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chapterswithnic's reviews
106 reviews
A Curse of Sun and Moon by Aubrey Winters
challenging
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Another cliff hanger of an ending and obviously my withdrawals have IMMEDIATELY kicked in.
I struggled initially with the 180 from Ryken- I do think that if I hadn’t already been all Team Castiel he could have been a contender. The books are so fast-paced that I can’t feel the feels for him yet. But I think there’s potential for him. I’m just firmly on the blonde prince. Don’t get me started on their first kiss. FINALLY.
Was not expecting the twist for Astrid’s court but it all makes SENSE. Aubrey again has woven the story so that it all has been building up to the reveal. When you look back you can see all the hints that were embedded through the storyline. Where did her mother even get her? Related to someone in the Lunar Court? Part of the attack? Just passing by, like? QUESTIONS.
I love the Elder fae. Think they’re so interesting like- I always want more from Freyin and the Vorukael (who gives off Suriel vibes and y’know I love him)
I know it’s all gearing up to the big bad fight and I really want it to FEEL big. We’ve only gotten glimpses so far of his power.
Just need to throw myself into book three to get all the answers I need. To quote Castiel:
“There are some things we have yet to speak about.”
I struggled initially with the 180 from Ryken- I do think that if I hadn’t already been all Team Castiel he could have been a contender. The books are so fast-paced that I can’t feel the feels for him yet. But I think there’s potential for him. I’m just firmly on the blonde prince. Don’t get me started on their first kiss. FINALLY.
Was not expecting the twist for Astrid’s court but it all makes SENSE. Aubrey again has woven the story so that it all has been building up to the reveal. When you look back you can see all the hints that were embedded through the storyline. Where did her mother even get her? Related to someone in the Lunar Court? Part of the attack? Just passing by, like? QUESTIONS.
I love the Elder fae. Think they’re so interesting like- I always want more from Freyin and the Vorukael (who gives off Suriel vibes and y’know I love him)
I know it’s all gearing up to the big bad fight and I really want it to FEEL big. We’ve only gotten glimpses so far of his power.
Just need to throw myself into book three to get all the answers I need. To quote Castiel:
“There are some things we have yet to speak about.”
A Twist of Night and Day by Aubrey Winters
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
So first of all- I need to read book two immediately. The ending. What? WHAT?
Fans of The Cruel Prince will LOVE this book. Confirmed. As I am now a fan of both.
You've got it all; Fae, Magical Creatures, Enemies to Lovers, Ancient Magic, A TRIAL.
It's all very fast-paced but no way takes away from the story. I honestly flew through this book in one sitting.
Let's talk about Castiel. I never LOVE the bully trope but I'm always up for the redemption arc, okay?
Also this is literally addressed throughout the story, so it isn't just glossed over. Cue quote:
Fans of The Cruel Prince will LOVE this book. Confirmed. As I am now a fan of both.
You've got it all; Fae, Magical Creatures, Enemies to Lovers, Ancient Magic, A TRIAL.
It's all very fast-paced but no way takes away from the story. I honestly flew through this book in one sitting.
Let's talk about Castiel. I never LOVE the bully trope but I'm always up for the redemption arc, okay?
Also this is literally addressed throughout the story, so it isn't just glossed over. Cue quote:
It’s hard to remember he’s cruel when he looks the way he does. I hate it.
Gurl. Same. Saaaaaaame.
I also need to smack another quote here for Castiel too because. Well. Read it.
I also need to smack another quote here for Castiel too because. Well. Read it.
“I am obsessed with Astrid.” My jaw drops. My heart stops. I blink hard, tempted to rub my eyes or clear out my ears. Something is wrong. Someone is playing a trick on us—on me. This can’t be real. “I have been since the day I heard her name and who she is,” he continues. His blue eyes are trained on the Vorukael and his smoky shadows. Castiel refuses to look at me, even as I stare at him with disbelief. “It only got worse when I saw her for the first time.” “What?” They both ignore me. The Vorukael looks at him expectantly, waiting for more. Gleeful. “It might be love, but I’m not sure. I don’t know what love is or what it’s like. I know enough about obsession to recognize I am obsessed with her. Against my every wish, against my own logic and mind, against every fiber of my being, I am deeply and wildly obsessed with Astrid Vanaguard.”
Well Castiel, now I'm obsessed with you. God DAMN.
Astrid is a strong FMC and I loved how badass she was throughout. We love an independent girly. Obviously I know Castiel had a hand in healing her and let's not forget ROWAN. I love him and I want one. A realm-walking loveable wolf. Ugh. So cute. So precious. So vicious.
Basically I'm reading book two immediately. Byeeeeeee.
Astrid is a strong FMC and I loved how badass she was throughout. We love an independent girly. Obviously I know Castiel had a hand in healing her and let's not forget ROWAN. I love him and I want one. A realm-walking loveable wolf. Ugh. So cute. So precious. So vicious.
Basically I'm reading book two immediately. Byeeeeeee.
The spell caster by Tamsin Hawthorn
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Cliff hangers got me on EDGE.
Love me some witchy vibes and this was full of ‘em. Secret covens. Familiars. Spell casting. Lore.
Yes yes and yes.
I did NOT expect the Costi twist at the end, but obviously now thinking back through the book it was set up so nicely. To get that full circle connection is great and I love it when authors pull it off 👏🏼
Also we love an uprising. Scoping out the characters that are gonna be up for the cause is great- Rhodes being introduced was class. What an ancient lil badass.
I’m excited to see where the story goes and I know there’s just so much more to come for these characters.
Love me some witchy vibes and this was full of ‘em. Secret covens. Familiars. Spell casting. Lore.
Yes yes and yes.
I did NOT expect the Costi twist at the end, but obviously now thinking back through the book it was set up so nicely. To get that full circle connection is great and I love it when authors pull it off 👏🏼
Also we love an uprising. Scoping out the characters that are gonna be up for the cause is great- Rhodes being introduced was class. What an ancient lil badass.
I’m excited to see where the story goes and I know there’s just so much more to come for these characters.
A Desolate Spring by C. E. J. Greveson
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Such a big storyline to fit into just one book! I think this could have done even better if it had been more fleshed out and spread across two books, as we jumped so fast through everything!
I love that Billie is whisked away to a magical Academy- though I feel we didn’t really get to witness much magic outside of her and her immediate circle! There’s so many ‘breeds’ introduced and I wanted to know more about all of them!
Stakes feel pretty high in this, with Billie being dragged into a war with two sides that both seem absolutely ruthless. The dark was dark-ing with some brutal deaths and attempted r***.
There was a love triangle (though I would have immediately jumped over to Lincoln tbh) and we follow Billie being torn between her childhood love and this new dark and brooding shifter, Lincoln.
Holden is a little ray of sunshine, I love Sara, and Bee is adorable (her shop giving massive Newt Scamander’s briefcase vibes) I would be falling over myself to work in her bookshop/creature rehab. So strong side characters. Always wanted more of all of them!
The cliffhangers were plenty and I need to read the second book to tie up all the questions I still have!
I love that Billie is whisked away to a magical Academy- though I feel we didn’t really get to witness much magic outside of her and her immediate circle! There’s so many ‘breeds’ introduced and I wanted to know more about all of them!
Stakes feel pretty high in this, with Billie being dragged into a war with two sides that both seem absolutely ruthless. The dark was dark-ing with some brutal deaths and attempted r***.
There was a love triangle (though I would have immediately jumped over to Lincoln tbh) and we follow Billie being torn between her childhood love and this new dark and brooding shifter, Lincoln.
Holden is a little ray of sunshine, I love Sara, and Bee is adorable (her shop giving massive Newt Scamander’s briefcase vibes) I would be falling over myself to work in her bookshop/creature rehab. So strong side characters. Always wanted more of all of them!
The cliffhangers were plenty and I need to read the second book to tie up all the questions I still have!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Rape, Sexual assault, and Death of parent
A Sea of Song and Sirens: The Naiads of Juile Book One by Whit Stanfield
“𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘰-𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘯 𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘰𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘪’𝘥 𝘧𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘦. 𝘮𝘪𝘩𝘢𝘶𝘯𝘢 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘴, 𝘪𝘧 𝘪𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘥, 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘵.”
🧜🏻♀️ sirens and pirates
🏴☠️ enemies to lovers
⚓️ marriage of convenience
🌊 magical powers
🪸 morally grey characters
🦈 “who did this to you?”
if that quote isn’t enough to make you immediately like maren then idk what to tell you. a funny, headstrong, badass fmc. i liked her from the start. and don’t get me started on my weakness for kye.
now you know i’m a sucker for enemies to lovers, and BOY does this hit the s p o t. even better that it started with a betrayal like oof you’ve got me riding the emotional rollercoaster with these characters.
“don’t touch my wife” got me kicking my FEET.
the naiad lore in this is just so so good. i love mermaids/sirens and i’ve found it really hard to come across a story i enjoyed but HEY look no further.
adding a dash of pirates and magic just hooked (lol) me in even more.
shoutout to the female friendships that were selena and diara. i actually love both of their characters and i’m super eager to learn more about them.
also shoutout to the DETAIL whit put in even right at the beginning of the book. the maps, the glossary, the calendars 👏🏼 the attention to detail is *chefs kiss*
HOW this is her debut novel i do NOT know. blown away.
i consumed this like the shark that went for maren’s boat in the beginning. there is so much left unanswered and that CLIFF HANGER?! i just can’t wait for the sequel 🥲
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-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
5.0
🧜🏻♀️ sirens and pirates
🏴☠️ enemies to lovers
⚓️ marriage of convenience
🌊 magical powers
🪸 morally grey characters
🦈 “who did this to you?”
if that quote isn’t enough to make you immediately like maren then idk what to tell you. a funny, headstrong, badass fmc. i liked her from the start. and don’t get me started on my weakness for kye.
now you know i’m a sucker for enemies to lovers, and BOY does this hit the s p o t. even better that it started with a betrayal like oof you’ve got me riding the emotional rollercoaster with these characters.
“don’t touch my wife” got me kicking my FEET.
the naiad lore in this is just so so good. i love mermaids/sirens and i’ve found it really hard to come across a story i enjoyed but HEY look no further.
adding a dash of pirates and magic just hooked (lol) me in even more.
shoutout to the female friendships that were selena and diara. i actually love both of their characters and i’m super eager to learn more about them.
also shoutout to the DETAIL whit put in even right at the beginning of the book. the maps, the glossary, the calendars 👏🏼 the attention to detail is *chefs kiss*
HOW this is her debut novel i do NOT know. blown away.
i consumed this like the shark that went for maren’s boat in the beginning. there is so much left unanswered and that CLIFF HANGER?! i just can’t wait for the sequel 🥲
The Stars We Hold by Melissa Armstrong
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Wow. My heart. My emotions. The feels this book incited in me are spilling out as I write this.
The world-building in this and the way it was written had me right there in the middle of the war with them. The brutality of it all, mixed with the hope, and the sadness- I was actually a bit overwhelmed with all the emotions I went through whilst reading. Had to hold back tears a fair few times!
The love between Nada and Henrik is just very sweet. You can see how the war has changed them both and how they come together regardless. They just give me pure soulmate vibes.
I loved the MC’s in this- all different and lovely in their own little ways. I found myself on edge routing for them all at every page turn.
The ending was super bittersweet but honestly the perfect ending for such a heartbreaking and inspiring story!
The world-building in this and the way it was written had me right there in the middle of the war with them. The brutality of it all, mixed with the hope, and the sadness- I was actually a bit overwhelmed with all the emotions I went through whilst reading. Had to hold back tears a fair few times!
The love between Nada and Henrik is just very sweet. You can see how the war has changed them both and how they come together regardless. They just give me pure soulmate vibes.
I loved the MC’s in this- all different and lovely in their own little ways. I found myself on edge routing for them all at every page turn.
The ending was super bittersweet but honestly the perfect ending for such a heartbreaking and inspiring story!
The Elflaine Chronicles: Ballad of Dawn by Haley Hamilton
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
3.5
the folklore in this is one of my favourite things about the book. the mythical creatures and lore are great. demon dogs, fae, dragons, kelpies, witches… you name it!
the fmc is powerful but i like that it shows the training aspect- i think it would have been a little better if it had not been so instantaneous with her essentially mastering powers, though i know we’re on a time crunch with the quest! speaking of the quest… i also wanted to hear about so much more of elideh (but after the ending of this i think we’ll get more in the second book!)
there is a slowburn romance that’s started- he falls first (eep) but nothing ACTUALLY happens in this first book. THE WAITING. the AGONY. obviously i am in full support of callum, because the overprotective bestie is never the vibe for me. when callum wanted to punch reed, so did i.
overall quite a cosy little folklore read!
the fmc is powerful but i like that it shows the training aspect- i think it would have been a little better if it had not been so instantaneous with her essentially mastering powers, though i know we’re on a time crunch with the quest! speaking of the quest… i also wanted to hear about so much more of elideh (but after the ending of this i think we’ll get more in the second book!)
there is a slowburn romance that’s started- he falls first (eep) but nothing ACTUALLY happens in this first book. THE WAITING. the AGONY. obviously i am in full support of callum, because the overprotective bestie is never the vibe for me. when callum wanted to punch reed, so did i.
overall quite a cosy little folklore read!
The Last Refuge by Christina Bacilieri
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
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
“𝘬𝘪𝘦𝘳𝘢, 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘢𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘶𝘱 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴. 𝘸𝘦 𝘥𝘰 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘦, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨.”
first thing first the COVER. multiple chef’s kisses. i truly need to get me a physical copy because i love it.
the story itself felt caraval meets hunger games?
it was giving both, but with more magic and i am HERE for it. a place where you walk through the border, and connect to your true magic???? you turn into a magical being???? i’m going. i’m on the first train there. byeeeee 👋🏼✨
i think the author did a great job of mixing the dystopian world vibes with the magic that existed as well. it didn’t lessen either thing and was woven together really well!
i’m deeeefinitely getting sapphic vibes between kiera and attalin but we shall seeeeee. the intro to a third person just has potentially blown it out of the water. love triangles be like that 🤣
hurry up book twoooooo- i need to find out all the things about the alliance
first thing first the COVER. multiple chef’s kisses. i truly need to get me a physical copy because i love it.
the story itself felt caraval meets hunger games?
it was giving both, but with more magic and i am HERE for it. a place where you walk through the border, and connect to your true magic???? you turn into a magical being???? i’m going. i’m on the first train there. byeeeee 👋🏼✨
i think the author did a great job of mixing the dystopian world vibes with the magic that existed as well. it didn’t lessen either thing and was woven together really well!
i’m deeeefinitely getting sapphic vibes between kiera and attalin but we shall seeeeee. the intro to a third person just has potentially blown it out of the water. love triangles be like that 🤣
hurry up book twoooooo- i need to find out all the things about the alliance
Descended by Ingrid J. Adams
challenging
dark
emotional
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
4.0
Okay so imma just sit here and countdown to book two. Okay?
Wow that ending had me on tenterhooks.
This book took a minute for me to adjust to the style of writing, and grasp the sort of direction it was going, but then I could NOT put it down. The lore, the magic, the characters… I was so freaking invested in all of it.
The mental health that was highlighted in this was actually really unexpected and hard-hitting. Like it was heartbreaking to read, but also just so beautiful to watch him heal. It was tackled so well.
I really liked the idea of the past lives and how they all intertwined together. And also how they all descended from Atlantis? Hello?! I love that.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading through all of it- I can’t recommend enough.
Wow that ending had me on tenterhooks.
This book took a minute for me to adjust to the style of writing, and grasp the sort of direction it was going, but then I could NOT put it down. The lore, the magic, the characters… I was so freaking invested in all of it.
The mental health that was highlighted in this was actually really unexpected and hard-hitting. Like it was heartbreaking to read, but also just so beautiful to watch him heal. It was tackled so well.
I really liked the idea of the past lives and how they all intertwined together. And also how they all descended from Atlantis? Hello?! I love that.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading through all of it- I can’t recommend enough.
One Little Nightmare by Dawn Darling
challenging
dark
sad
tense
fast-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? Yes
4.0
Okay we all know i’m a SUCKER for greek mythology so this retelling i just ate up. And if you didn’t know then, hi, i’m nic and greek mythology is a weakness.
To follow the story from brooks’ broken POV (mainly) is so interesting- you as a reader were trying to figure everything out along with him. I made a bunch of guesses as to who he was, but I was never 100%. I also enjoyed Xia’s pov too! Switching between the two added so much more depth to both characters, and the parallels they’d come across. It felt very soulmate and I was here for it.
Also I mean Brook’s at the end / His “passenger” gave pure shadow daddy vibes. Say no more.
I was kept guessing at every turn and the story is written so well, i was hanging off every page.
I have KU so will be throwing myself into the next book as I need to know how the story continues. The cliffhanger was great but should be illegal for my feelings.
To follow the story from brooks’ broken POV (mainly) is so interesting- you as a reader were trying to figure everything out along with him. I made a bunch of guesses as to who he was, but I was never 100%. I also enjoyed Xia’s pov too! Switching between the two added so much more depth to both characters, and the parallels they’d come across. It felt very soulmate and I was here for it.
Also I mean Brook’s at the end / His “passenger” gave pure shadow daddy vibes. Say no more.
I was kept guessing at every turn and the story is written so well, i was hanging off every page.
I have KU so will be throwing myself into the next book as I need to know how the story continues. The cliffhanger was great but should be illegal for my feelings.