cyisreading's reviews
68 reviews

The Things He Heard: A horror novella by Matt Shaw

slow-paced

1.0

This was the most boring 68 pages I have ever read. I kept reading because I knew it was a short novella and was hoping it would get interesting at some point and it never did. I feel like if you are going to write a novella it should not be a slow burn!! Like you have no room to "build" in 68 pages. I was so bored and the ending didn't even help.

Sour Candy by Kealan Patrick Burke

fast-paced

3.5

This was a good, spooky novella. I'd definitely watch a movie of this. Honestly if it were a full on book I'd be intrigued the whole way. I honestly wish there was more. More lore, more torment, more of Phil losing his mind. 

Fifty Shades of Alice in Wonderland by Melinda DuChamp

fast-paced

3.5

This is a smut driven book where smut is the plot. It was interesting weaving the classic Alice in the Wonderland in it. I would say that despite this being a smut driven book, it's also quite reflective. The author writes about becoming a woman and not being ashamed of your body in anyway and taking pride in your sexual desires. In the end Alice is confident and knows what she wants sexually from her boyfriend - whom which was very unsatisfactory in the bedroom department. Too many people have been left unsatisfied because men don't know what they are doing and don't care about their partner's needs. A good, smutty novella. 

Posthaste Manor by Jolie Toomajan, Carson Winter
Did not finish book. Stopped at 30%.

I hate dnf'ing indie authors but I could not follow this book. Not only was it not making sense to me, it kept jumping around between timelines. I could follow Adira and Ortho but things were happening and other POVs being introduced that did not make sense. It was a bummer because I was looking forward to a spooky read.

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
Did not finish book. Stopped at 80%.

 
[edit] | Okay, so I decided to read this book because the show is one of my favorites. However, I had to dnf it. I was about 70% of the way through and listening to it via audio book. Considering how far I got into it, something interesting should have happened. I'm sure there's some great ending but considering how fucking BORED I was, it just wasn't worth it. A little bit disappointed. I'm not sure how such an amazing tv series came from such a boring book 

Rosemary & Iron by Dorian Valentine

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

 

First I would like to say I do not think the author is getting enough hype for the release of this book. I cannot wait for the release and to see how well this book does - it was that good. Now don't think that because I rated 4/5, that this book isn't outstanding cause it absolutely is. 

Given that this book is not released yet, I will refrain from putting spoilers in my review for the sake of the author. I wouldn't want to give too much away. If I did, would people still want to read it for themselves? I do not know. What I do know is that I have a deep love and appreciate for Dorian V. for giving me a m/m romance with a beautiful look into a f/f romance of a goddess and a witch. That lesbian with a sword? The witch who is married to a goddess that creates beautiful plant life. 

Knowing this is a series warms my heart because I know I can expect more! Amais and Celestine were destined to be together and they're so goddamn cute. I appreciate there wasn't a long ass slow burn between the two. I'm not sure my mind would be able to handle it. I love the fact that there was a quick, fated mate vibe to this. Because who wants to wait for vampire smut?? Not me!

One thing I would say is that the ordeal with King Aemornion seemed a little rushed. There were no clues or hints that he was ... a part of the problem (again, no spoilers!). I wish they had more time for a gameplan, but at the end everything happened as it did (trying so hard guys). 

I will definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a queer fantasy book. Great job Dorian <3 

Disturbed by Emery LeeAnn

dark fast-paced

5.0

What can I say… I was disturbed! A great small read for those who can stomach it. I would recommend.

Someone Else’s Horror Story by Rebecca Crunden

mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

5.0

 This was a lovely, spooky novella. I would totally watch a movie based on this or ever a full version. I recommend if you're in a slump and want to reach something spooky this October. 

The Gargoyle's Captive by Katee Robert

emotional mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

 

I probably would have rated this higher if it weren't for the typos in the book. I feel like something published like this should not have typos. It was a cute short read. It is definitely different from Court of the Vampire Queen, like there's barely any smut. The story has promise though. Could have been better than court of the vampire queen if it continued.

 

I Wish You All the Best by Mason Deaver

5.0

It was a cute queer story.