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cryosphinx's reviews
141 reviews
The Passage by Justin Cronin
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
It happened fast. Thirty-two minutes for one world to die, another to be reborn.
My mom got the series for me for Christmas and DEMANDED I read it because I like me some post-apocalyptic novels, not so much vampires but I rolled with it.
What I did like is that this book gives you the moments that led up to the end of the world before jumping forward ~100 years after the fallout. I didn't mind the time skip that much, or the even larger one that comes and goes (because it still makes sense) but the book really slogs when that time skip happens. I understand that Cronin needed to world build the colony but it was hard to keep track of all the new characters, who they were, and who was important. It's just jarring because the pre-apocalypse does the same thing: a ton of characters and who is important and who does what. Then we time skip, dump all those characters, and do it all over.
The book itself could have probably been edited down shorter. Some of sections where the POV changes to one of the other characters spends more time than necessary building a character who ultimately isn't a plot critical character.
I did enjoy the ending sections where the POV changes and gives insight into some the mysteries, but ultimately, some mysteries are left unsolved like Amy is special but WHY is she special? Which I hope get answered in the next book or I'll be big mad.
So yes, it gets real slow and boring in some parts but I think it was worth plowing throigh to get some of.the more exciting parts and a lot of the prose IS really good.
My mom got the series for me for Christmas and DEMANDED I read it because I like me some post-apocalyptic novels, not so much vampires but I rolled with it.
What I did like is that this book gives you the moments that led up to the end of the world before jumping forward ~100 years after the fallout. I didn't mind the time skip that much, or the even larger one that comes and goes (because it still makes sense) but the book really slogs when that time skip happens. I understand that Cronin needed to world build the colony but it was hard to keep track of all the new characters, who they were, and who was important. It's just jarring because the pre-apocalypse does the same thing: a ton of characters and who is important and who does what. Then we time skip, dump all those characters, and do it all over.
The book itself could have probably been edited down shorter. Some of sections where the POV changes to one of the other characters spends more time than necessary building a character who ultimately isn't a plot critical character.
I did enjoy the ending sections where the POV changes and gives insight into some the mysteries, but ultimately, some mysteries are left unsolved like
So yes, it gets real slow and boring in some parts but I think it was worth plowing throigh to get some of.the more exciting parts and a lot of the prose IS really good.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Injury/Injury detail, and Blood
Moderate: War, Murder, and Pregnancy
Minor: Pedophilia, Sexual content, Suicide, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Miscarriage
The Song of the Marked by S.M. Gaither
adventurous
emotional
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? It's complicated
3.5
A good read, the prose itself isn't blow your socks off fantastic but it was still an enjoyable read. There's more action than I was anticipating but it was nice to have a bad ass FMC with the sassiest mouth and an MMC who totally plays into it. This is some grade-A banter going on that made me lol several times.
It's tropey, but I liked it. But because it's tropey, it's got some of that "ends on a twist" that I only give some kudos to because most was predictable but there were a few twists that were thrown in that I did NOT expect. The beginning is a little rough to understand how magic works since you're thrown straight in to the action. Then it gets a bit sluggish, only to ramp up at the end.
I also wish there had been more character building with Casia and her friends. You're just left to assume that they have been through hell and back without any build up of their past that led them here. Hopefully we get more of that in the upcoming books. One in particular that lacked was Asra. I was waiting for some big moments and flashbacks of Cas and Asra so we could see more of the mentor-mentee relationship but again, you're just left to assume they are woven together tightly without concrete explanations
If you're looking for an easy read with all the enemies to lovers tropes with a unique magic system and banter, here you go. I do look forward to the rest of the series since I've heard it just gets better as it goes on.
It's tropey, but I liked it. But because it's tropey, it's got some of that "ends on a twist" that I only give some kudos to because most was predictable but there were a few twists that were thrown in that I did NOT expect. The beginning is a little rough to understand how magic works since you're thrown straight in to the action. Then it gets a bit sluggish, only to ramp up at the end.
I also wish there had been more character building with Casia and her friends. You're just left to assume that they have been through hell and back without any build up of their past that led them here. Hopefully we get more of that in the upcoming books. One in particular that lacked was
If you're looking for an easy read with all the enemies to lovers tropes with a unique magic system and banter, here you go. I do look forward to the rest of the series since I've heard it just gets better as it goes on.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Violence, Pandemic/Epidemic, and Murder
Moderate: War, Sexual content, and Injury/Injury detail
House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J. Maas
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
5.0
What a freaking GREAT read. The plot is a bit thinner than the first one but without the slog of the world building. There is still more learning about the characters and the world but I found it a lot less info dumpy. I love every character and did love that this book and more POVs and more back and forth. Bryce and Hunt may have moved up to be my favorite SJM couple and they're are just so delightful with the banter and the growth and love they have. And like everyone says...THAT ENDING. I had the very, very end spoiled for me but the build up and the twists and turns still made it one hell of a ride.
If I had to make ken complaint it's that Danika is dead and SJM seems to just hand off anything to her and her lil' secrets club. She's gone so we don't get to hear anything from her about her motivations and can only speculate. But how many damn secrets was she walking about with??
If I had to make ken complaint it's that
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Violence
Moderate: War and Torture
Minor: Grief and Confinement
House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
emotional
medium-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? Yes
4.75
Holy shit, what a ride. I generally agree with what everyone says about this book how the world building is a bit of a slog to get through, but there's so much going on here that you just gotta power through. Bryce and Hunt are just delightful together and Bryce is moving up on my list of favorite FMCs.
Sometimes the twists and turns take over twists and turns so you're always guessing what the truth is. The last quarter of the book is such a rollercoaster between action, heart breaking, crying, bad assery but I truly LOVED and enjoyed it so much.
Sometimes the twists and turns take over twists and turns so you're always guessing what the truth is. The last quarter of the book is such a rollercoaster between action, heart breaking, crying, bad assery but I truly LOVED and enjoyed it so much.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Grief, and Death
Moderate: Sexual content, Blood, Drug use, and War
Minor: Suicidal thoughts and Vomit
The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King by Carissa Broadbent
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
An overall really enjoyable sequel that was maybe too long but I still devoured it. There was a lot of plot points to get through and detours and a few different places to end it only to have another plot saddle up. It still managed to be thrilling parts, having to pick up some excitement without the Kejari plot from the first book. I still love Oraya and Raihn but hoped for some more from the side characters, in particular Mische though there seems to be potential for her being setup for the next book .
We get a back peddle back into enemies to lovers after Raihn's betrayal in the last book that I'm stuck on my feelings about it While I did like that Oraya didn't forgive Raihn immediately, which seems to happen in these enemies to lovers back to enemies books, it took half the book to get there so I'm stuck in whether or not I totally liked it
It was still so good and I enjoyed it and would highly recommend both books to anyone who likes bad ass FMCs who grows into her powers and delicious banter, with some good spicy scenes, and vampires.
We get a back peddle back into enemies to lovers after Raihn's betrayal in the last book that I'm stuck on my feelings about it
It was still so good and I enjoyed it and would highly recommend both books to anyone who likes bad ass FMCs who grows into her powers and delicious banter, with some good spicy scenes, and vampires.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Gore, Blood, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Grief and Death of parent
Minor: Slavery and Rape
The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-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? Yes
4.5
I am surprised by how much I loved this book, buying it after seeing all the hype. It's super vampire heavy which isn't really my bag but since we follow the totally bad ass FMC, it balances out. Both Oraya and Rain are a delight and the banter is delicious. Oraya is such an amazing character because she's strong and she knows it, having been raised to fight and having no time to dwell on whether or not she's capable, because she KNOWS she is.
I can only really knock the pacing. The Kejari is the main focus and I understand it but sometimes those sections felt rushed. I would have loved more training montages in-between but still, I went from not thinking much of this book to devouring it.
And the twists! I'm glad I had the sequel already, I can't imagine waiting. I was anticipating something was going to happen with Vincent but I only thought he would do something to betray Oraya's trust but Raihn AND Oraya becoming heirs?? SO GOOD.
I can only really knock the pacing. The Kejari is the main focus and I understand it but sometimes those sections felt rushed. I would have loved more training montages in-between but still, I went from not thinking much of this book to devouring it.
And the twists! I'm glad I had the sequel already, I can't imagine waiting.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, Death, Sexual content, and Murder
Moderate: War and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death of parent and Rape
Six Scorched Roses by Carissa Broadbent
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
What a delightful short story. It felt so well done and fully fleshed out the ti forgot it was a novella and got sad it was already over. In that short time, you really get a good feel for Vale and Lilith, and I'm excited to see how they tie into Book 2 because they are just wonderful. The only bummer is we don't get anymore than those two, and when there's another character it's really brief. I suppose it IS a novella though. But it was still very good and a wonderful concept.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Sexual content, Murder, Blood, and Death
Moderate: Medical content, Fire/Fire injury, and Body horror
Minor: Death of parent, War, and Rape
A Soul of Ash and Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I loved this and was so happy to experience FBAA again but from Casteel's perspective. No surprise here, it was advertised as such. Because of the POV shift, I'd say the flashbacks were evenly split between filling in information from Casteel's POV and just retelling a scene with his monologue instead of Poppy. But I loved it and it may be my favorite of the series.
There is some present day that takes place every few chapters which makes the book still a bridge between books 4 and 6.
I feel like the inner monologue was much less repetitive from Casteel's perspective that Poppy's which makes it a bit more polished. I'll also still complain that random modern jargon is very weird (I mean...at one point a character says spoiler alert...). And I would have liked more substance from the present day sections since they were pretty sparse until the last couple sections.
There is some present day that takes place every few chapters which makes the book still a bridge between books 4 and 6.
I feel like the inner monologue was much less repetitive from Casteel's perspective that Poppy's which makes it a bit more polished. I'll also still complain that random modern jargon is very weird (I mean...at one point a character says spoiler alert...). And I would have liked more substance from the present day sections since they were pretty sparse until the last couple sections.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Self harm and Death
Minor: Death of parent
The Strange Bird: A Borne Story by Jeff VanderMeer
emotional
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Body horror
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
adventurous
dark
tense
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? It's complicated
4.75
This book is the definition of supporting women's rights AND women's wrongs, with a dash of F the patriarchy. Because Zetian might be unhinged and out for blood but honestly...good for her.
I do not know anything about the historical context of this re-imagining so I can't speak to that but holy damn, what a ride. The three main characters are a delight, and I was emotionally invested in either cheering these characters on or wanting to reach into the book and punch some people.
And that ending! GIVE ME THE NEXT BOOK NOW.
My only critique is that some parts seemed to be TOO fast paced, where I wish there could have been more dialogue or world building or something but there's just some parts that get skimmed over. Possibly because this was YA/NA? Not sure but besides that I will be telling everyone I know to read this book.
I do not know anything about the historical context of this re-imagining so I can't speak to that but holy damn, what a ride. The three main characters are a delight, and I was emotionally invested in either cheering these characters on or wanting to reach into the book and punch some people.
And that ending! GIVE ME THE NEXT BOOK NOW.
My only critique is that some parts seemed to be TOO fast paced, where I wish there could have been more dialogue or world building or something but there's just some parts that get skimmed over. Possibly because this was YA/NA? Not sure but besides that I will be telling everyone I know to read this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, Violence, War, Addiction, and Alcoholism
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Sexual assault, Torture, and Death
Minor: Grief