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bookishwayfarer's reviews
179 reviews
Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
5.0
For my full review: https://www.bookishwayfarer.com/blog/review-once-upon-a-broken-heart-by-stephanie-garber
Step back into the Caraval universe with this dazzling spin-off featuring a captivating plot, morally grey characters, & plenty of romance.
Step back into the Caraval universe with this dazzling spin-off featuring a captivating plot, morally grey characters, & plenty of romance.
Finale by Stephanie Garber
adventurous
5.0
For my full review: https://www.bookishwayfarer.com/blog/review-finale-by-stephanie-garber
This final installment in the Caraval trilogy is an exhilarating conclusion to the series. From the plot to the characters to the ending, it is near perfection.
This final installment in the Caraval trilogy is an exhilarating conclusion to the series. From the plot to the characters to the ending, it is near perfection.
The Fortunate Ones by Catherine Hokin
emotional
sad
slow-paced
3.0
For my full review: https://www.bookishwayfarer.com/blog/review-the-fortunate-ones-by-catherine-hokin
This WWII historical fiction novel had potential, but problematic pacing & the inclusion of an insta-romance held it back.
This WWII historical fiction novel had potential, but problematic pacing & the inclusion of an insta-romance held it back.
Charlotte by Helen Moffett
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
4.5
For my full review: https://www.bookishwayfarer.com/blog/review-charlotte-by-helen-moffett
In this part sequel, part spin-off to Pride & Prejudice we reexperience portions of the novel through Charlotte’s eyes, as well as discover what happened to her after the book’s events.
This is one of the best Pride & Prejudice spin-offs that I have read to date. Every aspect of the book, from its writing to plot & character development, is superb. If you are a fan of Pride & Prejudice, I cannot recommend this book enough.
In this part sequel, part spin-off to Pride & Prejudice we reexperience portions of the novel through Charlotte’s eyes, as well as discover what happened to her after the book’s events.
This is one of the best Pride & Prejudice spin-offs that I have read to date. Every aspect of the book, from its writing to plot & character development, is superb. If you are a fan of Pride & Prejudice, I cannot recommend this book enough.
A Yorkshire Carol by Jennie Goutet
medium-paced
4.0
For my full review: https://www.bookishwayfarer.com/blog/review-a-yorkshire-carol-by-jennie-goutet
This novella transports you back in time to a rural, Regency estate at Christmastime. There, you bear witness to charming Christmas traditions, tantalizing culinary creations, and a sweet, friends-to-lovers romance. Although it is set during the holiday season & makes for a wonderful holiday read, at its core, it is a cozy read that can be enjoyed at any time of year.
This novella transports you back in time to a rural, Regency estate at Christmastime. There, you bear witness to charming Christmas traditions, tantalizing culinary creations, and a sweet, friends-to-lovers romance. Although it is set during the holiday season & makes for a wonderful holiday read, at its core, it is a cozy read that can be enjoyed at any time of year.
Legendary by Stephanie Garber
adventurous
mysterious
4.5
For my full review: https://www.bookishwayfarer.com/blog/review-legendary-by-stephanie-garber
In this sequel to Caraval, Tella must once again take part in the Caraval games — only, this time, she must be a player. In order to settle her debt with her mysterious “friend,” she must uncover Legend’s true name, something which she can only achieve by winning the games.
It is not often that I like a sequel better than the original, but such is the case with Legendary. The magic, intrigue, romance, characters, & world building are all better, which given how excellent they were in Caraval, is saying something.
In this sequel to Caraval, Tella must once again take part in the Caraval games — only, this time, she must be a player. In order to settle her debt with her mysterious “friend,” she must uncover Legend’s true name, something which she can only achieve by winning the games.
It is not often that I like a sequel better than the original, but such is the case with Legendary. The magic, intrigue, romance, characters, & world building are all better, which given how excellent they were in Caraval, is saying something.
Time's Convert by Deborah Harkness
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
2.5
For my full review: https://www.bookishwayfarer.com/blog/review-times-convert-by-deborah-harkness
Time’s Convert is the fourth installment in the All Souls series, & it centers around Marcus, Matthew’s son. We learn about his life in colonial America before he became a vampire & also explore his present-day life with Phoebe & the rest of the Bishop-de Clermont family.
Unfortunately, this book fell flat for me. I love the original All Souls Trilogy (I have read those books multiple times), but alas, Time’s Convert failed to live up to its predecessors. From a dull plot to a disjointed structure, Time’s Convert was honestly hard to get through; had I not set out to review it, I likely would have shelved it after the first few chapters.
Rating: 2.5/5.0
Time’s Convert is the fourth installment in the All Souls series, & it centers around Marcus, Matthew’s son. We learn about his life in colonial America before he became a vampire & also explore his present-day life with Phoebe & the rest of the Bishop-de Clermont family.
Unfortunately, this book fell flat for me. I love the original All Souls Trilogy (I have read those books multiple times), but alas, Time’s Convert failed to live up to its predecessors. From a dull plot to a disjointed structure, Time’s Convert was honestly hard to get through; had I not set out to review it, I likely would have shelved it after the first few chapters.
Rating: 2.5/5.0
The Damned by Renée Ahdieh
4.0
For my full review: https://www.bookishwayfarer.com/blog/review-the-damned-by-renee-ahdieh
The Damned is the sequel to The Beautiful, & it picks up right where The Beautiful left off. So as to not give anything away, I’ll simply say that The Damned is everything I could have hoped for (and then some) in a sequel to The Beautiful.
The Damned is the sequel to The Beautiful, & it picks up right where The Beautiful left off. So as to not give anything away, I’ll simply say that The Damned is everything I could have hoped for (and then some) in a sequel to The Beautiful.
The Company Daughters by Samantha Rajaram
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
4.0
For my full review: https://www.bookishwayfarer.com/blog/review-the-company-daughters-by-samantha-rajaram
Set in 17th-century Amsterdam & Indonesia, The Company Daughters tells the story of two young women who enlist as Company Daughters for the Dutch East India Company. This book ended up surprising me in the best possible way. What I thought would be a more-or-less generic historical romance turned out to be so much more. It is a beautiful yet heart-breaking story about healing, opening oneself up to love, & finding hope, even in the darkest of times.
Set in 17th-century Amsterdam & Indonesia, The Company Daughters tells the story of two young women who enlist as Company Daughters for the Dutch East India Company. This book ended up surprising me in the best possible way. What I thought would be a more-or-less generic historical romance turned out to be so much more. It is a beautiful yet heart-breaking story about healing, opening oneself up to love, & finding hope, even in the darkest of times.
Fire Heart by Emma Hamm
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.5
For my full review: https://www.bookishwayfarer.com/blog/review-fire-heart-by-emma-hamm
Fire Heart is an entertaining, highly bingeable fantasy romance. It features a fast-paced plot & one of my all-time favorite romance tropes: enemies to lovers. This would be a great pick if you are looking to dip your toes into the fantasy genre, as the world building is not overwhelming.
Fire Heart is an entertaining, highly bingeable fantasy romance. It features a fast-paced plot & one of my all-time favorite romance tropes: enemies to lovers. This would be a great pick if you are looking to dip your toes into the fantasy genre, as the world building is not overwhelming.