ren at their heart.
The Mask of Mirrors is the unmissable start to the Rook & Rose trilogy, a dazzling and darkly magical fantasy adventure by Marie Brennan and Alyc Helms, writing together as M. A. Carrick.]]>
The last quarter of the book had quite a lot to offer so I will surely be reading sequels. I'm just hoping the remaining books will be a little bit quicker in pace]]>
author: M.A. Carrick
name: Lex
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/13
date added: 2025/03/08
shelves:
review:
A great start to a fantasy "heist" like series. There is a lot of political intrigue and world-building. There is no map so that did make it a little harder to track. Call me spoiled - but when world-building is very in-depth, a map will not be useful, even if it's just a light sketch. The author, however, did a great job describing it readers in depth throughout the story. The magic was interesting but it was hard to track at times. It almost felt like it didn't belong in the story - it felt out of place.
The last quarter of the book had quite a lot to offer so I will surely be reading sequels. I'm just hoping the remaining books will be a little bit quicker in pace
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An orphan since the age of four, Sciona has always had more to prove than her fellow students. For twenty years, she has devoted every waking moment to the study of magic, fueled by a mad desire to achieve the impossible: to be the first woman ever admitted to the High Magistry. When she finally claws her way up the ranks to become a highmage, however, she finds that her challenges have just begun. Her new colleagues will stop at nothing to let her know she is unwelcome, beginning with giving her a janitor instead of a qualified lab assistant.
What neither Sciona nor her peers realize is that her taciturn assistant was once more than a janitor; before he mopped floors for the mages, Thomil was a nomadic hunter from beyond Tiran’s magical barrier. Ten years have passed since he survived the perilous crossing that killed his family. But working for a highmage, he sees the opportunity to finally understand the forces that decimated his tribe, drove him from his homeland, and keep the Tiranish in power.
Through their fractious relationship, mage and outsider uncover an ancient secret that could change the course of magic forever—if it doesn’t get them killed first. Sciona has defined her life by the pursuit of truth, but how much is one truth worth with the fate of civilization in the balance?
A standalone dark academia brimming with mystery, tragedy, and the damning echoes of the past. For fans of Leigh Bardugo, V. E. Schwab, and Fullmetal Alchemist.
(Content warnings for gore, sexual assault, and suicidal ideation)]]>
-dark academia
-don't mind gore/violence
-slow burn/angst but not a heavy focus on romance
-philosophical thinking points
Chef's kiss and I'm ready to read the Sword of Kaigen this year! ]]>
author: M.L. Wang
name: Lex
average rating: 4.40
book published: 2023
rating: 5
read at: 2025/01/03
date added: 2025/03/08
shelves:
review:
This book was fantastic. I will admit that I was lost in the first few chapters as part of the book relates to the science of the story. However, things eventually are well-explained and all the pieces come together in a bittersweet ending. I think its best to read this book without knowing too much, but if you happen to come across this review, you'll love it if you're into the following:
- down with the patriarchy vibes
-dark academia
-don't mind gore/violence
-slow burn/angst but not a heavy focus on romance
-philosophical thinking points
Chef's kiss and I'm ready to read the Sword of Kaigen this year!
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In the wake of a crushing defeat, Tisaanah and Maxatarius have been ripped apart. Tisaanah is desperate to rescue Max from his imprisonment, even as her people’s fight for freedom grows more treacherous. But within the walls of Ilyzath, Max’s mind is a shadow of what it once was� leaving his past a mystery and his future at the mercy of Ara’s new, ruthless queen.
Meanwhile, in the Fey lands, Aefe has been dragged back into this world by a king who vows to destroy civilizations in her name. But even as her past returns to claim her, her former self is a stranger.
Tisaanah, Max, and Aefe are thrust into the center of a cataclysm between the human and Fey worlds. The unique magic they share is key to either winning the war, or ending it.
But that power demands sacrifice. Tisaanah may be forced to choose between love and duty. Max cannot forge his future without confronting his past. And Aefe must decide between reclaiming who she was, or embracing who she has become.
The choices they make will either reshape this world forever…or end it..
In the harrowing finale of the War of Lost Hearts trilogy, a tale of romance, magic, vengeance, and redemption comes to a close -- perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Miranda Honfleur, and Danielle Jenson. ]]>
author: Carissa Broadbent
name: Lex
average rating: 4.37
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at: 2024/12/31
date added: 2024/12/31
shelves:
review:
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Tony, Grammy, and Emmy Award winner Cynthia Erivo narrates Tomi Adeyemi’s long-awaited conclusion to the #1 NYT Legacy of Orïsha series. Featuring gorgeous spray-painted and stenciled edges, dazzling metallic foil designs on the jacket and case, and an exclusive endpaper map that reveals new unexplored territories, Tomi Adeyemi’s #1 New York Times-bestselling Legacy of Orïsha series comes to an earth-shaking conclusion.
New allies rise.
The Blood Moon nears.
Zélie faces her final enemy.
The king who hunts her heart.
When Zelie seized the royal palace that fateful night, she thought her battles had come to an end. The monarchy had finally fallen. The maji had risen again. Zélie never expected to find herself locked in a cage and trapped on a foreign ship. Now warriors with iron skulls traffic her and her people across the seas, far from their homeland.
Then everything changes when Zélie meets King Baldyr, her true captor, the ruler of the Skulls, and the man who has ravaged entire civilizations to find her. Baldyr’s quest to harness Zélie’s strength sends Zélie, Amari, and Tzain searching for allies in unknown lands.
But as Baldyr closes in, catastrophe charges Orïsha’s shores. It will take everything Zélie has to face her final enemy and save her people before the Skulls annihilate them for good.
The Complete Legacy of Orïsha Series:
Children of Blood and Bone (Book 1)
Children of Virtue and Vengeance (Book 2)
Children of Anguish and Anarchy (Book 3)]]>
❤️ What I liked:
✨Inan's character development is still very believable to me. Not only does he grow internally, but you can see clear displays of him attempting to grow externally with others - particularly Zelie and with his mother
� Baulder/Baldur (I forget how it's spelled) was a pretty interesting character. It's a love/hate relationship with him. For one, I do think, that to be introduced so late in the story, he had a solid arc. And there were some instances, where I felt like I knew him better as a reader than other characters wed been following across the span of 3 books.
✨The ending was incredibly rushed, but I'm not mad at how things turn out for Zelie and others.
]]>
author: Tomi Adeyemi
name: Lex
average rating: 3.36
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/31
date added: 2024/12/31
shelves:
review:
Well. It was what I thought it would be but here goes...
❤️ What I liked:
✨Inan's character development is still very believable to me. Not only does he grow internally, but you can see clear displays of him attempting to grow externally with others - particularly Zelie and with his mother
� Baulder/Baldur (I forget how it's spelled) was a pretty interesting character. It's a love/hate relationship with him. For one, I do think, that to be introduced so late in the story, he had a solid arc. And there were some instances, where I felt like I knew him better as a reader than other characters wed been following across the span of 3 books.
✨The ending was incredibly rushed, but I'm not mad at how things turn out for Zelie and others.
]]>
Zhu Yuanzhang, the Radiant King, is riding high after her victory that tore southern China from its Mongol masters. Now she burns with a new desire: to seize the throne and crown herself emperor.
But Zhu isn’t the only one with imperial ambitions. Her neighbor in the south, the courtesan Madam Zhang, wants the throne for her husband―and she’s strong enough to wipe Zhu off the map. To stay in the game, Zhu will have to gamble everything on a risky alliance with an old enemy: the talented but unstable eunuch general Ouyang, who has already sacrificed everything for a chance at revenge on his father’s killer, the Great Khan.
Unbeknownst to the southerners, a new contender is even closer to the throne. The scorned scholar Wang Baoxiang has maneuvered his way into the capital, and his lethal court games threaten to bring the empire to its knees. For Baoxiang also desires revenge: to become the most degenerate Great Khan in history―and in so doing, make a mockery of every value his Mongol warrior family loved more than him.
All the contenders are determined to do whatever it takes to win. But when desire is the size of the world, the price could be too much for even the most ruthless heart to bear…]]>
❤️ Here's what I can still appreciate....
� Zhu was already on her way to becoming a morally grey character in book 1 and she fully displays that within this book.
� The wit and banter between some characters both platonic and "romantic" (if we could call anything romantic at all) was still enjoyable to read.
� Sexuality is a prevalent theme in this story as is mental fortitude. Some books dance around that, but this one doesn't. However more on this aspect as a negative down below.
✨Despite not caring for the journey, I'm fairly pleased with the ending and what happens to the majority of the characters. Some I couldn't care enough about either way, but for other characters, that is simply the only way it could end for them in my mind.
❤️Here's what I don't appreciate....
� Firstly, I think SPC's commentary about this sequel (which can be found in the GoodReads review section) is misleading. And it made me feel obligated to remove another star because I was disappointed by her viewpoint. It felt deflective and a little like gaslighting. Here's what SPC says for those reading this review on a different platform from ŷ:
"though this list may look confronting, I should say: I don’t write grimdark (in the sense of fantasy with extreme, explicit violence, such as Game of Thrones). In terms of violence, I think of both She Who Became the Sun and He Who Drowned the World as roughly equivalent to the Asian historical dramas on Netflix: you'll see some splatter during fight scenes, but rarely full-on gore. Torture is mostly implied. However, Drowned is substantially darker in tone than She Who Became the Sun and contains one moderately detailed depiction of sexual violence. I have to stress that it is not a young adult book! I choose not to warn for the specific content of consensual sexual encounters between adults."
� I found several issues with her commentary about the sequel, and the first that sticks out is the fact that she starts by saying "though it may look confronting", as though she is fully aware there would be readers like myself who may disagree with the outlooks she goes on to mention about the book. I think that if you THINK you have to consider other people may find your book violent, then it is violent. Period. But that actually isn't my issue. It's the "gaslighting" people into thinking it isn't.
✨Having watched all seasons of Game of Thrones, Marco Polo, Sons of Anarchy, and other violent shows, when reading this sequel, that is EXACTLY where my mind compared violence levels. SPC also says "In terms of violence, I think of both She Who Became the Sun and He Who Drowned the World as roughly equivalent to the Asian historical dramas on Netflix: you'll see some splatter during fight scenes, but rarely full-on gore. Torture is mostly implied." Um no. Without getting too spoilery, SPC doesn't go into detail about every death. However, there is a moment where a character is holding viscera and there are some pretty crude depictions of dead bodies, war scenes, vulgar depictions of sex/body parts, and rape. It may be somewhat equivalent to Marco Polo or beyond in terms of violence. Personally, it read just as violent as a GOT episode - which far outdoes Marco Polo in several aspects. So yes - it read like Grimdark to me.
� Moving on to her next portion stating "However, Drowned is substantially darker in tone than She Who Became the Sun and contains one moderately detailed depiction of sexual violence. I have to stress that it is not a young adult book! I choose not to warn for the specific content of consensual sexual encounters between adults." Again, this feels a little bit like gaslighting. Maybe something changed in the formal publication. I received an arc. And in said arc, there were 2 (not 1) moderately detailed depictions of sexual violence. One encounter is very clearly rape, but the other encounter does not come off as consensual to me as a reader in any way. This particular character is subjected to molestation at several points in the story before finally being raped. There are also several points in the story where this character clearly says he essentially doesn't enjoy any of it, he's just having an inner monologue about how he's letting this person have their way because he wants to be in control mentally. If someone has control over their mind, but not their body, and doesn't use their voice in a literal sense, are any sexual encounters rape or consensual? To me, it's like people who are date raped that don't or may not have the power to voice it, but mentally & physically they're being hurt by someone taking advantage of them. That's what this book gave to that particular person and encounter, and it is disappointing to see SPC's response concerning it. However, later on in the book, is when it becomes there's some more evidence that this sex is consensual between the two characters.
� Overall, this additional goal of this sequel felt like it was in fact, to be as "other" and contrary as possible. Nobody in the story as a semblance of morality - just about every character is morally corrupt or morally grey. Even the seemingly sweet and innocent character "Ma" - is not all that innocent. She is a great example of this polarity from book one to book two which I spoke about early on in the review. Book one was not as violent and focused primarily on the literal journey of the characters. We also spent a lot of time learning SPCs characters. So I was taken aback by the divergence of character arc's like Ma's and others in this sequel. The only characters that behaved as expected were Ouyang and Zhu - and while there is some growth to them - we know who they are as characters at their core. The same couldn't be said as I saw familiar characters in this story like Ma.
✨As I just said, book one focused more on the literal journey of characters. This sequel started incredibly slow compared to book one and while it is supposed to be more war-focused - a vast majority of the book is spent on the mental battles and fortitude of a majority of characters. I think this relates to what I just talked about; the focus on the mental battles of characters was to also help convince us that we didn't know some of these characters at all as much as we thought we did. So it made the story drag and it made it confusing to have characters who behave(ed) abnormally from how they previously did. But because we got all these snippets of their inner monologue, I'm expected to believe/accept it as a reader. I also wasn't expecting it - I was expecting more focus on the war strategies and things like that. We do get some of that in this book, but just not as much as I thought we would, and more so towards the end of the book when all of the strategies began to unravel and be revealed to us as readers.
✨The small touches of paranormal activity from Zhu's perspective I think should have been left out. It didn't really contribute to the story here as much as it did in book 1.
]]>
author: Shelley Parker-Chan
name: Lex
average rating: 4.22
book published: 2023
rating: 2
read at: 2024/12/06
date added: 2024/12/26
shelves:
review:
Considering book 1 was a 5-star read for me, I had to simmer a few days before writing this review because I'm reeling at the fact that this sequel took a complete 180 in almost every aspect of the book.
❤️ Here's what I can still appreciate....
� Zhu was already on her way to becoming a morally grey character in book 1 and she fully displays that within this book.
� The wit and banter between some characters both platonic and "romantic" (if we could call anything romantic at all) was still enjoyable to read.
� Sexuality is a prevalent theme in this story as is mental fortitude. Some books dance around that, but this one doesn't. However more on this aspect as a negative down below.
✨Despite not caring for the journey, I'm fairly pleased with the ending and what happens to the majority of the characters. Some I couldn't care enough about either way, but for other characters, that is simply the only way it could end for them in my mind.
❤️Here's what I don't appreciate....
� Firstly, I think SPC's commentary about this sequel (which can be found in the GoodReads review section) is misleading. And it made me feel obligated to remove another star because I was disappointed by her viewpoint. It felt deflective and a little like gaslighting. Here's what SPC says for those reading this review on a different platform from ŷ:
"though this list may look confronting, I should say: I don’t write grimdark (in the sense of fantasy with extreme, explicit violence, such as Game of Thrones). In terms of violence, I think of both She Who Became the Sun and He Who Drowned the World as roughly equivalent to the Asian historical dramas on Netflix: you'll see some splatter during fight scenes, but rarely full-on gore. Torture is mostly implied. However, Drowned is substantially darker in tone than She Who Became the Sun and contains one moderately detailed depiction of sexual violence. I have to stress that it is not a young adult book! I choose not to warn for the specific content of consensual sexual encounters between adults."
� I found several issues with her commentary about the sequel, and the first that sticks out is the fact that she starts by saying "though it may look confronting", as though she is fully aware there would be readers like myself who may disagree with the outlooks she goes on to mention about the book. I think that if you THINK you have to consider other people may find your book violent, then it is violent. Period. But that actually isn't my issue. It's the "gaslighting" people into thinking it isn't.
✨Having watched all seasons of Game of Thrones, Marco Polo, Sons of Anarchy, and other violent shows, when reading this sequel, that is EXACTLY where my mind compared violence levels. SPC also says "In terms of violence, I think of both She Who Became the Sun and He Who Drowned the World as roughly equivalent to the Asian historical dramas on Netflix: you'll see some splatter during fight scenes, but rarely full-on gore. Torture is mostly implied." Um no. Without getting too spoilery, SPC doesn't go into detail about every death. However, there is a moment where a character is holding viscera and there are some pretty crude depictions of dead bodies, war scenes, vulgar depictions of sex/body parts, and rape. It may be somewhat equivalent to Marco Polo or beyond in terms of violence. Personally, it read just as violent as a GOT episode - which far outdoes Marco Polo in several aspects. So yes - it read like Grimdark to me.
� Moving on to her next portion stating "However, Drowned is substantially darker in tone than She Who Became the Sun and contains one moderately detailed depiction of sexual violence. I have to stress that it is not a young adult book! I choose not to warn for the specific content of consensual sexual encounters between adults." Again, this feels a little bit like gaslighting. Maybe something changed in the formal publication. I received an arc. And in said arc, there were 2 (not 1) moderately detailed depictions of sexual violence. One encounter is very clearly rape, but the other encounter does not come off as consensual to me as a reader in any way. This particular character is subjected to molestation at several points in the story before finally being raped. There are also several points in the story where this character clearly says he essentially doesn't enjoy any of it, he's just having an inner monologue about how he's letting this person have their way because he wants to be in control mentally. If someone has control over their mind, but not their body, and doesn't use their voice in a literal sense, are any sexual encounters rape or consensual? To me, it's like people who are date raped that don't or may not have the power to voice it, but mentally & physically they're being hurt by someone taking advantage of them. That's what this book gave to that particular person and encounter, and it is disappointing to see SPC's response concerning it. However, later on in the book, is when it becomes there's some more evidence that this sex is consensual between the two characters.
� Overall, this additional goal of this sequel felt like it was in fact, to be as "other" and contrary as possible. Nobody in the story as a semblance of morality - just about every character is morally corrupt or morally grey. Even the seemingly sweet and innocent character "Ma" - is not all that innocent. She is a great example of this polarity from book one to book two which I spoke about early on in the review. Book one was not as violent and focused primarily on the literal journey of the characters. We also spent a lot of time learning SPCs characters. So I was taken aback by the divergence of character arc's like Ma's and others in this sequel. The only characters that behaved as expected were Ouyang and Zhu - and while there is some growth to them - we know who they are as characters at their core. The same couldn't be said as I saw familiar characters in this story like Ma.
✨As I just said, book one focused more on the literal journey of characters. This sequel started incredibly slow compared to book one and while it is supposed to be more war-focused - a vast majority of the book is spent on the mental battles and fortitude of a majority of characters. I think this relates to what I just talked about; the focus on the mental battles of characters was to also help convince us that we didn't know some of these characters at all as much as we thought we did. So it made the story drag and it made it confusing to have characters who behave(ed) abnormally from how they previously did. But because we got all these snippets of their inner monologue, I'm expected to believe/accept it as a reader. I also wasn't expecting it - I was expecting more focus on the war strategies and things like that. We do get some of that in this book, but just not as much as I thought we would, and more so towards the end of the book when all of the strategies began to unravel and be revealed to us as readers.
✨The small touches of paranormal activity from Zhu's perspective I think should have been left out. It didn't really contribute to the story here as much as it did in book 1.
]]>
Tisaanah bargained away her own freedom to save those she left behind in slavery. Now, bound by her blood pact, she must fight the Orders� war -- and Max is determined to protect her at all costs.
But when a betrayal tears apart Ara, Max and Tisaanah are pushed into an even bloodier conflict. Tisaanah must gamble with Reshaye’s power to claim an impossible victory. And Max, forced into leadership, must confront everything he hoped to forget: his past, and his own mysterious magic.
All the while, darker forces loom -- far darker, even, than the Orders� secrets.
As Tisaanah and Max are ensnared in a web of ancient magic and twisted secrets, one question remains: what are they willing to sacrifice for victory? For power? For love?]]>
✨Max and Tisaanah (caller her T for the remainder of review) are such a cute couple. Max is a great example of a grump character that is not so over the top it borders on bullying or hateful. Everything he does or says, demonstrates character growth as does T's actions and words.
� There's a lot that happens in the book and it could very easily be spoiled so I'll simply say that this book did not suffer from sequel syndrome. It was arguably better than the first. There are a lot of revelations revealed as the book progresses and I enjoyed seeing everything unravel. The last quarter of the book was unexpected.
]]>
author: Carissa Broadbent
name: Lex
average rating: 4.15
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at: 2024/12/06
date added: 2024/12/24
shelves:
review:
❤️ What I liked:
✨Max and Tisaanah (caller her T for the remainder of review) are such a cute couple. Max is a great example of a grump character that is not so over the top it borders on bullying or hateful. Everything he does or says, demonstrates character growth as does T's actions and words.
� There's a lot that happens in the book and it could very easily be spoiled so I'll simply say that this book did not suffer from sequel syndrome. It was arguably better than the first. There are a lot of revelations revealed as the book progresses and I enjoyed seeing everything unravel. The last quarter of the book was unexpected.
]]>
One hates her.
One confuses her.
One distrusts her.
One is encased in stone.
One rejects her, and,
One thinks she’s a dangerous distraction.
The task seems impossible. To make matters worse, Avorlorna’s mortal populace is starving and fodder in a looming faerie war. If they find out she’s the reason for their suffering, she’ll be dead before the Solstice Trials begin. But that’s months away. She still has time to rewrite the realm’s fate, remind six demigods they have hearts, and find the belonging she’s always yearned for.
She has time . . . until she doesn’t.
Moments before she’s thrust into the arena, she receives a chilling warning: “One will betray you. One will try to kill you.� With alliances shifting like quicksand, Willow faces an agonizing choice: fight for the love of villains or sacrifice everything for a realm that hates her.
Trials of Dusk and Dreams is a slow-burn, spicy “why choose� dystopian-fantasy romance novel where the underdog heroine finds her inner power, the tension is hot, and the world-building is full of intrigue. It is recommended for mature readers.]]>
So here we go...
❤️ What I liked:
� Firstly, I do in fact like how she's tackling the reverse harem aspect of the story. There's no way to put it mildly so here it is straight; instead of Willow (our fmc) getting railed by six different dudes at one time, there is an emotional component that you can clearly see Lana is hoping to establish between the characters. While I would not consider it love just yet, Willow is learning to care for her 6 mates and vice versa. I also like that there is still a focus on each male of the group that she primarily focuses on.
✨Speaking of connections, I do like that this book goes into depth with some of the males in the mate group. The first book is focused mainly on Fox. This book is focused on almost all of them but Bodin takes precedence followed partially by Legion and Styx. And I do like how Legion and Bodin in particular are being developed as characters.
� Our little baby pet dragon is still and will always be a wonderful addition to the story at any part of it and it's cute seeing all the characters treat him in the same manner Willow does.
]]>
author: Lana Pecherczyk
name: Lex
average rating: 4.42
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/05
date added: 2024/12/24
shelves:
review:
I'm sad because I've read all of Lana's work and all of her books have been 4 or 5 stars except for 1 one other book - with a certain blonde fae/elf male from the guardian group. This is now the 2nd book of her's to come out as a 3-star read - a 2.5 if I'm being honest. I think considering how many books Lana has out, this isn't a bad thing because you can't win them all. However, because I enjoyed book 1 of this new Fae Devils series, I was expecting this one to deliver. Instead, it fell incredibly flat for me.
So here we go...
❤️ What I liked:
� Firstly, I do in fact like how she's tackling the reverse harem aspect of the story. There's no way to put it mildly so here it is straight; instead of Willow (our fmc) getting railed by six different dudes at one time, there is an emotional component that you can clearly see Lana is hoping to establish between the characters. While I would not consider it love just yet, Willow is learning to care for her 6 mates and vice versa. I also like that there is still a focus on each male of the group that she primarily focuses on.
✨Speaking of connections, I do like that this book goes into depth with some of the males in the mate group. The first book is focused mainly on Fox. This book is focused on almost all of them but Bodin takes precedence followed partially by Legion and Styx. And I do like how Legion and Bodin in particular are being developed as characters.
� Our little baby pet dragon is still and will always be a wonderful addition to the story at any part of it and it's cute seeing all the characters treat him in the same manner Willow does.
]]>
Professional godkiller Kissen and her companions—young noble Inara and knight Elogast—return in a winding adventure in a world overflowing with magic, beauty, and danger.]]>
author: Hannah Kaner
name: Lex
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2024/12/24
shelves:
review:
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Evie Sage has never been happier to be the assistant to The Villain. Who would have thought that working for an outrageously handsome (shhh, bad for his brand) evil overlord would be so rewarding? Still, the business of being bad is demanding, the forces of good are annoyingly persistent, and said forbidding boss is somewhat…er, out-of-evil-office.
But Rennedawn is in grave trouble, and all signs―Kingsley’s included―point to catastrophe. Something peculiar is happening with the kingdom’s magic, and it’s made The Villain’s manor vulnerable to their enemies...including their nemesis, the king.
Now it’s time for Evie to face her greatest challenge: protecting The Villain’s lair, all of his nefarious works, and maybe (provided no one finds out) the entire kingdom. No pressure, Evie.
It’s time to step out of her comfort zone and learn new skills. Like treason. Dagger work. Conspiring with the enemy. It’s all so…so…delightfully fun.
But what happens when the assistant to The Villain is ready to become his apprentice?]]>
Evie and Trystan are funny. I particularly love Trystan's pov more!
This book was chaotic and not in the way it was in book one. There's just a lot happening at one time in this book and I personally found it to be overbearing. Often times, there is not a clear or good explanation for things happening. However, it was still a fun read and I'll read the sequel.
Hopefully we get some of the spice books 1 and 2 has been building up this whole time.
]]>
author: Hannah Nicole Maehrer
name: Lex
average rating: 4.07
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/01
date added: 2024/12/23
shelves:
review:
Fun but I think book one was more enjoyable for me!
Evie and Trystan are funny. I particularly love Trystan's pov more!
This book was chaotic and not in the way it was in book one. There's just a lot happening at one time in this book and I personally found it to be overbearing. Often times, there is not a clear or good explanation for things happening. However, it was still a fun read and I'll read the sequel.
Hopefully we get some of the spice books 1 and 2 has been building up this whole time.
]]>
Prince Corrick is out of options. Held captive by the vicious Oren Crane, he’s desperate to reunite with Tessa, but will need to ally with the rebel leader Lochlan, who until now wished him dead. An unlikely but deadly pair, Corrick and Lochlan must plot their next moves carefully.
An island away, Tessa Cade is heartbroken and angry. Grieving Corrick, and unsure how to find a way back to Kandala, she doesn’t know who to trust. Until Rian—the man she trusts least—makes an offer: aid in a plot to finally oust Oren Crane and see what the future holds . . .
Meanwhile in Kandala, Harristan is dethroned and on the run. He’s struggling to unite the rebels in his fractured kingdom, but he finds support—and maybe more—in unexpected places.
Can Harristan be the king his people need? Can Corrick and Tessa find their way back to each other? As outside threats loom and the fires of revolution burn from within, time is running out to save their kingdom.
In the thrilling conclusion to the Defy the Night series, Brigid Kemmerer crafts heartrending twists and devastating turns that will keep readers breathless to the very end.]]>
That describes the book in a nutshell. I don't want to give anything away, but it took around 500-600 pages for us to get "here". In book 2, it made sense. However, in Book 3, I don't know if some parts were needed. A majority of chapters focus heavily on the character development of one of the characters. The other two povs in the story are used for plot-driving. It just threw me off a little because when I got to that character's pov, I kept expecting something to "happen", but it didn't. It's mainly just this character going through his emotions and thoughts.
Overall, I like the ending everyone gets despite the path it took for one of them to get there! ]]>
author: Brigid Kemmerer
name: Lex
average rating: 4.18
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/11/14
date added: 2024/12/23
shelves:
review:
This starts of strong - loses it's "mettle" for me in the middle - and the ends very nicely.
That describes the book in a nutshell. I don't want to give anything away, but it took around 500-600 pages for us to get "here". In book 2, it made sense. However, in Book 3, I don't know if some parts were needed. A majority of chapters focus heavily on the character development of one of the characters. The other two povs in the story are used for plot-driving. It just threw me off a little because when I got to that character's pov, I kept expecting something to "happen", but it didn't. It's mainly just this character going through his emotions and thoughts.
Overall, I like the ending everyone gets despite the path it took for one of them to get there!
]]>
A new threat from the past is rising, and only a handful of heroes remain to fight. Pursued by dark forces, Will and his allies must leave the safety of the Hall and travel to the heart of the ancient world, making new and dangerous alliances, and revealing the shocking secrets of the past.
But Will is carrying a dark secret of his own—his true identity. Drawn to the beautiful and deadly James St. Clair, Will is pulled ever deeper into the web of the past, and finds himself tempted by the darkness within. As the ancient world threatens to return, can Will and his friends fight their fate? Or will the truths they learn tear their world apart?
Dark Heir is the explosive and highly anticipated sequel to the New York Times bestselling Dark Rise,from global phenomenon C. S. Pacat.]]>
Will, James, and Violet are still at the fore front of this book, but there are many more POVs in this book which began to get on my nerves a little bit. The only ones I cared about were Will and Violet because it made sense for readers to know what was happening on opposite ends of the spectrum. trying so hard. I like the polarity of James and Will as characters.
The ending was a nice crescendo - you can see it coming but it was awesome as an audience to finally see the characters put things together.
]]>
author: C.S. Pacat
name: Lex
average rating: 4.54
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2024/11/15
date added: 2024/12/23
shelves:
review:
Like Dark Heir, there is a slow build up to an otherwise rushed or entertaining end. ALOT happens after you hit the midway point and very quickly! LOL
Will, James, and Violet are still at the fore front of this book, but there are many more POVs in this book which began to get on my nerves a little bit. The only ones I cared about were Will and Violet because it made sense for readers to know what was happening on opposite ends of the spectrum. trying so hard. I like the polarity of James and Will as characters.
The ending was a nice crescendo - you can see it coming but it was awesome as an audience to finally see the characters put things together.
]]>
It began long before my time, but something has always hunted our family.
Orphaned heiress Kidan Adane grew up far from the arcane society she was born into, where human bloodlines gain power through vampire companionship. When her sister, June, disappears, Kidan is convinced a vampire stole her—the very vampire bound to their family, the cruel yet captivating Susenyos Sagad.
To find June, Kidan must infiltrate the elite Uxlay University—where students study to ensure peaceful coexistence between humans and vampires and inherit their family legacies. Kidan must survive living with Susenyos—even as he does everything he can to drive her away. It doesn’t matter that Susenyos’s wickedness speaks to Kidan’s own violent nature and tempts her to surrender to a life of darkness. She must find her sister and kill Susenyos at all costs.
When a murder mirroring June’s disappearance shakes Uxlay, Kidan sinks further into the ruthless underworld of vampires, risking her very soul. There she discovers a centuries-old threat—and June could be at the center of it. To save her sister, Kidan must bring Uxlay to its knees and either break free from the horrors of her own actions or embrace the dark entanglements of love—and the blood it requires.]]>
✨Who is likely to enjoy this book!
- people who want to read a vampire book that centers on black and brown characters
- people who like a "cat and mouse" game between characters.
- people who like morally corrupt or dark characters
- people who appreciate cultural representation present through the story *This was very well done in my opinion*
- Angst between characters
- heavy world-building
- murder mysteries
✨Who is likely to NOT enjoy this book!
-FIRST: HUGE TRIGGER WARNING FOR ANYONE WHO SUFFERS FROM DEPRESSION OR CANNOT READ BOOKS WHERE DEPRESSION IS A FOCAL POINT! SECOND: The author said that the book centers on a grump/antiheroine/morally grey fmc...so I expected her to be unlikable. That said, I found similarities between Lila Bard (Schwab's books) and Kidan Arcane (the fmc from this book). Neither of these two women is meant to be likable in my opinion as the authors present them as morally grey/bankrupt at times but they can be likable to some people. These types of characters do things based on their own goals and to further their agendas - like a female anti-hero would. That said, Kidan displayed some very unlikable qualities as a result of her traumas, but also with the hope of achieving her own goals. And at the same time, she does some things throughout the book that are very admirable - much like Lila Bard. So I think when it comes to writing dark characters, they're not going to be everyone's cup of tea and if you're used to favoring more sunshine or morally straight characters as opposed to ones whose moral compass is "corrupted", you will not like this book. Girma also has some pretty great prose. I don't enjoy books where the author doesn't trust the readers or makes it feel like she's writing to children. I think there was a healthy balance of prose and language to make it feel like this was the upper YA book its supposed to be. That said, if you're not a fan of flowery writing, reading between lines literally to make inferences - you won't like this book. THIRD: it is VERY world building heavy - I really like that, especially because of the different vampire factions, but if you get lost easily or don't like a world building heavy book - you will not like this! AND FOURTH: This book does have some spicy talk in it but no one is screwing each other...yet. It is marketed as YA, but I think there should be a NA section for books like this. However, if you've read the Shatter Me series or the TOG series, the spice talk in this book seems like it may lead to sex scenes of the equivalent. If you're looking for a book without that, this isn't for you, but when I think of vampires, sex, sultriness, and seduction is something I automatically associate with them so I'm not made at it.*
✨My thoughts on the Plot
- Without giving too much away - Kidan is infiltrating a new university to find out more about her sister's disappearance and her family's killers. This is per the synopsis. The process and journey for Kidan to do this was very entertaining and I wasn't bored with it. The only thing, I'd note is that I saw one aspect of the ending coming. But the rest of the journey, I didn't see coming or anticipate - particularly in regards to the plot line containing other notable characters! And I quickly realized that nobody is safe! I liked that aspect of the book because it kept me on my toes, but also felt like it made sense. Sometimes character deaths happen out of convenience, but I truly felt like they all made sense in this book though I was sad about a few.
✨My thoughts on the Characters
-Kidan is morally grey and morally corrupt. She is a depressed character - you can begin to see that she suffers from depression, in many of the comments and things she does throughout the book. It's sad, but I also appreciate the representation of viewing life through someone who has mental health issues. She actively tries throughout the book to push herself forward for the sake of her family and other characters she meets at the university. She feels responsible for them and that was admirable in a way.
-Susenyos is the love interest for Kidan in this book. He is a very interesting character to me because he's particularly fickle with Kidan for the majority of the book. I didn't mind that. I do however wish that he was aged up a little bit more. In this book, I think he's 17 or something of that nature. However, he embodies many of the qualities I associate with vampires: prideful, seductive, sneaky, arrogant etc...Some of the things he says and does give the impression that he has lived a long time, and I like that. But at the same time, he doesn't necessarily come across as a 17-year-old, so he is partly the reason for a tick off my rating- I expected him to be aged a little bit more in comparison to how he behaves.
-Side characters: most of them slayed. There are multiple antagonists in this book that divulge off into differing plot lines which made for a fun read. There is one other vampire antagonist who was not really needed in my opinion - he was really just used to show that Susenyos was/is starting to like Kidan more than he should. So this particular antagonist is a plot device - nothing more.
✨My thoughts on World building/Magic System
- Chef's kiss. I love books that have heavy world building because I feel more immersed in the story. The world building in this book borders on that of an epic fantasy. It can and may be hard for people to keep up. I also no that some people don't like the inclusion of maps and all of these different places, but I found myself tracking throughout the story and I loved every second of it. I'm hoping we get introduced to more places in the next book. There is also an inclusion of "vampire factions" and I seriously love how this was done! It's very unique as far as my knowledge is concerned. I've never read or watched a vampire show where the vampires were limited on how they could fee! Usually, vampires can feed upon any and everything. But in this story, vampires do have restrictions, and that make the stakes a little higher. The magic system is connected to houses/homes literally throughout the campus. This is where the Ninth House comparison comes in and I could see why. I'm curious what some of the other houses hold in terms of magic but we do get introduced to a few homes and their magic within this story. My only nitpick here is that I don't want Girma to flush this out a bit more. She does so with Kidan's home and the magic her and Susenyos have access to in the story, but in terms of other character homes/homes, I'm still slightly curious about what magic their homes fully embody and how those particular characters can use or tap into it. Not everything has to be answered in book one, but I really hope to see her clarify the "house magic" for other characters and homes in book two. But it is the final reason for my little nick in my rating. Otherwise, I really found this to be a fantastic read and I'm overly excited for book 2.]]>
author: Tigest Girma
name: Lex
average rating: 3.66
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/11/06
date added: 2024/12/23
shelves:
review:
4.25/5
✨Who is likely to enjoy this book!
- people who want to read a vampire book that centers on black and brown characters
- people who like a "cat and mouse" game between characters.
- people who like morally corrupt or dark characters
- people who appreciate cultural representation present through the story *This was very well done in my opinion*
- Angst between characters
- heavy world-building
- murder mysteries
✨Who is likely to NOT enjoy this book!
-FIRST: HUGE TRIGGER WARNING FOR ANYONE WHO SUFFERS FROM DEPRESSION OR CANNOT READ BOOKS WHERE DEPRESSION IS A FOCAL POINT! SECOND: The author said that the book centers on a grump/antiheroine/morally grey fmc...so I expected her to be unlikable. That said, I found similarities between Lila Bard (Schwab's books) and Kidan Arcane (the fmc from this book). Neither of these two women is meant to be likable in my opinion as the authors present them as morally grey/bankrupt at times but they can be likable to some people. These types of characters do things based on their own goals and to further their agendas - like a female anti-hero would. That said, Kidan displayed some very unlikable qualities as a result of her traumas, but also with the hope of achieving her own goals. And at the same time, she does some things throughout the book that are very admirable - much like Lila Bard. So I think when it comes to writing dark characters, they're not going to be everyone's cup of tea and if you're used to favoring more sunshine or morally straight characters as opposed to ones whose moral compass is "corrupted", you will not like this book. Girma also has some pretty great prose. I don't enjoy books where the author doesn't trust the readers or makes it feel like she's writing to children. I think there was a healthy balance of prose and language to make it feel like this was the upper YA book its supposed to be. That said, if you're not a fan of flowery writing, reading between lines literally to make inferences - you won't like this book. THIRD: it is VERY world building heavy - I really like that, especially because of the different vampire factions, but if you get lost easily or don't like a world building heavy book - you will not like this! AND FOURTH: This book does have some spicy talk in it but no one is screwing each other...yet. It is marketed as YA, but I think there should be a NA section for books like this. However, if you've read the Shatter Me series or the TOG series, the spice talk in this book seems like it may lead to sex scenes of the equivalent. If you're looking for a book without that, this isn't for you, but when I think of vampires, sex, sultriness, and seduction is something I automatically associate with them so I'm not made at it.*
✨My thoughts on the Plot
- Without giving too much away - Kidan is infiltrating a new university to find out more about her sister's disappearance and her family's killers. This is per the synopsis. The process and journey for Kidan to do this was very entertaining and I wasn't bored with it. The only thing, I'd note is that I saw one aspect of the ending coming. But the rest of the journey, I didn't see coming or anticipate - particularly in regards to the plot line containing other notable characters! And I quickly realized that nobody is safe! I liked that aspect of the book because it kept me on my toes, but also felt like it made sense. Sometimes character deaths happen out of convenience, but I truly felt like they all made sense in this book though I was sad about a few.
✨My thoughts on the Characters
-Kidan is morally grey and morally corrupt. She is a depressed character - you can begin to see that she suffers from depression, in many of the comments and things she does throughout the book. It's sad, but I also appreciate the representation of viewing life through someone who has mental health issues. She actively tries throughout the book to push herself forward for the sake of her family and other characters she meets at the university. She feels responsible for them and that was admirable in a way.
-Susenyos is the love interest for Kidan in this book. He is a very interesting character to me because he's particularly fickle with Kidan for the majority of the book. I didn't mind that. I do however wish that he was aged up a little bit more. In this book, I think he's 17 or something of that nature. However, he embodies many of the qualities I associate with vampires: prideful, seductive, sneaky, arrogant etc...Some of the things he says and does give the impression that he has lived a long time, and I like that. But at the same time, he doesn't necessarily come across as a 17-year-old, so he is partly the reason for a tick off my rating- I expected him to be aged a little bit more in comparison to how he behaves.
-Side characters: most of them slayed. There are multiple antagonists in this book that divulge off into differing plot lines which made for a fun read. There is one other vampire antagonist who was not really needed in my opinion - he was really just used to show that Susenyos was/is starting to like Kidan more than he should. So this particular antagonist is a plot device - nothing more.
✨My thoughts on World building/Magic System
- Chef's kiss. I love books that have heavy world building because I feel more immersed in the story. The world building in this book borders on that of an epic fantasy. It can and may be hard for people to keep up. I also no that some people don't like the inclusion of maps and all of these different places, but I found myself tracking throughout the story and I loved every second of it. I'm hoping we get introduced to more places in the next book. There is also an inclusion of "vampire factions" and I seriously love how this was done! It's very unique as far as my knowledge is concerned. I've never read or watched a vampire show where the vampires were limited on how they could fee! Usually, vampires can feed upon any and everything. But in this story, vampires do have restrictions, and that make the stakes a little higher. The magic system is connected to houses/homes literally throughout the campus. This is where the Ninth House comparison comes in and I could see why. I'm curious what some of the other houses hold in terms of magic but we do get introduced to a few homes and their magic within this story. My only nitpick here is that I don't want Girma to flush this out a bit more. She does so with Kidan's home and the magic her and Susenyos have access to in the story, but in terms of other character homes/homes, I'm still slightly curious about what magic their homes fully embody and how those particular characters can use or tap into it. Not everything has to be answered in book one, but I really hope to see her clarify the "house magic" for other characters and homes in book two. But it is the final reason for my little nick in my rating. Otherwise, I really found this to be a fantastic read and I'm overly excited for book 2.
]]>
Ripped from a forgotten homeland as a child, Tisaanah learned how to survive with nothing but a sharp wit and a touch of magic. But the night she tries to buy her freedom, she barely escapes with her life.
Desperate to save the best friend she left behind, Tisaanah journeys to the Orders, the most powerful organizations of magic Wielders in the world. But to join their ranks, she must complete an apprenticeship with Maxantarius Farlione, a handsome and reclusive fire wielder who despises the Orders.
The Orders� intentions are cryptic, and Tisaanah must prove herself under the threat of looming war. But even more dangerous are her growing feelings for Maxantarius. The bloody past he wants to forget may be the key to her future� or the downfall of them both.
But Tisaanah will stop at nothing to save those she abandoned. Even if it means gambling in the Orders� deadly games. Even if it means sacrificing her heart.
Even if it means wielding death itself.
Fans of epic romantic fantasy like Sarah J. Maas and Raven Kennedy will devour this tale of dark magic, passionate romance, vengeance, and redemption.]]>
author: Carissa Broadbent
name: Lex
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2024/11/08
date added: 2024/12/23
shelves:
review:
Not bad! I was very interested in Tisannah's background and Max grew on me. They are very well-developed characters, but I wouldn't classify this story as happy. It's very bleak. Thus far, while Tisaanah's background is prevalent, the book doesn't feature a wide range of diverse characters across other demographics like ethnicity or sexual orientation. There is only one character who used to represent queer characters but is introduced for 4 to 5 chapters and absent the rest of the book. Given the world-building in this story, I hope to see that change and more diversity become apparent. In a vast open world like this, I refuse to believe there is only just "white" or "straight" throughout the whole place.
]]>
But to sixteen-year-old Joséphine and her best friend, Clara, the beast isn’t a curse. It’s an opportunity.
For years, the girls of Mende have been living in a nightmare—fathers who drink, brothers who punch, homes that feel like prisons—and this is a chance to get them out.
Using the creature’s attacks as cover, Joséphine and Clara set out to fake their friends� deaths and hide them away until it’s safe to run. But escape is harder than they thought. If they can’t brave a harsh winter with little food� If the villagers discover what they’re doing� If the beast finds them first...
Those fake deaths might just become real ones.]]>
author: Gigi Griffis
name: Lex
average rating: 3.70
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2024/12/21
shelves:
review:
]]>
Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now, the commanding general—also known as her tough-as-talons mother—has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders.
But when you’re smaller than everyone else and your body is brittle, death is only a heartbeat away...because dragons don’t bond to “fragile� humans. They incinerate them.
With fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would kill Violet to better their own chances of success. The rest would kill her just for being her mother’s daughter—like Xaden Riorson, the most powerful and ruthless wingleader in the Riders Quadrant.
She’ll need every edge her wits can give her just to see the next sunrise.
Yet, with every day that passes, the war outside grows more deadly, the kingdom's protective wards are failing, and the death toll continues to rise. Even worse, Violet begins to suspect leadership is hiding a terrible secret.
Friends, enemies, lovers. Everyone at Basgiath War College has an agenda—because once you enter, there are only two ways out: graduate or die]]>
I feel like if you're a lover of a school academia setting or a bully romance that is not so over the top with the hate, then this is a great book that includes that. I also thought the plot was well done and so was the inclusion of the dragons and their relationships with their riders.
My only small pet peeve was the inconsistencies of how Physics work...like massive dragon catching a small human mid-air at top speeds with their fore claws....and she's not hurt or injured each time?
I suppose the idea of Physics doesn't belong in a fantasy book, but nevertheless, I don't have much else to complain about with the story.]]>
author: Rebecca Yarros
name: Lex
average rating: 4.56
book published: 2023
rating: 5
read at: 2024/10/03
date added: 2024/11/03
shelves:
review:
Not many books live up to the hype that surround them on social media, but this one did - in my opinion.
I feel like if you're a lover of a school academia setting or a bully romance that is not so over the top with the hate, then this is a great book that includes that. I also thought the plot was well done and so was the inclusion of the dragons and their relationships with their riders.
My only small pet peeve was the inconsistencies of how Physics work...like massive dragon catching a small human mid-air at top speeds with their fore claws....and she's not hurt or injured each time?
I suppose the idea of Physics doesn't belong in a fantasy book, but nevertheless, I don't have much else to complain about with the story.
]]>
Lorelei Kaskel, a folklorist with a quick temper and an even quicker wit, is on an expedition with six eccentric nobles in search of a fabled spring. The magical spring promises untold power, which the king wants to harness to secure his reign of the embattled country of Brunnestaad. Lorelei is determined to use this opportunity to prove herself and make her wildest, most impossible dream come to become a naturalist, able to travel freely to lands she’s only ever read about.
The expedition gets off to a harrowing start when its leader—Lorelei’s beloved mentor—is murdered in her quarters aboard their ship. The suspects are her five remaining expedition mates, each with their own motive. The only person Lorelei knows must be innocent is her longtime academic rival, the insufferably gallant and maddeningly beautiful Sylvia von Wolff. Now in charge of the expedition, Lorelei must find the spring before the murderer strikes again—and a coup begins in earnest.
But there are other dangers lurking in the forests that rearrange themselves at night, rivers with slumbering dragons waiting beneath the water, and shapeshifting beasts out for blood.
As Lorelei and Sylvia grudgingly work together to uncover the truth—and resist their growing feelings for one another—they discover that their professor had secrets of her own. Secrets that make Lorelei question whether justice is worth pursuing, or if this kingdom is worth saving at all.]]>
That said, Ms. Saft is very obviously a smart cookie...buttt.....
I think her work here is a prime example of when the author thinks the reader is inside their head (in other cases the author doesn't trust the readers enough so there has to be a balance) and there were times when Saft knew what she was trying to convey in a sentence, but me as a reader did not. It goes on like this for a while in the book.
I also have never come across a plethora of words I've never heard uttered in the modern-day language or seen for years than I did with this book. I'm talking about words I've not seen used since I may have learned them in college like frenetic, gale force, and tarnkappe.
Vocabulary can be an incredible tool and enhancer, but I wasn't sure if she was attempting to use as much extravagant vocabulary as she could to convey this was meant to be a "scholar novel" or if she genuinely writes this way across the board. It also began to compete with the plot. For example, she was already doing some pretty elaborate world-building and using overly descriptive language but then is also adding in a large some of vocabulary words that don't necessarily add anything more than some of their simpler synonymy counterparts.
The book came across as that "know it all professor who is quite smart, but is overly fanatic and long-winded". It became exhausting. Also the mc was a tool. Debating if I want to continue any sequels.]]>
author: Allison Saft
name: Lex
average rating: 3.59
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2024/10/08
date added: 2024/11/03
shelves:
review:
I would like to think I'm a pretty smart cookie. And there are different forms of intelligence so you can't always base someone's intellect off of trivial things like vocabulary or grammar. That wouldn't give an intelligent person the full view of someone's intellect - you need more to make a full picture.
That said, Ms. Saft is very obviously a smart cookie...buttt.....
I think her work here is a prime example of when the author thinks the reader is inside their head (in other cases the author doesn't trust the readers enough so there has to be a balance) and there were times when Saft knew what she was trying to convey in a sentence, but me as a reader did not. It goes on like this for a while in the book.
I also have never come across a plethora of words I've never heard uttered in the modern-day language or seen for years than I did with this book. I'm talking about words I've not seen used since I may have learned them in college like frenetic, gale force, and tarnkappe.
Vocabulary can be an incredible tool and enhancer, but I wasn't sure if she was attempting to use as much extravagant vocabulary as she could to convey this was meant to be a "scholar novel" or if she genuinely writes this way across the board. It also began to compete with the plot. For example, she was already doing some pretty elaborate world-building and using overly descriptive language but then is also adding in a large some of vocabulary words that don't necessarily add anything more than some of their simpler synonymy counterparts.
The book came across as that "know it all professor who is quite smart, but is overly fanatic and long-winded". It became exhausting. Also the mc was a tool. Debating if I want to continue any sequels.
]]>
A charming fantasy set in an underwater world with magical academia and a heartwarming penpal romance, perfect for fans of A Marvellous Light and Emily Wilde's Encylopaedia of Faeries.
A beautiful discovery outside the window of her underwater home prompts the reclusive E. to begin a correspondence with renowned scholar Henerey Clel. The letters they share are filled with passion, at first for their mutual interests, and then, inevitably, for each other.
Together, they uncover a mystery from the unknown depths, destined to transform the underwater world they both equally fear and love. But by no mere coincidence, a seaquake destroys E.'s home, and she and Henerey vanish.
A year later, E.'s sister Sophy, and Henerey's brother Vyerin, are left to solve the mystery of their siblings' disappearances with the letters, sketches and field notes left behind. As they uncover the wondrous love their siblings shared, Sophy and Vyerin learn the key to their disappearance - and what it could mean for life as they know it.]]>
The concept was cool, but it was very lengthy. I didn't expect epistolary to mean lengthy. It tried too hard to seem scholarly in many ways and the result was me dragging myself through the book.
When I reached the end, that was when I realized that the good part had arrived. The ending was very unexpected. It also seems reminiscence of something that humans may discover in real life....talking about the firmament here ifykyk.
Will read book two but hope to see the letters become more concise and to the point - or rather the writing overall I hope will be more concise and to the point. ]]>
author: Sylvie Cathrall
name: Lex
average rating: 3.65
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2024/10/07
date added: 2024/11/03
shelves:
review:
This is an epistolary. Should have known from the title. SMH.
The concept was cool, but it was very lengthy. I didn't expect epistolary to mean lengthy. It tried too hard to seem scholarly in many ways and the result was me dragging myself through the book.
When I reached the end, that was when I realized that the good part had arrived. The ending was very unexpected. It also seems reminiscence of something that humans may discover in real life....talking about the firmament here ifykyk.
Will read book two but hope to see the letters become more concise and to the point - or rather the writing overall I hope will be more concise and to the point.
]]>
Iraya has spent her life in a cell, but every day brings her closer to freedom - and vengeance.
Jazmyne is the Queen’s daughter, but unlike her sister before her, she has no intention of dying to strengthen her mother’s power.
Sworn enemies, these two witches enter a precarious alliance to take down a mutual threat. But power is intoxicating, revenge is a bloody pursuit, and nothing is certain - except the lengths they will go to win this game.
This Jamaican-inspired fantasy debut about two enemy witches who must enter into a deadly alliance to take down a common enemy has the twisted cat-and-mouse of Killing Eve with the richly imagined fantasy world of Furyborn and Ember in the Ashes.]]>
Also going through and rereading it, I also question Jazmine's sexuality which is somewhat ambiguous. I would like to see that flushed out in book two, but overall, I still love the concept of Jamaican witches - historically hoodoo has influenced on witch culture so I may be bias. A great read, but just needs some more umph. ]]>
author: Ciannon Smart
name: Lex
average rating: 3.20
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at: 2024/10/01
date added: 2024/11/03
shelves:
review:
Not a bad story, but I think that one of the fmc is written a little stronger than the other. Jasmine is slightly more weak than her counterpart.
Also going through and rereading it, I also question Jazmine's sexuality which is somewhat ambiguous. I would like to see that flushed out in book two, but overall, I still love the concept of Jamaican witches - historically hoodoo has influenced on witch culture so I may be bias. A great read, but just needs some more umph.
]]>
As fall turns to winter, more strange activities plague the town. They point to a tribe of devilish and mystical creatures who promise to fulfill the residents' deepest desires, however grand and impossible, for just a small favor. But their true intentions are much more sinister, and Ellerie finds herself in a race against time before all of Amity Falls, her family, and the boy she loves go up in flames.]]>
The big appeal with Craigs books is that going in unaware adds to the suspense and I think that is how her books should be read.
If you truly like fantasy, thrillers, or even a little magical realism, this is probably something you'll like.
The mystery in the book is fantastic and while I suspected, my hunch was off just a little. The ending made me smile, because I wasn't sure who was safe and who wasn't.]]>
author: Erin A. Craig
name: Lex
average rating: 4.01
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at: 2024/10/08
date added: 2024/11/03
shelves:
review:
Very intriguing! I really don't want to say much because I could see how this would be easy to spoil - even by making comparisons to things.
The big appeal with Craigs books is that going in unaware adds to the suspense and I think that is how her books should be read.
If you truly like fantasy, thrillers, or even a little magical realism, this is probably something you'll like.
The mystery in the book is fantastic and while I suspected, my hunch was off just a little. The ending made me smile, because I wasn't sure who was safe and who wasn't.
]]>
They took our magic.
They tried to bury us.
Now we rise.
Zélie Adebola remembers when the soil of Orïsha hummed with magic. Burners ignited flames, Tiders beckoned waves, and Zélie’s Reaper mother summoned forth souls.
But everything changed the night magic disappeared. Under the orders of a ruthless king, maji were killed, leaving Zélie without a mother and her people without hope.
Now Zélie has one chance to bring back magic and strike against the monarchy. With the help of a rogue princess, Zélie must outwit and outrun the crown prince, who is hell-bent on eradicating magic for good.
Danger lurks in Orïsha, where snow leoponaires prowl and vengeful spirits wait in the waters. Yet the greatest danger may be Zélie herself as she struggles to control her powers and her growing feelings for an enemy.]]>
author: Tomi Adeyemi
name: Lex
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2024/09/09
date added: 2024/11/03
shelves:
review:
This is my second time reading this. I don't like the romance in the book, but I never did. I think it's stronger between the princess and her brother. Like a slow build. Overall, still an oldie but goodie.
]]>
But the deadly tournament has a darker purpose—to flush out flawed mortal blights on the perfectly pretty fae society� and to kill them. Any left alive are conscripted when war returns in spring. When the coveted prize can give you anything your heart desires, allies are likelier to stab you in your sleep than save you.
Surviving means securing the highly contested patronage of the powerful fae nobility. But when the notoriously recluse House of Shadow is the only option left, the odds are stacked against her. Especially since it’s led by the six beautiful fae boogeymen who ruined her life. Then, the unthinkable happens. For the first time in years, the House of Shadow chooses a protégé.
Her.
Nothing is as it seems in the Court of Dreams, least of all the Nightmares.
Castle of Nevers and Nightmares is a slow-burn dystopian fantasy romance novel where the underdog heroine finds her inner power and the six villains learn to love. The tension is hot, and the world-building is full of intrigue. It’s the first in the Fae Devils series, a Fae Guardians spinoff that will continue with a standalone world and story. Reading the Fae Guardians is unnecessary to enjoy this story, but it can enhance your reading experience as these characters have a past. It is recommended for mature readers.]]>
So far, I like how this book is handling the inclusion of different mates. Willow doesn't just end up getting railed by multiple dudes at one time. There is a slow build-up I see happening and I like it. I didn't expect to like the mate in this book - Fox. And yet I did. I also like that we get to see how The Six interact with each other given that over all, they're pretty awful to Willow. But they do show each other tenderness and I find that sweet - especially when they care for Varen. It is almost like a disabled brother affection, not anything sexual and I like the inclusion of mental health rep and the toll it can take on the individual and the family as a whole.
The ending threw me for a loop because it literally put us back at square one, but I'm going to trust that Lana knows where she is going with it and I'm excited for book too. Also shoutout to Willow for being a pretty solid fmc and the cute baby dragon pet included this book! ]]>
author: Lana Pecherczyk
name: Lex
average rating: 4.30
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2024/10/03
date added: 2024/11/03
shelves:
review:
Do I normally read reverse harems? No. Did I read it just because its a Fae Guardian book? Yes.
So far, I like how this book is handling the inclusion of different mates. Willow doesn't just end up getting railed by multiple dudes at one time. There is a slow build-up I see happening and I like it. I didn't expect to like the mate in this book - Fox. And yet I did. I also like that we get to see how The Six interact with each other given that over all, they're pretty awful to Willow. But they do show each other tenderness and I find that sweet - especially when they care for Varen. It is almost like a disabled brother affection, not anything sexual and I like the inclusion of mental health rep and the toll it can take on the individual and the family as a whole.
The ending threw me for a loop because it literally put us back at square one, but I'm going to trust that Lana knows where she is going with it and I'm excited for book too. Also shoutout to Willow for being a pretty solid fmc and the cute baby dragon pet included this book!
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The entire town of Eternity was shocked when widowed, middle-aged Twyla Banneker partnered up with her neighbor and best friend, Frank Ellis, to join the Tanrian Marshals. Eight years later, Twyla and Frank are still patrolling the dangerous land of Tanria, the former prison of the Old Gods.
Twyla might look like a small town mom who brings cheesy potatoes to funerals and whips up a batch of cookies for the school bake sale, but her rewarding career in law enforcement has been a welcome change from the domestic grind of mom life, despite the misgivings of her grown children.
Fortunately (or unfortunately) a recent decrease in on-the-job peril has made Twyla and Frank's job a lot safer ... and a lot less exciting. So when they discover the body of one of their fellow marshals covered in liquid glitter--and Frank finds himself the inadvertent foster dad to a baby dragon--they are more than happy to be back on the beat.
Soon, the friends wind up ensnared in a nefarious plot that goes far deeper than any lucrative Tanrian mineshaft. But as the danger closes in and Twyla and Frank's investigation becomes more complicated, so does their easy friendship. And Twyla starts to realize that her true soul mate might just be the person who has lived next door all along...]]>
The story focuses on an middle-aged couple and that pretty much sucked the romantic intrigue out of the story for me. However, I do like focus on some of the issues and things people go through as we age. It offers a different perspective on things in terms of how people handle children,. marriage, sex, and work through life. And it was both enlightening and sad.
I also really liked the plot. The dragons were a cool addition! Will continue the series which I think will focus on a different couple.
My rating is based on the lack of romance and spice - it just didn't do anything for me and that's okay! Also, like I said, this book will make you think about things in terms of aging and I found it sad at times; I typically don't enjoy books that make me sad, but I powered through and enjoyed the ending. ]]>
author: Megan Bannen
name: Lex
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2024/09/09
date added: 2024/11/03
shelves:
review:
It was fun - but not my ordinary niche. Sorry not sorry.
The story focuses on an middle-aged couple and that pretty much sucked the romantic intrigue out of the story for me. However, I do like focus on some of the issues and things people go through as we age. It offers a different perspective on things in terms of how people handle children,. marriage, sex, and work through life. And it was both enlightening and sad.
I also really liked the plot. The dragons were a cool addition! Will continue the series which I think will focus on a different couple.
My rating is based on the lack of romance and spice - it just didn't do anything for me and that's okay! Also, like I said, this book will make you think about things in terms of aging and I found it sad at times; I typically don't enjoy books that make me sad, but I powered through and enjoyed the ending.
]]>
For nearly 400 years, the Veil has protected us from the Fae of Alfheimr. In their absence, our lives have shifted from decadence and sin to survival and virtue under the guidance of the New Gods. I’ve spent my entire life tending to the gardens next to the boundary between our worlds, drawn to the shimmering magic like a moth to the flame.
Then, we died on their swords.
All of that changes the day the Veil shatters, unleashing the fae upon our world once again. The magic of faerie marks those of us they mean to take, but the Mist Guard protecting Nothrek will kill us all before they let the fae have us. There’s no choice but to flee everything I’ve ever known, not if I want to live to see my twenty-first birthday as a free woman.
Now, they’ll claim what’s theirs.
But before they capture me, Caelum saves me from the Wild Hunt. Fae-marked and on the run, he is able to fight back in ways I only dream of. From tentative alliance to all-consuming passion, our bond strengthens as the fae close in and evil lurks ever nearer. With my life on the line, he is everything I shouldn’t dare to want and a distraction I can’t afford. I can’t seem to stay away, not even with something greater on the line.
My heart.
Author’s Note: This book is intended for readers who are 18 and older. It contains mature language, graphic violence, and explicit content with darker elements. This is book one in a series and ends in a cliffhanger.]]>
author: Harper L. Woods
name: Lex
average rating: 3.57
book published: 2022
rating: 3
read at: 2024/09/08
date added: 2024/11/03
shelves:
review:
It started off okay, but missed its mark by the end. The romance is very much instalovey and I wasn't a fan. The fmc and mc overall are not likable characters either and that is a big thing for me - I have to have characters with either redeemable qualities or justifiable ones. I didn't feel like either character had that. I also get annoyed when the mmc just chalks the fmc up to a piece of meat to be screwed...and he did just that. It's pathetic after so long and also with so many authors continuing to write their characters as these desperate females who can't function to accomplish pretty much anything else except for getting fUK3D. The few portions of legit plot we got were interesting, but could not be focused on enough to make me want to continue the series. There's only one spice scene that sticks out to me. The rest of the book is literally the 2 main characters pining of screwing each other instead of spending it on flushing out the plot which was disappointing.
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The kingdom of Kandala narrowly avoided catastrophe, but the embers of revolution still simmer. While King Harristan seeks a new way to lead, Tessa and Prince Corrick attempt to foster unity between rebels and royals.
But the consuls who control the Moonflower will not back down, and Corrick realizes he must find a new source for the lifesaving Elixir.
When an emissary from the neighboring kingdom of Ostriary arrives with an intriguing offer, Tessa and Corrick set out on an uncertain journey as they attempt to mend their own fractured relationship.
This could be their only chance to keep the peace and bring relief to the people of Kandala, but danger strikes during the journey to Ostriary, and no one is who they seemed to be...]]>
author: Brigid Kemmerer
name: Lex
average rating: 4.15
book published: 2022
rating: 5
read at: 2024/09/16
date added: 2024/11/03
shelves:
review:
I'm really impressed. This was something I kept trying not to put down. Tessa and Cor do not behave like typical young adults. There is a maturity to their demeanors and cadences which translates well across an audience of varying readers. It makes it a book that can easily be enjoyed by pretty much anyone. I also like that this book was a little more seductive and had tidbits of angst without trying to hard. I was not expecting the ending...again lol and I'm truly excited to devour the sequel. This is a must have series for any people who enjoy politics and philosophy in their fantasy books.
]]>
Return to the Immortal Realm, a world of gods, magic, and legendary creatures—and embark upon new adventures of valor, danger, and love.
Tales from the Celestial Kingdom collects nine spellbinding stories—two previously published, seven original, including the epilogue to the duology—set in the enchanting world of Sue Lynn Tan’s stunning debut. Filled with magic and mythology, friendship and love, these stories intertwine through the past, present, and future of the two novels, told from the perspectives of multiple characters, including Chang’e, Shuxiao, Liwei, and Wenzhi.
With beautiful illustrations from Kelly Chong throughout, these wondrous tales make the perfect complement to Sue Lynn Tan’s breathtaking series.]]>
author: Sue Lynn Tan
name: Lex
average rating: 4.07
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/09/07
date added: 2024/11/03
shelves:
review:
Very entertaining for a short read. I like the inclusion of different HEAs
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Arkaen is a gods-damned saint. He sacrificed his childhood innocence fighting for the beleaguered rebellion in a civil war and relinquished a comfortable life with the man he loves to reclaim his place as high lord from corrupt nobles. Now, a hidden enemy is manipulating his lower lords into talk of rebellion, including the powerful Rogue Baron who is slowly swaying the city into questioning every move Arkaen makes.
With the help of his near-omniscient lover's gift of foresight, Arkaen finds a potential ally in Niamsha, a reluctant thief trying to pay for her brother’s education. But Niamsha owes an insurmountable debt to the mysterious leader of her thieves guild and failing to pay means death—for her entire family. When her guild leader demands she join forces with the Rogue Baron himself, she finds herself caught in a political battle beyond her skills. Torn between protecting her family and following her conscience, Niamsha doesn't know who to trust.
If Arkaen can win Niamsha's loyalty, he might just prevent a second civil war and the destruction of everything he fought to protect. Or he might get them all killed.]]>
While I did like the political schemes in the novel, the plot was slow and hard to get through at several points. I had to force my way through it at times. Character backgrounds were also dragged out a little bit and I found that hard to follow at times too. Some of the characterization seemed so out of place, especially for Niamsha. I didn't care for her to be honest but I did like Kilasha! He is a pretty great character with an awesome set of powers!
Speaking of Kilasha though, I was initially interested in this book because it's labeled as a queer read, but it's not an open relationship and cheating is a component of it. The relationship was a secret that I suppose is meant to add to the suspense of the plot and political aspects. But I was expecting something different since Arkaen is a high lord; I thought he'd had more power to be in a relationship with whomever he wanted before I started the book, but that is not the case. Also, the ending was messed up. I was highly upset, but that's the point I guess. If you're looking for shockers, this will deliver. The political intrigue is there if you like that! I definitely wouldn't recommend this for the faint of heart though as it's pretty gory at times and don't get attached! Overall I would give it 3.5 stars and I will pick up the sequel to see how the characters respond to the cliffhanger scence at the end of this book!
Thank you NetGalley for sending me an e-arc copy in exchange for an honest review.]]>
author: Chelsea Harper
name: Lex
average rating: 3.17
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2024/09/28
shelves:
review:
Wake of the Phoenix is a queer political fantasy that follows three characters: Arkaen, Kilasha, and Niamsha. Arkaen and Kilasha are the queer main couple, but their relationship remains a secret because it's forbidden. Niamsha is a thief who is trying to make a better life for her and her brother.
While I did like the political schemes in the novel, the plot was slow and hard to get through at several points. I had to force my way through it at times. Character backgrounds were also dragged out a little bit and I found that hard to follow at times too. Some of the characterization seemed so out of place, especially for Niamsha. I didn't care for her to be honest but I did like Kilasha! He is a pretty great character with an awesome set of powers!
Speaking of Kilasha though, I was initially interested in this book because it's labeled as a queer read, but it's not an open relationship and cheating is a component of it. The relationship was a secret that I suppose is meant to add to the suspense of the plot and political aspects. But I was expecting something different since Arkaen is a high lord; I thought he'd had more power to be in a relationship with whomever he wanted before I started the book, but that is not the case. Also, the ending was messed up. I was highly upset, but that's the point I guess. If you're looking for shockers, this will deliver. The political intrigue is there if you like that! I definitely wouldn't recommend this for the faint of heart though as it's pretty gory at times and don't get attached! Overall I would give it 3.5 stars and I will pick up the sequel to see how the characters respond to the cliffhanger scence at the end of this book!
Thank you NetGalley for sending me an e-arc copy in exchange for an honest review.
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He’s a monster: Lieutenant Kelan Birke has spent his whole life fighting for his freedom and his soul. As his control slips, and the war rages on, he knows it won’t be long before he loses himself entirely to the fire that flows through his veins.
Sol and Kelan are enemies in an age-old war, forced to depend on each other to survive a perilous journey through the mountains. As fire melts the ice in Sol’s heart, she questions everything she’s been taught to believe, and Kelan becomes more desperate to fight the flames that consume him. Together they discover that their struggle will have repercussions for both sides of this burning war.
This stunning debut is perfect for fans of Sabaa Tahir and Sarah J. Maas.]]>
author: Camille Longley
name: Lex
average rating: 3.51
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at: 2021/01/15
date added: 2024/09/27
shelves:
review:
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The faithful hands sets world aright.
And in the Seven Martyrs� sight,
Mere man shall end this endless night.
It has been twenty-seven long years since the last sunrise. For nearly three decades, vampires have waged war against humanity; building their eternal empire even as they tear down our own. Now, only a few tiny sparks of light endure in a sea of darkness.
Gabriel de León is a silversaint: a member of a holy brotherhood dedicated to defending realm and church from the creatures of the night. But even the Silver Order couldn’t stem the tide once daylight failed us, and now, only Gabriel remains.
Imprisoned by the very monsters he vowed to destroy, the last silversaint is forced to tell his story. A story of legendary battles and forbidden love, of faith lost and friendships won, of the Wars of the Blood and the Forever King and the quest for humanity’s last remaining hope:
The Holy Grail.]]>
� I thought the idea of a dialogue between two characters speaking about the past would be boring. It wasn’t. It’s like an interview/recording of a biography, but the events that Gabriel (the mc) has to tell us are not boring in the slightest. Or at least not to me.
� There was not a lot of smut in this first half of the book. There are perhaps two scenes that were…interesting. There’s some very unique kissing going on. Make of that what you will lmao
� The found family trope is one of my favorites and I loved seeing it included in the story. My heart is broken because of the same trope as well.
� Gabriel De Leon is a hard man to pin down. He’s definitely a morally grey character � I just couldn’t really tell just how morally grey he truly is. His character is very unpredictable; he is careful about what he reveals and when and also what he does and why. There is one character that Gabriel speaks very vaguely about and we don’t really get much more information in the sampler about this person and the nature of the relationship between them. And I need to know about it!!!!
� The ending of the sampler ends with a few revelations and reveals that I didn’t see. Plot Twist actually worked on me.
I don’t think the conclusion of EOTV is going to disappoint with anything beyond making me highly upset at Mr. Kristoff for his actions. I’m lowkey already a little salty.]]>
author: Jay Kristoff
name: Lex
average rating: 4.44
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at: 2023/11/14
date added: 2024/09/22
shelves:
review:
I’m not sure what I was expecting for my first Kristoff read � but it delivered lol I received an arc for EOTV but it’s more of a sampler � that is freaking 400 + pages long I believe. It took me a while to get through it and I will still need to pick it back up to finish the last chunk. Here’s what I found while reading EOTV though:
� It is just a dark and atmospheric as one would expect (or should) for a vampire read
� I thought the idea of a dialogue between two characters speaking about the past would be boring. It wasn’t. It’s like an interview/recording of a biography, but the events that Gabriel (the mc) has to tell us are not boring in the slightest. Or at least not to me.
� There was not a lot of smut in this first half of the book. There are perhaps two scenes that were…interesting. There’s some very unique kissing going on. Make of that what you will lmao
� The found family trope is one of my favorites and I loved seeing it included in the story. My heart is broken because of the same trope as well.
� Gabriel De Leon is a hard man to pin down. He’s definitely a morally grey character � I just couldn’t really tell just how morally grey he truly is. His character is very unpredictable; he is careful about what he reveals and when and also what he does and why. There is one character that Gabriel speaks very vaguely about and we don’t really get much more information in the sampler about this person and the nature of the relationship between them. And I need to know about it!!!!
� The ending of the sampler ends with a few revelations and reveals that I didn’t see. Plot Twist actually worked on me.
I don’t think the conclusion of EOTV is going to disappoint with anything beyond making me highly upset at Mr. Kristoff for his actions. I’m lowkey already a little salty.
]]>
The captivating sequel to the Gothic-infused Belladonna, in which Signa and Death face a supernatural foe determined to tear them apart.
A duke has been murdered. The lord of Thorn Grove has been framed. And Fate, the elusive brother of Death, has taken up residence in a sumptuous estate nearby. He's hellbent on revenge after Death took the life of the woman he loved many years ago...and now he's determined to have Signa for himself, no matter the cost.
Signa and her cousin Blythe are certain that Fate can save Elijah Hawthorne from prison if they will entertain his presence. But the more time the girls spend with Fate, the more frightening their reality becomes as Signa exhibits dramatic new powers that link her to Fate's past. With mysteries and danger around every corner, the cousins must decide if they can trust one another as they navigate their futures in high society, unravel the murders that haunt their family, and play Fate's unexpected games—all with their destinies hanging in the balance.
Dangerous, suspenseful, and seductive, this sequel to Signa and Death's story is as utterly romantic as it is perfectly deadly.]]>
At first I thought this book was boring - the first 100 pages an nothing really happening other than learning about Poppy and Alex’s friendship and history. But then someone told me that Emily Henry is the writer that they read when they need something light between all the intense heavy books. And then it all made sense to me. I love the way Emily Henry writes, it’s so easy and so wholesome, the kind of story you just want to read on a lazy Sunday or day at the pool.
I loved this book, and while it was a little slow to start, it only feels warm finishing it.]]>
author: Adalyn Grace
name: Lex
average rating: 4.12
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2024/09/14
date added: 2024/09/14
shelves:
review:
I loved this book now that I finished it. It’s a book about home, and not the home that’s in a place or time in your life. Home about the people who you can’t go life without. That’s the kind of home I hope to keep in my life, in friends family and love.
At first I thought this book was boring - the first 100 pages an nothing really happening other than learning about Poppy and Alex’s friendship and history. But then someone told me that Emily Henry is the writer that they read when they need something light between all the intense heavy books. And then it all made sense to me. I love the way Emily Henry writes, it’s so easy and so wholesome, the kind of story you just want to read on a lazy Sunday or day at the pool.
I loved this book, and while it was a little slow to start, it only feels warm finishing it.
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Kiela has always had trouble dealing with people. Thankfully, as a librarian at the Great Library of Alyssium, she and her assistant, Caz—a magically sentient spider plant—have spent the last decade sequestered among the empire’s most precious spellbooks, preserving their magic for the city’s elite.
When a revolution begins and the library goes up in flames, she and Caz flee with all the spellbooks they can carry and head to a remote island Kiela never thought she’d see again: her childhood home. Taking refuge there, Kiela discovers, much to her dismay, a nosy—and very handsome—neighbor who can’t take a hint and keeps showing up day after day to make sure she’s fed and to help fix up her new home.
In need of income, Kiela identifies something that even the bakery in town doesn’t have: jam. With the help of an old recipe book her parents left her and a bit of illegal magic, her cottage garden is soon covered in ripe berries.
But magic can do more than make life a little sweeter, so Kiela risks the consequences of using unsanctioned spells and opens the island’s first-ever and much needed secret spellshop.
Like a Hallmark rom-com full of mythical creatures and fueled by cinnamon rolls and magic, The Spellshop will heal your heart and feed your soul.]]>
- Cute companions
- Low stake(s) issues - some can be more critical
- Characters that practice self care or engage in hobbies such as studies, gardening, reading, apothecary, shop running etc�
- Introverted characters
- Soft romances
- Budding friendship or found family
- Slow plots
- Descriptive character & world building
This book has exactly that - same as most cozy stories like Lore of the Wilds or Emily Wilde. Sometimes that slow plot works for people and sometimes it doesn’t. They also tend to be more character driven so if you know you’re in it for the plot, this may not appeal to you because the story focuses mostly on character growth, characters settling in, and characters building community. The plot continues on but is addressed more so towards the end of the story.
For me, I find that while others may consider the plot slow or low stakes, I do not because this was what I’m looking for: something slow and cozy to take a break from action packed fantasy stories every now and again. However I like that most cozy stories have elements of magical realism or fantasy to them still and the Spellshop has a bit of both in my opinion.
The characters are so cute especially Caz - no spoilers here but omg! His humor was fantastic! I also like how the story started off with slightly high stakes but then tampered down to a low stake journey/adventure. I am really hoping to see her create a spinoff of characters from the beginning of the story and show where they also end up. It’d be the start of a cute series!
Again overall, if you like “cozy� book or any of the aforementioned things, I think you’ll enjoy this book!]]>
author: Sarah Beth Durst
name: Lex
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/09/14
date added: 2024/09/14
shelves:
review:
This was such a cute book! I will say that I notice people tend to rate cozy stories low if they don’t know what that entails or didn’t realize it was a “cozy story�. The Spell shop is that so here’s what you’re going to find in most “cozy stories�.
- Cute companions
- Low stake(s) issues - some can be more critical
- Characters that practice self care or engage in hobbies such as studies, gardening, reading, apothecary, shop running etc�
- Introverted characters
- Soft romances
- Budding friendship or found family
- Slow plots
- Descriptive character & world building
This book has exactly that - same as most cozy stories like Lore of the Wilds or Emily Wilde. Sometimes that slow plot works for people and sometimes it doesn’t. They also tend to be more character driven so if you know you’re in it for the plot, this may not appeal to you because the story focuses mostly on character growth, characters settling in, and characters building community. The plot continues on but is addressed more so towards the end of the story.
For me, I find that while others may consider the plot slow or low stakes, I do not because this was what I’m looking for: something slow and cozy to take a break from action packed fantasy stories every now and again. However I like that most cozy stories have elements of magical realism or fantasy to them still and the Spellshop has a bit of both in my opinion.
The characters are so cute especially Caz - no spoilers here but omg! His humor was fantastic! I also like how the story started off with slightly high stakes but then tampered down to a low stake journey/adventure. I am really hoping to see her create a spinoff of characters from the beginning of the story and show where they also end up. It’d be the start of a cute series!
Again overall, if you like “cozy� book or any of the aforementioned things, I think you’ll enjoy this book!
]]>
Newly exposed as the Black Witch of Prophecy, Elloren Gardner Grey is on the run, not knowing if she'll find friends or foes. With her fastmate, Lukas Grey, either dead or in the hands of High Mage Marcus Vogel, Elloren knows the only chance of turning the tide of the coming war is to seek allies who will listen long enough not to kill her on sight.
In the Eastern Realm, Water Fae Tierney Calix and Elloren's brother Trystan have joined the Wyvernguard to prepare for Vogel's attack. But Trystan is fighting on two fronts, as the most despised and least trusted member of the guard. And Tierney's bond with Erthia's most powerful river has exposed a danger even more terrifying than the looming war.
The Black Witch is back, and the Prophecy is at hand. It's time to fight. But Vogel has one more earth-shattering revelation for them all.
Books in The Black Witch Chronicles:
The Black Witch
The Iron Flower
The Shadow Wand
The Demon Tide
Wandfasted (novella)*
Light Mage (novella)*
*Also available in The Rebel Mages anthology]]>
I've enjoyed all form books and they have always been 4-5 stars. This is the first time I've had to rate one of the books from the series anything lower than a 4 star.
Going to break it down:
1. The BOOK IS THE LONGEST YET! AND IT DIDN'T NEED TO BE. 400-500 pages okay. But 500 + is pushing it if its not needed. It's long in part because of all the side characters and characters that are introduced or returning! It was already a lot of characters before this book, but adding in so many more made it difficult to track. I think this book we saw less of Elloren (our former fmc) and more of everybody else. She's present here and there but was not a main character this book. There were some new characters who absolutely needed to be here - I can't say bc spoiler, but they've been hinted at in prior books so it made sense to see them here. Others however not so much.
2. The love triangle needs to go. With this being the 4th book, I really feel like the end of book two should have been the deciding factor of who Elloren would be with so that the love triangle would wrap up. And I thought that it was wrapped up in book 3 instead. Without spoiling anything, I will say I'm not happy with how things ended up in this book. I'm over it and while people can love more than one person - it is no longer believable. The back and forth is just frustrating. Again, I wish that would have been decided in Book 2. I'm also fine with her not ending up with anybody. Again, given what Elloren has been through - it would be nice and believable if she ends up with nobody so that she can work on herself and heal.
3.) A LARGE CHUNK OF THE BOOK IS JUST PEOPLE TRYING TO HOOK UP OR HOOKING UP. I think the last quarter of the book - no joke - theres about 6-7 couples confessing their love for each other and the world is on fire. I think leaving about 4 of the couples in there would have been better because some of the love stories are actually really sweet and focus on a different aspect of love such as forbidden, slow-burn, enemies to lovers etc... Each couple fits one of those tropes which is cute but we don't need the details of each one for the sake of pacing. Just pick the most important ones and decenter all the others. Little updates here and there would have been just fine with me about where each couple is in life.
4. Now the climax, batttles, and other plot devices were chef's kiss. She still knows how to write a good battle or action scene. Those were the moments I was obviously most engaged and those were those most believable! Especially some of the character deaths and decisions made. I'm looking forward to seeing how she navigates battles in the finale with some of the good guys now bad guys and some of the bad guys now good guys etc...
It was not the worst, but just a drag. Excited for the finale all the same, but hoping she decenters some of the romance for some characters, doesn't introduce anyone else new, and brings an awesome conclusion to the series. If she adds in some romance - a great place to put that, especially for Elloren - will be in the epilogue if there is one. Elloren has to much on her plate right now and surely will in the finale too. I think it'd be unwise and frustrating to read about the romance aspect during the brink of death for everyone in the final book - more so given how much time has been spent in the past 4 books on romance alone. ]]>
author: Laurie Forest
name: Lex
average rating: 3.77
book published: 2022
rating: 3
read at: 2024/08/15
date added: 2024/09/14
shelves:
review:
Whew! This was a lot!
I've enjoyed all form books and they have always been 4-5 stars. This is the first time I've had to rate one of the books from the series anything lower than a 4 star.
Going to break it down:
1. The BOOK IS THE LONGEST YET! AND IT DIDN'T NEED TO BE. 400-500 pages okay. But 500 + is pushing it if its not needed. It's long in part because of all the side characters and characters that are introduced or returning! It was already a lot of characters before this book, but adding in so many more made it difficult to track. I think this book we saw less of Elloren (our former fmc) and more of everybody else. She's present here and there but was not a main character this book. There were some new characters who absolutely needed to be here - I can't say bc spoiler, but they've been hinted at in prior books so it made sense to see them here. Others however not so much.
2. The love triangle needs to go. With this being the 4th book, I really feel like the end of book two should have been the deciding factor of who Elloren would be with so that the love triangle would wrap up. And I thought that it was wrapped up in book 3 instead. Without spoiling anything, I will say I'm not happy with how things ended up in this book. I'm over it and while people can love more than one person - it is no longer believable. The back and forth is just frustrating. Again, I wish that would have been decided in Book 2. I'm also fine with her not ending up with anybody. Again, given what Elloren has been through - it would be nice and believable if she ends up with nobody so that she can work on herself and heal.
3.) A LARGE CHUNK OF THE BOOK IS JUST PEOPLE TRYING TO HOOK UP OR HOOKING UP. I think the last quarter of the book - no joke - theres about 6-7 couples confessing their love for each other and the world is on fire. I think leaving about 4 of the couples in there would have been better because some of the love stories are actually really sweet and focus on a different aspect of love such as forbidden, slow-burn, enemies to lovers etc... Each couple fits one of those tropes which is cute but we don't need the details of each one for the sake of pacing. Just pick the most important ones and decenter all the others. Little updates here and there would have been just fine with me about where each couple is in life.
4. Now the climax, batttles, and other plot devices were chef's kiss. She still knows how to write a good battle or action scene. Those were the moments I was obviously most engaged and those were those most believable! Especially some of the character deaths and decisions made. I'm looking forward to seeing how she navigates battles in the finale with some of the good guys now bad guys and some of the bad guys now good guys etc...
It was not the worst, but just a drag. Excited for the finale all the same, but hoping she decenters some of the romance for some characters, doesn't introduce anyone else new, and brings an awesome conclusion to the series. If she adds in some romance - a great place to put that, especially for Elloren - will be in the epilogue if there is one. Elloren has to much on her plate right now and surely will in the finale too. I think it'd be unwise and frustrating to read about the romance aspect during the brink of death for everyone in the final book - more so given how much time has been spent in the past 4 books on romance alone.
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In a shabby house, on a shabby street, in the new capital of Madrid, Luzia Cotado uses scraps of magic to get through her days of endless toil as a scullion. But when her scheming mistress discovers the lump of a servant cowering in the kitchen is actually hiding a talent for little miracles, she demands Luzia use those gifts to better the family's social position.
What begins as simple amusement for the bored nobility takes a perilous turn when Luzia garners the notice of Antonio Pérez, the disgraced secretary to Spain's king. Still reeling from the defeat of his armada, the king is desperate for any advantage in the war against England's heretic queen—and Pérez will stop at nothing to regain the king's favor.
Determined to seize this one chance to better her fortunes, Luzia plunges into a world of seers and alchemists, holy men and hucksters, where the line between magic, science, and fraud is never certain. But as her notoriety grows, so does the danger that her Jewish blood will doom her to the Inquisition's wrath. She will have to use every bit of her wit and will to survive—even if that means enlisting the help of Guillén Santangel, an embittered immortal familiar whose own secrets could prove deadly for them both.]]>
I'd preface by saying I listening to this via audio and after flipping through the physical book, I'd still prefer the audio. The pacing and tone was perfection and it made it very easy to listen and get engaged in it.
This is a character driven story with four mc that have the main focus: Valentina (fmc), Luzia (fmc) Santángel (the mmc) and Hualit (luzia’s aunt/fmc).
All four of them have lived lives that are different but hard. And Bardugo does a great job of showing you how people can be wealthy and still have a tough live. Be poor, struggle, but still have everything. Be in positions where you feel like you must do whatever to survive and so on. All four of these characters reflect that them in some way and it was at times sad to read, but also enlightening. It makes you appreciate what you have an different perspectives.
The weaves in the historical aspect well i.e. what it's like to be other in a place where people are literally out to get you. The topic of witchcraft and christianity are treated with equal scrutiny and woven in to make the stakes higher - especially during this big competition that sort of drives the plot in the book.
Another theme, the book focuses on is of course the patriarchy which would be prevalent during ANY day any age sadly. But it is constantly a factored readers are reminded of in this book because its another plot driver for character decisions. I think that's important.
The ending was great - but ambiguous. There's some inferences you can make as a reader that may or may not be true. So I think the way the ending is written is intentional. Instead of Bardugo coming out to say this is what happened - she leaves some room for readers to make their own conclusions.
Overall I recommend this book and would suggest it be listened to via audio because I could see the physical copy not gripping someone's attention right away. For me - once I was in about two chapters, that's when the drama started and I was hooked.
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author: Leigh Bardugo
name: Lex
average rating: 3.74
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/08/07
date added: 2024/09/14
shelves:
review:
Historical fictions are not my favorite. Leigh took a niche I normally don't prefer and made it interesting.
I'd preface by saying I listening to this via audio and after flipping through the physical book, I'd still prefer the audio. The pacing and tone was perfection and it made it very easy to listen and get engaged in it.
This is a character driven story with four mc that have the main focus: Valentina (fmc), Luzia (fmc) Santángel (the mmc) and Hualit (luzia’s aunt/fmc).
All four of them have lived lives that are different but hard. And Bardugo does a great job of showing you how people can be wealthy and still have a tough live. Be poor, struggle, but still have everything. Be in positions where you feel like you must do whatever to survive and so on. All four of these characters reflect that them in some way and it was at times sad to read, but also enlightening. It makes you appreciate what you have an different perspectives.
The weaves in the historical aspect well i.e. what it's like to be other in a place where people are literally out to get you. The topic of witchcraft and christianity are treated with equal scrutiny and woven in to make the stakes higher - especially during this big competition that sort of drives the plot in the book.
Another theme, the book focuses on is of course the patriarchy which would be prevalent during ANY day any age sadly. But it is constantly a factored readers are reminded of in this book because its another plot driver for character decisions. I think that's important.
The ending was great - but ambiguous. There's some inferences you can make as a reader that may or may not be true. So I think the way the ending is written is intentional. Instead of Bardugo coming out to say this is what happened - she leaves some room for readers to make their own conclusions.
Overall I recommend this book and would suggest it be listened to via audio because I could see the physical copy not gripping someone's attention right away. For me - once I was in about two chapters, that's when the drama started and I was hooked.
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No humans here. Just immortals: their politics, their feuds—and their long buried secrets.
For centuries, vampires freely roamed the land until the Grays came out of nowhere, wiping out half the population in a night. The survivors fled to the last vampire city of First Light, where the rules are simple. If you’re poor, you drink weak blood. If you’re nobility, you get the good stuff. And you can never, ever leave.
Palace maid Sam has had enough of these rules, and she’s definitely had enough of cleaning the bedpans of the lords who enforce them. When the son of the city’s ruler is murdered and she finds the only clue to his death, she seizes the chance to blackmail her way into a better class and better blood. She falls in with the Leeches, a group of rebel maids who rein in the worst of the Lords. Soon she’s in league with a sorcerer whose deductive skills make up for his lack of magic, a deadly werewolf assassin and a countess who knows a city’s worth of secrets.
There’s just one problem. What began as a murder investigation has uncovered a vast conspiracy by the ruling elite, and now Sam must find the truth before she becomes another victim. If she can avoid getting murdered, she might just live forever.]]>
I think some of the characters missed their mark for me. They were well developed and came with their own personalities and backstory but it felt like something was missing. I'm going to lean more with what I saw in another review - they felt like archetypes. Every character in the book fits a typical story archetype in some way which is fine - just a little redundant. Especially given, that there are ALOT OF CHARACTERS TO KEEP UP WITH IN THIS BOOK and each revert back to an archetype in some way. With so many characters introduced sometimes multiple in one chapter, I ran into trouble keeping everybody straight whilst simultaneously feeling like I didn't know the major characters well at all.
There is some representation and some twists so a plus! The twist at the end was surprising. I would definitely read the sequel, but I am particularly interested to see Crocker do more with the Vampire - Lord Azzuri. He is one of the main characters I felt like was an "archtype" and it felt like we knew some aspects of him but never really enough. There's a huge question mark where he's concerned. I see why now, but I'm hoping the sequel focuses less on introducing a plethora of characters - again most of which were hard to keep up with - and focuses more on building Lord Azzuri and others up so that we understand their true natures more. Once these big major characters go from "hmmm or vauge" to "oh you're actually clever" or "oh, you've been through some things", then I think I'll be more invested.
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author: Ed Crocker
name: Lex
average rating: 3.55
book published: 2025
rating: 3
read at: 2024/08/14
date added: 2024/09/14
shelves:
review:
Not bad! The world building was incredible! I got a sense of the atmosphere and the stakes! And I love the traditional vampy, witchy, wolf scenario.
I think some of the characters missed their mark for me. They were well developed and came with their own personalities and backstory but it felt like something was missing. I'm going to lean more with what I saw in another review - they felt like archetypes. Every character in the book fits a typical story archetype in some way which is fine - just a little redundant. Especially given, that there are ALOT OF CHARACTERS TO KEEP UP WITH IN THIS BOOK and each revert back to an archetype in some way. With so many characters introduced sometimes multiple in one chapter, I ran into trouble keeping everybody straight whilst simultaneously feeling like I didn't know the major characters well at all.
There is some representation and some twists so a plus! The twist at the end was surprising. I would definitely read the sequel, but I am particularly interested to see Crocker do more with the Vampire - Lord Azzuri. He is one of the main characters I felt like was an "archtype" and it felt like we knew some aspects of him but never really enough. There's a huge question mark where he's concerned. I see why now, but I'm hoping the sequel focuses less on introducing a plethora of characters - again most of which were hard to keep up with - and focuses more on building Lord Azzuri and others up so that we understand their true natures more. Once these big major characters go from "hmmm or vauge" to "oh you're actually clever" or "oh, you've been through some things", then I think I'll be more invested.
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They certainly did not expect them to fall.
As a valued Elding Blade of the rebellion group Fíur du Ath, Raeve’s job is to kill. To complete orders and never get caught. When a renowned bounty hunter is employed by The Crown to capture a member of the Ath, Raeve’s world is turned upside down. Blood spills, hearts break, and Raeve finds herself at the mercy of the Guild of Nobles—a group of dual-beaded elementals who intend to turn her into a political statement. Only death will set her free.
Crushed beneath a mourning weight, Kaan Vaegor took the head of a king and donned his melted crown. Now on a tireless quest to assuage the never-ebbing ache in his chest, his hunt for a moonshard lures him into the belly of Gore’s notorious prison where he stumbles upon something that rips apart his perception of reality. A shackled miracle with eyes full of rage and blood on her hands.
The echo of the past sings louder than the Creators themselves, and even Raeve can’t ignore the truths blaring at her from a warmer, happier time.
However.
There’s more to this song than meets the eye, and some truths �
They’re too poisonous to swallow.
When the Moon Hatched is a fast-paced fantasy romance for fans of witty banter and strong, sassy protagonists. Beneath the cover is an immersive, vibrant world with mysterious creatures, a unique magic system, and a love that blazes through the ages. ]]>
It was like the author tried way to hard to make her seem like a bad azz but instead it just came across as annoying and immature. I can’t believe I’m using SJM as an example, but if you’ve read Throne of Glass, consider how often Aelin thinks or speaks about killing people. In truth, Aelin does so only when it’s necessary to speak on it. Otherwise, the plot would focus on other things as well as the dialogue. This was not the case in this book. The mc has/had no identity outside of thinking or constantly talking about killing someone. And that remained the case even with all the flashbacks of history. It does get better toward the end of the book as a lot of plot twists are revealed but nevertheless couldn’t get past how much that took away from the book and how unnecessarily long it was.
The things I felt should have been focused on, were not because the entire plot also consisted of a “will they or won’t they tug of war for 600 + pages. It was too much. Undecided in where I stand on a sequel because despite those critiques, the parts we did get in terms of world-building, tribe scenes, and dragons etc.. were pretty cool. That’s what I want more of and for the mc to grow both in maturity and dialogue.]]>
author: Sarah A. Parker
name: Lex
average rating: 3.99
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2024/08/27
date added: 2024/09/14
shelves:
review:
The mc needs therapy. This is not a jest. She does. It is not an exaggeration to say that she spends 80% of the book thinking, speaking, or joking about killing someone. It grew really tiresome and took away from the story.
It was like the author tried way to hard to make her seem like a bad azz but instead it just came across as annoying and immature. I can’t believe I’m using SJM as an example, but if you’ve read Throne of Glass, consider how often Aelin thinks or speaks about killing people. In truth, Aelin does so only when it’s necessary to speak on it. Otherwise, the plot would focus on other things as well as the dialogue. This was not the case in this book. The mc has/had no identity outside of thinking or constantly talking about killing someone. And that remained the case even with all the flashbacks of history. It does get better toward the end of the book as a lot of plot twists are revealed but nevertheless couldn’t get past how much that took away from the book and how unnecessarily long it was.
The things I felt should have been focused on, were not because the entire plot also consisted of a “will they or won’t they tug of war for 600 + pages. It was too much. Undecided in where I stand on a sequel because despite those critiques, the parts we did get in terms of world-building, tribe scenes, and dragons etc.. were pretty cool. That’s what I want more of and for the mc to grow both in maturity and dialogue.
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It’s like I keep stumbling into a dark room, searching for the switch to make things bright again. To make me remember. But the switch isn’t there. Was it there before?
Sade Hussein is starting her third year of high school, this time at the prestigious Alfred Nobel Academy boarding school. After being home-schooled all her life and feeling like a magnet for misfortune, she’s not sure what will happen. What she doesn’t expect though is for her roommate Elizabeth to disappear after Sade’s first night. Or for people to think she had something to do with it.
With rumors swirling around her, Sade catches the attention of the most popular girls in school � collectively known as the ‘Unholy Trinity� � and they bring her into their fold. Between learning more about them - especially Persephone, who Sade finds herself drawn to - playing catch-up in class, and trying to figure out what happened to Elizabeth, Sade has a lot on her plate. It doesn’t help that she’s already dealing with grief from the many tragedies in her family.
And then a student is found dead.
The more Sade investigates, the more she realizes there’s more to Alfred Nobel Academy and its students than she realized. Secrets lurk around every corner and beneath every surface…secrets that rival even her own.]]>
The book was HEAVY on Dark Academia vibes and also gave me a Hogwarts vibe but without the magic.
Sade is the mc and meets a new girl at school named Elizabeth on her first day. Things spiral from there towards a very slow build-up/crescendo.
So it's like a drama, thriller, and mystery all in one book. It is not as fast-paced but I didn't mind that as much because the slow times are spent on character development which I believe was EXTREMEMLY IMPORTANT given the themes and issues brought up in the book. See trigger warnings for a full list, but I don't think its right for authors to skim or brush over some of those issues and Faridah doesn't! She spends time focusing on that growth during those "slow periods". It's also one of the main reasons I rated this book so highly because Faridah really puts you into characters shoes as well and makes you think about how that would feel if similar things happened to you or to those you care about. It's note often I cry from reading books but I did with this one because of how much a particular part made me upset. Like I really felt what it would be like to imagine those same things happening to someone you care about!
All of the side characters are brilliant and well written. They came with their own personalities and back stories - every single one. I really loved Persephone, Elizabeth, and Basil.
The ending part came with one twist I really didn't expect. I thought I had it figured out but nope. In fact, the ending was better than I could have considered or hoped for given the climax of the story.
This is a story I think high-school and college students should read. It's also something I think english teachers should consider including in their libraries. It does not have any spice only references it so it is appropriate. It goes over things that teenagers, college students, and all young adults are seeing, hearing, and experiencing in ALL academic settings - even when adults don't know about it; from middle school to college. And I think it's important to show the consequences of not acknowledging those issues. This book does that. So it would make a wonderful inclusion to shelves and possibly even a group discussion or book club pick.
Overall, I enjoyed this book even more than Ace of Spades - which was also a 5 star read- and I think Faridah is slowly making her mark on the thriller YA book genre. She definitely has the muscles to flex into NA or Adult thriller stories and I would love to see that.]]>
author: Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
name: Lex
average rating: 4.01
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2024/08/02
date added: 2024/09/14
shelves:
review:
OOOO wee! This was gooooooodddddd! It read almost like a lifetime movie or drama show.
The book was HEAVY on Dark Academia vibes and also gave me a Hogwarts vibe but without the magic.
Sade is the mc and meets a new girl at school named Elizabeth on her first day. Things spiral from there towards a very slow build-up/crescendo.
So it's like a drama, thriller, and mystery all in one book. It is not as fast-paced but I didn't mind that as much because the slow times are spent on character development which I believe was EXTREMEMLY IMPORTANT given the themes and issues brought up in the book. See trigger warnings for a full list, but I don't think its right for authors to skim or brush over some of those issues and Faridah doesn't! She spends time focusing on that growth during those "slow periods". It's also one of the main reasons I rated this book so highly because Faridah really puts you into characters shoes as well and makes you think about how that would feel if similar things happened to you or to those you care about. It's note often I cry from reading books but I did with this one because of how much a particular part made me upset. Like I really felt what it would be like to imagine those same things happening to someone you care about!
All of the side characters are brilliant and well written. They came with their own personalities and back stories - every single one. I really loved Persephone, Elizabeth, and Basil.
The ending part came with one twist I really didn't expect. I thought I had it figured out but nope. In fact, the ending was better than I could have considered or hoped for given the climax of the story.
This is a story I think high-school and college students should read. It's also something I think english teachers should consider including in their libraries. It does not have any spice only references it so it is appropriate. It goes over things that teenagers, college students, and all young adults are seeing, hearing, and experiencing in ALL academic settings - even when adults don't know about it; from middle school to college. And I think it's important to show the consequences of not acknowledging those issues. This book does that. So it would make a wonderful inclusion to shelves and possibly even a group discussion or book club pick.
Overall, I enjoyed this book even more than Ace of Spades - which was also a 5 star read- and I think Faridah is slowly making her mark on the thriller YA book genre. She definitely has the muscles to flex into NA or Adult thriller stories and I would love to see that.
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He was the deception waiting in the night; the truth I never saw coming. After a lifetime of manipulation, I finally learned the truth. I was his puppet—even if I never saw my strings.
Even knowing how deep his betrayal runs, I can’t shake the undeniable connection between Gray and I—the way a single glance from him sets my soul on fire. We are not the same. We’re enemies, poised to battle for the future of the very thing I’d wanted to destroy.
With the Covenant gone, the revenge I thought I wanted is no longer my priority. The witches that remain played no role in my aunt’s death, and the only person standing in the way of righting those wrongs is the very man determined to keep me in his bed.
But the remaining members of the Coven will never forgive me for the role I played in their demise and subjugation, and the worst part of all is that I can’t even blame them for it. I’d been naive, believing my own delusions of grandeur when destiny clearly had other plans for me. Plans that had been set in motion centuries before my birth.
But even that had been a lie, and now it is my duty to do everything in my power to undo it.
To protect my Coven from my husband’s hatred—no matter what the cost.]]>
Willow and Gray's relationship was marketed as dark from the start of book one and that is in the trigger warnings. The spice reflects that in this book, but I do like that it was a little more obvious he actually care's for Willow in this book. That definitely was not obvious in book one. There relationship overall did need more growth to me though.
If you don't like dark romance, this sequel is not going to be your cup of tea. If you've read something like Hunting Adeline, then it may not bother you.
My issue was all the other characters except for like two. Everyone else felt like filler characters to me because they were not flushed out or given enough "air time" to develop. So you ended up really only getting to know 2 additional characters well and I believe the next books will focus on them.
Not bad - I will read the next installment in hopes that focusing on different characters will provide a new - and much needed - perspective.
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author: Harper L. Woods
name: Lex
average rating: 3.57
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2024/07/11
date added: 2024/09/14
shelves:
review:
Suffered from sequel syndrome - it was not a great follow-up to book one.
Willow and Gray's relationship was marketed as dark from the start of book one and that is in the trigger warnings. The spice reflects that in this book, but I do like that it was a little more obvious he actually care's for Willow in this book. That definitely was not obvious in book one. There relationship overall did need more growth to me though.
If you don't like dark romance, this sequel is not going to be your cup of tea. If you've read something like Hunting Adeline, then it may not bother you.
My issue was all the other characters except for like two. Everyone else felt like filler characters to me because they were not flushed out or given enough "air time" to develop. So you ended up really only getting to know 2 additional characters well and I believe the next books will focus on them.
Not bad - I will read the next installment in hopes that focusing on different characters will provide a new - and much needed - perspective.
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To stay safe, Nicole hides in a small university town, convinced the mythological art collection at a local manor contains a final message from her mother. But before she can study it, Kyan McCarter, the Wake’s most skilled Empyreal, arrives on his own hunt. When they discover his prey has stolen a painting for leverage, they’re forced to work together.
As the creature threatens to expose Nicole’s powers, her tenuous alliance with Kyan threatens her heart. If her true identity is revealed, Kyan will hunt her next. No one disobeys The Wake and survives. Especially when the art they’re seeking unveils a conspiracy that would change the lives of creatures and humans forever...
But Nicole may only be able to resist one: her wicked impulses, or a love that could repaint their world. And after a life of hiding her true nature, who could resist the temptation of magic...
SERPENT AND DOVE meets A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES, in this luxurious, forbidden romance.]]>
I can't believe this is marketed as a YA book! This is one of those books that can be enjoyed by all older age groups because of how it is written and I'm impressed. Also Ms. Scott sure does know how to incorporate some sexual tension without being overly vulgar! It never gave "try to hard" and I really like that! I would 100% be okay with her turning this into a New Adult series, because I can tell she would be able to write some classy spice scenes without them being cringey.
Characters/romance:
This book offered dark academia peeps to the max! Nicole was likable, capable, and not at one point in the story - ever annoying. Everything she does is for a reason. She's a classy girl and also gives dark academic vibes. The side characters were chef's kiss and everyone had enough of a background to be interesting to me as a reader - especially the younger sister and best friend. I also love that for once, a white author Hopefully, and future sacrifices happen because it actually makes sense, not just because. Kyan is our mmc and I found him to be the grump that his character would be. However, he has a soft, but dominant side! The way he talks and cares for Nicole is sexy! It's not too little and not too much - it's a respectful dynamic that the two have and I love that. He is a bit of a loner, but it doesn't necessarily make him an underdeveloped character. Together, he and Nicole are on a very nice slow build and I excited to see the romance and angst develop some more.
World-building:
Now as a history buff, pardon my rant but: THE INCORPORATION OF REALISM, ART, AND HISTORY WAS JUST AMAZING ]]>
author: Megan Scott
name: Lex
average rating: 3.92
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2024/07/07
date added: 2024/08/11
shelves:
review:
Marketing?:
I can't believe this is marketed as a YA book! This is one of those books that can be enjoyed by all older age groups because of how it is written and I'm impressed. Also Ms. Scott sure does know how to incorporate some sexual tension without being overly vulgar! It never gave "try to hard" and I really like that! I would 100% be okay with her turning this into a New Adult series, because I can tell she would be able to write some classy spice scenes without them being cringey.
Characters/romance:
This book offered dark academia peeps to the max! Nicole was likable, capable, and not at one point in the story - ever annoying. Everything she does is for a reason. She's a classy girl and also gives dark academic vibes. The side characters were chef's kiss and everyone had enough of a background to be interesting to me as a reader - especially the younger sister and best friend. I also love that for once, a white author Hopefully, and future sacrifices happen because it actually makes sense, not just because. Kyan is our mmc and I found him to be the grump that his character would be. However, he has a soft, but dominant side! The way he talks and cares for Nicole is sexy! It's not too little and not too much - it's a respectful dynamic that the two have and I love that. He is a bit of a loner, but it doesn't necessarily make him an underdeveloped character. Together, he and Nicole are on a very nice slow build and I excited to see the romance and angst develop some more.
World-building:
Now as a history buff, pardon my rant but: THE INCORPORATION OF REALISM, ART, AND HISTORY WAS JUST AMAZING
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Evangeline Fox ventured to the Magnificent North in search of her happy ending, and it seems as if she has it. She’s married to a handsome prince and lives in a legendary castle. But Evangeline has no idea of the devastating price she’s paid for this fairytale. She doesn’t know what she has lost, and her husband is determined to make sure she never finds out . . . but first he must kill Jacks, the Prince of Hearts.
Blood will be shed, hearts will be stolen, and true love will be put to the test in A Curse for True Love, the breathlessly anticipated conclusion to the Once Upon A Broken Heart trilogy.]]>
author: Stephanie Garber
name: Lex
average rating: 4.14
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2024/07/16
date added: 2024/08/11
shelves:
review:
This was an awesome sequel! I put it off thinking I was going to be disappointed, but I wasn't. It gave what it needed to give and I was interested in what was happening every time I picked the book up. The ending was chef's kiss for all characters involved!
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Two weeks have passed since Iris returned home bruised and heartbroken from the front, but the war is far from over.
Roman is missing, lost behind enemy lines, with no memory of his past, or Iris. Hoping his memories return, he begins to write again � but this time for the enemy.
When a strange letter arrives through his wardrobe door, he strikes up a correspondence with a penpal who seems at once mysterious� and strangely familiar.
As their connection deepens, the two of them will risk their very hearts and futures to change the tides of the war.]]>
The war between the Gods was surprising and anticlimatic. I thought there would be more. Lol
It was odd.
It was still a great love story that borders on star crossed lovers once again. The inclusion of the letters was everything! I am sad about some of the character deaths but understand that it is supposed to be a "war" so there's that! Overall, I found it to be a fitting conclusion! ]]>
author: Rebecca Ross
name: Lex
average rating: 3.99
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2024/07/08
date added: 2024/08/11
shelves:
review:
This really is so bittersweet. I love that the whole book was us waiting on a reunion!
The war between the Gods was surprising and anticlimatic. I thought there would be more. Lol
It was odd.
It was still a great love story that borders on star crossed lovers once again. The inclusion of the letters was everything! I am sad about some of the character deaths but understand that it is supposed to be a "war" so there's that! Overall, I found it to be a fitting conclusion!
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Emily Wilde is a genius scholar of faerie folklore who just wrote the world’s first comprehensive encyclopaedia of faeries. She’s learned many of the secrets of the Hidden Ones on her adventures . . . and also from her fellow scholar and former rival Wendell Bambleby.
Because Bambleby is more than infuriatingly charming. He’s an exiled faerie king on the run from his murderous mother and in search of a door back to his realm. And despite Emily’s feelings for Bambleby, she’s not ready to accept his proposal of marriage: Loving one of the Fair Folk comes with secrets and dangers.
She also has a new project to focus on: a map of the realms of faerie. While she is preparing her research, Bambleby lands her in trouble yet again, when assassins sent by his mother invade Cambridge. Now Bambleby and Emily are on another adventure, this time to the picturesque Austrian Alps, where Emily believes they may find the door to Bambleby’s realm and the key to freeing him from his family’s dark plans.
But with new relationships for the prickly Emily to navigate and dangerous Folk lurking in every forest and hollow, Emily must unravel the mysterious workings of faerie doors and of her own heart.]]>
Emily and Wendell's banter remains the same with a tad more romance. There is an introduction of a new character whose optimism and bubbliness adds some relief to tension in the story!
The creatures introduced in this particular sequel are more vicious and I like that it was a subtle reminder that their not all cute and friendly like Poe - some of them are incredibly vicious.
The pacing was a little off. It goes slow, then fast, then back to slow. Whereas in book one, it was slow and then fast and remained so. I do still also like the foot notes! I think they still add to the text! ]]>
author: Heather Fawcett
name: Lex
average rating: 4.28
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/07/05
date added: 2024/08/11
shelves:
review:
Such a cute sequel! Not as cozy in terms of vibes but great all the same!
Emily and Wendell's banter remains the same with a tad more romance. There is an introduction of a new character whose optimism and bubbliness adds some relief to tension in the story!
The creatures introduced in this particular sequel are more vicious and I like that it was a subtle reminder that their not all cute and friendly like Poe - some of them are incredibly vicious.
The pacing was a little off. It goes slow, then fast, then back to slow. Whereas in book one, it was slow and then fast and remained so. I do still also like the foot notes! I think they still add to the text!
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A Fae lord who wants in.
A human woman willing to risk it all for a taste of power.
In a land ruled by ruthless Fae, twenty-one-year-old Lore Alemeyu’s village is trapped in a forested prison. Lore knows that any escape attempt is futile—her scars are a testament to her past failures. But when her village is threatened, Lore makes a desperate deal with a Fae lord. She will leave her home to catalog/organize an enchanted library that hasn’t been touched in a thousand years. No Fae may enter the library, but there is a chance a human might be able to breach the cursed doors.
She convinces him that she will risk her life for wealth, but really she’s after the one thing the Fae covet above all: magic of her own.
As Lore navigates the hostile world outside, she’s forced to rely on two Fae males to survive. Two very different, very dangerous, very attractive Fae males. When undeniable chemistry ignites, she’s not just in danger of losing her life, but her heart to the very creatures she can never trust.]]>
To start, I agree with the romance portion - that little love triangle bit that came smack dab at the end was not needed. It was not well developed and I did not care about the character. Still don't. The initial angst between the first mc, however, I felt was great. I would not say that their relationship was underdeveloped. The first mmc is a "grumpy" character trope so some of the behaviors he exhibits made sense to me...and as with most grumpy characters, the execution of his warm-up to Lore was cute! I hope to see that "warm-up" happen with the 2nd mmc that was introduced. It made it feel like a YA book and the sex scene came out of nowhere too. I think marketing as a soft YA kinda like how Throne of Glass started as YA then became New Adult, would have been the better move. That was the only aspect of the book I disliked, and it warranted removing a star in my opinion.
I really enjoyed the world-building!!! Especially the explanation of certain...phenomena that happen to different cities and places. I thought the pacing was fine and the plot was great. It was marketed as a cozy type of story and I thought that was exactly what it gave. I'm glad that it was more on the fast paced side, because slow and cozy can sometimes equal boring. I hate a slow book!!! The concept of a magical library was very fun and I'm excited to see where Sbrana continues to go with this! Also, I won't spoil anything but the twist at the end was cool. I suspected it, but then she sort of threw me off the scent a little bit in the middle of the story, and I no longer considered it a possibility. Then BAM! LOL
One other thing I enjoyed was the obvious the diverse little tidbits she added in, like details about hair and skin. It's the little things that just make the story feel more immersive - even when explaining details about the food.
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author: Analeigh Sbrana
name: Lex
average rating: 3.33
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/06/13
date added: 2024/08/11
shelves:
review:
I really enjoyed this book! While I do see some of the other reviews have critiques that are similar to mine, I am a little surprised by how much that caused some reviews to be rated so low. I'm not surprised though. Some BIPOC books are not the best reads and it can be disappointing when that happens however I truly do think Lore of the Wilds was that bad by comparison.
To start, I agree with the romance portion - that little love triangle bit that came smack dab at the end was not needed. It was not well developed and I did not care about the character. Still don't. The initial angst between the first mc, however, I felt was great. I would not say that their relationship was underdeveloped. The first mmc is a "grumpy" character trope so some of the behaviors he exhibits made sense to me...and as with most grumpy characters, the execution of his warm-up to Lore was cute! I hope to see that "warm-up" happen with the 2nd mmc that was introduced. It made it feel like a YA book and the sex scene came out of nowhere too. I think marketing as a soft YA kinda like how Throne of Glass started as YA then became New Adult, would have been the better move. That was the only aspect of the book I disliked, and it warranted removing a star in my opinion.
I really enjoyed the world-building!!! Especially the explanation of certain...phenomena that happen to different cities and places. I thought the pacing was fine and the plot was great. It was marketed as a cozy type of story and I thought that was exactly what it gave. I'm glad that it was more on the fast paced side, because slow and cozy can sometimes equal boring. I hate a slow book!!! The concept of a magical library was very fun and I'm excited to see where Sbrana continues to go with this! Also, I won't spoil anything but the twist at the end was cool. I suspected it, but then she sort of threw me off the scent a little bit in the middle of the story, and I no longer considered it a possibility. Then BAM! LOL
One other thing I enjoyed was the obvious the diverse little tidbits she added in, like details about hair and skin. It's the little things that just make the story feel more immersive - even when explaining details about the food.
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I used to clean other people’s houses—now, I can’t believe this home is actually mine. The charming kitchen, the quiet cul-de-sac, the huge yard where my kids can play. My husband and I saved for years to give our children the life they deserve.
Even though I’m wary of our new neighbor Mrs. Lowell, when she invites us over for dinner it’s our chance to make friends. Her maid opens the door wearing a white apron, her hair in a tight bun. I know exactly what it’s like to be in her shoes.
But her cold stare gives me chills�
The Lowells� maid isn’t the only strange thing on our street. I’m sure I see a shadowy figure watching us. My husband leaves the house late at night. And when I meet a woman who lives across the way, her words chill me to the bone: Be careful of your neighbors.
Did I make a terrible mistake moving my family here?
I thought I’d left my darkest secrets behind. But could this quiet suburban street be the most dangerous place of all?]]>
The past books focused less on the humorous aspect and more on building the tension and mystery.
That tension I was looking for did not come until literally the very end of the book which made the ending feel rushed.
I'd read book 4, but hope it aligns more to books 1 and 2. ]]>
author: Freida McFadden
name: Lex
average rating: 3.79
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2024/06/11
date added: 2024/08/11
shelves:
review:
I think book one was and still is my favorite. This was okay, but the tension wasn't there. I can't put my finger on it. Perhaps it was because there were way more cringe-worthy moments in the book, than the suspense and tension from past books. For example, there was more emphasis on "what the neighbors thing" and trying to add in humorous moments which sometimes missed their marks on me as a reader.
The past books focused less on the humorous aspect and more on building the tension and mystery.
That tension I was looking for did not come until literally the very end of the book which made the ending feel rushed.
I'd read book 4, but hope it aligns more to books 1 and 2.
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Misery Lark, the only daughter of the most powerful Vampyre councilman of the Southwest, is an outcast—again. Her days of living in anonymity among the Humans are over: she has been called upon to uphold a historic peacekeeping alliance between the Vampyres and their mortal enemies, the Weres, and she sees little choice but to surrender herself in the exchange—again...
Weres are ruthless and unpredictable, and their Alpha, Lowe Moreland, is no exception. He rules his pack with absolute authority, but not without justice. And, unlike the Vampyre Council, not without feeling. It’s clear from the way he tracks Misery’s every movement that he doesn’t trust her. If only he knew how right he was�.
Because Misery has her own reasons to agree to this marriage of convenience, reasons that have nothing to do with politics or alliances, and everything to do with the only thing she's ever cared about. And she is willing to do whatever it takes to get back what’s hers, even if it means a life alone in Were territory…alone with the wolf.]]>
I didn't know what to expect given that I usually don't care for paranormal romances as much.
However, this book had a plot line that kept me interested from start to finish - I read it in one sitting. The character development was also great - I loved Mercy and her relationship with the mmc was filled with so much angst and tension! The spice wasn't to shabby either. It was exactly what I expected for a wolf story!
I am very interested in the sequel as it will be perfect for those days I just want to read a quick romance novel. ]]>
author: Ali Hazelwood
name: Lex
average rating: 3.98
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/06/10
date added: 2024/08/11
shelves:
review:
Okay, sue me. I loved it.
I didn't know what to expect given that I usually don't care for paranormal romances as much.
However, this book had a plot line that kept me interested from start to finish - I read it in one sitting. The character development was also great - I loved Mercy and her relationship with the mmc was filled with so much angst and tension! The spice wasn't to shabby either. It was exactly what I expected for a wolf story!
I am very interested in the sequel as it will be perfect for those days I just want to read a quick romance novel.
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Alyssa ana’Raisa is the reluctant princess heir to the Gray Wolf throne of Fells, a queendom embroiled in a seemingly endless war. Hardened by too many losses, Lyss is more comfortable striking with a sword than maneuvering at court. After a brush with death, she goes on the offensive, meaning to end the war that has raged her whole life. If her gamble doesn’t pay off, she could lose her queendom before she even ascends to the throne.
A life in peril.
Across enemy lines in Arden, young rising star Captain Halston Matelon has been fighting for his king since he was a lýtling. Lately, though, he finds himself sent on ever more dangerous assignments. Between the terrifying rumors of witches and wolfish warriors to the north and his cruel king at home, Hal is caught in an impossible game of life and death.
The shadow of defeat.]]>
She writes very intricate fantasy novels that are well built for them to be marketed toward young adults. That makes them enjoyable by adults like myself in general. Sometimes you want a fantasy novel that is not as grotesque as a normal adult novel might be and this is it!
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author: Cinda Williams Chima
name: Lex
average rating: 4.16
book published: 2017
rating: 5
read at: 2024/06/08
date added: 2024/08/11
shelves:
review:
I really wish Cinda had more recognition!
She writes very intricate fantasy novels that are well built for them to be marketed toward young adults. That makes them enjoyable by adults like myself in general. Sometimes you want a fantasy novel that is not as grotesque as a normal adult novel might be and this is it!
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On the streets of White Roaring, Arthie Casimir is a criminal mastermind and collector of secrets. Her prestigious tearoom transforms into an illegal bloodhouse by dark, catering to the vampires feared by society. But when her establishment is threatened, Arthie is forced to strike an unlikely deal with an alluring adversary to save it—and she can’t do the job alone.
Calling on some of the city's most skilled outcasts, Arthie hatches a plan to infiltrate the sinister, glittering vampire society known as the Athereum. But not everyone in her ragtag crew is on her side, and as the truth behind the heist unfolds, Arthie finds herself in the midst of a conspiracy that will threaten the world as she knows it.
From the New York Times—bestselling author of We Hunt the Flame comes the first book in a hotly anticipated fantasy duology teeming with romance and revenge, led by an orphan girl willing to do whatever it takes to save her self-made kingdom. Dark, action-packed, and swoonworthy, this is Hafsah Faizal better than ever.]]>
I'm surprised really.
This book was all over the place. The writing was hard to follow at times and it lost the steamroll that was initially present in the beginning. This is marketed as a heist story and unfortunately, 85% of the book is truly spent of the team preparing for the heist and instead of when they start to execute said heist. That meant the book dragged on for needless chapters. There is potential for a better sequel - I could see that clearly in the character development for some like Arthie, Jin, and Flick. Their build-up and growth to the people they become in the present-day storyline was well done. I'm hoping to see that be the case for other characters. ]]>
author: Hafsah Faizal
name: Lex
average rating: 3.49
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2024/06/08
date added: 2024/08/11
shelves:
review:
I really love her other books so I was certain this would be a hit for me.
I'm surprised really.
This book was all over the place. The writing was hard to follow at times and it lost the steamroll that was initially present in the beginning. This is marketed as a heist story and unfortunately, 85% of the book is truly spent of the team preparing for the heist and instead of when they start to execute said heist. That meant the book dragged on for needless chapters. There is potential for a better sequel - I could see that clearly in the character development for some like Arthie, Jin, and Flick. Their build-up and growth to the people they become in the present-day storyline was well done. I'm hoping to see that be the case for other characters.
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In Autumn, Clara wants nothing to do with her power. It's wild and volatile, and the price of her magic―losing the ones she loves―is too high, despite the need to control the increasingly dangerous weather.
In Winter, the world is on the precipice of disaster. Fires burn, storms rage, and Clara accepts that she's the only one who can make a difference.
In Spring, she falls for Sang, the witch training her. As her magic grows, so do her feelings, until she's terrified Sang will be the next one she loses.
In Summer, Clara must choose between her power and her happiness, her duty and the people she loves... before she loses Sang, her magic, and thrusts the world into chaos.
Practical Magic meets Twister in this debut contemporary fantasy standalone about heartbreaking power, the terror of our collapsing atmosphere, and the ways we unknowingly change our fate.]]>
The only stakes in the book were the mc learning to control the weather and her powers. That is literally it. Because of that, it was unnecessarily long and boring. The saving grace would have been the character development but I did not feel like there was much there for any of the characters. Considering that the mc is supposed to be "the special chosen one", there wasn't much she could do. And even at the end of the book, I was expecting a grander display of her abilities having followed her quite literally from the beginning to the end of her training journey.
Overall, not my cup of tea. ]]>
author: Rachel Griffin
name: Lex
average rating: 3.79
book published: 2021
rating: 2
read at: 2024/06/04
date added: 2024/08/11
shelves:
review:
I liked the concept but feel like it fell flat due to poor execution.
The only stakes in the book were the mc learning to control the weather and her powers. That is literally it. Because of that, it was unnecessarily long and boring. The saving grace would have been the character development but I did not feel like there was much there for any of the characters. Considering that the mc is supposed to be "the special chosen one", there wasn't much she could do. And even at the end of the book, I was expecting a grander display of her abilities having followed her quite literally from the beginning to the end of her training journey.
Overall, not my cup of tea.
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King Harristan was thrust into power after his parents' shocking assassination, leaving the younger Prince Corrick to take on the brutal role of the King's Justice. The brothers have learned to react mercilessly to any sign of rebellion--it's the only way to maintain order when the sickness can strike anywhere, and the only known cure, an elixir made from delicate Moonflower petals, is severely limited.
Out in the Wilds, apothecary apprentice Tessa Cade is tired of seeing her neighbors die, their suffering ignored by the unyielding royals. Every night, she and her best friend Wes risk their lives to steal Moonflower petals and distribute the elixir to those who need it most--but it's still not enough.
As rumors spread that the cure no longer works and sparks of rebellion begin to flare, a particularly cruel act from the King's Justice makes Tessa desperate enough to try the impossible: sneaking into the palace. But what she finds upon her arrival makes her wonder if it's even possible to fix Kandala without destroying it first.]]>
Update: A reread of this book, and I would still agree with my initial opinions. This is a story best enjoyed by people who don't mind political intrigue and I do think for a YA book this is still a very well written story that could be enjoyed by multiple audiences.]]>
author: Brigid Kemmerer
name: Lex
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at: 2024/05/06
date added: 2024/08/11
shelves:
review:
To get the most out of this book, you have to like political intrigue, war, and also revolutionary stories. That's what this is - and it examines both sides of the coin. I loved it and I'm seriously looking forward to book two!
Update: A reread of this book, and I would still agree with my initial opinions. This is a story best enjoyed by people who don't mind political intrigue and I do think for a YA book this is still a very well written story that could be enjoyed by multiple audiences.
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A soldier raised as heir to an empire, Zarrah is motivated by two truths. The first is that the Veliant family murdered her mother. And the second is that her pursuit of vengeance will put every last one of them in their graves.
The Endless War between Maridrina and Valcotta has raged for generations, leaving thousands of Zarrah’s people dead and countless more orphaned. So when she’s given command of the contested city of Nerastis, Zarrah is prepared to do whatever it takes to destroy the Maridrinian forces who oppose her. And to kill the Veliant prince who leads them.
Yet a chance encounter with an anonymous, and handsome, Maridrinian causes Zarrah to question whether the violence she’s perpetrated is justice or a crime. And as she continues to meet the nameless man each night, she finds common ground - and fiery passion - in his arms.
But when identities are revealed, Zarrah must decide whether to embrace a chance at peace…or march to the drums of war.]]>
author: Danielle L. Jensen
name: Lex
average rating: 4.11
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at: 2024/07/12
date added: 2024/08/11
shelves:
review:
Jensen has quickly become one of my favorite authors. Every book I've read from her has been a 4.5 star or 5 star! This entire series for me has been a 5-star. It's witty at times, and fast-paced, the plot twists are usually unpredictable, and the spice is usually done very well. I can't recommend this series enough if you love the enemies-to-lover trope!
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author: Sarah J. Maas
name: Lex
average rating: 3.77
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at: 2021/02/27
date added: 2024/07/02
shelves:
review:
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Sylina has sacrificed everything for her goddess–her soul, her freedom, her eyes. Life in service to the Arachessen, a cult of the Goddess of Fate, has turned Sylina from orphaned street-rat to disciplined killer, determined to overthrow Glaea’s tyrannical king. But when a brutal vampire conqueror arrives on their shores, Sylina faces an even deadlier adversary. She’s tasked with a crucial mission: infiltrate his army, earn his trust� and kill him.
Atrius is a terrifying warrior carving an unstoppable path through Glaea. Yet when Sylina becomes his seer, she glimpses a dark and shocking past–and a side of him that reminds her far too much of parts of herself she’d rather forget. Sylina’s orders are clear. The conqueror cannot live. But as the blood spilled by Glaea’s tyrant king runs thicker, her connection with Atrius only grows stronger. A connection forbidden by her vows. A connection that could cost her everything.
Slaying the Vampire Conqueror is a standalone fantasy romance set in the Crowns of Nyaxia world, full of heart-wrenching forbidden romance, dark curses, and epic battles � perfect for fans of The Bridge Kingdom and the From Blood and Ash series.]]>
I like how these are not necessarily your traditionally pretty mcs! Our mc is beautiful and blind. And our mmc has horns. Not conventional and I really like that.
The way the magic is used was also very intriguing. You get to understand how and why it is used and then eventually figure out how it will connect to the vampire mmc.
The romance was very realistic and a slow burn! Compared to my thoughts on the novella, the spice in this was good to me!
I think Carissa has done a great job looping this to her other series, and it was a nice change from the other characters in the world - and a necessary one I think. I hope she writes a similar story but with different characters. I specifically think it would be great to see her write one on some of the other magical beings like our mc in this book - not just the vampires.]]>
author: Carissa Broadbent
name: Lex
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2023
rating: 5
read at: 2024/05/16
date added: 2024/06/10
shelves:
review:
Fantastic!
I like how these are not necessarily your traditionally pretty mcs! Our mc is beautiful and blind. And our mmc has horns. Not conventional and I really like that.
The way the magic is used was also very intriguing. You get to understand how and why it is used and then eventually figure out how it will connect to the vampire mmc.
The romance was very realistic and a slow burn! Compared to my thoughts on the novella, the spice in this was good to me!
I think Carissa has done a great job looping this to her other series, and it was a nice change from the other characters in the world - and a necessary one I think. I hope she writes a similar story but with different characters. I specifically think it would be great to see her write one on some of the other magical beings like our mc in this book - not just the vampires.
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Spending her days pretending to be nothing more than a vapid young socialite, Rune spends her nights as the Crimson Moth, a witch vigilante who rescues her kind from being purged. When a rescue goes wrong, she decides to throw the witch hunters off her scent and gain the intel she desperately needs by courting the handsome Gideon Sharpe � a notorious and unforgiving witch hunter loyal to the revolution � who she can't help but find herself falling for.
Gideon loathes the decadence and superficiality Rune represents, but when he learns the Crimson Moth has been using Rune’s merchant ships to smuggle renegade witches out of the republic, he inserts himself into her social circles by pretending to court her right back. He soon realizes that beneath her beauty and shallow façade, is someone fiercely intelligent and tender who feels like his perfect match. Except, what if she’s the very villain he’s been hunting?
Kristen Ciccarelli’s The Crimson Moth is the thrilling start to a romantic fantasy duology where the only thing more treacherous than being a witch� is falling in love.]]>
It was a little cliche in like one area - and that was how the romance played out. But otherwise, this was completely interesting and a very paced read.
There is some inclusion of some rare touches like fashion design, opera houses, high-society parties, and how spells are used and incorporated into the witch world.
I also really like who the mcs were developed. Especially the mmc - his backstory and explanation for why he is the way he is - very believable. And like wise, the brother is so kind and superficial that you can tell he is hiding something - I'm excited to see what that is.
I was engaged from start to finish and I loved the two twists at the end. I do hope Kristen incorporates even more spells into her next series so that we can guess how they're being used in the story. That was arguably my favorite part - trying to figure out how the spells fit into the storyline and why the could or couldn't be used! ]]>
author: Kristen Ciccarelli
name: Lex
average rating: 4.16
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2024/05/11
date added: 2024/06/10
shelves:
review:
I loved this witchy delight!
It was a little cliche in like one area - and that was how the romance played out. But otherwise, this was completely interesting and a very paced read.
There is some inclusion of some rare touches like fashion design, opera houses, high-society parties, and how spells are used and incorporated into the witch world.
I also really like who the mcs were developed. Especially the mmc - his backstory and explanation for why he is the way he is - very believable. And like wise, the brother is so kind and superficial that you can tell he is hiding something - I'm excited to see what that is.
I was engaged from start to finish and I loved the two twists at the end. I do hope Kristen incorporates even more spells into her next series so that we can guess how they're being used in the story. That was arguably my favorite part - trying to figure out how the spells fit into the storyline and why the could or couldn't be used!
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The Diamond
Death walks alongside me,
But the reaper is no match for me.
I'm trapped in a world full of monsters dressed as men, and those who aren't as they seem.
They won't keep me forever.
I no longer recognize the person I've become,
And I'm fighting to find my way back to the beast who hunts me in the night.
They call me a diamond,
But they've only created an angel of death.
The Hunter
I was born a predator,
With ruthlessness ingrained in my bones.
When what's mine is stolen from me in the night,
Like a diamond hidden within a fortress,
I find that I can no longer contain the beast.
Blood will paint the ground as I tear apart this world to find her.
And bring her back to where she belongs.
No one will escape my wrath,
Especially not those who have betrayed me.
Warning: This is the second and final installment to the Duet. You must read Haunting Adeline first.]]>
Obviously this was marketed as a dark "romance". But the "romance" part was completely removed from this book unlike in book 1. It is just dark.
Not really a spoiler if you've read book 1 because you already get a hint - But nearly 60% of this book is SA and trauma of the mc. Then the other 30% is her trying to cope. Only 10% of it is what I would call trauma bonding - not romance.
It really veered off from the relationship that had sort of built up in book one - which I rated high. This book completely undid all of that. And while I can understand not wanting to shy away from tough topics including all of the trauma that is this book, it was to a point where after all of that, the healing/growth aspect should have taken just as long to highlight how important that is! It felt like the ending was just rushed to try to make a HEA but instead it came off as abusive and gaslighting. Zade obviously was never a good man, but [email protected] was hoping for some sort of growth. And instead what we got instead of the healing from a partner who is also hoping to grow, he wants to be called a God while Adeline remains a whore. Even while she is trying to restablish her "space", Zade is borderline in respecting those boundaries. Instead it felt to me, like him trying to break them down after her trauma, and we get him fully acknowledging this at times, but "its just how he is" and "she'll never get away because he needs her". Your woman has literally been through it, and if she's telling you she needs space, you can't do that? Gaslighting, no growth, BS.
And more gaslighting sadly comes from Adeline who eventually caves in to what Zade needs more than what she truly may need. She justifies this because she "likes" Zade, when instead it came across to me, like someone not yet fully healed, someone trauma bonding, and stockholm syndrome. After everything she went through, there is even a point where she's sort of realizing this, but instead continues to press on with Zade. I think this is most evident in the first spice scene between them, if you can call it that.
Again, there was no semblance of dark romance to me even at the end. They just both seemed broken and okay with remaining as such, and that to me, just makes the storyline throughout both books incredibly sad.
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author: H.D. Carlton
name: Lex
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2022
rating: 2
read at: 2024/05/23
date added: 2024/06/10
shelves:
review:
This is somewhere between a 2-3 star for me.
Obviously this was marketed as a dark "romance". But the "romance" part was completely removed from this book unlike in book 1. It is just dark.
Not really a spoiler if you've read book 1 because you already get a hint - But nearly 60% of this book is SA and trauma of the mc. Then the other 30% is her trying to cope. Only 10% of it is what I would call trauma bonding - not romance.
It really veered off from the relationship that had sort of built up in book one - which I rated high. This book completely undid all of that. And while I can understand not wanting to shy away from tough topics including all of the trauma that is this book, it was to a point where after all of that, the healing/growth aspect should have taken just as long to highlight how important that is! It felt like the ending was just rushed to try to make a HEA but instead it came off as abusive and gaslighting. Zade obviously was never a good man, but [email protected] was hoping for some sort of growth. And instead what we got instead of the healing from a partner who is also hoping to grow, he wants to be called a God while Adeline remains a whore. Even while she is trying to restablish her "space", Zade is borderline in respecting those boundaries. Instead it felt to me, like him trying to break them down after her trauma, and we get him fully acknowledging this at times, but "its just how he is" and "she'll never get away because he needs her". Your woman has literally been through it, and if she's telling you she needs space, you can't do that? Gaslighting, no growth, BS.
And more gaslighting sadly comes from Adeline who eventually caves in to what Zade needs more than what she truly may need. She justifies this because she "likes" Zade, when instead it came across to me, like someone not yet fully healed, someone trauma bonding, and stockholm syndrome. After everything she went through, there is even a point where she's sort of realizing this, but instead continues to press on with Zade. I think this is most evident in the first spice scene between them, if you can call it that.
Again, there was no semblance of dark romance to me even at the end. They just both seemed broken and okay with remaining as such, and that to me, just makes the storyline throughout both books incredibly sad.
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Bound in an unwanted marriage, Freya spends her days gutting fish, but dreams of becoming a warrior. And of putting an axe in her boorish husband’s back.
Freya’s dreams abruptly become reality when her husband betrays her to the region’s jarl, landing her in a fight to the death against his son, Bjorn. To survive, Freya is forced to reveal her deepest secret: She possesses a drop of a goddess’s blood, which makes her a shield maiden with magic capable of repelling any attack. It was foretold such a magic would unite the fractured nation of Skaland beneath the one who controls the shield maiden’s fate.
Believing he’s destined to rule Skaland as king, the fanatical jarl binds Freya with a blood oath and orders Bjorn to protect her from their enemies. Desperate to prove her strength, Freya must train to fight and learn to control her magic, all while facing perilous tests set by the gods. The greatest test of all, however, may be resisting her forbidden attraction to Bjorn. If Freya succumbs to her lust for the charming and fierce warrior, she risks not only her own destiny but the fate of all the people she swore to protect.]]>
I think the viking aspect of the book is very well done - Jensen highlights the culture throughout and continuously enhances the world building and religion in the story. Its clear she'd done her research for this story.
I also like how it started off - very strong! But eventually, it lost it's steam somewhere in the middle of the book because it was just a lot of pining between characters to me. I also didn't really care for the father-son angle; when or if you read it, you'll know what I mean. Overall, I hope that she wraps up that angle, and while I can't believe I'm saying this, I also hope she focuses less on the angst between the two main characters. Jensen is very good at creating that angst between characters and equally good at story telling and world building.
The problem is that there was so much angst in this book, I wanted it to end every time so that I could get back to the plot which was arguably holding my attention more! The spice was also just okay! I feel like it was way better in her other work and I feel like she's found the perfect blend in her other series of spice, angst, and pushing plot! I've also rated her other books as 4 or 5 stars because of it.
However, this is the first book, where it felt like mostly angst, then pushing plot, and a little spice. The perfect balance just didn't present itself to me in this book just yet but I'm certain it will! ]]>
author: Danielle L. Jensen
name: Lex
average rating: 3.91
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2024/05/11
date added: 2024/06/10
shelves:
review:
This is somewhere between a 3 and 4 star for me.
I think the viking aspect of the book is very well done - Jensen highlights the culture throughout and continuously enhances the world building and religion in the story. Its clear she'd done her research for this story.
I also like how it started off - very strong! But eventually, it lost it's steam somewhere in the middle of the book because it was just a lot of pining between characters to me. I also didn't really care for the father-son angle; when or if you read it, you'll know what I mean. Overall, I hope that she wraps up that angle, and while I can't believe I'm saying this, I also hope she focuses less on the angst between the two main characters. Jensen is very good at creating that angst between characters and equally good at story telling and world building.
The problem is that there was so much angst in this book, I wanted it to end every time so that I could get back to the plot which was arguably holding my attention more! The spice was also just okay! I feel like it was way better in her other work and I feel like she's found the perfect blend in her other series of spice, angst, and pushing plot! I've also rated her other books as 4 or 5 stars because of it.
However, this is the first book, where it felt like mostly angst, then pushing plot, and a little spice. The perfect balance just didn't present itself to me in this book just yet but I'm certain it will!
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In modern-day New York, magic is all but extinct. The remaining few who have an affinity for magic—the Mageus—live in the shadows, hiding who they are. Any Mageus who enters Manhattan becomes trapped by the Brink, a dark energy barrier that confines them to the island. Crossing it means losing their power—and often their lives.
Esta is a talented thief, and she’s been raised to steal magical artifacts from the sinister Order that created the Brink. With her innate ability to manipulate time, Esta can pilfer from the past, collecting these artifacts before the Order even realizes she’s there. And all of Esta’s training has been for one final job: traveling back to 1902 to steal an ancient book containing the secrets of the Order—and the Brink—before the Magician can destroy it and doom the Mageus to a hopeless future.
But Old New York is a dangerous world ruled by ruthless gangs and secret societies, a world where the very air crackles with magic. Nothing is as it seems, including the Magician himself. And for Esta to save her future, she may have to betray everyone in the past.]]>
Having gone through so many other YA books since then, I really appreciate the fact that Maxwell does not infantilize her characters because they are young. If anything, she's written them a little more mature than one may expect.
I love the mcs and I feel like there chemistry is very believable - and its clear that it is going to be a slow burn. I feel like the twist wasn't necessarily one I would have seen coming.
If you like urban fantasies, I do think this is a great book. There are many different povs and characters but for me, it somehow worked and it was also a very fast paced read despite being so chunky. ]]>
author: Lisa Maxwell
name: Lex
average rating: 4.02
book published: 2017
rating: 5
read at: 2024/05/04
date added: 2024/06/10
shelves:
review:
A reread and just as good as the first time I read it!
Having gone through so many other YA books since then, I really appreciate the fact that Maxwell does not infantilize her characters because they are young. If anything, she's written them a little more mature than one may expect.
I love the mcs and I feel like there chemistry is very believable - and its clear that it is going to be a slow burn. I feel like the twist wasn't necessarily one I would have seen coming.
If you like urban fantasies, I do think this is a great book. There are many different povs and characters but for me, it somehow worked and it was also a very fast paced read despite being so chunky.
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A woman can be great, and terrible too.
Evelina Westerly has always been the bad guy. As the brains, brawn, and botanist behind her family's drug empire, she's her father's ruthless secret weapon. With her days divided between perfecting her greenhouse, seeking revenge for her sister's murder, and putting a gun to the head of anyone in her way, Evelina doesn't have time for anything else. Especially not for love. After a one-night stand with a gorgeous man at a nightclub, she's sated her urges and is back to her criminal ways. That is, until that same man shows up as the new Westerly lackey...under a totally different name.
But Nicholas Woodsworth's real secret is much more dangerous than an alias. He's an undercover DEA agent, and he's hell-bent on destroying the drug trade that devastated his family. When he realizes the youngest daughter of the Westerly empire is the same woman he's been fantasizing about since that night at the club, attraction wars violently with disgust. Evelina embodies everything he's against, and he's been sent here to be her downfall. Yet the more they learn about the darkness in each other's hearts, the more alike they seem, and when hatred turns to something more, Nicholas will have to decide whether he can love a wretched woman, even if it means bringing both of their lives to ruin.
Wretched is a dark, contemporary romance and the third complete standalone in The Never After Series: A collection of fractured fairy tales inspired by our favorite villains. It is not fantasy and it is not a retelling. Reader discretion is advised. For all content warnings check the author's website. ]]>
The mc and the mmcs are idiots. The "chemistry" is pure lust as explained by their unprotected hookup in the bathroom stall as their first meeting. If you like it great. But just like in real life, I need some warm-up first. Like grease the wheels before giving everything a go please. And after, our mc is too slow to think about the "consequences" which translates to "why are you making the characters have sex, if they can't think about the after math as the adults you've written them to be".
Again, it kinda goes back to the author infantilizing or "tweening" her characters in previous books and she does the same thing again in this book. I gave it a shot up until about 70% of the book so that I wouldn't be basing my DNF on two or three pages. And still, even nearing the end of the book, it was cringeworthy and continues to feel like the target audience is teens and college students. Again there isn't really any type of emotional connection between the two characters which is odd, because she did establish one between the characters in book two.
Beyond my other issues was the quoting Shakespeare during boinking. That really sent me. ]]>
author: Emily McIntire
name: Lex
average rating: 3.84
book published: 2022
rating: 1
read at: 2024/04/14
date added: 2024/06/10
shelves:
review:
Maybe I'm weird but I do need a touch of realism in my fantasy novels.
The mc and the mmcs are idiots. The "chemistry" is pure lust as explained by their unprotected hookup in the bathroom stall as their first meeting. If you like it great. But just like in real life, I need some warm-up first. Like grease the wheels before giving everything a go please. And after, our mc is too slow to think about the "consequences" which translates to "why are you making the characters have sex, if they can't think about the after math as the adults you've written them to be".
Again, it kinda goes back to the author infantilizing or "tweening" her characters in previous books and she does the same thing again in this book. I gave it a shot up until about 70% of the book so that I wouldn't be basing my DNF on two or three pages. And still, even nearing the end of the book, it was cringeworthy and continues to feel like the target audience is teens and college students. Again there isn't really any type of emotional connection between the two characters which is odd, because she did establish one between the characters in book two.
Beyond my other issues was the quoting Shakespeare during boinking. That really sent me.
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This is a tale of murder.
Or maybe that’s not quite true. At its heart, it’s a love story, isn’t it?
Lana Farrar is a reclusive ex–movie star and one of the most famous women in the world. Every year, she invites her closest friends to escape the English weather and spend Easter on her idyllic private Greek island.
I tell you this because you may think you know this story. You probably read about it at the time � it caused a real stir in the tabloids, if you remember. It had all the necessary ingredients for a press a celebrity; a private island cut off by the wind…and a murder.
We found ourselves trapped there overnight. Our old friendships concealed hatred and a desire for revenge. What followed was a game of cat and mouse � a battle of wits, full of twists and turns, building to an unforgettable climax. The night ended in violence and death, as one of us was found murdered.
But who am I?
My name is Elliot Chase, and I’m going to tell you a story unlike any you’ve ever heard.]]>
I had to finish listening on audiobook! All the twisty goodness and action happens at the end, but I was hoping Alex would put a little suspense or action in throughout like he did with his other books. Instead this one sort of just focuses on memories and emotions!
Still not bad, and I like how he is looping all of his books together! ]]>
author: Alex Michaelides
name: Lex
average rating: 3.34
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2024/04/15
date added: 2024/06/10
shelves:
review:
Very slow!
I had to finish listening on audiobook! All the twisty goodness and action happens at the end, but I was hoping Alex would put a little suspense or action in throughout like he did with his other books. Instead this one sort of just focuses on memories and emotions!
Still not bad, and I like how he is looping all of his books together!
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A mind-blowing murder mystery on a ship full of magical passengers. If Agatha Christie wrote fantasy, this would be it!
For a thousand years, Concordia has maintained peace between its provinces. To mark this incredible feat, the emperor’s ship embarks upon a twelve-day voyage to the sacred Goddess’s Mountain. Aboard are the twelve heirs of the provinces of Concordia, each graced with a unique and secret magical ability known as a Blessing.
All except one: Ganymedes Piscero—class clown, slacker and all-around disappointment.
When a beloved heir is murdered, everyone is a suspect. Stuck at sea and surrounded by powerful people and without a Blessing to protect him, Ganymedes’s odds of survival are slim.
But as the bodies pile higher, Ganymedes must become the hero he was not born to be. Can he unmask the killer and their secret Blessing before this bloody crusade reaches the shores of Concordia?
Or will the empire as he knows it fall?]]>
While this book did try a little to hard to be funny in some instances - there were plenty of times where the dead-pan humor worked really well!
Dee is a very memorable character and that is rare for me. A book is only a favorite of mine if the characters are memorable. That to me means that the development was spot on enough to resonate with me in some way. Grasshopper was also one of my faves!
As for the story line, I saw one or two of the twists coming and a couple that I didn't. It is a murder mystery read, so I'd say it's perfect for a weekend getaway or traveling as I found it to be quite engaging.
The world building is very hefty! So the maps and guides in the beginning are extremely important. Without giving to much away, it is a very fast paced book so you get introduced to a lot of characters quickly...That said, some are more flushed out than others, but all equally important. You also get some backstory for some side pieces lol
This is a highlight read and will be one of my faves of the year! The only thing I wasn't a fan of was the wishy wash romance - The premise of an open relationship could have work here but there wasn't much discussion of it. Just a hookup between some characters and then back to square one which sucked.
Other than that, I'd recommend giving it a shot! ]]>
author: Frances White
name: Lex
average rating: 3.80
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/04/14
date added: 2024/06/10
shelves:
review:
This was such a fun read.
While this book did try a little to hard to be funny in some instances - there were plenty of times where the dead-pan humor worked really well!
Dee is a very memorable character and that is rare for me. A book is only a favorite of mine if the characters are memorable. That to me means that the development was spot on enough to resonate with me in some way. Grasshopper was also one of my faves!
As for the story line, I saw one or two of the twists coming and a couple that I didn't. It is a murder mystery read, so I'd say it's perfect for a weekend getaway or traveling as I found it to be quite engaging.
The world building is very hefty! So the maps and guides in the beginning are extremely important. Without giving to much away, it is a very fast paced book so you get introduced to a lot of characters quickly...That said, some are more flushed out than others, but all equally important. You also get some backstory for some side pieces lol
This is a highlight read and will be one of my faves of the year! The only thing I wasn't a fan of was the wishy wash romance - The premise of an open relationship could have work here but there wasn't much discussion of it. Just a hookup between some characters and then back to square one which sucked.
Other than that, I'd recommend giving it a shot!
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Prince Tristan Faasa was never destined for the throne. That was always his brother, Michael. The same brother responsible for both Tristan's tormented childhood and the scar that mars his face. When their father dies, Michael is set to assume the throne, and Tristan is set to steal it. The leader of a secret rebellion, Tristan will stop at nothing to end his brother's reign. But when Michael's new betrothed, Lady Sara Beatreaux arrives, Tristan finds himself in the middle of a new kind of war. The kind that begs the question of what's more important, the crown or the woman about to wear it.
Sara has one plan. Marry the King and eradicate the Faasa line, even at the risk of her own peril. But she never expects the Scarred Prince. He's dangerous. Forbidden. And one of the men she's been sent to kill. But the line between hatred and passion has never seemed so thin, and as secrets come to light, Sara grows unsure of whom she can trust—torn between vengeance and the villain she was never supposed to love.
Scarred is a DARK Royal Romance and a complete standalone within The Never After Series (A series of fractured fairy tales inspired by our favorite villains). It is not a retelling or fantasy. It contains subject matter which may be triggering for some. Reader discretion is advised. ]]>
The characters were a little more interesting and didn't quite behave as teenagers compared to book one. I also found the story line to be better. The Lion King references were not so over the top either.
Forging on to book 3 to see if perhaps only book one was just not the strong start it could have been. ]]>
author: Emily McIntire
name: Lex
average rating: 3.87
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at: 2024/04/11
date added: 2024/06/10
shelves:
review:
Much better than the first to me.
The characters were a little more interesting and didn't quite behave as teenagers compared to book one. I also found the story line to be better. The Lion King references were not so over the top either.
Forging on to book 3 to see if perhaps only book one was just not the strong start it could have been.
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He wants revenge, but he wants her more�
James has always had one agenda: destroy his enemy, Peter Michaels. When Peter’s twenty-year-old daughter Wendy shows up in James’s bar, he sees his way in. Seduce the girl and use her for his revenge. It’s the perfect plan, until things in James’s organization begin to crumble. Suddenly, he has to find the traitor in his midst, and his plan for revenge gets murkier as James starts to see Wendy as more than just a pawn in his game.
Wendy has been cloistered away most of her life by her wealthy cold father, but a spontaneous night out with friends turns into an intense and addictive love affair with the dark and brooding James. As much as she knows James is dangerous, Wendy can’t seem to shake her desire for him. But as their relationship grows more heated and she learns more about the world he moves in, she finds herself unsure if she’s falling for the man known as James or the monster known as Hook.
Hooked is a dark contemporary romance and the first complete standalone in the Never After Series: A collection of fractured fairy tales where the villains get the happy ever after. It is not a literal retelling and not fantasy. Hooked features mature themes and content that may not be suitable for all audiences. Reader discretion is advised. For all content warnings, check the author's website. ]]>
Both the mc and mmc were annoying af. Despite being marketed as a dark romance, the leads came off as teenagers to me and that is a huge pet peeve of mine. If you're going to write an adult romance, the characters should read and say adult things and vice versa for other audiences. I think Tiktok played a huge part in it - as the main ones I saw reviewing or reading this story were teenagers or college students. I'll give the sequels a shot but not impressed this far and may eventually try Katee Roberts Disney stories instead. ]]>
author: Emily McIntire
name: Lex
average rating: 3.78
book published: 2021
rating: 2
read at: 2024/03/17
date added: 2024/06/10
shelves:
review:
I really wanted to like this series and thought I would because of the Disney retellings.
Both the mc and mmc were annoying af. Despite being marketed as a dark romance, the leads came off as teenagers to me and that is a huge pet peeve of mine. If you're going to write an adult romance, the characters should read and say adult things and vice versa for other audiences. I think Tiktok played a huge part in it - as the main ones I saw reviewing or reading this story were teenagers or college students. I'll give the sequels a shot but not impressed this far and may eventually try Katee Roberts Disney stories instead.
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Lilith has been dying since the day she was born. But while she long ago came to terms with her own imminent death, the deaths of everyone she loves is an entirely different matter. As her town slowly withers in the clutches of a mysterious god-cursed illness, she takes matters into her own hands.
Desperate to find a cure, Lilith strikes a bargain with the only thing the gods hate even more than her village: a vampire, Vale. She offers him six roses in exchange for six vials of vampire blood–the one hope for her town’s salvation.
But when what begins as a simple transaction gradually becomes something more, Lilith is faced with a terrifying realization: It’s dangerous to wander into the clutches of a vampire� and in a place already suffering a god’s wrath, more dangerous still to fall in love with one.
Six Scorched Roses is a standalone fantasy romance novella set in the world of the Crowns of Nyaxia series, perfect for those who love dark, romantic tales with bite and fans of Sarah J. Maas or Jennifer L. Armentrout.]]>
My only caveat was that I did think the spice was going to be a lot hotter! It read as a little awkward between the two. Couldn't tell if that was intentional or not which to me means, a little more was needed in the "spice" scenes so readers could tell. ]]>
author: Carissa Broadbent
name: Lex
average rating: 4.25
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2024/03/03
date added: 2024/06/10
shelves:
review:
This was an incredible novella - arguably one of the few I've read in a long time that actually added so much value to the main story!
My only caveat was that I did think the spice was going to be a lot hotter! It read as a little awkward between the two. Couldn't tell if that was intentional or not which to me means, a little more was needed in the "spice" scenes so readers could tell.
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In the small mountain town of Jasper, North Carolina, June Farrow is waiting for fate to find her. The Farrow women are known for their thriving flower farm—and the mysterious curse that has plagued their family line. The whole town remembers the madness that led to Susanna Farrow’s disappearance, leaving June to be raised by her grandmother and haunted by rumors.
It’s been a year since June started seeing and hearing things that weren’t there. Faint wind chimes, a voice calling her name, and a mysterious door appearing out of nowhere—the signs of what June always knew was coming. But June is determined to end the curse once and for all, even if she must sacrifice finding love and having a family of her own.
After her grandmother’s death, June discovers a series of cryptic clues regarding her mother’s decades-old disappearance, except they only lead to more questions. But could the door she once assumed was a hallucination be the answer she’s been searching for? The next time it appears, June realizes she can touch it and walk past the threshold. And when she does, she embarks on a journey that will not only change both the past and the future, but also uncover the lingering mysteries of her small town and entangle her heart in an epic star-crossed love.
With The Unmaking of June Farrow, Adrienne Young delivers a brilliant novel of romance, mystery, and a touch of the impossible—a story you will never forget.]]>
It is a very flowery book so yes, it drags at times. The narrator (June) is somewhat unreliable and dull so there are times were it was hard to follow along.
The emotional aspect of the book was probably the most well done. Everything and everyone had a reason to feel what they were feeling. Even the antagonist had a compelling reason.
My biggest issue without given to much away, is that there is a curse that plagues the characters in this book...and while there is somewhat of an explanation - I was hoping for more in terms of the origins.
It read as a standalone, but I would love to see Young tie this book and Spells of Forgetting together with a final third book that offers a more in depth conclusion to all of the questions you have concerning magic in both worlds. ]]>
author: Adrienne Young
name: Lex
average rating: 4.13
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2024/03/03
date added: 2024/06/10
shelves:
review:
For a magical realism book, I'm not mad at it!
It is a very flowery book so yes, it drags at times. The narrator (June) is somewhat unreliable and dull so there are times were it was hard to follow along.
The emotional aspect of the book was probably the most well done. Everything and everyone had a reason to feel what they were feeling. Even the antagonist had a compelling reason.
My biggest issue without given to much away, is that there is a curse that plagues the characters in this book...and while there is somewhat of an explanation - I was hoping for more in terms of the origins.
It read as a standalone, but I would love to see Young tie this book and Spells of Forgetting together with a final third book that offers a more in depth conclusion to all of the questions you have concerning magic in both worlds.
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Niamh Kelly is dead. Her troubled twin, Ciara, now masquerades as the benevolent witch as Her Majesty's Royal Coven prepares to crown her High Preistess.
Suffering from amnesia, Ciara can't remember what she's done--but if she wants to survive, she must fool Niamh's adopted family and friends; the coven; and the murky Shadow Cabinet--a secret group of mundane civil servants who are already suspicious of witches. While she tries to rebuild her past, she realizes none of her past has forgotten her, including her former lover, renegade warlock Dabney Hale.
On the other end of the continent, Leonie Jackman is in search of Hale, rumored to be seeking a dark object of ultimate power somehow connected to the upper echelons of the British government. If the witches can't figure out Hale's machinations, and fast, all of witchkind will be in grave danger--along with the fate of all (wo)mankind.
Sharp, funny, provocative, and joyous, Juno Dawson's sequel reimagines everything you think you knew about her coven and her witches in a story that spans continents and dives deep into the roots of England and its witchcraft. Ciara, Leonie, Elle, and Theo are fierce, angry, sexy, warm--and absolutely unapologetic as they fight for what they believe in, all in the name of sisterhood.]]>
The twists were top tier - following book one's cliff hanger - it went exactly as I expected and then some. I also appreciate that the book didn't play the "guessing game" for the entire book. That would have honestly been annoying.
The characters overall were more emotional in this book and also flushed out. I was pleasantly surprised by some of the male character arcs.
I would definitely think that if you're a big fan of any witchy books, you will not be disappointed by this sequel! ]]>
author: Juno Dawson
name: Lex
average rating: 4.20
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2024/03/05
date added: 2024/06/10
shelves:
review:
This was not a bad sequel but felt drawn out in areas. It could have been shorter in some chapters.
The twists were top tier - following book one's cliff hanger - it went exactly as I expected and then some. I also appreciate that the book didn't play the "guessing game" for the entire book. That would have honestly been annoying.
The characters overall were more emotional in this book and also flushed out. I was pleasantly surprised by some of the male character arcs.
I would definitely think that if you're a big fan of any witchy books, you will not be disappointed by this sequel!
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And a fierce killer of fae.
She marks her kills on a silver vambrace so everyone can see her savagery and stay away. As long as she keeps protecting downtrodden humans from monstrous fae-folk, and hiding the true reason for wearing magic-cutting silver, her loneliness is of no consequence. Selected for a high priority mission, she bravely heads into Elphyne, never expecting one of their worst waiting for her. Wanting her. Craving her.
Shade is sinfully attractive.
He's a vampire.
And the most hard to resist of the Fae Guardians.
From the Queen's bed to The Order, he uses the power of sex to get what he wants. Eventually they all succumb, and they all fall short of harmonizing with the darkness hidden in his soul�. until he finds the one woman who resists his every charm.
Seducing Silver will be a challenge, but it's one he was made for.
Nothing will get in his way. Not the evil creature terrorizing Elphyne. Not the human enemy with dastardly plans of their own. Not the Unseelie Queen’s obsession with him. Not even the betrayal of the one person who can hurt him the most.
This courting of savage hearts is a symphony.
And theirs will be one for history.
This final installment in the Season of the Vampire Fae Guardians Trilogy will have you screaming at the page in both encouragement and denial. Bring a tissue box for the tears... or submit to the ride. Things are about to get savage.]]>
author: Lana Pecherczyk
name: Lex
average rating: 4.25
book published: 2022
rating: 5
read at: 2024/02/22
date added: 2024/03/02
shelves:
review:
YASSSS! I can't begin to explain how much I loved this series. This is probably my favorite book thus far along with Thorn's. Shade was exactly who I'd thought he'd be and his dynamic with Silver was both sexy and hilarious. Lana's work truly does continue to get better and better!
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In the wake of the Kejari, everything Oraya once thought to be true has been destroyed. A prisoner in her own kingdom, grieving the only family she ever had, and reeling from a gutting betrayal, she no longer even knows the truth of her own blood. She’s left only with one certainty: she cannot trust anyone, least of all Raihn.
The House of Night, too, is surrounded by enemies. Raihn’s own nobles are none too eager to accept a Turned king, especially one who was once a slave. And the House of Blood digs their claws into the kingdom, threatening to tear it apart from the inside.
When Raihn offers Oraya a secret alliance, taking the deal is her only chance at reclaiming her kingdom–and gaining her vengeance against the lover who betrayed her. But to do so, she’ll need to harness a devastating ancient power, intertwined with her father’s greatest secrets.
But with enemies closing in on all sides, nothing is as it seems. As she unravels her past and faces her future, Oraya finds herself forced to choose between the bloody reality of seizing power � and the devastating love that could be her downfall.]]>
Firstly, I think that Oraya and Raihn's relationship sort of remained in the same spot - stagnant. They are both mad at each other and communicating poorly. And then vice versa, forgiving but bitter about some part of their relationship. The whole book. I just don't feel like there is much growth in their relationship. And it caused to the book to be longer than needed.
If anything Oraya and Raihn developed better with other characters and plot lines than with each other. Raihn's backstory was very well done and I felt like it made me understand him a little better. Likewise, Oraya learning more about her familial ties was perfect. I felt like her past relationship with Vincent made more sense.
Overall though, I didn't get or feel the sense that they were a good couple or a good king and queen. Maybe cameos in future books will change that.
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author: Carissa Broadbent
name: Lex
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2024/02/12
date added: 2024/03/02
shelves:
review:
I think this book is still under the same shroud that book one was. I think it will do good to switch to a new couple in the remaining books.
Firstly, I think that Oraya and Raihn's relationship sort of remained in the same spot - stagnant. They are both mad at each other and communicating poorly. And then vice versa, forgiving but bitter about some part of their relationship. The whole book. I just don't feel like there is much growth in their relationship. And it caused to the book to be longer than needed.
If anything Oraya and Raihn developed better with other characters and plot lines than with each other. Raihn's backstory was very well done and I felt like it made me understand him a little better. Likewise, Oraya learning more about her familial ties was perfect. I felt like her past relationship with Vincent made more sense.
Overall though, I didn't get or feel the sense that they were a good couple or a good king and queen. Maybe cameos in future books will change that.
]]>
That’s the brutal lesson Thorne learned as a young wolf-shifter. Abandoned as a child, singled out by an evil uncle, and then forced to work for the ruthless Order of the Well, Thorne’s anger was a weapon as much as his claws. Now a vicious Fae Guardian, he hunts monsters, the human enemy, and anything that gets in his way. On a mission to find his missing mentor, Thorne finds himself suddenly mated to Laurel, a beautiful, driven, but damaged human awoken from a time long since past.
A forced marriage is something neither of them want.
But everything they need.
Spending time with her teaches him that arm’s length might not be a good thing. Learning to love will mean scratching the surface of both their souls, revealing truths more painful than any wound. If he can get past the hurt, the pain, and the pride, Thorne will find a new use for his claws... to bury deep and never let her go.
But when a dark figure from Laurel's past catches up with her, it's not Thorne's claws in question. It's hers. If he can't stop her from exacting bitter revenge, she'll cost him the safety of his mentor and perhaps trigger a war. If he can learn to put his angry past behind him, open his heart and trust new friends, he just might be rewarded with more than an advantage in their ongoing war. He'll find love.
A gripping, new style of epic fantasy with steamy romance featuring a dash of time travel, monster hunting, fated mates, shifters, fae protectors and their strong willed women from our time. If you love your books full of page turning action, intrigue, and romantic tension then this book is for you. For fans of Kristen Ashley's Fantastical series or Sarah J Maas's adult fantasy romance.
More in the Fae Guardians Series; Season of the Wolf
The Longing of Lone Wolves
The Solace of Sharp Claws
The Dreams of Broken Kings]]>
author: Lana Pecherczyk
name: Lex
average rating: 4.14
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2024/02/08
date added: 2024/03/02
shelves:
review:
A reread and still one of my faves in the serie s
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For centuries, generations of Everlys have seen their brightest and best disappear, taken as punishment for a crime no one remembers, for a purpose no one understands. Their tormentor, a woman named Penelope, never ages, never grows sick � and never forgives a debt.
Violet Everly was a child when her mother left on a stormy night, determined to break the curse. When Marianne never returns, Penelope issues an ultimatum: Violet has ten years to find her mother, or she will take her place. Violet is the last of the Everly line, the last to suffer. Unless she can break it first.
To do so, she must descend into a seductive magical underworld of power-hungry scholars, fickle gods and monsters bent on revenge. She must also contend with Penelope’s quiet assistant, Aleksander, who she knows cannot be trusted � and yet whose knowledge of a world beyond her own is too valuable to avoid.
Tied to a very literal deadline, Violet will travel the edges of the world to find Marianne and the key to the city of stardust, where the Everly story began.]]>
Here's who may like it
� A slight touch of magical realism
� Star crossed lovers trope
� Emotional scenes
� Happily ever after & a sad ever after - you get a bittersweet ending
� Familial ties
� Mystery element and missing people
Here's who may not enjoy it
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author: Georgia Summers
name: Lex
average rating: 3.27
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/02/05
date added: 2024/03/02
shelves:
review:
This book contains some of my favorite quotes! Giving the way it was written, I didn't expect to like it as much as I did.
Here's who may like it
� A slight touch of magical realism
� Star crossed lovers trope
� Emotional scenes
� Happily ever after & a sad ever after - you get a bittersweet ending
� Familial ties
� Mystery element and missing people
Here's who may not enjoy it
]]>
When Violet inexplicably wakes thousands of years after a nuclear holocaust, she finds the world very different. Fae exist now. They’re vicious, animalistic monsters who pervert magic and can morph into any shape—including vampires. They hoard the bounty of the new world, and keep humans banished to the wasteland. At least, that’s what the humans of today have told her. Determined to make up for an unforgivable mistake in her past, she becomes a covert assassin and seeks revenge for her human brethren. And she’s good at it. But when the thing she hunts saves her life, injuring himself in the process� her crystal clarity suddenly becomes blurry.
Vampires are meant to be monsters, not protectors� not charismatic, annoyingly handsome and loyal and� everything.
Indigo is a Fae Guardian, and a ruthless vampire protector of Elphyne. The Order has tasked him with finding a human with deadly secrets before the unhinged Unseelie Queen, or the fanatical human leader, can exploit her. They chose him for one reason, and one reason only � the taste of human blood does things to him. Addictive, dark, insatiable things. And when he catches Violet’s scent, they know he’ll do everything in his power to covet her and keep her safe. But Indigo hides his own shameful secret in the shadows of his heart, and if it ever comes to light, Violet will never trust him. She’ll kill him.
The Secrets in Shadow and Blood is the next installment in the Fae Guardians series, and the first in the Season of the Vampire Trilogy. Each book features a separate couple with a satisfying HEA, but to enjoy the full benefits of the over arching plot, start the Fae Guardian journey with book one of Fae Guardians: Season of the Wolf. All Fae Guardian books include steamy romance, a splash of time travel, monster hunting, a band of brothers, fated mates, growly fae protectors, and their strong willed women from our time. If you love your books full of page turning action, romantic tension, and world building you can get lost in, then this series is for you. Warning: Trusting these seductive fae will lead to sleepless nights. But it will be worth it.]]>
author: Lana Pecherczyk
name: Lex
average rating: 4.14
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at: 2024/01/05
date added: 2024/03/02
shelves:
review:
If you made it past the wolf stories, you're going to love the vamps. Each book in this series continues to get better and better!
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Vanja Schmidt knows that no gift is freely given, not even a mother’s love―and she’s on the hook for one hell of a debt. Vanja, the adopted goddaughter of Death and Fortune, was Princess Gisele's dutiful servant up until a year ago. That was when Vanja’s otherworldly mothers demanded a terrible price for their care, and Vanja decided to steal her future back� by stealing Gisele’s life for herself.
The real Gisele is left a penniless nobody while Vanja uses an enchanted string of pearls to take her place. Now, Vanja leads a lonely but lucrative double life as princess and jewel thief, charming nobility while emptying their coffers to fund her great escape. Then, one heist away from freedom, Vanja crosses the wrong god and is cursed to an untimely end: turning into jewels, stone by stone, for her greed.
Vanja has just two weeks to figure out how to break her curse and make her getaway. And with a feral guardian half-god, Gisele’s sinister fiancé, and an overeager junior detective on Vanja’s tail, she’ll have to pull the biggest grift yet to save her own life.]]>
author: Margaret Owen
name: Lex
average rating: 4.24
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at: 2024/01/07
date added: 2024/03/02
shelves:
review:
A reread and still a favorite for me.
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Astounding Award Winner
Lambda Literary Award Finalist
Hugo Award Finalist
Locus Award Finalist
Otherwise Award Finalist
"Magnificent in every way."—Samantha Shannon, author of The Priory of the Orange Tree
"A dazzling new world of fate, war, love and betrayal."—Zen Cho, author of Black Water Sister
She Who Became the Sun reimagines the rise to power of the Ming Dynasty’s founding emperor.
To possess the Mandate of Heaven, the female monk Zhu will do anything
“I refuse to be nothing…�
In a famine-stricken village on a dusty yellow plain, two children are given two fates. A boy, greatness. A girl, nothingness�
In 1345, China lies under harsh Mongol rule. For the starving peasants of the Central Plains, greatness is something found only in stories. When the Zhu family’s eighth-born son, Zhu Chongba, is given a fate of greatness, everyone is mystified as to how it will come to pass. The fate of nothingness received by the family’s clever and capable second daughter, on the other hand, is only as expected.
When a bandit attack orphans the two children, though, it is Zhu Chongba who succumbs to despair and dies. Desperate to escape her own fated death, the girl uses her brother's identity to enter a monastery as a young male novice. There, propelled by her burning desire to survive, Zhu learns she is capable of doing whatever it takes, no matter how callous, to stay hidden from her fate.
After her sanctuary is destroyed for supporting the rebellion against Mongol rule, Zhu takes the chance to claim another future her brother's abandoned greatness.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.]]>
author: Shelley Parker-Chan
name: Lex
average rating: 3.87
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at: 2024/01/10
date added: 2024/03/02
shelves:
review:
If you’ve read The Poppy War and loved it � I just know you will love this book! It is so similar in so many ways: morally grey characters, brutal war scenes, political and war-based motives, awesome world-building, and emotional plots with emotional characters. There are several scenes in the book that are just so emotional that you almost feel like you’re one of the characters having to go through that particular experience. So the writing and character development were on point, to say the least. The Mulan aspect of it was also apparent and that is one of my all-time faves; that said the way gender identity and gender fluidity are explored through Zhu and Ouyang’s characters was one of my favorite parts about the book. My only little nitpick would probably come from some plot lines that would seemingly disconnect the fluidity of the story. For example, there are a few scenes that just send to the end abruptly and we don’t get as much resolution with the scenes as we do with others. This happens a lot in the middle of the book. Overall, it is a bit graphic so if you’ve not read The Poppy War, please keep that in mind. It’s an amazing read and I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys any of the aforementioned things.
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All Talasyn has ever known is the Hurricane Wars. Growing up an orphan in a nation under siege by the ruthless Night Emperor, Talasyn has found her family among the soldiers who fight for freedom. But she is hiding a deadly secret: light magic courses through her veins, a blazing power believed to have been wiped out years ago that can cut through the Night Empire's shadows.
Prince Alaric, the emperor's only son and heir, has been forged into a weapon by his father. Tasked with obliterating any threats to the Night Empire's rule with the strength of his armies and mighty Shadow magic, Alaric has never been bested. That is until he sees Talasyn burning brightly on the battlefield with the magic that killed his grandfather, turned his father into a monster, and ignited the Hurricane Wars. In a clash of light and dark, their powers merge and create a force the likes of which has never been seen.
Talasyn and Alaric both know this war can only end with them. But a greater threat is coming, and the strange new magic they can create together could be the only way to overcome it. Thrust into an uneasy alliance, they will confront the secrets at the heart of the war and find, in each other, a searing passion--one that could save their world...or destroy it.
An exquisite fantasy brimming with unforgettable characters, sizzling enemies-to-lovers romance, and richly drawn worlds, The Hurricane Wars marks the breathtaking debut of an extraordinary new writer.]]>
Nevertheless, here is who will like this book
� Fantasy or Sci-fi lovers
� Stars Wars fans may like it
� Enemies to lovers trope
� The chosen one trope
� Court Politics
Here is who may find issue with it
]]>
author: Thea Guanzon
name: Lex
average rating: 3.65
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2024/01/06
date added: 2024/03/02
shelves:
review:
Not bad - the story kept teetering between being new adult or YA. This is a pet peeve of mine and I truly believe that the story will always benefit by sticking to the designated age group instead of trying to cater to multiple audiences. Some books can capture multiple audiences with an even story line but not all can.
Nevertheless, here is who will like this book
� Fantasy or Sci-fi lovers
� Stars Wars fans may like it
� Enemies to lovers trope
� The chosen one trope
� Court Politics
Here is who may find issue with it
]]>
"My heart will always find yours."
Dahlia Abernathy has only known revenge. When her parents were killed at an early age by vampires, Dahlia spent the rest of her life under the thumb of the Witch's Guild being trained to kill them. Her latest mission sends her undercover to a prestigious music academy in Venice, Italy. Her goal? To kill Professor Valtu Aminoff, her teacher and the notorious vampire who inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula.
But getting close to a dangerous vampire like Professor Aminoff is one thing. Falling for him is another. With Dahlia's appearance disguised under a glamor spell, Valtu has no idea that the woman who has become his new dark obsession is actually the reincarnation of the woman he loved and lost twice before.
And Dahlia doesn't remember that the very man she has been sent to kill is the love of her life.
Will their love come through and transcend time once again? Or are the fated lovers destined to let history repeat itself?
Blood Orange is a modern-day Dracula retelling about the "real-life" Dracula that inspired Bram Stoker. This is a dark vampire romance with plenty of content warnings (please check interior of book for extensive list as it is +++++spicy) and while it is a spinoff of The Dark Eyes Duet, you do not need to read any other books before Blood Orange.]]>
Where to begin? First if you are looking for a book that is purely erotica with vampires - this one is for you.
I have no idea why any plot was introduced at all because it was abandoned for 90% of the book while the main characters f**k or some reincarnation of the fmc gets f**ked.
Nevertheless, here's who will like this book:
� Erotica and doesn't mind a lack of plot
� Kink praise and BDSM
� Vampire Sex Club
� Flashbacks
� Dracula
You will not like this book if:
� you see how the MC treats his lady love. Val treats Dhalia like dirt and her past reincarnations too. Every version of her that existed, he only wanted to f**k. He literally says this at one point. And it was also very cringe when at one instance, when Dahlia says she loves him and he doesn't say it back....They just keep screwing. It was really awkward from a reader standpoint and not romantic at all.
� You want your tropes more flushed out. The enemies to lovers trop was present in the book for like 2 chapters and then they were best f-buddies.
� You like a healthy mix of smut AND plot. I have my pure erotica on retainer but also like romantasy because it gives me plot and smut. Since this book was listed as a romantasy, I thought we'd get that here in the story. Instead we were given multiple plot points in the beginning of the story that are abandoned for a large part of the book util the end. And even at the end, there are several unanswered questions which was so frustrating.
❌You like a smooth ending. You will not get that in this book. Again, because there were so many plot points, the author tries to answer like 2 of them at the end which made no sense. Dahlia and Valtu both knew things that would have helped learn each other better. The fact that neither of them confesses shows a lack of trust and communication between the two. This also contributed to the fact that they didn't really seem "in love". And this lack of communication leads Valtu to make a decision at the end of the book about Dahlia. So it really showed he didn't love her at all as well. From what I've been told, he continues to show/prove he doesn't really love her in book two so I'll skip it for now.
]]>
author: Karina Halle
name: Lex
average rating: 3.80
book published: 2022
rating: 1
read at: 2023/06/12
date added: 2024/02/28
shelves:
review:
I'm so glad I didn't buy the special edition of this from Bookish Box because what was this?
Where to begin? First if you are looking for a book that is purely erotica with vampires - this one is for you.
I have no idea why any plot was introduced at all because it was abandoned for 90% of the book while the main characters f**k or some reincarnation of the fmc gets f**ked.
Nevertheless, here's who will like this book:
� Erotica and doesn't mind a lack of plot
� Kink praise and BDSM
� Vampire Sex Club
� Flashbacks
� Dracula
You will not like this book if:
� you see how the MC treats his lady love. Val treats Dhalia like dirt and her past reincarnations too. Every version of her that existed, he only wanted to f**k. He literally says this at one point. And it was also very cringe when at one instance, when Dahlia says she loves him and he doesn't say it back....They just keep screwing. It was really awkward from a reader standpoint and not romantic at all.
� You want your tropes more flushed out. The enemies to lovers trop was present in the book for like 2 chapters and then they were best f-buddies.
� You like a healthy mix of smut AND plot. I have my pure erotica on retainer but also like romantasy because it gives me plot and smut. Since this book was listed as a romantasy, I thought we'd get that here in the story. Instead we were given multiple plot points in the beginning of the story that are abandoned for a large part of the book util the end. And even at the end, there are several unanswered questions which was so frustrating.
❌You like a smooth ending. You will not get that in this book. Again, because there were so many plot points, the author tries to answer like 2 of them at the end which made no sense. Dahlia and Valtu both knew things that would have helped learn each other better. The fact that neither of them confesses shows a lack of trust and communication between the two. This also contributed to the fact that they didn't really seem "in love". And this lack of communication leads Valtu to make a decision at the end of the book about Dahlia. So it really showed he didn't love her at all as well. From what I've been told, he continues to show/prove he doesn't really love her in book two so I'll skip it for now.
]]>
Bone Criers are the last descendants of an ancient famille charged with using the magic they draw from animal bones to shepherd the dead into the afterlife—lest they drain the light from the living.
Ailesse has been prepared since birth to become their matriarch, but first she must complete her rite of passage: to kill the boy she’s destined to love.
Bastien’s father was slain by a Bone Crier and he’s been seeking revenge ever since. Now his vengeance must wait, as Ailesse’s ritual has begun and their fates are entwined—in life and in death.]]>
author: Kathryn Purdie
name: Lex
average rating: 3.63
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2020/11/14
date added: 2024/01/13
shelves:
review:
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Kel is an orphan, stolen from the life he knew to become the Sword Catcher—the body double of a royal heir, Prince Conor Aurelian. He has been raised alongside the prince, trained in every aspect of combat and statecraft. He and Conor are as close as brothers, but Kel knows that his destiny is to die for Conor. No other future is possible.
Lin Caster is one of the Ashkar, a small community whose members still possess magical abilities. By law, they must live behind walls within the city, but Lin, a physician, ventures out to tend to the sick and dying of Castellane. Despite her skills, she cannot heal her best friend without access to forbidden knowledge.
After a failed assassination attempt brings Lin and Kel together, they are drawn into the web of the mysterious Ragpicker King, the criminal ruler of Castellane’s underworld. He offers them each what they want most; but as they descend into his world of intrigue and shadow, they discover a conspiracy of corruption that reaches from the darkest gutters of Castellane to the highest tower of its palaces.
As long-kept secrets begin to unravel, they must ask themselves: Is knowledge worth the price of betrayal? Can forbidden love bring down a kingdom? And will their discoveries plunge their nation into war—and the world into chaos?]]>
� Now to the story and review overall. If you have read any of Clare's work, you know that she can and will INFO DUMP YOUR AZZ - and she did ]]>
author: Cassandra Clare
name: Lex
average rating: 3.79
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2023/12/30
date added: 2023/12/30
shelves:
review:
⁉️ Okay first off, having finished the whole book, I'm really surprised at any accusations saying she copied or plagiarized Schwabs work. Unless someone can compile a list of similarities and quotes and anything else to legitimately prove this, I think it is so important to be mindful of the power we have as a people to cause strife, cancel, and ruin people's careers unjustly or unfairly. I've read all of Scwabs work and nowhere in The Sword Catcher did plagiarism even cross my mind. If you're counting the name Kel and the fact that the book has magic as similarities, please reevaluate. SIMILAR NAMES AND MAGIC ARE FOUND IN FANTASY BOOKS. Hell there was barely any magic in the book if we're being honest. I think that's messed up to even compare either author anyway as they both are distinct writers in their own right. Everything is not a competition or needs to be a comparison. I hope we can leave this in 2023 so that we can go after the people who legitly do this and need to be stopped.
� Now to the story and review overall. If you have read any of Clare's work, you know that she can and will INFO DUMP YOUR AZZ - and she did
]]>
When environmental activist Nova Morales wakes thousands of years after a nuclear fallout, she is surrounded by magic, monsters, and war. The earth she fought to protect is in pieces, along with her heart. Everyone she loved is dead. All she wants is to find answers, but instead, she finds herself the unwilling prize in an Unseelie mate hunt.
Elf Guardian Leaf has always prioritized duty to the Well. His fate is his own, despite what the Prime and that insufferable psychic Clarke say about him being fated to a human from the old world. He doesn’t have time for love when a blight on their magic source has the enemy breathing down their necks. But when avoiding his duty throws him into the path of a beautiful war prize who claims they used to be lovers, he’s forced to question everything—even his memory.
The trouble with questions is they lead to answers better left buried. And as more painful secrets come to light, Leaf starts to wonder who the truth will ruin most—the Prime with her machinations, the unhinged Unseelie Queen and her war of vengeance, the crow shifter with a chip on his wings, the lost daughter of an ally� or Nova, the woman he’s falling in love with.
A War of Ruin and Reckoning is the Ninth Fae Guardians Novel and the final in the Season of the Elf Trilogy. More in the Fae Guardians series is coming.]]>
� Here's what worked: THIS BOOK EXPLAINS SOME MAJOR PLOT HOLES AND QUESTIONS WE HAD FROM PREVIOUS BOOKS. I WAS THRILLED TO SEE IT!!! Ok, rant over, but I seriously can't explain how good it felt reading all the puzzle pieces just slowly fit together. In truth, most of these revelations did not concern Leaf and Nova as this book has a lot more characters involved as opposed to the handful we've seen in each book before. However, it works in this book, considering my not-so-fave things below were Leaf Nova...
� Nova and Leaf were an okay couple. Not my favorite though and as a result, I found myself not interested in what was going on with them, but with everyone else. Even the spice was just the same old compared to prior books and didn't quite have that edge like past books: Shade, Thorne, Indigo, Aeron, etc.. It was a little disappointing because I'd been interested in his story the most, but now looking it over, I feel like the Season of the Elf had the most simplistic, insta-lovely tropes, no-angst tropes of all the books. I'm a stickler for an enemies-to-lover romance, and the way Leaf was as a character led me to believe that this book may be similar - it wasn't. But that is okay.
� I will continue the series because I think Lana has done a great job overall, but I am hoping to see that she highlights the nationality or inclusiveness of some of the characters she's already mentioned or weaved in. Those descriptions are super important to reiterate within the book because I'd personally nearly forgotten what and who Aleksandra and Maebe were to each other and still don't recall what they look like. I'd have to reread past books for that. Hopefully, she will include more descriptions in the next books and also focus on the relationship-building aspect of the story to convince me as she did with the other stories. If you've read the Season of the Vampire, or Wolf, you know what I mean. I'm not always opposed to spice from the get-go, but there is a reason slow-burn books tend to be better for me. The spice and the build are always better. And with so many characters in this book, I wish the series had more character art or more description in the story. I know what the men look like bc of the covers obviously but am finding it hard to visualize and keep track of everyone else save for Clare with her firebright hair and Silver whose hair is silver and I recall her being Pakistani. I'm also able to picture Melody because of her name and hair being described a tad like Marilyn Monroe which helped stick. The rest of them, I can't really say who is who or what they look like and that sucks when reading book after book.
� Having resorted to rereading the first book of Season of the Vampire while we wait for the next installment, it is ironic that Lana does exactly this with prior characters. For example, Indigo has past trauma he focuses on fixing and learning from, and throughout the story, he focuses on helping Violet do the same before any banging happens. It's important in my opinion but also more believable to a romance story. I'd also say the angst was more tangible as well in prior books as a result of Lana making her characters do the "work" and build the relationship and trust.
But focusing back on Season of the Elf, I'd say my favorite was Aeron's story, Forrest, then Leafs. In particular, I think Aeron's book was a 4-star. This is NOT A BOOK YOU CAN SKIP IF YOU READ THIS SERIES!!!! It just may not be your favorite but if it is, all the better!]]>
author: Lana Pecherczyk
name: Lex
average rating: 4.40
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2023/12/30
date added: 2023/12/30
shelves:
review:
This is one of my favorite series but this is the first book from that I have rated as a 3-star and I'm honestly surprised at myself and Lana.
� Here's what worked: THIS BOOK EXPLAINS SOME MAJOR PLOT HOLES AND QUESTIONS WE HAD FROM PREVIOUS BOOKS. I WAS THRILLED TO SEE IT!!! Ok, rant over, but I seriously can't explain how good it felt reading all the puzzle pieces just slowly fit together. In truth, most of these revelations did not concern Leaf and Nova as this book has a lot more characters involved as opposed to the handful we've seen in each book before. However, it works in this book, considering my not-so-fave things below were Leaf Nova...
� Nova and Leaf were an okay couple. Not my favorite though and as a result, I found myself not interested in what was going on with them, but with everyone else. Even the spice was just the same old compared to prior books and didn't quite have that edge like past books: Shade, Thorne, Indigo, Aeron, etc.. It was a little disappointing because I'd been interested in his story the most, but now looking it over, I feel like the Season of the Elf had the most simplistic, insta-lovely tropes, no-angst tropes of all the books. I'm a stickler for an enemies-to-lover romance, and the way Leaf was as a character led me to believe that this book may be similar - it wasn't. But that is okay.
� I will continue the series because I think Lana has done a great job overall, but I am hoping to see that she highlights the nationality or inclusiveness of some of the characters she's already mentioned or weaved in. Those descriptions are super important to reiterate within the book because I'd personally nearly forgotten what and who Aleksandra and Maebe were to each other and still don't recall what they look like. I'd have to reread past books for that. Hopefully, she will include more descriptions in the next books and also focus on the relationship-building aspect of the story to convince me as she did with the other stories. If you've read the Season of the Vampire, or Wolf, you know what I mean. I'm not always opposed to spice from the get-go, but there is a reason slow-burn books tend to be better for me. The spice and the build are always better. And with so many characters in this book, I wish the series had more character art or more description in the story. I know what the men look like bc of the covers obviously but am finding it hard to visualize and keep track of everyone else save for Clare with her firebright hair and Silver whose hair is silver and I recall her being Pakistani. I'm also able to picture Melody because of her name and hair being described a tad like Marilyn Monroe which helped stick. The rest of them, I can't really say who is who or what they look like and that sucks when reading book after book.
� Having resorted to rereading the first book of Season of the Vampire while we wait for the next installment, it is ironic that Lana does exactly this with prior characters. For example, Indigo has past trauma he focuses on fixing and learning from, and throughout the story, he focuses on helping Violet do the same before any banging happens. It's important in my opinion but also more believable to a romance story. I'd also say the angst was more tangible as well in prior books as a result of Lana making her characters do the "work" and build the relationship and trust.
But focusing back on Season of the Elf, I'd say my favorite was Aeron's story, Forrest, then Leafs. In particular, I think Aeron's book was a 4-star. This is NOT A BOOK YOU CAN SKIP IF YOU READ THIS SERIES!!!! It just may not be your favorite but if it is, all the better!
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Eden, Kentucky, is just another dying, bad-luck town, known only for the legend of E. Starling, the reclusive nineteenth-century author and illustrator who wrote The Underland--and disappeared. Before she vanished, Starling House appeared. But everyone agrees that it’s best to let the uncanny house―and its last lonely heir, Arthur Starling―go to rot.
Opal knows better than to mess with haunted houses or brooding men, but an unexpected job offer might be a chance to get her brother out of Eden. Too quickly, though, Starling House starts to feel dangerously like something she’s never had: a home.
As sinister forces converge on Starling House, Opal and Arthur are going to have to make a dire choice to dig up the buried secrets of the past and confront their own fears, or let Eden be taken over by literal nightmares.
If Opal wants a home, she’ll have to fight for it.]]>
The gothic angle in this was pretty cool. I think the setting and the monsters were interesting. I also think the background story regarding the house was very well done. The only thing that did not make sense was the romance and the fact that all the characters act younger than they truly were.
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author: Alix E. Harrow
name: Lex
average rating: 3.77
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2023/12/07
date added: 2023/12/30
shelves:
review:
My first book from this author and I'm intrigued.
The gothic angle in this was pretty cool. I think the setting and the monsters were interesting. I also think the background story regarding the house was very well done. The only thing that did not make sense was the romance and the fact that all the characters act younger than they truly were.
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Elspeth and Ravyn have gathered most of the twelve Providence Cards, but the last, and most important one remains to be found: The Twin Alders.
If they are going to find it before the Solstice and cure the kingdom of the dark magic infecting it, they will need to journey beyond the dangerous mist-cloaked forest that surrounds their kingdom.
And the only one who can lead them there is the monster that shares Elspeth's head. The Nightmare. And he's not eager to share any longer.]]>
I was surprised by the points of view this story presented but I now see that they were necessary. I wasn't quite sold on the romance but the tension was palpalble. The twists were very "cackle worthy". I smiled a few times when the mc and secondary characters got the upper hand. If you're interested in stories based on magic or even dreams and tarot cards, this is a very good series. ]]>
author: Rachel Gillig
name: Lex
average rating: 4.39
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2023/12/08
date added: 2023/12/30
shelves:
review:
This was a very well done sequel.
I was surprised by the points of view this story presented but I now see that they were necessary. I wasn't quite sold on the romance but the tension was palpalble. The twists were very "cackle worthy". I smiled a few times when the mc and secondary characters got the upper hand. If you're interested in stories based on magic or even dreams and tarot cards, this is a very good series.
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Julian Rousseaux has a problem. He’s single, and for the world’s wealthiest vampires, the social season is about to begin. Julian would rather stake himself than participate in the marriage market. But as the eldest eligible Rousseaux, he’s expected to find a wife before the season ends―whether he likes it or not.
When cellist Thea literally stumbles into his life at a gala, he knows she's the last person he could ever fall in love with. She's too innocent, too kind, and way too human. But now that she knows about his world, she's also a walking target. She needs protection. He needs a fake girlfriend to discourage overzealous vampire matchmaking.
So, Julian makes Thea an irresistible offer: pretend to be his lover and he’ll change her life. For one year, they’ll attend the season’s social events together in exchange for his protection and a way out of her mother’s crippling medical debt.
She can’t say no. But the vampire world is impossibly decadent and darker than Thea ever imagined, and Julian’s filthy rich vampire family wants her out of the way. But with each moment they share, new dangers emerge: a desire as forbidden as their stolen touches, an awakening of a long-dead heart, and secrets that could tear them both apart.
Sensual, dangerous, provocative � step into a daring new world of dark magic, primal attraction, and breathtaking romance.]]>
author: Geneva Lee
name: Lex
average rating: 3.81
book published: 2022
rating: 2
read at: 2023/12/30
date added: 2023/12/30
shelves:
review:
I wanted to like this book but it just did not resonate with me. I did stick with it to the end just to be sure as it started interestingly enough. However, I was overall disappointed in the characters after continuous reading. The plot itself had promise, but the characters seemed to take away from that. The story walks this fine line between wanting to be new adult and also being tweeny. And books that are like that just never resonate with me that much. I also was not convinced by the love story whatsoever because I felt like the chemistry was lacking. The male lead didn't necessarily seem as interested in the mc as she was in him. But then he'd go off on these tangents of stating the opposite to other people or even himself as to how much he's into her instead of stating it to her. It came across as though he was trying to convince everyone else which was the point of the story at first, but also himself and her and it showed. It was a tad irritating at times and came off as emotionally immature. I do think that it's worth a shot if you really like vampires, but I likely will not continue the series.
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Lowen arrives at the Crawford home, ready to sort through years of Verity's notes and outlines, hoping to find enough material to get her started. What Lowen doesn't expect to uncover in the chaotic office is an unfinished autobiography Verity never intended for anyone to read. Page after page of bone-chilling admissions, including Verity's recollection of what really happened the day her daughter died.
Lowen decides to keep the manuscript hidden from Jeremy, knowing its contents would devastate the already grieving father. But as Lowen's feelings for Jeremy begin to intensify, she recognizes all the ways she could benefit if he were to read his wife's words. After all, no matter how devoted Jeremy is to his injured wife, a truth this horrifying would make it impossible for him to continue to love her.]]>
� The exploration of how authors write and the flashbacks were done as a "novel" which I thought was cool.
What I did not like
� So conflicting. It is a disturbing book. But I do always hope to find at least one character in a book that I like, resonate with, or at least feel for. Sadly, none of the characters were likeable but perhaps that was the intention. This was my first Colleen Hoover book so I am considering reading something else by this author.
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author: Colleen Hoover
name: Lex
average rating: 4.29
book published: 2018
rating: 3
read at: 2023/12/02
date added: 2023/12/30
shelves:
review:
Things I liked
� The plot twists that came toward the end. There were about 3 or 4 impressive reveals
� The exploration of how authors write and the flashbacks were done as a "novel" which I thought was cool.
What I did not like
� So conflicting. It is a disturbing book. But I do always hope to find at least one character in a book that I like, resonate with, or at least feel for. Sadly, none of the characters were likeable but perhaps that was the intention. This was my first Colleen Hoover book so I am considering reading something else by this author.
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After turning his back on his silversaint brothers once and for all, Gabriel and the Grail set out to learn the truth of how Daysdeath might finally be undone.
But the last silversaint faces peril, within and without. Pursued by children of the Forever King, drawn into wars and webs centuries in the weaving, and ravaged by his own rising bloodlust, Gabriel may not survive to see the truth of the Grail revealed.
A truth that may be too awful for any to imagine.]]>
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author: Jay Kristoff
name: Lex
average rating: 4.62
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2023/11/17
date added: 2023/12/03
shelves:
review:
� Thank you to St. Martin Press for sending me a copy of the book to read and review. All opinions are my own. No spoilers below if you've read book one. If you've forgotten some smaller details, I'd strongly recommend a reread. Let's jump right in. 4.5/5 stars �
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Deep in the forgotten hills of Massachusetts stands Saint Perpetua's College. Isolated and ancient, it is not a place for timid girls. Here, secrets are currency, ambition is lifeblood, and strange ceremonies welcome students into the fold.
On her first day of class, Laura Sheridan is thrust into an intense academic rivalry with the beautiful and enigmatic Carmilla. Together, they are drawn into the confidence of their demanding poetry professor, De Lafontaine, who holds her own dark obsession with Carmilla.
But as their rivalry blossoms into something far more delicious, Laura must confront her own strange hungers. Tangled in a sinister game of politics, bloodthirsty professors and dark magic, Laura and Carmilla must decide how much they are willing to sacrifice in their ruthless pursuit of knowledge.]]>
What I loved ]]>
author: S.T. Gibson
name: Lex
average rating: 3.51
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2023/11/12
date added: 2023/12/03
shelves:
review:
I went into this book not reading any synopsis! I also like that this is a standalone but exactly what I asked for following [spoilers removed]
What I loved
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But musty, decrepit Hiraeth Manor is an impossible task, and its residents are far from welcoming. Including Preston Héloury, a stodgy young literature scholar determined to expose Myrddin as a fraud. As the two rivals piece together clues about Myrddin’s legacy, dark forces, both mortal and magical, conspire against them—and the truth may bring them both to ruin.]]>
author: Ava Reid
name: Lex
average rating: 3.73
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2023/11/27
date added: 2023/12/03
shelves:
review:
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Until an oracle predicted my regal future, I’d never imagined myself rising above the curve of my round ears. After all, I was the magicless halfling loved by beasts but loathed by every pure-blooded faerie at court. Well... by all but one.
Dante Regio, prince of Luce, had owned my heart since he gave me my first kiss. If gathering a slew of iron relics could help me overthrow the current monarch and crown his brother to rule at my side, then treasure hunting I’d go.
If only the oracle had warned me what winged demon I was releasing into the world.
And that I’d become this demon’s obsession.
Fans of Sarah J. Maas and Mary E. Pearson will devour this epic fantasy romance full of deceit, betrayal, and false loves that could swallow a person whole.]]>
❤️ Here's what I liked
- The world-building was pretty interesting. I kept trying to figure it out so I do wish the Kindle map was a little more clear. On my end, it is hard to read. Nevertheless, it was easy to understand the descriptions of places well enough to piece them together.
-I like that the book was supposed to have an Italian or Mediterranean vibe to it. Usually, most books are very coy or more subtle about what cultures they choose to base their stories on or instead choose to combine multiple cultures.
� Now here is the majority of what just did not work for me
-The main character is 21 and naive like most of us have been. However, it was so much so in this book, that it came across as very condescending to me. As if all people who are young adults, 22 or younger are that stupid or incapable of thinking about consequences. Impulsive is an understatement. Again these are traits that young people can display, but so can older people. I also find it interesting that many authors continue to write these dim-witted girls in books when most girls mature and advance at a far young age anyway. To me, it enforces a stereotype that young girls are not very clever or can't be and I didn't like it.
While I didn't care for the main character, I still forged on to make sure my review would be thorough or to see things change. Things get infinitely worse.....There is an unnecessary love triangle simply because these are the only men who are showering our MC with attention despite her being "so beautiful" and she doesn't know how to work or process that or her emotions. As a result, the one sex in the book now takes the cake as the most awkward and painful thing I've had to read.
[spoilers removed]
When the plot finally picks up, the MC continues to be clueless and annoying so much that she isn't used as a device to drive the plot forward. So you get two or three chapters about what is unraveling in the world and the rest of the book centers on her idiocy. Mind you, the book is nearly 500 unnecessary pages long.
Overall, I was extremely disappointed and will not continue the series. I'd have to be convinced to read something else by this author.]]>
author: Olivia Wildenstein
name: Lex
average rating: 3.95
book published: 2022
rating: 2
read at: 2023/11/01
date added: 2023/12/03
shelves:
review:
This is my first time reading a book from this author so I don't have anything else to compare to. Since this book was a little hyped up, I was expecting a lot more and was surprised by what I got from the story.
❤️ Here's what I liked
- The world-building was pretty interesting. I kept trying to figure it out so I do wish the Kindle map was a little more clear. On my end, it is hard to read. Nevertheless, it was easy to understand the descriptions of places well enough to piece them together.
-I like that the book was supposed to have an Italian or Mediterranean vibe to it. Usually, most books are very coy or more subtle about what cultures they choose to base their stories on or instead choose to combine multiple cultures.
� Now here is the majority of what just did not work for me
-The main character is 21 and naive like most of us have been. However, it was so much so in this book, that it came across as very condescending to me. As if all people who are young adults, 22 or younger are that stupid or incapable of thinking about consequences. Impulsive is an understatement. Again these are traits that young people can display, but so can older people. I also find it interesting that many authors continue to write these dim-witted girls in books when most girls mature and advance at a far young age anyway. To me, it enforces a stereotype that young girls are not very clever or can't be and I didn't like it.
While I didn't care for the main character, I still forged on to make sure my review would be thorough or to see things change. Things get infinitely worse.....There is an unnecessary love triangle simply because these are the only men who are showering our MC with attention despite her being "so beautiful" and she doesn't know how to work or process that or her emotions. As a result, the one sex in the book now takes the cake as the most awkward and painful thing I've had to read.
[spoilers removed]
When the plot finally picks up, the MC continues to be clueless and annoying so much that she isn't used as a device to drive the plot forward. So you get two or three chapters about what is unraveling in the world and the rest of the book centers on her idiocy. Mind you, the book is nearly 500 unnecessary pages long.
Overall, I was extremely disappointed and will not continue the series. I'd have to be convinced to read something else by this author.
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I can manipulate the emotions of anyone who lets me.
I will make you hurt, make you cry, make you laugh and sigh.
But my words don't affect him. Especially not when I plead for him to leave.
He's always there, watching and waiting.
And I can never look away.
Not when I want him to come closer.
The Shadow
I didn't mean to fall in love.
But now that I have, I can't stay away.
I'm mesmerized by her smile, by her eyes, and the way she moves.
The way she undresses...
I'll keep watching and waiting. Until I can make her mine.
And once she is, I'll never let her go.
Not even when she begs me to.]]>
OBVIOUSLY READ THE TRIGGERS.
I didn't expect to like Zade or Adeline, but I kinda did. I also like the mission behind what Zade is trying to do. It'd be nice if we had more people to help with issues like this in the real world because human trafficking is a larger problem than many realize. And not enough can be done about it. That aspect in the book is also mentioned and it was sad in some instances to see that represented in the book.
The smut was over the top. Like the scene at the end of the book was wild. Like the setting was not at all appropriate given the young underage families and people around. Just my opinion.
I also may be the only the person in the world who finds it odd to call their partner "daddy". But whatever works for people. In this book it was even unsettling to me because Zade helps women and young girls....and you want your partner to call you "daddy"....Anything but. There's so many endearments that could be used and "daddy" is what we go with?
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author: H.D. Carlton
name: Lex
average rating: 3.95
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at: 2023/10/12
date added: 2023/11/17
shelves:
review:
Welll I'm not reallly sure what I was expecting...it truly wasn't that.
OBVIOUSLY READ THE TRIGGERS.
I didn't expect to like Zade or Adeline, but I kinda did. I also like the mission behind what Zade is trying to do. It'd be nice if we had more people to help with issues like this in the real world because human trafficking is a larger problem than many realize. And not enough can be done about it. That aspect in the book is also mentioned and it was sad in some instances to see that represented in the book.
The smut was over the top. Like the scene at the end of the book was wild. Like the setting was not at all appropriate given the young underage families and people around. Just my opinion.
I also may be the only the person in the world who finds it odd to call their partner "daddy". But whatever works for people. In this book it was even unsettling to me because Zade helps women and young girls....and you want your partner to call you "daddy"....Anything but. There's so many endearments that could be used and "daddy" is what we go with?
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author: Shannon Mayer
name: Lex
average rating: 4.36
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2023/10/15
date added: 2023/11/17
shelves:
review:
Much better than the last. However I'm over Dominic and Sienna and I'm looking forward to a story on a new couple because I think this one lost the razzle dazzle rather quickly.
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