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cia_of_the_stars's reviews
257 reviews
The Favorites by Layne Fargo
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Long Way Down by Krista Ritchie, Becca Ritchie
4.0
I was not a big fan of the beginning (it wasn't the worst, just A LOT of spice and not a lot of anything else), but WOW that last quarter pulled through. I love these characters so much and I'm not ready to say goodbye.
All This Twisted Glory by Tahereh Mafi
4.75
This would be a five star if I wasn't so frustrated that the plot of this series is happening at a GLACIAL pace. The last two books, we've barely accomplished anything at all. I was so relieved when weeks passed in this book, I was like time is FINALLY moving, but no, turns out we don't get to read about those weeks, and as a whole in this book, we only spend TWO DAYS with the characters.
That being said, I think everything that bothered me about the first two books was worth it to get to read this one because it had me in an absolute chokehold. Everything finally clicked for me.
Really, it's Cyrus's POV that made this book. OH MY STARS. No one, and I mean truly no one, knows how to write a yearning down bad man the way Tahereh Mafi does. The things he was saying and thinking had me absolutely insane.
And Alizeh!! My girl!! The main part of these books I've consistently liked. I want the best for her. She's truly so kind hearted and empathetic and just wonderful and I wish we got to spend more time with her (instead of with Kamran, who I still dislike).
Speaking of Kamran, his POV was more bearable thanks to the little group he ended up stuck with. I LOVED them so much, especially because they were willing to call Kamran out on his crap. And they were so funny. Like the comedy in this book is actually everything. About Kamran and co, I think it's highly likely Mafi is building a romance between Huda and a certain other character, but low key I'm not invested and want better for her, but maybe Mafi can bring me around to them.
Anyways, this is 100% the best book in the series and I'm finally invested. This is the Tahereh Mafi I know and love. The writing is beautiful, the worldbuilding is creative and interesting, the descriptions are stunning, Alizeh is a lovable protagonist, our side characters are also lovable (especially Hazan that's my boy), and the final piece has slotted into place: Cyrus being down HORRENDOUS and having such an interesting POV, to where I'm now a fan and sat for the next book.
That being said, I think everything that bothered me about the first two books was worth it to get to read this one because it had me in an absolute chokehold. Everything finally clicked for me.
Really, it's Cyrus's POV that made this book. OH MY STARS. No one, and I mean truly no one, knows how to write a yearning down bad man the way Tahereh Mafi does. The things he was saying and thinking had me absolutely insane.
And Alizeh!! My girl!! The main part of these books I've consistently liked. I want the best for her. She's truly so kind hearted and empathetic and just wonderful and I wish we got to spend more time with her (instead of with Kamran, who I still dislike).
Speaking of Kamran, his POV was more bearable thanks to the little group he ended up stuck with. I LOVED them so much, especially because they were willing to call Kamran out on his crap. And they were so funny. Like the comedy in this book is actually everything. About Kamran and co, I think it's highly likely Mafi is building a romance between Huda and a certain other character, but low key I'm not invested and want better for her, but maybe Mafi can bring me around to them.
Anyways, this is 100% the best book in the series and I'm finally invested. This is the Tahereh Mafi I know and love. The writing is beautiful, the worldbuilding is creative and interesting, the descriptions are stunning, Alizeh is a lovable protagonist, our side characters are also lovable (especially Hazan that's my boy), and the final piece has slotted into place: Cyrus being down HORRENDOUS and having such an interesting POV, to where I'm now a fan and sat for the next book.