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arecordofki's reviews
189 reviews
The Maid and the Crocodile by Jordan Ifueko
challenging
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? Yes
4.25
This was amazing! I loved this story so so much, and it was a very unique storytelling as well!
The Crocodile and Sade was my entire world, the way he made sure that he adhered to all her needs, and tried to uplift her into a better situation (in his own little messed up way, but means well) has me in love with him
I haven't read the Raybearer duology yet and some might say that ruins the experience but I think it's still perfect to pick up regardless, because now I'm more enticed to start the duology after reading! The fact that the Maid and the Crocodile not only covers events after the original storyline, but also serves to point out flaws in society after it has been "fixed" was beautiful. It was really two sets of stories that told each perspective: the rich and the poor, and I love it 💗
The Crocodile and Sade was my entire world, the way he made sure that he adhered to all her needs, and tried to uplift her into a better situation (in his own little messed up way, but means well) has me in love with him
I haven't read the Raybearer duology yet and some might say that ruins the experience but I think it's still perfect to pick up regardless, because now I'm more enticed to start the duology after reading! The fact that the Maid and the Crocodile not only covers events after the original storyline, but also serves to point out flaws in society after it has been "fixed" was beautiful. It was really two sets of stories that told each perspective: the rich and the poor, and I love it 💗
Song of Silver, Flame Like Night by Amélie Wen Zhao
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
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? Yes
4.0
Pretty solid read, it focused a lot on worldbuilding and developing the plot, along with sprinkles of character interactions that left me yearning for more.
I think this has to be the best Asian fantasy inspired book I've read in a very long time. The romantic developments feel perfectly timed — not too abrupt or rushed, and the events unfolding in these characters journey don't feel like they made irrelevant pit stops or side quests, but all serve to tie into the original plot once more and serve a purpose. This was quite well written and was also very good at delivering shocking plot twists.
I think this has to be the best Asian fantasy inspired book I've read in a very long time. The romantic developments feel perfectly timed — not too abrupt or rushed, and the events unfolding in these characters journey don't feel like they made irrelevant pit stops or side quests, but all serve to tie into the original plot once more and serve a purpose. This was quite well written and was also very good at delivering shocking plot twists.
A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Its an OK book. Nothing outstanding, if anything i got pissed off at the Valkyries especially Annika because omg why was she so annoying for no reason half the time??
The book was pretty eh in terms of worldbuilding, it felt like "hey! There exists xyz creatures, there's a war? Sorta? Anyways, she's his mate." And it wasn't built on solidly, like the creatures are just there to exist as some kind of forbidden romance type barrier but the weakest kind.
Also it felt like the romance was sorta unbelievable on Emma's part, I get Lachlain falling for her but the way she just suddenly snapped into "I love him!" Was not realistic or believable at all.
The book was pretty eh in terms of worldbuilding, it felt like "hey! There exists xyz creatures, there's a war? Sorta? Anyways, she's his mate." And it wasn't built on solidly, like the creatures are just there to exist as some kind of forbidden romance type barrier but the weakest kind.
Also it felt like the romance was sorta unbelievable on Emma's part, I get Lachlain falling for her but the way she just suddenly snapped into "I love him!" Was not realistic or believable at all.
Don't Let the Forest In by C.G. Drews
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I think it was a really cool book! Scared me to read during camping, but the endings had me so confused
When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I've heard many complaints about this book that made me hesitant to start it, but tbh it's been the dragon fantasy I've been yearning for where for once there's a bond between rider and dragon. The world is so rich and intricately built and the premise of the relationship is quite unlike what I expected.
While yes, the story does drag towards the 70% mark, it isn't in too bad of a way, it feels like they're just making a small rest stop before revving up for the remaining stretch of the book. The plot twist did in fact, twist too! The only thing that irked me wasthis push and pull between Kaan and Raeve, where he says I can tell you your past and she says no because she things bad things are better left unsaid. Which, fair I guess?? But also just get it over with 😠mad that I didnt get to see Kaan for a good portion when they landed in the Burn but the side characters were nice to peek through!
I can't say I disliked it because I kept picking it up and wanting to explore even more and more of this world. I would 100% continue the series
While yes, the story does drag towards the 70% mark, it isn't in too bad of a way, it feels like they're just making a small rest stop before revving up for the remaining stretch of the book. The plot twist did in fact, twist too! The only thing that irked me was
I can't say I disliked it because I kept picking it up and wanting to explore even more and more of this world. I would 100% continue the series
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Torture, Violence
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury
How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang
emotional
funny
reflective
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
4.25
The fact that Helen and Grant have such a tender love makes my heart ache. The book is filled with wanting caresses and touches conveyed with so much love I didn't know was possible and had me kicking my feet from how cute they were and relayed their intense yearning for one another.
One thing that struck my heart most of all, was how Helen's relationship with her Asian parents as a product of immigrant-parents moving to big cities for better lives, resulting in the complicated tangles of familial relationships and was so relatable to me. The way she interacts with them, she way she feels about them, the way they make up without words all make me want to cry from the familiarity.
This was a good book. It was a great book.
One thing that struck my heart most of all, was how Helen's relationship with her Asian parents as a product of immigrant-parents moving to big cities for better lives, resulting in the complicated tangles of familial relationships and was so relatable to me. The way she interacts with them, she way she feels about them, the way they make up without words all make me want to cry from the familiarity.
This was a good book. It was a great book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Suicide, Grief, Car accident
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
Where the Dark Stands Still by A.B. Poranek
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
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? Yes
5.0
I have no words. I did not enter this book EXPECTING that ending at all.
The polish folklore was spectacular and wonderful to explore.
The entire book reminded me of Howls Moving Castle and I adored it, for all its whimsical nature and beautiful writing, it felt like a warm hug but also carried the thorns disguised as comfort, like most fairytales do.
The polish folklore was spectacular and wonderful to explore.
The entire book reminded me of Howls Moving Castle and I adored it, for all its whimsical nature and beautiful writing, it felt like a warm hug but also carried the thorns disguised as comfort, like most fairytales do.
Collide by Bal Khabra
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Its okay, I didn't hate it but at some point the plot definitely fell off because - what is this book about again?
Summer randomly at some point falls in love with Aiden and then they're doing the whole push and pull but it just seemed like one day they woke up and was like "aight, time to crush on them", especially for Summer.
Towards 70% onwards it started to drag. Like REALLY drag it did not need all the last 10 chapters at all but okay.
It wasn't like I didn't go awww at some parts, I've highlighted favourite quotes but it's not memorable and it's very blurred in terms of plot and progression
Summer randomly at some point falls in love with Aiden and then they're doing the whole push and pull but it just seemed like one day they woke up and was like "aight, time to crush on them", especially for Summer.
Towards 70% onwards it started to drag. Like REALLY drag it did not need all the last 10 chapters at all but okay.
It wasn't like I didn't go awww at some parts, I've highlighted favourite quotes but it's not memorable and it's very blurred in terms of plot and progression
The Blighted Stars by Megan E. O'Keefe
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
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? It's complicated
5.0
So good, the first every sci-fi book i enjoyed!
The black cat fmc and Golden retriever mmc combination will never fail to make me ecstatic to read!
The black cat fmc and Golden retriever mmc combination will never fail to make me ecstatic to read!
Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett
adventurous
dark
funny
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I didn't expect to!
While the story itself doesn't seem to have a very conclusive ending, reading it as a journal format was interesting and done extremely well to keep me engaged and invested in Emily's journey with Faeries.
The romance was wonderful too, it reminded me of half a soul by Olivia atwater a lot which is probably why I truly adored this book!
It wouldn't be considered a cozy fantasy in my eyes but it does feel fairytale like.
While the story itself doesn't seem to have a very conclusive ending, reading it as a journal format was interesting and done extremely well to keep me engaged and invested in Emily's journey with Faeries.
The romance was wonderful too, it reminded me of half a soul by Olivia atwater a lot which is probably why I truly adored this book!
It wouldn't be considered a cozy fantasy in my eyes but it does feel fairytale like.