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bookaroundandfindout's reviews
169 reviews
Five Broken Blades by Mai Corland
5.0
This was such a clever book!
Let me start by saying this isn't a fantasy romance—and I'm not mad about that at all.
Everyone is a liar; the question is, who's the best one?
"Five Broken Blades" is an exhilarating ride that brings together five assassins from different regions, classes, and upbringings with a common goal: kill the King. The catch? The King is immortal, and that's going to be a problem.
The narrative is skillfully woven through the different POVs of all the characters. Despite gaining insight into their motives, readers themselves can't fully trust each character, adding to the suspense and intrigue.
Themes and Elements:
Deception and Trust: The book delves deeply into themes of deception. With every character having their own agenda, the question of trust is central. Who can be trusted when everyone has something to hide?
Female Empowerment: There is a strong commentary on women taking on roles traditionally held by men, such as being assassins or killers. The female characters in this book are powerful, skilled, and unapologetically fierce, breaking stereotypes and proving their capabilities.
Class Differences: The story highlights the stark differences between various classes and how small, seemingly insignificant things are used to control the masses. This adds a layer of social commentary, making readers reflect on the power dynamics in their own world.
Elaborate Murder Plans: The assassins' plans to kill the immortal King are super elaborate, evoking vibes similar to "The Hunger Games," "Ocean's 11," and "Game of Thrones." The intricate strategies and high stakes keep readers on the edge of their seats, wondering what will happen next.
High Stakes: The book maintains high stakes throughout, with each character's life hanging in the balance. The tension and urgency in their mission create a gripping, page-turning experience.
Did they kill the King or not? I guess you'll have to find out.
Mai Corland has crafted a story that combines action, strategy, and complex characters in a way that keeps you guessing until the very end. If you're looking for a book that's smart, thrilling, and unafraid to tackle big themes, "Five Broken Blades" is a must-read.
Let me start by saying this isn't a fantasy romance—and I'm not mad about that at all.
Everyone is a liar; the question is, who's the best one?
"Five Broken Blades" is an exhilarating ride that brings together five assassins from different regions, classes, and upbringings with a common goal: kill the King. The catch? The King is immortal, and that's going to be a problem.
The narrative is skillfully woven through the different POVs of all the characters. Despite gaining insight into their motives, readers themselves can't fully trust each character, adding to the suspense and intrigue.
Themes and Elements:
Deception and Trust: The book delves deeply into themes of deception. With every character having their own agenda, the question of trust is central. Who can be trusted when everyone has something to hide?
Female Empowerment: There is a strong commentary on women taking on roles traditionally held by men, such as being assassins or killers. The female characters in this book are powerful, skilled, and unapologetically fierce, breaking stereotypes and proving their capabilities.
Class Differences: The story highlights the stark differences between various classes and how small, seemingly insignificant things are used to control the masses. This adds a layer of social commentary, making readers reflect on the power dynamics in their own world.
Elaborate Murder Plans: The assassins' plans to kill the immortal King are super elaborate, evoking vibes similar to "The Hunger Games," "Ocean's 11," and "Game of Thrones." The intricate strategies and high stakes keep readers on the edge of their seats, wondering what will happen next.
High Stakes: The book maintains high stakes throughout, with each character's life hanging in the balance. The tension and urgency in their mission create a gripping, page-turning experience.
Did they kill the King or not? I guess you'll have to find out.
Mai Corland has crafted a story that combines action, strategy, and complex characters in a way that keeps you guessing until the very end. If you're looking for a book that's smart, thrilling, and unafraid to tackle big themes, "Five Broken Blades" is a must-read.
Bossman by Vi Keeland
5.0
Wait so I usually don’t read these types of books but I LOVED this!
What cute banter with a boss and employee vibe and so much depth in terms of the characters emotional and mental obstacles.
I really loved this story and it was a great read.
What cute banter with a boss and employee vibe and so much depth in terms of the characters emotional and mental obstacles.
I really loved this story and it was a great read.
The Stranger Beside Me by Ann Rule
5.0
Amazing read. This gave me so much more information regarding the horror of Ted Bundy, his life, his personalities, and a sense of great sadness looking at the sheer amount of women he murdered. He became such an important study source for researchers and investigators and honestly got what he wanted- notoriety. Even now we still all know who he is and continually learn about him I’m different ways. He created a generation of cult like fans and possible new serial killers. His victims, some never identified, sadly didn’t stand a chance. It’s chilling to see how normal and educated he appears, how friendly and charismatic. I recommend reading this and watching his court case as you get to that part because it really solidified to me how jarring it was to people that he was a killer. This is better than any Netflix documentary and provides well rounded information that make it all make some sort of sense. Highly recommend to read.
Reasonable by K.T. Carlisle
4.0
Wow, let me see where to unpack this! First of all, this book really took me by surprise. What starts out as seeming like a predictable "who done it" type of murder mystery slowly turns into a chaotic mess in the best way possible that left me hurrying through the last pages only to find out there are TWO books left and we don't even completely know or have evidence for the REAL killer!! We start with one of the main characters Cat, waking up in a pool of blood with a knife in her hand, her best friend murdered, and no memory of if she did it or not. That in itself sounds crazy but the plot only thickens. The reader is taking back and forth through time and different point of views and honestly for me at first (and this is why I have 4 stars) it was very confusing. I felt like I was having whiplash. But please be patient because towards the first fourth of the book ending you start seeing that there is a bigger picture unraveling. Cat is a pretty annoying FMC and I think that's the point considering she is kind of a mess, which makes her the perfect scapegoat right? Or did she actually black out and lose it? Did she murder more people? We don't know! I enjoyed the different perspectives, especially when we move away from Cat's POV and into the mind of our FMC Detective that I really love. You get to see both sides of a crime being committed- the insightful side of the accused and the law and order side of the case itself. We are left on a serious cliffhanger which made me want to scream, all and all meaning that the book was pretty good for the first one. I look forward to the next one that will be released in May and I hope to see improvement in some of the writing flow and more action now that the backdrop of the story has been established. Give it a read it's a great poolside or vacation novel!
Sold to the Fae by Kyra Alessy
4.0
"Sold to the Fae" is a dark romantasy novel that follows Thalia, a human woman considered a slave in a world dominated by fae. After a dark event in her life, Thalia runs away from home and hides, disguising herself to avoid detection. She finds herself stuck in another realm with three fae men—Dane, Grey, and Kallum—whom she grew up with and who harbor intense hatred for her due to her past crimes. Known as The Harbinger, Thalia is seen as the epitome of death.
As the story unfolds, the fae men discover her true identity and buy her as a slave with the intention of taking her back to their homeland for punishment. However, during their journey, they begin to uncover the truth about the events that led to her current situation and realize that Thalia may not be as evil as they believed. As they start to develop feelings for her, they are faced with a difficult decision: get rid of her or protect her.
Great book! This is my first experience with forced proximity and reverse harem vibes. The main character, Thalia, is compelling and complex. The dynamic between her and the three fae men she once knew is intense and full of tension. The journey they undertake together is filled with revelations and emotional growth, making for a gripping read. The blend of dark romance and fantasy elements creates a captivating story that keeps you hooked until the end.
Key Themes and Tropes:
-> Forced Proximity: Thalia is thrust into the fae world against her will, creating a tense and dynamic relationship with her captors.
-> Dark Romance: The book contains elements of dark, sometimes forbidden, romance that add depth and complexity to the characters' interactions.
-> Enemies-to-Lovers: Initially viewed as an enemy, Thalia's relationship with the fae men evolves as they learn more about her true past.
-> Magical Realms: The story is set in a vividly described fae world with its own unique rules and dangers, enhancing the fantastical atmosphere.
-> Power Dynamics: Themes of power, control, and resistance are prevalent as Thalia struggles to find her place and assert her identity in a world that views her as a mere commodity.
As the story unfolds, the fae men discover her true identity and buy her as a slave with the intention of taking her back to their homeland for punishment. However, during their journey, they begin to uncover the truth about the events that led to her current situation and realize that Thalia may not be as evil as they believed. As they start to develop feelings for her, they are faced with a difficult decision: get rid of her or protect her.
Great book! This is my first experience with forced proximity and reverse harem vibes. The main character, Thalia, is compelling and complex. The dynamic between her and the three fae men she once knew is intense and full of tension. The journey they undertake together is filled with revelations and emotional growth, making for a gripping read. The blend of dark romance and fantasy elements creates a captivating story that keeps you hooked until the end.
Key Themes and Tropes:
-> Forced Proximity: Thalia is thrust into the fae world against her will, creating a tense and dynamic relationship with her captors.
-> Dark Romance: The book contains elements of dark, sometimes forbidden, romance that add depth and complexity to the characters' interactions.
-> Enemies-to-Lovers: Initially viewed as an enemy, Thalia's relationship with the fae men evolves as they learn more about her true past.
-> Magical Realms: The story is set in a vividly described fae world with its own unique rules and dangers, enhancing the fantastical atmosphere.
-> Power Dynamics: Themes of power, control, and resistance are prevalent as Thalia struggles to find her place and assert her identity in a world that views her as a mere commodity.
Owned By The Fae by Kyra Alessy
5.0
"Owned by the Fae" is the second book in the Dark Realms duology, and I found it even more engaging than the first. This installment provides the answers we've been eagerly awaiting since the first book, making it a satisfying continuation of the story.
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