jessread_s's reviews
494 reviews

They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad 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

Review: A beautiful, yet devastating story on love, loss, and taking risks. 

 

“They Both Die at the End” follow Rufus and Mateo, total strangers that find friendship in each other as they spend their last day trying to live a lifetime. 

 

Silvera immediately captivated me with his unique and distinctive characters. Some are central to the storyline and others are more periphery, but each has their own voice and I enjoyed getting a glimpse into their lives in reading from their perspective. 

 

I especially gravitated towards chapters written from Mateo’s point-of-view because as a professional overthinker, I saw a lot of myself in his character. I loved watching him develop throughout the novel and get to a point where he could make the most out of his last day and be his most authentic self with Rufus at his side. I’m so glad he got to experience love and odd as it sounds, his journey gave me hope for myself. 

 

Despite knowing what would happen (as made clear by the title) I was still gripped by emotion. The build-up to the novel’s climax is slow and mundane, making the ending more jarring in my opinion. The bonus story in the collector’s edition is what really tipped me over the edge. I sobbed uncontrollably and I anticipate that the other two books in the series will make me do the same. 

Into the Churn by Hayley Reese Chow

adventurous emotional funny hopeful 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? No

4.25

Review: A romantic sci-fi adventure that will make your heart race and flutter!

“Into the Churn” follows Ezren Hart as she enters her planet’s deadly and most lucrative race in hopes of saving her mother’s terraforming lab. Her partner and veteran racer Foster Sterling has reasons of his own for partaking in Belthea’s Race Royale: to uncover the truth behind the death of his former teammate. It’s a race against time to the finish line, but they can’t outrun the mysterious string of accidents befalling them or the spark that ignites between them. 

Admittedly science-fiction isn’t my cup of tea because I can easily become overwhelmed by abstract concepts, but I’m so glad I decided to branch out with this book because it is just so fun! I was immediately swept up in Chow’s Casolla system from the very first page. Through Ezren’s point-of-view the reader is organically introduced to Belthean customs and traditions, including slang unique to those who inhabit the planet and the race royale. The stakes are high for both Ezren and Foster with savage and volatile storms being a part of the course they have to navigate. The added threat of other racers sabotaging their competition paired with the elements of mystery and fast pacing made it so that there was never a dull moment! 

With so much on the line I also couldn’t help but root for both Ezren and Foster to be the first to finish and was desperate to see their relationship take off. This book is advertised as a slow burn and while I wouldn’t say that is the case, I really enjoyed watching their feelings for each other grow from both of their perspectives. The inclusion of the fake dating trope pushes Ezren and Foster to spend more time together as part of a publicity stunt until the line between what is pretend and what is real begins to blur. I couldn’t get enough of their chemistry!

The Hurricane Wars by Thea Guanzon

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

4.0

Review: What this book lacks in world-building it makes up for in the all-consuming enemies-to-relcutant allies-to-lovers plot. 

 

“The Hurricane Wars” follows Talasyn and Prince Alaric, two bitter enemies with opposing magical abilities, as they are thrust into an uneasy alliance to bring an end to the Hurricane Wars. But a greater threat is coming, and the searing passion they find in each other could either save their world or destroy it. 

 

As a huge Star Wars fan, I thoroughly enjoyed Guanzon’s debut novel! I found great enjoyment in identifying connections between “The Hurricane Wars” and the films (7-9) as well as the ways in which Guanzon branches out to build the relationship dynamic between Alaric and Talasyn (inspired by Kylo Ren and Rey). I went feral over the addition of the arranged marriage trope that Guanzon incorporated into her storyline and really like how she infused Southeast Asian culture into Talasyn’s background. I wasn’t originally a Reylo shipper, but Guanzon has successfully converted me. 

 

For readers picking this one up without having seen Star Wars, this book has its pitfalls. The magic of fanfiction is that writers can create an alternate universe where beloved characters that may not have otherwise been romantically attached can get together. Very minimal world-building is needed because the assumption is that the target audience is already familiar with the source material. The problem is that traditionally published novels don’t work that way. Readers aren’t always part of certain fandoms and, in my opinion, “The Hurricane Wars” (part of the fanfic-to-romance pipeline) suffers from assuming everyone is a Star Wars fan. I came into this book with a full understanding of the characters, the magic system, and the conflict. I can see how others who have not seen the films could easily become lost because at the end of the day, the goal of this book is for Reylo to get together, even if it is to the detriment of the world-building,  plot, and conflict. I think that is why part I felt so rushed to me. Part I is not as developed as part II because only the bare minimum is done in terms of developing the world and magic system to establish that Alaric and Talasyn are enemies. Part II was much more interesting because that is where the sexual tension, angst, and banter between the characters finally comes into play. It is clear that the romance is what drives this book in comparison to the war that is going on or the magic that is present. 

 

I didn’t mind this, which is why I’ll likely pick up “A Monsoon Rising”. I’m ultimately glad I stuck with this book despite getting bogged down by part I because I absolutely devoured part II. And hey, if this is the book that convinces more people to watch Star Wars, I’m willing to look past its shortcomings. 

Sound the Gong by Joan He

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful sad tense medium-paced

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

4.0

Review: An explosive conclusion that won’t let you come up for air. 

Picking up where “Strike the Zither” leaves off, “Sound the Gong” follows Zephyr, now a god in a warrior’s body, as she pays the ultimate price to see her lordess Xin Ren succeed in ruling over the three kingdoms. 

This book takes a darker turn with more betrayal, more scheming, more politics, and more death. My heart was racing as Zephyr slowly unravels Crow’s master plan and discovers where his loyalty truly lies. With a deeper understanding of his motivations, I found myself looking back on every move he made in the previous book with fresh eyes and marveled over Joan He’s craft. 

Zepyr is ruthless in her pursuit of taking fate into her own hands. She stays true to her character in not deviating from her mission of putting Ren on the throne, but her act of cutting down whoever is in her way toes the line of villainy and makes readers question whether the harm she inflicts is justified by her noble cause. As the author puts it, Zephyr isn’t a “shining hero” and I loved her all the more for that. I was rooting for her to the very last page.

As a ZephyrCrow fan, the ending of “Sound the Gong” shattered my heart, but it fits the story well. The bonus epilogue is what put me back together again (available on the author’s website - you won’t want to miss it) and left me feeling hopeful. Both endings are satisfying in their own ways and wrap-up the duology nicely. 

The Lost Sisters by Holly Black

adventurous dark emotional informative reflective sad fast-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

4.0

Review: This companion e-novella adds depth and complexity to Taryn’s seemingly simplistic characterization. 

 

“The Lost Sisters” is told from the perspective Taryn Duarte, who comes clean to her sister Jude in a letter about her relationship with the trickster, Locke. 

 

When I first read The Folk of the Air series I totally skipped over this one, but after finishing The Stolen Heir duology I decided to return to it just for fun. I enjoyed getting the opportunity to finally read from Taryn’s point-of-view and in the style of a letter! The contents consist of her asking Jude, and in turn the reader, to sympathize with her plight and forgive her for her behavior. Though her half-apology did not completely win me over, it helped me understand her better as a character. She just wants so desperately to be loved and viewed as a good person, but she does not always go about achieving these goals in ways that readers, like myself, agree with. With this added perspective, I intend to keep an open mind about her in the future. 

Out On a Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young

emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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

5.0

Review: If I was only allowed to read one book for the rest of my life, I would choose this one! 

 

“Out on a Limb” follows Win McNulty and Bo Durand, two strangers whose lives are forever altered after a one-night stand at a Halloween party. With a baby on the way, the two decide to get to know one another as friends and nothing more. But, as they both should know by now, life rarely goes according to plan. 

 

I loved reading from Win’s perspective! Her distinctive character voice drew me in from the very start! I appreciate how Win’s inner thoughts showcase very real day-to-day struggles, insecurities, and fears as she navigates her unexpected pregnancy and relearns how to embrace herself fully. Though I couldn’t relate to Win’s specific situation, I could relate to her feelings and emotions and was moved by her vulnerability. 

 

I adore Bo Durand!!! He is the PERFECT partner for Win. Every interaction he was involved in made me smile because he is just so kind and supportive of Win. He makes her feel protected, safe, and loved. On top of that, his sunshine personality, nerdiness, and dad jokes made my heart flutter to no end. 

 

Win and Bo’s relationship development is beautiful from start to finish. At first, they are perfect strangers. Once Win discovers she is pregnant with Bo’s baby, they spend the majority of the story establishing a strong friendship that later serves as the foundation for their romantic relationship. They get to know each other so completely by asking each other questions and keeping communication open. As they got more comfortable with each other, there were little moments (like when Bo braided Win’s hair, when Win helped Bo grapple with his own demons, or when the two slow danced in the kitchen) that really stuck with me. I laughed, I cried, and I got all the warm and fuzzy feelings from this book! It’s disabled joy at its core and I couldn’t recommend it enough!

 

Throne of the Fallen by Kerri Maniscalco

adventurous dark emotional mysterious 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

4.25

Review: With Envy making brief appearances throughout Maniscalco’s Kingdom of the Wicked series, it was well worth the wait to be able to read from his perspective and in a regency fantasy setting no less! 

 

“Throne of the Fallen” follows the Prince of Envy and Miss Camilla Antonius as they compete together in a deadly game to win back what they hold most dear. Nothing will stand in their way, though none of their best laid plans prepare them for the most dangerous trap of all: falling in love. 

 

Maniscalco perfectly characterizes Envy in accordance with the sin he embodies. He is cunning, selfish, territorial, cruel, and loves nothing more than to inspire jealousy in others. He is a walking red flag, a far cry from Prince Charming and that somehow made me love him even more! 

 

He meets his match in Camilla, who does not run at the sight of a Prince of Hell, and their chemistry is off the charts! She sees him for who he is (a ruthless lover) and embraces him completely, tearing down the walls around his heart brick by brick. Envy sets Camilla free as well by encouraging her to indulge her passions and shed her civility after living a life bound by society’s rules. They ignite passion in each other and their battle of wills creates a fun dynamic between them. I found great pleasure in watching them try to resist each other and fail miserably. 

 

As much as I didn’t want to, I began to lose interest near the halfway point. The explicit scenes were a bit too numerous for me personally and some of the plot twists were easy to pick up on, causing the book to drag. Despite these setbacks, I was satisfied with the ending and am interested enough to see what direction the next book takes!

Rope the Moon by Ava Hunter

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring 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

Review: Hunter’s writing and the chemistry between her characters is sheer perfection! 

 

“Rope the Moon” follows Dakota McGraw, who flees her bakery in the middle of the night to escape her abusive boyfriend and protect the baby she is carrying. When Davis Montgomery, her first love, finds out what happened to her, he comes to her rescue in the middle of the night and moves her onto Runaway Ranch to keep her safe. It doesn’t take long for the attraction between them to come back even stronger, but second chances don’t come easy, especially with the past looming overhead.  

 

I really enjoyed the pacing of Davis and Dakota’s relationship and the way it developed. The two have a lot of history together and Hunter does a great job providing a snapshot of their past in the prologue and sharing details throughout the novel to show why it wasn’t the right time for their relationship to progress forward at that time. As they found their way back to each other in the present, I became wholly invested in Davis and Dakota as a couple and was rooting for them to find their happily ever after! 

 

Dakota is stubborn and strong, yet vulnerable (especially with all that she has gone through). Davis steps up for her by claiming and loving her baby as if it were his own. He buys her all the baby supplies, drives her to every doctor’s appointment, downloaded an app so he can learn about her baby’s development, and essentially becomes the man she needs (*swoons*). Dakota also takes care of Davis, who grapples with PTSD as a former marine. She is methodical in helping him recover from his wounds and is always by his side to comfort him through his nightmares. I have never read about a couple more meant for each other than Davis and Dakota! They help each other get back on their feet and my heart melted the more that I read. I could not get enough and truly did not want this book to end. “Rope the Moon” is my happy place and I hope Dakota and Davis make a cameo in the next installment!

The Prisoner's Throne by Holly Black

adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious 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

Review: This book made me forget time existed and left me begging for more! 

 

“The Prisoner’s Throne” follows Oak Greenbriar as he tries to regain Wren’s trust from the confines of his icy prison. With High King Cardan and High Queen Jude willing to use any means necessary to ensure his return to Elfhame, Oak will have to decide where his loyalties lie—with the girl he’s always loved or the kingdom he will one day rule. 

 

Having been introduced to Oak in the Folk of the Air series, I was beyond excited to read from his perspective and Black does not disappoint! Like her other characters, Oak is very complex and layered. Black reveals that shortly after the events of “The Queen of Nothing”, Oak adopts a coy, spoiled prince persona. We learn that he does this so that he becomes the target of assassination attempts instead of Jude and Cardan. His motivations stem from the belief that he owes his family a great deal for all they sacrificed to protect him as a child. 

 

Wren is the one person that Oak cannot hide his true self from and I loved watching him grovel after he realizes the effect his betrayal had on her. He draws out her lingering attraction for him with his charm and little games. I was overcome by emotion at the end when he laid bare his heart. Their messy love story is one that I will not soon forget and I cannot wait to see what role both of them play in the next faerie adventure! 

Strike the Zither by Joan He

adventurous challenging emotional mysterious 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

4.0

Review: A gripping fantasy that will pull the rug out from under you.

“Strike the Zither” follows Zephyr, one of the best strategists of the Xin Dynasty, as she infiltrates an enemy camp to keep her warlordess Xin Ren’s followers from being slaughtered. When she finally meets her match in Crow—an opposing strategist—Zephyr must take fate into her own hands to ensure her survival and change the tide of the war. 

Joan He’s fantastical storyline draws inspiration from the Three Kingdoms period of China, which drew me in and sparked my interest in the source material. I really love how the author’s reimagining has a predominately female cast because of the strength the characters exude and the dynamics that are at play in the novel. The reluctant found family that forms between Zephyr, Xin Ren, and Ren’s two generals showcases their starkly different personalities and how they work together in the name of honor and duty to claim the continent.

I LOVE Zephyr and Crow’s relationship arc! I found it so unique and refreshing because it isn’t your typical enemies to lovers romance. Yes they are enemy strategists that fall in love, but they prioritize their causes over their own feelings. They would rather die at the hands of each other than give in to their desires if it means winning the war. Their relationship is so toxic, but I couldn’t get enough of the tension, mutual pining, secrets, betrayals, and scheming. I was endlessly entertained as I tried to anticipate who would come out on top in their battle of wits, but nothing could have prepared me for that ending!