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alex_pcbff's Reviews (378)
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
Aiden Thomas is my new personal enemy because how dare he write such a flawless duology π
tags/tropes/themes:
π¦ gods and mythology
π₯ nonbinary main character
π¦ found family
π₯ dual POV
π¦ childhood friends romance subplot
π₯ slow burn
Okay this book had me so emotional. Everything was so well done and the ending perfectly wrapped everything up. Sometimes dual POV or multi POV books annoy me because I want to get back to a specific POV, but the dual POV in this was expertly done. I liked getting more of Xio's story, and their personal journey. This duology has cemented itself as one of my all-time favourites
tags/tropes/themes:
π¦ gods and mythology
π₯ nonbinary main character
π¦ found family
π₯ dual POV
π¦ childhood friends romance subplot
π₯ slow burn
Okay this book had me so emotional. Everything was so well done and the ending perfectly wrapped everything up. Sometimes dual POV or multi POV books annoy me because I want to get back to a specific POV, but the dual POV in this was expertly done. I liked getting more of Xio's story, and their personal journey. This duology has cemented itself as one of my all-time favourites
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Death of parent
Moderate: Confinement, Blood, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Suicide attempt
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
3.25 π
Tags/tropes/themes:
π Tarot-based magic system
β¨οΈ Slow burn
π Forced marriage/fake engagement
β¨οΈ Prince LI
π MC has unique powers/abilities
β¨οΈ LI is a cat person
π Enemies to lovers
I almost DNFed this. The beginning draaaaags, I was 28% in and it felt like nothing was happening. I asked other readers if it picked up, and they said yes so I decided to commit, and they were right. Definitely started getting more invested 50-60% in, and the last 10% is impossible to put down. Overall I enjoyed it, the plot kept me guessing
The magic system is probably my favourite part of the book. It's fun to get immersed in! And as over-done as it is, I always love books where the protagonist has a unique power
The romance was okay, but not my favourite. It wasn't bad and didn't piss me off like some books (sometimes the romance plot is so unrealistic I get mad), but I wasn't particularly rooting for them. I was fine with them being together. Though that might change in a future book, because I have a theory thatone of the three futures Kaelis had to sacrifice to the chalice somehow involved a relationship with Clara, and he's trying to get that back with the world card.
I think people who love vivid descriptions will probably like this book a lot. I'm one of those people who can't see a movie in their head when they read, so a lot of the descriptions were lost on me. π
Honestly not sure if I'll continue the series, depends on my mood once book 2 comes out! But overall was still an enjoyable enough read
Tags/tropes/themes:
π Tarot-based magic system
β¨οΈ Slow burn
π Forced marriage/fake engagement
β¨οΈ Prince LI
π MC has unique powers/abilities
β¨οΈ LI is a cat person
π Enemies to lovers
I almost DNFed this. The beginning draaaaags, I was 28% in and it felt like nothing was happening. I asked other readers if it picked up, and they said yes so I decided to commit, and they were right. Definitely started getting more invested 50-60% in, and the last 10% is impossible to put down. Overall I enjoyed it, the plot kept me guessing
The magic system is probably my favourite part of the book. It's fun to get immersed in! And as over-done as it is, I always love books where the protagonist has a unique power
The romance was okay, but not my favourite. It wasn't bad and didn't piss me off like some books (sometimes the romance plot is so unrealistic I get mad), but I wasn't particularly rooting for them. I was fine with them being together. Though that might change in a future book, because I have a theory that
I think people who love vivid descriptions will probably like this book a lot. I'm one of those people who can't see a movie in their head when they read, so a lot of the descriptions were lost on me. π
Honestly not sure if I'll continue the series, depends on my mood once book 2 comes out! But overall was still an enjoyable enough read
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Confinement, Sexual content, Vomit
Minor: Slavery, Torture
I might come back to it in the future, but I just haven't been in the right mood for this unfortunately. Nothing wrong with the book though! And it has one of my fav covers I've seen in a while
Thank you Netgalley and Page Turner Books for the chance to read the ARC! All opinions are honest and my own.
Thank you Netgalley and Page Turner Books for the chance to read the ARC! All opinions are honest and my own.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Anyone who has read this and not recommended it to you is a fake friend, because this book is just that good. I can't stress that enough. It is a masterpiece.
tags/tropes/themes:
π gods and mythology
π¦ deadly trials
π trans main character
π¦ childhood friends romance subplot
π MC has wings
π¦ plot that makes it impossible to put down
π unique worldbuilding
I'm serious when I say this book is severely underhyped. I could not put it down. The worldbuilding is so rich and immersive, and the plot is addicting. It has a very subtle romance subplot too, which adds to the plot without overshadowing it.
If you loved books like Percy Jackson, you'll eat this one up. It's one of those YA novels that you can enjoy no matter what your age is. Go read it ASAP
tags/tropes/themes:
π gods and mythology
π¦ deadly trials
π trans main character
π¦ childhood friends romance subplot
π MC has wings
π¦ plot that makes it impossible to put down
π unique worldbuilding
I'm serious when I say this book is severely underhyped. I could not put it down. The worldbuilding is so rich and immersive, and the plot is addicting. It has a very subtle romance subplot too, which adds to the plot without overshadowing it.
If you loved books like Percy Jackson, you'll eat this one up. It's one of those YA novels that you can enjoy no matter what your age is. Go read it ASAP
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Death, Violence, Dysphoria, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
Minor: Child death, Grief
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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:
Yes
This was delightful, so well done and had me emotional at the end π₯Ή
Content Warnings
Graphic: Outing
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Sexual assault
adventurous
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 π
Tags/tropes/themes:
π Pirates
π΄ββ οΈ Nonbinary MC
π Found family
π΄ββ οΈ Deals with the devil
π Mysterious magic
π΄ββ οΈ Latine MC
π Flirty genderfluid demon
π΄ββ οΈ Avatar: the last Airbender vibes
This book was such a fun read! Basically a pirate fantasy adventure with found family and magic.
I listened to the audiobook while reading the ebook (my library had both available π) and I really liked having the audio to pronounce the Spanish words in there. Really helped me get into the setting.
There is romance, but it is very minor/background, so if romance isn't your thing don't worry.
What was missing for me wasa better explanation for the origins of Mar's magic. It did feel a little random that they had it, but that's more of a personal preference for me. I like having a more detailed/elaborate magic system.
Would I recommend this? Absolutely! Very fun, good vibes, excellent read, 10/10 dentists recommend
Tags/tropes/themes:
π Pirates
π΄ββ οΈ Nonbinary MC
π Found family
π΄ββ οΈ Deals with the devil
π Mysterious magic
π΄ββ οΈ Latine MC
π Flirty genderfluid demon
π΄ββ οΈ Avatar: the last Airbender vibes
This book was such a fun read! Basically a pirate fantasy adventure with found family and magic.
I listened to the audiobook while reading the ebook (my library had both available π) and I really liked having the audio to pronounce the Spanish words in there. Really helped me get into the setting.
There is romance, but it is very minor/background, so if romance isn't your thing don't worry.
What was missing for me was
Would I recommend this? Absolutely! Very fun, good vibes, excellent read, 10/10 dentists recommend
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Dysphoria
Moderate: Gun violence
Minor: Slavery
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
2.5 π
What I liked:
- reality show setting
- prince MC
- queer rep
I had trouble deciding how to rate this book, because while the writing is... not very good, the plot still managed to suck me in for the first ~60% of the book. I'd much rather read a badly written book that's interesting than a well-written book that's dry and boring.
My biggest issue with this book was inconsistency in the characters and writing. I was constantly getting whiplash from the MC making decisions but then 2 paragraphs later deciding the opposite for no apparent reason? But like I said, even with that, I found it kind of addicting. If you can turn your brain off and are forgiving of issues like that, it's a fun read. If flawed writing bothers you, you're better off skipping this one.
Thank you Netgalley and Hayden Stone for the chance to read the ARC! All opinions are honest and my own.
What I liked:
- reality show setting
- prince MC
- queer rep
I had trouble deciding how to rate this book, because while the writing is... not very good, the plot still managed to suck me in for the first ~60% of the book. I'd much rather read a badly written book that's interesting than a well-written book that's dry and boring.
My biggest issue with this book was inconsistency in the characters and writing. I was constantly getting whiplash from the MC making decisions but then 2 paragraphs later deciding the opposite for no apparent reason? But like I said, even with that, I found it kind of addicting. If you can turn your brain off and are forgiving of issues like that, it's a fun read. If flawed writing bothers you, you're better off skipping this one.
Thank you Netgalley and Hayden Stone for the chance to read the ARC! All opinions are honest and my own.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Sexual content, Grief, Outing, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death of parent
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
3.5 π
Tags/tropes/themes:
π‘ Dual POV
πΊ Magical tattoos
π‘ Last of her kind
πΊ Nonbinary main characterβοΈ
π‘ Morally grey FMC and NMC (and by morally grey I mean morals are tossed out the window)
πΊ Mass murder as a coping mechanism
π‘ FMC has (understandable) abandonment issues
πΊ Only one horse/one bed
π‘ (Very reluctant) fated mates
πΊ Stand-alone
π‘ Enemies to reluctant allies to lovers
Finally, some good f*ing nonbinary rep! As a queer, nonbinary person, this book was EVERYTHING. It felt incredibly authentic, and gave me so much queer joy β€οΈ
I really loved the characters. Scythe and Tal are very well-written, and the author did a great job with the dual POV. I never felt disappointed when the POV swapped.
Where I think the book was weaker was the plot. It was good, but not quite amazing. No major plot-holes, but for me there were a lot of missed opportunities. I kept waiting for something to happen in Scythe's forest, or for her ex to show up, or for the fact that she's a princess to come into play. It left me a little unsatisfied, because they would have been interesting plot-lines to explore. Some sections were also a little slow for my tastes, where not much was happening.
I liked the worldbuilding and magic system, but I think I would have liked it even more if it was fleshed out more at the start.
I will say it is on the spicier side. Sex is brought up. A lot. For some people that's a deal breaker, in which case this might not be for you. But I know some of yall LOVE a spicier read, so definitely pick up this book if that's what you like!
Overall though? I enjoyed reading this book, it had a lot of my favourite tropes, and I'm very happy about the queer and nonbinary rep!
Thank you Netgalley and Maddox Grey for the chance to read the ARC! All opinions are honest and my own.
Tags/tropes/themes:
π‘ Dual POV
πΊ Magical tattoos
π‘ Last of her kind
πΊ Nonbinary main characterβοΈ
π‘ Morally grey FMC and NMC (and by morally grey I mean morals are tossed out the window)
πΊ Mass murder as a coping mechanism
π‘ FMC has (understandable) abandonment issues
πΊ Only one horse/one bed
π‘ (Very reluctant) fated mates
πΊ Stand-alone
π‘ Enemies to reluctant allies to lovers
Finally, some good f*ing nonbinary rep! As a queer, nonbinary person, this book was EVERYTHING. It felt incredibly authentic, and gave me so much queer joy β€οΈ
I really loved the characters. Scythe and Tal are very well-written, and the author did a great job with the dual POV. I never felt disappointed when the POV swapped.
Where I think the book was weaker was the plot. It was good, but not quite amazing. No major plot-holes, but for me there were a lot of missed opportunities. I kept waiting for something to happen in Scythe's forest, or for her ex to show up, or for the fact that she's a princess to come into play. It left me a little unsatisfied, because they would have been interesting plot-lines to explore. Some sections were also a little slow for my tastes, where not much was happening.
I liked the worldbuilding and magic system, but I think I would have liked it even more if it was fleshed out more at the start.
I will say it is on the spicier side. Sex is brought up. A lot. For some people that's a deal breaker, in which case this might not be for you. But I know some of yall LOVE a spicier read, so definitely pick up this book if that's what you like!
Overall though? I enjoyed reading this book, it had a lot of my favourite tropes, and I'm very happy about the queer and nonbinary rep!
Thank you Netgalley and Maddox Grey for the chance to read the ARC! All opinions are honest and my own.
DNF @ 22%
Things I liked:
- academy setting/vibes
- wandlore and unique magic system
- well-written
- dual POV
- chosen one trope
I'm sad to have DNFed this book, because the concept had me really excited. I love unique magic systems, and stories that feature wandlore have always interested me. Unfortunately, I really couldn't get into this book.
The book is well-written, don't get me wrong. However, for whatever reason, I just wasn't enjoying it. I was debating DNFing for a while, and realized at that point I was only reading for the sake of getting it done. I decided it probably just wasn't for me, and I was better off moving on. I wasn't really interested in the characters, and I felt it focused too much on the main characters over the plot for me. If you are someone who likes a book that focuses heavily on the characters and their development, then this book may be for you! I know there are readers out there who are going to love this π
Thank you Netgalley and Tor Publishing Group for the chance to read the ARC! All opinions are honest and my own.
Things I liked:
- academy setting/vibes
- wandlore and unique magic system
- well-written
- dual POV
- chosen one trope
I'm sad to have DNFed this book, because the concept had me really excited. I love unique magic systems, and stories that feature wandlore have always interested me. Unfortunately, I really couldn't get into this book.
The book is well-written, don't get me wrong. However, for whatever reason, I just wasn't enjoying it. I was debating DNFing for a while, and realized at that point I was only reading for the sake of getting it done. I decided it probably just wasn't for me, and I was better off moving on. I wasn't really interested in the characters, and I felt it focused too much on the main characters over the plot for me. If you are someone who likes a book that focuses heavily on the characters and their development, then this book may be for you! I know there are readers out there who are going to love this π
Thank you Netgalley and Tor Publishing Group for the chance to read the ARC! All opinions are honest and my own.
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I adored this. There were a couple of things that slightly annoyed me (and couple continuity errors or things that weren't really explained well or just ignored), but other than that I was hooked. I'm sad that I'm done this book and have to wait for more π