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breabooks's reviews
169 reviews
Song of the Abyss by Emma Hamm
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Gosh dang it a monster romance is not supposed to explore themes of acceptance, found family, self-love, and trauma so well. It’s just supposed to be brain rot, not cinematic and heart wrenching!!
Traveler of Heart by Elle Kish
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This story was cute! A 36 year old widow falls through a mysterious mirror into the world of the fae. The tale was first person and very self-aware, especially with lines like, “What in the romantasy novel is going on right now?” It may have been a little too on the nose for my liking. It didn’t find the right balance between serious and silly; however, it was a cute, fun, and quick read. I felt very connected to Daphne. With ADHD, kids, and a general feeling of overwhelm she will probably be someone in whom most millennial moms can relate.
I really enjoyed the pacing and plot, even if I predicted the ending (which is something I tend to not be able to do). It was fast paced with tons of world building. The ending left my dying for the next book. For a debut novel, this was wonderful. I will be recommending it to all my romantasy loving friends.
No explicit scenes, but some raging tension.
Thank you Elle Kish for the eARC in exchange for an honest review ❤️
I really enjoyed the pacing and plot, even if I predicted the ending (which is something I tend to not be able to do). It was fast paced with tons of world building. The ending left my dying for the next book. For a debut novel, this was wonderful. I will be recommending it to all my romantasy loving friends.
No explicit scenes, but some raging tension.
Thank you Elle Kish for the eARC in exchange for an honest review ❤️
Blood of the Sands by
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
“You don’t need to be fixed. You need to be loved.”
Wow. Just wow. I know just enough about Star Wars to know this is basically a reylo fic, but that does not detract from the perfection that is this story.
Keera is an exile in a harsh world where “the desert gives and the desert takes away.” Barely surviving on her little oasis, she decides to steal supplies from a man who stumbled upon her lonely oasis to camp for the night.
The Viper is burdened with the magic of the Ballan desert. He is also the sword of Lord Alasdar. The Viper, under Alasdar’s orders, travels the desert to unite all the clans under his Lord so that they may restore the dying desert. He catches a Keera stealing from him at night, but can’t bring himself to do what he must- kill her. Keera is able to eventually get away from The Viper, but that is only the beginning of this epic story.
The world building is beautiful. It’s been a hot minute since I’ve been immersed in a fantasy world based on a desert. The magic is interesting and the beasts of this world are so wildly different from anything I’ve read. The writing is stellar. The plot is fast paced with no lulls. Grayson eloquently paints a picture of a harsh world where only the strong survive. The characters have an incredible amount of depth. From acknowledging deep-seated feelings of anger and resentment, to tearing away walls and allowing oneself to be loved, Blood of the Sands has an epic plot that explores some really tough themes.
I have to say I did see a lot of Star Wars parallels, but if I wasn’t looking for them I wouldn’t have noticed. Do not fret if you’re not a Star Wars fan - it doesn’t detract from the book. …. But the Darth Vader death choke did make an appearance.
Overall, I freaking loved it. The sequel is at the top of my list. I’ll be devouring it the minute it releases.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted arc in exchange for an honest review.
Wow. Just wow. I know just enough about Star Wars to know this is basically a reylo fic, but that does not detract from the perfection that is this story.
Keera is an exile in a harsh world where “the desert gives and the desert takes away.” Barely surviving on her little oasis, she decides to steal supplies from a man who stumbled upon her lonely oasis to camp for the night.
The Viper is burdened with the magic of the Ballan desert. He is also the sword of Lord Alasdar. The Viper, under Alasdar’s orders, travels the desert to unite all the clans under his Lord so that they may restore the dying desert. He catches a Keera stealing from him at night, but can’t bring himself to do what he must- kill her. Keera is able to eventually get away from The Viper, but that is only the beginning of this epic story.
The world building is beautiful. It’s been a hot minute since I’ve been immersed in a fantasy world based on a desert. The magic is interesting and the beasts of this world are so wildly different from anything I’ve read. The writing is stellar. The plot is fast paced with no lulls. Grayson eloquently paints a picture of a harsh world where only the strong survive. The characters have an incredible amount of depth. From acknowledging deep-seated feelings of anger and resentment, to tearing away walls and allowing oneself to be loved, Blood of the Sands has an epic plot that explores some really tough themes.
I have to say I did see a lot of Star Wars parallels, but if I wasn’t looking for them I wouldn’t have noticed. Do not fret if you’re not a Star Wars fan - it doesn’t detract from the book. …. But the Darth Vader death choke did make an appearance.
Overall, I freaking loved it. The sequel is at the top of my list. I’ll be devouring it the minute it releases.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted arc in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death
Blooms of Darkness by Helen Domico, Anna Applegate
adventurous
challenging
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Ok hear me out. This was a very tropey, typical romantasy. It hit all the notes and was kind of predictable. The ending really threw me for a loop with the nonstop action tangled with some crazy twists. But. It. Was. So. GOOD!!! I couldn’t put it down once I picked it up. If I had more time in the day I would have flown through it. The authors did an excellent job of sucking me in immediately.
I loved the characters. Iliana was the perfect strong princess with a devastating secret who didn’t take shit from no one. Kade was the sasshole shadow daddy everyone loves. Ian and Kalliah were the fun sidekicks. The plot REALLY picked up the last 30% of the book; however, it was fast paced throughout.
This is a book I highly recommend you pick up when you’ve finished reading something really heavy. Does this deal with heavy themes? Yes- death, torture, ptsd, anxiety attacks, and other things. Are these themes dealt with sensitivity, levity, and in a realistic way? Yes. It’s also spicy. In the best way.
I need these two to write the next book faster. That ending had me reeling.
Thank you to Anna Applegate and Helen Domico for allowing me to read this early in exchange for an honest review. I loved it 🥰
I loved the characters. Iliana was the perfect strong princess with a devastating secret who didn’t take shit from no one. Kade was the sasshole shadow daddy everyone loves. Ian and Kalliah were the fun sidekicks. The plot REALLY picked up the last 30% of the book; however, it was fast paced throughout.
This is a book I highly recommend you pick up when you’ve finished reading something really heavy. Does this deal with heavy themes? Yes- death, torture, ptsd, anxiety attacks, and other things. Are these themes dealt with sensitivity, levity, and in a realistic way? Yes. It’s also spicy. In the best way.
I need these two to write the next book faster. That ending had me reeling.
Thank you to Anna Applegate and Helen Domico for allowing me to read this early in exchange for an honest review. I loved it 🥰
The Seas Between Us by Jana Sun
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.0
This was cozy, quick romantasy. Merrow is a mermaid burdened with saving the magic of her tribe by using her siren song to lure a man into the ocean to die. Owen is a quiet artist who works at a coffee shop near the ocean. He often dreams of the ocean and a specific mermaid, which he memorializes in his artwork.
This book was just so cute and cozy- perfect for a summer read. Merrow and Owen were made for each other. I got a kick out of how Merrow adjusted to life above water. You never really think about how confusing literally everything would be, from phones to tvs to reading!!
As an art teacher I really appreciated the peak into the working artist’s world with Owen. Art is a nice little side job but rarely does anyone ever make it big. Owen’s messy apartment, gazillion sketchbooks, and desire to paint by the ocean are so real. The muse will catch you at any moment!
The found family theme was beautiful. There’s nothing like knowing someone loves you. I *do* wish I could see more of Caspain’s story. He was a super interesting side character.
This book was just so cute and cozy- perfect for a summer read. Merrow and Owen were made for each other. I got a kick out of how Merrow adjusted to life above water. You never really think about how confusing literally everything would be, from phones to tvs to reading!!
As an art teacher I really appreciated the peak into the working artist’s world with Owen. Art is a nice little side job but rarely does anyone ever make it big. Owen’s messy apartment, gazillion sketchbooks, and desire to paint by the ocean are so real. The muse will catch you at any moment!
The found family theme was beautiful. There’s nothing like knowing someone loves you. I *do* wish I could see more of Caspain’s story. He was a super interesting side character.
Beneath the Buried Sea by Victoria Mier
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
“I do so adore your rage, little deathless thing.” Holy crap, what an epic story. 4.75 rounded up because of the ending.
Meir’s writing is once again beautiful- lyrical and fit to make a perfect picture without being too flowery. The story was more complex than the first book- not sure how that’s even possible. The fantastical creatures and places she’s makes are truly astounding and original. Grandfather clocks will forever live in my nightmares.
I thoroughly enjoyed each character’s story. I ate up Raegan’s rage, lack of tact, and just realness as a depressed 30-something-year-old fighting to heal the centuries old ache in her heart. I loved watching her become more comfortable with herself- with her confidence (in body and mind), with her love for the King, and her absolute defiance of fate. Oberon was a perfect Unseelie King- seemingly unfeeling on the outside but filled with so much rage, ache, and love that he’s not afraid to show his emotions around Raegan (even though he usually only shows them in little tells). The secondary characters were great. I wish I could have known a little more about Maelona, but she was a perfect grumpy cigarette aunt.
The unexpected bits of humor were much needed. For example, “The King took a deep breath, and she had the distinct feeling he was counting to ten.”
The ending. Wow.
Potential spoilers, so stop reading this if you haven’t read it: It wasn’t perfect, but I wasn’t left with a sour taste in my mouth like others. I thought it was real. Raegan was right- the King needed more time to process. Raegan also wanted to spend time with her father. We have no idea what that looks like, but she left the coming back to Fate. Fate waiting 15 years, not Raegan. There were a LOT of things unanswered, but this already slow book would have been waaaay too long if everything was tied up with a bow. Meir could have ended it without the epilogue, but I felt like it was *just* enough information to tie it up. Did I like it? No. Did it make sense to me? Yes. I don’t know how else to describe it other than the ending was ok, but not the worst? Please know that this is my opinion and I by no means wish to make anyone else’s opinion invalid.
Anyway, I loved this duology. I wish I could erase my memory and read it again. I will recommend this to literally everyone.
Meir’s writing is once again beautiful- lyrical and fit to make a perfect picture without being too flowery. The story was more complex than the first book- not sure how that’s even possible. The fantastical creatures and places she’s makes are truly astounding and original. Grandfather clocks will forever live in my nightmares.
I thoroughly enjoyed each character’s story. I ate up Raegan’s rage, lack of tact, and just realness as a depressed 30-something-year-old fighting to heal the centuries old ache in her heart. I loved watching her become more comfortable with herself- with her confidence (in body and mind), with her love for the King, and her absolute defiance of fate. Oberon was a perfect Unseelie King- seemingly unfeeling on the outside but filled with so much rage, ache, and love that he’s not afraid to show his emotions around Raegan (even though he usually only shows them in little tells). The secondary characters were great. I wish I could have known a little more about Maelona, but she was a perfect grumpy cigarette aunt.
The unexpected bits of humor were much needed. For example, “The King took a deep breath, and she had the distinct feeling he was counting to ten.”
The ending. Wow.
Potential spoilers, so stop reading this if you haven’t read it: It wasn’t perfect, but I wasn’t left with a sour taste in my mouth like others. I thought it was real. Raegan was right- the King needed more time to process. Raegan also wanted to spend time with her father. We have no idea what that looks like, but she left the coming back to Fate. Fate waiting 15 years, not Raegan. There were a LOT of things unanswered, but this already slow book would have been waaaay too long if everything was tied up with a bow. Meir could have ended it without the epilogue, but I felt like it was *just* enough information to tie it up. Did I like it? No. Did it make sense to me? Yes. I don’t know how else to describe it other than the ending was ok, but not the worst? Please know that this is my opinion and I by no means wish to make anyone else’s opinion invalid.
Anyway, I loved this duology. I wish I could erase my memory and read it again. I will recommend this to literally everyone.
Nightstrider: A Mesmerizing Epic Dark Fantasy by Sophia Slade
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
I’m convinced Sophia Slade is going to become the next Sarah J. Maas, but better.
Nightstrider was nothing short of amazing. The dark fantasy world she constructed was intricate and fresh. The concept of a dream world is nothing new, but Slade created a believable dual reality with humans and the dreams they create. Her writing truly gave me a clear picture of the Wake, the Reverie, and all the monstrous (and not so monstrous) creatures that reside in the Reverie. It took a minute to catch on to the world building but it was worth the momentary confusion.
The characters struggles were so real. There was no “perfect” FMC or MMC. The 4 POVs were masterfully woven together. This book tackled heavy themes such as trauma, love, betrayal, and self-acceptance. Wren’s story was heart-wrenching.
The constant revelations in the ending had me flailing. Some smaller twists were so obvious, but I believe she included those to completely throw the reader off before the huge plot twists. Overall, this story was just amazing. I already want to re-read it.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
Nightstrider was nothing short of amazing. The dark fantasy world she constructed was intricate and fresh. The concept of a dream world is nothing new, but Slade created a believable dual reality with humans and the dreams they create. Her writing truly gave me a clear picture of the Wake, the Reverie, and all the monstrous (and not so monstrous) creatures that reside in the Reverie. It took a minute to catch on to the world building but it was worth the momentary confusion.
The characters struggles were so real. There was no “perfect” FMC or MMC. The 4 POVs were masterfully woven together. This book tackled heavy themes such as trauma, love, betrayal, and self-acceptance. Wren’s story was heart-wrenching.
The constant revelations in the ending had me flailing. Some smaller twists were so obvious, but I believe she included those to completely throw the reader off before the huge plot twists. Overall, this story was just amazing. I already want to re-read it.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
Content Warnings
Minor: Rape
Echoes of the Raven by Ingrid Seymour
4.5
EXCUSE ME??? I wasn’t expecting another ending that had me banging my head against the wall. 🥲😵💫
The second book in the series was even better than the first. It continues right where House of the Raven left off. Echoes of the Raven is action packed, full of twists and turns, and delves deep into Rifior’s history. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. The character develop was wonderful. The darker themes of trauma and murder were handled well. I hope to see more about Jago and about Galen! They were great comedic relief. I loved the politics - and I usually don’t prefer politics. I forgot just how complex House of the Raven was and this book is no exception. There are explicit scenes, this book is only for adults.
What made it 4.5? The constant italicized exclamations in the narrators’ inner monologues got obnoxious really fast. It took me out of the story.
The second book in the series was even better than the first. It continues right where House of the Raven left off. Echoes of the Raven is action packed, full of twists and turns, and delves deep into Rifior’s history. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. The character develop was wonderful. The darker themes of trauma and murder were handled well. I hope to see more about Jago and about Galen! They were great comedic relief. I loved the politics - and I usually don’t prefer politics. I forgot just how complex House of the Raven was and this book is no exception. There are explicit scenes, this book is only for adults.
What made it 4.5? The constant italicized exclamations in the narrators’ inner monologues got obnoxious really fast. It took me out of the story.