Scan barcode
bookishwayfarer's reviews
178 reviews
The Duke Alone by Christi Caldwell
3.0
For my full review: https://www.bookishwayfarer.com/blog/review-the-duke-alone-by-christi-caldwell
While not the best holiday romance that I have ever read, The Duke Alone is enjoyable nonetheless for its cozy setting & grumpy-sunshine romance. It is a fairly quick read, so it is a great choice for when you have a hankering for something festive but don’t feel like committing to a lengthy novel.
While not the best holiday romance that I have ever read, The Duke Alone is enjoyable nonetheless for its cozy setting & grumpy-sunshine romance. It is a fairly quick read, so it is a great choice for when you have a hankering for something festive but don’t feel like committing to a lengthy novel.
Godmersham Park by Gill Hornby
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
For my full review: https://www.bookishwayfarer.com/blog/review-godmersham-park-by-gill-hornby
Note: I received a free copy of Godmersham Park from Pegasus Books in exchange for an honest review.
Inspired by true events, Godmersham Park tells the story of Anne Sharp, a young woman of privilege compelled to become a governess after the death of her mother. Eventually, Anne befriends one of Britain’s most celebrated authors: Jane Austen.
When it comes to Godmersham Park, I am rather ambivalent. Reading it was not particularly enjoyable, nor was it altogether unpleasant. It has some commendable qualities, including Hornby’s prose & attention to historical detail, but it also suffers from issues pertaining to its plot, pacing, & structure. Would I read it again? No, but I do not regret having read it (nor would I discourage anyone from picking it up).
Note: I received a free copy of Godmersham Park from Pegasus Books in exchange for an honest review.
Inspired by true events, Godmersham Park tells the story of Anne Sharp, a young woman of privilege compelled to become a governess after the death of her mother. Eventually, Anne befriends one of Britain’s most celebrated authors: Jane Austen.
When it comes to Godmersham Park, I am rather ambivalent. Reading it was not particularly enjoyable, nor was it altogether unpleasant. It has some commendable qualities, including Hornby’s prose & attention to historical detail, but it also suffers from issues pertaining to its plot, pacing, & structure. Would I read it again? No, but I do not regret having read it (nor would I discourage anyone from picking it up).
The Ballad of Never After by Stephanie Garber
adventurous
5.0
For my full review: https://www.bookishwayfarer.com/blog/review-the-ballad-of-never-after-by-stephanie-garber
This sequel to Once upon a Broken Heart was one of my most anticipated reads of 2022, & it did not disappoint. Romance, magic, & adventure: The Ballad of Never After has it all & proves that sequels can be just as good, if not better, than the original.
This sequel to Once upon a Broken Heart was one of my most anticipated reads of 2022, & it did not disappoint. Romance, magic, & adventure: The Ballad of Never After has it all & proves that sequels can be just as good, if not better, than the original.
Starlight by Olivia Wildenstein
3.5
For my full review: https://www.bookishwayfarer.com/blog/review-starlight-by-olivia-wildenstein
In this finale to the Angels of Elysium trilogy, Adam & Naya, the reincarnated souls of Jarod & Leigh, finally meet & team up to take down the shady Circle Foundation. Romance galore, engaging writing, & a sprinkling of suspense: this book holds your attention & keeps you entertained cover to cover.
In this finale to the Angels of Elysium trilogy, Adam & Naya, the reincarnated souls of Jarod & Leigh, finally meet & team up to take down the shady Circle Foundation. Romance galore, engaging writing, & a sprinkling of suspense: this book holds your attention & keeps you entertained cover to cover.
Celestial by Olivia Wildenstein
medium-paced
3.5
For my full review: https://www.bookishwayfarer.com/blog/review-celestial-by-olivia-wildenstein
Picking up four years after the events of Feather, Celestial follows Celeste as she attempts the impossible: complete her wings by earning 300 feathers in just over 90 days.
While not the pinnacle of literature, this sequel outshines its predecessor and is an enjoyable read with romance to boot.
Picking up four years after the events of Feather, Celestial follows Celeste as she attempts the impossible: complete her wings by earning 300 feathers in just over 90 days.
While not the pinnacle of literature, this sequel outshines its predecessor and is an enjoyable read with romance to boot.
Feather by Olivia Wildenstein
3.0
For my full review: https://www.bookishwayfarer.com/blog/review-feather-by-olivia-wildenstein
This modern-day retelling of Romeo & Juliet features angels & sinners set against the backdrop of the City of Light. The book has a promising start, but it ultimately disappoints due to pacing issues in the final quarter of the book.
Rating: 3.0/5.0
This modern-day retelling of Romeo & Juliet features angels & sinners set against the backdrop of the City of Light. The book has a promising start, but it ultimately disappoints due to pacing issues in the final quarter of the book.
Rating: 3.0/5.0
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
fast-paced
4.0
For my full review: https://www.bookishwayfarer.com/blog/review-six-of-crows-by-leigh-bardugo
In this expansion of the Grishaverse, we journey beyond the bounds of the Shadow & Bone trilogy to Fjerda for a high-stakes heist featuring an ensemble cast of complex, morally grey characters. From its captivating plot to engaging writing & well-penned characters, Six of Crows is a highly entertaining read.
In this expansion of the Grishaverse, we journey beyond the bounds of the Shadow & Bone trilogy to Fjerda for a high-stakes heist featuring an ensemble cast of complex, morally grey characters. From its captivating plot to engaging writing & well-penned characters, Six of Crows is a highly entertaining read.
A Heart So Fierce and Broken by Brigid Kemmerer
2.5
For my full review: https://www.bookishwayfarer.com/blog/review-a-heart-so-fierce-and-broken-by-brigid-kemmerer
Unfortunately, this sequel to A Curse So Dark & Lonely suffers from a case of second book slump. From the characters to the plot, nearly every aspect of A Heart So Fierce & Broken is inferior to that of its predecessor.
Unfortunately, this sequel to A Curse So Dark & Lonely suffers from a case of second book slump. From the characters to the plot, nearly every aspect of A Heart So Fierce & Broken is inferior to that of its predecessor.
A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer
adventurous
medium-paced
3.0
For my full review: https://www.bookishwayfarer.com/blog/review-a-curse-so-dark-and-lonely-by-brigid-kemmerer
In this modern-day retelling of Beauty & the Beast, Harper finds herself unwillingly whisked away to a fantastical parallel universe. There, she meets a cursed prince, who is fated to relive the autumn of his 18th year & transform into a monster at is conclusion. The only cure for his curse — love.
Overall, this is a so-so retelling of Beauty & the Beast. The romance is rather lackluster, as is the world building. The book, however, does have a few redeeming qualities, including its disability representation & person-centered language.
In this modern-day retelling of Beauty & the Beast, Harper finds herself unwillingly whisked away to a fantastical parallel universe. There, she meets a cursed prince, who is fated to relive the autumn of his 18th year & transform into a monster at is conclusion. The only cure for his curse — love.
Overall, this is a so-so retelling of Beauty & the Beast. The romance is rather lackluster, as is the world building. The book, however, does have a few redeeming qualities, including its disability representation & person-centered language.
These Twisted Bonds by Lexi Ryan
adventurous
4.0
For my full review: https://www.bookishwayfarer.com/blog/review-these-twisted-bonds-by-lexi-ryan
Picking up right where These Hollow Vows left off, These Twisted Bonds sees Brie grappling with Sebastian’s betrayal & the uncertainty of her future. It is a thrilling, thoroughly satisfying conclusion to the These Hollow Vows duology.
Picking up right where These Hollow Vows left off, These Twisted Bonds sees Brie grappling with Sebastian’s betrayal & the uncertainty of her future. It is a thrilling, thoroughly satisfying conclusion to the These Hollow Vows duology.