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jadeisgreen's reviews
373 reviews
The Lost Sisters by Holly Black
reflective
fast-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? Yes
3.75
Not terribly essential to the series but informative none the less. Difficult to say enjoyable because I still don’t this explanation from Taryns perspective is massively agreeable.
I particularly enjoyed the tale of mr fox. It is one I believe I’ll think on for a while.
I particularly enjoyed the tale of mr fox. It is one I believe I’ll think on for a while.
Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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 read this in tandem with Empire of Storms and, though I believe it made the reading process slower than usual, I’m thankful I did it.
I can’t think of anything I didn’t like about this book. I enjoyed the journeys of all of the characters, and the developments of their relationships with each other.
The world felt so real in my mind, and I appreciated these new settings that differed from the previous books in the series.
I’m glad of Chaol’s resolution with his disability for I was wondering a little bit throughout the book if this was going to have an ableist ending where the only way to be happy was to be ‘healed’ and I’m thankful that isn’t the case.
Almost every aspect of Nesryn’s journey to finding a sense of home for herself made me cry. This book really is about home at its core, and I think the heart of the story was portrayed beautifully.
The khaganate was a fascinating addition to the series. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about each of the siblings and the brutality of their own practices contrasting with the peace of their lands. I look forward to reading more about Sartaq in the next.
I really loved Yrene. I’m glad that she offers a contrast to many of the other women in the series. She is strong and to fight as much as all of the others, but to do so in her own way, without violence.
And though she was not really in this book, I could cry thinking about how much Aelin was felt throughout it. While everyone debated her a mad queen, a self serving lunatic, they did not know that her kindness was serving them all. I thought it was all really beautiful and the revelation of her note at the end to Chaol really killed me.
I can’t think of anything I didn’t like about this book. I enjoyed the journeys of all of the characters, and the developments of their relationships with each other.
The world felt so real in my mind, and I appreciated these new settings that differed from the previous books in the series.
I’m glad of Chaol’s resolution with his disability for I was wondering a little bit throughout the book if this was going to have an ableist ending where the only way to be happy was to be ‘healed’ and I’m thankful that isn’t the case.
Almost every aspect of Nesryn’s journey to finding a sense of home for herself made me cry. This book really is about home at its core, and I think the heart of the story was portrayed beautifully.
The khaganate was a fascinating addition to the series. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about each of the siblings and the brutality of their own practices contrasting with the peace of their lands. I look forward to reading more about Sartaq in the next.
I really loved Yrene. I’m glad that she offers a contrast to many of the other women in the series. She is strong and to fight as much as all of the others, but to do so in her own way, without violence.
And though she was not really in this book, I could cry thinking about how much Aelin was felt throughout it. While everyone debated her a mad queen, a self serving lunatic, they did not know that her kindness was serving them all. I thought it was all really beautiful and the revelation of her note at the end to Chaol really killed me.
Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-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 read this in tandem with Tower of Dawn, and while I believe it made the reading process slower and I found myself getting a little annoyed at having to break off at certain parts I was enjoying in one book to switch to the other, I’m overall thankful I did it for a more immersive experience.
This book is just so action packed it’s unbelievable. This is mostly why I found the tandem so hard- because I constantly wanted to keep reading!
Aelin was her same scheming self throughout this book and it all came together in the most beautiful heart wrenching way at the end. She may be a lot of things, but her kindness trumps them all.
I loved her and Rowan’s story- as always- and the only thing I found myself being confused about was the mating bond because it just seems so obvious as reader that I couldn’t quite believe it was used as a big revelation at the end, though this could just be because I have read other SJM books and am aware of the lore.
I heard people talking about Lorcan and could not get my head around why they loved him but I have been converted despite my better judgement. He is a deeply flawed person and I look forward to reading his redemption in the next book. (I am slightly confused about his relationship with Maeve though. He is the only one of the bonded to have said he loved her, and it makes it really devastatingly clear that he had no idea what such a thing even was until he met Elide). Him sobbing at the end killed me.
Looking forward to more Manon and Dorian hopefully- it felt like we were just fed scraps of them in this book after the promise of more in the previous. Obviously thrilled about the thirteen and to see how they will help Manon step into her new role.
I don’t know how to feel about Fenrys and Gavriel. I obviously want some sort of reconciliation with Aedion, but it kind of feels like that could have happened several times throughout this book but SJM is just saving it until Gavriel can die for his son in the next book.
The implication that Fenrys loves Aelin feels very strange. He doesn’t know her so why does everyone keep suggesting he is so obsessed with her? Might be missing something with this one.
Need Aedion and Lyssandra to get over their issues already. One step forward, two steps back. I personally don’t think A should be so mad at L. If the roles had been reversed, he would have done anything Aelin asked him to too.
Though the whole heir situation did get a little weird.
Overall I really loved this book. It was full of plot, character development and mysteries to unravel. Thoroughly enjoyed! Onto the next!
This book is just so action packed it’s unbelievable. This is mostly why I found the tandem so hard- because I constantly wanted to keep reading!
Aelin was her same scheming self throughout this book and it all came together in the most beautiful heart wrenching way at the end. She may be a lot of things, but her kindness trumps them all.
I loved her and Rowan’s story- as always- and the only thing I found myself being confused about was the mating bond because it just seems so obvious as reader that I couldn’t quite believe it was used as a big revelation at the end, though this could just be because I have read other SJM books and am aware of the lore.
I heard people talking about Lorcan and could not get my head around why they loved him but I have been converted despite my better judgement. He is a deeply flawed person and I look forward to reading his redemption in the next book. (I am slightly confused about his relationship with Maeve though. He is the only one of the bonded to have said he loved her, and it makes it really devastatingly clear that he had no idea what such a thing even was until he met Elide). Him sobbing at the end killed me.
Looking forward to more Manon and Dorian hopefully- it felt like we were just fed scraps of them in this book after the promise of more in the previous. Obviously thrilled about the thirteen and to see how they will help Manon step into her new role.
I don’t know how to feel about Fenrys and Gavriel. I obviously want some sort of reconciliation with Aedion, but it kind of feels like that could have happened several times throughout this book but SJM is just saving it until Gavriel can die for his son in the next book.
The implication that Fenrys loves Aelin feels very strange. He doesn’t know her so why does everyone keep suggesting he is so obsessed with her? Might be missing something with this one.
Need Aedion and Lyssandra to get over their issues already. One step forward, two steps back. I personally don’t think A should be so mad at L. If the roles had been reversed, he would have done anything Aelin asked him to too.
Though the whole heir situation did get a little weird.
Overall I really loved this book. It was full of plot, character development and mysteries to unravel. Thoroughly enjoyed! Onto the next!
Mansfield Park by Jane Austen
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I often struggle to review classics, as I’m not sure they hold to the same standards that I would hold a novel to now.
Do I review it as a piece of fiction reflective of the time it was written, or how well it applies to lives today?
If I were to hold this to todays standards, I would have to point out the obvious lack of diversity, wealth dependant on a slave traded economy and prejudices against women who do not find themselves assimilating to the tight confines of female morality.
But then, half of the point is that Austen is reflecting on such failures in society at the time.
With this being said, I did very much enjoy the satirical exposure of the hypocrisy of social class politics and morality in Austen’s tone. I thought most of the novel to be very funny, despite not entirely loving the way the story panned out.
The ending felt more like an epilogue, in that the last third of the book felt tremendously dragged out only to be wrapped up in pages.
(And my hopes throughout the book that Fanny would not end up with her cousin, were unfortunately not met)
I must also say, that despite seeing a lot of people say how much they disliked Fanny and found her to be boring, and at times I can certainly understand why, I found it quite refreshing to be faced with such a quiet, introverted protagonist. The only thing I did not care for about her was her tendency toward being judgemental and pious- though even this adds a complexity to the character that I always find satisfying to read.
Unsure how to score- the writing is unquestionably good, I enjoyed the satire and discussion of class, despite not being all together satisfied by the ending.
Do I review it as a piece of fiction reflective of the time it was written, or how well it applies to lives today?
If I were to hold this to todays standards, I would have to point out the obvious lack of diversity, wealth dependant on a slave traded economy and prejudices against women who do not find themselves assimilating to the tight confines of female morality.
But then, half of the point is that Austen is reflecting on such failures in society at the time.
With this being said, I did very much enjoy the satirical exposure of the hypocrisy of social class politics and morality in Austen’s tone. I thought most of the novel to be very funny, despite not entirely loving the way the story panned out.
The ending felt more like an epilogue, in that the last third of the book felt tremendously dragged out only to be wrapped up in pages.
(And my hopes throughout the book that Fanny would not end up with her cousin, were unfortunately not met)
I must also say, that despite seeing a lot of people say how much they disliked Fanny and found her to be boring, and at times I can certainly understand why, I found it quite refreshing to be faced with such a quiet, introverted protagonist. The only thing I did not care for about her was her tendency toward being judgemental and pious- though even this adds a complexity to the character that I always find satisfying to read.
Unsure how to score- the writing is unquestionably good, I enjoyed the satire and discussion of class, despite not being all together satisfied by the ending.
Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor by Layla F. Saad
informative
reflective
fast-paced
4.25
I really like the way the book was broken down into segments of learning.
I thought Layla presented the information in really clear way, that almost felt like they were sat in front of me holding a conversation, which had me nodding along and murmuring in agreement throughout the book, which I don’t often find myself doing while reading.
I appreciated the manual and emotional labour that went into writing this.
The work was a pleasure to go through, exposing gaps in my knowledge that I didn’t know I needed and challenging my own memories of past events.
I particularly enjoyed “silence is violence” and discussion of wanting to be a good ancestor. I found this concept to be especially relatable.
I would, and will be, recommending this to everyone that needs to read this.
I thought Layla presented the information in really clear way, that almost felt like they were sat in front of me holding a conversation, which had me nodding along and murmuring in agreement throughout the book, which I don’t often find myself doing while reading.
I appreciated the manual and emotional labour that went into writing this.
The work was a pleasure to go through, exposing gaps in my knowledge that I didn’t know I needed and challenging my own memories of past events.
I particularly enjoyed “silence is violence” and discussion of wanting to be a good ancestor. I found this concept to be especially relatable.
I would, and will be, recommending this to everyone that needs to read this.
Lords of Mercy by Angel Lawson, Samantha Rue
dark
slow-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
2.0
I finished this series and honestly wish I just knew how to dnf things without feeling bad about it.
Not to judge anyone that is into that sort of thing, but I hated with a passion how they really seemed to ramp up the sibling thing here. I could not stomach the constant “little sister/ big brother” thing. It was taking all my willpower in the other books to forget they were step-siblings anyway to be honest.
This book would have been a lot better paced and had a plot worth investing in if there wasn’t a sex scene every other page. The smut was great mostly, but there can definitely be too much and the plot pacing suffered as a result in this case. The book didn’t need to be this long.
Otherwise the writing was probably technically fine but I think this was the worst of the series for the cringe factor of their nicknames, the predictable Ted plot twist and the unwarranted epilogue. Sorry!
Not to judge anyone that is into that sort of thing, but I hated with a passion how they really seemed to ramp up the sibling thing here. I could not stomach the constant “little sister/ big brother” thing. It was taking all my willpower in the other books to forget they were step-siblings anyway to be honest.
This book would have been a lot better paced and had a plot worth investing in if there wasn’t a sex scene every other page. The smut was great mostly, but there can definitely be too much and the plot pacing suffered as a result in this case. The book didn’t need to be this long.
Otherwise the writing was probably technically fine but I think this was the worst of the series for the cringe factor of their nicknames, the predictable Ted plot twist and the unwarranted epilogue. Sorry!
Lords of Wrath by Angel Lawson, Samantha Rue
dark
tense
fast-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
2.75
Look, I can’t explain why I read this but I did, so here we are 🤪
I just felt like I couldn’t give this a whole 3 stars when I think about other 3 star books I’ve read, so 2.75 will have to do.
I did plough through this really quickly and it did make me forget about real life because this is so far from realistic. It’s genuinely insane and unquestionably awful, but I guess also kind of a good time if you can really let yourself stop questioning where all the morality is.
I just felt like I couldn’t give this a whole 3 stars when I think about other 3 star books I’ve read, so 2.75 will have to do.
I did plough through this really quickly and it did make me forget about real life because this is so far from realistic. It’s genuinely insane and unquestionably awful, but I guess also kind of a good time if you can really let yourself stop questioning where all the morality is.
Lords of Pain by Angel Lawson, Samantha Rue
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
Yes, I did read this and no, I don’t really wanna talk about it 🙃
2 feels too low but 3 feels too high when I compare it to other 3 star books I’ve read.
I did plough through this really quickly though and it did make me forget about real life because this is so far from realistic. It’s genuinely insane and unquestionably awful, but I guess also kind of a good time if you can really let yourself stop questioning where all the morality is.
2 feels too low but 3 feels too high when I compare it to other 3 star books I’ve read.
I did plough through this really quickly though and it did make me forget about real life because this is so far from realistic. It’s genuinely insane and unquestionably awful, but I guess also kind of a good time if you can really let yourself stop questioning where all the morality is.
The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
slow-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? No
3.75
I feel so conflicted. The world and prose were unquestionable beautiful. I wanted to bask in it a little longer.
The small snippets of stories sprinkled throughout had me hooked constantly only to be let down at inconclusive endings (I know, I know that was part of the point) and then brought back to peak anticipation again. My favourites were the innkeeper and the moon, and the pirate and the girl. I was also devastated at certain parts of Simon and Eleanor’s story - poor mirabel too!
I enjoyed the characters that we met. I especially related to the introverted aspects of Z’s personality- speaking of his regrets etc I found to be very poignant. Kat at the end was a breath of fresh air when the story was getting stale almost, and I would love to have kept going deeper into her diary.
I had read in other reviews that the romance of Zachary and Dorian came out of nowhere and had assumed that was an exaggeration before reading, but I honestly have to agree. They had very little interaction, slept, spoke and then were in love it seemed. This I was not a fan of but I do understand that ultimately, the story as a whole and enclosed smaller stories of fate and time all reflected this early on, so not entirely out of the blue in that regard.
I preferred the first half of the book to the second surprisingly. I think part of the problem was listening to it as an audiobook because, despite the wonderful narration, when the plot did get fairy convoluted and tied in knots it’s very difficult to go back and re-read certain things make clarifications.
The last third had me questioning whether I was just too unintelligent to fully grasp the scope of the book or whether everyone else was feeling the same way and the reviews seem to agree with me in this regard so that’s a bit of a relief.
Overall, very highly anticipated. Beautifully written and had me wanting more, but ultimately got a bit confusing to follow, so I don’t know how to feel.
The small snippets of stories sprinkled throughout had me hooked constantly only to be let down at inconclusive endings (I know, I know that was part of the point) and then brought back to peak anticipation again. My favourites were the innkeeper and the moon, and the pirate and the girl. I was also devastated at certain parts of Simon and Eleanor’s story - poor mirabel too!
I enjoyed the characters that we met. I especially related to the introverted aspects of Z’s personality- speaking of his regrets etc I found to be very poignant. Kat at the end was a breath of fresh air when the story was getting stale almost, and I would love to have kept going deeper into her diary.
I had read in other reviews that the romance of Zachary and Dorian came out of nowhere and had assumed that was an exaggeration before reading, but I honestly have to agree. They had very little interaction, slept, spoke and then were in love it seemed. This I was not a fan of but I do understand that ultimately, the story as a whole and enclosed smaller stories of fate and time all reflected this early on, so not entirely out of the blue in that regard.
I preferred the first half of the book to the second surprisingly. I think part of the problem was listening to it as an audiobook because, despite the wonderful narration, when the plot did get fairy convoluted and tied in knots it’s very difficult to go back and re-read certain things make clarifications.
The last third had me questioning whether I was just too unintelligent to fully grasp the scope of the book or whether everyone else was feeling the same way and the reviews seem to agree with me in this regard so that’s a bit of a relief.
Overall, very highly anticipated. Beautifully written and had me wanting more, but ultimately got a bit confusing to follow, so I don’t know how to feel.
All I Want for Christmas Is Them by Adora Crooks
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
This was a nice easy quick read. Underdeveloped characters and storylines but I gather there were previous related books that I haven’t read (I just wanted something Christmassy) and also it’s hard to cram too much into so few pages. Regardless, it was fine. First half better than the second as the ending felt rather rushed.