Scan barcode
mk_loisirs's reviews
418 reviews
The Temptation of Magic by Megan Scott
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
I am going to tell you absolutely nothing about this book just that I loved it. I was obsessed. I read it in a day!!
I cannot tell you how excited I was to read a book where one of my absolutely favorite paintings ever (if not THE favorite) was a major part in this story. The integration of art as a key element in the story arc was exceptionally fantastic and I loved reading all the supernatural twists Scott added to actual art history.
I enjoyed the pacing, the characters, the dialogue and the general plot. I was happy with the ending considering this is a planned trilogy! I can’t wait to see where it goes.
I cannot tell you how excited I was to read a book where one of my absolutely favorite paintings ever (if not THE favorite) was a major part in this story. The integration of art as a key element in the story arc was exceptionally fantastic and I loved reading all the supernatural twists Scott added to actual art history.
I enjoyed the pacing, the characters, the dialogue and the general plot. I was happy with the ending considering this is a planned trilogy! I can’t wait to see where it goes.
Lost and Lassoed by Lyla Sage
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Lyla’s best yet…such a fun emotional romantic ride. I inhaled it in 5 hours. It was so cute I know I will read it again in the future.
and the “Lost, Lassoed, and Lane” after the acknowledgments?? Tears. Flowing.
Underneath the romance, this story really was a love letter to the great dads.
I’m happy to have my own Amos & Hank.
and the “Lost, Lassoed, and Lane” after the acknowledgments?? Tears. Flowing.
Underneath the romance, this story really was a love letter to the great dads.
I’m happy to have my own Amos & Hank.
Fang Fiction by Kate Stayman-London
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Rape
Fable for the End of the World by Ava Reid
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
tear out my heart why don’t you.
Okay here’s the real one:
Thank you to Harper Collins for the digital arc in exchange for my honest review!
Yet again Ava Reid has crafted such a complex and well crafted story. This dystopian enemies to lovers definitely filled me with a sense of nostalgia for the early dystopian titles (Hunger Games, etc). In a world run by a singular corporation, when a debt reaches its maximum, a “lamb” can be put up for the Gauntlet in exchange for the exoneration of the debt. They are led to slaughter by the Angels, beautifully & perfectly crafted assassins (à la blade runner, ghost in the shell, terminator type cyborg - human).
In addition to weaving an emotionally charged story, it had clear parallels to current society and can be considered a cautionary tale of what could happen if capitalism continues unchecked and the what happens with the dehumanization of peoples trauma through voyeurism and societal expectations.
I felt the story was strongest in its commentary of those things as well as Ava’s ability to make the story feel like a real possibility (with the inclusion of current pop culture - streamers, etc). The world-building in this was thorough and not overwhelming.
I did struggled with the love between Mel & Inesa because it essentially started with “love/attraction” at first sight…and it didn’t sit as right with me given the rest of the story. However, I still very much believed them as a couple despite my hang-ups. Overall, I felt more connected to her relationship with her brother - but that probably has to do with me being an older sister to a brother. That being said, thinking those things about M & I’s relationship did not stop the tears from flowing at the end. WHAT WAS THAT ENDING AVA!? *minor spoilers*
I know what it was, you gave us hope and sometimes that’s the best and the worst thing to give.
Another stunner and I can’t wait to read even more Ava books!
Okay here’s the real one:
Thank you to Harper Collins for the digital arc in exchange for my honest review!
Yet again Ava Reid has crafted such a complex and well crafted story. This dystopian enemies to lovers definitely filled me with a sense of nostalgia for the early dystopian titles (Hunger Games, etc). In a world run by a singular corporation, when a debt reaches its maximum, a “lamb” can be put up for the Gauntlet in exchange for the exoneration of the debt. They are led to slaughter by the Angels, beautifully & perfectly crafted assassins (à la blade runner, ghost in the shell, terminator type cyborg - human).
In addition to weaving an emotionally charged story, it had clear parallels to current society and can be considered a cautionary tale of what could happen if capitalism continues unchecked and the what happens with the dehumanization of peoples trauma through voyeurism and societal expectations.
I felt the story was strongest in its commentary of those things as well as Ava’s ability to make the story feel like a real possibility (with the inclusion of current pop culture - streamers, etc). The world-building in this was thorough and not overwhelming.
I did struggled with the love between Mel & Inesa because it essentially started with “love/attraction” at first sight…and it didn’t sit as right with me given the rest of the story. However, I still very much believed them as a couple despite my hang-ups. Overall, I felt more connected to her relationship with her brother - but that probably has to do with me being an older sister to a brother. That being said, thinking those things about M & I’s relationship did not stop the tears from flowing at the end. WHAT WAS THAT ENDING AVA!? *minor spoilers*
Another stunner and I can’t wait to read even more Ava books!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Suicide attempt, and Murder
Januaries: Stories of Love, Magic & Betrayal by Olivie Blake
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I loved every single one of these short stories. I already am planning a reread of some.
Fantastic.
Fantastic.
The Cinnamon Bun Book Store by Laurie Gilmore
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
A cozy hallmark movie of a book but with spice and less cringe! It’s was extremely predictable but that added to the charm. You know what you were getting into and are relaxed the whole time.
The Bog Wife by Kay Chronister
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I really need to sit and gather my thoughts with this one. It was simultaneously hopeful and heartbreaking.
Brat by Gabriel Smith
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0