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crackedbookspine's reviews
186 reviews
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
5.0
This book has been sitting on my shelf for over a year because I bought it with the intention to read it immediately and I just…didn’t. I FINALLY decided to sit down and read it and thank God I did because this book was amazing. ‘An Ember In The Ashes’ followed the POV of two protagonists: Laia, a Scholar girl who becomes enslaved to save her brother, and Elias, a Martial training to become a Mask before a sudden challenge stops him from deserting Blackcliff Academy.
I went into this book fully expecting the stereotypical YA fantasy story but instead I found myself very surprised at what I was reading and I loved it. I can totally see the inspiration from Ancient Rome, the gladiators, and maybe the Middle East. In regards to characters, Elias is the most interesting character. His relationship with those around him, especially the one with the Commandant and Helene, are well written and kept my attention.
The romances were not what I expected at all and it made me love this book even more. The Elias and Helene dynamic was my favourite and I found myself wanting them to give into their attraction to each other. I’m pretty sure that Elias and Laia’s relationship will obviously develop in the sequel so I’m excited to see where it goes next. I’m also excited for Helene’s development, particularly her dynamic with Marcus.
So, yeah, I’m gonna go and order the second and third books now.
I went into this book fully expecting the stereotypical YA fantasy story but instead I found myself very surprised at what I was reading and I loved it. I can totally see the inspiration from Ancient Rome, the gladiators, and maybe the Middle East. In regards to characters, Elias is the most interesting character. His relationship with those around him, especially the one with the Commandant and Helene, are well written and kept my attention.
The romances were not what I expected at all and it made me love this book even more. The Elias and Helene dynamic was my favourite and I found myself wanting them to give into their attraction to each other. I’m pretty sure that Elias and Laia’s relationship will obviously develop in the sequel so I’m excited to see where it goes next. I’m also excited for Helene’s development, particularly her dynamic with Marcus.
So, yeah, I’m gonna go and order the second and third books now.
A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir
4.0
3.5 stars.
Wasn't as good as the first and probably serves more as a bridge into the third and upcoming fourth book so it doesn't bother me too much. Helene's chapters were the best written and definitely the most intriguing. I wonder how her magic comes into play later on in the series. Elias wasn't my favourite character this time. No one was surprisingly. Excited to begin the third book in the coming weeks.
Wasn't as good as the first and probably serves more as a bridge into the third and upcoming fourth book so it doesn't bother me too much. Helene's chapters were the best written and definitely the most intriguing. I wonder how her magic comes into play later on in the series. Elias wasn't my favourite character this time. No one was surprisingly. Excited to begin the third book in the coming weeks.
Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
5.0
Will be silently screaming about the ending for the next year until the sequel comes out.
This book is such a masterful piece of fantasy, an extraordinary debut!
But that ending just stopped my heart....
This book is such a masterful piece of fantasy, an extraordinary debut!
But that ending just stopped my heart....
A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas
1.0
How did this trilogy go from okay to great to fucking terrible??
Spellbook of the Lost and Found by Moïra Fowley-Doyle
4.0
I started a new job when I started this book and it lead me into a reading slump but this book pulled me out of it and I'm so happy because of it! This book has such an interesting concept, I'm always down for magic spells, and the spell book idea was executed in a way I didn't except. I enjoyed the characters. There were a few times I was confused as there is multiple points-of-view. Overall, I really liked this story and I'm gonna add it to my favourites list. I think.
A Reaper at the Gates by Sabaa Tahir
5.0
5 stars.
Um,
HOLY SHIT WHAT DID I JUST READ.
This destroyed me. Laia, Elias, Helene annihilated my soul.
Helene Aquilla is now my favourite character and I would die for her.
Um,
HOLY SHIT WHAT DID I JUST READ.
This destroyed me. Laia, Elias, Helene annihilated my soul.
Helene Aquilla is now my favourite character and I would die for her.
Hunted by Meagan Spooner
5.0
This book is magical and wonderful and I felt the chill and death of winter.
This book took longer than expected but when the plot picked up I fell right into it and couldn't stop. Sometimes the cursive writing was a little hard to read but I love how it was woven into the story, not only was it a writing style, it was part of the story!
Some quotes:
"She whispered to us of what we could be."
"You changed him into two beings grappling for a single heart."
4.5 stars.
This book took longer than expected but when the plot picked up I fell right into it and couldn't stop. Sometimes the cursive writing was a little hard to read but I love how it was woven into the story, not only was it a writing style, it was part of the story!
Some quotes:
"She whispered to us of what we could be."
"You changed him into two beings grappling for a single heart."
4.5 stars.
Batman: Nightwalker by Marie Lu
4.0
I don't know much about the Batman mythos, aside from the death of his parents and the Nolan movies. It's an interesting idea a young Bruce Wayne coming of age and facing the dark side of his city for the first time.
4 stars.
4 stars.
Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult
2.0
2.5 stars.
I might try Picoult again if I feel compelled enough.
I might try Picoult again if I feel compelled enough.