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brooksie03051's reviews
299 reviews
A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
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
4.25
A quick, fun and interesting retelling of the classic mythology of Hades and Persephone. This had Hades shown in a different light. Not quite as evil as he’s been told in other tales. It’s a slow burn up until about halfway and then the spice begins. It was quite enjoyable and a quick read.
Does It Hurt? by H.D. Carlton
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Credence by Penelope Douglas
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Brutal Vows by J.T. Geissinger
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
4.5
Savage Hearts by J.T. Geissinger
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
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? It's complicated
4.25
This is the 3rd book in a series. Read the first two before this one otherwise some things won’t make sense. The characters are tied together and the order of events that lead to this story.
Sloane’s little sister Riley doesn’t disappoint. They don’t look a like or dress the same but their demeanor and strong personalities are a mirror. The sarcasm isn’t as sharp and her heart isn’t so damaged that she fights her feelings the way her tough big sister, but Riley is just as stubborn, mouthy and loyal. The mafia ladies have quite a bit of power in this dangerous world without ever pulling a trigger.
Sloane’s little sister Riley doesn’t disappoint. They don’t look a like or dress the same but their demeanor and strong personalities are a mirror. The sarcasm isn’t as sharp and her heart isn’t so damaged that she fights her feelings the way her tough big sister, but Riley is just as stubborn, mouthy and loyal. The mafia ladies have quite a bit of power in this dangerous world without ever pulling a trigger.
The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I know lots of people love this series which is why I decided to read it. Unfortunately, this wasn’t my cup of tea. I thought the clairvoyant parts were interesting but wished there was more confirmation regarding Blue aka Jane’s abilities since she seems to have more than what she and her family state she has. If she has power to amp up other gifted people, she must have something she just hasn’t tapped into. She is a teenager so maybe her powers aren’t fully developed? She can communicate with dead people so that seems like a power to me.
I wasn’t getting the plot. I may have drifted at points when I was bored and missed something that would explain why these boys were on that mission.
Other than the psychic aspects, it wasn’t keeping me interested. I was going to DNF, but since it was a book club pick, I tried to stick it out. It got better just after 50-75% in. I don’t think I will finish the series. I’m rating it a flat 3. I didn’t “hate” it, but I didn’t love it. It was fine. Anything below a 3 isn’t worth reading so it just made it. Lots of people rave about these books so don’t take my score to heart. Read it and see how you feel.
I wasn’t getting the plot. I may have drifted at points when I was bored and missed something that would explain why these boys were on that mission.
Other than the psychic aspects, it wasn’t keeping me interested. I was going to DNF, but since it was a book club pick, I tried to stick it out. It got better just after 50-75% in. I don’t think I will finish the series. I’m rating it a flat 3. I didn’t “hate” it, but I didn’t love it. It was fine. Anything below a 3 isn’t worth reading so it just made it. Lots of people rave about these books so don’t take my score to heart. Read it and see how you feel.
A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher
Dangerous Secrets, Mysterious Murders, and Forbidden Magic
Fourteen-year-old Cordelia lives in fear every day. Her mother is strange, and cruel, and always demands her obedience. Their home is unusual. It doesn’t have any doors between rooms; if they did, she is never allowed to be behind a closed door for any privacy. Ever.
As far as she knew, other mothers didn't force their daughters to be silent and motionless for hours, sometimes days, on end. Other mothers aren’t sorcerers and do not demand 100% obedience without question. Cordelia isn't allowed to have friends. The only thing she has for enjoyment is daily rides on her mother's beautiful white horse Falada with strange green eyes. The only thing she could talk to about her wants and fears... Fear of her mother. But her mother's horse is also strange, and when Cordelia thinks to run away with him, her mother suddenly appears to stop her. There is no escaping from her mother.
Cordelia’s mother insisted they leave in the middle of the night without understanding why. There is talk of murder in the town, but she doesn't understand why she was forced to leave the only place that she knew. After her mother suddenly acquires a small carriage that they didn't have before, they arrive at a remote country manor of a wealthy older man. The Squire, and his unwed spinster sister, Hester live in his large lavish manor.
After a brief meeting in town, her mother convinced the Squire to have them stay at his manor while she waits for clothes to be made for her and Cordeila as it is close to his home. Cordelia’s mother has a plan which includes lying about Cordelia's age and stating she is 17. She clearly did not look the age, but no one challenged her mother's claim. She plans to trick the Squire into marriage and become the lady of the house to ensure Cordelia is courted and married off to a rich man as they have nothing but the clothes on their backs. Being poor they do not have the money or the connections to do so now. Cordelia is expected to be on her best behavior so all will go well in her mother's plan. The problem is, that she is very young, scared, and did not grow up as someone raised in a manor home with servants to take care of all your needs.
The kind Squire's sister Hester however is intelligent and savvy. She notices how Cordelia shrinks away from her mother, how the young girl doesn't act like a normal girl of 17 and does not know the simplest of things in a manor house. Even the house staff can see how the young girl fears her mother whenever she is near and doesn't understand what a fully staffed manor runs. Hester knows this woman is up to no good and has every intention to stop her brother from marrying this witch as she can see through her intentions. She also wants to rescue this sweet terrified young girl from her clutches since her behavior is not one has for their parent. What Hester doesn't know is just how dangerous Cordelia's mother really is, or what she is and doom is now in their home.
Although I never read the Brothers Grimm Goose Girl story to make a comparison, this was an interesting story about an awful mother using her daughter to get what she wanted. Lying and manipulating people to steal their wealth, and a woman determined to help a young girl escape and save her brother and the love of her life from an evil selfish woman. It was a quick read and I enjoyed it.
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher
This audiobook ARC was given to me in exchange for an honest review of this book before its expected publication on August 6, 2024
A Dark Fantasy Horror retelling of the fairytale classic Brothers Grimm's Goose Girl
Dangerous Secrets, Mysterious Murders, and Forbidden Magic
Fourteen-year-old Cordelia lives in fear every day. Her mother is strange, and cruel, and always demands her obedience. Their home is unusual. It doesn’t have any doors between rooms; if they did, she is never allowed to be behind a closed door for any privacy. Ever.
As far as she knew, other mothers didn't force their daughters to be silent and motionless for hours, sometimes days, on end. Other mothers aren’t sorcerers and do not demand 100% obedience without question. Cordelia isn't allowed to have friends. The only thing she has for enjoyment is daily rides on her mother's beautiful white horse Falada with strange green eyes. The only thing she could talk to about her wants and fears... Fear of her mother. But her mother's horse is also strange, and when Cordelia thinks to run away with him, her mother suddenly appears to stop her. There is no escaping from her mother.
Cordelia’s mother insisted they leave in the middle of the night without understanding why. There is talk of murder in the town, but she doesn't understand why she was forced to leave the only place that she knew. After her mother suddenly acquires a small carriage that they didn't have before, they arrive at a remote country manor of a wealthy older man. The Squire, and his unwed spinster sister, Hester live in his large lavish manor.
After a brief meeting in town, her mother convinced the Squire to have them stay at his manor while she waits for clothes to be made for her and Cordeila as it is close to his home. Cordelia’s mother has a plan which includes lying about Cordelia's age and stating she is 17. She clearly did not look the age, but no one challenged her mother's claim. She plans to trick the Squire into marriage and become the lady of the house to ensure Cordelia is courted and married off to a rich man as they have nothing but the clothes on their backs. Being poor they do not have the money or the connections to do so now. Cordelia is expected to be on her best behavior so all will go well in her mother's plan. The problem is, that she is very young, scared, and did not grow up as someone raised in a manor home with servants to take care of all your needs.
The kind Squire's sister Hester however is intelligent and savvy. She notices how Cordelia shrinks away from her mother, how the young girl doesn't act like a normal girl of 17 and does not know the simplest of things in a manor house. Even the house staff can see how the young girl fears her mother whenever she is near and doesn't understand what a fully staffed manor runs. Hester knows this woman is up to no good and has every intention to stop her brother from marrying this witch as she can see through her intentions. She also wants to rescue this sweet terrified young girl from her clutches since her behavior is not one has for their parent. What Hester doesn't know is just how dangerous Cordelia's mother really is, or what she is and doom is now in their home.
Although I never read the Brothers Grimm Goose Girl story to make a comparison, this was an interesting story about an awful mother using her daughter to get what she wanted. Lying and manipulating people to steal their wealth, and a woman determined to help a young girl escape and save her brother and the love of her life from an evil selfish woman. It was a quick read and I enjoyed it.
Carnal Urges by J.T. Geissinger
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
4.5
Ruthless Creatures by J.T. Geissinger
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Gun violence and Death
Compass Points, Book 1 by Jillian Witt
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
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? It's complicated
4.25
Rose, is a young fae who owns a business forging weapons just as her parents did when she was young specializing in custom magic-infused weapons (for certain people). At just 16 years old, she ran away from her fae court and never looked back living a quiet life with her animal shapeshifting friend who keeps an eye on her and is the only one who knows who she is and what happened when she fled 10 years ago. A deadly mist has been appearing in some of the villages leaving all in its wake in a permanent state of sleep.
A handsome fae named Luc appeared in her shop stating he heard of the custom weapons and sought out the weapons master to make one for him. He looked powerful and suspicious so she denied his request to speak with the weapons master unbeknownst to him she was said weapons master. Determined to speak with them, he decided to try and force the information from her and she promptly put him in his place. Getting nowhere being secretive with her, he admitted who he was and why he sought out the weapon. When the mist hits too close to home, and threatens her village, she finds that her specialized weapons can help. She can no longer stay hiding in the safety of this new home knowing it's a matter of time before the mist takes over all lands. She agrees to find out more information and travels with Luc to see if she can't trust him before deciding to make him the weapon he seeks. This also forces her to face what she ran from 10 years ago and she doesn't know what will happen if she is seen and recognized. She ran away for a reason.
This is a quick read of a slow burn cozy romantic fantasy where the magic is elemental and each compass point masters an element with a leader of each. Earth, Water, Wind, and Fire with a god who represents each. It has a strong female character, fake dating, and enjoyable banter. I look forward to the next book to see how this relationship blossoms and how they handle not only the mist but those who created it.
A handsome fae named Luc appeared in her shop stating he heard of the custom weapons and sought out the weapons master to make one for him. He looked powerful and suspicious so she denied his request to speak with the weapons master unbeknownst to him she was said weapons master. Determined to speak with them, he decided to try and force the information from her and she promptly put him in his place. Getting nowhere being secretive with her, he admitted who he was and why he sought out the weapon. When the mist hits too close to home, and threatens her village, she finds that her specialized weapons can help. She can no longer stay hiding in the safety of this new home knowing it's a matter of time before the mist takes over all lands. She agrees to find out more information and travels with Luc to see if she can't trust him before deciding to make him the weapon he seeks. This also forces her to face what she ran from 10 years ago and she doesn't know what will happen if she is seen and recognized. She ran away for a reason.
This is a quick read of a slow burn cozy romantic fantasy where the magic is elemental and each compass point masters an element with a leader of each. Earth, Water, Wind, and Fire with a god who represents each. It has a strong female character, fake dating, and enjoyable banter. I look forward to the next book to see how this relationship blossoms and how they handle not only the mist but those who created it.