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bookishflower's reviews
158 reviews
A Vow So Bold and Deadly by Brigid Kemmerer
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
*SPOILERS*
I hate writing reviews of books I didn’t like, but these are my thoughts.
This series had potential, but was stunted by character assassinations, unexplained changes in character arcs and an anticlimactic ending.
The first offender is Rhen. While being the primary and successful love interest, he is a walking (and flying) red flag who goes from being untrustworthy and unlikable to outright cruel and torturous with little explanation or reason beyond unnecessary plot tension. (Also, the comparisons to Tamlin that could be made are well founded).
This is made worse by Grey being x100 times more likeable than Rhen in the first 2 books at least. But, again, his character is tainted the moment he rejects Harper and throws their friendship and development down the drain. I was rooting for Zo to end up with Harper in the end.
Speaking of Harper, the strength, stubbornness and fire she shows in the first book disappears the moment you close the last page and instead we get a passive character who defers to Rhen and is sidelined. What’s worse is how her bravery and headstrong attitude that praised her as a “[princess by spirit and not birth]” before, becomes twisted into a weakness and easy dismissal by other characters and the plot.
If the books explored the trauma and ptsd the characters face more and reflected on how this changed their characterisation I might have been more invested, but instead we are offered little to no explanation with a finale attempting to balance somewhere between ya and adult and succeeding with neither.
While book 2 was mostly filler and travelling, it was saved by the introduction of a new romance plot and repartee between characters. Unfortunately, book 3’s filler and posturing about war does not redeem itself but falls flat on its face. War? Never comes. Brotherly tension? Just needed to be locked in a room face-to-face to resolve. Overpowered enchantress? Gone. The true nail in the coffin for me though was the surprise pregnancy trope, I was done after that.
This series had its moments and potential, but unfortunately the combination of an anticlimactic finale and character assassination made it disappointing.
I hate writing reviews of books I didn’t like, but these are my thoughts.
This series had potential, but was stunted by character assassinations, unexplained changes in character arcs and an anticlimactic ending.
The first offender is Rhen. While being the primary and successful love interest, he is a walking (and flying) red flag who goes from being untrustworthy and unlikable to outright cruel and torturous with little explanation or reason beyond unnecessary plot tension. (Also, the comparisons to Tamlin that could be made are well founded).
This is made worse by Grey being x100 times more likeable than Rhen in the first 2 books at least. But, again, his character is tainted the moment he rejects Harper and throws their friendship and development down the drain. I was rooting for Zo to end up with Harper in the end.
Speaking of Harper, the strength, stubbornness and fire she shows in the first book disappears the moment you close the last page and instead we get a passive character who defers to Rhen and is sidelined. What’s worse is how her bravery and headstrong attitude that praised her as a “[princess by spirit and not birth]” before, becomes twisted into a weakness and easy dismissal by other characters and the plot.
If the books explored the trauma and ptsd the characters face more and reflected on how this changed their characterisation I might have been more invested, but instead we are offered little to no explanation with a finale attempting to balance somewhere between ya and adult and succeeding with neither.
While book 2 was mostly filler and travelling, it was saved by the introduction of a new romance plot and repartee between characters. Unfortunately, book 3’s filler and posturing about war does not redeem itself but falls flat on its face. War? Never comes. Brotherly tension? Just needed to be locked in a room face-to-face to resolve. Overpowered enchantress? Gone. The true nail in the coffin for me though was the surprise pregnancy trope, I was done after that.
This series had its moments and potential, but unfortunately the combination of an anticlimactic finale and character assassination made it disappointing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Body horror, Death, Gore, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Vomit
Minor: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Cancer, Child abuse, Miscarriage, Rape, Terminal illness, Suicide attempt, Pregnancy, and Alcohol
The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh
adventurous
emotional
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? No
5.0
“Nothing extraordinary is ever done out of reason or logic, but because it’s the only way for your soul to breathe”.
I didn’t intend to read this all in one sitting, but it’s 4am now and future me will have to deal with it.
I’ve come to the conclusion that all my favourite books feel like fairytales and this book just confirms it!
Axie Oh’s writing is beautiful, accessible and full of heart that captures you from the first few chapters and won’t let go.
The romance was swoony- soul mates, reluctant allies to lovers, fake marriages, hello?!- and the rich fantasy world was perfect. This got me out of a reading slump, THANK YOU!
Although I guessed the plot twist, I didn’t mind because the characters were so soulful and human (yes, even the sea gods, spirits and dragons too). I loved the strength of Mina throughout the book too. This truly felt like a love letter to one’s family, healing and culture.
Go read this book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Miscarriage
Minor: Alcohol and War
All That's Left in the World by Erik J. Brown
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
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? No
5.0
“This cute boy saved my life, gave me food and now stories. All you need indeed.”
•••
“YES!’ I shout and roll the window down. ‘America! He knows Back to the Future!”
•••
And just like Back to the Future there is no better opening than the power of love. (See what I did there?! *wink, wink!*)
This book broke my heart then mended it again (repeat this stage a lot), made me fall back in love with the dystopian genre, and made me laugh out loud the whole time.
Jamie and Andrew are the sweetest, I immediately fell in love with their characters and the way they support each other. The slow burn, grumpy/quiet and sunshine trope hitting all the marks! This is the dystopian, gay representation that was sorely missing in the height of 2010s with a fresh twist for post-pandemic life.
Erik J. Brown is one of the few writers who can not only successfully, but expertly incorporate pop culture references into their writing. Nothing felt forced with the added bonus of being hilarious, while not shying away from the realities of what post-apocalyptic life would be like e.g. the ugliness of human nature and capitalism.
I haven’t seen much hype online around this book since arcs were released (with a very cool marketing strategy too!) which needs to change! (For reference, I bought my copy, this review is completely unaffiliated if there’s any confusion).
This book is criminally underrated, go read it now!
P.S.
(Someone needs to make the ultimate ‘all that’s left in the world’ pop culture guide with all the music, films, tv shows mentioned in the book- everyone needs to have Miss Congeniality and Nina Simone in their lives!)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Homophobia, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Animal death, Drug abuse, and Alcohol
Finale by Stephanie Garber
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-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
3.5
A Far Wilder Magic by Allison Saft
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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
“Besides, dreams don’t always have to be practical. That’s why they’re dreams. And now ours live and die together.”
“It’s you and me against the world, Margaret.”
Firstly, it needs to be said that that cover is so incredibly beautiful and captures the atmosphere of this book perfectly! (The perfect autumnal book to read with a blanket and cup of tea!)
A Far Wilder Magic follows the life-weary, headstrong Margaret and the flirtatiously optimistic Wes in their quest to win the mythical half-moon hunt as begrudgingly allies for her to win the favour of her mother and for him to gain the magical training he needs to make a difference in the world.
This ya stand-alone fantasy romance is such an effortless intricately crafted book from it’s gorgeous writing style and bewitching world building.
The scientific-based magic system, Jewish and Irish myth influence, and alternative 1920s America setting of this book is one that feels fresh and unique, a flawless blend of dark academia, whimsy and heart that I haven’t felt since Sorcery of Thorns.
The slow-burn grumpy x sunshine romance won me over straight away, the pining, character development and I-definitely-still-hate-your-face-even-if-I’m-staring vibes! Ahhh!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Racism, Violence, Xenophobia, Antisemitism, Grief, Religious bigotry, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
Moderate: Sexual content, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Minor: Child death and Death of parent
In Deeper Waters by F.T. Lukens
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
5.0
Can we talk about that incredible vintage romance- inspired cover?!
This was such a feel good read! When ‘The Little Mermaid’ meets ‘Luca’ (if Disney had been brave enough to give us a gay love story).
This was wonderfully whimsical, with a great balance between an engaging plot and swoon-worthy romantic fluff.
Athlen and Tal are the cutest and fleshed out which is not only enhances their romance but also the plot. Lukens doesn’t sacrifice their character development and the story in favour of the romance which is refreshing!
I am in love with all of the royal siblings, if this book got the Bridgeton treatment and each of them got their own book I would eat it up! The tease of a sleeping girl in Alemmeni and Garrett! Please! The sibling banter was hilarious, I caught myself laughing out loud serval times.
More people need to talk about this book?! I’ve already preordered ‘So This is Ever After’ and can’t wait!!
This was such a feel good read! When ‘The Little Mermaid’ meets ‘Luca’ (if Disney had been brave enough to give us a gay love story).
This was wonderfully whimsical, with a great balance between an engaging plot and swoon-worthy romantic fluff.
Athlen and Tal are the cutest and fleshed out which is not only enhances their romance but also the plot. Lukens doesn’t sacrifice their character development and the story in favour of the romance which is refreshing!
I am in love with all of the royal siblings, if this book got the Bridgeton treatment and each of them got their own book I would eat it up! The tease of a sleeping girl in Alemmeni and Garrett! Please! The sibling banter was hilarious, I caught myself laughing out loud serval times.
More people need to talk about this book?! I’ve already preordered ‘So This is Ever After’ and can’t wait!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Torture, Blood, Kidnapping, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Cursing, Genocide, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Death of parent, and Colonisation
Only a Monster by Vanessa Len
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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? It's complicated
5.0
Jade Fire Gold by June CL Tan
adventurous
emotional
tense
slow-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
3.75
3.75/5
- I have to kill you trope
- elemental magic
- political intrigue
- slow burn romance
- heavily inspired by Chinese mythology
This book had beautiful writing with a rich influence of Chinese mythology, wlw and mlm rep, good world building and magic system, and importantly a balance of light and dark moments.
I do, however, think I would have enjoyed it even more if I went into it with the right expectations. I was recommended Jade Fire Gold as a book similar to Avatar the last Airbender if zutara was endgame, but I think it’s more accurately a book centred in politics and family trauma. The romance is more a slow-burn sub-plot- which I didn’t mind at all as I enjoy a keener focus on the fantasy world over romance- but was surprising based on my expectations going in.
Once I got my head around that, however, you definitely root for the characters- I personally loved Tang Wei and the cluelessness of the main characters when they are around each other- they are lovable and true to their characterisation throughout with good character development.
I believe the book would be perfect as a duology rather than a stand-alone to finish up what happened to Ahn’s mother, what Altan’s sister wants and her story, if Leiye returned Tai Shun’s feelings, how Altan will be as a ruler, how Ahn and Altan’s relationship will develop, and how Ahn will cope with the impact of what she has done. But it is still very enjoyable and a good standalone in its own right.
- I have to kill you trope
- elemental magic
- political intrigue
- slow burn romance
- heavily inspired by Chinese mythology
This book had beautiful writing with a rich influence of Chinese mythology, wlw and mlm rep, good world building and magic system, and importantly a balance of light and dark moments.
I do, however, think I would have enjoyed it even more if I went into it with the right expectations. I was recommended Jade Fire Gold as a book similar to Avatar the last Airbender if zutara was endgame, but I think it’s more accurately a book centred in politics and family trauma. The romance is more a slow-burn sub-plot- which I didn’t mind at all as I enjoy a keener focus on the fantasy world over romance- but was surprising based on my expectations going in.
Once I got my head around that, however, you definitely root for the characters- I personally loved Tang Wei and the cluelessness of the main characters when they are around each other- they are lovable and true to their characterisation throughout with good character development.
I believe the book would be perfect as a duology rather than a stand-alone to finish up
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Self harm, Suicide, Torture, Blood, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: War
Minor: Animal death
Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson
adventurous
emotional
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? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Grief, Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Confinement
Minor: Child death
The Bone Spindle by Leslie Vedder
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
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? No
4.0