claragweny's reviews
188 reviews

The Lonely Hearts Book Club by Lucy Gilmore

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross

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dark tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

I have many of the same critiques for Ruthless Vows that I did for Divine Rivals. I think the story has really good bones but isn’t nearly as developed as I’d like it to be. Maybe this is because I’m coming from the perspective of a seasoned fantasy reader. 

While Ruthless Vows did delve more into the world building like I had predicted other aspects of this books seemed to take a back seat. Some of the characters really don’t get their due time and seem to almost be forgotten about and the final battle feels rushed and lackluster. 

What Rebecca Ross does really well is write pretty, romantic prose that seems to flow off the page. However, I would not call this a romance book like some do. It feels pretty strictly YA fantasy with a little splash of romance. I would recommend this to readers who liked Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries, The Twisted Mark, or the Cruel Prince
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The Bookshop by the Loch by Julie Shackman

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emotional hopeful reflective sad slow-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

 I bought this book based on the title, and knowing I tend to like books about people who love books, so I didn’t have high expectations. I just wanted a nice casual read. 

Bookshop by the Loch absolutely exceeded all my expectations. I really felt like a knew all the characters in Bracken Way and was really invested in their stories. 

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a book about multi-generational relationships, romance, finding oneself in adulthood, and familial stories. 
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Count Your Lucky Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur

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medium-paced

3.5

The Only Purple House in Town by Ann Aguirre

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funny hopeful relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

While the story felt a little under developed or rushed in certain areas, I really enjoyed this book. It was nice, sweet read about a found family that felt like hug. 
The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern

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adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious reflective slow-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

Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas

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adventurous dark medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I liked the whole book but when
Rowan shows up? That's it. That's what made the book.
Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas

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adventurous challenging dark slow-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? Yes

4.0

“At least if you’re going to hell then we’ll be there together.”

Parts of Celaena's story in this one made me tear up because I too have been lost in grief. Seeing how she gets out of that place with Rowan's help was really moving to me. 

❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥Rowan❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥
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Reborn Throne by Angelina J. Steffort

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challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

4.75

Alright, now that I have finished this entire series I can say that the Shattered Kingdom series is one of my favorite series I've read. I just love all the POV switches and getting to know each character in depth. I love love love the queer representation too. It's not something I was expecting at all but I was so happy to see it. I love love love Drew and Palvin and Gordon is my main man but I love all of the characters (even Valyn at the end).

While the series is not perfect and absolutely not high brow fiction it is a fun ride. I'm not sure I'd recommend this series to anyone who isn't already into fantasy, fae, and genres of that ilk. In terms of writing style, I'd say the Shattered Kingdom series is more like From Blood and Ash and less like ACTOR. So if you read and enjoyed FBAA and ACTOR you'd most likely enjoy Shattered Kingdom too.
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Dark Refuge by Angelina J. Steffort

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adventurous dark 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? It's complicated

4.75

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