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jo_cbooks's reviews
253 reviews
Four Dead Queens by Astrid Scholte
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
4.0
It took me a bit to get into just with the back and forth of POVs. I didn’t see some of those plot twists playing out the way they did! The last half of the book really grabbed my attention and had my heart racing at some points.
Foxglove by Adalyn Grace
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
It was so great jumping back into this world! I was pleasantly surprised by Blythe’s POV. I looooved the competitive tension between Death and Fate. I appreciated getting more background history on Death and his relationship with Fate. The plot twist at the end didn’t surprise me but oh man does it still make me itch for the final book!
Beyond the Wand: The Magic & Mayhem of Growing Up a Wizard by Tom Felton
emotional
funny
informative
slow-paced
Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Oh my word! I DEVOURED this book in one day it was so good. Kristen Ciccarelli does a fantastic job weaving intrigue and tension between the characters. It is not often that a reader gets a full view of the reason a character is morally grey or villainous, but with Gideon there is vivid accounts of his backstory. The cat-and-mouse game between him and Rune is perfectly executed. It is the right amount of friction and desire--I could not get enough. Ciccarelli does a great job explaining the magic system, using numerous characters to provide the necessary knowledge to the reader. It can be difficult to write duel POVs and ensure that the voice of each character is brought through, but Rune and Gideon's POVs were distinctive and showcased their personalities, strengths, and weaknesses.
My only draw back is that I was often confused at the setting of the story, it felt like a very Victorian setting but then certain things, like the choice of dress and undergarments, didn't quite fit that mold. I know that this is built more in a world of it's own, but it still threw me off sometimes.
The fact that this story is loosely based on another called The Scarlet Pimpernel has alas added yet another book to my TBR as I love comparing and contrasting works that brought inspiration.
*Thank you St Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for a honest review*
My only draw back is that I was often confused at the setting of the story, it felt like a very Victorian setting but then certain things, like the choice of dress and undergarments, didn't quite fit that mold. I know that this is built more in a world of it's own, but it still threw me off sometimes.
The fact that this story is loosely based on another called The Scarlet Pimpernel has alas added yet another book to my TBR as I love comparing and contrasting works that brought inspiration.
*Thank you St Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for a honest review*
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Finale by Stephanie Garber
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
A great wrapping up of the trilogy! Again, I could’ve done without most of Scarlett’s POV at the beginning of the book, but Tella’s POV kept me engaged and wanting more. Seeing more of the Fates was also really cool!
Of Love and Treason by Jamie Ogle
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Of Love and Treason is an inspiring story about forgiveness, love, faith, and hope. It follows Iris as she discovers Christianity and the truth about Jesus' mercies while also navigating love and betrayal in a time where Christians were increasingly persecuted by the Roman Empire.
What an inspiring and encouraging story. I listened to this book in one day because it was just so good. Jamie Ogle did a wonderful job weaving together a story that reflected the biblical truths of love, sacrifice, and how God is ever faithful despite the horrors of the world. I did not realize until the very end that perhaps Ogle based Valentine on some of the many stories and lore around St Valentine himself.
I also enjoyed Lillian Kelly's voice as narrator. She was engaging and easy to understand.
*Thank you Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
What an inspiring and encouraging story. I listened to this book in one day because it was just so good. Jamie Ogle did a wonderful job weaving together a story that reflected the biblical truths of love, sacrifice, and how God is ever faithful despite the horrors of the world. I did not realize until the very end that perhaps Ogle based Valentine on some of the many stories and lore around St Valentine himself.
I also enjoyed Lillian Kelly's voice as narrator. She was engaging and easy to understand.
*Thank you Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault
Neferura by Malayna Evans
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Neferura is a historical fiction novel based upon the life of an Egyptian princess that was the daughter of two pharaohs. As her mother is co-regent over Egypt, Neferura performs the duties that would usual fall to a queen--mainly, that of God's Wife. That is until her step brother returns scheming to take back the throne in its entirety.
In a publishing era of abundant Greek and Roman mythology retellings, it was refreshing to read something of more ancient origins. Weaving historical facts with mythological legends, Malayna Evans draws us into a world of court intrigue, survival, and the strength of female friendship.
Going into the book, I was hesitant as Evans had selected a historical figure that is still a large mystery to the world. Little is known about Neferura, but it is evident that Evans dove deep into her research in order to maintain integrity of her characters and the lives they lived. The story transports the reader back to Ancient Egypt, creating vivid imagining of the temples, tombs, and palaces. Though I found Neferura frustratingly naive at the beginning of the story, watching her grow into a strong character was rewarding. At times I questioned how time was passing in the story, feeling as though more time was passing than was evident in certain characteristics, but I also didn't sit down to write out the entire timeline to confirm if it was accurate. The ending from the last chapter to the epilogue felt slightly rushed, however I am still satisfied with how neatly wrapped up things were.
Overall, Malayna Evans wrote an intriguing and engaging story. My knowledge of Egyptology and mythology is not as vast as that of my Greek, but this re-sparked my interest on the subject.
*Thank you Sourcebooks and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for a honest review*
In a publishing era of abundant Greek and Roman mythology retellings, it was refreshing to read something of more ancient origins. Weaving historical facts with mythological legends, Malayna Evans draws us into a world of court intrigue, survival, and the strength of female friendship.
Going into the book, I was hesitant as Evans had selected a historical figure that is still a large mystery to the world. Little is known about Neferura, but it is evident that Evans dove deep into her research in order to maintain integrity of her characters and the lives they lived. The story transports the reader back to Ancient Egypt, creating vivid imagining of the temples, tombs, and palaces. Though I found Neferura frustratingly naive at the beginning of the story, watching her grow into a strong character was rewarding. At times I questioned how time was passing in the story, feeling as though more time was passing than was evident in certain characteristics, but I also didn't sit down to write out the entire timeline to confirm if it was accurate. The ending from the last chapter to the epilogue felt slightly rushed, however I am still satisfied with how neatly wrapped up things were.
Overall, Malayna Evans wrote an intriguing and engaging story. My knowledge of Egyptology and mythology is not as vast as that of my Greek, but this re-sparked my interest on the subject.
*Thank you Sourcebooks and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for a honest review*
Content Warnings
Moderate: Incest
Legendary by Stephanie Garber
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
This was much more enjoyable than the first book! Though the annoying use of unrealistic adjectives continued, I much preferred the story from Tella’s POV. The game was more noticing, the romance was more believable and engaging, and the stakes were higher!