fatedhearts_lorilee's reviews
215 reviews

The Ballad of Never After by Stephanie Garber

adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced

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

5.0

I completely loved my re-read of Ballad. I love Jacks & Evangeline and the way they’re so drawn to one another. Jacks is everything and seeing the way he interacts with Evangeline, trying not to get hurt is so hard!! The ending broke my heart all over again and I will obviously now be re-reading book 3. 

Death Valley by Karina Halle

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

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

3.75

Thank you to Karina Halle & Reckless Readers Society for the e-arc of Death Valley! All thoughts are my own, and are given voluntarily. 

I loved the tension of this book -- it hooked me in right away and kept me anxiously reading. I started and finished it within 24 hours because I just needed to see what was going to happen next. 

The horror and building tension was really well done. The atmosphere of the book developed steadily, and really contributed to the feeling of dread. The description of this book says it's Yellowstone meets White Walkers, and I completely agree. Ok I haven't seen Yellowstone, but I get the gist of it. I liked the way that Karina brought in historical events (the Donner Party) and then built around it to create a reason for what was happening. 

There were some things that I would've liked to have known more about, but I'm also okay with it being a bit of a mystery.

For example, it seems like Aubrey, Lainey and their mom all feel the draw in varying degrees. Would they fully transform if they didn't go to the mountain? Their mom was clearly struggling, and Lainey obviously felt the draw enough to go to the mountain, but Aubrey was just having dreams. At the end of the story, Aubrey chooses not to have kids so that she doesn't pass this "genetic curse" on, but she seems fine. Is she going to feel the hunger like her mom did, or is she somehow exempt?

Jensen is a very hot, grumpy cowboy who is an excellent tracker. His tracking skills and his love for horses make him an excellent love interest. Who doesn't like a man with a horse! It was a little insta-lovey, but it was also tense, so I'm okay with that. I would've liked a bit more development between the characters, but I still really enjoyed them together. 

I love that Aubrey cared so much about her sister. I am all for girlhood and strong female friendship and bonds.

I totally understand how she would not be able to kill Lainey, and I'm glad that Jensen was there to bear that burden for her.

I am obsessed with Duke and Jeopardy, and I'm very glad to say that they made it back to the ranch, even Angus the donkey! That was a major relief. 

This was a really exciting and tense book! Definitely good for readers who are looking for a western horrormance to keep them on the edge of their seats!

Tropes: 

• grumpy cowboy x semi-grumpy FBI agent
• forced proximity 
• western horrormance
• one sleeping bag

Until the Stars Fall by Vanessa Rasanen
Did not finish book. Stopped at 15%.

Couldn’t really get into the story and was not really a fan of the writing. 

Oathbound by Tracy Deonn

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious sad tense fast-paced

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

5.0

This was an amazing continuation of The Legendborn Cycle! There was so much happening, and so many storylines coming together in exciting and stressful ways. 

Even though it was hard, I loved seeing Bree really figure out who she is and what is important to her. 

Valec is, of course, a favourite character. I loved how he called Bree out but also apologized for overstepping. It was also super fun to get to know Zoe and Elijah, and I can’t wait to see more of them! 

I also really enjoyed getting to spend more time with Nick, and seeing how he continues to support Briana every chance he gets. 

It was really cool to get more backstory on the Morgaines, and learn more about their role in this whole conflict. Everything at the auction was crazy and I’m definitely curious to see what happens when we get back to Ava in the future. 

Erebus is a very interesting character and I felt like I had so many different feelings toward him as I read. Does he care about Bree? Is he using her? For what? Of course by the end I had my answer, but it was really interesting to see his different interactions with Bree, Sel and the twins. 

The ending was very exciting and things are definitely going to continue spiralling! I don’t know how long we’re going to have to wait for the next book but omg I need it! 

House of Earth and Blood (2 of 2) [Dramatized Adaptation] by Sarah J. Maas

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced

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

5.0

Ok I freaking love this version of HOEAB. I felt so connected to the characters and plot and I could picture everything so clearly as I was reading. 

I cried so hard—at least as much as I did the first time I read it— and I just love how much this book makes me feel. 

I love all of the characters, and I feel like I understand for what and whom, and why they’re fighting. 

Love love love. 

Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

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

5.0

This was an amazing continuation from Legendborn — Deonn did a wonderful job of continuing the story and making it engaging, purposeful and full. 

I loved (and hated, but in a loving way) how we got to see Bree go through so many struggles to figure out what she needed to by the end of the book. It was hard at times, but it was real, and that felt so important. 

I think it was so important and powerful that Sel did not push when they got to Volition. As Bree noted, it wouldn’t have been out of character for him to want to use his power, but I really appreciated that he respected the land and the people that he walked upon.

So much happened with Bree, Nick, and Sel. I love that they all get comfort and safety from one another. However, I’m going to go ahead and say that my hope is that Bree chooses Sel. I do think it’s really interesting that the three of them need to grapple with the feelings of their ancestors as they try to unravel how they all feel. I’ll be very curious to see how this continues to develop!

I NEED to know what’s going to happen with Sel now that he’s succumbing. Is this something the Order is making happen? Can his mother help? The people (me!) need to know!

Legendborn by Tracy Deonn

adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-paced

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

5.0

I absolutely loved this book. I can’t believe I hadn’t heard about it until recently! 

Tracy Deonn is such a gorgeous writer. I love the way she blended so many different elements (which she discusses at the end of the book) to create her own unique reimagining of a modern King Arthur. The magic system(s) are so complex and interesting, and I loved getting to learn along the way with Bree.

The way that Bree has to deal with her grief and trauma is explored so impactfully. I loved how Deonn took her time and let Bree process what happened and come to terms with her reality. 

Deonn also brings in discussions of slavery and ongoing racism through the story’s setting, the history of some of the characters, and the treatment of Bree (and others). 

And of course, the supporting characters. There are so many that I felt connected to!

There are so many different layers to this book. This is one I would love to read again. And as a high school English teacher, I will be making sure this series is in our library and in my classroom. 

House of Earth and Blood (1 of 2) [Dramatized Adaptation] by Sarah J. Maas

adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious sad tense medium-paced

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

5.0

Loved the graphic audio for my re-read! Even though it’s just the beginning of the beginning of the series, I was still hooked. I loved getting to hear Bryce & Hunt’s banter. Definitely recommend this version!

Blood of Hercules by Jasmine Mas

adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious tense medium-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? Yes

4.5

We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer

dark mysterious tense medium-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? Yes

5.0

This book is incredible. Eve is such a relatable protagonist and the way Kliewer built her character works so well with the plot. 

I’m scared I’m unsettled I’m obsessed.