deannak92's reviews
187 reviews

The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien

adventurous funny mysterious tense slow-paced

4.0

“Courage is found in unlikely places.”

I really struggled with rating this, knowing how much of a huge impact J.R.R Tolkien has had on the fantasy world. In saying that though, I was taken on such a magical, funny, twisty journey with this story, and with 2 more parts to go, it’s only just begun.

How does it feel? by Jeneane O'Riley

medium-paced

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

2.0

What the hell was this? This has to be the worst ‘romantasy’ I’ve read to date. The writing style is so juvenile, it was such a slog to finish. Such a poorly executed enemies to lovers, the FMC doesn’t like swearing so we are absolutely battered with stupid sayings plus phrases like crisscross apple sauce multiple times. The entire story felt so damn repetitive. The first few MMC chapters are just a copy and paste from the previous chapter in his  POV (exactly same phrases over and over.) what an absolute waste of time 😭

Digging Dr Jones by Olivia Jackson

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

Thank you to Harper Collin’s UK, OneMoreChapter, NetGalley and Olivia Jackson for this ARC. 

Digging Dr Jones is a sweet,funny and steamy treasure adventure that is fast paced and leaves you wanting more!!

If you are obsessed with all things treasure hunting related, but enjoy the romance element as well you will not be disappointed! I am indeed digging Dr Jones! 🔥 I was hooked all the way through - you get forced proximity when Adriana accidentally puts on a bracelet that is also a key, which will only release to a certain treasure chest meaning she has to accompany Dr Jones on his journey, and the story just plays out seamlessly from there! Sometimes it can be a little bit predictable but this was such a fun read that had me giggling and laughing so much it didn’t bother me. 

Think Uncharted x Indiana Jones x National Treasure 💎 

This was a fantastic palette cleanser from my high fantasy reads! 

Fallen Academy: Year One by Leia Stone

adventurous dark fast-paced

2.75

Thank you Sourcebooks Bloom Books, NetGalley and Leia Stone for providing an ARC of Fallen Academy: Year One in the leadup to its rerelease later this month. 

Fallen Academy is a fast paced paranormal fantasy which would be ideally suited to a teen/YA or someone just starting to enter the world of fantasy reading. There was very easy world building and left open for the next book. 

The romance is a bit cute, it’s a quick easy read (I read it in one sitting) however a lot of the dialogue felt a bit cringe. YOLO was used at the end. 😬

🌘 Paranormal Fantasy

😈 Angels & Demons 

💖 Low Spice Romance 

Faebound by Saara El-Arifi

medium-paced

3.5

3.5 stars. “We cannot yield to this thing between us. It will only end in death.”

I was hesitant starting this one due to the very mixed reviews I’ve seen. But it kept me engaged and I did enjoy it for the most part. I will continue the series. You get a lot of action and plot smashed right in at the end. There is a very unique magic system, which I thought was a nice touch.

A Language of Dragons by S.F. Williamson

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

Remissio dolor redemptus est ~
Forgiveness is suffering redeemed…

An absolutely incredible, mind blowing read from a debut author! A perfect example of a historical fantasy fiction. It has all the elements of action, romance, tension, academia, political intrigue, dragons!! and more. There was not one page in this book where I wasn’t completely hooked and fascinated. The way the languages/dialects are used in this story felt so new and refreshing (especially for someone who reads a lot of fantasy) 

I absolutely loved Atlas and Viv 😭🫶🏼

There is so much potential here for a sequel and I am CROSSING EVERYTHING this will happen. 

Here be dragons.. 🐉

A Feather So Black by Lyra Selene

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

3.5

I will never be able to let you go. You will always have a piece of my heart. A piece is not enough. I was made of earth and sky and endless waters. I was made to be loved fully, or not at all. 

A whimsical story with descriptive writing, taking on Celtic folklore, it’s certainly different but a very intriguing read. There was something about it that had me hooked but also at times a little bored, I can’t quite pinpoint it. But overall I did enjoy it, and will continue the series. You get a little love triangle, some steam and an open ending to set you up for the next book. I enjoyed the botanical magic 🪄🍃 

I want all of you. If you are sharp with broken thorns, let them cut me. If you churn with dark shadows, let them engulf me. And if your love only destroys, let it destroy me. I am already a doomed man. 

Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas

adventurous emotional tense medium-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.75

No matter the oceans, or mountains, or forests in the way…

I thoroughly enjoyed this with alongside the tandem read with Empire of Storms. I have such a soft spot for Chaol, love him so much 🥹 Yrene, Nesryn and Sartaq were all super interesting, with some great character development. As usual we get a helping of tension and action, with a sprinkling of romance 💕 Tower of Dawn is so underrated, I’m shocked it’s not a fan favourite! I can’t believe I’ve only got 1 book left in this series.

He realised that here, among the dunes, and stars…. Here, in the heart of a foreign land… here, with her, he was home. 🫶🏼🥹

Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas

adventurous emotional tense medium-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

“I’d walk into the burning heart of hell itself to find you.”
Tandem read alongside Tower of Dawn. Loved reading Empire of Storms this way. I’m so attached to all the characters, loved seeing this new side of Manon really flourish. I seriously love Elide so much. Lots of action and that ending!!! 
“There is no limit to what I can give to you, no time I need. Even when this world is a forgotten whisper of dust between the stars, I will love you."

Scythe & Sparrow by Brynne Weaver

adventurous medium-paced

4.0

A great end to this trilogy! We love the Kane Brothers, with their Irish deep voices and swagger 🥵🇮🇪☘️
Highly recommend the audio’s for this trilogy 👀