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hannahsnerdycorner's reviews
116 reviews
The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
adventurous
mysterious
medium-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? No
3.5
To be honest I went into this with high expectations and came out of it thinking it was overhyped.
The riddles were all solved rather quickly without giving me time to even consider what the answer would be, and the answers weren't something I would've thought of. Normally that's a good thing, but in this instance I mean I had no hope of guessing because there wasn't any set up/clues.
Also the ending seemed a little disappointing since there wasn't really any conflict, just them finding out why their grandfather left his inheritance to Avery, which was speculation anyway, so they could be wrong since they all seem so unsure.
The epilogue on its own would've been good, however, the answer is in the previous chapter, and it isn't subtle.
Overall it was a good book, and it kept me reading, but the ending was anti-climactic. Mostly I was there for the reason why Jameson and Grayson hate each other - which I was simultaneously surprised/intrigued to find out exactly what happened and not at all surprised by it - as well as who Avery is going to end up with (which I thought was also fairly clear from the beginning, but I'm always here for the love story).
Most of the book I kinda just thought "yeah that tracks", "yeah that seems about right".
I haven't really touched on the positives because all I can really say is "yeah it's a good book" *shrugs shoulders*.
The riddles were all solved rather quickly without giving me time to even consider what the answer would be, and the answers weren't something I would've thought of. Normally that's a good thing, but in this instance I mean I had no hope of guessing because there wasn't any set up/clues.
Also the ending seemed a little disappointing since there wasn't really any conflict, just them finding out why their grandfather left his inheritance to Avery, which was speculation anyway, so they could be wrong since they all seem so unsure.
The epilogue on its own would've been good, however, the answer is in the previous chapter, and it isn't subtle.
Overall it was a good book, and it kept me reading, but the ending was anti-climactic. Mostly I was there for the reason why Jameson and Grayson hate each other - which I was simultaneously surprised/intrigued to find out exactly what happened and not at all surprised by it - as well as who Avery is going to end up with (which I thought was also fairly clear from the beginning, but I'm always here for the love story).
Most of the book I kinda just thought "yeah that tracks", "yeah that seems about right".
I haven't really touched on the positives because all I can really say is "yeah it's a good book" *shrugs shoulders*.
The Infinity Between Us by N.S. Perkins
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
Going into this book it was not what I expected; I expected a friends to strangers to lovers with a chill beach/seaside vibe. I got a friends to lovers to strangers to lovers (which is still good) with a seaside vibe, but with a lot of emotional trauma in need of therapy - which they do end up getting. Very minor spoiler that becomes clear very quickly: Because her mum had died 5 years ago (the last time they were at the beach house) which revealed some secrets I wasn't expecting - not because it was a major plot twist but because I thought it was going to be a chill book.
I liked the realism of how they worked through stuff and the memories occurred in the right places to show the reader inside references and what happened before, and then it shows why they became strangers.
Another aspect I loved is the closeness of the 2 families (in the memories at least) because it reminded me of my family friends which are basically family at that point.
Also there was small nuggets of LGBT inclusion with a gay brother and a bisexual sister, so that was nice to see a book where there are LGBT characters but they aren't the main plot, because in real life there are LGBT people everywhere.
There are mild sex scenes so it is technically not young adult, but the writing felt more like young adult if you know what I mean.
Overall I enjoyed it, but it wasn't what I was expecting so I was a little disappointed, but I guess that's just me really.
I liked the realism of how they worked through stuff and the memories occurred in the right places to show the reader inside references and what happened before, and then it shows why they became strangers.
Another aspect I loved is the closeness of the 2 families (in the memories at least) because it reminded me of my family friends which are basically family at that point.
Also there was small nuggets of LGBT inclusion with a gay brother and a bisexual sister, so that was nice to see a book where there are LGBT characters but they aren't the main plot, because in real life there are LGBT people everywhere.
There are mild sex scenes so it is technically not young adult, but the writing felt more like young adult if you know what I mean.
Overall I enjoyed it, but it wasn't what I was expecting so I was a little disappointed, but I guess that's just me really.
All the Birds, Singing by Evie Wyld
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This isn't the kind of book you can enjoy, appreciate and ponder yes, but enjoy? Not really - at least I didn't.
The premise is good - a woman escaping someone from her past, then her sheep start getting brutally killed - but by the end I had more questions than I did to begin with, and only a few of the questions I had at the beginning were answered.
I did really like the style/layout: odd chapters are the present, going forwards, and even chapters are Jake's past, going back in time. It was really unique and I liked how it made the story unravel - although the past getting further into the past confused me at some points and I had to keep reminding myself what was happening.
I'm sure the beast attacking the sheep is a metaphor of some kind - I just wish I understood what for. The book felt kind of clunky, like it didn't all fit together and way it is presented is just long paragraphs and underdeveloped sentences - which again is probably symbolic of Jake's mind but I personally didn't like it.
There isn't really a filter; it's in first-person and she just says whatever she thinks, they don't censor the sex scenes (and they aren't pleasant, but not rape). This book is not for people who are prude.
The premise is good - a woman escaping someone from her past, then her sheep start getting brutally killed - but by the end I had more questions than I did to begin with, and only a few of the questions I had at the beginning were answered.
I did really like the style/layout: odd chapters are the present, going forwards, and even chapters are Jake's past, going back in time. It was really unique and I liked how it made the story unravel - although the past getting further into the past confused me at some points and I had to keep reminding myself what was happening.
I'm sure the beast attacking the sheep is a metaphor of some kind - I just wish I understood what for. The book felt kind of clunky, like it didn't all fit together and way it is presented is just long paragraphs and underdeveloped sentences - which again is probably symbolic of Jake's mind but I personally didn't like it.
There isn't really a filter; it's in first-person and she just says whatever she thinks, they don't censor the sex scenes (and they aren't pleasant, but not rape). This book is not for people who are prude.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death and Sexual content
Minor: Sexual violence
An Offer From a Gentleman by Julia Quinn
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? Yes
4.0
This is my favourite Bridgerton book so far! I loved how different the plot was from the other two (since they were very similar) and just anything else I've read.
Sophie has a really interesting backstory and Benedict is my favourite sassy Bridgerton! The story is very reminiscent of Cinderella, but I think it did Cinderella better than Cinderella did - it's like it did it properly.
As always the Bridgerton family are great and behave and talk like anyone would with their family which I adore. There weren't as many balls as the first 2 books - however I kind of preferred this since it reflects Sophie and Benedict much better.
Overall I loved An Offer From A Gentleman (much more than The Duke And I or The Viscount Who Loved Me) and I'm disappointed that the next season of the Bridgerton show will skip this book to do Colin and Penelope's story (the next book) and then do Benedict and Sophie's story afterwards - especially since there's a 2 year jump in this one, so unless they show the first meeting, then do Colin's story, then Benedict's I don't know how it'll work. This is why shows should just stick to the book!
p.s. The second epilogue is included in this edition and it is also adorable!
Sophie has a really interesting backstory and Benedict is my favourite sassy Bridgerton! The story is very reminiscent of Cinderella, but I think it did Cinderella better than Cinderella did - it's like it did it properly.
As always the Bridgerton family are great and behave and talk like anyone would with their family which I adore. There weren't as many balls as the first 2 books - however I kind of preferred this since it reflects Sophie and Benedict much better.
Overall I loved An Offer From A Gentleman (much more than The Duke And I or The Viscount Who Loved Me) and I'm disappointed that the next season of the Bridgerton show will skip this book to do Colin and Penelope's story (the next book) and then do Benedict and Sophie's story afterwards - especially since there's a 2 year jump in this one, so unless they show the first meeting, then do Colin's story, then Benedict's I don't know how it'll work. This is why shows should just stick to the book!
p.s. The second epilogue is included in this edition and it is also adorable!
Daughter of Darkness by Katharine Corr, Elizabeth Corr
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- 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
When I saw a Greek mythology book I was immediately interested, then I saw it was by 2 authors I recognised I knew I had to at least try to be a NetGalley reader of it and luckily I was accepted!
Daughter of Darkness is a dark retelling of the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice (the one where they are just married when she dies and he goes to the underworld to retrieve her, but on the way back he looks at her before they are fully out and she is taken back to the underworld) where it is not Orpheus who goes to the underworld, instead he sends a group of Severers - Severers have a tiny amount of their god's power.
Deina is a severer of Hades, and she is chosen with 3 others to retrieve Eurydice in return for freedom. The group share a lack of trust, desire for freedom, and complicated past. We follow them on their quest as they develop into a found family. The love interest is friends to rivals/enemies to lovers which is not often done, let alone done well - which Katharine and Elizabeth Corr achieve.
There's found family, friends to rivals to lovers, secrets, danger, competition and betrayal all in a wonderful combination and I can't wait for the sequel!
Daughter of Darkness is a dark retelling of the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice (the one where they are just married when she dies and he goes to the underworld to retrieve her, but on the way back he looks at her before they are fully out and she is taken back to the underworld) where it is not Orpheus who goes to the underworld, instead he sends a group of Severers - Severers have a tiny amount of their god's power.
Deina is a severer of Hades, and she is chosen with 3 others to retrieve Eurydice in return for freedom. The group share a lack of trust, desire for freedom, and complicated past. We follow them on their quest as they develop into a found family. The love interest is friends to rivals/enemies to lovers which is not often done, let alone done well - which Katharine and Elizabeth Corr achieve.
There's found family, friends to rivals to lovers, secrets, danger, competition and betrayal all in a wonderful combination and I can't wait for the sequel!
Leaves May Fall by Carissa Hardcastle
Definitely going to buy the paperback to add to my collection - I am happily paying for this book!
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
As an ARC reader I was terrified to read Leaves May Fall in case I hated it, safe to say I absolutely loved it!
When I first started reading the prologue I was worried that my worst fear was going to come true but after the first chapter I realised that it was just the usual 'trying to get into a fantasy book and not understanding the words' and Carissa introduced me (as the reader) to the world in a clear way, weaving past memories in to help me understand the complex world, nay, universe.
I loved how unique this book is in terms of the world and dynamics, for example how the guy best friend is never anything more than that - because men and women can just be friends! (You might understand the uniqueness of the plot when you are about 80% through the book - I just couldn't believe she had done that for so long)
Carissa Hardcastle is a skilled writer and I will be buying her next book the second it comes out! (Hopefully a sequel of Leaves May Fall after that epilogue O_O)
Here are some little things which just add to it:
When I first started reading the prologue I was worried that my worst fear was going to come true but after the first chapter I realised that it was just the usual 'trying to get into a fantasy book and not understanding the words' and Carissa introduced me (as the reader) to the world in a clear way, weaving past memories in to help me understand the complex world, nay, universe.
I loved how unique this book is in terms of the world and dynamics, for example how the guy best friend is never anything more than that - because men and women can just be friends! (You might understand the uniqueness of the plot when you are about 80% through the book - I just couldn't believe she had done that for so long)
Carissa Hardcastle is a skilled writer and I will be buying her next book the second it comes out! (Hopefully a sequel of Leaves May Fall after that epilogue O_O)
Here are some little things which just add to it:
- Chapter titles using things characters will say in that chapter
- Guys' POV (though not regularly)
- Guy best friend, but platonic
- LGBTQ+ representation without it being a plot point (aromantic/asexual + gay)
- Banter/sass (I could honestly have an entire book of just interactions between the characters without any of the plot and I would have absolutely loved it)
- Character list, chapter list and map at the start
Definitely going to buy the paperback to add to my collection - I am happily paying for this book!
The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Once again I finished this book in 1 day, and I love this series!
I would say this book is not as good as The Wicked King or The Cruel Prince, but that's probably because I was able to guess the plot twists and answers to the riddles since I was more accustomed to the tricky deals of the faerie.
There's less betrayal in this one, and less spying, but Holly Black makes up for that with the complexities of court (personally I would prefer more spying but there was a decent amount) which is a nice surprise since most fantasy books don't show the royal court and political side of things - even if they are based in a royal court.
If you want a series with riddles, plot twists, spying, betrayal, royalty, and enemies to lovers then this is the book for you! If you hate complex riddles or they just confuse you then I would avoid this series altogether if I were you.
I would say this book is not as good as The Wicked King or The Cruel Prince, but that's probably because I was able to guess the plot twists and answers to the riddles since I was more accustomed to the tricky deals of the faerie.
There's less betrayal in this one, and less spying, but Holly Black makes up for that with the complexities of court (personally I would prefer more spying but there was a decent amount) which is a nice surprise since most fantasy books don't show the royal court and political side of things - even if they are based in a royal court.
If you want a series with riddles, plot twists, spying, betrayal, royalty, and enemies to lovers then this is the book for you! If you hate complex riddles or they just confuse you then I would avoid this series altogether if I were you.
The Wicked King by Holly Black
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Just like with The Cruel Prince I could not put it down and finished it in one day!
I am in love with this trilogy and the characters! There's betrayal, spies, royalty, and romance all in one! (Only problem is that the scene where Jude and Cardan finally do the deed fades to black *sad face*)
Jude is such a strong character, whilst acknowledging her flaws and fears, which I love because it feels more realistic than an overpowered main character whose only flaw is that she didn't realise she had powers or something like that.
Overall I don't know what to say other than it is a breath of fresh air from other fantasy books - not only for Jude but also because other books don't tend to have much betrayal or spying done in such a clever way where all the clues are laid out but very secretively. Holly Black may become one of my new favourite authors...
I am in love with this trilogy and the characters! There's betrayal, spies, royalty, and romance all in one! (Only problem is that the scene where Jude and Cardan finally do the deed fades to black *sad face*)
Jude is such a strong character, whilst acknowledging her flaws and fears, which I love because it feels more realistic than an overpowered main character whose only flaw is that she didn't realise she had powers or something like that.
Overall I don't know what to say other than it is a breath of fresh air from other fantasy books - not only for Jude but also because other books don't tend to have much betrayal or spying done in such a clever way where all the clues are laid out but very secretively. Holly Black may become one of my new favourite authors...
The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn
lighthearted
medium-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
3.25
The Viscount Who Loved Me is a good book but I was surprised to see that it differed from the show so much, but I can understand why as it actually follows a very similar plot to The Duke and I (Bridgerton 1).
In the show Anthony almost marries her sister, to the point that they are literally at the alter, then a series of things happen that mean Edwina realises he loves Kate and then Anthony finally realises and they live happily ever after, however in the book they become friends then just when Kate gives her blessing for him to marry Edwina they are caught in a compromising situation much like Daphne and Simon so they have to marry and it is only after they have been married a while that Anthony realises he loves her and they live happily ever after
Overall it was a nice 'chick lit' and is good for a break from heavy/emotional things.
In the show Anthony almost marries her sister, to the point that they are literally at the alter, then a series of things happen that mean Edwina realises he loves Kate and then Anthony finally realises and they live happily ever after, however in the book they become friends then just when Kate gives her blessing for him to marry Edwina they are caught in a compromising situation much like Daphne and Simon so they have to marry and it is only after they have been married a while that Anthony realises he loves her and they live happily ever after
Overall it was a nice 'chick lit' and is good for a break from heavy/emotional things.
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I absolutely love Jude - she fights back and defends what/who she loves fiercely.
The plot was great, it was complex with each character having their own development and story with enough plot twists that it is hard to have guessed them all even if you manage to guess a few!
Jude and Cardan's story has only just begun and I can't wait to read on!
The plot was great, it was complex with each character having their own development and story with enough plot twists that it is hard to have guessed them all even if you manage to guess a few!
Jude and Cardan's story has only just begun and I can't wait to read on!