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cleolindbooks's reviews
144 reviews
When Among Crows by Veronica Roth
adventurous
fast-paced
4.0
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan for the e-arc!
I love the premise behind this book, but I wish it was a little bit longer. The folklore and fantasy elements work so well in this book, but I want more. There were so many elements that I wanted to see more of, and I felt like because the book was shorter, it didn't get the opportunity to really showcase what a fantastic story this is. The beginning especially suffered for it as trying to balance the information needed for the story and the timeline made the beginning a bit rushed. That being said I still loved the world.
The characters were phenomenal, and Dymitr was my absolute favorite. He was just such an amazing character to read about, and I would love to see more of this world. The magic behind the holy nights with their spine swords was so creative. Dymitr and Nico definitely felt more developed than Ala. When going into the story, I definitely thought it would focus a bit more on her, but I feel like we get to a point where there's not much more development or lore with her story. I think that might've just been a description error; I think the blurb should be changed to reflect the book better, but I love Dymitr and Nico's story.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the story even if it was different than what I was expecting!
I love the premise behind this book, but I wish it was a little bit longer. The folklore and fantasy elements work so well in this book, but I want more. There were so many elements that I wanted to see more of, and I felt like because the book was shorter, it didn't get the opportunity to really showcase what a fantastic story this is. The beginning especially suffered for it as trying to balance the information needed for the story and the timeline made the beginning a bit rushed. That being said I still loved the world.
The characters were phenomenal, and Dymitr was my absolute favorite. He was just such an amazing character to read about, and I would love to see more of this world. The magic behind the holy nights with their spine swords was so creative. Dymitr and Nico definitely felt more developed than Ala. When going into the story, I definitely thought it would focus a bit more on her, but I feel like we get to a point where there's not much more development or lore with her story. I think that might've just been a description error; I think the blurb should be changed to reflect the book better, but I love Dymitr and Nico's story.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the story even if it was different than what I was expecting!
Three Kings by Freydís Moon
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.0
A truly adorable yet spicy story! The perfect little refresher I needed.
The Hemlock Queen by Hannah Whitten
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
4.75
The second half of this book hits so hard. I am so unbelievably flummoxed and flabbergasted. I could see the direction we were headed in from the start of the book but where we ended up was fantastic. have to say the beginning third wasn’t my favorite which is why it’s not five stars but I loved the rest. However, I do concede that the beginning had to be that way in order for the story and plot progress.
I am so happy that it looks like we are heading in a poly direction with Bastian, Lore and Gabe because that is what I want more than anything. The development and details we learn in the story about both our characters, and the general story are amazing.
I was so worried upon finishing the first book that the rest of the series wouldn’t hold but this book was fantastic. They were still just enough twists with the characters and plot to be unexpected while I was also able to be pretty close on my predictions.
And now I have to wait for the third book to come out ?!!!? I need it immediately!
I am so happy that it looks like we are heading in a poly direction with Bastian, Lore and Gabe because that is what I want more than anything. The development and details we learn in the story about both our characters, and the general story are amazing.
I was so worried upon finishing the first book that the rest of the series wouldn’t hold but this book was fantastic. They were still just enough twists with the characters and plot to be unexpected while I was also able to be pretty close on my predictions.
And now I have to wait for the third book to come out ?!!!? I need it immediately!
A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal
adventurous
emotional
funny
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? Yes
5.0
Thank you Macmillian Audio and NetGalley for the e-arc!
An absolute masterpiece! This is my first book by Hafsah Faizal and I need to pick up her other works! I honestly didn't know what I was getting into when this story I started. When I got the audiobook, I knew that it was about the tea room, but I couldn't have even expected all of the different elements and how well they went together. I honestly thought I was going to get overwhelmed with some of the different elements or it wouldn't work out, but it turned out fantastic. It really speaks the Faizal's skills as a writer that the story is easily read and very cohesive with so many different factors.
Arthie is unbelievable; She is so clever and quippy. I think her story is so emotional, and the way she moves through the world and story is so precise. Her character really stood out as a personal favorite. I also LOVED the love triangle elements in the story. It wasn't overdone, and I could feel the chemistry between the characters is AMAZING. I do wish we got to see more of Mateo; He is more present at the end, but I wanted more as I think he is such an interesting character, especially as a mirror to Arthie. Laith is such a well-done character. Kinda wanted the three to end up all together or both with Arthie cause I think they both complement her so well (then I finished the book, and STUFF HAPPENED!!!).
Jin is also hilarious. Him being flirty and quippy is so fun to read. Flic is a great character; I actually didn't love her character when starting the book. I think she is a character that grows and develops as the story goes on and becomes more relatable and likable.
And let me tell you, the twists and turns! I kept being surprised by the twists of the story, and I honestly can't wait for the next installment.
Also if you loved The Infernal Devices trilogy you will probably love this book. Similar atmosphere and Jin gives Will/Jem vibes so hard!
An absolute masterpiece! This is my first book by Hafsah Faizal and I need to pick up her other works! I honestly didn't know what I was getting into when this story I started. When I got the audiobook, I knew that it was about the tea room, but I couldn't have even expected all of the different elements and how well they went together. I honestly thought I was going to get overwhelmed with some of the different elements or it wouldn't work out, but it turned out fantastic. It really speaks the Faizal's skills as a writer that the story is easily read and very cohesive with so many different factors.
Arthie is unbelievable; She is so clever and quippy. I think her story is so emotional, and the way she moves through the world and story is so precise. Her character really stood out as a personal favorite. I also LOVED the love triangle elements in the story. It wasn't overdone, and I could feel the chemistry between the characters is AMAZING. I do wish we got to see more of Mateo; He is more present at the end, but I wanted more as I think he is such an interesting character, especially as a mirror to Arthie. Laith is such a well-done character. Kinda wanted the three to end up all together or both with Arthie cause I think they both complement her so well (then I finished the book, and STUFF HAPPENED!!!).
Jin is also hilarious. Him being flirty and quippy is so fun to read. Flic is a great character; I actually didn't love her character when starting the book. I think she is a character that grows and develops as the story goes on and becomes more relatable and likable.
And let me tell you, the twists and turns! I kept being surprised by the twists of the story, and I honestly can't wait for the next installment.
Also if you loved The Infernal Devices trilogy you will probably love this book. Similar atmosphere and Jin gives Will/Jem vibes so hard!
Where the Dark Stands Still by A.B. Poranek
medium-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
3.0
The ending was pretty good. I love where the story ends and I think the conclusion was unexpected and very nicely done. I just wish the rest of the book had the same magic and style as the ending. Most of the story was pretty average with plot points feeling a bit dull for what I was expecting. The world and magic were so beautiful and unique but I feel like so much of the story was pretty common and expected.
One of the things that disappointed me a bit was Liska. Her development felt a bit rushed. I think we needed to see more of this confidence in herself leading up to the final battle. It almost felt like we were there to see Lesky’s story but her eyes.
Overall I thought the book was generally fine and did enjoy it but I wouldn’t say it was amazing. Many people are comparing it to studio ghibli but it just doesn’t capture the same depth of emotion or growth.
One of the things that disappointed me a bit was Liska. Her development felt a bit rushed. I think we needed to see more of this confidence in herself leading up to the final battle. It almost felt like we were there to see Lesky’s story but her eyes.
Overall I thought the book was generally fine and did enjoy it but I wouldn’t say it was amazing. Many people are comparing it to studio ghibli but it just doesn’t capture the same depth of emotion or growth.
Blade Breaker by Victoria Aveyard
adventurous
emotional
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
The Unspoken Name by A.K. Larkwood
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
2.0
I did enjoy this book, but I felt as though it needed a bit more development specifically with the characters. The world building, the gods, and magic was fantastic. The world felt Unique and I understood everything that I needed to understand.
However, I feel like the characters were extremely one-dimensional, and not as full flashed and intricate as they should be for such a fantastic world. It really felt like characters were making decisions based on plot. Csorwe is the best example of this, especially for the first half of the book. her decisions and motivations are so set and integral to her character until very randomly they start switching. While I understand this is because of her growing feelings, there need to be more development of fulfilling, or at least some form of connection between the characters. Many of the air other characters do similar things with their ambition or purpose in life, randomly switching without a reason. So while I really love the world, and I think there could’ve been a really fantastic story here, I ended up just not loving it as much as I wanted to.
However, I feel like the characters were extremely one-dimensional, and not as full flashed and intricate as they should be for such a fantastic world. It really felt like characters were making decisions based on plot. Csorwe is the best example of this, especially for the first half of the book. her decisions and motivations are so set and integral to her character until very randomly they start switching. While I understand this is because of her growing feelings, there need to be more development of fulfilling, or at least some form of connection between the characters. Many of the air other characters do similar things with their ambition or purpose in life, randomly switching without a reason. So while I really love the world, and I think there could’ve been a really fantastic story here, I ended up just not loving it as much as I wanted to.
Realm Breaker by Victoria Aveyard
adventurous
fast-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? N/A
4.5
4.5 ⭐️
This book reads so much like a dungeons and dragons campaign and I love it! It has the same feel of this kind of ragtag and random group of people with different strengths and weaknesses, joining together to go on an epic quest in order to save the realm. Despain, all of their differences the characters work together so well. Watching the banter between people who dislike each other while they are forced to work together to protect their weakest but most important member.
Corayne as a main character held up really well. I was honestly a bit nervous she wasn’t going to stand out as much compared to the other characters, but she really holds her own in the story. She does embody some common main character traits but she brings her own set of strengths and knowledge. I absolutely love Sorasa and Valtik. Valtik just so fun and makes for an extremely interesting character as she is both kind of crazy and super wise. Sorasa really embodies the type of characters that I love to play during dungeon dragons, so no shocker that I absolutely love her.
I took half a point off because I was picking up the hints at a future romance between two of the characters and wasn’t thrilled. I love that this book is more focused on the quest and world. Personally, I just don’t love these characters together but that was one of the only issues I had and it all came down to personal taste.
This book reads so much like a dungeons and dragons campaign and I love it! It has the same feel of this kind of ragtag and random group of people with different strengths and weaknesses, joining together to go on an epic quest in order to save the realm. Despain, all of their differences the characters work together so well. Watching the banter between people who dislike each other while they are forced to work together to protect their weakest but most important member.
Corayne as a main character held up really well. I was honestly a bit nervous she wasn’t going to stand out as much compared to the other characters, but she really holds her own in the story. She does embody some common main character traits but she brings her own set of strengths and knowledge. I absolutely love Sorasa and Valtik. Valtik just so fun and makes for an extremely interesting character as she is both kind of crazy and super wise. Sorasa really embodies the type of characters that I love to play during dungeon dragons, so no shocker that I absolutely love her.
I took half a point off because I was picking up the hints at a future romance between two of the characters and wasn’t thrilled. I love that this book is more focused on the quest and world. Personally, I just don’t love these characters together but that was one of the only issues I had and it all came down to personal taste.