abbeysalwaysreading's reviews
546 reviews

The Therans: Secrets Beneath Scars by Cyndi Brec

adventurous dark emotional 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

3.5

I really enjoyed the historical idea of the Therans and how it was woven into the story. We continued to unwrap layers to the group as we moved through the book and it kept things really engaging. Callie was the most solid character from the start and it was easy to root for her. I enjoyed her relationship with Gramps, especially as more of their story unfolded. There were moments when Trystan, Anna, and Colin seemed a lot older than the other characters which was a little jarring but it settled into a more consistent high school aged group about a third of the way in. 

The pacing of the action scenes made it tough to put down and moments and the ending left me curious about what happens next!  Overall a solid debut and great concept with tons of room to go from here.  Thanks to HappilyBooked PR and the author for the ARC  and the chance to explore this twisty world early!

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Violence and Car accident

Minor: Bullying, Kidnapping, Death of parent, and Murder

Kingsbane by Claire Legrand

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Furyborn by Claire Legrand

adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

One More Chapter by Allie Marie

emotional funny reflective medium-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

4.25

Paradise In Progress by Alexis Buxton

emotional funny lighthearted 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? It's complicated

4.0

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

4.5

A Five-Letter Word for Love by Amy James

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

I really enjoyed the cast of older characters their relationship with Emily. Overall, Emily was difficult for me to root for at times. Her constant search for or fear of missing something better felt condescending and there’s no resolution for why she does it. There’s also very little dynamic between the FMC  and MMC to help them make sense together beyond a shared appreciation for Wordle.  The town seems charming even down to their overbearing historical society (who were responsible for the best laugh in the book).  

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Content Warnings

Minor: Death and Medical trauma

Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding

4.0

The Girls' Guide to Hunting and Fishing by Melissa Bank

4.0

Safari En Boston by Sarah Mlynowski

4.0