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kaelielily's reviews
359 reviews
Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
"Two Twisted Crowns" is the second installment of The Shepherd King duology, continuing the quest for the elusive Twin Alders providence card.
I hesitated to read this book due to concerns about the introduction of new POV. However, once I began reading, I found myself unable to put it down. Witnessing the narrative unfold from Ravyn and Elm's perspectives not only enhanced the story but surpassed my initial reservations. While I would’ve loved to read more about Elspeth and Ravyn, the evolving relationship between Elm and Ione more than compensated for that.
The Nightmare proves to be a captivating character, flawed yet endearing since the first book. Despite numerous mistakes, he ensures justice prevails in the end, opting for resolution without unnecessary violence and refraining from condemning Elm for his Rowan lineage.
The conclusion was highly satisfying and poetic, providing a fitting end to an outstanding duology.
I hesitated to read this book due to concerns about the introduction of new POV. However, once I began reading, I found myself unable to put it down. Witnessing the narrative unfold from Ravyn and Elm's perspectives not only enhanced the story but surpassed my initial reservations. While I would’ve loved to read more about Elspeth and Ravyn, the evolving relationship between Elm and Ione more than compensated for that.
The Nightmare proves to be a captivating character, flawed yet endearing since the first book. Despite numerous mistakes, he ensures justice prevails in the end, opting for resolution without unnecessary violence and refraining from condemning Elm for his Rowan lineage.
The conclusion was highly satisfying and poetic, providing a fitting end to an outstanding duology.
Blütenzauber by B.K. Borison
emotional
lighthearted
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
"Blütenzauber" ist der zweite Teil der Lovelight Farms Reihe und erzählt die Geschichte von Evelyn, einer Influencerin, die nach einem neuen Lebensinhalt sucht, und Beckett, einem Landwirt auf der Farm, den man bereits im ersten Buch kennengelernt hat. Das Buch ist ein Liebesroman mit einer angenehmen und entspannten Atmosphäre, sowie einem ausgewogenen Verhältnis von Handlung und romantischen Momenten.
Eine der herausragenden Stärken dieser Buchreihe und der Autorin liegt in der familiären und romantischen Kleinstadtatmosphäre, die sie mit Inglewild und den liebenswerten Nebencharakteren geschaffen hat. Die Beziehung zwischen Evelyn und Beckett wurde bereits im ersten Teil kurz angedeutet, daher empfiehlt es sich, diesen zuerst zu lesen. Beide Charaktere durchlaufen im Buch eine beeindruckende Entwicklung, obwohl wieder einmal schlechte Kommunikation als Mittel für zusätzliches Drama genutzt wurde, ähnlich wie im ersten Teil. Es wäre wünschenswert, wenn die Autorin in ihrem nächsten Buch von dieser Taktik abweicht.
Insgesamt sind die Bücher hervorragende Wohlfühllektüre für Zwischendurch und besonders zu empfehlen für Fans der Green Valley Reihe.
Eine der herausragenden Stärken dieser Buchreihe und der Autorin liegt in der familiären und romantischen Kleinstadtatmosphäre, die sie mit Inglewild und den liebenswerten Nebencharakteren geschaffen hat. Die Beziehung zwischen Evelyn und Beckett wurde bereits im ersten Teil kurz angedeutet, daher empfiehlt es sich, diesen zuerst zu lesen. Beide Charaktere durchlaufen im Buch eine beeindruckende Entwicklung, obwohl wieder einmal schlechte Kommunikation als Mittel für zusätzliches Drama genutzt wurde, ähnlich wie im ersten Teil. Es wäre wünschenswert, wenn die Autorin in ihrem nächsten Buch von dieser Taktik abweicht.
Insgesamt sind die Bücher hervorragende Wohlfühllektüre für Zwischendurch und besonders zu empfehlen für Fans der Green Valley Reihe.
To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
To Kill a Kingdom has been sitting on my shelf for a few years and I'm glad I finally got around to reading it.
It's a fantasy retelling of The little mermaid about a siren hunter and the siren princess both trying to protect their people in the midst of a centuries old feud while inevitably falling in love.
There were some pacing issues, the first half of the book is very slow and very little is actually happening, while the ending feels a bit rushed.
The characters and especially Lira's character growth were what kept me engaged, at first I couldn't imagine how I could ever root for her, but slowly she starts to question her upbringing and adjust her morals.
The relationship between Elian and Lira is supposed to be an enemies to lovers romance, and while I thought their relationship and growth from enemies to friends was very relatable and well written, I did not feel a lot of romantic tension and chemistry between them. This would've needed some more time to develop.
I liked the fact that this is a standalone novel, very refreshing since the trend right now is definitely multi book series. It was nice to have a happy end without waiting for months to find out what happens next.
It's a fantasy retelling of The little mermaid about a siren hunter and the siren princess both trying to protect their people in the midst of a centuries old feud while inevitably falling in love.
There were some pacing issues, the first half of the book is very slow and very little is actually happening, while the ending feels a bit rushed.
The characters and especially Lira's character growth were what kept me engaged, at first I couldn't imagine how I could ever root for her, but slowly she starts to question her upbringing and adjust her morals.
The relationship between Elian and Lira is supposed to be an enemies to lovers romance, and while I thought their relationship and growth from enemies to friends was very relatable and well written, I did not feel a lot of romantic tension and chemistry between them. This would've needed some more time to develop.
I liked the fact that this is a standalone novel, very refreshing since the trend right now is definitely multi book series. It was nice to have a happy end without waiting for months to find out what happens next.
The Intimacy Experiment by Rosie Danan
emotional
inspiring
slow-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
3.0
I guess this book just wasn’t what I was expecting after The Rommate Experiment and Do Your Worst.
The beginning was very slow, and even when it picked up a little more towards the middle and end, it was still significantly slower than her other books.
The spice level was also not what I was used to from Rosie Danan.
I liked the characters and liked the themes about finding your identity, event though I couldn’t connect with the religious side of it, as I’m not religious. It was still interesting to read about a different religion, even though I can’t assess how realistic the Jewish representation is.
The beginning was very slow, and even when it picked up a little more towards the middle and end, it was still significantly slower than her other books.
The spice level was also not what I was used to from Rosie Danan.
I liked the characters and liked the themes about finding your identity, event though I couldn’t connect with the religious side of it, as I’m not religious. It was still interesting to read about a different religion, even though I can’t assess how realistic the Jewish representation is.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual harassment
Minor: Death of parent
The Fake Out by Stephanie Archer
emotional
lighthearted
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
3.75
This book was a very cute, but also very spicy read.
The fake dating trope turned very quickly, maybe a little too quickly, into not so fake dating, and while I appreciate the lack of a third act breakup, I felt like the plot was a little too straightforward and too little drama, which made it feel drawn out unnecessarily.
It was very spicy, but could’ve done with cutting some of the scenes out, as they felt a little repetitive,
Nonetheless I very much enjoyed the book and it was a fun palate cleanser for in between heavier books.
The fake dating trope turned very quickly, maybe a little too quickly, into not so fake dating, and while I appreciate the lack of a third act breakup, I felt like the plot was a little too straightforward and too little drama, which made it feel drawn out unnecessarily.
It was very spicy, but could’ve done with cutting some of the scenes out, as they felt a little repetitive,
Nonetheless I very much enjoyed the book and it was a fun palate cleanser for in between heavier books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Sexual content and Sexual harassment
What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A well written story with an especially interesting and charming setting.
It was a great introduction to Egyptian history and a social commentary on colonialism and treasure hunting. It’s saddening to think about how many artifacts have been removed from Egyptian history because of greed.
The plot was interesting and kept me invested, if a little predictable at times.
Inez seemed very sheltered and naive, which is to be expected considering her upbringing.
The slow burn enemies to lovers romance had me hooked and I can’t wait for the sequel.
The cliffhanger was so simple yet destroyed me completely. Surely not everyone in her life is out to betray her?
It was a great introduction to Egyptian history and a social commentary on colonialism and treasure hunting. It’s saddening to think about how many artifacts have been removed from Egyptian history because of greed.
The plot was interesting and kept me invested, if a little predictable at times.
Inez seemed very sheltered and naive, which is to be expected considering her upbringing.
The slow burn enemies to lovers romance had me hooked and I can’t wait for the sequel.
The cliffhanger was so simple yet destroyed me completely. Surely not everyone in her life is out to betray her?
Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett
adventurous
lighthearted
slow-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
4.25
This book is a very interesting cozy, academic fantasy! I loved that it was written in a journal style, even though it was a little slow at times.
I also loved reading about the faeries of the old legends, the ones wo leave changelings with unsuspecting humans, the ones who like to bargain with and trick humans and can’t touch iron, instead of the fae and faeries which have been represented a lot in pop culture recently.
I very much connected with Emily, I don’t think I have read many books with main characters who are as awkward with human connections as I am, especially in a fantasy setting.
I‘m very much looking forward to reading more about Emily and Wendell.
I also loved reading about the faeries of the old legends, the ones wo leave changelings with unsuspecting humans, the ones who like to bargain with and trick humans and can’t touch iron, instead of the fae and faeries which have been represented a lot in pop culture recently.
I very much connected with Emily, I don’t think I have read many books with main characters who are as awkward with human connections as I am, especially in a fantasy setting.
I‘m very much looking forward to reading more about Emily and Wendell.
Lovelight Farms - Lichterglanz by B.K. Borison
emotional
lighthearted
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
Toller weihnachtlicher Liebesroman passend zur Jahreszeit.
Sehr atmosphärisch, sehr romantisch mit liebenswerten Charakteren und einem ausgeglichen Verhältnis zwischen Plot und Spice, auch wenn die Hauptcharaktere sich sehr unbeholfen angestellt haben, was ihre Beziehung angeht.
Schöner Epilog.
Sehr atmosphärisch, sehr romantisch mit liebenswerten Charakteren und einem ausgeglichen Verhältnis zwischen Plot und Spice, auch wenn die Hauptcharaktere sich sehr unbeholfen angestellt haben, was ihre Beziehung angeht.
Schöner Epilog.
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
dark
mysterious
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
This book was great and I’m glad I finally read it after seeing so much about it on BookTok! Thankfully it’s a completed duology and I don’t have to wait to read book two.
The world and magic system was very unique and the book was beautifully written including all those rhymes and poems. The atmosphere was amazing.
All the characters really grew on me, especially her found family.
I’m still not sure if I’m supposed to like the nightmare or not… I mean he has his moments 🤷♀️.
The world and magic system was very unique and the book was beautifully written including all those rhymes and poems. The atmosphere was amazing.
All the characters really grew on me, especially her found family.
I’m still not sure if I’m supposed to like the nightmare or not… I mean he has his moments 🤷♀️.
Mord auf hoher See by David Safier
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Der dritte Teil von Miss Merkel hat mir bis jetzt am besten gefallen. Der Szenenwechsel von Klein-Freudenstadt zu einer Krimi-Kreuzfahrt als Schauplatz war sehr interessant und hat dringend benötigte Abwechslung geboten.
Die Charaktere waren alle sehr interessant und schienen alle auf den ersten Blick ein Motiv für den Mord zu haben, es hat viel Spaß gemacht mitzurätseln. Leider bin ich auch dieses Mal nicht von selbst auf den Mörder gekommen.
Schade fand ich, dass Mike und Marie eher ein wenig untergegangen sind und wenig mit dem Mord an sich zu tun hatten, sondern nur mit ihrem Heiratsantragdilemma, bei dem sie sich meiner Meinung nach auch sehr unreif verhalten haben.
Es war sehr interessant zusammen mit Angela mehr über den Aufbau und Inhalte eines klassischen Krimis zu lernen, ein Genre was ich selbst sehr selten lese.
Die Miss Merkel Romane sind da für mich eine Ausnahme, da sie eher gemütlich und lustig sind und nicht übermäßig gruselig oder brutal.
Ich hoffe jedenfalls, dass David Safier noch viel Inspiration für weitere Bände von Miss Merkel hat.
Die Charaktere waren alle sehr interessant und schienen alle auf den ersten Blick ein Motiv für den Mord zu haben, es hat viel Spaß gemacht mitzurätseln. Leider bin ich auch dieses Mal nicht von selbst auf den Mörder gekommen.
Schade fand ich, dass Mike und Marie eher ein wenig untergegangen sind und wenig mit dem Mord an sich zu tun hatten, sondern nur mit ihrem Heiratsantragdilemma, bei dem sie sich meiner Meinung nach auch sehr unreif verhalten haben.
Es war sehr interessant zusammen mit Angela mehr über den Aufbau und Inhalte eines klassischen Krimis zu lernen, ein Genre was ich selbst sehr selten lese.
Die Miss Merkel Romane sind da für mich eine Ausnahme, da sie eher gemütlich und lustig sind und nicht übermäßig gruselig oder brutal.
Ich hoffe jedenfalls, dass David Safier noch viel Inspiration für weitere Bände von Miss Merkel hat.