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bookwormlukas's reviews
595 reviews
Coda by Emma Trevayne
2.0
Not terrible, but very meh. For the last 100 pages I was probably just skimming to force myself into actually finishing it. The concept was interesting but it really didn't have the characters to back it up, they felt a bit drab...and I've read too many dystopias where the MC's main reason for going against the government is to protect their little brother/sister. I highly doubt I will continue on with this series.
The Devouring by Simon Holt
4.0
This kind of read a bit like a middle grade book, but definitely had the gruesome aspects of a higher aged young adult read. Between carnival games involving dead children's heads, and demonic babies breast feeding from dead women....the novel definitely went to some strange places. However, I did like the whole idea of the Vours, and how they steal your soul and take over children's bodies, and I found myself picturing little Damien from 'The Omen' more than once. It was a relatively unique storyline, and I liked the little fairytale/myth coming real aspect. I also love novels that go into characters dreams, and the ending/finale of this one takes place in some nightmare world, and I really enjoyed the randomness and spooky aspect of that.
Overall a very quick and enjoyable read. I don't know how this will continue on as a series though.
Overall a very quick and enjoyable read. I don't know how this will continue on as a series though.
Legend by Marie Lu
3.0
I think I have personally read far too many dystopias lately, and my rating of this one is a reflection of that. Overall, I can say that I liked it, and will read the sequel, but it never went past 'like' for me. I felt the supposed 'twists' were a little on the predictable side, and this is another dystopia with the plot of the older sibling going against the government to protect the younger one, which is getting a little yawn worthy for me.
If you like dystopia's, you will no doubt like this one. I'm just on a bit of a dystopia burn out right now. Time to leave YA behind for a little bit.
If you like dystopia's, you will no doubt like this one. I'm just on a bit of a dystopia burn out right now. Time to leave YA behind for a little bit.
Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews
3.0
Definitely the weakest in the series so far. Kate has never been funnier though, I flat out laughed out loud at some of her quips and one-liners, but this entry felt like filler when I wanted more of the Roland storyline that has been built up in the last few books.
Also, Curran has finally turned into an annoying love interest. Wanting to kill people for standing too close to her? Get a grip, SO not attractive. Ill never understand the appeal of the domineering, jealous, and controlling love interests these books want you to find hot.
Also, Curran has finally turned into an annoying love interest. Wanting to kill people for standing too close to her? Get a grip, SO not attractive. Ill never understand the appeal of the domineering, jealous, and controlling love interests these books want you to find hot.
Gunmetal Magic by Ilona Andrews
2.0
Part of me knew that I wouldn't enjoy this as much as the main Kate Daniels series. A lot of that lies with the fact that Andrews chose the character of Andrea to anchor the first entry of the spin off. You see, Andrea is very much just 'Kate Lite', she doesn't really bring much to the overall world, and doesn't really offer much of a different view. In a word, she's boring. The romance angle with Raphael is even somewhat of a redux of the whole Kate/Curran storyline. It mostly just feels unnecessary.
I do like the overall idea of telling different stories within Kate's Atlanta though, as I think it is one of the best urban fantasies out there for world building and there are a lot of opportunities to tell different stories. Hopefully, Andrea just has the one entry and Andrews switches up the character every novel from here on out...maybe some Derek, Saiman or even Aunt B entries in the future?
I do like the overall idea of telling different stories within Kate's Atlanta though, as I think it is one of the best urban fantasies out there for world building and there are a lot of opportunities to tell different stories. Hopefully, Andrea just has the one entry and Andrews switches up the character every novel from here on out...maybe some Derek, Saiman or even Aunt B entries in the future?
Magic Gifts by Ilona Andrews
3.0
A little novella telling Kate's side of the story that is referenced in Andrea's spin off.
I never have high expectations for novellas, but I liked that this one was a complete story instead of just a few scenes featuring the characters. It also developed a storyline that will no doubt be featured in the next book so I'm glad I read it.
One annoying thing...I don't like how these people win every fight they ever participate in, it takes away the suspense. I need them to get their asses kicked every now and again. Kate is understandable given her lineage, but Curran's just an alpha? He shouldn't be able to take the same damage she does. That annoyance aside, a nice little side story with Kate and the gang.
I never have high expectations for novellas, but I liked that this one was a complete story instead of just a few scenes featuring the characters. It also developed a storyline that will no doubt be featured in the next book so I'm glad I read it.
One annoying thing...I don't like how these people win every fight they ever participate in, it takes away the suspense. I need them to get their asses kicked every now and again. Kate is understandable given her lineage, but Curran's just an alpha? He shouldn't be able to take the same damage she does. That annoyance aside, a nice little side story with Kate and the gang.
Witch Eyes by Scott Tracey
3.0
Not bad, but not great either. It was hard to get excited by this...kind of Romeo and Juliet, but with witches...although I do commend the lack of insta love, and cheesy romance scenes.