1. Rae Else writes a book. 2. I read said book. 3. Jess ends up with the best person ever. 4. Success!!!
NOW, I AM NHow to make me a very happy reader:
1. Rae Else writes a book. 2. I read said book. 3. Jess ends up with the best person ever. 4. Success!!!
NOW, I AM NOT HAPPY THAT THE SERIES IS OVER, BUT. BUT BUT BUT. I do love this book and how it all ended even though a portion of it was painful for me and I will need 35688547 business days to recover.
Jess and Rune are now gods, and it's up to them, and some of their friends, to save the world one last time.
I didn't want this to end, I tried to read slowly and did manage to stretch it out a bit, but all good things must come to an end. Unless if we get a spinoff? I hope so. Because there's so much more of this world to explore.
Like I said at the start, Jess ended up with the person I've been rooting for since book one which made my year and my whole life. I can die peacefully now.
THEY'RE SO PERFECT TOGETHER, I REQUIRE A CUTE DOMESTIC NOVELLA RIGHT NOW!!! No monsters, no evil, just good vibes. I cried when they finally got together dear reader, they're one of my favourite couples EVER. I WILL NEVER SHUT UP ABOUT THEM.
The other person in the love triangle also found someone to love so I don't feel bad about being happy.
Then we get to the emotional damage part relating to my favourite villain...WHY DID IT HAVE TO END LIKE THAT FOR HIM WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY??????????? I WANT TO CURL UP INTO A BALL AND SOB UNCONTROLLABLY. I AM HEARTBROKEN, RUINED, GOODBYE.
Theo will also live forever in my heart, he was the real victim in all of this and never did anything wrong in his entire life. A little meow meow, if you will. JUSTICE FOR THEO!!!
It's now that time of year (and review) where I yell at you to start reading this series, especially since it's complete now so you can binge it in one go.
PLEASE READ THE DARK BETWEEEN, IF YOU DON'T, YOU'RE MISSING OUT ON AMAZING WORLD BUILDING, CHARACTERS, ROMANCE, DIALOGUES, MYTHOLOGY, WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT TO YOURSELF HUH? DON'T MISS OUT, START THIS N-O-W.
*Thank you to the lovely author for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Merged review:
How to make me a very happy reader:
1. Rae Else writes a book. 2. I read said book. 3. Jess ends up with the best person ever. 4. Success!!!
NOW, I AM NOT HAPPY THAT THE SERIES IS OVER, BUT. BUT BUT BUT. I do love this book and how it all ended even though a portion of it was painful for me and I will need 35688547 business days to recover.
Jess and Rune are now gods, and it's up to them, and some of their friends, to save the world one last time.
I didn't want this to end, I tried to read slowly and did manage to stretch it out a bit, but all good things must come to an end. Unless if we get a spinoff? I hope so. Because there's so much more of this world to explore.
Like I said at the start, Jess ended up with the person I've been rooting for since book one which made my year and my whole life. I can die peacefully now.
THEY'RE SO PERFECT TOGETHER, I REQUIRE A CUTE DOMESTIC NOVELLA RIGHT NOW!!! No monsters, no evil, just good vibes. I cried when they finally got together dear reader, they're one of my favourite couples EVER. I WILL NEVER SHUT UP ABOUT THEM.
The other person in the love triangle also found someone to love so I don't feel bad about being happy.
Then we get to the emotional damage part relating to my favourite villain...WHY DID IT HAVE TO END LIKE THAT FOR HIM WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY??????????? I WANT TO CURL UP INTO A BALL AND SOB UNCONTROLLABLY. I AM HEARTBROKEN, RUINED, GOODBYE.
Theo will also live forever in my heart, he was the real victim in all of this and never did anything wrong in his entire life. A little meow meow, if you will. JUSTICE FOR THEO!!!
It's now that time of year (and review) where I yell at you to start reading this series, especially since it's complete now so you can binge it in one go.
PLEASE READ THE DARK BETWEEEN, IF YOU DON'T, YOU'RE MISSING OUT ON AMAZING WORLD BUILDING, CHARACTERS, ROMANCE, DIALOGUES, MYTHOLOGY, WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT TO YOURSELF HUH? DON'T MISS OUT, START THIS N-O-W.
*Thank you to the lovely author for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*...more
The Amber Dame is a prequel to The Crimson Court and you could read it either way, but having read the first book, I think it's best if you read it afThe Amber Dame is a prequel to The Crimson Court and you could read it either way, but having read the first book, I think it's best if you read it after, rather than before. It's a much better experience when you already know Kasia, how the world works etc.
Here we get to see her rise to fame (dame), how she became the woman she is now, what she had to do to get there (may or may not include a duel), and we get some more tidbits about her past.
I had a lot of fun with this, except that one scene with the koilee cub, that made me want to cry. On the other hand, yay I cried!! But again, poor lil bird, all alone in the world. Sigh.
It was nice to see Kasia's beginnings, she's not as sure of herself here as she is in the main book, but she can still pack a punch when needed. We also see her mentally struggling a bit, but ultimately rebuilding her house and helping her people comes first (not without consequences, as we will later learn).
The ending is an excellent build up to the first book, so in case you do decide to start with this, it'll make you want to jump into The Crimson Court immediately, and lucky you, it's already out! So really, the perfect time to get into this series is NOW. Today. Go read it. Go go.
*Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*...more
I've been meaning to read this for the last year, but never got around to it, so I'd like to thank the SFF Insiders Discord server for organising a buI've been meaning to read this for the last year, but never got around to it, so I'd like to thank the SFF Insiders Discord server for organising a buddy read and finally pushing me to do it.
I loved Starlight Jewel just as much as I was expecting to. The writing and the world immediately drew me into the story, but the characters were my favourite by far.
Axly's shenanigans were so fun to follow, she's the best main character and I feel for her because of everything she went through. She has a strong protective instinct towards her brother and would do anything to keep him safe.
Their relationship was so sweet to me, until they "reunited" when it got a bit strained. I was just waiting for them to fist bump it (since Greg doesn't like to be touched) out and that didn't exactly happen. I know that Axly isn't very fond of his gifts, and has her reasons for wanting to keep a distance, but it kept eating at me every time she wasn't nice to him or vice versa.
I JUST WANT THEM TO GO BACK TO THE WAY THEY WERE. CRY.
That wasn't the only thing that caused me pain though, oh no, the worst pain came in the form of Grim and something relating to him that I can't spoil. So you'd better go and read this book so I can rant, thank you!!
Grim changed a lot from start to finish, and not just because of the thing I mentioned, I like to think that Axly changed him for the better, bit by bit.
We got crumbs of their romance and those were enough to make me giddy, I ship them so hard, even if they have a hard road ahead. If Axly and Grim have one shipper left, it's me, if Axly and Grim have no shippers left, I'm no longer in this world. I'M COMMITTED NOW, YOU CAN'T GET RID OF ME!!
I also fell in love with Ramus, Kyper, Tarley, Jory, Cira'lav, Fria'lav, Roarik...even Henry (kinda) by the end. There's probably someone I forgot to mention, but really, all the characters are so well developed that you can't help but get attached.
The world is so rich with lore that it will make you want to explore every nook and cranny of it, and considering there's some travel going on we do get to see parts of it.
A lot of travel is skipped for the story's benefit and probably the reader's too. I only have a slight complaint in regards to that, it would happen in the same chapter and just a paragraph later. You're suddenly a month or a year later into the story and it can take a few seconds to adjust. It's not a huge bother though, I just would've preferred it to be a bit more separated.
The magic system is super intriguing, you can tell the author worked hard on developing it. Impartation is my fav fav gift though. You already know why (duh, Grim). I just really like the idea of it, and of Axly being able to help Grim (or anyone she touches) see the world a bit clearer, with heightened senses.
The ending though...if I had a physical book to throw at the wall, that's likely where it would've ended up, sorry! I'M STILL SO MAD. SO SO MAD. AFTER EVERYTHING...THAT HAPPENS. GAH.
Book two can't come soon enough, I'll be counting down the days.
*Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*...more
I got the arc of the main book so when I was adding that to my tbr I realised there's also a prequel novella. Naturally, I had to read it first. It leI got the arc of the main book so when I was adding that to my tbr I realised there's also a prequel novella. Naturally, I had to read it first. It left me surprised at how fleshed out the world is and intrigued about what's to follow.
You could probably read this after book one, but (for now at least), I think it's good to read it before, so you get a taste of the world and characters, and spend a bit more time with them before things inevitably go wrong....more
I've had Morgan Shank on my radar for about a year, I've been meaning to read his Low Country trilogy, and after this I'll definitely be bumping it upI've had Morgan Shank on my radar for about a year, I've been meaning to read his Low Country trilogy, and after this I'll definitely be bumping it up my tbr.
Die Young is a multi-POV epic fantasy, and each and every one of those PoVs is interesting to read, though I do have my faves. Elthren won me over in her introduction, but Itula was my ultimate favourite by the end. You really can't beat a bear!!
Magon was another fav, he grew so much from beginning to end. I immediately felt for him because of what happened, but you know what? My boy learned how to deal with having no magic and is even cooler now. I loved his (limited, thanks to Kellus) interactions with Elthren, there's definitely something building there and I can't wait to see it!!!!
Highkey, if there's anyone I ship in this book, it's those two. And okay, Itula and Oath too.
What's funny is that I liked Kellus (cue crowd boos) at first, thankfully I came to my senses even before he said what he did about Itula, but that would've done it for sure.
Speaking of, Itula was just the best. Her relationship with Denton was so heartwarming, which made one scene at the end particularly painful for me. I may or may not have shed a tear.
I KNOW IT HAD TO HAPPEN LIKE THAT, BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN I LIKE IT OKAY? OKAY.
I also loved Denton's developing relationship with Oath, really looking forward to where that's going. Poor Denton needs some stability in his life. Sniff sniff.
Joska (the first time I saw that name I thought of Joška Broz...my mind...anyway) and Seneka were great too, we've been spoiled with such an amazing cast of characters, thank you Mr Shank!!
Pacing wise, I'd say this was about a medium, because it's fast at the start, then slows down in the middle, and picks right back up at the end. Not a lot happens in the middle part (except character development, duh), but I didn't mind that.
Die Young was pretty easy to get into as well, not once did I feel lost, or like I needed a reference/character guide to help me. But it could be a cool feature for the sequel.
OH! Since I mentioned features, THERE'S A MAP! Not just one, not even two, but THREE maps!!! As a certified fantasy map lover, I approve.
The worldbuilding was excellent, the writing engaging, both of those, along with the characters, kept me wanting to read more and more, but I sadly had to stretch this out over several days because of real life responsibilities.
The ending was kinda perfect? Even with the pain, I couldn't have imagined a better one. Except one where they're all together, but we can't have everything we want. It's just nice to know none of them are (currently) facing mortal peril, so I can breathe easy.
Lastly, there's a character who becomes disabled and has to use a cane to get around at the end, and I have to say that the author did such a good job with that. This character's struggles are written in an authentic way, and knowing them, they're going to get through it and come out on top.
Now, I don't know why you're still reading this review instead of reading this book, I really don't. Go and get yourself a copy, go go!!!
P. S. I wouldn't mind a lil novella about Magon & Joska's (and Itula's) Tower days. I feel like that would be so fun. Will we get that though? I don't know, but I'm putting that out there hoping the universe takes it to heart.
P. P. S. I too wrote stuff during class and am a Skyrim fan, very relatable author bio.
*Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*...more
KC I HAVE A BONE TO PICK WITH YOU!! How dare you off some of my favourite characters??? I love everyone equally, so I'd be sad to see anyone go, but oKC I HAVE A BONE TO PICK WITH YOU!! How dare you off some of my favourite characters??? I love everyone equally, so I'd be sad to see anyone go, but one of these in particular is so unfair because of "what could've been". You'll understand that when you get to it.
The whole book (really, the whole series), I was waiting for this person to join the Merry Men, and while their ending was kinda perfect (I highlighted the whole thing, duh), I'm still sad. So so sad.
And the other deaths...I understand, but I don't like it. Okay? Okay.
Now, the most surprising thing here is Maid Marian's redemption arc, sort of, not exactly, but kinda? She's a complicated character, and I can't say I like her, but maybe I don't hate her anymore. She did do something right.
Queen of Sherwood had a bit less action than the first two books, but it was no less entertaining. As a whole, I feel like it was more focused on character growth, especially with the new recruits. But don't worry, Sheriff George also got what was coming to him.
There were twists I didn't see coming, all the way up to the end. And what an ending it was! I wouldn't mind 10 more books in this series, there's plenty of material! I'm just saying.
I'm also happy to report that, finally, after three books, I don't see Friar Tuck as a badger anymore. He's a human now, hurray!! Although he's still last in my ranking, which apparently hasn't changed much since book one...sorry Tuck, I love you.
Alan and Little John are both fighting for second place, and *I think* Little John might be winning, which leaves Alan third. He's so fun though, and that speech he gave to the two girls...MY HEART.
As for Little John, I didn't forget what happened, but it was still hard relieving it with him as he shared his story with everyone. I'm glad he did, so he can truly heal.
Will remains my ultimate fav, I actually think he got saner this time around? Or more mature, if you will. He might become a good influence someday.
Finally, Robin, the girl, the myth, the legend. She had a little darkness crisis at the start, and it's undeniable she was forever changed by being with the Merry Men, but I will always support my girl no matter what.
She became the leader she was destined to be. I'm so proud of her for everything she's accomplished, through all the trials and schemes, she really DID THAT.
I am, of course, excited for whatever KC puts out next, I know I'll love it.
*Thank you to the amazing author who provided me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*...more
Some of you probably saw me reading this and went "what the hell?", the rest of you probably didn't bat an eyelash because well, I do read questionablSome of you probably saw me reading this and went "what the hell?", the rest of you probably didn't bat an eyelash because well, I do read questionable books on occasion and this one was definitely bizarre. It was also strangely adorable and disturbing at the same time.
It's a love story about two weirdo kids who found each other, except the girl's face tends to explode every time she gets too excited, you know, normal teenage things.
I loved the world building, it was so creepy and complimented the story nicely. I also loved both Spiderweb and Ethan, their love story by itself would've made this a 5 star read, the only reason why it wasn't were certain scenes like the wobblies one that were really disgusting to me, so I can't justify giving it more than a four. But I really did enjoy it.
Shoutout to the buddy read buddies without whom this book wouldn't have been on my radar! I have you to thank for the inevitable nightmares!...more
KC...you can expect my therapy bills in the mail. I survived chapter 29 (barely), I survived chapter 44 (somehow), but then you had to go and break myKC...you can expect my therapy bills in the mail. I survived chapter 29 (barely), I survived chapter 44 (somehow), but then you had to go and break my heart in chapter 47...HOW COULD YOU???? I'm just a shell of a person nobody talk to me.
Huntress of Sherwood is darker than the first installment, so heed the warnings going into this!!! Mainly those 2/3 chapters I mentioned, the third one is more attachment based, so if you like or love a certain character you won't be okay when you're reading that chapter. But don't worry, I got you, we can cry together.
I'm not done with the sad, but let's talk about something else for a sec, so this starts off with Robin & the Merry Men looking for Little John, and let me tell you, they searched high and low and even though I hated to see him suffer, I like that it wasn't easily resolved.
There are inter-group issues, Robin dealing with being the leader, some of the Merry Men thinking she's not fit for the role, especially with her taking the band in a different direction (with some new recruits), figuring out the great Robert mystery, bonding with her men and last but by no means least, discovering a very nefarious plot that I was not ready for.
I'm not at all surprised that something like that was afoot, but reading about it...anyway, it's a very busy book! There's so much plot to go around, and some extremely tense moments that, I'm pretty sure, gave me even more white hairs. That last third was just PURE STRESS. I survived though, unlike SOMEBODY. Cue sobbing.
PLEASE I MISS THAT CHARACTER ALREADY IT'S NOT FAIRRRRRRR. AAAAH.
While I try to pick myself up from the floor, can we focus on Alan's nickname for Will? Little badger is a) adorable and b) I mentioned I saw Friar Tuck as a badger because of the cartoon, this is a good way to distract me from that. Now I see two badgers!!! Kidding kidding, Tuck is now morphed into a human-ish creature, there's hope yet.
I liked that Alan & Will bonded also, maybe it's "just physical" for now, but I trust they'll love each other by the end of the series. Mhm.
Little John...tears 2.0. I'm so glad he's back, but what he endured will forever stick with me. Safe to say I do NOT like the Sheriff of Nottingham whatsoever, really I hate him. I need him to suffer in the next book so bad.
Marian...YOU ARE NOT A GIRLS GIRL, I HATE YOU TOO!!! Fingers crossed I can say good riddance next time.
And poor Robin, with the weight of the world on her shoulders, but she still somehow manages to save the day. That's my girl. A GIRLS girl. Take that Marian, hmph. I kinda wanna see some Merry Women action, now that there's more of them in the group. I loooooved how the girls got their justice at the end.
If you thought I was gonna end this without mentioning Guy of Gisborne you were wrong. Because...okay, he did do wrong in this one, I'll admit. And yet...he's still hot. I'm sorry. And he's not all bad either, you'll see, you'll join me on the dark side. He's my problematic fave.
Ok ok now the actual ending of this review, written with ink made from my tears ahem ahem, I am so excited for book three, less excited to part with these characters I've grown to love so much. But I really need to know what's going to happen next. Hopefully my heart won't get stomped on again.
*Thank you to the amazing author who provided me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*...more
Queen of Shifting Sands is a slowwww book. I feel as if I spent forever reading it, and that's its main flaw. I read the prequel before getting into tQueen of Shifting Sands is a slowwww book. I feel as if I spent forever reading it, and that's its main flaw. I read the prequel before getting into this, and it almost feels like it was written by two different people, because the pacing there was so much better than it was here.
Based on the blurb (and pretty cover), I was expecting this to be right up my alley, so I'm a bit sad it wasn't. For how exciting and action-y the prequel was, this was the complete opposite. All the way up to the end I wasn't sure if I wanted to read the next one, but that was when things finally started happening, so I think I will because I do want to know what's going to happen next.
Now for the good stuff, the characters!! Okay so, I liked Lystra the most in Daughter of the Desert, but my, how the tables have turned. I still like her, don't worry, but Razhar stole the show. He's my absolute fav in this book. I also liked Elerek a smidge more than Lystra.
I wonder though, if my ranking would've been different had I not read the prequel. Maybe Lystra would seem like a more engaging MC, but knowing what she's capable of, she just didn't give much of that here. There's still time for her to do so in the sequel, so I'm not too worried.
I also loved that Elerek was a disabled main character & love interest. He uses a wheelchair and proves that disabled MCs belong in fantasy worlds, so I will be shoving this book in the next person's face who dares to tell me they don't. I think it was very respectfully done, so hats off to Kaitlyn Carter Brown, you did such a good job, thank you.
I liked the romance between them, but it developed a bit too fast. Especially knowing how much she cared for and loved his brother. If they'd fallen in love by the end of the duology or somewhere in book two I think it would've worked for me more.
The plot reminded me a bit of The Wrath and the Dawn at the start and I liked it overall, I just wish more was happening throughout.
The curse aspect was so unique and it's probably one of the things I'm most excited to see more of in the next book.
Speaking of, if it continues where we left off, and with a similar pace, I could see the next one hitting four or more stars. It just had a bit of a rough start is all, now on we go to more adventures!!!
*Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*...more
I went and put the second book on hold before I even started this one, thinking it's probably going to be so good, I'm gonna wanna read it...yeah...abI went and put the second book on hold before I even started this one, thinking it's probably going to be so good, I'm gonna wanna read it...yeah...about that...I'm not seeing what you guys are seeing, sorry.
From chapter 1 I knew this wasn't going to be for me, because of the way Hart sexualised Mercy, but I stuck with it, thinking maybe the story would be interesting. It was not.
I was honestly bored, and the characters acting like teenagers instead of people in their 30s only made it worse. I literally thought this was a YA romance until I learned their ages and was like "WHAT???". Hart in particular doesn't act like a 36 year old.
The world building was kind of confusing, but maybe that's due to the audiobook, I'm not sure. Half the time I didn't know what was going on, I didn't like the romance or the characters, and I won't be reading the next book....more
It's been like 80 years y'all and the sequel is finally here, hurray!!!! I couldn't wait to get back into this world. Mr Kontaxis pleasantly surprisedIt's been like 80 years y'all and the sequel is finally here, hurray!!!! I couldn't wait to get back into this world. Mr Kontaxis pleasantly surprised me by having a "previously on" type of segment to remind us what happened in the first book, which was very much needed. There's also a character list, like in book one. I didn't have to flip back and forth this time either. THERE'S ALSO ART INSIDE (near the end)!
The Fall of the Giants is a slower novel when compared to The Return of the Knights. That, in combination with May Day and Easter holidays, meant it took me a bit longer to read than it normally would have. But even with a slower pace it was still entertaining.
The gang all went their separate ways, which HURT, not gonna lie. I wanted to see them back together ASAP. But they all had things that needed doing so I get it. We got to follow each of them on their journeys, but the main focus was on Elliot and Walter (and Reynald).
Elliot had the biggest character development out of everyone, he got more mature as he trained and tried to free the Elder Races...I'm so proud of my boy. He's really becoming a true warrior. I may or may not have shed a tear during that scene with Thindor.
You know what I also cried at? Certain characters making their way to the realms of the dead. It's not like I wasn't expecting anyone to die, but the characters that did...even if they weren't my ultimate faves I was still attached to them.
I still love Walter, despite all his evil deeds. He's such an interesting character to follow and I can now firmly say that I'm hoping he makes it to the very end of the series (with John Long Arm too, don't worry I haven't forgotten him).
Reynald took me by surprise, I wasn't expecting to like him, but he really grew on me over the course of the book. I'm glad he got so many PoVs.
I also enjoyed getting to know the world better. The first half or so of the book had a lot of new lore to greet us with, we were learning it along with Elliot.
The pace really picked up in the last third, and especially at the end. We finally got to see some action and amazing battle scenes!! The very last page had me going DUN DUN DUN, it was literally the embodiment of that, please tell me you agree.
And now I once again can't wait for the next book. I have to know what's going to happen next, how they're going to fight Walter with the newest developments, who's going to survive and who's going to meet their end. If someone could fast forward to book three's release that'd be great.
*Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*...more
READING THIS BOOK WAS NOT ENOUGH, I NEED TO INJECT IT INTO MY VEINS.
THIS BOOK DESERVES TEN BILLION STARS, IT'S AMAZING, BRILLIANT, SHOWSTOPPING, INCREREADING THIS BOOK WAS NOT ENOUGH, I NEED TO INJECT IT INTO MY VEINS.
THIS BOOK DESERVES TEN BILLION STARS, IT'S AMAZING, BRILLIANT, SHOWSTOPPING, INCREDIBLE, I WILL NEVER BE THE SAME AGAIN!!!!!
I wasn't sure what to expect when I opened Beta, but what I ended up finding is one of the most exciting and best written books I've ever had the pleasure of reading. I'm still in shock at how amazing everything was. Just wow.
The story was so compelling, it gripped me from the very first page, it was evident I'd love it even then.
I'm a big fan of superhero comics (and some of the cartoons and movies) and this absolutely had those vibes but IT'S EVEN BETTER! Literally everything I've ever wanted in a book. Chef's kiss. It felt so fresh & unique, I can't even comp it to anything because nothing would do it justice.
Beta had a good balance of plot and character development, mayhaps even the best I've seen? Like, the characters aren't forgotten when the plot is moving forward and vice versa.
It's incredibly fast paced, with little chapter cliffhangers here and there that make it nearly impossible to stop reading because you need to know what's going to happen next. I think I even forgot how to breathe for a lot of it.
I want to say that the characters are the best part, but everything is the best part equally. Either way, I LOVE THEM SO MUCH THEY ARE MY BABIES. I even love the villains, I don't think there's a single character I hate, not even Andersen (who's pretty mean, you'll agree). And I'm so sorry but I love Adrestus. I KNOW, I KNOW, how terrible of me. You can't just write a cool villain and expect me not to like them though.
The ending was a really good cliffhanger that made me super excited for what's to come (as if I wasn't already). I feel lucky that I started this series at a time when all the books (I'm assuming) are already out, because I'm certain the wait would end me. I will be needing the paperbacks though, ASAP.
I had this thought while reading, that this book/series would be such a good bedtime story to read to your kids, because, while it's YA, it would appeal to them too, as well as adults. If I ever have/adopt kids in the future this is the first book I'm reading to and/or giving them, I'm so serious. It's pure perfection.
I know I have some friends who don't read YA anymore, but trust me, you NEED to read this, it will change your life. Please make this series blow up, I'm begging. It deserves to sell as many copies as there are people in this world, it really is that good. ...more
AND I'M SUPPOSED TO PRETEND EVERYTHING IS NORMAL AFTER THAT ENDING??? ABSOLUTELY NOT, NO I REFUSE!!! I'm so upset, I'm on the floor, I'm crying, I hatAND I'M SUPPOSED TO PRETEND EVERYTHING IS NORMAL AFTER THAT ENDING??? ABSOLUTELY NOT, NO I REFUSE!!! I'm so upset, I'm on the floor, I'm crying, I hate this book, I LOVE this book. AAAAAA.
The character development in this one is insane, I don't even know how that's possible, but they are even better here than they were in book one. I'd say Andersen developed the most out of everyone, he's not that mean anymore and does somewhat nice things (though not without an ulterior motive, baby steps).
The plot got even more intense and I loved every minute of it. Will they save the city? CAN they even save it or will it all go up in flames? You gotta read to find out. I was literally on the edge of my seat the whole time.
We finally got to see the rest of Samantha's memories and some of them were really heartbreaking (though not as much as the ending and no I will not be forgiving that). The ones with Adrestus were my favourite though, I liked learning more about him.
I also enjoyed getting to know Sergio who's a new character, he didn't have that many scenes but left a lasting impression. I hope we'll see more of him in the final book.
Speaking of, I'm not ready for it to enddddd. I'm in pain. I love these characters so much and I need a hundred more books following them and their adventures.
Also, this series is amazing and by not reading it you are doing a disservice to yourself, so you ought to pick it up now, no time like the present! Chop chop!!
“I’m a grown woman. Princess of Hell. I will not run from imaginary ghosts.”
WE ARE BACK into the world of Gothic Grove. This time around we follow Ava“I’m a grown woman. Princess of Hell. I will not run from imaginary ghosts.”
WE ARE BACK into the world of Gothic Grove. This time around we follow Ava, Shadow and Drago, who were side characters in the first book, and now they got their own story.
Even though each book (so far) follows different pairings, you should still read them in order because otherwise the plot might not make total sense. Characters from book one make cameos in this one too, so it would be better if you already met them beforehand.
Much like book one, this one is a bit heavy on the mental health aspect, maybe even more so. We see all three main characters struggling, but poor Shadow struggled the most, I feel so bad for him.
We get PoVs from all of them, and I like that most of the book focused on just the three of them, before adding the other characters' PoVs back in.
The book is split into three parts, the first covering events before Gothic Grove which was much needed!! Now we finally know why everyone was so awkward at the start.
Part two picks up immediately after Gothic Grove, and part three just continues the story from part two with no time skips.
Now that last part was the MOST stressful part of the book. You can feel it coming near the end of part two, but you really aren't ready for what's to come. The closer and closer I got to the end, the higher my anxiety spiked and then chapter 46 did me in. THAT WAS SO CRUEL! AND FOR WHAT??
The epilogue helped...kinda. I'm still not over it.
I had soo much fun reading this though, despite the stress. It was a super fast read yet again. I love how smooth J. A. George's writing is, and how much Shadow, Drago and Ava developed from the start of the series until now. I'll be seated for book three, I wonder who the main characters will be there *cough*Kallen please *cough.
*Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*...more
I enjoyed this a totally normal amount (read: I'm obsessed). I knew this would be my type of read the second it crossed my Goodreads feed and boy, wasI enjoyed this a totally normal amount (read: I'm obsessed). I knew this would be my type of read the second it crossed my Goodreads feed and boy, was I right.
It has everything I love, a cozy small town setting, hilarious characters, a mystery and VAMPIRES!!! Vampires make everything better, lemme tell you.
I highly recommend the audiobook because the narrator is brilliant and perfectly brought all the characters to life, giving them all a unique voice. It was such an amazing experience listening to this, and I'd do it again!!
The plot was giving Supernatural, with the whole "saving people, hunting things (strigoi), the family business", except the Evans women don't have to leave their backyard to do it!
I was surprised at which characters died, some were actually really important, but the author wasn't shy about doing away with them. It hurts a little, not gonna lie. So when you start this, be warned, no one is safe.
The ending was so good and made me so excited for the next book...which isn't coming for another year. Do you think I can wait that long??? Huh, do you???
While looking for the author's newsletter, I found out that THIS BOOK/SERIES IS GETTING TURNED INTO A TV SHOW AAAAAH!!!!!! Which is honestly just perfect because I can imagine it like a mix of True Blood & Supernatural, but still with its own twist.
I cannot wait for both the next instalment and the TV show, I know both will be bangers....more
Never thought I'd read the words "rumpy-pumpy" in a book, and YET...here we are.
Renia had some funny moments, some heartwarming moments, and some comNever thought I'd read the words "rumpy-pumpy" in a book, and YET...here we are.
Renia had some funny moments, some heartwarming moments, and some completely devastating moments designed to rip out your heart because Mr Forshaw is mean like that. Still had fun reading it though!
BUT LISTEN, I will never be over a certain character's death. THEY DID NOT DESERVE IT BRING THEM BACK RIGHT NOW!!!!!! On the other end of the spectrum, there was a character death that I actually anticipated and it was very satisfying.
I highkey hated that character from the start, didn't see whatever it was their romantic partner saw in them, and then they just got worse and worse which just proved my instincts were correct. Good riddance, I say.
Renia is the main character, but we cycle through several PoVs, each important in their own way, as we get to know the world through their eyes.
While I really liked Renia as a character (even though she wasn't written to be likable), Jeff was by far my fav. Why? I don't know, just seemed the most sensible out of everyone. He did zero wrong, he could never do wrong. Go Jeff!!!
I liked the little crumbs we got of him and Bandack and can't wait to see more of them in future books.
Renia is a slower paced read, partially told through flashbacks. They were actually my favourite part of the book, I loved reading about Reina's (traumatic) childhood, I wouldn't have minded a whole book of just that.
Things really picked up in the last third and it was so hard to stop reading (so hard I went and finished it, hah). I loved the ending too, it made me excited for what's to come.
The only thing I had an issue with is that one of the main characters nearly got assaulted during a fight. I'm so glad they didn't and were able to fight the would be assaulter off. But still, reading that scene was very difficult for me, I'm not sure if it was necessary to have it in the book. I think the character was scary enough without that.
Overall though I think this was a solid debut, and I'll definitely be checking out the next books in the series....more
Though I didn't love this one quite as much as the first novella in the series, or some of Nisha's other books, I still had fun reading it.
It has an Though I didn't love this one quite as much as the first novella in the series, or some of Nisha's other books, I still had fun reading it.
It has an interesting concept of tattoo magic that was very well developed, the writing worked for me as usual, the world building was great...combined with a fast pace, it was easy to finish this in one sitting.
You don't have to read Wicked is the Reaper to read this, the reference to that book is small and it won't affect your reading experience if you choose to jump into this first. But you SHOULD read it because it's one of my favourite books in general, and it's "proper" enemies to lovers.
This one was more captor/captive with Beauty and the Beast vibes than enemies to lovers, and I think it would've worked for me in a longer book. As is I think there was a lot of time spent on the physical aspect of their relationship, or on the plot and as a result we didn't get to see them fall in love.
We read that weeks passed here and there as they were working on the thing that Ferran abducted Vespera for, but it didn't feel like it relationship development wise, you know.
I also didn't fully connect to either of the two main characters, I liked them, but needed a bit more depth. The steam was good though, which reminds me! This book starts off with a somewhat steamy scene & that surprised me, I was like "OH!" haha.
Don't attack me for this, but I think she and Savryn had more chemistry than her and Ferran. This is likely due to how Ferran was built up as a great big beast and then just wasn't, or how he'd keep running away from Vespera all the time. And I know Savryn was in like two scenes max, but he made a bigger impression.
But I'm still glad I read it, I'm now one book closer to reading all of Nisha J. Tuli's books!!! I only need to read the Artefacts of Ouranos series and then I'm all set until the next book.
*Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*...more
HELLO YES, Heirs of Destruction was such a lovely and creative book, I loved it so much.
From the second you open it, you're greeted with trigger warnHELLO YES, Heirs of Destruction was such a lovely and creative book, I loved it so much.
From the second you open it, you're greeted with trigger warnings, a cast of characters & their houses, months and days of the week, and at the end of the book there's translations for the two featured languages. Now, I don't know about you, but this made it so much easier for me to get into the world and know when things are happening.
So often in books I feel like authors name their months or days differently and I have no idea when anything is because they just don't explain!! Not T. N. Vitus though, if no one's got us, I know they do.
But that's not all, from the start it was clear how much thought was put into even the tiniest things, with how developed the world, the characters and their relationships are. When Vitus said this is the book of her heart in the acknowledgements, I knew it was true because it definitely came through. All the love they have for this world shows, and there's a reason for every character interaction.
If you're big on politics, you're in luck, Heirs has that in abundance, and it's really well written. But my fav thing, by far, are the characters.
I simply adore Rhaella and Virgil, both individually and together. Any time they couldn't be together because of things we won't be spoiling ahem ahem, I WAS IN PAIN! Like, I needed them to run away together sooo bad.
I wanted to scream at certain lines, they were swoon-worthy, these two have so much chemistry, it leaps off the page. I can't wait to get more of them in future books.
Asriel and Aida were also great characters, but the former got on my bad side because of something he did (he knows what), still though, I liked his PoVs and his interesting dynamics with both Freya and Barrett.
There's this order in the book that gives Bene Gesserit vibes, and as a Dune fan, I approve. I can't speak for the GOT comparison as I have neither read nor watched it, but I feel like it's true? You be the judge.
The storyline was unpredictable (especially that ending!!!) and I loved every second of it. The writing was so compelling and magical, it drew me in like a moth to a flame.
In short, Heirs of Destruction is a brilliant book you should check out RIGHT NOW, don't make me tell you twice!!
*Thank you to the lovely author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*...more
“May your spears outreach your enemy’s blades, my queen.”
No no no no no no no absolutely not, there's no way it ended like that, I refuse to believe i“May your spears outreach your enemy’s blades, my queen.”
No no no no no no no absolutely not, there's no way it ended like that, I refuse to believe it...WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO WITH MY LIFE NOW???
If after book one you thought it couldn't get any wilder, YOU THOUGHT WRONG! This book is bananas, but in the best way. I feel as if I've been thrown into a washing machine on the highest setting, spat back out and I'm still saying thank you at the end. I could've also said roller-coaster like a normal person, but where's the fun in that?
Anyway yes, if you want to experience the full spectrum of emotions, you have to read this series. You will laugh, you will cry, you will scream in frustration and curse the author's name and you will be in pain for all eternity, BUT it'll be worth it.
Bloods of a Withering Kingdom has never heard of second book syndrome, it's, dare I say, even better than Whispers of a World Breaker which I didn't think was possible, because that book is perfection.
We get expanded lore (dwarves!), family drama (did not see any of it coming 10/10), Moro gets more PoVs (as he should), there's a dash of romance (oh la la) but not huge so romance besties don't get your hopes up, Eldras and Aric train with the man the myth the legend Tirian (if bad why cool) but ultimately discover he's not completely sane in the membrane (bummer). And that's just a fraction of this amazing absolutely brilliant book that you need to pick up RIGHT NOW.
There's so much action that it's hard to catch a breath, the battle scenes are expertly written and I can never get enough, except when, you know, my favourite characters are on the brink of death.
Which reminds me, I read in the acknowledgements that the author can't promise us our faves will remain safe throughout the series...I know that's a little jokey joke Mr Ratliff, you would never hurt me like that, right? Exactly.
(Yes, that's me crying in the distance)
Both books so far (and the novella) are really fast paced and trust me when I say, it's super easy to get into the series, Corey's made it even easier for you by including a recap at the start!! That actually came in handy, even though I've constantly been thinking about this world since the first book.
The twists are just magnificent, if Ratliff ever wrote a thriller I'd be first in line to read it because I know I'd never guess a thing. I love how shocked I was at each reveal, it made me feel like a little kid finding presents under the Christmas/New Years tree.
Now the character development...wow. As a fan of Tirian since the prequel (which you should read if you haven't yet), I am both crushed and in love with the direction his character is going in. The signs were there for sure. He's becoming more unhinged by the day and it's really fun to read, despite him being very wrong in his beliefs.
Aric, Eldras and Moro grew so much over the course of the book, I feel like a proud mother, those are my babies, look at them go!! Aric and Eldras found their rhythm for the most part, but Moro went through A LOT. I'm so curious how he'll continue to develop considering recent events.
Circling back to the ending to let you know that it's the mother of all cliffhangers and you will cry. Words cannot describe how I'm feeling right now.
If you would like to go through a similar degree of emotional damage, then I can't recommend this series enough.
*Huge thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*...more
