laurenleigh's reviews
623 reviews

The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent

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adventurous dark tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

You know when you’re loving a book so much, you’re thinking about it even when you’re not actively reading? I didn’t want to put this one down. Yes, it’s capitalizing on Hunger Games and ACOTAR and Twilight and lots of other super popular fantasy series, but who cares when it’s this fun to read? I like what I like! Oraya’s female rage was so satisfying, and I liked watching her character arc. In the same vein as ACOMAF, the ending was absolutely chaotic in the best way. Immediately onto the next in the series!
A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid

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dark emotional mysterious 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

4.5

I tried listening to this audiobook months ago and very quickly realized I wasn’t in the mood. I’m so glad I waited for the right time, because I absolutely loved this on my second attempt! The gothic crumbling manor house vibes were so good, set up with a perfect dark academia plot. I don’t know if loved the romance build up (it was slow burn but maybe could have been even slower?), though I loved the couple in the end. It felt very similar to Divine Rivals, but with more spooky fantasy elements.
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New Moon by Stephenie Meyer

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emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Wasn’t sure if my desire to reread Twilight was a one-off, but apparently not. I remember being quite firmly in the Team Edward camp when I originally read these, but wow I am so Team Jacob now. Edward belittles, abandons, and gaslights Bella over and over again, while Bella’s lack of self-esteem is frustrating. And did we all just think it was normal that she was catatonic for months, only to then start having auditory hallucinations, and STILL no one is putting her in therapy?? I’m clearly annoyed with them all lol but what a fun time! 😅
Rhythm of War by Brandon Sanderson

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adventurous challenging emotional inspiring 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? Yes

5.0

I just don’t understand how one man’s brain can come up with all of this! It boggles my mind when I consider the depth and complexity Sanderson has created in his Cosmere books. He is truly one of the greatest minds of our time. This installment of the series (#4) is probably my second favorite after #2. I found it fascinating to watch Navani and Raboniel dive into the science behind fabrials and Light. Adolin finally got some major screen time (so to speak), and his character development was amazing. Kaladin continues to have my whole heart, and I underlined so many of his lines. I’m all caught up now and cannot wait for book 5 soon! 
Long Live Evil by Sarah Rees Brennan

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adventurous funny hopeful 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? Yes

4.0

Very fun to read a book after hearing the author speak in person! Knowing her personality and her own journey really added to my enjoyment of this novel. It was a bit challenging to get into with the story within a story, but I just enjoyed the ride and didn’t cling too tightly to all plot points. The line editing was absolutely hilarious, and it made the characters all the more endearing. It’s my attachment to these characters that will bring be back for book 2!
An Academy for Liars by Alexis Henderson

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dark mysterious sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This novel had a great start that immediately drew me in, as a lover of dark academia (especially this time of year!). The fast pacing kept my interest, but my dislike of pretty much every character only grew as I kept reading. I don’t believe your main character has to be pristine and perfect, but it’s tough to watch someone make so many bad decisions that hurt so many people. It was also too gory and violent overall for my taste, which I think I also felt with Henderson’s previous work. Still, even if it’s not quite my jam, I think it deserves four stars!
For the Wolf by Hannah Whitten

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dark emotional mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I tried reading this in print first, but I was struggling to get into it. I switched to audio and had a more enjoyable time. Despite the obvious Red Riding Hood references, this read much more like a Beauty and the Beast retelling. Extremely similar to Where the Dark Stands Still, which was also kind of meh for me, but I did like this better. The slow burn romance in the woods was a fun time, and the side plot set back in the city was interesting enough to keep me going. I particularly struggled with the narrator’s voice for our MMC; it just did not fit with the image I had in my head!
Finale by Stephanie Garber

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dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Honestly I’m kind of surprised I kept reading this series, but I guess I’m a completionist! Also I wanted all the setup to fully enjoy Once Upon a Broken Heart. I just find myself losing plot threads and struggling to understand what’s really happening and what’s part of the games these characters play. Perhaps it would have stuck better in print, but I do love Rebecca Soler as a narrator. There’s just something about the magical world Garber has created that kept me going with the series, even if I wasn’t particularly tied to any plot or character outcomes.
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

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adventurous dark fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This was very YA (a 15 year-old protagonist seems like such a baby!), but still a very fun time. I missed out on this series when it was new and popular, but I would have devoured it, I’m sure. Demon hunting and magical (found) families and discovering your own powers, all fantasy tropes I enjoy. I do plan to continue with the series, though I’m hoping *certain* storylines are dropped. 🤨 iykyk
The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

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dark tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

I liked but didn’t love The Inheritance Games, and I thought I’d give this other series of hers a chance. Unfortunately the same issues arise. It’s just soooo YA, and I can only suspend disbelief for so long. This is literally Criminal Minds but with teenagers. I probably would have ate this up like 10-15 years ago, when I was obsessed with that show. Now it just feels too much like a copy paste, and I also have less interest in reading about serial killers unaliving women. It was a fine quick read, and if you’re in the mood for fast paced YA thriller, by all means enjoy!