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flowergrove's reviews
90 reviews
Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick
Major Spoilers!
But the one saving grace of this book is, obviously Patch! The problem...hes never there! The novel is in Nora's POV, and they are going through a break for most of the book, so Patch is rarely there. And when he is there he's being super secretive and not talking a lot. We did get a period of time when Nora was being petty towards Patch which I thought was the best part of the book. That one instance of Patch threatening Scott
B-E-A-UTIFUL! QUOTE- Scott tried to get his bearings, but Patch slammed him against the wall again, disorienting him further. "Touch her," he said in Scott's ear, his voice low and threatening, "and it'll be the biggest regret of your life."- That was wild, but it didn't last long enough for me. Then in the next instance Nora is going down another plot filled 10 page arch and it was just confusing.
I think I will pick up the third book at some point. There are a lot of good reviews for the third one so hopefully this was just a weird bump in the road. I don't think this is a bad book, just in comparison to the first it doesn't hold up for me. Fingers crossed for the third.
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
The first 100 pages of the book felt like hush,hush and made me excited to continue. But as the book went on I felt myself reading it just to finish it, not for the story. I really liked hush,hush and though the plot twists were placed in a way that would make you want to read more. For some reason in Crescendo everything seemed super rushed. I though the twists that came in throughout the book were slightly predictable, but not in a satisfying way. Half way through I found myself getting confused a lot. Obviously with a name like crescendo there is going to be a lot happening, but the reader never gets to understand why things 'truly' happen.
I really liked Nora's relationship with Vee in the first book and even thought Vee was a super fun character to have in scenes. But in Crescendo I feel like she became more of an afterthought and a lot of her conversations felt forced. Also I seemed to notice a trend of boys ending up in girls bathrooms in this series. I wonder if this will happen in every book lol.
Major Spoilers!
But the one saving grace of this book is, obviously Patch! The problem...hes never there! The novel is in Nora's POV, and they are going through a break for most of the book, so Patch is rarely there. And when he is there he's being super secretive and not talking a lot. We did get a period of time when Nora was being petty towards Patch which I thought was the best part of the book. That one instance of Patch threatening Scott
B-E-A-UTIFUL! QUOTE- Scott tried to get his bearings, but Patch slammed him against the wall again, disorienting him further. "Touch her," he said in Scott's ear, his voice low and threatening, "and it'll be the biggest regret of your life."- That was wild, but it didn't last long enough for me. Then in the next instance Nora is going down another plot filled 10 page arch and it was just confusing.
I think I will pick up the third book at some point. There are a lot of good reviews for the third one so hopefully this was just a weird bump in the road. I don't think this is a bad book, just in comparison to the first it doesn't hold up for me. Fingers crossed for the third.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia
Minor: Toxic relationship
Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Sweet Peril by Wendy Higgins
Major Spoilers!
This book gets super steamy at a couple points and very wild when it came to drinking. I found myself rooting for Anna to just go crazy and I know that's bad, but I would love to see how she dealt with the release of just letting go. And the aftermath that she would have to face. There's a part of me that's super annoyed with the waiting until marriage narrative that Anna is living through. But I also understand that is what creates a lot of the tension between Anna and Kaidan.
I wish that Anna was slightly more into Kope when they entered the love triangle, but I also liked that she clearly loved Kaidan the entire time. When I found out that Kope had half lust a his sin I freaked! It's just a beautiful combination and the turmoil.. MWAH! Beautiful, delectable. And then at the end when Kai and Kope nearly like KILL each other on the boat that was great! Also I'm so happy for Kope and I hope he ends up with Z!
Speaking about Zania a beautiful character with complex issues, yes yes yes. And we're first letter sister I'm into it. I hope that she'll be able to push past her alcoholism. i think that was a beautifully made comparison of sin and its effects between Z and Anna.
Now don't even get me started on Blake! Last book when we were first introduced to him I really like him. He didn't seem like an asshole, which I expected from his sin. He made a great friend in Anna and I love to see the way they interact. There's no sexual chemistry at all rather there seems to be a deep connection. Then immediately after reading the scene when Kai and Kope had to leave to pick up Z here's what I had to say:
"I love Blake, hes one of my favorite characters! He's so sweet and he's so nice. He took Anna dancing and partying, and allowed her to have fun but still limit herself. And then tucked her into bed, BEST FRIEND. I love it!" I can only hope the best for Blake and if anything happens to him I'm going to riot.
At the end of the book when they were in the water underneath the dock. he description allowed me to feel and see the scene. It was an action scene without having direct action. No one was fighting but I think it definitely was a tipping point for violence in the story. My heart hurts for Flynn.
I'm already reading the third and sadly last novel in the trilogy, excluding Kaidan's POV that is the fourth book. So I am guessing if Kai and Anna do have sex that the hilt will not be effected. Personally I do not think having sex before marriage makes you not pure or unworthy of anything and I really hope that is the narrative that Wendy Higgins ends up promoting.
funny
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
The transformation we watch Anna go under is amazing! At the beginning of the first novel we see her as rule obeying (almost obsessive) nerd, to the beginning of this novel where she needs to face the actions and consequences of working.
The characters introduced in this novel are amazing and relatable. While the characters that we get to see more of are being fully developed. If you've already read the book or don't care about huge spoilers click on my Major Spoilers! section to see my rant about Blake.
Minor Spoilers
Personally I love her transformation into working Anna. She seems more powerful and more combined with who she is. I feel that for most of life the Angel side of her got to rule what she did and how she acted. While now in Sweet Peril we finally get to see her Demon's side influence. I also LOVE that she cut her hair off, the physical transformation of her turning into a "party girl" seems so fun! It reads like a transformation seen in a movie and it's one of my favorite parts of the series.
The characters introduced in this novel are amazing and relatable. While the characters that we get to see more of are being fully developed. If you've already read the book or don't care about huge spoilers click on my Major Spoilers! section to see my rant about Blake.
Minor Spoilers
Personally I love her transformation into working Anna. She seems more powerful and more combined with who she is. I feel that for most of life the Angel side of her got to rule what she did and how she acted. While now in Sweet Peril we finally get to see her Demon's side influence. I also LOVE that she cut her hair off, the physical transformation of her turning into a "party girl" seems so fun! It reads like a transformation seen in a movie and it's one of my favorite parts of the series.
Major Spoilers!
This book gets super steamy at a couple points and very wild when it came to drinking. I found myself rooting for Anna to just go crazy and I know that's bad, but I would love to see how she dealt with the release of just letting go. And the aftermath that she would have to face. There's a part of me that's super annoyed with the waiting until marriage narrative that Anna is living through. But I also understand that is what creates a lot of the tension between Anna and Kaidan.
I wish that Anna was slightly more into Kope when they entered the love triangle, but I also liked that she clearly loved Kaidan the entire time. When I found out that Kope had half lust a his sin I freaked! It's just a beautiful combination and the turmoil.. MWAH! Beautiful, delectable. And then at the end when Kai and Kope nearly like KILL each other on the boat that was great! Also I'm so happy for Kope and I hope he ends up with Z!
Speaking about Zania a beautiful character with complex issues, yes yes yes. And we're first letter sister I'm into it. I hope that she'll be able to push past her alcoholism. i think that was a beautifully made comparison of sin and its effects between Z and Anna.
Now don't even get me started on Blake! Last book when we were first introduced to him I really like him. He didn't seem like an asshole, which I expected from his sin. He made a great friend in Anna and I love to see the way they interact. There's no sexual chemistry at all rather there seems to be a deep connection. Then immediately after reading the scene when Kai and Kope had to leave to pick up Z here's what I had to say:
"I love Blake, hes one of my favorite characters! He's so sweet and he's so nice. He took Anna dancing and partying, and allowed her to have fun but still limit herself. And then tucked her into bed, BEST FRIEND. I love it!" I can only hope the best for Blake and if anything happens to him I'm going to riot.
At the end of the book when they were in the water underneath the dock. he description allowed me to feel and see the scene. It was an action scene without having direct action. No one was fighting but I think it definitely was a tipping point for violence in the story. My heart hurts for Flynn.
I'm already reading the third and sadly last novel in the trilogy, excluding Kaidan's POV that is the fourth book. So I am guessing if Kai and Anna do have sex that the hilt will not be effected. Personally I do not think having sex before marriage makes you not pure or unworthy of anything and I really hope that is the narrative that Wendy Higgins ends up promoting.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism
Moderate: Misogyny
Minor: Physical abuse and Trafficking
Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins
What I absolute loved about this book is that there was no big villain to defeat. After learning of the circumstances that stand between Angles, Demons and Humans, Anna goes on a road trip. Fun! We get to see her interact with her peers and her friends instead of defeating a huge evil that only "she had the power to defeat".
The main character Anna is beautifully developed. There is plenty characterization to truly flesh her out as a person, but still allowed for the reader to slightly project themselves onto her. (One thing that I absolutely love about her physical description is that we're upper-lip freckle twins.) I think she was super fun to follow around and watch the world unfold from her POV. This book gets steamy in a couple areas and I thought it was a perfect amount for the story. Her mother Patti is super friendly and Jay her best friend is super genuine. Wendy Higgins makes it very easy to fall in love with the characters in her stories.
Kaidan one of the main characters is just another example of that. He's super fun, definitely flirty and complex. He's not one note as some would expect him to be and I like to see how he deals with his inner conflicts. A definite love-able character. I also really liked Veronica! I love how Wendy Higgins incorporated her into the story and into Anna 's life.
Minor Spoilers I've seen many people critique the use of love in the novel. Mostly saying that she finds love for Kaidan too soon. But if anyone has ever gone on a road trip with one of their crushes across country they'll know feelings develop quite quickly. Especially when sharing very similar circumstances and pressures placed onto them. As it is much easier to create a bond with someone when you share something in common.
Major Spoilers!
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I had a very bad case of good-girl syndrome.
What I absolute loved about this book is that there was no big villain to defeat. After learning of the circumstances that stand between Angles, Demons and Humans, Anna goes on a road trip. Fun! We get to see her interact with her peers and her friends instead of defeating a huge evil that only "she had the power to defeat".
The main character Anna is beautifully developed. There is plenty characterization to truly flesh her out as a person, but still allowed for the reader to slightly project themselves onto her. (One thing that I absolutely love about her physical description is that we're upper-lip freckle twins.) I think she was super fun to follow around and watch the world unfold from her POV. This book gets steamy in a couple areas and I thought it was a perfect amount for the story. Her mother Patti is super friendly and Jay her best friend is super genuine. Wendy Higgins makes it very easy to fall in love with the characters in her stories.
Kaidan one of the main characters is just another example of that. He's super fun, definitely flirty and complex. He's not one note as some would expect him to be and I like to see how he deals with his inner conflicts. A definite love-able character. I also really liked Veronica! I love how Wendy Higgins incorporated her into the story and into Anna 's life.
I feel excited at the initial thought of him, and then sad.
I thought this quote was so beautiful. I think this really covers how someone feels after a serious breakup with someone. And its not directly connected to dating anyone but just a strong bond. Especially close friends.
I find it hard to categorize this novel. While it definitely has romance in it, the novel is not encompassed by that aspect. Instead it follows Anna and her feelings. I'm very glad that I got into this series.
Minor Spoilers
Major Spoilers!
The way that Kaidan stops himself from his sin is incredible because if you think about it Anna would never! She literally goes crazy anytime she's near drugs and this girl is practically jumping on Kaidan. It shows how truly strong and in control of himself that he truly is, even if he doesn't think of himself a strong.
- My review for the second novel is up if you would like to look at that as well.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction and Alcoholism
Moderate: Emotional abuse
Minor: Body shaming, Child abuse, Eating disorder, and Death of parent
A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer
Oh my god! I just finished this book not even five minutes ago and I'm in shock! This book is amazing!
Mixed with my school readings, this book has been on my mind constantly. Sometimes I would feel myself forgetting what happened in the book after not picking it up for a day and then IMMEDIATELY re-immersed into the story. 10/10 a great book to just have a good read.
I almost feel the immediate need to re-read it or immediately read the sequel. But I feel I should let it settle and sink in. *Enter me watching YouTube reviews to not immediately start reading the next book. But I really want more too.
I LOVE the way that Harper developed. I feel like I watched her turn into a woman. It felt very natural and not rushed at all. Depictions of the scenes were super immersive most of the time I felt I was watching a movie. A very well directed movie! All of the charters were developed amazingly and were really intriguing. I love that Harper also gained a friend in Zo, I'm rooting for her!
The following will have *MAJOR spoilers*
I'm so in love with Grey! His character is phenomenal. The way the author worked her way into a love triangle was perfect. I've never seen such subtle controversy before. When I say I love his character!!! OMG! I think I truly fell in love with him at the city when he came out from behind Harper to protect her from the attacking man. And totally cut his hand off. Immaculate.
And then the END are you kidding me?! I sort of guessed it half way through when Lilith was mentioning an heir. But only as a joke! I'm so in love with Grey and the ending hurt my heart but also makes me super worried that he'll turn into someone I don't like. Also-Also I loved that Harper didn't fall in love with Rhen I know that sounds so mean but its true! I think it just adds so much to her character.
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I think you get cards, and you play them, but then you get more cards. I don't think it's all predestined from the beginning.
This is the lethal swordsman who kidnapped me. This is the scariest Grey of all.
Oh my god! I just finished this book not even five minutes ago and I'm in shock! This book is amazing!
Mixed with my school readings, this book has been on my mind constantly. Sometimes I would feel myself forgetting what happened in the book after not picking it up for a day and then IMMEDIATELY re-immersed into the story. 10/10 a great book to just have a good read.
I almost feel the immediate need to re-read it or immediately read the sequel. But I feel I should let it settle and sink in. *Enter me watching YouTube reviews to not immediately start reading the next book. But I really want more too.
Slight Spoilers
The following will have *MAJOR spoilers*
And then the END are you kidding me?! I sort of guessed it half way through when Lilith was mentioning an heir. But only as a joke! I'm so in love with Grey and the ending hurt my heart but also makes me super worried that he'll turn into someone I don't like. Also-Also I loved that Harper didn't fall in love with Rhen I know that sounds so mean but its true! I think it just adds so much to her character.
But I'm still excited and hopeful for the next book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Medical content, Kidnapping, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Gun violence
Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
This book in every way is a YA novel, so if that's not your thing you will probably not enjoy it as much. I don't think its meant to be taken too seriously. Its a light hearted romance with mystery woven in and I can't wait to pick up the next one.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
After being in a slight reading slump I decided to use a random choice generator to choose my next book to read. Luckily, this bad boy showed up as the first choice. I found myself talking at the pages and physically reacting to things happening. As well as audibly laughing at some parts.
I feel half of the reviews for this book call it either extremely slow or incredibly fast. for me it definitely was a page turner! I started to read hush, hush last night and finished it tonight. Every time I turned a page something new and exciting or something funny was happening. I found myself loving most of the characters too. Nora, Patch and Vee all had something I could connect to. Patch is a pretty great character, he's someone that truly feels 3d. Vee feels like a funny friend that I could have at school and Nora, unlike some other leading ladies, is developed enough to hold her own form. Instead of just existing as a projection of the reader.
I feel half of the reviews for this book call it either extremely slow or incredibly fast. for me it definitely was a page turner! I started to read hush, hush last night and finished it tonight. Every time I turned a page something new and exciting or something funny was happening. I found myself loving most of the characters too. Nora, Patch and Vee all had something I could connect to. Patch is a pretty great character, he's someone that truly feels 3d. Vee feels like a funny friend that I could have at school and Nora, unlike some other leading ladies, is developed enough to hold her own form. Instead of just existing as a projection of the reader.
This book in every way is a YA novel, so if that's not your thing you will probably not enjoy it as much. I don't think its meant to be taken too seriously. Its a light hearted romance with mystery woven in and I can't wait to pick up the next one.
Waiting for the Barbarians by J.M. Coetzee
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Read this for an English course. An easy read, short novel. Coetzee writes so that every sentence has meaning. (Even if it doesn't.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Rape, Torture, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Misogyny
Minor: Pedophilia and Trafficking
Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
adventurous
challenging
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This book delves into a new world, that feels like we've all been to it before. A tale we've all read before but retold with a couple new ideas. It sets racial issues in a tone and genre that is "comfortable and consumable". (Especially for younger people.) It also allows the reader room to update preconceived concepts of their own privileges. While also giving a interesting story with a crazy ending plot twist.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
Minor: Child death and Death
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