courtvander's reviews
164 reviews

A Court This Cruel and Lovely by Stacia Stark

adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring 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? Yes

5.0

"Be a torch for just one soul in the dark…or burn like the sun for all of them."

The ending of this book actually changed my rating to a five-star! I am pleasantly surprised how well Prisca's plan all came together. Prisca's magical ability stopping time is fascinating and plays an intriguing role to the entire plot. I look forward to learning more about this world. I feel like we've only scratched the surface. 

The Ever Queen by LJ Andrews

adventurous dark tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

"I belong to you every wretched piece of me. I've no need for spells or bonds to prove it. I choose you, Livia Ferus. For much longer than my last breath." 

I miss Erik Bloodsinger already.

The Hurricane Wars by Thea Guanzon

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

"I bring you the whole of my heart at the rising of the moon and the setting of the stars."

This book took me by surprise. There were a lot of ups and downs, but in truth, I couldn't stop reading about the magic, politics, and mythical creatures. The level of detail that this story has is unmatched, and I love that the author found her inspiration through Philippine mythology. This epic fantasy reminded me of Star Wars; the political war, rebellion, light and dark (force), and the technology oldschool airships. The slow burn romance between Talasyn and Alaric is very prickly, and if they don't confess their real feelings by book two, I might explode. 

The Ever King by LJ Andrews

adventurous dark funny lighthearted reflective 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? Yes

5.0

"A man he's not
We work we rot
No sleep until it's through
A sailor's grave
Is all we crave 
We are the Ever King's crew."

I will never recover. This book will undeniably be my favourite book of the year. Reading it by the ocean added to the magic this story has to offer. I couldn't put it down, and then I had to put it down because it was coming to an end. The two main protagonists, Livia and Erik, are written perfectly. They have the tension of enemies to lovers without the miscommunication and betrayal trope. I loved the plot between sea and earth fae along with all the different magic they possess. I am beyond impressed with this story, to say the least. What I am most disappointed in is that I DIDN'T BRING BOOK TWO TO READ BY THE OCEAN HOW FOOLISH OF ME!!

Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross

adventurous dark reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

"'I've cracked the window tonight, hoping I might hear something familiar or even unexpected. A song that will remind me that even when I feel lost, the birds sing , the moon still waxes and wains, and the seasons still cycle.'" 

This series will always hold such a special place in my soul. I am so drawn toward Iris & Kitt's gentle and pure love. It was so beautiful to read their romance from afar, knowing their souls will always recognize and find their way back to one another. The war between Dacre and Enva was so suspenseful; Kitt definitely raised my blood pressure, and I am actually low-key very impressed with his spy skills. This is one of the few books I've read that have nailed dual povs perfectly. I'm sad to see this duology end and will treasure all of the emotions it has evoked in me. 

When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker

adventurous challenging dark emotional 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? Yes

4.5

"I love living, painful as it's been at times. I love the colors of our kingdom and the way our clouds are ever changing."

I've never read a fantasy book so uniquely written. Now, fair warning to new fantasy readers this book has a lot going on. The world building was even a bit tricky for me to get into, but it's written with such soul. I absolutely adored reading about all the moonfallings, the dragons that are cherished, the magic flying letters (larks) and the Gods that make up this world. Raeve started off as my favourite character, and ultimately, she became very irritating to read, which is the only reason why I didn't five star. A lot of her past is hidden from the reader, and it's a battle trying to get the plot going. Kaan is a gem welcome to the club. I wish we got to see more of Kaan and Rygun's fierce bond. I am itching to read book two please come out soon please. 

Six Scorched Roses by Carissa Broadbent

inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

"'Whatever you need,' he said. 'My blood. My books. My knowledge. Anything. It is yours.'"

Carissa Broadbent has done it again! I honestly didn't intend to read the spin-off between Lilith and Vale, and I am SO happy I did. Vale is a vampire after my own heart. I loved every detail of this book. I absolutely adored Lilith's determination and thrust for knowledge. I was devouring every letter, word, and line. Their romance is so tender and infectious. From the letters, Vale would send Lilith when they were apart to asking her permission to ultimately saving her. Just WOW.  

Veiled in Stars and Silver by J. Ann Curtis

adventurous emotional inspiring reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

"'Do you have a happy thought, love?'"

ARC Review

This Peter Pan retelling brought back all the childhood memories! I absolutely adored reading about Wendy and Captain Hook and their adventure of saving Neverland. My only pet peeve was the writing decision; Wendy written in first person and Peter & James written in third person. The surprise twist at the end really got me, and I think it was absolute genius. I always felt they were the true villain, even growing up watching Peter Pan!

A Sword of Gilded Embers by B.C. FaJohn

adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

"'Only those most righteous will survive the wrath of revenge. Only those who sacrifice souls for my sustenance shall survive - whether they are of ash or of stardust.'"

ARC Review

Book Two - A Sword of Gilded Embers was a lot more plot heavy than the steamy romance novel of book one. I wish we had received more fae history in book one because it was a little overwhelming reading all of it in book two. Eero will forever be my favourite perspective to read by far! His dedication to Aurelie is so fierce, and I can't get enough! Really looking forward to book three now that the plot has truly been paved and the revenge is on! 

Fated to the Lone Wolf: The Luna Shaw Series by L.L. Winters

adventurous inspiring fast-paced

4.75

"'Why am I wearing a Nickleback t-shirt?' 'Don't fucking start, you already mocked me for liking Nickleback last night, they're actually a really under-appreciated band,'"

ARC Review
This scene made me feel so seen and I was cackling out loud! Fated to the Lone Wolf is spicy shifter red riding hood retelling and an incredibly addictive read! I finished this book in one sitting. I loved the friendship between Luna and Anna, not many books can capture genuine female friendship the way L.L. Winters did. The chemistry and banter between Jackson and Luna are unmatched. This is why the ending of this book really threw me off, and I immediately need to read book two!!