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dracos_library's Reviews (167)
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I picked this up expecting something way messier—maybe even wildly problematic—based on the dedication and premise. Age gap, brother’s best friend, emotional repression in a Sicilian villa? Sign me up. But honestly, the story ended up feeling pretty tame and not nearly as dramatic or chaotic as it promised to be.
Maya and Conor had decent chemistry, and there were a few genuinely sweet moments, but overall it lacked tension. Maya’s clinginess got a little exhausting—I found myself wishing she had more going on outside of her constant focus on Conor. And for a guy who was supposedly so emotionally unavailable, Conor spent an awful lot of time contradicting himself. He’d push her away in one breath and be mooning over her in the next. The back-and-forth got repetitive quickly.
Also, I have to mention: the whole “are they or aren’t they” thing with Conor and Maya’s stepmom was just... weird. It felt thrown in for drama, but it never landed emotionally or made any real sense. Instead of adding tension, it just made me uncomfortable and confused about the dynamic.
That said, the Italian setting was lovely, the wedding chaos added a few fun bits, and I didn’t hate reading it. It was fine—just not the emotionally messy, tension-filled ride I was expecting.
Maya and Conor had decent chemistry, and there were a few genuinely sweet moments, but overall it lacked tension. Maya’s clinginess got a little exhausting—I found myself wishing she had more going on outside of her constant focus on Conor. And for a guy who was supposedly so emotionally unavailable, Conor spent an awful lot of time contradicting himself. He’d push her away in one breath and be mooning over her in the next. The back-and-forth got repetitive quickly.
Also, I have to mention: the whole “are they or aren’t they” thing with Conor and Maya’s stepmom was just... weird. It felt thrown in for drama, but it never landed emotionally or made any real sense. Instead of adding tension, it just made me uncomfortable and confused about the dynamic.
That said, the Italian setting was lovely, the wedding chaos added a few fun bits, and I didn’t hate reading it. It was fine—just not the emotionally messy, tension-filled ride I was expecting.
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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:
No
Wow. Daydream was such a gentle, beautiful surprise. From the very first chapter, I felt like I was being pulled into something safe and warm—Halle and Henry's story felt real, like I could reach out and touch it.
Halle is one of those characters you don’t just root for—you see yourself in her. Her struggles with confidence, the way she shows up for everyone except herself... yeah, that hit home. And Henry? Honestly, the way he just sees her? No drama, no grand gestures—just genuine care, patience, and presence. It’s been a while since a love story made me feel so calm and hopeful.
What I especially loved was how the book handled neurodivergence and body image. It didn’t try to make a big deal out of either—it just let these characters be, and that kind of quiet representation meant a lot. The pacing was slower, sure, but in a way that gave everything time to breathe. It wasn’t about big twists, it was about watching two people learn how to be honest—with each other and with themselves.
I closed this book feeling lighter than when I started. So yeah—4.5 stars, easy. I already miss these two.
Halle is one of those characters you don’t just root for—you see yourself in her. Her struggles with confidence, the way she shows up for everyone except herself... yeah, that hit home. And Henry? Honestly, the way he just sees her? No drama, no grand gestures—just genuine care, patience, and presence. It’s been a while since a love story made me feel so calm and hopeful.
What I especially loved was how the book handled neurodivergence and body image. It didn’t try to make a big deal out of either—it just let these characters be, and that kind of quiet representation meant a lot. The pacing was slower, sure, but in a way that gave everything time to breathe. It wasn’t about big twists, it was about watching two people learn how to be honest—with each other and with themselves.
I closed this book feeling lighter than when I started. So yeah—4.5 stars, easy. I already miss these two.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
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:
No
This book surprised me in a lot of ways. I went in expecting a typical romcom vibe—quirky banter, academia, STEM girls, "oh no he's so big how is he gonna fit". What I got was deeper, quieter, and honestly? Kind of raw.
Scarlett’s journey hit me harder than I thought it would. She’s not “likable” in the way romance heroines are usually expected to be—and that’s exactly what made her feel so real. Her trauma isn’t just a subplot, it’s this constant, unspoken weight she carries, and watching her try to move forward while still not being okay... it hurt. But in a good way, if that makes sense.
And Lukas. Oh man, Lukas. I wasn’t sure I’d like him at first, but the way he cared for Scarlett—not with over-the-top declarations, but with respect—was everything. Their relationship has a dom/sub dynamic, yeah, but it’s not about shock value. It’s about trust. Vulnerability. Letting someone see the parts of you you’ve spent years hiding. It’s a quieter kind of romance with tons of spice, one that doesn’t scream for attention but leaves a mark anyway.
It’s not a perfect book. There were moments where I wished we’d gotten even more from Scarlett’s inner world, or that the plot didn’t rely quite so much on the “he’s your best friend’s ex” angle
Scarlett’s journey hit me harder than I thought it would. She’s not “likable” in the way romance heroines are usually expected to be—and that’s exactly what made her feel so real. Her trauma isn’t just a subplot, it’s this constant, unspoken weight she carries, and watching her try to move forward while still not being okay... it hurt. But in a good way, if that makes sense.
And Lukas. Oh man, Lukas. I wasn’t sure I’d like him at first, but the way he cared for Scarlett—not with over-the-top declarations, but with respect—was everything. Their relationship has a dom/sub dynamic, yeah, but it’s not about shock value. It’s about trust. Vulnerability. Letting someone see the parts of you you’ve spent years hiding. It’s a quieter kind of romance with tons of spice, one that doesn’t scream for attention but leaves a mark anyway.
It’s not a perfect book. There were moments where I wished we’d gotten even more from Scarlett’s inner world, or that the plot didn’t rely quite so much on the “he’s your best friend’s ex” angle
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-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:
No
have to say I didn’t expect a whole lot of this book, but it was a fun read.
I liked the whole curse breaking & finding oneself aspect of it but was no fan of how the curse was actually broken. It felt like it should’ve been something else first and then the author decided last second that this should be the way to go instead. Like it’s just a gap holder for something more interesting. 🤔
Anyway besides that I liked the Grumpy x Sunshine& Enemies to Lovers trope as well as the monster sex when he was feral for her. For my taste there could’ve been more of that in there.
I liked the whole curse breaking & finding oneself aspect of it but was no fan of how the curse was actually broken. It felt like it should’ve been something else first and then the author decided last second that this should be the way to go instead. Like it’s just a gap holder for something more interesting. 🤔
Anyway besides that I liked the Grumpy x Sunshine& Enemies to Lovers trope as well as the monster sex when he was feral for her. For my taste there could’ve been more of that in there.
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I.am.not.okay.
I don't even know where to begin... this broke me.
Haymitch had to wait 25 YEARS for anyone to break the damn wheel or as Lenore Dove would say until the sun didn't rise at the reaping anymore.
I don't even know where to begin... this broke me.
Haymitch had to wait 25 YEARS for anyone to break the damn wheel or as Lenore Dove would say until the sun didn't rise at the reaping anymore.
"You don’t win the Hunger Games by playing fair. You win by knowing the rules better than they do."
There were times I had to put the book down because I was physically shaking because it was so devestating. I mean I know how devestating her books can be- but I wasn't prepared.
From the very first page, there was this growing sense of dread, this awful knowledge that no matter what happened, it would end in devastation. And yet, I couldn’t look away. The writing is so sharp, so precise, that it feels like a knife slowly pressing in. Every moment of tension, every stolen second of hope, every act of violence—none of it felt meaningless. Every single thing hurt for a reason.
"They will not use our tears for their entertainment."
What destroyed me the most, though, was the psychological unraveling. The way the characters are caught in a machine that doesn’t just demand their suffering—it feeds on it. The arena itself was horrifying, yes, but it was the moments before and after that left the deepest scars. Watching someone try to hold on to themselves, to their humanity, while knowing they are doomed? It’s excruciating.
I'm just going to list things that broke me: Lulu. Maysilee Donner. Lenore Dove. His brother and his mum. The coffins. The epilogue. The fact that he's not allowed to give up because he has people to care for now. And before that nobody? It was devestating.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
For non-book records, review text and ratings are hidden. Only mood, pace, and content warnings are visible.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
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:
No
This was a charming blend of mystery, romance, and fantasy, offering the cozy feel of a D&D campaign wrapped in a queernorm medieval world. The book follows Logan 'The Bear,' a retired adventurer whose peaceful life is upended when his beloved bard husband, Pie, goes missing. Driven by love and unwavering loyalty, Logan assembles a ragtag team—including a necromancer, his ghostly ex-wife, and a unicorn herder—to uncover the truth behind Pie’s disappearance.
I really liked the character dynamics, with Logan’s gruff yet devoted nature balancing well against the more eccentric personalities in his party. The banter between Logan and his allies is one of the book’s highlights, bringing both humor and emotional depth to the story. One of the most touching aspects is Logan’s relationship with his ghostly ex-wife, Ophelia. The Countess, with her sharp wit and dramatic flair, is a standout character who brought a delightful energy to the group.
In my opinion the storytelling is immersive, blending heartfelt moments with adventure, and while the stakes lean personal rather than epic, they still resonate deeply. Logan is such a cute book husband
I really liked the character dynamics, with Logan’s gruff yet devoted nature balancing well against the more eccentric personalities in his party. The banter between Logan and his allies is one of the book’s highlights, bringing both humor and emotional depth to the story. One of the most touching aspects is Logan’s relationship with his ghostly ex-wife, Ophelia. The Countess, with her sharp wit and dramatic flair, is a standout character who brought a delightful energy to the group.
In my opinion the storytelling is immersive, blending heartfelt moments with adventure, and while the stakes lean personal rather than epic, they still resonate deeply. Logan is such a cute book husband
„Pie is . . . Pie is funny. Kind.’ Logan closed his eyes, remembering Pie’s arms around him, breathing in the memory of the scent of him. ‘When he sings, the whole world stands still. He gets under my skin, makes me believe in better things. Makes me believe in home and happiness. Makes me believe I deserve them, too“
While not perfect, it’s a quick, engaging read that leaves you eager for more. Only thing negative that I have to mention is that the end would’ve needed another like 100 pages. It all went down way too quickly and even Logan was surprised how fast it was. But I still enjoyed it.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Gay mermaid story inspired by the little mermaid?
Sign me the fuck up!!
Cute little story& excited for the next one 🧜♂️
Sign me the fuck up!!
Cute little story& excited for the next one 🧜♂️
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-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:
Complicated
This was rough. I can recognize that there is a lot of potential in the book and the magic system.
But I felt like it was poorly executed. The story was all over the place and the first 3/4 of the book were so chaotic.
I am a huge fan of badass fmc, but Saeris just felt like a wannabe & like a half-baked attempt at one. I love strong female leads, but strength isn’t just about saying tough things—it’s about having depth, agency, and actual clever comebacks. Instead, we get lines like:
But I felt like it was poorly executed. The story was all over the place and the first 3/4 of the book were so chaotic.
I am a huge fan of badass fmc, but Saeris just felt like a wannabe & like a half-baked attempt at one. I love strong female leads, but strength isn’t just about saying tough things—it’s about having depth, agency, and actual clever comebacks. Instead, we get lines like:
You should be afraid of me. I am destruction incarnate.
Really? Because for most of the book, she doesn’t feel like destruction incarnate—she feels like she’s constantly reacting instead of actually taking charge. She has moments where she almost gets there, but they’re drowned out by the overall lack of true character depth.
And then there’s Kingfisher. First of all—the name. I kept waiting for a big reveal, some hidden meaning, something that would justify it. But nope. It’s just… Kingfisher. Every time I read it, I pictured weirdly eccentric assassin who named himself after a fishing hobby with a king.. And while he was marginally more interesting than Saeris, he remained frustratingly underdeveloped. His motives were murky and I really only cared about him toward the end.
Honestly, the only saving grace of this book was the magic system and the lore surrounding the gods. The way quicksilver was integrated into the world was genuinely cool, and if the book had focused more on that instead of drowning in repetitive character beats, it could have been something special. The last 100 pages were when things finally started picking up, and for a brief moment, I thought—okay, now we’re getting somewhere. But it was too little, too late.
I will probably still read book 2 and just hope it gets better now that she isn't some boring human anymore.
dark
emotional
tense
slow-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:
N/A
First of all: Thank you to Mary Borsellino and NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
I usually have a hard time with slow-paced books, and *The Hollow Witch* definitely tested my patience in the beginning. The world-building was detailed, and the magic system had some interesting concepts, but it took a long time for the story to really get going. Once it picked up (which unfortunately wasn’t the case until like 85% in) I found myself more engaged, especially with the character dynamics and the way themes of power and disability were explored.
Silvie and Azura had an intriguing relationship, and while I appreciated how the book took its time developing their interactions, there were stretches where the plot felt bogged down by dialogue and setup, making it difficult to stay fully invested. The zombie element was a unique twist I didn’t see coming, though I wish it had been more central earlier in the story..
Overall, this was a solid read with some great ideas, but the pacing and execution didn’t fully work for me. Fans of slower, character-driven fantasy will likely enjoy it more, but I’m on the fence about continuing the series.
I usually have a hard time with slow-paced books, and *The Hollow Witch* definitely tested my patience in the beginning. The world-building was detailed, and the magic system had some interesting concepts, but it took a long time for the story to really get going. Once it picked up (which unfortunately wasn’t the case until like 85% in) I found myself more engaged, especially with the character dynamics and the way themes of power and disability were explored.
Silvie and Azura had an intriguing relationship, and while I appreciated how the book took its time developing their interactions, there were stretches where the plot felt bogged down by dialogue and setup, making it difficult to stay fully invested. The zombie element was a unique twist I didn’t see coming, though I wish it had been more central earlier in the story..
Overall, this was a solid read with some great ideas, but the pacing and execution didn’t fully work for me. Fans of slower, character-driven fantasy will likely enjoy it more, but I’m on the fence about continuing the series.