fatedhearts_lorilee's reviews
215 reviews

Hungerstone by Kat Dunn

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes

4.5

I received this book as an e-arc, courtesy of NetGalley & Zando -- thank you so much for the opportunity to read this gothic historical fiction retelling of Carmilla. It's absolutely gorgeous!

I first wanted to read this when I saw it described as a Carmilla retelling. I read Carmilla in university for my BA, and I was so excited to see how it would be interpreted. Kat did an amazing job of telling a new story, and conveying allll the female rage, which of course, I'm always here for.

I love Kat Dunn's prose. She uses such gorgeous language to tell Lenore's story. The gothic atmosphere is developed so well, and there's so much anticipation, tension and uncertainty. Kat uses so many different elements to make this story so interesting and enthralling: the backdrop of the industrial revolution, the high-stakes maintenance of both Lenore's house and her husband, the odd dreams that Lenore has, the role of Cora... it all works so well!

As the story progressed, I thought a couple of times about A Dowry of Blood, which I recently read and loved. I think that if you loved Dowry, you'll probably love Hungerstone!

"To be a woman is a horror I can little comprehend."

Sabotage by Shantel Tessier

dark emotional tense fast-paced

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

4.25

Phantom by H.D. Carlton

medium-paced

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

4.0

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

adventurous dark emotional 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

That Sik Luv by Jescie Hall

adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.25

This was a very well narrated audiobook by both Joe Arden and Desiree Ketchum. I love the duet style narration so much! 

I loved how the relationship between Briony and Aero developed, and how they both helped each other come to terms with things that had happened to them in their pasts. Aero does not want to hold Briony back, and he revels in her power. 

This book definitely has dark themes and people should check their triggers because I’ve seen lots of complaints about things that should’ve been obvious prior to reading. If you don’t like dark romance, don’t dnf and/or give it a bad rating! It drives me crazy. 

Anyway, Aero is the dark, possessive, stalker that we all want… right?? He’s definitely a little bit insane but in a good way. 

Iron & Embers by Helen Scheuerer

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced

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

5.0

Thank you to Helen Scheuerer for giving me the chance to read an e-arc of Iron & Embers! I’ve been obsessed with Legends of Thezmarr and have been dying to read this next series!

I loved being back in the world of Thezmarr, and branching out to new places with Wren. We get to keep some of my favourite characters from Legends, and get to know some new ones as Wren goes on the next stage of her journey. 

It was so fun to get to know Wren better, and to see how she grew throughout the novel. She starts out with seemingly impenetrable walls built up, but slowly learns that she can still be strong while letting others in. 

Torj is absolutely an incredible book boyfriend and MMC. I loved getting to see his POV as he completed his assignment. I love how he stands up for Cal when he sees that his former apprentice needs someone. He is powerful and intense and focused on his job, but he cares for the people around him. 

I can’t believe the ending, and I am absolutely devastated.  Thank god there’s more to come, because Helen really managed to rip my heart out this time!

Iron Flame (2 of 2) [Dramatized Adaptation] by Rebecca Yarros

adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

The audio is fantastic. The main issue is still Violet and her issues that she very much needs to get over. Yes at times Xaden needs to stop making her ask the right questions but like be for real and figure it out girl. 

Iron Flame (1 of 2) [Dramatized Adaptation] by Rebecca Yarros

adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

The graphic audio is fantastic! I’m super invested in the story, even on the reread. Violet is super annoying though and she needs to get over herself. 

House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland

adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book had me hooked and thoroughly creeped out right from the first page! 

There’s clearly *something* going on with the Hollow sisters, but it’s mysterious and you have to wait to find out exactly what it is, which I loved. The book had fantastic (and unsettling) detail as the sisters try to figure out what is going on. 

I loved how Sutherland led us along the journey, keeping us in the dark, and revealing things that let you start to make predictions about what happened to the sisters when they disappeared ten years ago. 

Tyler was a hilarious character, who I grew to love! 

The sisters, while similarly beautiful and somewhat disturbing, all have their own unique personalities and ways that they try to navigate the world. 

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes an unsettling somewhat paranormal mystery and a strong sister bond. 

Fourth Wing (Part 2 of 2) [Dramatized Adaptation] by Rebecca Yarros

adventurous emotional mysterious sad 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

Loving the graphic audio so much! It really brings the characters to life. 

I hate

Dain

even more than I did the first time around and I love

Xaden

even more! 

Hearing “It’s been. My honor.” had me sobbing. That one does not hurt any less the second time around.