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a_phoenix_bookcorner's reviews
57 reviews
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
A Favorite Quote: “You see, the thing is–” Elias arched an eyebrow at her. “You’re afraid of me, but I don’t know if you’re afraid enough.”
Self-written Blurb: When the unthinkable happens, Charlie retreats into herself. Losing your other half, your twin, is an unbearable grief. It blinds you to the world around you and to everyone else who is experiencing that same grief. So when her classmates go missing, nordic symbols start appearing on trees, and a new mysterious boy arrives in town… with one bite of a berry, Charlie’s eyes are abruptly opened to a whole new world. This new world is different and yet… the same. It pulls her and her friends into a whirlwind of an adventure filled with secrets, danger and lies and mythology that comes to life before her. Now tangled in an ancient feud, can Charlie stop Ragnarok?
What I enjoyed: I absolutely loved the Norse mythology in this book. Soul of Shadow was well written and I enjoyed it. The ending had a twist I was not expecting and the tension with Elias and Charlie was perfect. I did not realize going in that this was a little more YA than I’m used to but it really fit the story. That cliff hanger at the end though! I hope the second book comes out soon because I need to know what happens!
Any struggles?: My only struggle was a little bit of slow start but by about 15-20% in- it picked up and held my attention more.
Will I recommend and to who: If you like norse mythology and fantasy novels this one is for you!
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
A Favorite Quote: “This was me making space for her, even though she would never know it. My way of saying thank you for her friendship, even if it was too quiet to hear.”
Self-written Blurb: Two broken souls are on a collision course headed straight for one another. They couldn’t have stopped the gravitational pull to one another even if they wanted to. A rocky start, a storage closet, and an absurd favor pull Jacob and Bri into a whirlwind tale. They both have jagged and dark edges. Will they keep those pieces to themselves, guarding them with everything they have? Or will they mend them together in a beautiful mosaic of love, friendship, admiration and respect.
What I enjoyed: I. Am. Obsessed. This book literally took my breath away. The rawness of the characters and the mental health representation in a way that doesn’t play on stereotypes is completely refreshing. Abby Jimenez has a way to just reel you in with her relatable characters and then makes you stay and crave more with the carefully woven in whimsical and romantic undertones. A true contemporary romance genius. Not to mention- laugh out loudable! I can’t even count the number of times I had real out loud reactions to this story. I cannot wait to read the next one.
Any struggles?: Only that it ended.
Will I recommend and to who: EVERYONE! Go read it! Now!
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A Favorite Quote: “As I approach the end of my years, I know that grief, like regret, settles into our DNA and remains forever a part of us.”
Self-written Blurb: Two sisters, one war. The war. This is the story of Isabelle and Vianne, sisters from birth turned strangers from life. A series of unfortunate events pulled these two apart, can the impending loom of war bring them together or will it sever what little bit of duty that their blood held onto? War is among France for the second time in only a matter of years. Isabelle must find her purpose amongst the silent ranks and Vianne must find a way for her mind and body to survive. Two different experiences, one heart wrenching resolution.
What I enjoyed: Kristin Hannah has a way with story telling. She does a fantastic job at blending and weaving love and history together. This book was an excellent story of survival, heroism, sisterhood, friendship, love, and times of war. Kristin highlights the silent and dangerous role that many women played in World War II. She also sheds light on the atrocities of war that go beyond the concentration camps all while expertly intertwining and displaying several different kinds of love. They say that all is fair in love and war.
Any struggles?: This book has detailed and graphic depictions of the inhumanities of war. It also was paced a little slowly in my opinion. Heavy and slow. So it took me a while to get through it but I still say this book is a masterpiece despite all of that.
Will I recommend and to who: Anyone who likes Kristin Hannah or the historical fiction genre. I would also recommend this to everyone- as long as WWII and it’s atrocities are not a trigger for you. It speaks to an important role that women played during times of war in that era.
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Thank you to the author for gifting me this book. All opinions are my own.
A Favorite Quote: “But mostly, I’m fucking terrified of not submitting to the numbing remedies because it means suffering through the raw misery of every day I have to live without you.”
Self-written Blurb: Trey thought he knew pain, grief, and turmoil. He had never been more wrong. After going through hell and back to save his girl, the love of his life, his soul mate… Trey learns that her mind has been scrubbed. Trey must navigate his new world through the pits of despair, the cacophony of his anguished thoughts, and the blades of sorrow that are wrapped around his every fiber of being. As every ounce of hope is stripped away, the vice of desolation tightens its unyielding grip on his heart. Can a soulmate bond stand the testament of time and tribulations or will it fade and wither away?
What I enjoyed: Talk about vices! The Secrets Trilogy has become one of mine. This book had me in a death grip from page one. The emotions were high and raw. The pining was heartbreaking. The tears were VERY real. Melissa does an excellent job at keeping the interpersonal relationships realistic. Her writing style is easy to follow and immersive. The plot gave me whiplash on multiple occasions. And that ending! How can an author end on a happy note and a cliff hanger at the same time? To say I was astonished and enthralled doesn’t even do this book justice.
Any struggles?: Only that it is the end of Trey and Arella’s story.
Will I recommend and to who: I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys romance and a touch of fantasy. Also to anyone who enjoys having their heart ripped out by authors.
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
A Favorite Quote: “Love follows you. It goes where you go. It doesn’t know about social divides or distance or common sense. It doesn’t even stop when the person you love dies. It does what it wants.”
Self-written Blurb: Fate. Whether you believe in it or not, you’ve heard of it. Destiny. Whether you choose it or it chooses you, it’s inevitable. Love. Whether you live for it or run from it, it knows no bounds. Grace. Whether you give it or receive it, it costs nothing. This is a tale of how love and a little bit of grace conquers all. Alexis and Daniel live in two completely and fundamentally different worlds. On the surface, they are two completely and fundamentally different people. But deep down… deep down there is a fire within their soul to help people. And helping people is what brings them together in this rollercoaster love story.
What I enjoyed: One book is all it has taken for Abby Jimenez to become an auto-read author. Part of Your World is witty, hilarious, moving, captivating, heartbreaking, soul crushing, and just what the doctor ordered. I was fully immersed in this story and not once did my mind stray while I was reading. The story held me in its clutches until the very last word. In short… I could not put this book down. I thought about this book while I wasn’t reading it. I got excited when it was time to get in my car and continue the story with the audiobook. This book had everything I could have asked for in a book. It had banter, tension, drama, character growth, and a depth beyond just the words on the pages. I am forever a fan.
Any struggles?: The only struggle I had was being mad at myself for not reading it sooner! I cannot wait to dive into more of her books!
Will I recommend and to who: If you like romance that has character depth and not just surface level attraction and smut, this book is for you. If you want a love story that will stay with you for a while… read this book. Hell… even if that’s not your thing… read it anyway.
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
A Favorite Quote: “Perhaps I should show mercy. Perhaps I should at least feel some regret. But I don’t. I feel vindicated. I feel satisfied. I feel content.”
Self-written Blurb: When we last saw Madinia Farrow, she had just finished saving a world from a ruthless leader along with her friends. But where are those friends when Madinia swears to protect an ancient grimoire and is hunted for it? Where are those friends when she is captured, tortured, and caged for years? It appears that Madinia is on her own, forced to endure the hellish nightmare that is her own mind. Pushed to the edge over and over… but Madinia refuses to break. So when she escapes and a familiar face shows up looking for the same thing that she gave her freedom and life to protect… well, let the plotting and backstabbing begin.
What I enjoyed: This book was a HIGHLY anticipated book for me. I loved being able to see more of Madinia Farrow and get to know her character better. More importantly, I loved seeing more of Calysian. This was a story that was beautifully woven together through glimpses of the past, forgotten memories, and a burning love that is dangerously close to the edge. One wrong move, could have their love igniting with a fiery passion or it could be snuffed out before it even gets the chance to become an ember. I loved how Madinia remained the Madinia that we all know and love. I loved how this story brought a whole other world to light that we didn’t even know existed. All in all, this was an excellent first book to a duology and I cannot wait for the second book!
Any struggles?: I struggled a little bit in the first half of the book. There seemed to be a lot of back and forth and I kept wondering when it would pick up. But then it did pick up and I was slapped in the face by plot twist after plot twist!
Will I recommend and to who: If you like romantasy, this book is for you. If you like rivals to lovers, this book is for you. If you like one bed, one horse… this book is most definitely for you!
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
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:
Complicated
A Favorite Quote: “”We’re meant to destroy each other,” she whispered, the words pained and agonized. “Then destroy me, little storm.””
Self-written Blurb: In the end, she had become her own villain. Vengeance and Wrath… in book 3 of the legacy series, Tessa takes her vengeance. She dishes out her wrath and fury again and again, all in the name of correcting the balance. But at what cost? Destruction or Salvation. She must choose wisely. As the story unfolds, Tessa wields her playing pieces expertly as if it were a game of chess and she is two steps ahead. The problem with being ahead is you don’t see the check mate that is right in front of you. The one mis-step that will crush what small ember of hope she had left.
What I enjoyed: *slow claps for all of time* I finished this book over a week ago and I haven’t written my review until now because I am honestly speechless. The way that Melissa Roehrich weaves chaos, destruction, hope, vengeance, yearning, and devotion into one cohesive, dark, and twisty story is beyond genius. The banter is *chefs kiss*, the twists were unexpected, the heartbreak was agonizing. I feel like I am right there with these characters, feeling all of their pain and turmoil. How can a story be all about Tessa and yet, not about Tessa, all at the same time? One could say the story is bigger than Tessa and one could say Tessa is bigger than the story. Somehow, it’s both. The third installment of the Legacy series is pure perfection.
Any struggles?: WHAT DO YOU MEAN I HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE FINAL BOOK!?
Will I recommend and to who: At this point… everyone. Everyone should read this series. (Check your trigger warnings- but if that doesn’t stop you, then just read the series already.) I may have found my new Roman Empire.
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
A Favorite Quote: “Because the dark still plagued her, and time spent in pleasure at his hands still managed to drive it away, and fuck him for being both her destruction and salvation.”
Self-written Blurb: We are back in Devram and Theon is on a mission to figure out Tessa’s lineage. The Achaz lord, his father, the lords and ladies of all the kingdoms… they all demand answers. Answers to which he doesn’t have. All he needs is time to uncover the truths, to unveil the secrets, and pull Devram’s enigma from the depths of shadows and darkness. But what happens when time runs out and Theon is no closer to his salvation and the only thing that remains is a storm of wildness and fury that leaves a path of destruction in the wake of Chaos.
What I enjoyed: Once again Melissa K. Roehrich’s beautiful writing has strung me along for another wild ride full of fury and chaos. The second installment of the Legacy series has left me yearning for more. Every stone of truth that is overturned- only generates more questions. This book will hold you captive page after page and will sink its teeth in and not let go in the best kind of ways. We are introduced to Axel and Luka’s POV which only adds to the depth and drama this story produces. I was shaken by the end of this book and I had to begin to question everything I knew. Melissa’s writing embodies the term ‘beautiful pain’. The banter, tension and the slow burn is beyond masterful.
Any struggles?: The only struggles that I had was the pining and yearning for there to be more with Luka. The tension between him and Tessa was cruel to say the least.
Will I recommend and to who: If you like dark fantasy romance, you need to read this series. Also- the playlists are pure fire and I’m obsessed so you should be too.
dark
emotional
mysterious
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:
Complicated
A Favorite Quote: “You’re too busy trying to separate lies from reality. You’re too busy trying not to break so completely that you can’t be fixed. But that’s impossible. You always break. We help each other glue the pieces back together, but it’s never quite right. The pieces of yourself never quite fit back together the way they once did. Until eventually, you don’t remember what it was like to not feel cracked and scarred. Until eventually, you are just a shell of what you once were, but you know there’s no way to go back, so you just move forward, even if death’s song sounds sweeter and sweeter every time.”
Self-written Blurb: “Who will be left standing, When Chaos comes to rein?” Tessalyn has spent her entire life trying to not be noticed, trying to keep her temper and this other thing that coils inside her under control. So when she bumps into a Legacy as she steals a piece of chocolate during the Source Ceremony… Tessa brushes it off. Little did she know- that Legacy was the Arius Kingdom’s heir, Theon. Little did she know… that was all it took to catch his eye and have him choose her to be his bonded source. Being a fae, she had no right to refuse the bond. It was what the gods had created the fae for. For the Legacy’s to be able to draw power from the fae. But as Theon attempts to control her, for his own dark and twisted secrets, the power and thing inside of Tessa fights back, refusing to allow her to give into the bond. In a classic tale of give and take, push and pull, light and dark, will Theon and Tessa come to whether the storm, or will Chaos prevail?
What I enjoyed: Perfection. Chef’s Kiss. 6 stars. The first in a 4-book series, this novel has everything you would want. Angst, drama, carefully curated world-building, banter, tension, spice, twists, and turns. Melissa Roehrich has a way with words. I have found a new favorite author for sure! I love the way that she pulls you in with her writing and the way that it touches your heart, mind, and soul. I could feel Tessa’s desperation as her soul shattered a little more with each and every page. The banter between Tessa and Theon was pure gold. I could not get enough. The storyline was epic and the world-building was nothing short of brilliance. I haven’t screamed “WHAT!?” and thrown by book in a while.
Any struggles?: My literal only struggle with this book was WISHING to the gods that it was a why choose. Because Luka and Axel… would make an excellent harem, along with Theon of course.
Will I recommend and to who: If you enjoyed the resistance and push and pull that you got with Tory and Daris from Zodiac Academy- THIS book is for you! If you like a dark fantasy romance- THIS book is for you. If you like J Bree and The Bonds that Tie series- THIS book is for you. If you like Jennifer Armentrout and the From Blood and Ash series- THIS book is for you. I will forever recommend this book to anyone who is willing to listen.