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bekahzabel's reviews
317 reviews
The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
The Prison Healer is a dark YA fantasy about a girl named Kiva who was locked away at 7 years old into a prison called Zalindov. Guilty by association, her and her father are convicted against treason to the crown.
Now 10 years later, Kiva uses the healing skills her father taught her as the head Prison Healer. When the Rebel Queen arrives at the prison extremely sick, Kiva is tasked with keeping her alive. The rebel queen is sentenced to elemental trials, and when she’s too sick to participate, Kiva volunteers to take her place in the trials. Trials that no one has ever survived before, to earn her freedom.
I really enjoyed this one and it did intrigue and hook me within the first 100 pages. Some very solid plot twists although at times things felt slightly repetitive in the middle, I realized by the end how all of it was tying factors and plot points together. I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys magical trials, dark fantasy settings, a touch of romance along the way, and found family.
4 solid stars 🌟
Now 10 years later, Kiva uses the healing skills her father taught her as the head Prison Healer. When the Rebel Queen arrives at the prison extremely sick, Kiva is tasked with keeping her alive. The rebel queen is sentenced to elemental trials, and when she’s too sick to participate, Kiva volunteers to take her place in the trials. Trials that no one has ever survived before, to earn her freedom.
I really enjoyed this one and it did intrigue and hook me within the first 100 pages. Some very solid plot twists although at times things felt slightly repetitive in the middle, I realized by the end how all of it was tying factors and plot points together. I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys magical trials, dark fantasy settings, a touch of romance along the way, and found family.
4 solid stars 🌟
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Confinement, Death, Gore, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Medical content, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Drug use and Self harm
Sea of Strangers by Lang Leav
reflective
fast-paced
3.0
A quick read, one of the last of Lang’s works that I had on my TBR. While it wasn’t my favorite collection she’s ever written, there were a few that stuck out to me. Overall this one didn’t connect and make me feel as deeply as som of her other works. I’m a fan of shorter poetry and prose and modern works, but this one unfortunately didn’t hit a home run for me.
Solid 3 🌟
Solid 3 🌟
Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Alright I officially need to read every book Kennedy Ryan has written because WOW did this far exceed my expectations!
A second chance adult romance told in duo POV. A story of loss, grief, divorce, passion, and true love. This book is full of raw and real moments that will leave a mark on your heart forever. I cried so many times in sadness as well as joy. This was a masterpiece.
6 gold stars 🌟
1.5 🌶️
A second chance adult romance told in duo POV. A story of loss, grief, divorce, passion, and true love. This book is full of raw and real moments that will leave a mark on your heart forever. I cried so many times in sadness as well as joy. This was a masterpiece.
6 gold stars 🌟
1.5 🌶️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Grief, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Cursing, Suicidal thoughts, Car accident, and Death of parent
Jade City by Fonda Lee
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
A profound high fantasy experience. This is definitely within the realm of one of my top 3 books this year.
On an island where Jade holds power- strengthening those who have lineal blood to tolerate wearing it- chaos brews between two ancient clans on the island of Kekon.
A tale of family, loyalty, honor, and power- Jade City creates an immersive world narrated by multiple perspectives. Diving straight into the action from the first chapter, I was mesmerized every time I stepped back into these pages. There’s moments that I felt I was watching an anime during the fight scenes, and I’ve never had an experience quite like I did this with any other book.
If you love high fantasy with gems and metals containing magical properties, tests of loyalty, piecing together a puzzle throughout a story, a multi POV where you’re eagerly anticipating insight from every single character… this one is for the high stakes fantasy lovers. I can’t wait to continue on with this trilogy.
6 life changing stars 🌟
On an island where Jade holds power- strengthening those who have lineal blood to tolerate wearing it- chaos brews between two ancient clans on the island of Kekon.
A tale of family, loyalty, honor, and power- Jade City creates an immersive world narrated by multiple perspectives. Diving straight into the action from the first chapter, I was mesmerized every time I stepped back into these pages. There’s moments that I felt I was watching an anime during the fight scenes, and I’ve never had an experience quite like I did this with any other book.
If you love high fantasy with gems and metals containing magical properties, tests of loyalty, piecing together a puzzle throughout a story, a multi POV where you’re eagerly anticipating insight from every single character… this one is for the high stakes fantasy lovers. I can’t wait to continue on with this trilogy.
6 life changing stars 🌟
Quicksilver by Callie Hart
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
First off, I’m definitely foaming at the mouth for the sequel of this book.
With all of the hype and chatter I knew I had to give this book a chance, and I’m so happy that I did.
I was lulled a bit in the middle, but the beginning and end had me completely involved. I do think the middle was necessary for all of the world building though. Great character development, very fun and unique magic system, and a bit of something different in the romantasy realm amongst many similar executions these days.
I would recommend this to anyone who loves a very slow burn, shadow zaddys, unique magic systems, and an FMC who goes from zero to hero.
4.25⭐️
1.5🌶️
With all of the hype and chatter I knew I had to give this book a chance, and I’m so happy that I did.
I was lulled a bit in the middle, but the beginning and end had me completely involved. I do think the middle was necessary for all of the world building though. Great character development, very fun and unique magic system, and a bit of something different in the romantasy realm amongst many similar executions these days.
I would recommend this to anyone who loves a very slow burn, shadow zaddys, unique magic systems, and an FMC who goes from zero to hero.
4.25⭐️
1.5🌶️
Warbreaker, Part 3 of 3 by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This book as a whole was such a glorious experience. The only issue I have with the graphic audio is that the narrators voice was often drowned out with the cinematic background noises.
Overall this book truly made me a Brandon Sanderson stan. The character development, world building, and dialogue really was a league of its own. Makes me excited to continue diving into Sanderson’s multiverse. If you’ve been intimidated by where to start with his works, I believe this was a great intro into his worlds. While the world building is intense and battle scenes alike with this 3rd part, it was an extremely adventurous and engaging read. The storytelling doesn’t bore you in any way, a unique fantasy indeed.
6⭐️ for the overall storyline,
4.25 ⭐️ for the graphic audio.
Overall this book truly made me a Brandon Sanderson stan. The character development, world building, and dialogue really was a league of its own. Makes me excited to continue diving into Sanderson’s multiverse. If you’ve been intimidated by where to start with his works, I believe this was a great intro into his worlds. While the world building is intense and battle scenes alike with this 3rd part, it was an extremely adventurous and engaging read. The storytelling doesn’t bore you in any way, a unique fantasy indeed.
6⭐️ for the overall storyline,
4.25 ⭐️ for the graphic audio.
Warbreaker, Part 2 of 3 by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I’m hooked. I’ve been converted into a Brandon Sanderson fan. Moving right into part three! I absolutely love the world building, character development, witty dialogue, and how unique the magic system is. Highly engaging plot line and god tier high fantasy.
Only qualm with the graphic audio is that the dialogue comes through very clearly, but the narration gets a bit lost and convoluted with the background noise. I think the levels of the audio just needed a little more refinement. I would give the audio a 4⭐️ and the story itself 6⭐️.
Only qualm with the graphic audio is that the dialogue comes through very clearly, but the narration gets a bit lost and convoluted with the background noise. I think the levels of the audio just needed a little more refinement. I would give the audio a 4⭐️ and the story itself 6⭐️.
The Never King by Nikki St. Crowe
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
2.55⭐️ rounded up. 🌶️🌶️.5 spice level.
Idk about this one for me y’all. Lemme start off by saying I love it dark. I love pitch black MMC’s, I love fairytale retellings, and I go crazy for some reverse harem.
The MMC’s lacked depth for me, and so did the FMC in my honest opinion. Not much character development going on, but Baze, I think I like him a little bit. I feel like I’m going to read the next one since this one was so short and easy, but somethin’ just wasn’t hittin’. The smut was there tho, I’ll give it that. It gets pretty freaky but…. again something was lacking there.
Reverse Harem
Peter Pan Retelling
Fantasy Setting w/ slight dash of magic.
Group Scenes
Dark
Easy to read/fast paced
If that sounds like it’s for you then I would have a go at it yourself and form your own opinion! Mine is subjective of course and I do feel like Nikee’s writing did flow pretty well.
Idk about this one for me y’all. Lemme start off by saying I love it dark. I love pitch black MMC’s, I love fairytale retellings, and I go crazy for some reverse harem.
The MMC’s lacked depth for me, and so did the FMC in my honest opinion. Not much character development going on, but Baze, I think I like him a little bit. I feel like I’m going to read the next one since this one was so short and easy, but somethin’ just wasn’t hittin’. The smut was there tho, I’ll give it that. It gets pretty freaky but…. again something was lacking there.
Reverse Harem
Peter Pan Retelling
Fantasy Setting w/ slight dash of magic.
Group Scenes
Dark
Easy to read/fast paced
If that sounds like it’s for you then I would have a go at it yourself and form your own opinion! Mine is subjective of course and I do feel like Nikee’s writing did flow pretty well.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Cursing, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Kidnapping
Leather & Lark by Brynne Weaver
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Okay okay, I did very much enjoy this one. Maybe not as much as I enjoyed the first, but my one downfall was that it didn’t seem to have as much of a plot and was more character forward.
As usual though I was laughing out loud and my jaw was on the floor once the slow burn finally started on fire. Lark and Lochlen got a lil more freaky in my opinion 🤪 I did see the plot twist coming before it unfolded but nonetheless, I would highly recommend this one to dark romance thriller lovers.
4⭐️/🌶️🌶️🌶️
As usual though I was laughing out loud and my jaw was on the floor once the slow burn finally started on fire. Lark and Lochlen got a lil more freaky in my opinion 🤪 I did see the plot twist coming before it unfolded but nonetheless, I would highly recommend this one to dark romance thriller lovers.
4⭐️/🌶️🌶️🌶️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
To Bleed a Crystal Bloom by Sarah A. Parker
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Okay I have quite a bit of jarbled thoughts to share with y’all here.
First off, the writing is so beautiful. Very poetic prose in Sarah’s world building which is right up my alley, I would truly write anything this woman puts out.
Second, I found myself very confused. I’m talking about by page 400 I was like okay where are the answers?? LOL. Most of the time I just try to be a little delulu through the world building in a fantasy book, but I’m hoping it was really setting the scene for the next two books of the trilogy.
Rapunzel retelling,
Unique Magical World,
Mermen 🧜🏼♀️🧜🏼♂️ & Magical Creatures
Prophecy/Mysterious ??
Coming of Age FMC
Training
4⭐️//🌶️
*****Spoilers from this point forward******
Third, I’m not sure who I was supposed to fall in love with. Rhyorden is giving me possessive and I’ll do anything to have her… but there were moments that he really pissed me off. I don’t like the way he speaks to Orlaith.
Cainon… I liked you, and you were growing on me until you snapped the cupla onto her wrist without her permission. That gave me the ick.
Kai… you can do no wrong, I was rooting for you.
Orlaith our FMC is sheltered and slowly coming into her own. She’s got some training under her belt, and I’m looking forward to seeing more growth once she crosses the sea after leaving the Stony Stem.
I will definitely continue I just hope some more answers unfold 😩🤣
First off, the writing is so beautiful. Very poetic prose in Sarah’s world building which is right up my alley, I would truly write anything this woman puts out.
Second, I found myself very confused. I’m talking about by page 400 I was like okay where are the answers?? LOL. Most of the time I just try to be a little delulu through the world building in a fantasy book, but I’m hoping it was really setting the scene for the next two books of the trilogy.
Rapunzel retelling,
Unique Magical World,
Mermen 🧜🏼♀️🧜🏼♂️ & Magical Creatures
Prophecy/Mysterious ??
Coming of Age FMC
Training
4⭐️//🌶️
*****Spoilers from this point forward******
Third, I’m not sure who I was supposed to fall in love with. Rhyorden is giving me possessive and I’ll do anything to have her… but there were moments that he really pissed me off. I don’t like the way he speaks to Orlaith.
Cainon… I liked you, and you were growing on me until you snapped the cupla onto her wrist without her permission. That gave me the ick.
Kai… you can do no wrong, I was rooting for you.
Orlaith our FMC is sheltered and slowly coming into her own. She’s got some training under her belt, and I’m looking forward to seeing more growth once she crosses the sea after leaving the Stony Stem.
I will definitely continue I just hope some more answers unfold 😩🤣