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crystalcollectsbooks's reviews
342 reviews
Unromance by Erin Connor
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
The Rival by Emma Lord
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I am left completely enamoured by another Emma Lord book. I just can’t get enough of her YA romance. I’m really in between the 4-5 stars on this one.
The academic backdrop behind Sam and Sadie, two long time frenemies and rivals, lends itself well to the competitive nature behind the two main characters. Their desires to outdo each other actually does make them strive to be better.
Sadie constantly tempered her personality to mediate the insane chaos of her family. Being away for college is exactly what she needed. We watch her organically become the person she kept hidden away. Sam is under pressure of following in his father’s footsteps, being the only child. Sam and Sadie have know each other all their lives and went from childhood friends to rivals. The rivalry continues in this book and as can be expected from Emma, the banter delivers. I really enjoyed spending time with both characters, but they are not the only ones wow grow to care for. The reader becomes rather committed to both the family left behind and the college found family.
The pacing of the novel was excellent and the major plot line realistic and well executed - budgeting at any level leaves people behind and they won’t go quietly and we get to join in for the ride. Go student activists!
My only complaint with the book, is that I was left wanting way more of Sam. There was some of his character that we get through Sadie, but I feel like I could have gotten even more out of it, if only I could have been in his head. That being said, while being able to see inside Sam’s head would have been fun, the story is still fun.
I recommend this book to all Emma Lord fans out there, to everyone that enjoys a fun rivals-to-lovers romance, and other adventures in an academic setting.
Many thanks to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for a digital copy of the book. The opinions expressed are honestly and my own.
The academic backdrop behind Sam and Sadie, two long time frenemies and rivals, lends itself well to the competitive nature behind the two main characters. Their desires to outdo each other actually does make them strive to be better.
Sadie constantly tempered her personality to mediate the insane chaos of her family. Being away for college is exactly what she needed. We watch her organically become the person she kept hidden away. Sam is under pressure of following in his father’s footsteps, being the only child. Sam and Sadie have know each other all their lives and went from childhood friends to rivals. The rivalry continues in this book and as can be expected from Emma, the banter delivers. I really enjoyed spending time with both characters, but they are not the only ones wow grow to care for. The reader becomes rather committed to both the family left behind and the college found family.
The pacing of the novel was excellent and the major plot line realistic and well executed - budgeting at any level leaves people behind and they won’t go quietly and we get to join in for the ride. Go student activists!
My only complaint with the book, is that I was left wanting way more of Sam. There was some of his character that we get through Sadie, but I feel like I could have gotten even more out of it, if only I could have been in his head. That being said, while being able to see inside Sam’s head would have been fun, the story is still fun.
I recommend this book to all Emma Lord fans out there, to everyone that enjoys a fun rivals-to-lovers romance, and other adventures in an academic setting.
Many thanks to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for a digital copy of the book. The opinions expressed are honestly and my own.
The Righteous by Renée Ahdieh
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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
4.0
Prophecy: Fractured Kingdom, Book 1 by M.L. Fergus
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
This book was a very enjoyable read right from the very beginning. The opening sequence and banter throughout was top tier.
Persephone is fierce and does not waver from her true nature. She plays all sides, but also stays true to herself. Azriel is a swoony and just plain fun potential book boyfriend. The only thing missing was his point of view - I would have loved to see even more of him and some snippet of what was going on in his head. The interactions between him and Persephone were a pure delight.
This story includes a conniving villain that I had absolutely no sympathy for, but was I supposed to? I feel like there has to be even more to his story, no one is that evil, right? The political scheming is also a strong point to the storyline - it is well executed.
This book also explored the concept of freedom. Persephone has lived her entire life as a slave and remains entrapped throughout the book, even when freedom is offered. She becomes the possible accessory to the fulfillment of a prophecy and bears the responsibility of helping to see it through. Will Persephone get the freedom that she desires or did she just walk into an even larger cage? That ending!!!
I highly recommend this story to lovers of fantasy, those who long for freedom, and also those that just love some great banter.
Many thanks to Penguin Random House Canada, Tundra Books, and NetGalley for a digital copy of the book. The opinions expressed are honest and my own.
Persephone is fierce and does not waver from her true nature. She plays all sides, but also stays true to herself. Azriel is a swoony and just plain fun potential book boyfriend. The only thing missing was his point of view - I would have loved to see even more of him and some snippet of what was going on in his head. The interactions between him and Persephone were a pure delight.
This story includes a conniving villain that I had absolutely no sympathy for, but was I supposed to? I feel like there has to be even more to his story, no one is that evil, right? The political scheming is also a strong point to the storyline - it is well executed.
This book also explored the concept of freedom. Persephone has lived her entire life as a slave and remains entrapped throughout the book, even when freedom is offered. She becomes the possible accessory to the fulfillment of a prophecy and bears the responsibility of helping to see it through. Will Persephone get the freedom that she desires or did she just walk into an even larger cage? That ending!!!
I highly recommend this story to lovers of fantasy, those who long for freedom, and also those that just love some great banter.
Many thanks to Penguin Random House Canada, Tundra Books, and NetGalley for a digital copy of the book. The opinions expressed are honest and my own.
The Dallergut Dream Department Store by Miye Lee
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This was a whimsical and uplifting story. The concept is original and delivered a unique magical realism experience.
What is truly a mystery, to me at least, is whether the people of the dream department store are real or are they a figment of the dream world? Do they have experiences outside of the store? The idea that people visit a store when they fall asleep and can choose the type of the dream they have or have one chosen for them. Along with this experience, the reader gets to learn a bit about each of the characters pre- and post- dream. I think the only thing that I would have preferred is to have more time with each dreamer and experience them working through their conflicts a little more. Instead, it felt like I only got snippets. Considering this was a short book, it delivers well. This book made for very light reading since it did feel more like a children's story.
I recommend this book to dreamers and people looking for an uplifting read.
Many thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for a digital copy of the book. The opinions expressed are honest and my own.
What is truly a mystery, to me at least, is whether the people of the dream department store are real or are they a figment of the dream world? Do they have experiences outside of the store? The idea that people visit a store when they fall asleep and can choose the type of the dream they have or have one chosen for them. Along with this experience, the reader gets to learn a bit about each of the characters pre- and post- dream. I think the only thing that I would have preferred is to have more time with each dreamer and experience them working through their conflicts a little more. Instead, it felt like I only got snippets. Considering this was a short book, it delivers well. This book made for very light reading since it did feel more like a children's story.
I recommend this book to dreamers and people looking for an uplifting read.
Many thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for a digital copy of the book. The opinions expressed are honest and my own.
The Beasts We Bury by D.L. Taylor
adventurous
funny
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
My favourite thing about this book is the magic system. The way the magic manifests in people differently and the things that the characters can do with it is fascinating. Mancella’s magic, while acquired and grown through heinous means, is incredible.
The villain, Mancella’s father and another that I will not name, are well written. The villains get a satisfying comeuppance.
The dynamic between Mancella and Silver is fun and develops nicely. Their romance builds naturally and believably.
The book seemingly ends, but then we are treated to an epilogue that suggests much more. I am eager for the next instalment to see where that will be going.
The narrators provided an authentic portrayal of the characters.
Many thanks to MacMillan Audio and NetGalley for an advanced copy of the audiobook. The opinions expressed are honest and my own.
The villain, Mancella’s father and another that I will not name, are well written. The villains get a satisfying comeuppance.
The dynamic between Mancella and Silver is fun and develops nicely. Their romance builds naturally and believably.
The book seemingly ends, but then we are treated to an epilogue that suggests much more. I am eager for the next instalment to see where that will be going.
The narrators provided an authentic portrayal of the characters.
Many thanks to MacMillan Audio and NetGalley for an advanced copy of the audiobook. The opinions expressed are honest and my own.
Our Infinite Fates by Laura Steven
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
As I read this story I could not help myself from highlighting and annotating on my kobo. There are so many quotable and meaningful moments in this story.
I will preface the rest of my review by stating, that I recommend this to readers that enjoy magical realism along the lines of the Invisible Life of Addie Larue and Midnight Library. To me, this book is not one that will necessarily appeal to a younger audience, but definitely has much to offer an older audience.
The story of Evelyn and Arden is love story. They’ve lived many lives for over 1000 years and one has killed the other in each of them. The story is told from Evelyn’s point of view while she is navigating her current life. The stakes are high in this one and she is determined for this life to be different. Her memories of past lives evade her as she moves further in time away from them. As we follow her through today’s life, we learn about her past lives. We know very little about Arden, but get pieces through each memory and as the present progresses. There are times where we feel their love more, but others less. Theirs is a love filled with conflict and tragedy. There are some interesting turn of events and the reveals at the end are satisfying.
Overall, I enjoyed the story, but the pacing was at times slow. I feel that it could have progressed nicely and without plot holes, even if a few of the in between chapters were cut out. I did enjoy the story most when I could get larger chunks of reading time in a sitting; this permitted me to really be immersed in the tale. I highly recommend that you read the book with extended periods of reading time that will permit you the time to reflect as you read.
Many thanks to Wednesday Books (St. Martin’s Press) and NetGalley for a digital advanced copy of the book. The opinions expressed are honestly and my own.
I will preface the rest of my review by stating, that I recommend this to readers that enjoy magical realism along the lines of the Invisible Life of Addie Larue and Midnight Library. To me, this book is not one that will necessarily appeal to a younger audience, but definitely has much to offer an older audience.
The story of Evelyn and Arden is love story. They’ve lived many lives for over 1000 years and one has killed the other in each of them. The story is told from Evelyn’s point of view while she is navigating her current life. The stakes are high in this one and she is determined for this life to be different. Her memories of past lives evade her as she moves further in time away from them. As we follow her through today’s life, we learn about her past lives. We know very little about Arden, but get pieces through each memory and as the present progresses. There are times where we feel their love more, but others less. Theirs is a love filled with conflict and tragedy. There are some interesting turn of events and the reveals at the end are satisfying.
Overall, I enjoyed the story, but the pacing was at times slow. I feel that it could have progressed nicely and without plot holes, even if a few of the in between chapters were cut out. I did enjoy the story most when I could get larger chunks of reading time in a sitting; this permitted me to really be immersed in the tale. I highly recommend that you read the book with extended periods of reading time that will permit you the time to reflect as you read.
Many thanks to Wednesday Books (St. Martin’s Press) and NetGalley for a digital advanced copy of the book. The opinions expressed are honestly and my own.
The Damned by Renée Ahdieh
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
Shadows of Perl by J. Elle
challenging
dark
emotional
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? Yes
4.75
Shadows of Perl is a worthy sequel. I enjoyed House of Marionne and this book gives us even deeper insight into the world and its magic system. I find the magic system in this series rather unique and enjoyed following Quell on her journey to learn more about her magic and how to use it after her binding in book 1. Quell and Jordan are now enemies and this book definitely delivered on that front. There is good tension between the two when they have to team up once again. The addition of Nore’s voice was an added bonus. We learn more about her and some good stuff comes of it. Her POV provided a good accompaniment to the overall story. I really like Elle’s writing style - the story was compelling and unpredictable. I could not put the book down and flew through it. Every moment of it was filled with angst/longing, action, and magic.
I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys reading fantasy, especially if you like a well written back and forth of enemies-lovers. I am eagerly awaiting the sequel - you can’t leave me hanging like that!
Many thanks to Penguin Teen Canada (Penguin Random House) and NetGalley for a digital advanced copy of the book. The opinions expressed are honest and my own.
I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys reading fantasy, especially if you like a well written back and forth of enemies-lovers. I am eagerly awaiting the sequel - you can’t leave me hanging like that!
Many thanks to Penguin Teen Canada (Penguin Random House) and NetGalley for a digital advanced copy of the book. The opinions expressed are honest and my own.
Serpent Sea by Maiya Ibrahim
adventurous
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
I enjoyed The Spice Road, but much of it was world building with less focus on character development; it really was setting the stage for the rest of the trilogy. The Serpent Sea filled in the holes left behind after the Spice Road. The story continued to be immersive and engaging.
The Serpent Sea continues right where we were left hanging after book 1. We are now taken on two separate journeys; one through the eyes of Imani and the other with Taha.
Imani’s magical abilities are growing, with Qayn’s tutelage, as she learns more of how it all works and how to push the boundaries beyond what she initially believed. The magic system truly becomes more interesting through this. I really enjoyed the growing attraction between Imani and Qayn; their chemistry is undeniable. I loved diving more deeply into Qayn’s character as well, through both Imani’s perspective and their soul bond.
Taha takes the prize for character development in this one! As he embarks on his journey to save his home, we learn so much about him. We learn about his background and motivations, his true feelings for Imani, and watch him grow along the way.
As with book 1, you can expect more surprises and betrayals, but also a more character driven story in comparison.
I recommend this book to lovers of Arabian inspired fantasy and slow burn romance. I am eager to see where book 3 takes us.
Many thanks to Random House, Penguin Teen Canada, and NetGalley for a digital advanced copy of the book. The opinons expressed are honest and my own.
The Serpent Sea continues right where we were left hanging after book 1. We are now taken on two separate journeys; one through the eyes of Imani and the other with Taha.
Imani’s magical abilities are growing, with Qayn’s tutelage, as she learns more of how it all works and how to push the boundaries beyond what she initially believed. The magic system truly becomes more interesting through this. I really enjoyed the growing attraction between Imani and Qayn; their chemistry is undeniable. I loved diving more deeply into Qayn’s character as well, through both Imani’s perspective and their soul bond.
Taha takes the prize for character development in this one! As he embarks on his journey to save his home, we learn so much about him. We learn about his background and motivations, his true feelings for Imani, and watch him grow along the way.
As with book 1, you can expect more surprises and betrayals, but also a more character driven story in comparison.
I recommend this book to lovers of Arabian inspired fantasy and slow burn romance. I am eager to see where book 3 takes us.
Many thanks to Random House, Penguin Teen Canada, and NetGalley for a digital advanced copy of the book. The opinons expressed are honest and my own.