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163 reviews
Forged by Malice by Elizabeth Helen
adventurous
dark
emotional
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
3.5
I won’t lie. This book disappointed me.
I didn’t enjoy it like I did the other two. It was much darker and sadder that the others. At the end of the second book I was left with a feeling of contentment and suspense. I felt like we had so much growth for the characters and the mate bonds.
At the end of this book we are worse than we’ve ever been. I felt there was character regression for almost everyone individually but also as a team.
I was destroyed and annoyed and angry for the last 30% of this book. I was disappointed by Rose and found her to make a lot of dumb mistakes. Can’t blame her too much before everyone made dumb mistakes (looking at you Ez).
Normally I would be more understanding, but I also was not surprised by any of these “twists” either. Wrenley was right about one thing, it is a ignorance contest between this group in this book.
Honestly. It was good. I think I’ll like this better maybe once I read the next book.
I didn’t enjoy it like I did the other two. It was much darker and sadder that the others. At the end of the second book I was left with a feeling of contentment and suspense. I felt like we had so much growth for the characters and the mate bonds.
At the end of this book we are worse than we’ve ever been. I felt there was character regression for almost everyone individually but also as a team.
I was destroyed and annoyed and angry for the last 30% of this book. I was disappointed by Rose and found her to make a lot of dumb mistakes. Can’t blame her too much before everyone made dumb mistakes (looking at you Ez).
Normally I would be more understanding, but I also was not surprised by any of these “twists” either. Wrenley was right about one thing, it is a ignorance contest between this group in this book.
Honestly. It was good. I think I’ll like this better maybe once I read the next book.
Woven by Gold by Elizabeth Helen
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
fast-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? Yes
4.75
I’m obesessssedddddd
Okay I’m here to fully review.
I liked book one. I read it in one day. Stayed up till 4 am to finish it. Yeah it was great.
BOOK TWO is what has me in an absolute chokehold. We see such great wold building in this book as we dive into the Autumn Court.
In this book we really focus on Farron’s character and his relationship with Rosalina. This was such an adorable connection. I was worried Farron’s flaw “cowardice” would be an ick for me. But it’s NOT. It’s handled so well. His character development is AMAZING.
Then we have his relationship with Daytonales (my absolute favorite character btw). Honestly most of the steamy scenes in the first two books stem from these two characters. Dear gosh though, I ship them so hard.
I really loved the battle scenes and action moments. We got to visit the Below. YES THE BELOW AND CASPIAN. I can’t wait to see how his character grows.
I wasn’t really surprised by any plot twists. But I could not put this book down. There was must be crack in the pages. Or the men.
I can tell that despite all the heat and spice, these relationships are honestly slow burn. Or just straight up teases. I LOVE IT.
Prince Rankings so far:
1. Dayton
2. Farron’s
3. Ez
4. Caspian.
5. Kel
Okay I’m here to fully review.
I liked book one. I read it in one day. Stayed up till 4 am to finish it. Yeah it was great.
BOOK TWO is what has me in an absolute chokehold. We see such great wold building in this book as we dive into the Autumn Court.
In this book we really focus on Farron’s character and his relationship with Rosalina. This was such an adorable connection. I was worried Farron’s flaw “cowardice” would be an ick for me. But it’s NOT. It’s handled so well. His character development is AMAZING.
Then we have his relationship with Daytonales (my absolute favorite character btw). Honestly most of the steamy scenes in the first two books stem from these two characters. Dear gosh though, I ship them so hard.
I really loved the battle scenes and action moments. We got to visit the Below. YES THE BELOW AND CASPIAN. I can’t wait to see how his character grows.
I wasn’t really surprised by any plot twists. But I could not put this book down. There was must be crack in the pages. Or the men.
I can tell that despite all the heat and spice, these relationships are honestly slow burn. Or just straight up teases. I LOVE IT.
Prince Rankings so far:
1. Dayton
2. Farron’s
3. Ez
4. Caspian.
5. Kel
A Promise of Peridot by Kate Golden
Okay this book completely blew me away. I love when the second book exceeds the first book and all my expectations.
I absolutely loved the depth of emotions in this book. The way the Arwen was left numb in her grief for her mother’s death, her own life, the death of her own identity as she knew it, and at the death she caused with her incomprehensible power! The only reason I’m holding back that quarter of a star is because I think there was SO MUCH potential in this that could have been expanded upon. I really wanted a conversation or monologue where Arwen really dissected her own brain and heart and feelings with someone.
Otherwise I had everything I wanted. This book was very fast paced. I loved the way the plot progressed here, the journey everyone took in the hunt for the blade. So many life or death moments!
THEN we have the pining, love confessions, and SPICE that has been building up since book one! AHHH EXPECTATIONS EXCEEDED HERE. Kane, my love, I love you with all my heart. His character developed so much more in this book.
The side characters, Mark, Griffen, and Fredrick were great. Our ragtag team. I hope we see more of Fredrick in book three. I’d like to see him team up to avenger Arwen with Kane. Although, if he’s still looking for love I’m singleeee.
Wrapped up some loose ends from book one (Halden) and opened some new ones (Amelia? The Scarlet Queen? The crow? The seers father? The seers deal?? KANES REVENGE).
AND THAT ENDING?! Forget that Arwen should not have tried to do this while he was in dragon form (although does she have her own wings???) I WAS STILL SHOOK!
Gimme me more gimme more, gimme gimme more. As Brittany would say.
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-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? Yes
4.75
Okay this book completely blew me away. I love when the second book exceeds the first book and all my expectations.
I absolutely loved the depth of emotions in this book. The way the Arwen was left numb in her grief for her mother’s death, her own life, the death of her own identity as she knew it, and at the death she caused with her incomprehensible power! The only reason I’m holding back that quarter of a star is because I think there was SO MUCH potential in this that could have been expanded upon. I really wanted a conversation or monologue where Arwen really dissected her own brain and heart and feelings with someone.
Otherwise I had everything I wanted. This book was very fast paced. I loved the way the plot progressed here, the journey everyone took in the hunt for the blade. So many life or death moments!
THEN we have the pining, love confessions, and SPICE that has been building up since book one! AHHH EXPECTATIONS EXCEEDED HERE. Kane, my love, I love you with all my heart. His character developed so much more in this book.
The side characters, Mark, Griffen, and Fredrick were great. Our ragtag team. I hope we see more of Fredrick in book three. I’d like to see him team up to avenger Arwen with Kane. Although, if he’s still looking for love I’m singleeee.
Wrapped up some loose ends from book one (Halden) and opened some new ones (Amelia? The Scarlet Queen? The crow? The seers father? The seers deal?? KANES REVENGE).
AND THAT ENDING?! Forget that Arwen should not have tried to do this while he was in dragon form (although does she have her own wings???) I WAS STILL SHOOK!
Gimme me more gimme more, gimme gimme more. As Brittany would say.
Powerless by Lauren Roberts
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-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? Yes
4.25
Oh man, I have so much to say.
First off, I really liked this book. It made me feel so many things. The slow burn was absolutely torture. The action is absolutely heart pounding. The betrayal… well I’m raging.
Our main character Paedyn and the trial aspect aspect had be constantly thinking of the Hunger Games. And while I know many books claim to be similar to that absolute master piece this felt the most similar to me (at least as a fantasy genre). The trials were the best parts for me. I live for the fighting in fantasy!
The the other aspect is the romance. We have a bit of a love triangle here that I was not expecting, although it’s pretty obvious who the main couple is. Despite this, I low key loved the triangle. Simply because I loved all the characters in and it made sense to me that both boys would feel attracted to her based on their dynamic. Was I frustrated by the end? Absolutely! Because this is such a slow burn we don’t get a kiss, a confession, or ANYTHING! I’m crushed!
The reason I can’t give this book five stars though is because of Paedyn. Goodness gracious girl what we’re you doing in the end? She joins the Resistance with no questions asked. No real desire to understand what her father was doing but is willing to betray both boys she cares for “for her people”. Okay, I can get behind it. Sure. But THEN when all hell breaks loose, she just runs? To who? To where? To what? Her fight with the King was just… ugh like what? How did she even manage that?
And now we have two boys feeling utterly betrayed. One who loved a monster and one who is one. I’m scared to see if Kitt goes down a very dark path because of all this which would be very disappointing because it’s hard for me to connect or feel any sympathy for a character that feels “betrayed” by a member of a group of people you are committing genocide against. My hope is that Kitt and Kai can change the fate of this Kingdom and their people once they understand what’s going on.
I the ending left me furious. In a good way I think. Loves it but hated it! Ahhh!
First off, I really liked this book. It made me feel so many things. The slow burn was absolutely torture. The action is absolutely heart pounding. The betrayal… well I’m raging.
Our main character Paedyn and the trial aspect aspect had be constantly thinking of the Hunger Games. And while I know many books claim to be similar to that absolute master piece this felt the most similar to me (at least as a fantasy genre). The trials were the best parts for me. I live for the fighting in fantasy!
The the other aspect is the romance. We have a bit of a love triangle here that I was not expecting, although it’s pretty obvious who the main couple is. Despite this, I low key loved the triangle. Simply because I loved all the characters in and it made sense to me that both boys would feel attracted to her based on their dynamic. Was I frustrated by the end? Absolutely! Because this is such a slow burn we don’t get a kiss, a confession, or ANYTHING! I’m crushed!
And now we have two boys feeling utterly betrayed. One who loved a monster and one who is one. I’m scared to see if Kitt goes down a very dark path because of all this which would be very disappointing because it’s hard for me to connect or feel any sympathy for a character that feels “betrayed” by a member of a group of people you are committing genocide against. My hope is that Kitt and Kai can change the fate of this Kingdom and their people once they understand what’s going on.
I the ending left me furious. In a good way I think. Loves it but hated it! Ahhh!
Fate & Furies by Helen Scheuerer
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
4.75
Wow wow wow!
I can’t remember the last time, if ever, I read a series and enjoyed each book equally! All three books in this series have been amazing so far. I’ve devoured them! And still starving for more!
I’m this book we follow Thea on a whole new arc. Tracking down Wilder in the beginning was so painful. To see who she has become and what she had suppressed of herself. I was devastated thinking she has regressed! But during that time our Thea grew so much stronger too!
Her real stop ship with Wilder took a complicated turn obviously. My one wish is that we had a longer, deeper conversation about what happened between the two of them. But honestly, I’m just obsessed.
I loved the addition of the new characters in this book. I see our found family growing! Ahhh!
SPOILER:
The Great Rite was epic. I doubted whether this challenge could live up to the hype it was built up to in the book. But I was satisfied. Actually, I cried! Watching Thea face, accept, and fight for herself and her loved ones was amazing.
I can’t wait to see the evil in this world defeated!
And of course, I don’t know how I’ll survive that ending! How can I wait for book 4?!
All I can say is, book 4 better be 1000 pages because I don’t want this to end!
I can’t remember the last time, if ever, I read a series and enjoyed each book equally! All three books in this series have been amazing so far. I’ve devoured them! And still starving for more!
I’m this book we follow Thea on a whole new arc. Tracking down Wilder in the beginning was so painful. To see who she has become and what she had suppressed of herself. I was devastated thinking she has regressed! But during that time our Thea grew so much stronger too!
Her real stop ship with Wilder took a complicated turn obviously. My one wish is that we had a longer, deeper conversation about what happened between the two of them. But honestly, I’m just obsessed.
I loved the addition of the new characters in this book. I see our found family growing! Ahhh!
SPOILER:
The Great Rite was epic. I doubted whether this challenge could live up to the hype it was built up to in the book. But I was satisfied. Actually, I cried! Watching Thea face, accept, and fight for herself and her loved ones was amazing.
I can’t wait to see the evil in this world defeated!
And of course, I don’t know how I’ll survive that ending! How can I wait for book 4?!
All I can say is, book 4 better be 1000 pages because I don’t want this to end!
Vows & Ruins by Helen Scheuerer
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-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? No
4.5
Destroyed.
I was not ready for book two.
I loved book one. It’s was an immediate 5 stars for me. Book two was amazing as well and I’m so HAPPY about that because I KNOW this series is going to be an all time faveoite.
YES following that ending we have a lot of explaining to do and A LOT TO FIX HERE PLEASE I NEED PEOPLE TO FIX THIS.
okay this review is chaos but so is my mind!
Need book three to keep SAIN
I was not ready for book two.
I loved book one. It’s was an immediate 5 stars for me. Book two was amazing as well and I’m so HAPPY about that because I KNOW this series is going to be an all time faveoite.
YES following that ending we have a lot of explaining to do and A LOT TO FIX HERE PLEASE I NEED PEOPLE TO FIX THIS.
okay this review is chaos but so is my mind!
Need book three to keep SAIN
Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I really enjoyed this book.
In beginning I was I throw off by the constant switching of characters. I was drawn in to each character’s story only to be pulled out and tossed into another. However, once we settled into the narrator I was hooked.
I was well and truest captivated by the author’s writing. The way each scene was set was so ma and civics considering the fact that this book is only 250 pages. The author has a way with describing the world without need too many words.
I wasn’t attached to all the characters equally. My favorite was by far Olive. I felt she was the most fleshed out and interesting. I liked the anxiety her character seemed to chart. The way she fixated on things like the colors of the hotel room and … well that would be a spoiler.
While Gaspry wasn’t the most interesting character (he felt more like a vessel for the story to progress) for most of the book, I was invested in his choices by the end.
Not only that but this book was the first book in a long while to truly make me gasp, sending goosebumps down my arms, at MULTIPLE TURNS. I’m not kidding I gasped at least three times!
While this is not typically a go to read for me, I will definitely be checking out other books by this author. Particularly The Glass Hotel. Iykyk.
In beginning I was I throw off by the constant switching of characters. I was drawn in to each character’s story only to be pulled out and tossed into another. However, once we settled into the narrator I was hooked.
I was well and truest captivated by the author’s writing. The way each scene was set was so ma and civics considering the fact that this book is only 250 pages. The author has a way with describing the world without need too many words.
I wasn’t attached to all the characters equally. My favorite was by far Olive. I felt she was the most fleshed out and interesting. I liked the anxiety her character seemed to chart. The way she fixated on things like the colors of the hotel room and … well that would be a spoiler.
While Gaspry wasn’t the most interesting character (he felt more like a vessel for the story to progress) for most of the book, I was invested in his choices by the end.
Not only that but this book was the first book in a long while to truly make me gasp, sending goosebumps down my arms, at MULTIPLE TURNS. I’m not kidding I gasped at least three times!
While this is not typically a go to read for me, I will definitely be checking out other books by this author. Particularly The Glass Hotel. Iykyk.
Blood & Steel by Helen Scheuerer
adventurous
dark
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I am literally salivating for book two. Is that enough of a review?
I have read a lot of fantasy romance books. This is one of my favorites! While it wasn’t wholly original, it had all the elements I love and it was executed so well.
I loved our main character, Thea. She was strong and driven and badass. More than that, she was loyal and merciful as well. She trained and she trained hard. She was stubborn but not to a fault because when she realized she was wrong she made efforts to change it. And share it with others.
Wilder Hawthorne. Another sexy, dark, brooding male love interest. Once again. I ate that right up. The slow burn was amazing, the restraint, but damn I do I hope we get something more than just pining in book two!!
Found family vibes was always present and amazing. One of my favorite aspects was Thea and her friendship with Cal and Kipp. I can’t wait to see how this trip progresses in the next books.
I’m so excited for the whole coming arc for Thea and more romance!
I have read a lot of fantasy romance books. This is one of my favorites! While it wasn’t wholly original, it had all the elements I love and it was executed so well.
I loved our main character, Thea. She was strong and driven and badass. More than that, she was loyal and merciful as well. She trained and she trained hard. She was stubborn but not to a fault because when she realized she was wrong she made efforts to change it. And share it with others.
Wilder Hawthorne. Another sexy, dark, brooding male love interest. Once again. I ate that right up. The slow burn was amazing, the restraint, but damn I do I hope we get something more than just pining in book two!!
Found family vibes was always present and amazing. One of my favorite aspects was Thea and her friendship with Cal and Kipp. I can’t wait to see how this trip progresses in the next books.
I’m so excited for the whole coming arc for Thea and more romance!
A Dawn of Onyx by Kate Golden
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I’m still reeling from that ending!
A Promise of Fire by Amanda Bouchet
adventurous
funny
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
4.5
I’m literally obsessed.
I want to write a thorough review but in all honestly I exhausted because I stayed up late to finish this and my eyes feel like they have weights tied to the lids.
I love Kat. She’s funny, kind, smart, and powerful. Is she a little childish with her mannerisms? Yes. Although it grew on me as we got to know her and I realized she’s probably just a little insane and gives 0 fucks what people think of her. She is totally badass and selfless which I love.
Griffin is sexy. He’s seems like a classic broody asshole fantasy male lead, but if you’re looking for the man to fall first? To be totally and utterly whipped and obsessed with the female MC? That’s him. To a T. He’s fierce and possessive but in a way I didn’t find toxic.
I lived for the romance between these two. It was the lifeblood of this book for sure. HOWEVER. The other ingredient was pure magic and action! There was never a dull moment. Cat was constantly saving the day or dying. Usually both. But I was never tired of everyone fawning all over her on her death bed, she deserves all the love.
I know this series has so much plot to give in the next three books. Cat has so many secrets, some I can guess and others I probably can’t get! Griffin also has secrets. But his ambition is going to be a driving force. I can’t wait to see them conquer!
I can’t wait to get started on the next book. To see where these characters and the side characters (Beta Team boys in particular) grow! Also… Peire I’m watching you. Sus…
I want to write a thorough review but in all honestly I exhausted because I stayed up late to finish this and my eyes feel like they have weights tied to the lids.
I love Kat. She’s funny, kind, smart, and powerful. Is she a little childish with her mannerisms? Yes. Although it grew on me as we got to know her and I realized she’s probably just a little insane and gives 0 fucks what people think of her. She is totally badass and selfless which I love.
Griffin is sexy. He’s seems like a classic broody asshole fantasy male lead, but if you’re looking for the man to fall first? To be totally and utterly whipped and obsessed with the female MC? That’s him. To a T. He’s fierce and possessive but in a way I didn’t find toxic.
I lived for the romance between these two. It was the lifeblood of this book for sure. HOWEVER. The other ingredient was pure magic and action! There was never a dull moment. Cat was constantly saving the day or dying. Usually both. But I was never tired of everyone fawning all over her on her death bed, she deserves all the love.
I know this series has so much plot to give in the next three books. Cat has so many secrets, some I can guess and others I probably can’t get! Griffin also has secrets. But his ambition is going to be a driving force. I can’t wait to see them conquer!
I can’t wait to get started on the next book. To see where these characters and the side characters (Beta Team boys in particular) grow! Also… Peire I’m watching you. Sus…