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onthesamepage's reviews
1013 reviews
The Summer Palace and Other Stories by C.S. Pacat
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This is the epilogue I needed after Kings Rising.
Of course the stories with Damen and Laurent are my favourite, but I really enjoyed the others as well for various reasons. The hijinks with Charls made me laugh. Summer Palace was completely swoon-worthy and also healing. I think I was least interested in the one with Aimeric because fuck him, but even then Pacat manages to intrigue me.
Of course the stories with Damen and Laurent are my favourite, but I really enjoyed the others as well for various reasons. The hijinks with Charls made me laugh. Summer Palace was completely swoon-worthy and also healing. I think I was least interested in the one with Aimeric because fuck him, but even then Pacat manages to intrigue me.
Kings Rising by C.S. Pacat
This gave me everything I wanted, although did Pacat need to end it there instead of giving us maybe 50 more pages at the end, for some quality time with Damen and Laurent?
There's a lot of tension, angst, and pining, but also a lot of reveals that made me feel so validated at all the hints I thought I'd been seeing in the first two books. I really appreciate Pacat's subtle hand here. The dynamic between Laurent and Damen continues to be amazing. There were scenes that had me gnawing on my fist—Damen is such a romantic, and Laurent is an absolute badass, and anyone who underestimates him deserves what they get. But I also love that we get to see a softer side to Laurent. He remains such a fascinating character.
I think I'll end up re-reading this series regularly. If you've been hesitant to pick it up, I highly recommend it! I regret waiting as long as I did. Pacat has quickly become a favourite author.
adventurous
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
‘How’s your shoulder?’ Damen said.
‘My shoulder and I,’ said Laurent, ‘are waiting to be shown a real fight.’
This gave me everything I wanted, although did Pacat need to end it there instead of giving us maybe 50 more pages at the end, for some quality time with Damen and Laurent?
There's a lot of tension, angst, and pining, but also a lot of reveals that made me feel so validated at all the hints I thought I'd been seeing in the first two books. I really appreciate Pacat's subtle hand here. The dynamic between Laurent and Damen continues to be amazing. There were scenes that had me gnawing on my fist—Damen is such a romantic, and Laurent is an absolute badass, and anyone who underestimates him deserves what they get. But I also love that we get to see a softer side to Laurent. He remains such a fascinating character.
I think I'll end up re-reading this series regularly. If you've been hesitant to pick it up, I highly recommend it! I regret waiting as long as I did. Pacat has quickly become a favourite author.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture
Minor: Incest and Pedophilia
Heartstopper Volume 4 by Alice Oseman
emotional
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've now reached the part of the series that hasn't been adapted yet (well, mostly). This had some cute moments between Charlie and his family, but it's mostly an in-depth look at his struggle with mental illness. I loved seeing the way Nick is there for Charlie, and how much he cares about helping.
The bonus teacher comic was really cute as well.
The bonus teacher comic was really cute as well.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder and Self harm
Moderate: Homophobia
Heartstopper Volume 3 by Alice Oseman
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? Yes
3.0
I can genuinely understand why people love this series so much, but I'm also realizing it's not really what I look for. It's a bit too on the nose with what it wants to say. I can't quite suspend my disbelief enough to buy into how the relationships are progressing.
I understand the focus on positivity, but the main characters all act like semi-perfect people who have never felt the bite of hormones. It's especially jarring in contrast to the adaptation, I think. Tao is a prime example. In the adaptation, he reacts in a pretty predictable way when he finds out that Charlie has been dating Nick, and everyone knows but him. He's sad, and he lashes out in anger, which, to me, is perfectly normal behavior for a teenage boy. In this volume, when he finds out, he's still sad, but he also tells Charlie it was probably the right choice. They both mope about it for a bit, make up, and everything is right as rain. It feels a little bit like forced positivity to me, if I'm being brutally honest.
I understand the focus on positivity, but the main characters all act like semi-perfect people who have never felt the bite of hormones. It's especially jarring in contrast to the adaptation, I think. Tao is a prime example. In the adaptation, he reacts in a pretty predictable way when he finds out that Charlie has been dating Nick, and everyone knows but him. He's sad, and he lashes out in anger, which, to me, is perfectly normal behavior for a teenage boy. In this volume, when he finds out, he's still sad, but he also tells Charlie it was probably the right choice. They both mope about it for a bit, make up, and everything is right as rain. It feels a little bit like forced positivity to me, if I'm being brutally honest.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder
Minor: Self harm
My Throat an Open Grave by Tori Bovalino
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
What's sticking with me the most about this book is probably the unrealized potential. The synopsis reminded me a lot of the movie Labyrinth. I was hoping for something that would really lean into the horror, but that isn't what this book is. I don't think it was served well by the first person POV, either—being in Leah's head the entire time was frustrating and exhausting, and I had days where I just couldn't motivate myself to pick up the book. Up until the 80% mark, there are constant allusions to Leah's badness, something in her past that has ruined her forever, and they're all extremely vague to the point of annoyance. Yes, I get it, she's terrible. And it's not even that this ended up being a twist I didn't see coming or anything like that.
There's a mystery surrounding why all these girls went into the forest and never came out, but it doesn't feel like it's driving the plot. Instead, we just sort of meander along with Leah, and spend a lot of time inside her head, which was filled with self-loathing. I'm sure I was meant to form some kind of attachment to Leah and Tristan, at least, and I was definitely expecting to based on the author's previous works, but I just never got the idea that I got to know Tristan. The characters just felt very flat to me, and I didn't buy into the romance, either.
I understand that this is meant to be a commentary on purity culture, and I do think that was handled well, but I think it could've done so much more. It's still an easy read, however, and I think teenagers will get more out of it than I did.
What's sticking with me the most about this book is probably the unrealized potential. The synopsis reminded me a lot of the movie Labyrinth. I was hoping for something that would really lean into the horror, but that isn't what this book is. I don't think it was served well by the first person POV, either—being in Leah's head the entire time was frustrating and exhausting, and I had days where I just couldn't motivate myself to pick up the book. Up until the 80% mark, there are constant allusions to Leah's badness, something in her past that has ruined her forever, and they're all extremely vague to the point of annoyance. Yes, I get it, she's terrible. And it's not even that this ended up being a twist I didn't see coming or anything like that.
There's a mystery surrounding why all these girls went into the forest and never came out, but it doesn't feel like it's driving the plot. Instead, we just sort of meander along with Leah, and spend a lot of time inside her head, which was filled with self-loathing. I'm sure I was meant to form some kind of attachment to Leah and Tristan, at least, and I was definitely expecting to based on the author's previous works, but I just never got the idea that I got to know Tristan. The characters just felt very flat to me, and I didn't buy into the romance, either.
I understand that this is meant to be a commentary on purity culture, and I do think that was handled well, but I think it could've done so much more. It's still an easy read, however, and I think teenagers will get more out of it than I did.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror and Gore
Minor: Animal death and Suicide
A Short Holiday by Everina Maxwell
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Written in the form of a series of emails, this is just a fun glimpse at Kiem and Jainan on holiday. Cute, but doesn't really add anything to the story overall.
Revelle by Lyssa Mia Smith
adventurous
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? Yes
3.0
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Moulin Rouge has historically been one of my favourite movies. I rewatched it last year and was still really hooked on the romance, even though I acknowledge the rest of it is plenty silly and campy. A Moulin Rouge-inspired story sounded intriguing, and I'm happy to say that I had a really good time reading this. It's less ridiculous than the movie, but it hits many of the same beats, while still managing to add fresh elements.
If you're familiar with the story, a few of the plot twists won't be much of a surprise. I do think the explanation behind some of the details doesn't hold up to scrutiny, and if you don't like star-crossed lovers or love at first sight, you're not going to like this (or Moulin Rouge, for that matter). For me, it had some surprisingly heart-wrenching moments, especially towards the end, and it was very readable and fun, so I'd definitely recommend it if the premise sounds interesting to you.
Moulin Rouge has historically been one of my favourite movies. I rewatched it last year and was still really hooked on the romance, even though I acknowledge the rest of it is plenty silly and campy. A Moulin Rouge-inspired story sounded intriguing, and I'm happy to say that I had a really good time reading this. It's less ridiculous than the movie, but it hits many of the same beats, while still managing to add fresh elements.
If you're familiar with the story, a few of the plot twists won't be much of a surprise. I do think the explanation behind some of the details doesn't hold up to scrutiny, and if you don't like star-crossed lovers or love at first sight, you're not going to like this (or Moulin Rouge, for that matter). For me, it had some surprisingly heart-wrenching moments, especially towards the end, and it was very readable and fun, so I'd definitely recommend it if the premise sounds interesting to you.
The God and the Gumiho by Sophie Kim
adventurous
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I know most people are loving this book, and maybe I just read it at the wrong time or something, but in theory I should've really enjoyed this. I love chaotic evil characters because they are fun to read about. Instead, I was bored and this book took me 10 days to finish because I would skip my usual reading time and rewatch episodes on Netflix instead.
The book is too long for what it is, and a smaller page count and a tighter plot would've served it better. Hani and Seogka interact in the way kids do when they're intent on getting on each other's nerves. Also, I know both of them have done bad things in the past, but if I'm only seeing them act morally grey at worst, I'm not really going to buy into the whole "they are so evil" bit. It doesn't help that Hani's reaction to a couple of murdered and mutilated people is, "It is disconcerting to see this carnage. She's killed, yes, ripped out livers—but this is...different.", when she has killed 500 men and eaten their livers.
There are parts in the text that make it clear that the book is supposed to be comedic, but it didn't hit that way for me. I do think I'm going to be in the minority, and that most people will end up enjoying this, but if you start reading this and wonder if something is wrong with you because you're not enjoying this, then at least know you're not alone.
I know most people are loving this book, and maybe I just read it at the wrong time or something, but in theory I should've really enjoyed this. I love chaotic evil characters because they are fun to read about. Instead, I was bored and this book took me 10 days to finish because I would skip my usual reading time and rewatch episodes on Netflix instead.
The book is too long for what it is, and a smaller page count and a tighter plot would've served it better. Hani and Seogka interact in the way kids do when they're intent on getting on each other's nerves. Also, I know both of them have done bad things in the past, but if I'm only seeing them act morally grey at worst, I'm not really going to buy into the whole "they are so evil" bit. It doesn't help that Hani's reaction to a couple of murdered and mutilated people is, "It is disconcerting to see this carnage. She's killed, yes, ripped out livers—but this is...different.", when she has killed 500 men and eaten their livers.
There are parts in the text that make it clear that the book is supposed to be comedic, but it didn't hit that way for me. I do think I'm going to be in the minority, and that most people will end up enjoying this, but if you start reading this and wonder if something is wrong with you because you're not enjoying this, then at least know you're not alone.
Prince's Gambit by C.S. Pacat
I spent about 2 days in a daze because of this book, and that is the highest compliment I can give.
I don't think Pacat knows what middle book syndrome is. Prince's Gambit builds upon everything she so masterfully set up in Captive Prince, both in the politics and in the relationships. I actually loved the political machinations as well—Laurent has a devious mind, and I would pay for a peek. But what had me buzzing like I had consumed 10 shots of espresso was definitely the dynamic between Damen and Laurent.
Usually I tend to prefer multiple POV in my books, but especially in romances, because I love getting to see two characters fall for each other. But I think in this case, reading everything just from Damen's POV makes it more tantalizing. Just like Damen, I can only guess at what is going on in Laurent's head, and I desperately want to know, because I have so many guesses. I can only hope that some of them turn out to be right.
There were scenes here that had me giggling and kicking my feet. Every time Laurent smiled or laughed I was grinning like a goon. I loved seeing how their relationship changed, and how Laurent slowly comes to rely on Damen, but also how Damen steadily learns to read what Laurent wants, without Laurent saying anything. It's a slow burn, but it's so good.
adventurous
dark
emotional
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? No
5.0
"We can face each other as free men. Whatever is to fall out between us can do so then."
I spent about 2 days in a daze because of this book, and that is the highest compliment I can give.
I don't think Pacat knows what middle book syndrome is. Prince's Gambit builds upon everything she so masterfully set up in Captive Prince, both in the politics and in the relationships. I actually loved the political machinations as well—Laurent has a devious mind, and I would pay for a peek. But what had me buzzing like I had consumed 10 shots of espresso was definitely the dynamic between Damen and Laurent.
Usually I tend to prefer multiple POV in my books, but especially in romances, because I love getting to see two characters fall for each other. But I think in this case, reading everything just from Damen's POV makes it more tantalizing. Just like Damen, I can only guess at what is going on in Laurent's head, and I desperately want to know, because I have so many guesses. I can only hope that some of them turn out to be right.
There were scenes here that had me giggling and kicking my feet. Every time Laurent smiled or laughed I was grinning like a goon. I loved seeing how their relationship changed, and how Laurent slowly comes to rely on Damen, but also how Damen steadily learns to read what Laurent wants, without Laurent saying anything. It's a slow burn, but it's so good.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Pedophilia and Suicide
The Wolf at the Door by Charlie Adhara
adventurous
funny
mysterious
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
Tropes: forced proximity
Steam level: 🌶🌶
Me reading this: do I need to read more shifter books?
This had a lot of elements that can very often not work for me, but somehow, here they magically did. Park is just the right kind of alpha, Cooper is an awkward mess, and I love them both. Between the shirt sniffing, the submission, and the "I'll take care of you", I was absolutely hooked. The mystery was engaging too, and all in all it made for an excellent read.
Steam level: 🌶🌶
Me reading this: do I need to read more shifter books?
This had a lot of elements that can very often not work for me, but somehow, here they magically did. Park is just the right kind of alpha, Cooper is an awkward mess, and I love them both. Between the shirt sniffing, the submission, and the "I'll take care of you", I was absolutely hooked. The mystery was engaging too, and all in all it made for an excellent read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Torture, and Murder