You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Scan barcode
btwnprintedpgs's reviews
1277 reviews
Eternally Yours by Patrice Caldwell
adventurous
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I love anthologies, but, as with any anthology, this one had its strong and weak stories. I particularly loved the stories that had multiple perspectives, as the authors managed to convey characters, relationship development, and world building best in those short stories. In contrast, I found a lot of these stories, when told in a more classic storytelling style, they felt unfinished a insta-lovey. That's not to say I didn't love any of them, but I feel like with short form narratives, you need to be creative with your storytelling to truly capture everything you want to.
Anyways, here are a some one line reviews for each story:
<b>Undead Ghoul Meet-Cute by Kendare Blake</b>
A silly short story about a ghoul and a head sightseeing. Love at first attempted murder is a new one, but I liked the quirkiness and the potential.
TW: death, blood, murder, injury detail; mentions death of a grandparent
<b>A Thousand More by Chloe Gong</b>
I never know how to feel about stories like these where immortals find their way to each other in every lifetime. I feel like this was a sort of history lesson but I just didn't feel like the two MCs were developed well enough in their current life let alone their past lives.
TW: mentions war, violence, death, suicide
<b>Who Will Save Me by Julian Winters</b>
I adored this short story. I appreciated the tension, the character development, and the reveals. It felt like the perfect slice of life sort of story.
TW: homophobia, violence, car accident
<b>In the Eyes of Angels by Alexis Henderson</b>
I appreciate the Biblical depiction of angels. Felt a little scattered and not developed enough.
TW: alcohol, injury detail. flre; mentions death of a parent, cancer, alcohol addiction
<b>My Demon Prince Charming by Sandhya Menon</b>
Cute and quirky, have to love a mis-summoning love story. Was a very insta-love and not like other girls kind of story though. Very cheesey.
TW: blood
<b>Katrine and Rowan’s Exit Interview by Sarah Gailey</b>
This was such an easy story to get into. I loved the back and forth of the interview format - it gave us the world-building, the relationships building, and the overall story of the characters without any of the extras. I really enjoyed this one,
TW: mentions death, grief, manipulation
<b>Bride-Heart by Marie Rutkoski</b>
A darker story - a thriller of sorts - that was hard to look away from. This one had me riveted.
TW: animal death, blood. grooming. infidelity, death
<b>If You Give an Asura a Cookie by Akshaya Raman</b>
This one made me tear up a bit?? Despite the short length, there was character development and relationship development that made me so invested in the characters. Loved the ending!
<b>Kiss the Boy by Adib Khorram</b>
I was surprised by how much I liked this one. I felt for the characters, though I didn't love the insta-love of it. I still liked the characters and the writing, so I'll probably read more by this author.
TW: microaggressions, toxic relationship
<b>Piano Sonata No. 13 by Kalynn Bayron</b>
Another darker story. I really like how well contained this one felt - very Monkey Paw esque, but with a twist.
TW: death
<b>Once Upon a Time in Charleston by Melissa de la Cruz</b>
I was not a Blue Bloods girlie, and I remain as such in my adult life, sadly. However, I did like the passing meet cute full of possibility!
TW: toxic relationship
<b>Pierce My Soul by Kat Cho</b>
Dramatic, but I'm a sucker for second-chance romance
TW: blood, kidnapping; mentions gambling addiction, death of a parent
<b>Banes and Blessings by Hafsah Faizal</b>
I love the mythological aspect of this story and the kind Innocence of the MC
TW: mentions sexual harassment, death by drowning
<b>Bloody, Lovely by Casey McQuiston</b>
Surprised by the depth of feeling I got from this one, I love the little twists. It was cute, and now I want a longer novella about them.
TW: blood, gore; mentions death, bullying
<b>La Bruja y la Sirena by Anna-Marie McLemore</b>
A heart-wrenching and lyrical story. I loved the two perspectives and how they unravel and come together.
TW: sexual assault, abuse, racism, death
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 3/5
World Building: 4/5
Writing: 4/5
Pacing: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
GoodReads Rating: 3.65/5
eARC gifted via NetGalley by Viking Books for Young Readers via PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group in exchange for an honest review.
Anyways, here are a some one line reviews for each story:
<b>Undead Ghoul Meet-Cute by Kendare Blake</b>
A silly short story about a ghoul and a head sightseeing. Love at first attempted murder is a new one, but I liked the quirkiness and the potential.
TW: death, blood, murder, injury detail; mentions death of a grandparent
<b>A Thousand More by Chloe Gong</b>
I never know how to feel about stories like these where immortals find their way to each other in every lifetime. I feel like this was a sort of history lesson but I just didn't feel like the two MCs were developed well enough in their current life let alone their past lives.
TW: mentions war, violence, death, suicide
<b>Who Will Save Me by Julian Winters</b>
I adored this short story. I appreciated the tension, the character development, and the reveals. It felt like the perfect slice of life sort of story.
TW: homophobia, violence, car accident
<b>In the Eyes of Angels by Alexis Henderson</b>
I appreciate the Biblical depiction of angels. Felt a little scattered and not developed enough.
TW: alcohol, injury detail. flre; mentions death of a parent, cancer, alcohol addiction
<b>My Demon Prince Charming by Sandhya Menon</b>
Cute and quirky, have to love a mis-summoning love story. Was a very insta-love and not like other girls kind of story though. Very cheesey.
TW: blood
<b>Katrine and Rowan’s Exit Interview by Sarah Gailey</b>
This was such an easy story to get into. I loved the back and forth of the interview format - it gave us the world-building, the relationships building, and the overall story of the characters without any of the extras. I really enjoyed this one,
TW: mentions death, grief, manipulation
<b>Bride-Heart by Marie Rutkoski</b>
A darker story - a thriller of sorts - that was hard to look away from. This one had me riveted.
TW: animal death, blood. grooming. infidelity, death
<b>If You Give an Asura a Cookie by Akshaya Raman</b>
This one made me tear up a bit?? Despite the short length, there was character development and relationship development that made me so invested in the characters. Loved the ending!
<b>Kiss the Boy by Adib Khorram</b>
I was surprised by how much I liked this one. I felt for the characters, though I didn't love the insta-love of it. I still liked the characters and the writing, so I'll probably read more by this author.
TW: microaggressions, toxic relationship
<b>Piano Sonata No. 13 by Kalynn Bayron</b>
Another darker story. I really like how well contained this one felt - very Monkey Paw esque, but with a twist.
TW: death
<b>Once Upon a Time in Charleston by Melissa de la Cruz</b>
I was not a Blue Bloods girlie, and I remain as such in my adult life, sadly. However, I did like the passing meet cute full of possibility!
TW: toxic relationship
<b>Pierce My Soul by Kat Cho</b>
Dramatic, but I'm a sucker for second-chance romance
TW: blood, kidnapping; mentions gambling addiction, death of a parent
<b>Banes and Blessings by Hafsah Faizal</b>
I love the mythological aspect of this story and the kind Innocence of the MC
TW: mentions sexual harassment, death by drowning
<b>Bloody, Lovely by Casey McQuiston</b>
Surprised by the depth of feeling I got from this one, I love the little twists. It was cute, and now I want a longer novella about them.
TW: blood, gore; mentions death, bullying
<b>La Bruja y la Sirena by Anna-Marie McLemore</b>
A heart-wrenching and lyrical story. I loved the two perspectives and how they unravel and come together.
TW: sexual assault, abuse, racism, death
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 3/5
World Building: 4/5
Writing: 4/5
Pacing: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
GoodReads Rating: 3.65/5
eARC gifted via NetGalley by Viking Books for Young Readers via PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group in exchange for an honest review.
The Legendary Mo Seto by A.Y. Chan
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
mysterious
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
5.0
This was such a fun and powerful book. I adored the message that the small can be mighty as well!
Mo is a fierce MC. Mo doesn't let things like her height or classroom bullies deter her from chasing her dream - starring alongside Cody Kwok in a movie. Cody is her idol and an international super star, known for doing his own stunts at the young age of 16. Mo, a huge fan, wants to follow in his footsteps and when auditions open for his new movie, she knows she has to try out. Her tenacity and creative thinking in every situation brings her closer and closer to her dream. However, as things unravel and secrets are revealed, she wonders what she truly wants.
I loved the character development for Mo and Dax, and I adored Gramps. Nacho was such a great friend too, I can't forget about him! This story balanced character development, world building, and action-filled plot really well, allowing for a quick, riveting read.
This story is also one I'd recommend for all ages. This book had great dialogue, a fantastic message, and didn't get bogged down by cringey situations or dialogue that adults often find in MG. It was a fantastic book, and I can honestly see it being a great movie (Disney, where you at?).
All in all, a fantastic story about friends, family, and kicking butt!
TW: bullying, stalking, violence, injury detail, kidnapping, blood; mentions death, war, absent parent
Plot: 5/5
World Building: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Pacing: 5/5
Overall: 5/5
Finished copy won via publisher giveaway.
Mo is a fierce MC. Mo doesn't let things like her height or classroom bullies deter her from chasing her dream - starring alongside Cody Kwok in a movie. Cody is her idol and an international super star, known for doing his own stunts at the young age of 16. Mo, a huge fan, wants to follow in his footsteps and when auditions open for his new movie, she knows she has to try out. Her tenacity and creative thinking in every situation brings her closer and closer to her dream. However, as things unravel and secrets are revealed, she wonders what she truly wants.
I loved the character development for Mo and Dax, and I adored Gramps. Nacho was such a great friend too, I can't forget about him! This story balanced character development, world building, and action-filled plot really well, allowing for a quick, riveting read.
This story is also one I'd recommend for all ages. This book had great dialogue, a fantastic message, and didn't get bogged down by cringey situations or dialogue that adults often find in MG. It was a fantastic book, and I can honestly see it being a great movie (Disney, where you at?).
All in all, a fantastic story about friends, family, and kicking butt!
TW: bullying, stalking, violence, injury detail, kidnapping, blood; mentions death, war, absent parent
Plot: 5/5
World Building: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Pacing: 5/5
Overall: 5/5
Finished copy won via publisher giveaway.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Stalking, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death and War
Daughters of the Deer by Danielle Daniel
challenging
dark
emotional
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
5.0
A deeply heartbreaking novel that speaks to the use and abuse of Indigenous women at the hands of the French, among other settlers. It provides a semi-biographical story of the author's ancestors during the 1650s and beyond as the French settled in the Algonquin lands
I appreciated the nuanced perspectives of Marie, who wants to keep the memory of her people alive within her family, but is forced to leave her tribe behind; Pierre, her French husband who is extremely devoted to the church and his family; and Jeanne, their eldest daughter, who is two-spirited and in love with a woman. Every perspective was so important, and all the elements of their history and beliefs feel like they made the perfect storm for everything that happens to them over twenty years time. Absolutely heartbreaking, but also eye opening, as we journey with this couple through their lives together and the hurt and pain that comes with being who they are, but also what they believe in.
We need more books like this in the world, and I'm so thankful I picked this one up. Truly, such an important read. I'm so glad that a part of this author's family history is now forever part of the world through this book.
TW: blood, religious bigotry, war, death, colonialism, racism, sexual harassment, rape, domestic abuse, injury detail, sexism, pregnancy, death, death of an animal (hunting), grief, alcoholism, alcohol, grief, lesbophobia; mentions attempted rape, homophobia, death of a child, death of a parent, suicide
I appreciated the nuanced perspectives of Marie, who wants to keep the memory of her people alive within her family, but is forced to leave her tribe behind; Pierre, her French husband who is extremely devoted to the church and his family; and Jeanne, their eldest daughter, who is two-spirited and in love with a woman. Every perspective was so important, and all the elements of their history and beliefs feel like they made the perfect storm for everything that happens to them over twenty years time. Absolutely heartbreaking, but also eye opening, as we journey with this couple through their lives together and the hurt and pain that comes with being who they are, but also what they believe in.
We need more books like this in the world, and I'm so thankful I picked this one up. Truly, such an important read. I'm so glad that a part of this author's family history is now forever part of the world through this book.
TW: blood, religious bigotry, war, death, colonialism, racism, sexual harassment, rape, domestic abuse, injury detail, sexism, pregnancy, death, death of an animal (hunting), grief, alcoholism, alcohol, grief, lesbophobia; mentions attempted rape, homophobia, death of a child, death of a parent, suicide
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racism, Religious bigotry, Colonisation, and War
Moderate: Alcoholism, Animal death, Death, Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Rape, Sexism, Grief, Lesbophobia, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child death, Homophobia, Suicide, and Death of parent
The Dos and Donuts of Love by Adiba Jaigirdar
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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
4.0
A fun, quick read, The Dos and Donuts of Love was a treat of a book (ha!).
I really enjoyed the baking competition. I was actually surprised by how everything turned out, but I was not disappointed. It allowed us to appreciate the baking stuff, mixed with Shireen's pride of Bangladeshi flavours and foods, while also exposing the xenophobia and fatphobia of the Internet. I appreciate how people checked in on her and other competitors struggling with the online comments, and also how other characters' true colours are shown through their own reactions.
I wish I got to know the secondary characters just a little bit more. It's very much the Shireen show and while I understand that the book being in her head so much is because she's absolutely in her own head too much, I feel like it didn't give other characters the time to breathe. You definitely feel a lot of Shireen's own anxiety and insecurities as a result, which did make her character number one. I just wish some of those relationships and secondary character traits didn't rely so heavily on how they were relative to Shireen.
I did also love that we get to see the family side of things - the pressures to succeed, the absolute love her parents have for her, the love her friends have for her - it really helped to build my love for her, understanding that Shireen was going through a major rough patch in life and it was all coming to a head as the book begins.
All in all, it was a fun book that dealt well with some heavier subjects (racism, fatphobia, trust in relationships, etc.), while keeping the overall vibe of the book fun and enjoyable.
TW: racism, bigotry, microaggression, xenophobia, anxiety attack; mentions fatphobia
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
World Building: 4/5
Writing: 5/5
Pacing: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
eARC gifted via NetGalley by Feiwel & Friends via Macmillan Children's Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the baking competition. I was actually surprised by how everything turned out, but I was not disappointed. It allowed us to appreciate the baking stuff, mixed with Shireen's pride of Bangladeshi flavours and foods, while also exposing the xenophobia and fatphobia of the Internet. I appreciate how people checked in on her and other competitors struggling with the online comments, and also how other characters' true colours are shown through their own reactions.
I wish I got to know the secondary characters just a little bit more. It's very much the Shireen show and while I understand that the book being in her head so much is because she's absolutely in her own head too much, I feel like it didn't give other characters the time to breathe. You definitely feel a lot of Shireen's own anxiety and insecurities as a result, which did make her character number one. I just wish some of those relationships and secondary character traits didn't rely so heavily on how they were relative to Shireen.
I did also love that we get to see the family side of things - the pressures to succeed, the absolute love her parents have for her, the love her friends have for her - it really helped to build my love for her, understanding that Shireen was going through a major rough patch in life and it was all coming to a head as the book begins.
All in all, it was a fun book that dealt well with some heavier subjects (racism, fatphobia, trust in relationships, etc.), while keeping the overall vibe of the book fun and enjoyable.
TW: racism, bigotry, microaggression, xenophobia, anxiety attack; mentions fatphobia
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
World Building: 4/5
Writing: 5/5
Pacing: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
eARC gifted via NetGalley by Feiwel & Friends via Macmillan Children's Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Xenophobia
Minor: Fatphobia
Ouran High School Host Club, Vol. 1 by Bisco Hatori
funny
lighthearted
reflective
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? No
5.0
This was a fun bit of nostalgia. I loved how the anime did the first big reveal, so I'm kind of sad by how anti-climatic the reveal is in the manga. But I also loved finding all the little differences and getting to know these characters again, differently. The bonus stories and authors notes were a fun addition, and I'm always happy that we get to know the author through their stories as well with manga!
I needed a silly little read and Ouran delivered - I'm excited to continue through the manga and see the story beyond what the anime showed!
I needed a silly little read and Ouran delivered - I'm excited to continue through the manga and see the story beyond what the anime showed!
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying
Anzu and the Realm of Darkness by Mai K. Nguyen
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-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
5.0
I absolutely adored this book. The main messages were to believe in yourself and take up space, understanding that the choices you make impact who you are. Never let people make you feel small because you're different.
I loved the exploration of the underworld - the author notes that she mixes Shintoism with Buddhism - and it gives Studio Ghibli vibes in the best way.
Beautiful art and colorization; a strong, empowering story; and a heroine who learns to love who she is by the end of the story makes this book absolutely wonderful!
TW: kidnapping, death of a child, mass grave, murder, violence, bullying, racism
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
World Building: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Pacing: 5/5
Overall: 5/5
ARC gifted by Viking via Penguin Teen Canada in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the exploration of the underworld - the author notes that she mixes Shintoism with Buddhism - and it gives Studio Ghibli vibes in the best way.
Beautiful art and colorization; a strong, empowering story; and a heroine who learns to love who she is by the end of the story makes this book absolutely wonderful!
TW: kidnapping, death of a child, mass grave, murder, violence, bullying, racism
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
World Building: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Pacing: 5/5
Overall: 5/5
ARC gifted by Viking via Penguin Teen Canada in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Murder
Moderate: Bullying, Child death, Racism, and Kidnapping
Duel by Jessixa Bagley
challenging
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- 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
I really liked the way grief, sisterhood, and parenthood is treated in this one. I feel like Gigi was excessively mean even before their father's death, but I appreciated how they talked it out and understood each other a bit through the build up to their duel.
I do wish we got a bit more accountability for both sisters through the book as some things they do to each other really was just mean. Felt like they were never taught to respect each other which feels off from how they resolve things in the end.
I enjoyed the fencing though, as I have some knowledge of the sport. The chapter intro pages were fun and informative, and I liked how we saw the sport bring the family together.
TW: bullying, grief; mentions death of a parent
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
World Building: 4/5
Writing: 4.5/5
Pacing: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
ARC gifted by Simon and Schuster Canada in exchange for an honest review.
I do wish we got a bit more accountability for both sisters through the book as some things they do to each other really was just mean. Felt like they were never taught to respect each other which feels off from how they resolve things in the end.
I enjoyed the fencing though, as I have some knowledge of the sport. The chapter intro pages were fun and informative, and I liked how we saw the sport bring the family together.
TW: bullying, grief; mentions death of a parent
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
World Building: 4/5
Writing: 4.5/5
Pacing: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
ARC gifted by Simon and Schuster Canada in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Grief
Minor: Death of parent
Ready Alert for Love by Raffeera
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
4.0
I will preface this review with the acknowledgement that this book is the author's debut English book, not written in her first language, so do note that the writing does reflect the cultural differences of how people talk and grammar elements.
That being said, I really enjoyed that. Though the writing was hard to get into at first, I really connected with the characters and ended up absolutely loving this book.
The MC is prickly and wary of men and love, after seeing her parents' marriage fall apart and her sister being used and abused by her boyfriends. I loved how this book was about self-love, boundaries, and acknowledging when you're wrong. Luna's growth was magnificent and a lot of that was with the help of Emery. He really helped her reflect and I loved how he stood up for her against her parents, but also against her own self-hatred. Emery was the king of green flags, and I adored him with all my heart.
The biggest red flag in this story was Luna's parents. They were the absolute worst and really gave off toxic family vibes. I loved how they were dealt with and how both Luna and her sister grew through this story relative to their parents.
All in all, I loved this book's concept and the characters. I hope one day this book can get published by a Western publisher because it's truly a fantastic story that deserves all the hype!
Rep: IBS related to stress, colorblind MC
TW: harassment, sexism, violence, blood, injury detail, verbal abuse, gaslighting, suicidal ideation, domestic abuse, toxic family, alcohol, toxic relationship; mentions alcohol addiction, miscarriage, pregnancy, stalking
That being said, I really enjoyed that. Though the writing was hard to get into at first, I really connected with the characters and ended up absolutely loving this book.
The MC is prickly and wary of men and love, after seeing her parents' marriage fall apart and her sister being used and abused by her boyfriends. I loved how this book was about self-love, boundaries, and acknowledging when you're wrong. Luna's growth was magnificent and a lot of that was with the help of Emery. He really helped her reflect and I loved how he stood up for her against her parents, but also against her own self-hatred. Emery was the king of green flags, and I adored him with all my heart.
The biggest red flag in this story was Luna's parents. They were the absolute worst and really gave off toxic family vibes. I loved how they were dealt with and how both Luna and her sister grew through this story relative to their parents.
All in all, I loved this book's concept and the characters. I hope one day this book can get published by a Western publisher because it's truly a fantastic story that deserves all the hype!
Rep: IBS related to stress, colorblind MC
TW: harassment, sexism, violence, blood, injury detail, verbal abuse, gaslighting, suicidal ideation, domestic abuse, toxic family, alcohol, toxic relationship; mentions alcohol addiction, miscarriage, pregnancy, stalking
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Suicidal thoughts, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Sexism, Violence, Blood, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Alcoholism, Miscarriage, Stalking, and Pregnancy
A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
No one talk to me.
---
Okay, I've taken a breath. Review below.
---
No one is more disappointed than me that I didn't absolutely love the heck out of this book. Ann Liang is one of my favourite authors, but this just didn't work out for me for a few reasons, which I'll get into.
This is sold as an adult historical fantasy romance. I'm not sure which part of this book qualified it as adult other than the ages of the characters (which was more New Adult than Adult, and I wonder why the cast was so young for what they needed to do), but it felt more YA in its overall storytelling and themes. To temper expectations, this is 80% historical, 15% romance, and 5% fantasy. The historical aspect was really interesting. I feel like she set up the war and the political theory side of the story really well. The two fighting kingdoms are well established, the impact of the war on our MC's village was clear, and the message at the end was really effective. Everything was pretty solid in that area, though it did get a little lost in the middle.
The romance is something I had a lot of issues with. I cared more about the unhinged villain king than I did the LI, and that's because the LI is basically not in this book, which is a wild choice. I did feel the tension when he was in certain scenes, but as a whole, he was forgotten by the MC and by me as a result. Fuchai, on the other hand, was absolutely unhinged, but his story arc was extremely interesting and I loved how everything played out for his character. That packed such a punch for me, that everything that happens with the LI felt inconsequential to Xishi's life and journey.
The last piece, fantasy, was barely present. However, it is the key to understanding why much of the story feels a bit disconnected. I can't say much else without spoiling, but while I found it interesting, it felt too little too late by the time that reveal happens, and by then I was already fully disconnected from the MC.
As a whole, the pacing of the story was off, the world building itself was very limited, and the relationships just weren't developed well enough for me to be invested in everything (outside of Fuchai), and it just left me disappointed. That being said, maybe this book will be for you as I've seen so many people absolutely loving it. However, it just didn't work for me in the end.
TW: death, blood, death of a child, war, violence, injury detail, sexism, alcohol consumption, suicide; mentions torture, murder
Plot: 3/5
Characters: 3/5
World Building: 1.5/5
Writing: 3.5/5
Pacing: 2.5/5
Overall: 3/5
eARC gifted via NetGalley by St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review.
---
Okay, I've taken a breath. Review below.
---
No one is more disappointed than me that I didn't absolutely love the heck out of this book. Ann Liang is one of my favourite authors, but this just didn't work out for me for a few reasons, which I'll get into.
This is sold as an adult historical fantasy romance. I'm not sure which part of this book qualified it as adult other than the ages of the characters (which was more New Adult than Adult, and I wonder why the cast was so young for what they needed to do), but it felt more YA in its overall storytelling and themes. To temper expectations, this is 80% historical, 15% romance, and 5% fantasy. The historical aspect was really interesting. I feel like she set up the war and the political theory side of the story really well. The two fighting kingdoms are well established, the impact of the war on our MC's village was clear, and the message at the end was really effective. Everything was pretty solid in that area, though it did get a little lost in the middle.
The romance is something I had a lot of issues with. I cared more about the unhinged villain king than I did the LI, and that's because the LI is basically not in this book, which is a wild choice. I did feel the tension when he was in certain scenes, but as a whole, he was forgotten by the MC and by me as a result. Fuchai, on the other hand, was absolutely unhinged, but his story arc was extremely interesting and I loved how everything played out for his character. That packed such a punch for me, that everything that happens with the LI felt inconsequential to Xishi's life and journey.
The last piece, fantasy, was barely present. However, it is the key to understanding why much of the story feels a bit disconnected. I can't say much else without spoiling, but while I found it interesting, it felt too little too late by the time that reveal happens, and by then I was already fully disconnected from the MC.
As a whole, the pacing of the story was off, the world building itself was very limited, and the relationships just weren't developed well enough for me to be invested in everything (outside of Fuchai), and it just left me disappointed. That being said, maybe this book will be for you as I've seen so many people absolutely loving it. However, it just didn't work for me in the end.
TW: death, blood, death of a child, war, violence, injury detail, sexism, alcohol consumption, suicide; mentions torture, murder
Plot: 3/5
Characters: 3/5
World Building: 1.5/5
Writing: 3.5/5
Pacing: 2.5/5
Overall: 3/5
eARC gifted via NetGalley by St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicide, Blood, and War
Moderate: Child death, Sexism, Violence, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Torture and Murder
Rebel Fire by Ann Sei Lin
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
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? No
4.0
I enjoyed diving back into this world again! We return to Kurara and her companions after the events of Rebel Skies, as they adventure to find answers and learn more about shikigami and themselves (I'm trying to avoid spoilers as much as possible 🤫).
The story is fast-paced, full of action, lots of answers, but also new questions (that reveal at the end???). And while I love Kurara, I think the star of this book was Princess Tsukimi. Her POV in the interludes really lent themselves to her character development as we better understand her motivations for everything. There was so much mystery and dread when it came to her in Rebel Skies, so it was cool to see behind the curtain of her status and the rumours surrounding her.
Ann Sei Lin is amazing at world-building, and I loved the new settings and characters that were introduced through this installment. The development of the shikigami was cool to see, too, and I'm very excited for the finale!
TW: violence, manipulation, fire/fire injury; mentions death, grief
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 3.5/5
World Building: 5/5
Writing: 4.5/5
Pacing: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
ARC gifted by Tundra Books and Penguin Teen via Colored Pages Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.
The story is fast-paced, full of action, lots of answers, but also new questions (that reveal at the end???). And while I love Kurara, I think the star of this book was Princess Tsukimi. Her POV in the interludes really lent themselves to her character development as we better understand her motivations for everything. There was so much mystery and dread when it came to her in Rebel Skies, so it was cool to see behind the curtain of her status and the rumours surrounding her.
Ann Sei Lin is amazing at world-building, and I loved the new settings and characters that were introduced through this installment. The development of the shikigami was cool to see, too, and I'm very excited for the finale!
TW: violence, manipulation, fire/fire injury; mentions death, grief
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 3.5/5
World Building: 5/5
Writing: 4.5/5
Pacing: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
ARC gifted by Tundra Books and Penguin Teen via Colored Pages Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Death and Grief