irfoxwriter's reviews
283 reviews

House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas

adventurous inspiring tense slow-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? Yes

2.0

I knew this book was going to be a strange read because there had been so much hype and speculation. I’d largely tried to avoid the conspiracy theories, because I didn’t want to expect anything. Overall, the book was… not great. Same as most recent Maas books, it delivered a few knock out punches, large sections of slog that were difficult to get through, and

ultimately a happy ending.

The most interesting elements were the

crossover and exploration of the interconnected lore, and what that means for the next ACOTAR book. The only part of the book I had any emotional investment in was when Ember gave Nesta a hug.

My view from the previous book that Bryce is a terrible partner and also a pretty awful person was also strengthened - the way she treats her supposed mate in this book is atrocious. If you gender swapped Bryce and Hunt and wrote a relationship like this, there would be uproar. 

I know SJM is contracted for another new series, but I might not read it tbh. The only characters I care about are in the ACOTAR universe and based on this book, I think she has run out of original ideas. 

Midnight Secretary, Vol. 01 by Tomu Ohmi

dark fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

The Final Strife by Saara El-Arifi

adventurous reflective medium-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? Yes

4.5

A Duel with the Vampire Lord by Elise Kova

adventurous 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

My favourite of the Married to Magic series - Floriane is a the best of the heroines! 

Lilith by Nikki Marmery

challenging emotional reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Brilliant - evocative, rich prose telling a compelling story full of feminine power and rage! 

Barbarian's Touch by Ruby Dixon

adventurous funny lighthearted 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

4.5

I swear with every one of the IPB books I read, I love them more and more. 

The Bloodprint by Ausma Zehanat Khan

adventurous dark emotional tense medium-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? Yes

5.0

I LOVED THIS BOOK. I was transfixed throughout - Daniyar and Aryan and Sinnia are brilliant characters. I am launching into book two as soon as I get my hands on it. 

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

adventurous dark slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

This book desperately needs a tighter edit. I think I could have skipped around 20 chapters and still not missed out on anything significant for the story. The last 15% was great but the rest was a struggle. Undecided if I will finish the series. 

Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo

adventurous dark mysterious tense 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

EXCELLENT. I got lost a bit at times but my questions were always answered and it did not diminish my enjoyment of the book. Wonderful writing. 

The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne
Did not finish book. Stopped at 75%.

I loved elements of the writing, but the content was all a bit too grim for me. Glad I gave it a try.