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hardcover_hazel's reviews
187 reviews
The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Ghostwriting. Ghosts. Girl Dinner.
Because I CONSUMED this book! This book was easily a 5 star read and allllmost took the best book of the year title for me π
This book follows a romance ghostwriter, who believes romance is dead. And un(luckily) enough it actually is - in the form of a literal ghost.
Our MC is awkward, has low self esteem, has figurative and literal ghosts but SLAYS at dead puns. Queer rep in side characters. Humour and hard topics combined.
This book had me SOBBING so of course it's a 5 star. There are a lot of elements surrounding death of a loved one, confronting your old fears, and moving on but they're all done in a natural, soft, understanding way.
This felt like a healing journey because it serves as a reminder that life is a multitude of different colour's on your painting pallete, but there are always soft colours and reminders that you can get through it. It hurts but you grow and you learn and you carry pieces of everyone and everything you've loved with you, because you're a kaleidescope.
I chose this book because I wanted a spring romance - something new and fresh, that left the dead of winter and brought the change of season to life. And lucky for me this WAS a Spring romance π it deals with death in a beautiful, natural cycle type of way. Because no matter how contrasting life and death is, they're entertwined and similar and need each other to survive.
"because endings were just new beginnings."
Because I CONSUMED this book! This book was easily a 5 star read and allllmost took the best book of the year title for me π
This book follows a romance ghostwriter, who believes romance is dead. And un(luckily) enough it actually is - in the form of a literal ghost.
Our MC is awkward, has low self esteem, has figurative and literal ghosts but SLAYS at dead puns. Queer rep in side characters. Humour and hard topics combined.
This book had me SOBBING so of course it's a 5 star. There are a lot of elements surrounding death of a loved one, confronting your old fears, and moving on but they're all done in a natural, soft, understanding way.
This felt like a healing journey because it serves as a reminder that life is a multitude of different colour's on your painting pallete, but there are always soft colours and reminders that you can get through it. It hurts but you grow and you learn and you carry pieces of everyone and everything you've loved with you, because you're a kaleidescope.
I chose this book because I wanted a spring romance - something new and fresh, that left the dead of winter and brought the change of season to life. And lucky for me this WAS a Spring romance π it deals with death in a beautiful, natural cycle type of way. Because no matter how contrasting life and death is, they're entertwined and similar and need each other to survive.
"because endings were just new beginnings."
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Death, Toxic relationship, Grief, Death of parent
A Million to One by Adiba Jaigirdar
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
sad
fast-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
5.0
A sapphic love story? A heist with skilled women? The TITANIC?
I have some really weird obsession with the titanic π I was drawn to it as a 6 year old and would watch the movie on repeat. My mom thinks that in a previous life, I was a passenger on board.
So having a sapphic love story on the titanic was something I didn't know I needed π this book GAVE. It gave strong, confident women in an era that didn't believe in it. It has POC main characters. It has found family. It has heisting. It has a sinking ship!! It made me SOB (always a good thing in a book imo).
It was a bit of a slow build up to the sinking drama, and some of the writing needed intense googling and staring at portholes on the ship to figure out what happened. But it's a book I will treasure close to my heart that I didn't know I needed. Please be aware, if you don't have a strange obsession towards the titanic you may not enjoy it as much as me π
Also - the author thanks you for reading it! Extra points will always be given for this.
Now if only I could find the love of my life without the cold embrace of the Atlantic, that would be great.
I have some really weird obsession with the titanic π I was drawn to it as a 6 year old and would watch the movie on repeat. My mom thinks that in a previous life, I was a passenger on board.
So having a sapphic love story on the titanic was something I didn't know I needed π this book GAVE. It gave strong, confident women in an era that didn't believe in it. It has POC main characters. It has found family. It has heisting. It has a sinking ship!! It made me SOB (always a good thing in a book imo).
It was a bit of a slow build up to the sinking drama, and some of the writing needed intense googling and staring at portholes on the ship to figure out what happened. But it's a book I will treasure close to my heart that I didn't know I needed. Please be aware, if you don't have a strange obsession towards the titanic you may not enjoy it as much as me π
Also - the author thanks you for reading it! Extra points will always be given for this.
Now if only I could find the love of my life without the cold embrace of the Atlantic, that would be great.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Sexism, Grief
Upon the Sands by Jeremy Forsyth
adventurous
challenging
informative
slow-paced
3.5
Upon the Sands is a high fantasy, with tons of characters. At over 500 pages, it was wonderfully written with a depth of different cultures and traditions.
I enjoyed the story and the fantasy. We follow a multitude of perspectives across sand, sea, and the land of Alepion. We travel alongside Blademasters, prisoners, and mindfinders. From sand elves to Norrhan, to star elves.
I personally felt like the writing style didn't create enough emotion with the characters as I would have liked. The descriptions often used are the more intellectual type of word, when a more evocative and emotional word would have created more imagination and feelings.
At over 500 pages, I expected more questions that were brought up to have been resolved. I know there's more books to come but we're given more questions than answers! π©π I think it could have been split into two books π
I did appreciate reading The Little Fairleaf and The Other Fairleaf beforehand. It really helps you feel acquainted to the world, and helps you look forward to familiar characters π
My absolute favourite part was the connection over a campsite fire between a giant Lemonstar and a volunteer.
If you love high fantasy, love warcraft (especially night elves and their invisibility ability at night), and in-depth crafted worlds, this is definitely one for you β¨
I love that the author is South African - Don't forget #localislekker (and I've met him, he's pretty cool)
You can check out his work (and grab some of his books) at www.jeremyforsyth.co.za/shop
Thank you #JeremyForsyth for the signed review copy in exchange for an honest review β¨
I enjoyed the story and the fantasy. We follow a multitude of perspectives across sand, sea, and the land of Alepion. We travel alongside Blademasters, prisoners, and mindfinders. From sand elves to Norrhan, to star elves.
I personally felt like the writing style didn't create enough emotion with the characters as I would have liked. The descriptions often used are the more intellectual type of word, when a more evocative and emotional word would have created more imagination and feelings.
At over 500 pages, I expected more questions that were brought up to have been resolved. I know there's more books to come but we're given more questions than answers! π©π I think it could have been split into two books π
I did appreciate reading The Little Fairleaf and The Other Fairleaf beforehand. It really helps you feel acquainted to the world, and helps you look forward to familiar characters π
My absolute favourite part was the connection over a campsite fire between a giant Lemonstar and a volunteer.
If you love high fantasy, love warcraft (especially night elves and their invisibility ability at night), and in-depth crafted worlds, this is definitely one for you β¨
I love that the author is South African - Don't forget #localislekker (and I've met him, he's pretty cool)
You can check out his work (and grab some of his books) at www.jeremyforsyth.co.za/shop
Thank you #JeremyForsyth for the signed review copy in exchange for an honest review β¨
Soulmates by Holly Bourne
emotional
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
"Real love does change you. It moulds you. It burns your heart into a charred cinder that relights like a phoenix, stronger and more blazing than ever."
I knew this book didn't have a happy ending and I've been going through a breakup, so I didn't want a happy love story. I wanted a story that would make me cry and I got that plus some comfort.
This, albeit very YA novel was Holly Bourne's first and I love her as an author. Her writing is strongly feminist, and usually includes some mental health representation which I feel should be mentioned more in books.
I really enjoyed the idea behind this book. Soulmates are real, but not what you expect.
This is a love story to end the world.
I knew this book didn't have a happy ending and I've been going through a breakup, so I didn't want a happy love story. I wanted a story that would make me cry and I got that plus some comfort.
This, albeit very YA novel was Holly Bourne's first and I love her as an author. Her writing is strongly feminist, and usually includes some mental health representation which I feel should be mentioned more in books.
I really enjoyed the idea behind this book. Soulmates are real, but not what you expect.
This is a love story to end the world.
Where did my industry go?: Why once successful Estate and Letting Agencies are struggling and how a new dawn can turn them back into great busine by Mark Burgess
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
The Other Faileaf by Jeremy Forsyth
adventurous
challenging
dark
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A brilliant summer fantasy read.
Yes, you heard that right π It may be winter, and summer reads and fantasy don't usually go hand in hand, but this book is during a summer festival full of... Well, festivities.
From champions challenging each other in melee combat, to our hero's fighting in the ring, to cheering on the fastest swimmers. It gave a great illustration into the summer world of fantasy.
But of course, something is hiding in the shadows.
And it's our boy, Eldrian who LEVELED UP! Honestly my favourite part of the whole book. Which I will refrain from mentioning in case you want to read it π€
A wonderful short story from a local South African author gifted in exchange for an honest review. Available on his website: www.jeremyforsyth.co.za
I'm so keen to dive into #uponthesands next month and see the older versions of these characters π€
Thank you #JeremyForsyth
Yes, you heard that right π It may be winter, and summer reads and fantasy don't usually go hand in hand, but this book is during a summer festival full of... Well, festivities.
From champions challenging each other in melee combat, to our hero's fighting in the ring, to cheering on the fastest swimmers. It gave a great illustration into the summer world of fantasy.
But of course, something is hiding in the shadows.
And it's our boy, Eldrian who LEVELED UP! Honestly my favourite part of the whole book. Which I will refrain from mentioning in case you want to read it π€
A wonderful short story from a local South African author gifted in exchange for an honest review. Available on his website: www.jeremyforsyth.co.za
I'm so keen to dive into #uponthesands next month and see the older versions of these characters π€
Thank you #JeremyForsyth
The Little Fairleaf by Jeremy Forsyth
adventurous
challenging
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Ambition. Bravery. Friendship.
The Little Fairleaf was a cute and exciting short fantasy story set in the same universe as the upcoming _A symphony of Shadow and Darkness_ series.
We follow an upcoming family who are ambitious and determined to get the attention of Alepion's royalty. Their plot to do this is mentioned briefly in the beginning, which I feel would have left more of an effect if only mentioned at the end. I'm sure I would have been shocked at the reveal then π
There are a lot of names and titles that get included, which sometimes threw me off and lost me a little bit but I did love terms like "united-one" for those who are married π₯° The plot, the budding friendship, and the adorable mind of Eldrian more than made up for all the names!
Eldrian was by far my favourite character - inquisitive, imaginative, passionate, and brave. And he's only 5! The descriptions of his imagination were amazing and I really loved the interactions he had with the Daughter of Alepion.
I'm looking forward to diving into more of this universe. Oh, and did I mention he's a South African author? Love it! πΏπ¦
#JeremyForsyth
www.jeremyforsyth.co.za
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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? No
5.0
Cosy! Wholesome! Sapphic!
Placing bets right now that this is going to be my favourite read of the year.
This book GAVE! It had so many comfortable, wholesome moments that had me tearing up a good few times. It had a slow romance build that wasn't the main story. It had a community I want to move to. It made me feel warm in this cold π₯°
It's fantasy where an orc adventurer has retired as a small coffee shop owner. The story focuses on her building up her shop, her menu, her relationships, and her beliefs on luck when challenges come along.
Looking for peace? Comfort? Something to keep you cosy this winter? This book must have a charm on it because it gives you all that wrapped up in a stunning, sprayed-edge hardcover that makes you fall in love before you even pick it up.
I took forever to read this because I didn't want it to end π€£
This book will make you increase your warm drink and pastry consumption!! You have been warned.
5/5 β¨ I'm gonna need this turned into a syrup I can have in my coffee so I get a daily dose of this cosiness.
Placing bets right now that this is going to be my favourite read of the year.
This book GAVE! It had so many comfortable, wholesome moments that had me tearing up a good few times. It had a slow romance build that wasn't the main story. It had a community I want to move to. It made me feel warm in this cold π₯°
It's fantasy where an orc adventurer has retired as a small coffee shop owner. The story focuses on her building up her shop, her menu, her relationships, and her beliefs on luck when challenges come along.
Looking for peace? Comfort? Something to keep you cosy this winter? This book must have a charm on it because it gives you all that wrapped up in a stunning, sprayed-edge hardcover that makes you fall in love before you even pick it up.
I took forever to read this because I didn't want it to end π€£
This book will make you increase your warm drink and pastry consumption!! You have been warned.
5/5 β¨ I'm gonna need this turned into a syrup I can have in my coffee so I get a daily dose of this cosiness.
Love in the Time of Serial Killers by Alicia Thompson
emotional
lighthearted
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
3.0
A lighthearted read, we follow a 30-something master student who has an unhealthy obsession with true crime. So much so, that she's even completing her dissertation on it, makes serial killer references, and is convinced her neighbour may be one of them.
It's a cute, easy read that might give you some true crime recommendations. However, the author makes a fictional serial killer story for the purpose of the plot which was a bit disappointing, but it is easy to find the true crime where she got the inspiration.
Our MC needs therapy but shows a lot of character growth towards the end which we love to see! I read this while I was sick and it kept me distracted and was easy to read. Some fluff, a sprinkle of spice, and a grumpy x sunshine trope from the perspective of the grumpy type.
It's a cute, easy read that might give you some true crime recommendations. However, the author makes a fictional serial killer story for the purpose of the plot which was a bit disappointing, but it is easy to find the true crime where she got the inspiration.
Our MC needs therapy but shows a lot of character growth towards the end which we love to see! I read this while I was sick and it kept me distracted and was easy to read. Some fluff, a sprinkle of spice, and a grumpy x sunshine trope from the perspective of the grumpy type.
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-ExupΓ©ry
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-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
4.0
A book I wish I'd read as a kid. This delightful read gives a fresh perspective to the world and life and you walk away with a new sense of it. The writing is fun yet knowledgable and reminds me of the way Lemony Snicket writes. Don't be an adult and think of the way things work or don't work, just use your imagination and let the story take you away β¨