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katreadsskulls's reviews
25 reviews
The Jackal by J.R. Ward
3.0
There were several things that bothered me about this book, but I’ll admit this might be my fault for jumping into a long-standing series without reading in order.
A lot of the reactions for both main characters are not realistic. I accept a certain level because the plot needs to happen, but this was more than noticeable. The whole dynamic between them really didn’t fall into place despite the authors efforts until the last 1/4 of the book. The differing timelines and POVs were at times difficult to follow. Spicy scenes were painfully written and the overly technical vocabulary in the first especially had the opposite effect than what was intended.
That all said, there are elements I did enjoy. The bones of the universe are intriguing and I’m curious enough to go back and read at least the first book or two in order to see if maybe this is just the odd book out in an otherwise good series.
A lot of the reactions for both main characters are not realistic. I accept a certain level because the plot needs to happen, but this was more than noticeable. The whole dynamic between them really didn’t fall into place despite the authors efforts until the last 1/4 of the book. The differing timelines and POVs were at times difficult to follow. Spicy scenes were painfully written and the overly technical vocabulary in the first especially had the opposite effect than what was intended.
That all said, there are elements I did enjoy. The bones of the universe are intriguing and I’m curious enough to go back and read at least the first book or two in order to see if maybe this is just the odd book out in an otherwise good series.
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-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
4.25
After the fast paced, never-a-dull-moment excitement of Fourth Wing, this book took awhile to get into. Other reviewers are correct in that there was a lot of the book that dragged, but the cliffhanger ending and a handful of scenes have me hopeful that the next book will be a bit more fast paced. I did enjoy the tension of Violet learning how and what to withhold from her friends and several plot twists I won’t spoil that genuinely shocked me. Overall, not the best in the series, but definitely looking forward to the third book!
Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This definitely lived up to the hype! After being recommended by nearly every reading friend I have, it had a lot to live up to.
I’ll start off by saying there is some gore in this, not much but if you have a weak stomach be prepared. The tongue in cheek banter throughout definitely helped offset it and despite a lot of the darker elements of this, it is absolutely more of a fluffy romance than a thriller. The FMC and MMC just happen to be serial killers rather than the usual office jobs. The traumatic background of both characters, especially Sloane, were handled with care and empathy, with exactly the right amount of “touch her and die” energy.
Overall, I’ll be rereading this and looking forward to the next in the series!
I’ll start off by saying there is some gore in this, not much but if you have a weak stomach be prepared. The tongue in cheek banter throughout definitely helped offset it and despite a lot of the darker elements of this, it is absolutely more of a fluffy romance than a thriller. The FMC and MMC just happen to be serial killers rather than the usual office jobs. The traumatic background of both characters, especially Sloane, were handled with care and empathy, with exactly the right amount of “touch her and die” energy.
Overall, I’ll be rereading this and looking forward to the next in the series!
Bride by Ali Hazelwood
adventurous
dark
funny
hopeful
mysterious
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
For all the hype, both negative and positive, I really enjoyed this book! Yes, it has the whole werewolf dynamics but the MMC isn’t an alpha male. Some of the communication choices on his side were frustrating but not unbearably so. I enjoyed his and Misery’s banter and the world building sprinkled throughout their getting to know each. There is a lot of lighthearted moments in this that balance out a lot of the heavier elements. While I was concerned this would read as slightly more polished A/O/B fanfiction, the author did a wonderful job of creating a relatable, nuanced FMC and an engaging plot line. I will admit that some of the talk during spicy scenes were definitely cringeworthy, but easily skimmed past.
The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5