kendranh's reviews
62 reviews

Of Shadows and Death by Sharlene Healy

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adventurous medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.5

I wanted to love it. I mean it’s a Rapunzel retelling with vampires, that has to be amazing right? Nope, I cannot handle a damsel in distress and that is all she was the whole book. Even when she was technically saving the day, it felt like it was entirely by accident. 

Plus, what isolated, locked up, afraid of the world 19 year old is going to meet a vampire (after being told her whole life they are dangerous) and be like “Sure he seems nice, let’s go to his castle!”

The sex scenes were so bad, they should have just been closed door. It would have been more forgivable that way.

The only thing that redeems this book for me is the spider familiar. That was a surprisingly cool twist and was the only thing that made me finish it.

Overall, could have been great. I hope the author rewrites it in 10+ years.
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Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber

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adventurous medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Mixed feelings about this one. I loved the world and the imagery created in the story, but I was so frustrated by the naïveté of the main character. The overall story was beautiful, but felt quite rushed. I wanted more time to learn about the Fates and the legends of the North. 

While I do plan to read the others in the series, I wonder if Stephanie Garber is just not the right author for me. I have read Caraval as well and, while this is vastly superior, some of my same frustrations exist in this book as well.
A Witch's Guide to Fake Dating a Demon by Sarah Hawley

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funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

It’s a fun spicy witchy read. While not something particularly groundbreaking, it was sweet and I loved seeing the way Oz and Mariel’s relationship developed.

The ending did feel somewhat rushed and the whole explanation for
Oz’s sudden mortality felt a bit overly convenient.


Also Diantha is a beyotch and the worst kind of mother. 
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna

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adventurous funny hopeful mysterious reflective 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? Yes

4.25

Such a magical romance. I had no idea it was actually a Christmas story, but it turns out I read it at the exact right time of year! Mika is an orphan (as are all witches) who is suddenly given charge of 3 young witches. As she teaches them how to responsibly use their magic, she finds the family she always wanted. I loved the diversity of the witches in the book. Such a refreshing departure from the typical witchy read.

This is a sweet story with character growth all around! I loved the way magic was described, almost as a friend instead of a tool to be used. It left me with a big smile on my face and all the warm fuzzy feelings.

My only complaint is
I expected some resolution to the whole “all witches are orphans because of a spell gone awry” thing. It almost feels like the author was leaving something undone for a sequel, but I don’t see anything about a potential next book
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Foxglove by Adalyn Grace

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adventurous dark mysterious fast-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? It's complicated

4.0

Not only is it a spooky gothic romance with Death as a main character, but now they introduce Fate?! It’s like it was written for me. That being said, I could have used a bit more Death in this book. It felt like a filler novel bridging the gap between Signa and Blythe’s books. Despite this, I really enjoyed it, especially seeing Signa realize how important it was for her to
help dead souls resolve their burden and move on
.

I loved all the moments of Signa confronting her past at Foxglove and enjoyed seeing Blythe change from the victim to a sassy main character. I did find the reveal of
Blythe being Life a bit predictable, but it was still a fun twist
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Enchanted to Meet You by Meg Cabot

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funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

A fun lighthearted witchy read. It’s not going to make you think too hard, but it’s a sweet escape from the real world. The last 50 pages felt a bit rushed, but overall it was a nice break from some heavier books!

Love the mid-size/plus size heroine representation!
Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig

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adventurous dark emotional 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

4.5

It’s rare for the second book in a series to be better than the first, but Two Twisted Crowns is exactly that! Not only was it faster and filled with amazing lore, it answered so many of the questions I had from the first book.

My desire to learn more about Ione? Completely satisfied in this book! My wish for more history and world building? Totally fulfilled!

Not only did I enjoy the whole process of reading this book, the ending satisfied me like no other. 
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Belladonna by Adalyn Grace

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adventurous dark mysterious reflective fast-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

The Secret Garden meets murder mystery meets romance with Death? I’m there! Orphan Signa has had Death follow her since she was a child as she moves from guardian to guardian. When she is taken to Thorn Grove to live with the Hawthornes, she needs to solve the murder of the late matriarch in order to protect the family and her own future. Signa starts diving deeper into her strange abilities with Death at her side.

I was miserable and sick while reading this book so when I say it took me to another world, it is no small praise. I cannot wait to read the next two!
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One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

This was such a fun immersive book! I loved the world created in Blunder and the idea that magic only existed through decks of cards. The story follows Elspeth, who was “infected” with magic as a child, resulting in
a voice in her head, the personification of the magical Nightmare card
. Elspeth stumbles across highway men one night and her life completely changes as she tries to find a way to save her world.

I wish more time had been given to building Blunder as a world and discussing Elspeth’s family. Particularly Ione, I would have loved to spend more time getting to know her in order to feel properly invested by the changes caused by the Maiden card.

Overall though, I was completely drawn in to the story and I am so worried about the fates of the characters that I have already ordered the next book!
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Backwater Queen by Cady Austin

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adventurous lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

This book really surprised me! The plot was so engaging right from the start and I really loved seeing Veronica struggle with her new place in the world instead of being an immediate success. Following her growth as she began understanding the struggles of her people and realized how much of an impact she could have, made her story so much richer. I also loved watching her relationships develop, but I wish more time had been spent on her fear of commitment instead of glazing over it with hints of childhood trauma. Because of the commitment issues, it made the speed of her relationships kind of confusing to me.

It’s important to note this is a super spicy book. If that isn’t something you’re into, walk away right now 
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

Aside from some minor POV confusion, this was such a fun and enjoyable read! I’m going to keep an eye out for more by this author.
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