blossombookshell's reviews
12 reviews

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

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medium-paced

5.0


Speechless. Completely speechless. This book took me on a rollercoaster of emotions—I laughed, cried, screamed, and then cried some more.

I wasn’t the biggest fan of A Court of Thorns and Roses and almost didn’t continue the series, but wow, am I glad I did. Sarah J. Maas’ writing in A Court of Mist and Fury is utterly captivating, and her characters are so well-developed that even those who appeared for just a few pages left an impact.

Rhysand and Feyre? Absolute perfection. Their relationship unfolds so naturally, with every moment carefully crafted, every emotion deeply felt. I loved how the story didn’t just focus on Feyre’s struggles but gave Rhys the space to share his past, making their connection even more powerful.

Tamlin… oh, Tamlin. Let’s just say I wanted to jump into the book myself at times. Maas masterfully evokes emotions, and I can only hope his storyline gets the ending it deserves in book three.

And then there’s Mor, Amren, Cassian, and Azriel—the family Feyre deserves. Their love, loyalty, and banter made my heart full, and I cannot wait to spend more time with them in the next book.

A breathtaking, soul-shattering, spectacular read. If you haven’t picked up this series yet—do it now!


A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

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5.0

Imagine Beauty and the Beast—but darker, richer, and far more seductive. That’s A Court of Thorns and Roses, a breathtaking fantasy that completely swept me away.

Feyre, a fierce and determined huntress, is forced into the world of the Fae after killing what she thought was a simple wolf. But her captor, the mysterious and powerful Tamlin, is hiding secrets far bigger than she ever imagined. As their connection deepens, Feyre is drawn into a deadly world of magic, danger, and a love that could either save or destroy her.

The beginning is a slow burn, but once the story takes hold, there’s no escaping it. Sarah J. Maas crafts a world so vivid and intoxicating that I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. With swoon-worthy romance, heart-stopping twists, and unforgettable characters (Lucien’s sass is everything!), this book is pure magic.

A five-star read that left me desperate for more—if you haven’t read it yet, what are you waiting for?!


Mistborn Trilogy Boxed Set: The Final Empire, The Well of Ascension, The Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson

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adventurous challenging dark mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Strong character development? Yes

4.5



Brandon Sanderson delivers a stunning conclusion to the Mistborn trilogy with The Hero of Ages. The story ties everything together masterfully, packed with epic battles, unexpected twists, and deeper exploration of its brilliant magic systems.

The character growth feels natural, and while some still lack depth, they remain distinct and consistent. The world-building shines, introducing new cities, a new race, and thought-provoking shifts in power that make you question past events.

This book cements Mistborn as a must-read fantasy series. While The Final Empire remains my favorite, The Hero of Ages is a fantastic second. A satisfying, action-packed finale—solid 4/5.


The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson

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4.5

Book Review: Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson

Mistborn: The Final Empire is an epic fantasy that delivers on every front—gripping plot, intricate worldbuilding, and one of the best magic systems in fiction. This book felt like a major upgrade, with darker themes, intense fight scenes, and a gritty realism that made the story all the more immersive.

Sanderson’s Allomancy magic system is a true masterpiece, cleverly integrated into both combat and plot without any frustrating loopholes. The fight scenes are some of the most thrilling I’ve ever read, and the prose, while straightforward, carries a depth that enhances the storytelling. The worldbuilding is rich, especially in its portrayal of the oppressed skaa and noble elite, making the stakes feel real and urgent.

Vin and Kelsier are standout characters, and I was surprised by how emotionally invested I became in their journeys. The Lord Ruler, too, avoids cliché villain tropes, instead exuding a genuinely intimidating presence. And of course, the infamous Sanderlanche—the explosive, twist-filled climax—completely lived up to expectations.

With a satisfying conclusion yet plenty of room for expansion, Mistborn is both a self-contained masterpiece and an irresistible gateway to the rest of the series. A solid 9.8/10—this is a must-read for anyone craving an action-packed, unpredictable fantasy adventure!


The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson

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4.75

Brandon Sanderson delivers a gripping sequel in The Well of Ascension, expanding the world of Mistborn with political intrigue, deep character development, and an ever-present sense of looming danger.

The story picks up after the fall of the Lord Ruler, forcing Kelsier’s crew to navigate the chaos of a crumbling empire. The novel explores the struggle between morality and necessity, questioning whether unstable freedom is truly better than controlled oppression. Vin’s character arc is particularly compelling, as she battles self-doubt and trauma while growing into her newfound role. Her evolving relationship with Elend is beautifully developed, adding emotional depth to the story.

Sanderson’s masterful character work shines through, particularly with Sazed, whose emotional journey is both heartbreaking and powerful. Other side characters, like Breeze and Clubs, are given new layers of depth, while Zane, a mysterious and conflicted Mistborn, adds intrigue—though his storyline feels somewhat predictable.

The novel builds suspense brilliantly, hinting at an inevitable catastrophe while keeping the reader guessing. The final twist is expertly foreshadowed yet still surprising, delivering an unforgettable climax. With its immersive world, intricate plotting, and emotional weight, The Well of Ascension is an outstanding continuation of the Mistborn saga—possibly even better than The Final Empire.
Her Radiant Curse by Elizabeth Lim

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5.0

Some books stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page, and Her Radiant Curse is one of them. Elizabeth Lim masterfully crafts an origin story that is both heartbreaking and beautiful, bringing depth to a character who was once just a side figure in Six Crimson Cranes.

If you're familiar with the Six Crimson Cranes duology, prepare for an emotional rollercoaster. This book adds new layers to Shiori’s stepmother, making her story even more compelling and tragic. But if you're new to Lim’s world, Her Radiant Curse is the perfect place to start. It introduces you to her rich storytelling, immersive world-building, and deeply moving character arcs. Once you finish, you'll be eager to dive into Six Crimson Cranes and The Blood of Stars duologies to experience the full magic of her writing.

With stunning prose, unforgettable characters, and an emotional depth that lingers, Her Radiant Curse is a must-read for fantasy lovers. It’s the kind of book that keeps you up all night, unable to stop reading—and when it’s over, it leaves an imprint on your heart.
The Dragon's Promise by Elizabeth Lim

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5.0

Some books entertain, some captivate, but Her Radiant Curse by Elizabeth Lim does something even more magical—it immerses you so completely that you feel like a part of the story.

From the moment I turned the first page, I was enchanted by Lim’s storytelling. Her writing is beautifully detailed, painting vivid scenes that made me feel as if I were standing alongside the characters, experiencing their struggles and triumphs firsthand. The emotional depth of this book is remarkable—I became so connected to the characters that I actually cried when Khramelan (Hokzuh) almost killed Shiori. That level of emotional investment is rare and speaks volumes about the power of Lim’s writing.

Although Her Radiant Curse is my personal favorite, I highly recommend reading it before Six Crimson Cranes and The Dragon’s Promise. It adds an extra layer of joy when you later recognize beloved characters in another book. It turns the reading experience into a delightful surprise, weaving connections that make the story even richer.

This book was so gripping that I stayed up all night just to finish it before the new year—something I only do for truly incredible reads. If you love fantasy, deep storytelling, and unforgettable characters, this book is an absolute must-read!

The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh

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4.5

This book was an absolute gem! From the moment I started reading, I was captivated by the author's vivid descriptions. The characters were brought to life in such detail—every outfit, every place, and even the myths were woven into the narrative seamlessly. The way the characters' faces were portrayed added so much depth and emotion to the story. The tropes were cleverly executed, and the rich descriptions kept me hooked from start to finish.

My only slight frustration was Mina’s constant running away from Shin and the god of the sea—her stubbornness and relentless movement became a bit repetitive at times. But even with that, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves a beautifully crafted story with complex characters and an immersive world.

And let’s not forget the cover—it's absolutely gorgeous and perfectly captures the essence of the story! ✨
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

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5.0

A powerful and eye-opening novel that delves into the resilience, identity, and moral values of Koreans who migrated to Japan, only to face relentless suffering, humiliation, and discrimination. Through the gripping story of Sunja, her family, and those around her, the book weaves a multigenerational saga set against the backdrop of pivotal historical events—the Japanese occupation of Korea, World War I and II, and the Korean War—all of which deeply shaped the Korean experience.

Beyond its compelling narrative, this book offers a refreshing departure from the Western literary landscape, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the richness of Eastern literature. A must-read for those seeking a deeply moving and historically profound novel.
The Woman in the White Kimono by Ana Johns

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emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.5

This novel is an absolute triumph! The writing is remarkable, drawing readers in with a compulsive need to turn page after page. The structure is flawlessly organized, creating an immersive and engaging experience from beginning to end.

From the very first chapter, this book captivates, weaving a narrative that is both deeply moving and thought-provoking. It is not just a story—it is an exploration of what it means to be human, challenging us to reflect on our own lives and perspectives.

The impact of this novel lingers long after the final page, leaving a lasting impression that few books achieve. Without a doubt, I highly recommend it! This is an author whose work I will eagerly seek out again.