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bekahzabel's reviews
318 reviews
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 😩🤣
Warbreaker, Part 1 of 3 by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This was my first attempt at listening to a graphic audio, so I don’t have a comparison of that sort unfortunately. I really enjoyed this one! The plot, magic system, and character development was top of the line. I found myself laughing out loud and completely immersed in the world the entire time. So refreshing when a world has so many unique characteristics entertained.
Was also my first time giving Brandon Sanderson a try, and I don’t know why I waited so long. I’ve been baptized and converted, all aboard the hype train. Thoroughly exceeded my expectations. I can’t wait to listen to part 2 once my libby hold comes through 😅😇😍
4/5 ⭐️ for the audio narration, 5/5⭐️ for story as a whole.
Was also my first time giving Brandon Sanderson a try, and I don’t know why I waited so long. I’ve been baptized and converted, all aboard the hype train. Thoroughly exceeded my expectations. I can’t wait to listen to part 2 once my libby hold comes through 😅😇😍
4/5 ⭐️ for the audio narration, 5/5⭐️ for story as a whole.
Home Is Where the Bodies Are by Jeneva Rose
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-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
2.0
I just… couldn’t connect with this one sadly. I listened on audio so maybe that’s why I wasn’t so engaged, but I had no issues with the narrator. I would give another one of Jeneva’s books a go I just don’t think this one was for me.
I felt the multiple POV’s were convoluted and confusing, and I had an inkling about the plot twist about halfway through.
If you enjoy medium paced YA thrillers I think this might be fore you! You’ll never know until you try for yourself, but unfortunately in subjective overview… It was a bit slow although the plot concept does have strength. Character development felt almost nonexistent and wasn’t a fan of the sister’s toxic portrayal of addiction and recovery.
Dark Secrets,
Small Town,
Suspenseful,
Family Mystery,
Twisty Plotline
I felt the multiple POV’s were convoluted and confusing, and I had an inkling about the plot twist about halfway through.
If you enjoy medium paced YA thrillers I think this might be fore you! You’ll never know until you try for yourself, but unfortunately in subjective overview… It was a bit slow although the plot concept does have strength. Character development felt almost nonexistent and wasn’t a fan of the sister’s toxic portrayal of addiction and recovery.
Dark Secrets,
Small Town,
Suspenseful,
Family Mystery,
Twisty Plotline
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Deadnaming, Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-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
5.0
This was a TREAT. I needed a laugh like this so bad. From start to finish Butcher & Blackbird kept me engaged.
I would consider this to be a dark romantic comedy. There are plenty of triggers and graphic descriptions, I mean both main characters are serial killers so it’s to be expected. This was (dare I say) one of the best audiobooks I’ve ever listened to. The alternating POV’s were narrated perfectly. I let this one sit for a long time and boy am I happy I took a chance on it.
Reminded me of the Mindf*ck series in ways, with the humor of assistant to the villain, but not cringey or forced like it felt with ATTV.
I would highly recommend this one to anyone who enjoys dark romance with a large serving of comedy within the writing. Slow burns, witty banter, bad ass main characters, and just all around a good read for dark romance readers. It was right up my alley.
6⭐️/🌶️🌶️🌶️
I would consider this to be a dark romantic comedy. There are plenty of triggers and graphic descriptions, I mean both main characters are serial killers so it’s to be expected. This was (dare I say) one of the best audiobooks I’ve ever listened to. The alternating POV’s were narrated perfectly. I let this one sit for a long time and boy am I happy I took a chance on it.
Reminded me of the Mindf*ck series in ways, with the humor of assistant to the villain, but not cringey or forced like it felt with ATTV.
I would highly recommend this one to anyone who enjoys dark romance with a large serving of comedy within the writing. Slow burns, witty banter, bad ass main characters, and just all around a good read for dark romance readers. It was right up my alley.
6⭐️/🌶️🌶️🌶️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Gore, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Cannibalism, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
A powerful collection of poems that tells a beautiful story of a young woman slowly but surely stepping into her power.
This is YA but I would highly recommend it to any age above 16. There’s angst, self doubt, curiosity, self discovery, so much growth, love, and family matters throughout the plot that really deepen your connection with Xiomara.
A fierce and headstrong fmc in her journey as a poet. This is a profound coming of age story that was so well written. 5⭐️ from me.
This is YA but I would highly recommend it to any age above 16. There’s angst, self doubt, curiosity, self discovery, so much growth, love, and family matters throughout the plot that really deepen your connection with Xiomara.
A fierce and headstrong fmc in her journey as a poet. This is a profound coming of age story that was so well written. 5⭐️ from me.
Pretty Boys Are Poisonous: Poems by Megan Fox
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
4.0
My qualm is that I wish it was twice as long.
It is not my place to judge another woman’s trauma and experiences. Pretty Boys are Poisonous yanked on my heartstrings. I really felt for her throughout the entirety of this collection, and honestly had no idea that she’d been through so much. You never know what happens behind closed doors and when a celebrity releases poetry or a memoir, I’m grateful for a peek behind those doors… because truly none of us are entitled to know. This was dark, vulnerable, and all the poems were shorter style micropoems, but I’m into it.
I’d recommend this one to anyone who enjoys modern poetry about losing and finding yourself after abusive relationships. Good for her for releasing this, she gained a new fan and respect from me.
It is not my place to judge another woman’s trauma and experiences. Pretty Boys are Poisonous yanked on my heartstrings. I really felt for her throughout the entirety of this collection, and honestly had no idea that she’d been through so much. You never know what happens behind closed doors and when a celebrity releases poetry or a memoir, I’m grateful for a peek behind those doors… because truly none of us are entitled to know. This was dark, vulnerable, and all the poems were shorter style micropoems, but I’m into it.
I’d recommend this one to anyone who enjoys modern poetry about losing and finding yourself after abusive relationships. Good for her for releasing this, she gained a new fan and respect from me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Body shaming, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Rape, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Gaslighting, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A reflection of ruthless decisions driven by a dark turn of events.
I devoured this one on audio in one sitting. Yellowface follows our main character June, who steals her colleagues manuscript after a tragic passing. While I know June wasn’t supposed to be a well liked character, there were plenty of moments where her thought process had me laughing out loud. Diabolical is a great way to describe this FMC.
RF Kuang addressed a unique plot here that could very well happen in modern day society. Fast paced and captivating, I was very engaged from start to finish.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys modern literary fiction with a bit of a thriller type feel.
4 ⭐️
I devoured this one on audio in one sitting. Yellowface follows our main character June, who steals her colleagues manuscript after a tragic passing. While I know June wasn’t supposed to be a well liked character, there were plenty of moments where her thought process had me laughing out loud. Diabolical is a great way to describe this FMC.
RF Kuang addressed a unique plot here that could very well happen in modern day society. Fast paced and captivating, I was very engaged from start to finish.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys modern literary fiction with a bit of a thriller type feel.
4 ⭐️
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Mental illness, Cultural appropriation, and Colonisation
A Soul to Protect by Opal Reyne
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
5.0
5 shiny gold stars.
Nathair and Linh’s story quickly became my absolute favorite thus far. Both characters have dark pasts, and A Soul to Protect was a journey of healing, love, laughs, and of course steamy passion.
I also adore the representation that Opal continuously puts into her books. Nathair is mostly mute, and the language barrier while Linh learns to understand his signs was so precious. Linh is Vietnamese, and I connected with her mindset and struggles so much which made me have so much more connection with the story as it played out.
I would say this is one of the spiciest ones yet. While this installment focuses solely on Nathair & Linh, I look forward to seeing how everything comes together in the final book of the series up next.
Forced Proximity,
Language Barrier,
Overprotective MMC,
Monster 🍆🍆,
Witty Banter & Dialouge,
Rediscovering Self After Trauma,
Strong Willed FMC
Nathair is such a sassy little noodle. Protect him at all costs.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️//🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Nathair and Linh’s story quickly became my absolute favorite thus far. Both characters have dark pasts, and A Soul to Protect was a journey of healing, love, laughs, and of course steamy passion.
I also adore the representation that Opal continuously puts into her books. Nathair is mostly mute, and the language barrier while Linh learns to understand his signs was so precious. Linh is Vietnamese, and I connected with her mindset and struggles so much which made me have so much more connection with the story as it played out.
I would say this is one of the spiciest ones yet. While this installment focuses solely on Nathair & Linh, I look forward to seeing how everything comes together in the final book of the series up next.
Forced Proximity,
Language Barrier,
Overprotective MMC,
Monster 🍆🍆,
Witty Banter & Dialouge,
Rediscovering Self After Trauma,
Strong Willed FMC
Nathair is such a sassy little noodle. Protect him at all costs.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️//🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Manacled by SenLinYu
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
For non-book records, review text and ratings are hidden. Only mood, pace, and content warnings are visible.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Abandonment, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Wild Love by Elsie Silver
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-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
4.25
Ahhhh Ford MF’in Grant 🥵🥵🥵🥵
Elsie Silver truly never disappoints. Wild love is a slow burn, small town, brother’s best friend, single dad, billionaire romance. Taking place in the rural town of Rose Hill British Columbia, Rosie Belmont finds herself pulled back to her hometown after losing her job in the big city. When she reconnects with her brother’s best friend Ford, their connection is undeniable.
The burn was extra slow but that tension build was HAWT HAWT HAWT. Very worth it. If you enjoy small town romance, Elsie Silver’s work is not to be overlooked. Wild Love was a heartwarming read that I will be recommending for years to come.
Do you love a cutesy pink cover that contains a MMC with an undeniably filthy mouth? Step right up because this book is up to bat.
4.25⭐️//2.5 🌶️🌶️
Elsie Silver truly never disappoints. Wild love is a slow burn, small town, brother’s best friend, single dad, billionaire romance. Taking place in the rural town of Rose Hill British Columbia, Rosie Belmont finds herself pulled back to her hometown after losing her job in the big city. When she reconnects with her brother’s best friend Ford, their connection is undeniable.
The burn was extra slow but that tension build was HAWT HAWT HAWT. Very worth it. If you enjoy small town romance, Elsie Silver’s work is not to be overlooked. Wild Love was a heartwarming read that I will be recommending for years to come.
Do you love a cutesy pink cover that contains a MMC with an undeniably filthy mouth? Step right up because this book is up to bat.
4.25⭐️//2.5 🌶️🌶️