blissofalife's reviews
118 reviews

A Demon's Guide to Wooing a Witch by Sarah Hawley

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adventurous funny 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

3.0

A fun, quick read and a decent sequel. Did I (like a child) audibley say "blech" throughout? You betcha. SUCH a cheesy read. There were many times I forgot I was reading a published book and not a fanfiction, such was the cheesiness. Don't get me wrong, I love fanfiction, I'm just not usually looking for that vibe outside of it. 

I loved the variety of creatures and how they interacted with each other, very fun! 
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A Vision in Velvet by Juliet Blackwell

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I've really loved this series! I have especially enjoyed the cameos of characters from past books, dropping in to give information relating to their magical specialties and helping to make the world a little bigger. On to the next!
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Tarnished and Torn by Juliet Blackwell

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adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

Not my favorite in the series so far, I felt like I was left with a lot of questions. I felt like this one lacked a clear goal and antagonist. I was happy to see a decent love interest, but none of the questions from the previous book were outright answered about their troubles? Lots of suggested answers, but nothing clear. I do still love these books, and am looking forward to the next.
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The Battle for Skandia by John Flanagan

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adventurous informative medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Something I've grown to love about Flanagan's writing style is the emphasis and explaining techniques. It isn't just "he shot an arrow" it's a slow zoom moment of which muscles are used to draw back and adjusting how high he's aiming and all the little details that make the moment come to life. I'm sure by the end of the series, anybody will feel just a little more knowledgeable than the average person about war strategy and weaponry. I love the constant character development, and watching the characters interactions show how much they care for and respect each other. It's kind of sweet!
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Calling on Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede

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adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

Another delightful installment, I loved getting so much of the story from Morwen's pov. It was fun to have all the cat commentary! The full cast does a great job giving each character a distinct way of talking and making their personality really shine. Couldn't stand Killer though. But I think that was probably on purpose. I'm a little shocked at the ending, I think this is the first book in the series so far that didn't completely wrap everything up, and left me hanging! On to the next I guess!
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In a Witch's Wardrobe by Juliet Blackwell

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Finally some chemistry with a love interest! Chemistry everywhere. I loved it. Blackwell does a marvelous job flowing from one book to the next. So, on to the next!!
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Hexes and Hemlines by Juliet Blackwell

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adventurous lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I can hardly put this series down! I think I’ve figured it out. It feels a bit like Nancy Drew but she’s an adult now and also a witch? Those are the vibes. BIG fan.
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A Cast-Off Coven by Juliet Blackwell

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adventurous dark lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Better than the first! I loved the more direct plot, and the continuation of the relationships from the first. Still not sold with the love interest (but neither is the heroine. Girl, leave him), but I think Blackwell has done a great job writing a new story while incorporating old characters and references to the characters recent past experiences. Can't wait for the next!

It's been so enjoyable to read about vintage fashion too! Blackwell clearly has done their research.
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Secondhand Spirits by Juliet Blackwell

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adventurous dark mysterious 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? No

3.75

A main character that’s my kind of quirky! I loved the emphasis on vintage fashion and the subtle nods to being eco conscious. Solid plot, loved watching the friendships build. Wasn’t a fan of the “love interest”, felt forced when he was suddenly okay with her being a witch after being such an ass about it. Did not feel the chemistry.

On to the next in the series!
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Searching for Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede

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adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

The full cast audiobook narration is a delight! A fun continuation from the first book, I loved all the fairytale references and the traveling salesman. I missed having the story told from the princess’s POV but the king was enjoyable too, they made a great team!
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