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laurenleigh's reviews
623 reviews
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
In the most basic move ever, the onset of fall gave me the strongest desire to revisit Twilight. Lauren a few years ago would have been too judgmental to reread, much less share about it, but if it brings me joy, that’s all that matters! There’s still plenty to roll my eyes at and certainly a few elements that didn’t age well, but damn this was so fun. This world is just so vibey, and I ate it up. I originally read this series during a particularly challenging part of my adolescence, and it’s almost like an act of reparenting to reread it now.
A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The emotional hold this series has on me...I did not expect to fall this in love with these characters and their stories. I was also surprised at how connected I feel to Nesta now. Before this book, I didn’t think we had much in common at all. Watching her character progression over the course of this novel was so rewarding. I still think ACOMAF slightly beats this one as my favorite of the series, but this is a VERY close second. I know I’ll look back fondly on this year and my first reading of this series.
The Phoenix Keeper by S.A. MacLean
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
I was personally expecting a much more fantastical tale, but once I got over that slight disappointment, I could enjoy this story for what is was. I loved and identified with the main character, especially enjoying her development as she gained more confidence and expanded her comfort zone. It’s helpful for me to be in an anxious main character’s brain so I can see from the outside how pointless the worrying and catastrophizing is lol. Plot was somewhat predictable, but I didn’t mind it terribly. I’d be very curious to read more from this author in the future, especially if it’s more fantasy than other genres.
The Black Bird Oracle by Deborah Harkness
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
One of my most anticipated releases of the year, and it did not disappoint! I loveeee these characters and will follow wherever their story takes them. It was so great to watch Diana and Matthew’s relationship years down the line, their kids being almost 7. When I fall in love with a literary couple, I appreciate seeing how they grow and develop through inevitable rough times. Especially as parents, since that’s high on my mind right now! This installment of the series is almost exclusively focused on witches and Diana’s heritage, which was so perfect for budding fall vibes.
Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Five stars, no notes. Perfection. I become more and more a BrandoSando fangirl! This would be a delightful foray into his work, especially if you’re new to fantasy. It was fun, light, and whimsical, while still having depth and quality. The Princess Bride inspiration is clear, so I definitely recommend if you’re a fan of that. I didn’t expect there to be so many lines I wish I could have highlighted and tagged, but there were tons of gems in here that I want to return to. I need to buy the hard copy now, which is basically equivalent to a 6 star rating for me!
Lost and Found in Paris by Lian Dolan
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
A perfectly cute palette cleanser. Little did I know that the author lives in Pasadena (my home town) and our main character here lives there too! She even works at a museum that I’m sure is supposed to be a renamed Norton Simon. When we weren’t in Pasadena, I loved the Paris setting. The plot dabbled a bit in contemporary fiction, romance, and mystery, and it was the mystery elements I enjoyed the most. I really liked learning little bits of Paris trivia and Joan of Arc history. The light touch of romance was sweet, and I appreciated that it didn’t take over the whole book.
A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross
adventurous
mysterious
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Rebecca Ross is such a wonderful writer, especially if you want to feel strong vibes. She has such a soothing, gentle, atmospheric quality to her fantasy. I feel calmer just thinking about it! Not that there aren’t high stakes and exciting plot lines here, but they’re executed with poetry. The narrator with her thick Scottish accent was fantastic, which was a perfect match to the lyrical prose. Kind of a slow start, but worth the build up. I will be picking up the sequel!
Flamefall by Rosaria Munda
adventurous
challenging
reflective
tense
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
4.5
Oohhh this series is so good. I can’t believe I found it from a random BookTube video, not even from the regular accounts I follow! Again with the delicious political intrigue, I eat it up. There were so many points in this story that stopped me in my tracks and gave me so much to think about it. No decision is ever simply cut and dry when you’re talking about ruling an entire diverse population, and Munda really leans into that. All the characters make both good and bad choices, and I love following them every step of the way. I am sure the third book will be fantastic!
A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I did NOT expect to love this little mid-series novella so much, but it got me right in the feels. I cried multiple times (happy tears). Though TBH everything makes me tear up these days! I’ve just become really attached to these characters, and I want the best for them. It was nice to read something lighter with the gang, where they’re not knee deep in a bloody war.
Mirrored Heavens by Rebecca Roanhorse
adventurous
dark
emotional
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
5.0
Stunning, exciting, and the perfect way to end a trilogy. I feel so complete with this gorgeous series. The political scheming is A++++, balanced by fast paced action scenes. I was screaming at this book more than once, in the best possible way. I don’t necessarily want this to get picked up for TV in case they mess it up, but I couldn’t help but imagine all these scenes, with such good cinematic writing. Roanhorse is so talented, and she doesn’t get nearly enough attention in my opinion.