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highleyginger's reviews
66 reviews
A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas
emotional
reflective
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
3.5
Felt like more of a fan fic or at least a crowd pleaser, wrapping everything up in a mostly pretty bow for Rhys & Feyre.
While it does slightly hint at more, it could easily end at this point leaving it up to our imaginations how things go from here.
While it does slightly hint at more, it could easily end at this point leaving it up to our imaginations how things go from here.
Network Effect by Martha Wells
adventurous
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
5.0
A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
dark
emotional
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? No
4.0
A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-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
4.0
This title in the series had a much better edition however the language of "breeding" and "mate" in this series is a bit uncomfortable. I understand that the author is trying to convey that some sects of the fae feel like sexual assault is just animalistic and part of their old ways, but I feel that Feyre has a right to call it what it is, that the author has the right to call it what it truly is.
The use of mate as an animalistic term but also as soul mate, feels awkward. I can't put forth a suggestion for an alternative word for them to use though since twin flame is language initiated by a cult. I do think that one deserves better language though because of the authors choice to have it be an intense sexual/spiritual bond that seems to supercedes marriage, that is stronger than that but doesn't always have love involved since those ties can be with abusive people but it seems to be defined by fate alone.
Outside of that, so far this is my favorite title. I love that Feyre is getting so much self reflection, of the toxic situation she had been in, through being treated as if she has choices and rights. In many ways, this book makes up for the big moral flaws in the first book. She learns to heal and grow past her PTSD through trust, friends, and giving up the stubborn will of bottling everything up. It's slow, but I enjoyed this one, predictable as it may be, because of the crew that Rhys keeps.
I love that these characters can admit when they've done wrong, work on finding mutual solutions, while also showing that sometimes bad situations come from good intentions and it doesn't necessarily make you bad as long as you are willing to learn from it.
The use of mate as an animalistic term but also as soul mate, feels awkward. I can't put forth a suggestion for an alternative word for them to use though since twin flame is language initiated by a cult. I do think that one deserves better language though because of the authors choice to have it be an intense sexual/spiritual bond that seems to supercedes marriage, that is stronger than that but doesn't always have love involved since those ties can be with abusive people but it seems to be defined by fate alone.
Outside of that, so far this is my favorite title. I love that Feyre is getting so much self reflection, of the toxic situation she had been in, through being treated as if she has choices and rights. In many ways, this book makes up for the big moral flaws in the first book. She learns to heal and grow past her PTSD through trust, friends, and giving up the stubborn will of bottling everything up. It's slow, but I enjoyed this one, predictable as it may be, because of the crew that Rhys keeps.
I love that these characters can admit when they've done wrong, work on finding mutual solutions, while also showing that sometimes bad situations come from good intentions and it doesn't necessarily make you bad as long as you are willing to learn from it.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
dark
tense
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? Yes
3.5
This book could have been better, not in terms of plot, that I was fine with, but in terms of character actions, and the author desperately needing a GOOD editor.
If I have to read the phrase "lazy smile" again in this series, I'm likely to throw myself into the abyss. A thesaurus would be a very advantageous resource for this author and an editor willing to point out the gross overuse of certain phrases.
Outside of the complaints about unfortuately typical YA romantic toxic relationships, and lack of character diversity, it does have a feeling of being a reimagined Beauty & the Beast but in a Fae world to explain the magic. Unlike Beauty & the Beast, our main character has a stubborn streak that is spiteful to the point of self sabotage.
She does have character growth with her stubborness and her "oh woe is me" attitude does improve. She begins to take time to understand those around her, especially of her dysfunctional family.
If I have to read the phrase "lazy smile" again in this series, I'm likely to throw myself into the abyss. A thesaurus would be a very advantageous resource for this author and an editor willing to point out the gross overuse of certain phrases.
Outside of the complaints about unfortuately typical YA romantic toxic relationships, and lack of character diversity, it does have a feeling of being a reimagined Beauty & the Beast but in a Fae world to explain the magic. Unlike Beauty & the Beast, our main character has a stubborn streak that is spiteful to the point of self sabotage.
She does have character growth with her stubborness and her "oh woe is me" attitude does improve. She begins to take time to understand those around her, especially of her dysfunctional family.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Physical abuse, Sexism, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
Aurora by David Koepp
adventurous
dark
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-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
4.0
While this has the "post apocalyptic" feel with how the world turns when the infamous geostima hits the earth knocking power and cell service out for most of the earth with the exception of most of the countries around the equator.
However, this story actually has a taste of hope. Purpose is found through work, compassion, or ingenuity, seen through the eyes of a small world cast of characters.
PS. I spent the first half of this book wondering if Aubrey and the family knew what the hell a door lock was. Girl, it's an apocalyptic event, why aren't you locking your door?!?
However, this story actually has a taste of hope. Purpose is found through work, compassion, or ingenuity, seen through the eyes of a small world cast of characters.
PS. I spent the first half of this book wondering if Aubrey and the family knew what the hell a door lock was. Girl, it's an apocalyptic event, why aren't you locking your door?!?
Nothing But Blackened Teeth by Cassandra Khaw
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Exit Strategy by Martha Wells
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
This title feels like a wrap up, but leaves open for more. Murderbot is learning to have to cope with it's human side a bit more than they would want to but they doesn't completely hate it. The AI/Bot companions of the previous entries have helped the growth of our beloved sarcastic Murderbot who is perhaps becoming more consultant Ren after all!
Rogue Protocol by Martha Wells
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
5.0
Artificial Condition by Martha Wells
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0