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gattolinos_nerdy_nook's reviews
503 reviews
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: Sexual content, Miscarriage, Blood, Murder, and Death
Moderate: Misogyny, Pregnancy, and Rape
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: Blood, Sexual content, and Death
Moderate: Pregnancy and Misogyny
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: Sexual content, Death, 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: Xenophobia, Blood, Violence, Fire/Fire injury, War, and Death
Moderate: Death of parent and Grief
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: Death, Murder, Confinement, and Violence
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: Racism, Misogyny, and Grief
Moderate: Violence and Rape
Mirror, Mirror by Jen Calonita
adventurous
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I thought this was a very interesting retelling of a Disney classic fairy tale. I thought Jen Calonita handle this fairy tale really well and made it someone new whilst keeping to the core of the original classic.
I really enjoyed the dual POV of Snow White and the Evil Queen. It was used well to highlight similarities in their lives and the differences too. It was used really well to help highlight certain aspects of the story. I liked that we also got some backstory and insight into the Evil Queen but wished you could have her fleshed out more.
Overall the story was entertaining and enjoyable.
I really enjoyed the dual POV of Snow White and the Evil Queen. It was used well to highlight similarities in their lives and the differences too. It was used really well to help highlight certain aspects of the story. I liked that we also got some backstory and insight into the Evil Queen but wished you could have her fleshed out more.
Overall the story was entertaining and enjoyable.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Murder
Moderate: Death of parent and Child abuse
Amari and the Great Game by B.B. Alston
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-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 love this series. It is a fun and easy to get into this book. I found that the plot did a really good job of tackling serious topics in a way that a younger audience can understand and relate to. This book in particular the topics racism, having friends move away and feeling alone in the world.
I think these topics are handled well in such a vibrant and exciting universe without taking away from the topics.
Beyond the topic of the book I found the overall story to feel like it has middle book syndrome as it does a lot of setup for the next book's plot. Whilst this is not bac it did feel like there was nothing that was really accomplished in this book. The loses out weighed the wins in this book.
In saying this I am super excited to read the next book in the series when it comes out.
I think these topics are handled well in such a vibrant and exciting universe without taking away from the topics.
Beyond the topic of the book I found the overall story to feel like it has middle book syndrome as it does a lot of setup for the next book's plot. Whilst this is not bac it did feel like there was nothing that was really accomplished in this book. The loses out weighed the wins in this book.
In saying this I am super excited to read the next book in the series when it comes out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Bullying, and Racism
Moderate: Deportation
The Hunter by Jenika Snow
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I read this right away after the first book and this did not disappoint.
I have always had a soft spot for Little Red Riding Hood retellings. Maybe it is because the Big Bad Wolf has always given me the vibe that they had enemies to lovers potential or anti-hero. This book has him as a solidly bad guy.
Much like its predecessor, this book is short and spicy making it a really enjoyable read. I would say the spice is a bit more spicy than the first but only like a mild medium maybe a medium. In saying that spice is something I rate as the act and how often I see it in my other reads. Also like the previous book, being a shorter read the spice to plot ratio is more towards the spice due to the size, so again something to look out for.
I have always had a soft spot for Little Red Riding Hood retellings. Maybe it is because the Big Bad Wolf has always given me the vibe that they had enemies to lovers potential or anti-hero. This book has him as a solidly bad guy.
Much like its predecessor, this book is short and spicy making it a really enjoyable read. I would say the spice is a bit more spicy than the first but only like a mild medium maybe a medium. In saying that spice is something I rate as the act and how often I see it in my other reads. Also like the previous book, being a shorter read the spice to plot ratio is more towards the spice due to the size, so again something to look out for.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Kidnapping
Moderate: Violence and Blood
The Beast by Jenika Snow
adventurous
dark
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
5.0
Beauty and the beast retellings are always interesting to see what an author will take from the Disney movie and what they will take from the original tale and how they present the Beast.
This book was just perfect for what needed during the month. It is just short enough that I was able to sit down and read without looking at the book and thinking that I don't have time, and also just an enjoyable read that I needed during a very busy and stressful time. You can't go wrong with a short spicy novella read.
I wouldn't say the spice is overly spicy, there is a thing or two that might turn people off but the scenes themselves were only mild spicy to maybe medium spicy for me. In saying that with this being a shorter read the spice does take up a bit of the page count. Something to keep in mind if you don't want something that have a high page count for spice in comparison with the rest of the book.
This book was just perfect for what needed during the month. It is just short enough that I was able to sit down and read without looking at the book and thinking that I don't have time, and also just an enjoyable read that I needed during a very busy and stressful time. You can't go wrong with a short spicy novella read.
I wouldn't say the spice is overly spicy, there is a thing or two that might turn people off but the scenes themselves were only mild spicy to maybe medium spicy for me. In saying that with this being a shorter read the spice does take up a bit of the page count. Something to keep in mind if you don't want something that have a high page count for spice in comparison with the rest of the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Blood, and Death
Moderate: Stalking and Murder