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babsreads18's reviews
779 reviews
Carving Shadows into Gold by Brigid Kemmerer
3.5
Carving Shadows into Gold is book two in the Forging Silver into Stars series. This book finds Jax, Tycho, and Jax split up as danger and scraver attacks increase across the realm. I found this book to be a lot slower than the first book. Parts felt repetitive, and overall there just wasn't a ton that happened for the length of the book. The characters definitely need to learn to communicate a bit more, and Callyn needs a better love interest than Alek! I still loved the main characters and thought the world building was really well done. I'm definitely interested in seeing where this series will go in book three.
Thank you to Tandem Global for the gifted copy!
Thank you to Tandem Global for the gifted copy!
The Scorpion and the Night Blossom by Amélie Wen Zhao
3.25
In this YA romantasy, Àn’yīng decides to enter the immortality trials. Those who survive the trials are granted one immortality pill, and she is determined to get one to save her mother who has been suffering for years after being attacked by a demon, or mó. Soon, Àn’yīng discovers that a rival, Yù’chén, has been helping her in the trials. But he may be more dangerous than she knows.
I really liked the world building and magic system in this book. The whole concept of the immortals, demons, and immortality trials was really intriguing, but this one fell a little flat for me. The pacing of the book was a little bit all over the place. I was a little disappointed that Àn’yīng was supposed to be strong, but continually needed help from male characters to survive. The last bit of the book definitely picked up the pace and reignited my interest, so I'm intrigued to see where things will go in the next book in this series.
Thank you to Delacorte Press and NetGalley for the advance copy!
I really liked the world building and magic system in this book. The whole concept of the immortals, demons, and immortality trials was really intriguing, but this one fell a little flat for me. The pacing of the book was a little bit all over the place. I was a little disappointed that Àn’yīng was supposed to be strong, but continually needed help from male characters to survive. The last bit of the book definitely picked up the pace and reignited my interest, so I'm intrigued to see where things will go in the next book in this series.
Thank you to Delacorte Press and NetGalley for the advance copy!
Evelyn Witch Gets a Pet by Beth Ferry
5.0
Evelyn is a witch who just wants a pet, so she heads to the pet store, but all she can afford is a plain white egg. She's a little impatient, so she tries all the spells she knows as she waits to find out what her mystery pet will be. The text is rhyming at times, and the story is absolutely adorable and fun. My daughter loved it, and I'm sure we will be listening to it often! The narration was fantastic, and the whimsical music that accompanied it was perfect. Kate Coventry was able to bring Evelyn's story to life in such a vivid way!
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ALC!
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ALC!
Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
4.0
Finlay and her nanny, Vero, are back in action! Finlay just finished her latest book and is hoping to relax a bit when a body is found in her neighbor's backyard. Her elderly neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty is the initial suspect, but is soon released. Unfortunately, her home is still a crime scene, and she ends up demanding to live with Finlay. Even more unfortunate is the fact that Finlay's ex-husband is the new suspect. Determined to clear his name, Finlay and Vero team up to use all of their best investigative skills to try to solve the murder...all while potty training a toddler.
This book brought back all of my favorite characters, and had just the right amount of mystery and intrigue to keep me invested in the story. Mrs. Haggerty's character was so much fun. I absolutely adored her, even though she seemed cranky and demanding, and often found myself chuckling at her antics. I also loved the romantic subplot and that Finlay was finally able to start trusting Nick. I expected a cliffhanger ending, but I wasn't prepared for what actually happened! I'm looking forward to the next installment in this series!
I read while listening to the audiobook which was a fun experience. The narrator, Angela Dawe, was fantastic and really brought the characters and story to life.
Thank you to Minotaur Books, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the advance copies.
This book brought back all of my favorite characters, and had just the right amount of mystery and intrigue to keep me invested in the story. Mrs. Haggerty's character was so much fun. I absolutely adored her, even though she seemed cranky and demanding, and often found myself chuckling at her antics. I also loved the romantic subplot and that Finlay was finally able to start trusting Nick. I expected a cliffhanger ending, but I wasn't prepared for what actually happened! I'm looking forward to the next installment in this series!
I read while listening to the audiobook which was a fun experience. The narrator, Angela Dawe, was fantastic and really brought the characters and story to life.
Thank you to Minotaur Books, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the advance copies.
Tea You at the Altar by Rebecca Thorne
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
4.0
Tea You at the Altar is book three in the Tomes and Tea series, and just as cozy and fun as the previous two books. In this installment, Kianthe and Reyna are just days away from getting married when they become involved in a plot to overthrow the queen. I loved the politics, the cozy small town, and baby dragons. This was a fun and really cute read, with just the right amount of magic, adventure, and of course plenty of puns. The ending sets things up perfectly for book four, and I can't wait to read the final installment in this series!
I listened to the audio while reading along with the ebook which I really enjoyed. The narrator, Jessica Threet, did a fantastic job giving each character a distinct voice and personality, so it was really easy to tell them apart while listen. I also appreciated that the audio was clear and easy to understand, even when sped up!
Thank you to Tor, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the advance copies!
I listened to the audio while reading along with the ebook which I really enjoyed. The narrator, Jessica Threet, did a fantastic job giving each character a distinct voice and personality, so it was really easy to tell them apart while listen. I also appreciated that the audio was clear and easy to understand, even when sped up!
Thank you to Tor, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the advance copies!
Our Infinite Fates by Laura Steven
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-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? Yes
4.5
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the ALC!
Evelyn and Arden keep coming back to each other in different lives, different bodies, and different times, but never live past the age of eighteen. In every single lifetime, Arden finds and kills Evelyn before they turn eighteen, and they die together before being reincarnated. While Evelyn feels an inexplicable pull to Arden in every life, she has no idea why.
This book is absolutely stunning. The writing is gorgeous and the while it is a little bit slow, the pace adds to the sense of longing between the characters. Evelyn and Arden are truly soul mates in every sense and I fell in love with their story. I adored the way they echoed "I love you, and I have loved you, and I will love you" throughout their journey. My heart ached for them, and when I found out why they kept dying at the age of eighteen, I literally gasped. This is one of those books that will stick in my memories for a long time.
I listened to the audio which was beautifully done. Sofia Oxenham was an incredible narrator who brought depth to the story.
Evelyn and Arden keep coming back to each other in different lives, different bodies, and different times, but never live past the age of eighteen. In every single lifetime, Arden finds and kills Evelyn before they turn eighteen, and they die together before being reincarnated. While Evelyn feels an inexplicable pull to Arden in every life, she has no idea why.
This book is absolutely stunning. The writing is gorgeous and the while it is a little bit slow, the pace adds to the sense of longing between the characters. Evelyn and Arden are truly soul mates in every sense and I fell in love with their story. I adored the way they echoed "I love you, and I have loved you, and I will love you" throughout their journey. My heart ached for them, and when I found out why they kept dying at the age of eighteen, I literally gasped. This is one of those books that will stick in my memories for a long time.
I listened to the audio which was beautifully done. Sofia Oxenham was an incredible narrator who brought depth to the story.
Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli
4.0
Thank you to PRH Audio for the review copy!
I adored this YA book. It was full of politics, magic, and unexpected plot twists. Rune Winters is a witch in hiding. She's secretly the Crimson Moth, saving other witches from the witch hunters. Gideon is a witch hunter, determined to find and kill the Crimson Moth. Both of the characters are morally grey and the enemies to lovers tension is impeccable. That twist at the end made my jaw literally drop and I cannot wait for the sequel.
I adored this YA book. It was full of politics, magic, and unexpected plot twists. Rune Winters is a witch in hiding. She's secretly the Crimson Moth, saving other witches from the witch hunters. Gideon is a witch hunter, determined to find and kill the Crimson Moth. Both of the characters are morally grey and the enemies to lovers tension is impeccable. That twist at the end made my jaw literally drop and I cannot wait for the sequel.
The Scarlet Throne by Amy Leow
3.0
Thank you to Orbit Books for the gifted copy!
Binsa is thought to be the human host for a wise goddess. But she's hiding a dark secret...she's actually harboring a demon instead and is willing to do anything to stay in power and maintain control.
I thought this book was really interesting, and I enjoyed the overall story overall. I think it was pretty well written, but I struggled to connect with Binsa's character. It felt like every character in the book was out for power, which made it hard to root for any one specific character. It was a little slow and repetitive at times, but the pace picked up toward the end. The ending was the best part, and I'll definitely grab the next book in the series.
Binsa is thought to be the human host for a wise goddess. But she's hiding a dark secret...she's actually harboring a demon instead and is willing to do anything to stay in power and maintain control.
I thought this book was really interesting, and I enjoyed the overall story overall. I think it was pretty well written, but I struggled to connect with Binsa's character. It felt like every character in the book was out for power, which made it hard to root for any one specific character. It was a little slow and repetitive at times, but the pace picked up toward the end. The ending was the best part, and I'll definitely grab the next book in the series.
Forging Silver into Stars by Brigid Kemmerer
3.5
Thank you to Tandem Collective for the gifted copy!
Jax, a blacksmith in Briarlock, has suffered from years of cruelty at the hands of his father. All of that suddenly changes when Tycho, the King's Courier arrives in town and allows him to dream of a better life. Soon, the town of Briarlock hears about a rebellion, war is on the horizon, and romance is in the air.
I did not read the Cursebreaker trilogy before diving into this one. While they are standalone series, they are set in the same world, and I feel like I missed some things by not having that background information. Overall, the writing in this book is fantastic and I really did enjoy the characters. Lord Tycho was my favorite character, and I'm excited to read more about him and his magic in the next book. I did think that it was a little too long and there were some pacing issues that made it hard for me to fully immerse myself in the story.
Jax, a blacksmith in Briarlock, has suffered from years of cruelty at the hands of his father. All of that suddenly changes when Tycho, the King's Courier arrives in town and allows him to dream of a better life. Soon, the town of Briarlock hears about a rebellion, war is on the horizon, and romance is in the air.
I did not read the Cursebreaker trilogy before diving into this one. While they are standalone series, they are set in the same world, and I feel like I missed some things by not having that background information. Overall, the writing in this book is fantastic and I really did enjoy the characters. Lord Tycho was my favorite character, and I'm excited to read more about him and his magic in the next book. I did think that it was a little too long and there were some pacing issues that made it hard for me to fully immerse myself in the story.
Know My Name by Chanel Miller
emotional
5.0
This is an incredibly written memoir. It's powerful, and emotional. Chanel Miller's ability to recount her story in such an open manner is impactful and challenged me to continue exploring my thoughts on so many important topics. I honestly think that everyone should read this book at least once.