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captaincogs's Reviews (310)
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Ohhhh I love a little book about queer boy bands. They make me kick my feet and giggle.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Jaw is on the floor reading this book. I could hardly keep up at the end. Some people and their dirty secrets . . . smh.
This book has a really creative world building, taking place over two hundred years after World War III and an entire soul identifying system. On the downside, I had to pay very close attention to the new words, technology, and quite literally everything else in this world. Trying to learn that stuff isn't always easy for me, which is why I usually stay away from complicated fantasy books, however, the start of each chapter begins with the definition from their world. It's hands down one of the best things about this book.
Besides my fasciation with the definition of words, I really enjoyed the story. I had a bit of a rocky start trying to figure out the plot of the book with this new soul situation and the fascination with Flavinsky, but then I was getting right into it.
I wish I was more inside Sivon's head as she was discovering the secrets towards the end of the book. Everything was unraveling very quickly and I was trying to keep up, like the supporting characters, but Sivon was truly in her own world solving the mysteries and I had no idea how. Good for her figuring it out though. Couldn't be me.
Thank you so much, Simon Teen, for the ARC from the Romantasy Summer 2025 Book Box.
This book has a really creative world building, taking place over two hundred years after World War III and an entire soul identifying system. On the downside, I had to pay very close attention to the new words, technology, and quite literally everything else in this world. Trying to learn that stuff isn't always easy for me, which is why I usually stay away from complicated fantasy books, however, the start of each chapter begins with the definition from their world. It's hands down one of the best things about this book.
Besides my fasciation with the definition of words, I really enjoyed the story. I had a bit of a rocky start trying to figure out the plot of the book with this new soul situation and the fascination with Flavinsky, but then I was getting right into it.
I wish I was more inside Sivon's head as she was discovering the secrets towards the end of the book. Everything was unraveling very quickly and I was trying to keep up, like the supporting characters, but Sivon was truly in her own world solving the mysteries and I had no idea how. Good for her figuring it out though. Couldn't be me.
Thank you so much, Simon Teen, for the ARC from the Romantasy Summer 2025 Book Box.
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Huge fan of the recent queer coming-of-age books being published. This is now the third or fourth one I've read in the last year and I half, and it makes me feel good to read about everyone's different experiences in the LGBTQ+ community.
It’s so important to read about the different stories queer people, because they aren’t always super sad or amazingly happy all the time. Leaving the Station introduces you to Zoe’s journey of identity, love, and friendship as she tries to figure out her life and reflects on her first semester of college. What Zoe doesn’t expect is to meet Oakley, who is the complete opposite of Zoe but struggles in her own (queer) ways. The two of them help each other more than they will ever imagine on this cross-country train.
I could not believe how fast I read this book. Big fan of Jake Maia Arlow after reading How to Excavate a Heart, so I knew I was going to be all over this book.
Thank you, HaperCollins Children’s Books and Storytide, for the ARC!
emotional
fast-paced
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
cute read <3
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is such a different vibe from Of Jade and Dragons, and while saying that might scare readers who loved the first book, it shouldn't as this story still includes all your favorite characters, friendships, and betrayal.
It was a bit difficult to get past the fact that the book begins two years later. Ying wants to forget her past, marry a man from Lauret, and leave her life in Fei behind, but when The Blood Phoenix strikes Lauret, it gives Ye-yang the perfect opportunity to bring Ying back to Fei (and his life).
This story takes you across land and sea, through Ying's point of view and Nian's point of view, and a whole lot of trust issues. It's truly a fun adventure/
I had no idea this series was actually a duology until the end of the book, which left me with so many questions. However, I know some of the best stories end with questions unanswered, so I will have to hope and pray that Amber Chen writes a short story or bonus chapter in the future.
Thank you, Penguin Teen, for sending me a copy of The Blood Phoenix!
It was a bit difficult to get past the fact that the book begins two years later. Ying wants to forget her past, marry a man from Lauret, and leave her life in Fei behind, but when The Blood Phoenix strikes Lauret, it gives Ye-yang the perfect opportunity to bring Ying back to Fei (and his life).
This story takes you across land and sea, through Ying's point of view and Nian's point of view, and a whole lot of trust issues. It's truly a fun adventure/
I had no idea this series was actually a duology until the end of the book, which left me with so many questions. However, I know some of the best stories end with questions unanswered, so I will have to hope and pray that Amber Chen writes a short story or bonus chapter in the future.
Thank you, Penguin Teen, for sending me a copy of The Blood Phoenix!
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I’ll be honest, I decided to pick up this book after searching up the Harry Trevaldwyn on Instagram after watching the live action How to Train Your Dragon. I fell in love with him on the big screen, fell in love again on social media, then fell overboard when I saw he wrote a queer book and knew I needed to listen to it immediately, ESPECIALLY because he narrated it.
Thank you for blessing my ears, Harry Trevaldwyn
Thank you for blessing my ears, Harry Trevaldwyn