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ddnreads's reviews
397 reviews
Paola Santiago And The Forest Of Nightmares by Tehlor Kay Mejia
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? N/A
5.0
Tutur Dedes: Doa dan Kutukan by Amalia Yunus
Some minor notes from me personally would be:
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
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? N/A
4.75
Set in 1200's century in of one Indonesia's old Kingdom, Kerajaan Tumapel (later known as Singasari), Tutur Dedes is a light, detailed, and atmospheric historical fiction biography book.
Ken Dedes was an intriguing figure who sparked controversy in my history coursebook back then. How she was forcibly taken to be a concubine, helped the assasination of her husband, and later married the assassinator. Wow, sis was bold.
However, like so many other women figure in history, she was never given a chance in our history book to tell her piece. Not much of her story and role was recorded. She was known for her otherwordly beauty and her womb to birth kings. I appreciated how the author managed to provide that. To provide that Ken Dedes was a worthy queen, cunning, considerate, literate, and her life journey was no less important than those kings she birthed.
Tutur Dedes was more than an appropriate book to get to know her. It started with her childhood, her adventure with the archer, Anjani, the kindaping by Tunggul Ametung, her meetings and later deception with Ken Angrok who became her husband, followed by her life in Temapel kingdom. Her roles during the wartime, to the point where she has to pay for the price of her choices, and her death in the end.
✨️What I like from the story:
Ken Dedes was an intriguing figure who sparked controversy in my history coursebook back then. How she was forcibly taken to be a concubine, helped the assasination of her husband, and later married the assassinator. Wow, sis was bold.
However, like so many other women figure in history, she was never given a chance in our history book to tell her piece. Not much of her story and role was recorded. She was known for her otherwordly beauty and her womb to birth kings. I appreciated how the author managed to provide that. To provide that Ken Dedes was a worthy queen, cunning, considerate, literate, and her life journey was no less important than those kings she birthed.
Tutur Dedes was more than an appropriate book to get to know her. It started with her childhood, her adventure with the archer, Anjani, the kindaping by Tunggul Ametung, her meetings and later deception with Ken Angrok who became her husband, followed by her life in Temapel kingdom. Her roles during the wartime, to the point where she has to pay for the price of her choices, and her death in the end.
✨️What I like from the story:
- The character development of everyone involved is top notch. The revenge, or deserving punishment was all there. The deceptions and how the table turned 👌👌👌👌 the war!!! CURSES!!! BERTRAYAL!!!
- The plot. It flew effortlessly through her memory pieces even with no straight timeline.
- The language. A bit flowery in a way that captivate you.
- The setting was detailed and very descriptive. The FOOD omg. It takes no effort to imagine ourselves living in those days.
- The legends and myths. Even if it was more historical than fantasy, these two aspects were quite inevitable considering the time setting of this story.
Some minor notes from me personally would be:
- I'd love to have more Dedes motherly figure. How the children were described along with their personalities. Their traits, distinctions, etc. Bcs later in the book, they were the ones who would take the throne, and looking at how bloody thay could be, some backgrounds might make a nice touch.
- The ending. It felt a bit rushy to me. I got this feeling that this book could be longer. A better explanation or plot or deception may be needed.
Overall, it captured Ken Dedes spirit well. How her character strived and how enjoyable it was for the readers to follow her journey.
ALL AND ALL, if you're looking for Asian historical fiction with cunning female lead and KINGDOMS LACED WITH DECEPTIONS , BETRAYAL AND CURSES, go read TUTUR DEDES🤌🤌🤌🤌
ALL AND ALL, if you're looking for Asian historical fiction with cunning female lead and KINGDOMS LACED WITH DECEPTIONS , BETRAYAL AND CURSES, go read TUTUR DEDES🤌🤌🤌🤌
A Touch of Ruin by Scarlett St. Clair
challenging
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I cant stand Pershephone in this one, dnfed
A Magic Steeped in Poison by Judy I. Lin
Basically this book is enjoyable but not extraordinarily captivating. I have seen some similar books with the setting, romance, twist, betrayal, sister bond, kingdom and everything. Aside from the 'tea' thing, I felt like these kind of book lost its novelty to me:( so sorryyyyy
✨️What I like the most:
✨️Im not a fan of:
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
3.5
Read if you're into:
- TEA, herbs, art of healing
- Magical touch which revolved around the dreamlike place.
- KINGDOM and POLITICAL INTRICT.
- COMPETITION
- Slight romance with hints of deceptions
- Strong friendship and sisterbond
- Talented and stubborn female MC who were dare to slipped out of the night to investigate things and handled things with her own hand.
- Quite action packed with short chapters!!!!
- Enjoy The Red Palace by June Hur, The Girl who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh, or Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan
Basically this book is enjoyable but not extraordinarily captivating. I have seen some similar books with the setting, romance, twist, betrayal, sister bond, kingdom and everything. Aside from the 'tea' thing, I felt like these kind of book lost its novelty to me:( so sorryyyyy
✨️What I like the most:
- The food description. They're surely evocative and mouth watering.
- The plot was quite solid eventhough some parts should be better explained.
- The magical system was not very complicated. I can feel the 'art' of brewing tea its mentioned.
✨️Im not a fan of:
- The characters' dynamic and development was not there. Too many tangled encounters without clear solving.
- THE CLIFFHANGER😭😭😭
Will continue to read the next book🥰
The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I cant read past the first 30% of the book bcs I found it flat and a bit boring. But I insisted on giving this book a second chance bcs I get the feeling that this is not the kind of story I'd want to miss. and I'm not regretting it. I listened to its audiobook and it's world changing. Each character has diff voices and things get interesting quickly. The plot flew effortlessly.
Adult dark academia fantasy about six 'powerful' medeians who were invited to the long lost Alexandrian Library to be initiated as a part of the Society. 6 in, but 5 survived. Well... intriguing.
It didnt have much action in it. The power of each were explained clearly, more physics than 'magical'. If you wish them to spell from the wand, or able to control water, or things like that, then this book isnt for you.
Reverse found family trope, they were all pretentious and mistrust each other. Each of them were lethal. When I think Reina as the mother earth is powerful, then there's Callum who were able to broke someone without liftinf a finger. Not to mention Nicco and Libby, altering the universe itself. The scheme of Parisa... her mind game is something else. then there's Tristan who I think would be the key to the sequel. Their depths, backgrounds, and developments are chef's kiss.
The relationship happened were tangled, complicated, and uneasy.
I will not claim that I understand all those theories about time, intent, dearh, etc etc, but I do love their banters. I treasure the conversation they have with each other. I do love flowery writing after all. Some ppl might find it invoking vomit😂 especially Callum's pov.
For me, the characters were not lovable, but they stay in my head long after I finished reading. They intrigued me much and I kinda want to see more of them. How would they strive and survive.
Im not sure about the ending. Found it creepy tbh wkekwk
But well I'll be waiting for the next title✨️
Adult dark academia fantasy about six 'powerful' medeians who were invited to the long lost Alexandrian Library to be initiated as a part of the Society. 6 in, but 5 survived. Well... intriguing.
It didnt have much action in it. The power of each were explained clearly, more physics than 'magical'. If you wish them to spell from the wand, or able to control water, or things like that, then this book isnt for you.
Reverse found family trope, they were all pretentious and mistrust each other. Each of them were lethal. When I think Reina as the mother earth is powerful, then there's Callum who were able to broke someone without liftinf a finger. Not to mention Nicco and Libby, altering the universe itself. The scheme of Parisa... her mind game is something else. then there's Tristan who I think would be the key to the sequel. Their depths, backgrounds, and developments are chef's kiss.
The relationship happened were tangled, complicated, and uneasy.
I will not claim that I understand all those theories about time, intent, dearh, etc etc, but I do love their banters. I treasure the conversation they have with each other. I do love flowery writing after all. Some ppl might find it invoking vomit😂 especially Callum's pov.
For me, the characters were not lovable, but they stay in my head long after I finished reading. They intrigued me much and I kinda want to see more of them. How would they strive and survive.
Im not sure about the ending. Found it creepy tbh wkekwk
But well I'll be waiting for the next title✨️
Babel by R.F. Kuang
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
sad
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
5.0
This work is brilliant!!! It's something else. Dimantling language, translation, etymology, cultures, is such a fascinating way. Set in 1800's dark academia fantasy of Oxford scholars.
Satisfying diversed characters. The shade for whites and system were strong. Snappy and entertaining.
Found family trope with heart wrecking plot. There's this magical thread on how RFK weave the destiny of each of her character. They stay true. Each was given justice of their depth and development.
The plot was not action packed but it was enough. Atmospheric you would want to be there with them, experiencing Oxford and the cones. Lots of lectures and theories about language and translation which I enjoy so much it's weird. (Which also, unfortunately, my English ed lecturers would never)
The magical system was simple. The power of words within silver.
Cultures, languages, slavery, political disturbance, violence, racism, and homeland...
I love it. Best read. And to think the research went through to get this done 👌👌👌👌👌
Satisfying diversed characters. The shade for whites and system were strong. Snappy and entertaining.
Found family trope with heart wrecking plot. There's this magical thread on how RFK weave the destiny of each of her character. They stay true. Each was given justice of their depth and development.
The plot was not action packed but it was enough. Atmospheric you would want to be there with them, experiencing Oxford and the cones. Lots of lectures and theories about language and translation which I enjoy so much it's weird. (Which also, unfortunately, my English ed lecturers would never)
The magical system was simple. The power of words within silver.
Cultures, languages, slavery, political disturbance, violence, racism, and homeland...
I love it. Best read. And to think the research went through to get this done 👌👌👌👌👌
Mengapa Luka Tidak Memaafkan Pisau by M. Aan Mansyur
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
slow-paced
3.75
A touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
3.75
Kaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5