frozel's reviews
351 reviews

Heartstopper Volume 5 by Alice Oseman

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emotional hopeful medium-paced
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This was cute, but I have a one main gripe,  Nick and Charlie’s codependency. It’s such a huge part of their storyline, one could argue it’s a third member in their relationship. I get it that this is part of their character and relationship development, but it still rubs me the wrong way. I will say that codependency is something I’m not much of a fan of in general. I acknowledge that they’re still so young and albeit slowly, Nick and Charlie continue to grow together in this volume. 

The surrounding cast of characters were a pleasure to observe once again. I would love to get more about Elle and Tao, even if it was just a novella. I’m really going to miss the “Paris Squad” as this is the Ill-fated penultimate volume in the series. I don’t know what I will do when volume six comes, but one thing I do know, is that I will still love Nick and Charlie.
Silver Under Nightfall by Rin Chupeco

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4.0

I still love this story a lot but it's getting a 4 this time around. I'm not sure if it's because of the reading block I've been in or what.  ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Ghost Station by S.A. Barnes

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3.0

S.A. Barnes’ Ghost Station was a highly anticipated release of 2024, so it was a shock to realize that it ultimately falls flat.

Throughout my time reading this, I felt heavy Prometheus (2012) vibes, which is a film that I love. Despite this, Ghost Station fails to be as sickening as Prometheus.  Ophelia’s [the main character] struggle handling and overcoming her trauma somehow was simultaneously interesting and lackluster at the same time. I have no clue why this was the case, but this sentiment carries over to the cast of characters and the world-building as well. Regarding the plot, I’m unsure if it just didn’t click with me or if it was Barnes’ writing. I’ve never read from them before and I don’t think I will return.

Ultimately, despite the similar Prometheus (2012) vibes and the interesting premise, everything about this book falls flat.

Rating: 3/5
Solo Leveling, Vol. 5 by Chugong

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adventurous fast-paced

5.0

I NEED VOLUME 6 NOWWWWWWWWW
Solo Leveling, Vol. 4 by Chugong

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adventurous fast-paced

4.5

This was fireeeeeee. Somehow, every volume I read sucks me in more than the previous one. 
Covenant, Vol. 1 by explodikid, LySandra Vuong

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adventurous fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
LySandra Vuong's "Covenant" delves into a world where the lines between faith and demons blur. Ezra, a disillusioned exorcist, finds his convictions tested when he must protect Sunny, a seemingly ordinary human with a shadowed past. Despite their clashes – Ezra's sarcasm versus Sunny's aloof nature – an undeniable attraction crackles between them. As otherworldly threats close in, will Ezra's waning faith be enough for Sunny's salvation, and can Sunny learn to accept help?

Even as a non-religious reader, I found myself thoroughly enjoying "Covenant". Ezra, Samson, Sunny, and the supporting characters are each vibrant and intriguing, making me eager to unravel their stories.  A compelling mix of supernatural action, a slow-burning queer romance, and stunning artwork makes this a thrilling read. If you enjoy tales of angels, demons, and those caught between, "Covenant" is a captivating journey.

My Rating: 4/5 stars
The Mist by Stephen King

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fast-paced
  • Loveable characters? No

3.5

Stephen King’s The Mist is a bit underwhelming, but still good enough to warrant a 3.5/5 rating.
Eldest by Christopher Paolini

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adventurous medium-paced
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Woop, Woop! I finally got to read this after so many years of wanting to do so. I will say that my feelings about Eldest are very much similar to that of Eragon. The two are structured similar, if not the exact same (at least it feels like it). While reading both, I felt like I was endlessly waiting for something momentous or exciting to happen only for the meat of the action to arrive in the third act. Don’t get me wrong, I did enjoy most of the journey from beginning to end, but I can’t deny that I felt something amiss with Eldest just as with Eragon. This is definitely something I’ll have to think over as I eventually dive into Brisingr.

Additional Notes:
I don’t care for Nasuada, Roran or Orik. I also despise the incessant love eyes and moves Eragon tries to pull on Arya despite her rejecting him time and time again. No means no. It didn’t just start meaning as such in recent times. 
Solo Leveling, Vol. 3 by Chugong

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adventurous fast-paced

4.5

Holy shit… this volume was sick!!! I did have my worries that this story would become boring / monotonous due to Sung Jinwoo’s unrelenting ability to gain power and inability to be defeated, BUT they weren’t proven (yet at least). The twist that comes at the end had me screaming and shouting from the rooftops. I’m really interested in where this story goes. I just hope there’s more depth and dynamic to the story as things progress. I still hold my reservations about OP characters in stories.