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rashellyreads's reviews
43 reviews
The Black Key by Amy Ewing
adventurous
dark
fast-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
3.75
What a thrilling ending to a trilogy!
Amy Ewing has done a great job to capture the importance of liberty to make choices through her characters. Violet Lasting is a great character, in my opinion. She's a hero, which we all love, but she can be morally grey at times. The ratio of me screaming "yessss bitch!" to smacking my head in frustration is just 1. Violet knows that she has the human right to make choices about her body, which inspired the rebel group The Black Key Society. And every time someone calls her a surrogate she makes the point that she is no longer a surrogate...and neither are her friends.
Ash is an interesting character as well. As an ex-companion who still has friends enslaved to his former madam, he feels obligated to reach out to them. He takes initiative in a revolution led by powerful women. We love to see it. Garnet does the same, representing a royal who very much has privilege and uses it to the rebellion's advantage.
I love how much of a feminist read this book is and I could go on forever about the symbolism, the characters, and the allegory. It's a bit anticlimactic at some parts but the message is loud and clear. Everyone should be given the freedom of choice. Whether it's about their body, their status, and their beliefs.
I love all the characters and how real they feel. My favorites are Raven, Garnet, and Carnelian. I just want to thank Amy Ewing for writing an awesome series!
Amy Ewing has done a great job to capture the importance of liberty to make choices through her characters. Violet Lasting is a great character, in my opinion. She's a hero, which we all love, but she can be morally grey at times. The ratio of me screaming "yessss bitch!" to smacking my head in frustration is just 1. Violet knows that she has the human right to make choices about her body, which inspired the rebel group The Black Key Society. And every time someone calls her a surrogate she makes the point that she is no longer a surrogate...and neither are her friends.
Ash is an interesting character as well. As an ex-companion who still has friends enslaved to his former madam, he feels obligated to reach out to them. He takes initiative in a revolution led by powerful women. We love to see it. Garnet does the same, representing a royal who very much has privilege and uses it to the rebellion's advantage.
I love how much of a feminist read this book is and I could go on forever about the symbolism, the characters, and the allegory. It's a bit anticlimactic at some parts but the message is loud and clear. Everyone should be given the freedom of choice. Whether it's about their body, their status, and their beliefs.
I love all the characters and how real they feel. My favorites are Raven, Garnet, and Carnelian. I just want to thank Amy Ewing for writing an awesome series!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Drug use, Slavery, Forced institutionalization, Medical content, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Colonisation, and War
Moderate: Infertility, Physical abuse, Suicide, and Torture
The White Rose by Amy Ewing
adventurous
dark
fast-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? It's complicated
3.5
One thing I’ve noticed when it comes to Amy Ewing is that there is a lot of allegory included. The first book was filled with symbolism and metaphor about reproductive rights when it mentioned surrogacy. A lot of mention about choice and liberty when it comes to body autonomy. This book, the sequel, is very much the same thing. One thing that amazed me was the reference to indigenous people, basically trashing colonialism and capitalism.
This series has been a very good feminist read so far. I love how involved the male characters are in a revolution started by women. And I love that the movement branches out to other oppressed groups like the Regimentals, companions, factory workers, and ladies-in-waiting.
One thing I’m hoping for as a reader is a relationship between Garnet and Raven. I’m loving the banter between them, especially since Garnet’s character development is amazing!
The book does seem to rush through events but it’s such a good read! Amy Ewing is a talented author and she’s definitely captivated my attention with this series. It’s a great read, has an interesting concept, and honestly so worth it!
This series has been a very good feminist read so far. I love how involved the male characters are in a revolution started by women. And I love that the movement branches out to other oppressed groups like the Regimentals, companions, factory workers, and ladies-in-waiting.
One thing I’m hoping for as a reader is a relationship between Garnet and Raven. I’m loving the banter between them, especially since Garnet’s character development is amazing!
The book does seem to rush through events but it’s such a good read! Amy Ewing is a talented author and she’s definitely captivated my attention with this series. It’s a great read, has an interesting concept, and honestly so worth it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Miscarriage, Murder, Pregnancy, and War
Moderate: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Child death, Vomit, Grief, and Colonisation
Minor: Rape, Sexual assault, and Suicide attempt
The Sweetest Oblivion by Danielle Lori
adventurous
dark
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
5.0
Danielle Lori, you've done good my friend.
I think I could read about Nico and Elena's relationship all day for the rest of my entire life. I'm actually angry with myself for not finding this book any sooner. The dynamic between "good girl who is sick of the rules" and "literal king of the most dangerous mafia" is (AGHHHHH) so good! I felt like I was reading one of those good-girl-bad-boy Wattpad books but 100% better.
Like, where is the movie for this book??? It's so hard to cast perfection but damn you might as well TRY!
If it were me instead of Elena, I would kill to be with Nico. I mean, I'm sure she would have too.
I think I could read about Nico and Elena's relationship all day for the rest of my entire life. I'm actually angry with myself for not finding this book any sooner. The dynamic between "good girl who is sick of the rules" and "literal king of the most dangerous mafia" is (AGHHHHH) so good! I felt like I was reading one of those good-girl-bad-boy Wattpad books but 100% better.
Like, where is the movie for this book??? It's so hard to cast perfection but damn you might as well TRY!
If it were me instead of Elena, I would kill to be with Nico. I mean, I'm sure she would have too.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Sexual content, and Violence
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Drug use, Grief, and Sexual harassment
The Maddest Obsession by Danielle Lori
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
5.0
Shut up, shut up, SHUT UP! Danielle Lori, you are a fucking genius!
I would give my life to read this book again for the first time. I didn't want it to end. Like I was actually upset when I reached the epilogue. I would've loved to have read about their wedding day and all the cute scenes Christian mentions.
Sure, there's Rhysand from ACOTAR. And there's Rowan from TOG. And everyone else in between. But no one....NO ONE....can top Christian Allister.
This is the best spicy book with a plot I've ever read. Gianna: A badass woman. Christian: A sexy FBI agent. I mean, what else even is there.
I haven't read the first book because I saw the review of this book from my favorite bookstagrammer (@thebooksiveloved) and decided I HAD to read it. But you best believe that my kindle library will be full of Danielle Lori after tonight.
I would give my life to read this book again for the first time. I didn't want it to end. Like I was actually upset when I reached the epilogue. I would've loved to have read about their wedding day and all the cute scenes Christian mentions.
Sure, there's Rhysand from ACOTAR. And there's Rowan from TOG. And everyone else in between. But no one....NO ONE....can top Christian Allister.
This is the best spicy book with a plot I've ever read. Gianna: A badass woman. Christian: A sexy FBI agent. I mean, what else even is there.
I haven't read the first book because I saw the review of this book from my favorite bookstagrammer (@thebooksiveloved) and decided I HAD to read it. But you best believe that my kindle library will be full of Danielle Lori after tonight.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Sexual content, and Violence
Moderate: Grief
Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
tense
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
5.0
It took me a while to finish but this book was worth the read. A perfect follow-up to Queen of Shadows!
Empire of Storms left me on the edge of my seat the entire time I read it. And I don’t think I will ever forgive Sarah J Maas for what she did to me in the last 100 pages.
Every plot twist was planned out perfectly. Constantly, I went “Oh my god, of course!”
Absolutely genius!
Empire of Storms left me on the edge of my seat the entire time I read it. And I don’t think I will ever forgive Sarah J Maas for what she did to me in the last 100 pages.
Every plot twist was planned out perfectly. Constantly, I went “Oh my god, of course!”
Absolutely genius!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Slavery, Violence, Blood, and War
Moderate: Drug use
Minor: Rape
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
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
4.0
I was expecting a lot more from this book. Not saying it was bad (because after reading it I don’t think I could ever hate it), but I was expecting more of a “The Fault In Our Stars” aesthetic.
As soon as I read the author’s note, I knew I was going to fall in love with the characters. And that’s what I love about this book, it’s written in second point of view…which made me feel like I was right there with them. Greg is an interesting character and I agree with Denise and Rachel that he has a unique sense of humor.
The other characters like Rachel and Earl grew on me as soon as Greg mentioned them. How could they not!? The funny and quick banter between Greg and Earl when they’re in “Gross Mode”. And Rachel’s room covered in posters of shirtless Hugh Jackmans, Daniel Craigs, and Ryan Reynolds hit me in the soul.
The writing style was probably my favorite part of the book. The bullet points, the dialogue written as a script, and the lists (especially the one of Greg’s Girl Tactics). I also love the small things that made me feel like this fictional world was real: a random movie I know nothing about, a cool teacher like Mr. McCarthy, and Cat Stevens.
It’s a really good story told in a very unique way. I loved it!
As soon as I read the author’s note, I knew I was going to fall in love with the characters. And that’s what I love about this book, it’s written in second point of view…which made me feel like I was right there with them. Greg is an interesting character and I agree with Denise and Rachel that he has a unique sense of humor.
The other characters like Rachel and Earl grew on me as soon as Greg mentioned them. How could they not!? The funny and quick banter between Greg and Earl when they’re in “Gross Mode”. And Rachel’s room covered in posters of shirtless Hugh Jackmans, Daniel Craigs, and Ryan Reynolds hit me in the soul.
The writing style was probably my favorite part of the book. The bullet points, the dialogue written as a script, and the lists (especially the one of Greg’s Girl Tactics). I also love the small things that made me feel like this fictional world was real: a random movie I know nothing about, a cool teacher like Mr. McCarthy, and Cat Stevens.
It’s a really good story told in a very unique way. I loved it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer
Moderate: Death and Violence
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I’ve never read a book as beautiful as The Song of Achilles.
Every word was strung together to make beautiful sentences…so beautiful that whilst highlighting, my highlighter gave out. I felt like I was reading a very long poem because of its beauty. One of my favorite was reading it aloud and hearing the story come from my lips.
I grew attached to the characters almost immediately. I wanted to protect Patroclus, I admired Achilles, I grew angry with Thetis, and I wanted to do nothing but hug Briseis. Despite how much I despised a character, I still loved them. It was almost like I was right there with them.
The middle (between arriving at Troy and warring against Troy) was pretty slow but everything else made me want to go to the next chapter.
It’s truly better than any Romeo and Juliet.
Every word was strung together to make beautiful sentences…so beautiful that whilst highlighting, my highlighter gave out. I felt like I was reading a very long poem because of its beauty. One of my favorite was reading it aloud and hearing the story come from my lips.
I grew attached to the characters almost immediately. I wanted to protect Patroclus, I admired Achilles, I grew angry with Thetis, and I wanted to do nothing but hug Briseis. Despite how much I despised a character, I still loved them. It was almost like I was right there with them.
The middle (between arriving at Troy and warring against Troy) was pretty slow but everything else made me want to go to the next chapter.
It’s truly better than any Romeo and Juliet.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Rape and Sexual assault
Neither Wolf Nor Dog: On Forgotten Roads with an Indian Elder by Kent Nerburn
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
5.0
This novel has opened me up to a whole new perspective! It has taught me about white privilege, white silence, white guilt, patience, nature, and Indian culture. The amount of times that I’ve reflected on myself, what I’ve been taught, my religion, and my government just grew as I continued to read chapter after chapter.
The book is mostly dialogue, as the plot surrounds an old Indian man speaking with a journalist about his experiences with racism, appropriation, and violence.
I’ve grown a lot within myself as I read every word and am glad that my English teacher assigned it to us. It’s truly something worth reading and learning from.
The book is mostly dialogue, as the plot surrounds an old Indian man speaking with a journalist about his experiences with racism, appropriation, and violence.
I’ve grown a lot within myself as I read every word and am glad that my English teacher assigned it to us. It’s truly something worth reading and learning from.
They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
sad
fast-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
You know that feeling of emptiness that you just can’t satisfy? Yeah, that’s how I felt after finishing this book. I can’t be mad though, I did this to myself. I was the one who bought the book, opened it, and read past the first 100 pages.
It’s beautiful. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve cried this much since reading Thirteen Reasons Why. It’s not graphic like it but it’s written beautifully and articulately that you can’t help but cry because of its wonder. I swear, 80 years from now, they have to consider this a classic. It deserves to be read over and over again.
There is diversity. SO MUCH diversity. Characters from different backgrounds, races, and sexual orientations. It was more realistic and a breath of fresh air to read a sentence that sounded like “He was mad brave.” It was new and enlightening for me.
This book is filled to the brim with beautiful quotes. I could probably write an entire essay about all the quotes I snapped a photo of from the pages. My phone gallery is 40% this book.
I don’t just recommend for you to read “They Both Die At The End,” I’m BEGGING you to read it.
It’s beautiful. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve cried this much since reading Thirteen Reasons Why. It’s not graphic like it but it’s written beautifully and articulately that you can’t help but cry because of its wonder. I swear, 80 years from now, they have to consider this a classic. It deserves to be read over and over again.
There is diversity. SO MUCH diversity. Characters from different backgrounds, races, and sexual orientations. It was more realistic and a breath of fresh air to read a sentence that sounded like “He was mad brave.” It was new and enlightening for me.
This book is filled to the brim with beautiful quotes. I could probably write an entire essay about all the quotes I snapped a photo of from the pages. My phone gallery is 40% this book.
I don’t just recommend for you to read “They Both Die At The End,” I’m BEGGING you to read it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Grief
Moderate: Homophobia and Racism