janaikam's reviews
156 reviews

Tales of the Celestial Kingdom by Sue Lynn Tan

emotional lighthearted reflective fast-paced

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

5.0

This was such a nice collection of short stories from the original duology and just gave a nice conclusion/perspective of everything

Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross

challenging dark emotional inspiring sad 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

4.75

I’m broke devastated. This was a wonderful story that explored the various emotions that go on through war. It was a lovely mix of sadness and happiness that absolutely captivated me. I am sending Rebecca Ross my therapy bill tho.

D'Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding by Chencia C. Higgins

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted 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? Yes

4.25

This was a very fun read. I think it was definitely really cute and adorable and just such a nice cozy queer story. 

The Follower of Flowers by Natalia Hernandez

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful 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? Yes

5.0

I have beef with Natalia Hernandez after this story. How dare she craft such a beautiful heart wrenching story that leaves me wondering when the next book releases. Picking up from where the Namebearer left off this story keeps things moving while also expanding the world and giving a better idea of the different power struggles that are occurring in Tierra Madre.

The Prisoner's Throne by Holly Black

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious 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

This was a torturously beautiful conclusion to the stolen heir duology. This story with Oak and Wren came together beautifully. With the addition of the characters from the cruel prince trilogy made this all the better and just was such a fun read overall.

The Name-Bearer by Natalia Hernandez

adventurous challenging hopeful 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

This book was so good. I loved the different relationships and how they came together to define who the name bearer was. I also love the emphasis on the importance of names throughout. I can’t wait to pick up the second book in the series.

Beasts of War by Ayana Gray

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful 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? Yes

5.0

This was a brilliant and lovely conclusion to the Beasts of Prey Trilogy. To see how Koffi and Ekon grew in this series was wonderful and to see how despite their many trials they still managed to find a way to fight back and stay together. The characters as always were so nicely developed and the plot was masterfully done. I can’t wait for more by Ayana Gray.

The Bone Shard Daughter by Andrea Stewart
Did not finish book. Stopped at 46%.

I couldn't really connect to the characters and didn't feel like there was enough to keep me interested

Silver Under Nightfall by Rin Chupeco

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful 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? Yes

5.0

This book was amazing. I absolutely adored the character interactions throughout and how the love story developed was lovely. I can’t wait to read more about the shenanigans Remy, Xiaodan, and Zidan get into in the next book

Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan

challenging dark hopeful mysterious 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

The story was unique in its world with the Paper, Steel and Moon Castes. I think for a fantasy that is meant for younger audiences it handles such difficult topics well while also incorporating the glimmers of hope to tell the characters and readers that all hope is not lost