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alaina_reads_and_wanders's reviews
5 reviews
The Duke and I by Julia Quinn
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Like many people, I came here after the Netflix show, hoping for a little light-hearted entertainment. I rarely say this, but the show is way better in a lot of ways. The chemistry between the characters is more believable, their romance doesn't feel as rushed, and in general the characters are much more likable. (Plus, I think adding discussions of race and classism makes the entire series much more interesting and engaging than the book.)
I strongly disliked the so-called-romance between the two characters in this book. Daphne's blatant manipulation of Simon for her own gain was hard for me to read -- it's extremely disturbing. I enjoy reading a dark romance from time to time, but this is not intended to be dark, so that's... concerning. I realize what was needed to move the plot along, but -- just no.
Beyond that, there was too much "fluff" in this book -- not much romance -- but somehow not enough deep character development either. It really didn't suit my character, plot, or romance needs at all.
I've heard the other books in the series are better, but I don't know that I'm motivated to try them any time soon. Stay tuned...
I strongly disliked the so-called-romance between the two characters in this book. Daphne's blatant manipulation of Simon for her own gain was hard for me to read -- it's extremely disturbing. I enjoy reading a dark romance from time to time, but this is not intended to be dark, so that's... concerning. I realize what was needed to move the plot along, but -- just no.
Beyond that, there was too much "fluff" in this book -- not much romance -- but somehow not enough deep character development either. It really didn't suit my character, plot, or romance needs at all.
I've heard the other books in the series are better, but I don't know that I'm motivated to try them any time soon. Stay tuned...
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Sexual content
Moderate: Sexism
Minor: Violence
Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I loved book two of this duology even more than book one!
I enjoy the trend of switching from first-person, singular POV to full cast POV in act two. I thought it worked really well for this story, particularly as the main character (Elspeth) was limited in her scope of awareness in this part of the plot and, as a result, we instead gained more access to Nightmare, who has a more omniscient awareness than the other characters anyway. Plus, true rebellions are hardly ever led truly by a singular person, so having access to multiple "battlefronts" is more engaging anyway.
This duology proved to be an enchantingly dark and romantic storyline and is one that I will very likely read again -- even if only for it's romance and ambiance! Definitely a romantasy I'd recommend adding to the collection!
I enjoy the trend of switching from first-person, singular POV to full cast POV in act two. I thought it worked really well for this story, particularly as the main character (Elspeth) was limited in her scope of awareness in this part of the plot and, as a result, we instead gained more access to Nightmare, who has a more omniscient awareness than the other characters anyway. Plus, true rebellions are hardly ever led truly by a singular person, so having access to multiple "battlefronts" is more engaging anyway.
This duology proved to be an enchantingly dark and romantic storyline and is one that I will very likely read again -- even if only for it's romance and ambiance! Definitely a romantasy I'd recommend adding to the collection!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Physical abuse and Violence
Minor: Death, Gore, and Infidelity
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
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
4.5
I finally got around to reading this book and it was definitely worth the hype! The magic system is unique, but understandable. The story creates its own lore and builds off of it beautifully. The characters are flawed, but lovable. And the plot moves at the perfect pace for me -- it doesn't drag, but also doesn't skim over interesting character-building moments.
I'm on book two now. So far in the series there haven't been any plot twists that I haven't seen coming and there have been a few moments in which I haven't fully believed the characters' decisions, based on their characterization (primarily the King and Prince Hauth), but honestly, I don't really care. I am bought in enough to the main characters, the magical world, and the primary plot arc to just enjoy the story as it unfolds!
As someone who prioritizes storytelling over prose, this was exactly what I needed. It was the perfect cozy, gothic fantasy for a cold winter weekend and I am officially addicted to the series!
I'm on book two now. So far in the series there haven't been any plot twists that I haven't seen coming and there have been a few moments in which I haven't fully believed the characters' decisions, based on their characterization (primarily the King and Prince Hauth), but honestly, I don't really care. I am bought in enough to the main characters, the magical world, and the primary plot arc to just enjoy the story as it unfolds!
As someone who prioritizes storytelling over prose, this was exactly what I needed. It was the perfect cozy, gothic fantasy for a cold winter weekend and I am officially addicted to the series!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Physical abuse, Violence, and Blood
Minor: Child abuse
Hooked by Emily McIntire
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This was my first entry into what I thought was more "dark romance" and I really wanted to enjoy it. Ultimately, I found myself a little disappointed. First, I was expecting much more reliance on the actual plot of Peter Pan, as that's how this book was marketed. In the end, I would have preferred they not draw the comparison at all, and just use different names and references.
Once I accepted the different plot, I tried to enjoy the rest of the book, but it didn't quite have enough of anything. It wasn't quite mysterious enough, sexy enough, or character-driven enough. I was looking to fall in love with the villain, and I just never really did. But, to be fair, I didn't really like the FMC either, so they seemed an appropriate literary match.
Ultimately, it was a fun quick read if you just position it in your mind as such, but it wasn't as exciting as I was hoping for.
Once I accepted the different plot, I tried to enjoy the rest of the book, but it didn't quite have enough of anything. It wasn't quite mysterious enough, sexy enough, or character-driven enough. I was looking to fall in love with the villain, and I just never really did. But, to be fair, I didn't really like the FMC either, so they seemed an appropriate literary match.
Ultimately, it was a fun quick read if you just position it in your mind as such, but it wasn't as exciting as I was hoping for.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Gore, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Kidnapping, and Murder
Moderate: Sexual violence and Death of parent
Weyward by Emilia Hart
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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
Generally speaking, if a book consists of witchcraft as a lens by which to look at patriarchy as well as a tool to dismantle it, I'm going to love it! Hart did not disappoint with her ability to delicately balance elements of magical realism with details of historical fiction. The book felt dark and magical, but also hauntingly true. This careful maneuvering between the fantastic and historical is what allowed the plot to effortlessly carry the reader through an analysis of the patriarchy and the oppression of women through history.
The book follows multiple generations of Weyward women, each of which is exposed to different methods by which men and society control and restrain women's true power. (Be aware of trigger warnings!) Through Hart's masterful ability to shift between narrative voices and tenses, which place the reader in different relationships with each generation of characters in this book, she is able to tell a beautiful story of ancestry, heroism, and the true power of women.
The book follows multiple generations of Weyward women, each of which is exposed to different methods by which men and society control and restrain women's true power. (Be aware of trigger warnings!) Through Hart's masterful ability to shift between narrative voices and tenses, which place the reader in different relationships with each generation of characters in this book, she is able to tell a beautiful story of ancestry, heroism, and the true power of women.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Sexism
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence