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ihavetosay's reviews
59 reviews
Binti by Nnedi Okorafor
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
4/5 ⭐️
As seen at ihavetosay.blog
SYNOPSIS
Binti is the first Himba person to be accepted into Oomza University. Himba people don’t leave their planet and are looked down upon by the other people. Binti’s family acknowledges her talent and intelligence, but they don’t want her to go across the galaxy to the top university.
Binti sneaks out to attend, only to have the ship overrun by Meduses, aliens who are at war with humans. They’ve slaughtered everyone on board and she has to figure out how to survive.
What could possibly happen?
RECAP AND REVIEW
This novella is the first in a trilogy. It’s told in the first person by Binti, the sixteen year old protagonist.
I came into the book, not sure what to expect. It opens with Binti running away and kept my interest from there, getting straight to the point about her experience. It’s a quick read; it only took me about an hour or so to get through it.
Although it’s short, I felt like it covered a lot- from the customs of Himba people, to the racism and microagressions she faces, to her talent of treeing, math, and creation, to the Meduse taking over the ship.
The story touched on Binti’s relationship with her hair and how it, as well as a clay salve her people use, affect how she views herself. It mentions going down a different path than her family wants and the guilt associated with it. We see Binti broaden her horizons and navigate staying alive.
The story ends happily, which I wasn’t expecting. Some reviews I’ve seen critique it, and though a part of me agrees it’s a little naive and unrealistic in our world, I can appreciate its hopefulness and lightheartedness.
OVERALL
Overall I give this a 4 out of 5 stars. If you like sci-fi, I definitely recommend this story. It’s an easy read and helped with my slump. I will be reading the next one.
As seen at ihavetosay.blog
SYNOPSIS
Binti is the first Himba person to be accepted into Oomza University. Himba people don’t leave their planet and are looked down upon by the other people. Binti’s family acknowledges her talent and intelligence, but they don’t want her to go across the galaxy to the top university.
Binti sneaks out to attend, only to have the ship overrun by Meduses, aliens who are at war with humans. They’ve slaughtered everyone on board and she has to figure out how to survive.
What could possibly happen?
RECAP AND REVIEW
This novella is the first in a trilogy. It’s told in the first person by Binti, the sixteen year old protagonist.
I came into the book, not sure what to expect. It opens with Binti running away and kept my interest from there, getting straight to the point about her experience. It’s a quick read; it only took me about an hour or so to get through it.
Although it’s short, I felt like it covered a lot- from the customs of Himba people, to the racism and microagressions she faces, to her talent of treeing, math, and creation, to the Meduse taking over the ship.
The story touched on Binti’s relationship with her hair and how it, as well as a clay salve her people use, affect how she views herself. It mentions going down a different path than her family wants and the guilt associated with it. We see Binti broaden her horizons and navigate staying alive.
The story ends happily, which I wasn’t expecting. Some reviews I’ve seen critique it, and though a part of me agrees it’s a little naive and unrealistic in our world, I can appreciate its hopefulness and lightheartedness.
OVERALL
Overall I give this a 4 out of 5 stars. If you like sci-fi, I definitely recommend this story. It’s an easy read and helped with my slump. I will be reading the next one.
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
challenging
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
4/5 ⭐️
Full review at ihavetosay.blog
SYNOPSIS
Violet wanted to be a Scribe like her father when she grew up. After he died from a broken heart caused by her brother Brennan’s death, Violet’s mother, who is high up in the Riders Quadrant, decided Violet would actually switch paths and become a Dragon Rider. She’s a Sorrengail after all. It doesn’t matter that Riders have a high death rate or that she’s disabled, constantly breaking bones and dislocating joints.
Now Violet must switch gears and fight to survive in a cutthroat environment where everyone knows her name because of her mother and sister’s status.
What could possibly happen?
RECAP AND REVIEW
This is the first book in a romance fantasy series. It’s told in the first person perspective mostly by Violet on her journey to graduation.
Violet is a typical “chosen one” character defying the odds stacked against her. She’s “weak” and becomes “strong” and though that trope usually annoys me, I didn’t mind it here. It was refreshing that she wasn’t cured, though who knows what’ll happen in the next book.
Xaden is a typical brooding, mysterious, but caring type. He is powerful and one of many children of declared traitors, which others him.
The romance between Xaden and Violet is obvious. It’s annoying that Violet always questioned his intentions. Their relationship felt rushed in the end.
Dain is selfish, power hungry, and hides behind feigned sympathy. Real friends advise but they also support. I don’t think what he did was out of character. He was always honest with where he stood in regards to his rank, the rules, and his goals.
There are a few twists throughout the book. The dragons are important but separate from the story. We didn’t get to see the relationships between the rider and dragon develop.
I also didn’t like how snarky the relationship between Violet and her dragon are. Like y’all just met. I actually didn’t like how much sarcasm was in the book in the first place. At times, the attitude and defiance felt forced.
OVERALL
Overall I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars. What happens next will either be more of the same tropes, which will get stale, or be completely different.
Full review at ihavetosay.blog
SYNOPSIS
Violet wanted to be a Scribe like her father when she grew up. After he died from a broken heart caused by her brother Brennan’s death, Violet’s mother, who is high up in the Riders Quadrant, decided Violet would actually switch paths and become a Dragon Rider. She’s a Sorrengail after all. It doesn’t matter that Riders have a high death rate or that she’s disabled, constantly breaking bones and dislocating joints.
Now Violet must switch gears and fight to survive in a cutthroat environment where everyone knows her name because of her mother and sister’s status.
What could possibly happen?
RECAP AND REVIEW
This is the first book in a romance fantasy series. It’s told in the first person perspective mostly by Violet on her journey to graduation.
Violet is a typical “chosen one” character defying the odds stacked against her. She’s “weak” and becomes “strong” and though that trope usually annoys me, I didn’t mind it here. It was refreshing that she wasn’t cured, though who knows what’ll happen in the next book.
Xaden is a typical brooding, mysterious, but caring type. He is powerful and one of many children of declared traitors, which others him.
The romance between Xaden and Violet is obvious. It’s annoying that Violet always questioned his intentions. Their relationship felt rushed in the end.
Dain is selfish, power hungry, and hides behind feigned sympathy. Real friends advise but they also support. I don’t think what he did was out of character. He was always honest with where he stood in regards to his rank, the rules, and his goals.
There are a few twists throughout the book. The dragons are important but separate from the story. We didn’t get to see the relationships between the rider and dragon develop.
I also didn’t like how snarky the relationship between Violet and her dragon are. Like y’all just met. I actually didn’t like how much sarcasm was in the book in the first place. At times, the attitude and defiance felt forced.
OVERALL
Overall I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars. What happens next will either be more of the same tropes, which will get stale, or be completely different.
Soul of the Deep by Natasha Bowen
adventurous
challenging
tense
medium-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
2/5 ⭐️
Full review at ihavetosay.blog
SYNOPSIS
Simidele is now in deep waters serving Olokun to honor her promise. A Mami Wata named Folasade comes to visit and sends word that Esu may actually be being held hostage by Olokun and has not reported back to Oldomare to continue his duty of taming the anti-gods. In Esu’s absence, ajogun soldiers have run rampant, slaying cities in the hopes of freeing the anti-gods. Now Simi must free Esu and work with him to stop the release of the anti-gods. What could possible happen?
RECAP AND REVIEW
This book is a mythology and fantasty book that uses African gods. There’s a forbidden romance. This is the second book in the series. Not much is recapped but aspects of the first book are referenced.
I liked how this book started and parts of the end battle, but it lost me in the middle and really annoyed me at the end.
Simi, in my opinion, has no character growth or development. She continues to not listen and do whatever she wants. It felt unrealistic to me the way that Yemoja accepts that she’s just not going to follow rules.
It’s interesting Simi’s able to not fulfill her duties considering most of her cleanups were due to her own actions. Granted, Esu might’ve taken over in the first book if Kola was not rescued, but that’s a conversation for another day.
I didn’t find Olokun to be as horrible as they tried to make him out to be. He’s unhappy and intimidating, but who wouldn’t be chained under the sea. All he wants is to be heard and free. Even in this book, he continues to help Simi and she disregards him. Never says thank you and rarely credits him for his help.
I love romance but Simi and Kola fell a little flat. I don’t mind instalove, but the chemistry was lacking despite how much they wanted to be together. How things ended made me upset. We spent all of this time and there was a death for what?
OVERALL
Overall, I give this book a 2 out of 5 stars. As a whole, plot wise, it didn’t do it for me. I have been in a reading slump so it could have affected how I interpreted the plot, but I also don’t like Simi as a character and I think she gets off too easily. The writing and visuals were done well though.
Full review at ihavetosay.blog
SYNOPSIS
Simidele is now in deep waters serving Olokun to honor her promise. A Mami Wata named Folasade comes to visit and sends word that Esu may actually be being held hostage by Olokun and has not reported back to Oldomare to continue his duty of taming the anti-gods. In Esu’s absence, ajogun soldiers have run rampant, slaying cities in the hopes of freeing the anti-gods. Now Simi must free Esu and work with him to stop the release of the anti-gods. What could possible happen?
RECAP AND REVIEW
This book is a mythology and fantasty book that uses African gods. There’s a forbidden romance. This is the second book in the series. Not much is recapped but aspects of the first book are referenced.
I liked how this book started and parts of the end battle, but it lost me in the middle and really annoyed me at the end.
Simi, in my opinion, has no character growth or development. She continues to not listen and do whatever she wants. It felt unrealistic to me the way that Yemoja accepts that she’s just not going to follow rules.
It’s interesting Simi’s able to not fulfill her duties considering most of her cleanups were due to her own actions. Granted, Esu might’ve taken over in the first book if Kola was not rescued, but that’s a conversation for another day.
I didn’t find Olokun to be as horrible as they tried to make him out to be. He’s unhappy and intimidating, but who wouldn’t be chained under the sea. All he wants is to be heard and free. Even in this book, he continues to help Simi and she disregards him. Never says thank you and rarely credits him for his help.
I love romance but Simi and Kola fell a little flat. I don’t mind instalove, but the chemistry was lacking despite how much they wanted to be together. How things ended made me upset. We spent all of this time and there was a death for what?
OVERALL
Overall, I give this book a 2 out of 5 stars. As a whole, plot wise, it didn’t do it for me. I have been in a reading slump so it could have affected how I interpreted the plot, but I also don’t like Simi as a character and I think she gets off too easily. The writing and visuals were done well though.
Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Terms and Conditions by Lauren Asher
emotional
funny
reflective
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
5.0
5/5 ⭐️
——————————————————
Full review at ihavetosay.blog
SYNOPSIS
After their grandfather died, the Kane brothers received a letter from him outlining what each needs to be accomplished in order to receive their inheritance. For 25 billion and being named CEO, Declan, the oldest, must marry someone and have a child. Declan’s assistant Iris has worked tirelessly in order to find a woman willing to sign a marriage contract and marry Declan in exchange for money. Declan scares each one off, the most recent one being the day that the engagement announcement was to take place. With people waiting, and no fiancée, Cal, Declan’s brother, suggests Iris steps in. She does and now she and Declan are due to get married and stay together for at least three years. What could possibly happen?
RECAP AND REVIEW
This standalone book is the second in the Dreamland series. It is told in a dual perspective by Declan and Iris. It’s a workplace romance with a marriage of convenience and an age gap.
Declan has a similar sort of intensity and disengagement with reality that Rowan has, but I enjoyed him infinitely more. He seems to have a better understanding of himself and comes to a breakthrough at the end. I love self awareness.
I enjoyed the pacing and all the dynamics that were going on here. From Iris also hating Declan’s father to her family meeting Declan to Cal and Iris as besties. Even the business relationship with Mr. Yakura was interesting and served a greater purpose.
I enjoyed the workplace aspect of it, which I didn’t like in the first book. Iris brought up great points and the way it played out made sense and was necessary. Declan and Iris have a chemistry and banter that I love to read in romance books.
The way the first book was tied in was great. The end of this book made me emotional. Iris’s mom had wise words and Declan put thought into how to get her back after the third act breakup.
OVERALL
Overall, I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars. I was hopeful because I’ve heard great things about this one, and I wasn’t disappointed. I’ve been in a slump and their love story had me smiling and wanting to continue on.
——————————————————
Full review at ihavetosay.blog
SYNOPSIS
After their grandfather died, the Kane brothers received a letter from him outlining what each needs to be accomplished in order to receive their inheritance. For 25 billion and being named CEO, Declan, the oldest, must marry someone and have a child. Declan’s assistant Iris has worked tirelessly in order to find a woman willing to sign a marriage contract and marry Declan in exchange for money. Declan scares each one off, the most recent one being the day that the engagement announcement was to take place. With people waiting, and no fiancée, Cal, Declan’s brother, suggests Iris steps in. She does and now she and Declan are due to get married and stay together for at least three years. What could possibly happen?
RECAP AND REVIEW
This standalone book is the second in the Dreamland series. It is told in a dual perspective by Declan and Iris. It’s a workplace romance with a marriage of convenience and an age gap.
Declan has a similar sort of intensity and disengagement with reality that Rowan has, but I enjoyed him infinitely more. He seems to have a better understanding of himself and comes to a breakthrough at the end. I love self awareness.
I enjoyed the pacing and all the dynamics that were going on here. From Iris also hating Declan’s father to her family meeting Declan to Cal and Iris as besties. Even the business relationship with Mr. Yakura was interesting and served a greater purpose.
I enjoyed the workplace aspect of it, which I didn’t like in the first book. Iris brought up great points and the way it played out made sense and was necessary. Declan and Iris have a chemistry and banter that I love to read in romance books.
The way the first book was tied in was great. The end of this book made me emotional. Iris’s mom had wise words and Declan put thought into how to get her back after the third act breakup.
OVERALL
Overall, I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars. I was hopeful because I’ve heard great things about this one, and I wasn’t disappointed. I’ve been in a slump and their love story had me smiling and wanting to continue on.
The Blood Trials by N.E. Davenport
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
5/5 ⭐️
Another new favorite! ———————————————————
Full post at ihavetosay.blog
SYNOPSIS
Ikenna lost her grandfather, the Legatus Commander, a few months before graduating from the Academy. Grief-stricken at his unexpected loss, she decides to put on hold their dream of her becoming a Praetorian, a special ops soldier. When an old family friend says he suspects her grandfather was murdered by his second in command, she decides to go through with becoming a Praetorian and enters the blood trials, hoping to gather evidence against who killed her grandfather and why. What could possibly happen?
Full review at http://ihavetosay.blog/2023/08/27/the-blood-trials-by-n-e-davenport-the-blood-gift-duology-1/
Another new favorite! ———————————————————
Full post at ihavetosay.blog
SYNOPSIS
Ikenna lost her grandfather, the Legatus Commander, a few months before graduating from the Academy. Grief-stricken at his unexpected loss, she decides to put on hold their dream of her becoming a Praetorian, a special ops soldier. When an old family friend says he suspects her grandfather was murdered by his second in command, she decides to go through with becoming a Praetorian and enters the blood trials, hoping to gather evidence against who killed her grandfather and why. What could possibly happen?
Full review at http://ihavetosay.blog/2023/08/27/the-blood-trials-by-n-e-davenport-the-blood-gift-duology-1/
Sing Me to Sleep by Gabi Burton
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Blood Debts by Terry J. Benton-Walker
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
3/5 ⭐️
————————————————-
Full review at ihavetosay.blog
SYNOPSIS
Thirty years ago, Cristine and Clem’s grandmother, who was queen of a magic council, died and was accused of murdering the mayor’s daughter. Instead of the queen title passing down to Cristine and Clem’s mother, the title was given to Lenora.
More recently, Cristine and Clem’s father died and their mother has fallen mysteriously ill. Grief and guilt tears these twins apart until Clem discovers a voodoo doll underneath his mom’s bed. With the realization their lives are in danger, the twins go on their own journeys, which overlap, to investigate who wants to kill them and why. What could possibly happen?
RECAP AND REVIEW
This book is told from multiple perspectives- Clement, Cristina, Zachary, Lenora, Jean-Louise, and Valentina. The two main narrators are Cristina and Clement and the story is really about their family and uncovering the secret of why their aunts and uncles moved out and what really happened to their grandmother.
Lenora and Zachary’s viewpoints aren’t necessary, though I understand Zachary’s chapter at least showed a motive behind a major plot point. At the same time, there was a lot of filler in both of their chapters because their stories aren’t the main focus.
This book revolves around secrets coming to light. No one is completely honest with anyone. Even in the end there are secrets being kept. It made the read interesting and realistic, but after a while I was like, please just talk to each other.
The action picks up in the last half of the book. Most of everything is explained by the end. The cliffhanger has me excited for the next one.
Overall, I give this a 3 out of 5 stars. There’s a lot of characters and a lot happens. It was confusing to follow how everyone was connected and understand the magic systems and politics. I don’t like how character perspective’s were introduced mid story. (Also, Yves deserved better). However, once I got into it with a better understanding of what was going on, I was eager to see how things would play out. I’d recommend it.
————————————————-
Full review at ihavetosay.blog
SYNOPSIS
Thirty years ago, Cristine and Clem’s grandmother, who was queen of a magic council, died and was accused of murdering the mayor’s daughter. Instead of the queen title passing down to Cristine and Clem’s mother, the title was given to Lenora.
More recently, Cristine and Clem’s father died and their mother has fallen mysteriously ill. Grief and guilt tears these twins apart until Clem discovers a voodoo doll underneath his mom’s bed. With the realization their lives are in danger, the twins go on their own journeys, which overlap, to investigate who wants to kill them and why. What could possibly happen?
RECAP AND REVIEW
This book is told from multiple perspectives- Clement, Cristina, Zachary, Lenora, Jean-Louise, and Valentina. The two main narrators are Cristina and Clement and the story is really about their family and uncovering the secret of why their aunts and uncles moved out and what really happened to their grandmother.
Lenora and Zachary’s viewpoints aren’t necessary, though I understand Zachary’s chapter at least showed a motive behind a major plot point. At the same time, there was a lot of filler in both of their chapters because their stories aren’t the main focus.
This book revolves around secrets coming to light. No one is completely honest with anyone. Even in the end there are secrets being kept. It made the read interesting and realistic, but after a while I was like, please just talk to each other.
The action picks up in the last half of the book. Most of everything is explained by the end. The cliffhanger has me excited for the next one.
Overall, I give this a 3 out of 5 stars. There’s a lot of characters and a lot happens. It was confusing to follow how everyone was connected and understand the magic systems and politics. I don’t like how character perspective’s were introduced mid story. (Also, Yves deserved better). However, once I got into it with a better understanding of what was going on, I was eager to see how things would play out. I’d recommend it.
Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
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
4.0