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gattolino_nn's reviews
566 reviews
House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Original Read 4 ★
This was a reread for me and honestly it didn't hold up as I imagine.
I found that I started disliking Hunt and Bryce's relationship in this book. For the most part I felt like it didn't work or was forced, which was a surprised to me as I liked it when I originally read this book.
With the exception of the relationship and Hunt annoying me for parts of the book, I really liked the story that was written. Whilst this is meant to be a romance book as well i found that I much preferred the moments without. The mystery didn't hit as hard this time around as I knew what was happening but it still held up and was what kept me going. The side characters are also strong in this series and I'm happy that we get more POVs in Sky and Breath.
I do find it interesting how much an opinion can change between rereads. I remember very much enjoying this book but it was just a different experience the next time around.
This was a reread for me and honestly it didn't hold up as I imagine.
I found that I started disliking Hunt and Bryce's relationship in this book. For the most part I felt like it didn't work or was forced, which was a surprised to me as I liked it when I originally read this book.
With the exception of the relationship and Hunt annoying me for parts of the book, I really liked the story that was written. Whilst this is meant to be a romance book as well i found that I much preferred the moments without. The mystery didn't hit as hard this time around as I knew what was happening but it still held up and was what kept me going. The side characters are also strong in this series and I'm happy that we get more POVs in Sky and Breath.
I do find it interesting how much an opinion can change between rereads. I remember very much enjoying this book but it was just a different experience the next time around.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Drug use and Alcohol
Cuddles & Coffee by Ellis Leigh
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
I really liked the series but felt like each of the three books almost felt like a copy and paste of each other. They were fun reads but very vey similar and having them in a bind up really highlights this. I would have like different conflicts or at least not so similar to one another when it comes to this series.
In saying that I thought the stories were still mainly cute and I will always have a soft spot for the age gap romances. The people MCs are all different from one another but the FMC were similar, not sure if it is because they are all from the same family or not.
I will still continue with the series but I hope we can get different kinds of conflicts for the next trilogy and have more diversity in the FMC personalities.
In saying that I thought the stories were still mainly cute and I will always have a soft spot for the age gap romances. The people MCs are all different from one another but the FMC were similar, not sure if it is because they are all from the same family or not.
I will still continue with the series but I hope we can get different kinds of conflicts for the next trilogy and have more diversity in the FMC personalities.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Sexual harassment
The Orc from the Office by Kate Prior
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was just a fun read. Everything about it made me giggle and just enjoy the experience. I was happy to seem a smart Orc since so much pop culture has them as dumb, epically coming from the D&D space.
It was a fun quick read that makes me want to look into the others in the series and if you are interested I recommend giving it a go yourself.
It was a fun quick read that makes me want to look into the others in the series and if you are interested I recommend giving it a go yourself.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Blood
Anything But Fine by Tobias Madden
emotional
inspiring
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? It's complicated
4.5
This was a wonderful book to read. I loved the characters, the journey and how it ended; although I was concerned it was going to go another way so I'm happy it ended how it did.
I thought it was really well paced and hit on a lot of topics that people can feel and go through no matter their age, I believe the author after finishing the book wondered if he just wrote about his situation, because of that I think a lot of people can take something away from this.
A small thing but, I am so happy with how the father was written in this story. A lot of books like to make parents unapproachable or useless when I was a teen but in recent years parents in books have been written so much better.
I thought it was really well paced and hit on a lot of topics that people can feel and go through no matter their age, I believe the author after finishing the book wondered if he just wrote about his situation, because of that I think a lot of people can take something away from this.
A small thing but, I am so happy with how the father was written in this story. A lot of books like to make parents unapproachable or useless when I was a teen but in recent years parents in books have been written so much better.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Homophobia, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death of parent and Toxic friendship
Minor: Xenophobia
Lore Olympus: Volume Two by Rachel Smythe
dark
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Rachel Smythe does a really good job of taking myths and adjusting them into her own world. There is the obvious Hades and Persephone myth that we follow, but on top of that myth there are smaller myths sprinkled in and mentioned that makes everything feel more alive, but at the same time Rachel Smythe is creating new moments and conflicts that were never in a myth.
Speaking of conflicts, this volume does a lot to setting up for upcoming conflicts for the following volumes. There's also a lot of staple moments and personalities of characters that have been introduced in this volume and I can't wait to see how these personalities and characterisations grow over the volumes.
I liked the series but there isn't much more I can say. There was a lot of set up and the beginnings of Persephone dealing with what Apollo had done to her in the first book, so whilst a bit did happen we are still waiting for the fruits of what has been sown. In saying that if you know some of the Greek myths you can guess where these volumes may go or some future conflicts.
Speaking of conflicts, this volume does a lot to setting up for upcoming conflicts for the following volumes. There's also a lot of staple moments and personalities of characters that have been introduced in this volume and I can't wait to see how these personalities and characterisations grow over the volumes.
I liked the series but there isn't much more I can say. There was a lot of set up and the beginnings of Persephone dealing with what Apollo had done to her in the first book, so whilst a bit did happen we are still waiting for the fruits of what has been sown. In saying that if you know some of the Greek myths you can guess where these volumes may go or some future conflicts.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse
Moderate: Rape and Sexual harassment
Bad Breakup by Elise Faber
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I thought Cecelia and Colin were a fun couple. Once we got past the first introduction between them, were Colin does come off a bit aggressive for my tastes, the two have a pretty fun and lighthearted relationship for the most part. There is still the much needed serious moments where the two of them to bond and trust one another again, but it is not bogging down the book making it too serious for a fun romance read.
Whilst I did really enjoy the book I thought the conflict that was the whole reason this is a second chance romance, was not really confronted. It was addressed but it felt very fast and brushed to the side in the overall story. The story is mainly about Cecelia and Colin connecting again but it didn't feel satisfying when the issue was finally resolved. I wanted the two of them to confront it in a way that felt like the two of them had grown and we could see it, not just hear it.
Overall I am enjoying the series and this book did the job of entraining me and being a fun read. I think the next book is going to be fun if the epilogue of this book is anything to go by.
Whilst I did really enjoy the book I thought the conflict that was the whole reason this is a second chance romance, was not really confronted. It was addressed but it felt very fast and brushed to the side in the overall story. The story is mainly about Cecelia and Colin connecting again but it didn't feel satisfying when the issue was finally resolved. I wanted the two of them to confront it in a way that felt like the two of them had grown and we could see it, not just hear it.
Overall I am enjoying the series and this book did the job of entraining me and being a fun read. I think the next book is going to be fun if the epilogue of this book is anything to go by.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Emotional abuse
We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal
adventurous
challenging
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? It's complicated
4.0
I first read this book back in 2020 and now I'm finally rereading so I can get read the sequel and finish this duology.
I thought this was a good read. The dual POV highlighted the emotions of both Zafira and Nasir and what they are dealing with throughout the book. I loved the world that are we in and how everywhere is different from one another, and shows the impact of magic with how it impacted the environment. It makes for a fantastical world placing a juxtaposition on the environment and the people. It all sounds magical but here are the ordinary people with no magic coping with what they have. Most people have forgotten about magic or don't believe it ever existed.
I thought the introduction of Benyamin and Kifah could have been done better. The group didn't feel like they really meshed and worked well together despite the book trying to make it out like they have bonded towards the end of their journey. This was the one area that I thought could have been improved. In saying that I thought Zafira, Nasir and Altair had good relationships and interesting dynamics but the other two felt underutilised.
Making up for it is the lore of the world and the plot of the book. These were highlights and very well done. The plot was also gripping and interesting throughout most of the book an not just in the last third coming up to the final climax. The twists and reveals were really well done and has you wondering what will happen in the next book. It leaves off on a slight cliff hanger, but really the excitement comes from the unknown for these characters after they have decided to throw off their vail and embrace change.
I am excited to see what We Free the Stars does with these characters.
I thought this was a good read. The dual POV highlighted the emotions of both Zafira and Nasir and what they are dealing with throughout the book. I loved the world that are we in and how everywhere is different from one another, and shows the impact of magic with how it impacted the environment. It makes for a fantastical world placing a juxtaposition on the environment and the people. It all sounds magical but here are the ordinary people with no magic coping with what they have. Most people have forgotten about magic or don't believe it ever existed.
I thought the introduction of Benyamin and Kifah could have been done better. The group didn't feel like they really meshed and worked well together despite the book trying to make it out like they have bonded towards the end of their journey. This was the one area that I thought could have been improved. In saying that I thought Zafira, Nasir and Altair had good relationships and interesting dynamics but the other two felt underutilised.
Making up for it is the lore of the world and the plot of the book. These were highlights and very well done. The plot was also gripping and interesting throughout most of the book an not just in the last third coming up to the final climax. The twists and reveals were really well done and has you wondering what will happen in the next book. It leaves off on a slight cliff hanger, but really the excitement comes from the unknown for these characters after they have decided to throw off their vail and embrace change.
I am excited to see what We Free the Stars does with these characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexism, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Child abuse and Death of parent
The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I thought this was a different way of ending the series. Going into the book, the other two books whilst feeling different were more tied together in their political drama angle of the book. This felt different to as it was less focused on the political aspect, and more on the fantastical areas. This lead to what felt like it went pretty fast read once we got back in the world of Faerie.
Whilst I would have liked more political drama in this book, I think this fantastical view fits much better as anything more political might have felt too much like the second book. I still had a lot of fun with this book and thought it still had solid characters and interactions that drew me into the series to begin with. I could also see how the ending ties into the the spin off series around Oak. I thought it was fun to see. I really liked how everything was wrapped up and it felt like a happy ending but also a realistic one for this world.
I can see why people didn't want to leave this world once they finished the series. It has just been a lot of fun reading and following these characters.
Whilst I would have liked more political drama in this book, I think this fantastical view fits much better as anything more political might have felt too much like the second book. I still had a lot of fun with this book and thought it still had solid characters and interactions that drew me into the series to begin with. I could also see how the ending ties into the the spin off series around Oak. I thought it was fun to see. I really liked how everything was wrapped up and it felt like a happy ending but also a realistic one for this world.
I can see why people didn't want to leave this world once they finished the series. It has just been a lot of fun reading and following these characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Pregnancy and War
Minor: Infidelity and Sexual content
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
slow-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
4.0
I thought this was really strong in the world building as well as setting up and introducing the readers to the overall conflicts that are driving the series as a whole. I think this book really focuses on betrayal and how it can come from different people in our lives and present itself in actions we take or don't take, and how people can try and repairs that relationships.
With this as the main focus of our story we do get a handful of miscommunication/mistrust between Violet and Xaden that was hard to get through and I know a few people had issues with this. I found it felt like for the whole 27+ hours I was listening these two took one step forward and two steps back, making the readers reread events that felt like it already happened or was similar enough to previous events that we lose interest. Whilst Violet and Xaden's relationship might have fallen a but in this story I think Rebecca Yarros did a really good job with the side characters and developing most of them and their relationships with Violet. I thought this was the strongest part of the book and keeps you interested to see what is happening next.
The overall conflicts in the story and the ending were good. I think the ending was interesting as to see how it plays out in the long run or if this is going to be one of those issues where everything is magically fixed. Given Rebecca Yarros has not shied away from breaking hearts and having consequences I think it will be an interesting to see hoe this will develop. The conflicts where fine across the book. The major conflict at the end was gripping and exciting but the conflict with Catriona I could do without as It doesn't feel like it really adds to the story for the most part.
Overall I think this was a good read and having listened to it on audio I think the pacing that others had issues with was less prominent. It does feel like it had some issues for the most part I didn't notice that critique. Overall I enjoyed the characters and the friendships particularly where a highlight of this book.
With this as the main focus of our story we do get a handful of miscommunication/mistrust between Violet and Xaden that was hard to get through and I know a few people had issues with this. I found it felt like for the whole 27+ hours I was listening these two took one step forward and two steps back, making the readers reread events that felt like it already happened or was similar enough to previous events that we lose interest. Whilst Violet and Xaden's relationship might have fallen a but in this story I think Rebecca Yarros did a really good job with the side characters and developing most of them and their relationships with Violet. I thought this was the strongest part of the book and keeps you interested to see what is happening next.
The overall conflicts in the story and the ending were good. I think the ending was interesting as to see how it plays out in the long run or if this is going to be one of those issues where everything is magically fixed. Given Rebecca Yarros has not shied away from breaking hearts and having consequences I think it will be an interesting to see hoe this will develop. The conflicts where fine across the book. The major conflict at the end was gripping and exciting but the conflict with Catriona I could do without as It doesn't feel like it really adds to the story for the most part.
Overall I think this was a good read and having listened to it on audio I think the pacing that others had issues with was less prominent. It does feel like it had some issues for the most part I didn't notice that critique. Overall I enjoyed the characters and the friendships particularly where a highlight of this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, and War
Moderate: Death, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Wild Game by Alisa Woods
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Despite the 2.5 star review this book is really well done. It has a good and compelling plots, solid characters and side characters and some interesting dynamics to keep you interested.
The reason I gave it such a low rating is purely personal preference and a couple of issues that made me want to DNF the book. The first, and to me the issue that least impacted my score, is the insta lust and love that really felt tone death and out of place. I am usually fine with the insta lust it has it time and place to be used, but this was neither the time nor place. It felt really awkward and stiff in this world to have that insta lust connection, and how and where it happened felt all wrong.
Now this may seem a really strange issue to almost DNF a book over, but the second issues was Nova's way of running and talking about the game company and the conflict that arises there. In any normal world THIS WOULD NOT BE A CONFLICT! Just thinking about it gets me really annoyed as it comes across like very little to no research was done on of how game companies work, the gaming audience in general and how most game designers feel about having their games on multiple platforms. I could go on for ages about this issue which to me almost made me DNF, but realistically for most people this probably wouldn't even be a blip on the radar. The conflict that is set up with this does come back and create a different conflict for the story but overall these comments are nothing in the grand scheme of thing. It is strange what can tick people off.
Overall it is a shifter universe that is gritter then some that I've read and I will give the next book a try to see if I want to continue the series after that.
The reason I gave it such a low rating is purely personal preference and a couple of issues that made me want to DNF the book. The first, and to me the issue that least impacted my score, is the insta lust and love that really felt tone death and out of place. I am usually fine with the insta lust it has it time and place to be used, but this was neither the time nor place. It felt really awkward and stiff in this world to have that insta lust connection, and how and where it happened felt all wrong.
Now this may seem a really strange issue to almost DNF a book over, but the second issues was Nova's way of running and talking about the game company and the conflict that arises there. In any normal world THIS WOULD NOT BE A CONFLICT! Just thinking about it gets me really annoyed as it comes across like very little to no research was done on of how game companies work, the gaming audience in general and how most game designers feel about having their games on multiple platforms. I could go on for ages about this issue which to me almost made me DNF, but realistically for most people this probably wouldn't even be a blip on the radar. The conflict that is set up with this does come back and create a different conflict for the story but overall these comments are nothing in the grand scheme of thing. It is strange what can tick people off.
Overall it is a shifter universe that is gritter then some that I've read and I will give the next book a try to see if I want to continue the series after that.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Torture, and Violence
Moderate: Grief, Sexual harassment, and War
Minor: Death of parent