jale_sellards's reviews
445 reviews

Solo Leveling, Vol. 8 by h-goon, Chugong

adventurous challenging dark tense fast-paced

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

5.0

Solo Leveling, Vol. 7 by h-goon, Chugong

adventurous challenging dark tense fast-paced

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

5.0

Solo Leveling, Vol. 6 by h-goon, Chugong

adventurous challenging dark emotional tense fast-paced

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

5.0

Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 1 by Hiromu Arakawa

adventurous emotional funny hopeful 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? Yes

5.0

Blue Lock, Vol. 7 by Muneyuki Kaneshiro

adventurous challenging emotional inspiring 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

Blue Lock, Vol. 6 by Muneyuki Kaneshiro

adventurous challenging emotional inspiring 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

5.0

A Rivalry of Hearts by Tessonja Odette

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted 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? Yes

4.5

Tessonja Odette: A Rivalry of Hearts 4.5/5 Stars 3/5 Chili Peppers

Thank you to the other for providing me with an eARC of this book.

I have been a longstanding fan of Odette’s work, and I was excited to dig my teeth into this early copy of their upcoming release A Rivalry of Hearts, and I absolutely loved it! Here is what I loved most about it:

*The Setting - Faerwyvae*

Faerwyvae is my favorite fictional world, and A Rivalry of Hearts has confirmed that. Odette cleverly combines an island built around Seele and Unseelie fae with a certain gas light atmosphere. Faerwyvae has fae courts and magical forests, but it also has electricity, trains, elevators, and skyscrapers, making it an utterly magical experience. 

*The Main Characters*

Edwina and William have my whole heart. They are both well-designed characters full of personal flaws and also full of heart. Their backgrounds and interactions feel genuine, and I could tell how much of themselves Odette wrote into this spicy romance author and this arrogant fae poet. Also, William’s motives? Talk about (sob emoji)

*The Romance*

This romance has it all - an arrogant fae male, a not-so-meet-cute, workplace rivalry, a binding fae bargain, he-falls-first vibes, and caring for her when she doesn’t feel well. What could have easily felt like an arrangement of tropes works within the context of their romance and makes the romance progression feel natural and fun to watch. I finished this book in two days. 

*The Spice*

A Rivalry of Hearts features several spicy scenes that really worked for me. I don’t usually seek out spice in my reading, so I was pleased to see that Odette’s take on a spicier fantasy romance still comes with a strong plot and adorable characters - the spice simply serves to add to the story. For me that is the perfect balance! 

One Piece, Vol. 31: We'll Be Here by Eiichiro Oda

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring tense 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? Yes

5.0

A Sign of Affection, Volume 4 by suu Morishita

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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? No

5.0

Burning Crowns by Katherine Webber, Catherine Doyle

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective 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

4.0