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gattolino_nn's reviews
566 reviews
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-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
4.5
This book grips you when you start reading. It acts all unassuming before it grabs your hand and bolts, and as such you are just there now for a ride and there is no way to stop. I don't think I could explain my experience with this book any other way.
I went in thinking this would be a fun read and see what everyone was talking about, and It started off ok. I thought it was interesting and I wasn't 100% sure how I would feel about Violet as she comes across as a bit off to me. By the time we get into the academy I had grown to like Violet and very quickly I could see that Rebecca can write very compelling and complex characters, and by the end of the book I had grown to love them all.
I think the world building was fascinating. I keep wondering to myself what would a dragon riding academy be like and I think Rebecca did a really good job at bringing that idea to life. I would say that for the most part the book is not focused on the overall plot of the series but instead getting us invested in the people and the world so when we start getting to the bigger picture the stakes and consequences of everything has a much greater impact, because of that I don't think the overall plot had much development. I didn't mind this though as establishing the academy was still every interesting the the overall plot for the book, which is to bond a dragon and survive, was still thrilling and gripping.
By the end of the book i was so glad that my library had the second audiobook as I needed to start that right away.
I went in thinking this would be a fun read and see what everyone was talking about, and It started off ok. I thought it was interesting and I wasn't 100% sure how I would feel about Violet as she comes across as a bit off to me. By the time we get into the academy I had grown to like Violet and very quickly I could see that Rebecca can write very compelling and complex characters, and by the end of the book I had grown to love them all.
I think the world building was fascinating. I keep wondering to myself what would a dragon riding academy be like and I think Rebecca did a really good job at bringing that idea to life. I would say that for the most part the book is not focused on the overall plot of the series but instead getting us invested in the people and the world so when we start getting to the bigger picture the stakes and consequences of everything has a much greater impact, because of that I don't think the overall plot had much development. I didn't mind this though as establishing the academy was still every interesting the the overall plot for the book, which is to bond a dragon and survive, was still thrilling and gripping.
By the end of the book i was so glad that my library had the second audiobook as I needed to start that right away.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury and War
Breach of Peace by Daniel B. Greene
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
If you want to start an audio series the voice actors were great and Daniel B. Greene has uploaded the first two books of this series onto his YouTube channel for free. So if you are thinking about the series I recommend you go have a look.
This was an interesting way to introduce an audience to this series. I think the world is really interesting as we are introduced into a society that is dystopian, steampunk and fantasy presented in a murder mystery novel. For the most part it was easy to follow along with the story though there were moments that felt murky when listening, like we are meant to know more about this world then what I had at the time. This could also be due to the pacing as I think the story takes place over a day and night. The characters were nothing special, actually the one character that caught my interest, Christy, wasn't introduced until the end of the book, and had me wishing we saw more of her.
I think the ending was a bit rough for me and what made me both like and dislike the book. I am assuming it made sense in the world and the ending felt a little unnecessary and bugged me a little, but I can see that there is a set up for ideas later in the series. I am interested to see how the second book goes as the audio is double the length and I think that is where we will hopefully start to get to the meat and bones of the world lore.
This was an interesting way to introduce an audience to this series. I think the world is really interesting as we are introduced into a society that is dystopian, steampunk and fantasy presented in a murder mystery novel. For the most part it was easy to follow along with the story though there were moments that felt murky when listening, like we are meant to know more about this world then what I had at the time. This could also be due to the pacing as I think the story takes place over a day and night. The characters were nothing special, actually the one character that caught my interest, Christy, wasn't introduced until the end of the book, and had me wishing we saw more of her.
I think the ending was a bit rough for me and what made me both like and dislike the book. I am assuming it made sense in the world and the ending felt a little unnecessary and bugged me a little, but I can see that there is a set up for ideas later in the series. I am interested to see how the second book goes as the audio is double the length and I think that is where we will hopefully start to get to the meat and bones of the world lore.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, and Blood
Primal by Jenika Snow
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I really wanted to like this book as I really liked the rest in the series but with four main characters in such a short book was really hard to get into. The spicy scenes were still good but with our focus switch between four characters I found that we missed the connection and any scenes between the main characters from the other two books.
In saying that this book defiantly has an audience in those who want a quick, why-choose feeling, monster romance. The spicy scenes were fun and the book was easy to get into and read without needing to much interaction with the characters. Sometimes smut can be just be fun without it being deep.
In saying that this book defiantly has an audience in those who want a quick, why-choose feeling, monster romance. The spicy scenes were fun and the book was easy to get into and read without needing to much interaction with the characters. Sometimes smut can be just be fun without it being deep.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
The Demon's Bargain (Kickstarter) by Katee Robert
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I thought the premise of this book was a lot of fun. We got a carnival that felt a little medieval with the ball and the fighting arena and it really made for a fun and interesting setting as it was mixed with modern technology. The execution on the other hand was a little bit of a miss for me. I think I would have liked it to be a bit longer, as there was some really interesting points that the book touched on but immediately had to move on and had no chance to explore.
In saying that I really liked the Lenora and Ramanu as well as some of the side characters that we got to meet. They all felt different from one another which made the world feel more lively.
I think this would be a great read for those who want a quick and short story that doesn't get too serious. It was a fun read and I would check out the Deal with a Demon series.
In saying that I really liked the Lenora and Ramanu as well as some of the side characters that we got to meet. They all felt different from one another which made the world feel more lively.
I think this would be a great read for those who want a quick and short story that doesn't get too serious. It was a fun read and I would check out the Deal with a Demon series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Sexual content, and Violence
A Court of Silver Flames (2 of 2) [Dramatized Adaptation] by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-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
4.75
I finally got around to reading this book. It was not something I was going to do as I was never a fan of Nesta, and even during this book she frustrated me to no end at times. It was one of the reasons why I never picked up her book when it was announced. I can say, after reading this I can appreciate the character growth and new characters that we got in this book. There was still moments that really frustrated me because it just didn't make sense and the logic felt gone, but being a book focusing on emotions logic tends to fall away.
After finishing this read I am surprised that this has been my favourite book of the series. The rest of the series scored high but I fluctuate with my ratings. At the moment when I'm reading they are high but when I think back to them they are a solid 3 stars. It is a case of they entertain me at the time but they don't hold up once you finish. This book did not have that problem. I don't know if it is because this feels more character driven than the previous book or that there feels like there is actual consequences to actions and that Nesta doesn't feel perfect (probably all of it), but even after finishing I think this book is still good.
After finishing this read I am surprised that this has been my favourite book of the series. The rest of the series scored high but I fluctuate with my ratings. At the moment when I'm reading they are high but when I think back to them they are a solid 3 stars. It is a case of they entertain me at the time but they don't hold up once you finish. This book did not have that problem. I don't know if it is because this feels more character driven than the previous book or that there feels like there is actual consequences to actions and that Nesta doesn't feel perfect (probably all of it), but even after finishing I think this book is still good.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Miscarriage, Sexual content, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Misogyny, Rape, and Pregnancy
A Court of Silver Flames (1 of 2) [Dramatized Adaptation] by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
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
4.75
I finally got around to reading this book. It was not something I was going to do as I was never a fan of Nesta, and even during this book she frustrated me to no end at times. It was one of the reasons why I never picked up her book when it was announced. I can say, after reading this I can appreciate the character growth and new characters that we got in this book. There was still moments that really frustrated me because it just didn't make sense and the logic felt gone, but being a book focusing on emotions logic tends to fall away.
After finishing this read I am surprised that this has been my favourite book of the series. The rest of the series scored high but I fluctuate with my ratings. At the moment when I'm reading they are high but when I think back to them they are a solid 3 stars. It is a case of they entertain me at the time but they don't hold up once you finish. This book did not have that problem. I don't know if it is because this feels more character driven than the previous book or that there feels like there is actual consequences to actions and that Nesta doesn't feel perfect (probably all of it), but even after finishing I think this book is still good.
After finishing this read I am surprised that this has been my favourite book of the series. The rest of the series scored high but I fluctuate with my ratings. At the moment when I'm reading they are high but when I think back to them they are a solid 3 stars. It is a case of they entertain me at the time but they don't hold up once you finish. This book did not have that problem. I don't know if it is because this feels more character driven than the previous book or that there feels like there is actual consequences to actions and that Nesta doesn't feel perfect (probably all of it), but even after finishing I think this book is still good.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, and Blood
Moderate: Misogyny and Pregnancy
The Death God's Sacrifice by Jenny Nordbak
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
This was a fun read. I liked seeing how the Greek and Celtic mythologies mix together. It makes the world feel more connected and it doesn't have to just be one lot of myths only could be in the world at once.
I also really enjoyed Sthero and Gregor's relationship. It is not sweet or cute but they made me smile and enjoy them in their strange way. I really wanted more after I finished. I could have happily read a book about the sisters, who knows maybe we will get something in the future.
I also really enjoyed Sthero and Gregor's relationship. It is not sweet or cute but they made me smile and enjoy them in their strange way. I really wanted more after I finished. I could have happily read a book about the sisters, who knows maybe we will get something in the future.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, and Blood
The Phoenix King by Aparna Verma
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Holy moly the politics and mixed POVs we get in this book! The slow pace of the book really allowed us to connect with each character during their POV and how their decisions affect everyone else around them as well as their goals and their struggles. The world we learn is beautiful and vibrant keeping you want to learn more about what is happening around you and how everything can to be where we started at the book.
I cannot wait to see how this trilogy goes and when the next book comes out I will definitely be getting it.
I cannot wait to see how this trilogy goes and when the next book comes out I will definitely be getting it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Fire/Fire injury, and War
Moderate: Grief and Death of parent
The Wicked King by Holly Black
adventurous
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I really enjoyed this book a lot more than the first. I think this was due to the book focusing on the politics and the battles one has as a ruler rather then the drama of the first book.
It easily kept me entertained throughout the whole book and has me very interested in the third and final book and how everything is going to be wrapped up.
It easily kept me entertained throughout the whole book and has me very interested in the third and final book and how everything is going to be wrapped up.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Blood
Minor: Child abuse
Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
slow-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
Bloodmarked picks up where we left off with Legendborn in both story and themes. Bloodmarked continues to show us how grief can affect us and how we may think we are dealing with grief can just be us portraying it in another way.
Along with the grief racism is still a major topic of the book and the mental weight it takes on someone to constantly have those battles. A new topic that the book touched on was generational trauma. I think the first book touched on it briefly but it was much more of a focus in this book and how trauma can be passed down without the knowledge that is what is happening.
I thought overall the book was really hard hitting. There was some new characters that we met and can't wait to see more of them in the next book and what role they will play going forward.
Along with the grief racism is still a major topic of the book and the mental weight it takes on someone to constantly have those battles. A new topic that the book touched on was generational trauma. I think the first book touched on it briefly but it was much more of a focus in this book and how trauma can be passed down without the knowledge that is what is happening.
I thought overall the book was really hard hitting. There was some new characters that we met and can't wait to see more of them in the next book and what role they will play going forward.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Racism, and Grief
Moderate: Rape and Violence