aprilthebookqueen's reviews
135 reviews

The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black

fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.0

I really enjoyed this one! It felt like a nice and satisfying ending. I was really rooting for the characters and even forgot how much I hated one of them at the beginning due to his character growth. 

Seeing the characters change and learn and grow was one of my favourite parts. 

I also really liked the world building, and a lot of the lore within it. 

I enjoyed the morally grey aspects, and overall thought this was a great trilogy. It was the perfect length. Not drawn out but it felt like a satisfying story and conclusion. 

A Dog's Perfect Christmas by W. Bruce Cameron

emotional lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes

3.25

This was a nice, light hearted read. I laughed at a couple points and was so glad to see the characters grow and do better. 

It was a good palette cleanser for me. 

Bones Are Forever by Kathy Reichs

dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No

2.5

The case in this one was interesting, and I loved a lot of the technical stuff, but I am getting so exhausted by these characters. 

I feel like they never grow. They never learn. The on and off again thing with Tempe and Ryan is just... a lot. And they never communicate properly or seem to grow as people. 

I was so put off by the scene of him pushing her to have a drink when she's a recovering alcoholic, and if anything, I feel like these characters are going backwards. 

I did enjoy the case. It was dark, and intriguing. But I'm not sure I can keep reading this series if the characters continue to just be the exact same in every book and continue to do all the annoying things they've been doing. 

Heart of Flames by Nicki Pau Preto

adventurous hopeful tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.25

I really loved this sequel to Crown of Feathers. 

I’ve enjoyed the character development and also seeing the relationships grow. The complexity of the relationship between the “sisters” is really well done. 

The emotions I felt throughout this speak volumes to how I felt about the characters. I felt heartbreak, anxiety and frustration and also there were some happy and hopeful moments. 

I enjoy the world building and learning the bits of history behind everything. 

Overall, I really enjoyed this one and look forward to the next! 

A Fire in the Sky by Sophie Jordan

adventurous medium-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes

4.25

I didn’t have high hopes for this after reading some of the reviews but I really enjoyed it! I enjoyed the characters and seeing the relationship develop. I enjoyed the plot and found it interesting. 

I really enjoyed the chemistry between Fell and Tamsyn. I was definitely caught off guard at points in a good way.  I can’t wait for the next one. 

When She Returned by Lucinda Berry

dark mysterious fast-paced

3.25

This was my first Lucinda Berry novel and it was definitely addictive and fast paced. 

I enjoyed a couple of the characters. And I expected some typical twists but I was actually super happy that this one seemed to stray away from what I expected a bit. 

It was a fascinating and quick read. I’ll definitely check out more of her stuff. 

Empire of Glass and Stone by Brooke Clonts

fast-paced

3.25

I really enjoyed this book for the most part. The concept was intriguing and the characters were interesting. 

The ending felt really abrupt and rushed though. It didn’t really feel like some things resolved and I was super surprised to see there wasn’t a sequel to address these things. 

Overall, enjoyed this book. Just wished for a bit more. 

The Wicked King by Holly Black

dark emotional tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.25

I really enjoyed this book. The last part of the book has my anxiety going through the roof though as I waited to see how it all worked out. 

I really enjoy the world building, and the main character especially. She is smart and I love seeing her plan.  

I’m so anxious to read the next book

The Loneliest Girl in the Universe by Lauren James

medium-paced

3.75

This was a fun read! I was worried it would be boring without a lot of character interaction, but it was engaging and hard to put down! 

I enjoyed the main character, and it was really interesting to see how her experience growing up had shaped who she was. It was interesting to hear about the stuff she'd never experienced, and how it affected her. 

The setting was intriguing, and tense at times. I really enjoyed it!

The book lost a star mostly because I found the ending really sudden and jarring and I would have liked a bit more, but overall, a good read!

Rule of the Aurora King by Nisha J. Tuli

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes

3.25

I enjoyed this book, but not nearly as much as the first one. 

A lot of that is personal preferences. I don't have a lot of patience for characters that go back and forth in their romantic relationships, and I found the main character's difficulties with that frustrating to read. 

I also felt like this one was a lot slower. There wasn't as much happening, and it felt like all the action happened right at the end while the rest of it wasn't very engaging to read. 

Overall, a good story. I'm excited to continue and the ending definitely has me hooked on the next one.