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kenzloux's reviews
310 reviews
The Stolen Heir by Holly Black
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
After reading 'The Folk of the Air' trilogy, I had high expectations for this book but this book did not live up to them, and that is why I gave this book 3.25 stars. I had heard mixed reviews on this book but I decided to give it a go, the only reason this book got the rating I gave it was because of the Jude and Cardan mentions. I am gonna read the next book in the series but I am gonna go into with low exceptions as I don't think it'll be much better than this book.
Quotes:
- “She's going to want to wear your skull for a hat," Oak warns. There is an uncomfortable shifting among the ex-falcons. Perhaps they are recalling their own choice to denounce her, their own punishment. "And Cardan is going to laugh and laugh when she does.”
- “My sister thinks that she’s the only one who can take poison, but I am poison,' he whispers, eyes half-closed, talking to himself. 'Poison in my blood. I poison everything I touch.”
- “The Folk adore Cardan, and they’re terrified of my sister, two excellent things. I hope they rule Elfhame for a years and then pass it down to one of a dozen offspring. No need for me to be involved.”
- “That's what I've been for years. An unsister. An undaughter. An unperson. A girl with a hole for a life. How appropriate to have my tongue cut out, when silence has been my refuge and my cage.”
- “Fear is not love, but it can appear much the same.”
- “But I can't pretend that I don't like the sound of him screaming my name.”
- “Prince Oak, heir to Elfhame. Son of the traitorous Grand General and brother to the mortal High Queen. Oak, to whom I was once promised in marriage. Who had once been my friend, although he doesn’t seem to remember it.”
Tropes:
- Forbidden Love
- Enemies to Lovers (?)
- Forced Proximity
Quotes:
- “She's going to want to wear your skull for a hat," Oak warns. There is an uncomfortable shifting among the ex-falcons. Perhaps they are recalling their own choice to denounce her, their own punishment. "And Cardan is going to laugh and laugh when she does.”
- “My sister thinks that she’s the only one who can take poison, but I am poison,' he whispers, eyes half-closed, talking to himself. 'Poison in my blood. I poison everything I touch.”
- “The Folk adore Cardan, and they’re terrified of my sister, two excellent things. I hope they rule Elfhame for a years and then pass it down to one of a dozen offspring. No need for me to be involved.”
- “That's what I've been for years. An unsister. An undaughter. An unperson. A girl with a hole for a life. How appropriate to have my tongue cut out, when silence has been my refuge and my cage.”
- “Fear is not love, but it can appear much the same.”
- “But I can't pretend that I don't like the sound of him screaming my name.”
- “Prince Oak, heir to Elfhame. Son of the traitorous Grand General and brother to the mortal High Queen. Oak, to whom I was once promised in marriage. Who had once been my friend, although he doesn’t seem to remember it.”
Tropes:
- Forbidden Love
- Enemies to Lovers (?)
- Forced Proximity
The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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
4.0
I have read this book many times and it isn't my fav one in the series, but it is really good. I loved how in Percy's flashbacks, Grover is pretending to not be a satyr while he is wearing a wedding dress to come across as female, and I cannot wait to see this in season 2 of the Disney+ show! The ending of this book shocks me every single time I finish this book, my face is always like :O. It is the perfect book to read on greek mythology, especially if you enjoy middle grade books; I am 19 myself and this is one of my fav series to reread every year.
Quotes:
- “Families are messy. Immortal families are eternally messy. Sometimes the best we can do is to remind each other that we're related for better or for worse...and try to keep the maiming and killing to a minimum.”
- “[My mom's] funny that way, celebrating special occasions with blue food. I think it's her way of saying anything is possible. Percy can pass seventh grade. Waffles can be blue. Little miracles like that.”
- “Hermes gazed up at the stars. 'My dear young cousin, if there's one thing I've learned over the eons, it's that you can't give up on your family, no matter how tempting they make it. It doesn't matter if they hate you, or embarrass you, or simply don't appreciate your genius for inventing the Internet--”
- “I told Tantalus to go chase a doughnut. ”
- “Powdered donuts," Tyson said earnestly. "I will look for powdered donuts in the wilderness." He headed outside and started calling, "Here, donuts!”
- “I’ve met plenty of embarrassing parents, but Kronos, the evil Titan Lord who wanted to destroy Western Civilization? Not the kind of dad you invited to school for Career Day.”
- “I'd missed Annabeth probably more than I wanted to admit.”
- “We did all the standard camp numbers: "Down By The Aegean," "I Am My Own Great-Great-Great-Great Grandpa," "This Land is Minos's Land.”
“But... you're still getting married?" Grover sounded hurt. "Who's the bride?" Ploypemus looked toward the boiling pot. Clarisse made a strangled sound. "Oh, no! You can't be serious. I'm not-”
- “THAT Perseus always won. That's why my momhad named me after him, even if he was son of Zeus ann I was son of Posidon. The original Perseus was one of the only heros in the greek myths who got a happy ending. The others died-betrayed, mauled, mutilated, poisoned, or cursed by the gods. My mom hoped i would inherit Perseus's luck. Judging by how my life was going so far, i wasn't too optimistic.”
Tropes:
- Found Family
- Greek Mythology
Quotes:
- “Families are messy. Immortal families are eternally messy. Sometimes the best we can do is to remind each other that we're related for better or for worse...and try to keep the maiming and killing to a minimum.”
- “[My mom's] funny that way, celebrating special occasions with blue food. I think it's her way of saying anything is possible. Percy can pass seventh grade. Waffles can be blue. Little miracles like that.”
- “Hermes gazed up at the stars. 'My dear young cousin, if there's one thing I've learned over the eons, it's that you can't give up on your family, no matter how tempting they make it. It doesn't matter if they hate you, or embarrass you, or simply don't appreciate your genius for inventing the Internet--”
- “I told Tantalus to go chase a doughnut. ”
- “Powdered donuts," Tyson said earnestly. "I will look for powdered donuts in the wilderness." He headed outside and started calling, "Here, donuts!”
- “I’ve met plenty of embarrassing parents, but Kronos, the evil Titan Lord who wanted to destroy Western Civilization? Not the kind of dad you invited to school for Career Day.”
- “I'd missed Annabeth probably more than I wanted to admit.”
- “We did all the standard camp numbers: "Down By The Aegean," "I Am My Own Great-Great-Great-Great Grandpa," "This Land is Minos's Land.”
“But... you're still getting married?" Grover sounded hurt. "Who's the bride?" Ploypemus looked toward the boiling pot. Clarisse made a strangled sound. "Oh, no! You can't be serious. I'm not-”
- “THAT Perseus always won. That's why my momhad named me after him, even if he was son of Zeus ann I was son of Posidon. The original Perseus was one of the only heros in the greek myths who got a happy ending. The others died-betrayed, mauled, mutilated, poisoned, or cursed by the gods. My mom hoped i would inherit Perseus's luck. Judging by how my life was going so far, i wasn't too optimistic.”
Tropes:
- Found Family
- Greek Mythology
Powerful by Lauren Roberts
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
As a huge lover of Powerless, I was so excited for this novella on Adena which is why I gave it 4.5 stars. This book was amazing and I learnt so much about Adena through her own eyes after we learnt about her through Paedyn's eyes. Mak and Adena were adorable together, and I am heartbroken that Adena died in the final trial as she and Mak would have been an amazing couple. This novella has made me soo excited for Reckless, and I need to know rn what will happen in that book (dear publisher, please can I have an arc of Reckless? thanks!). I own 2 copies of this book, my amazon copy to read and my copy from 'the works' that has stencilled edges to have as a display copy.
Quotes:
- "Just count the stars, Dena...Just count the stars."
- "This is not a goodbye...only a good way to say bye until I see you next."
- "He is my fantasy. This is my reality. With that realization, all hesitation vanishes. And I kiss him."
- "Because caring for Hera was the only weakness I allowed, and this girl is dangerously even more so."
Tropes:
- Strangers to Lovers
- Grumpy x Sunshine
Quotes:
- "Just count the stars, Dena...Just count the stars."
- "This is not a goodbye...only a good way to say bye until I see you next."
- "He is my fantasy. This is my reality. With that realization, all hesitation vanishes. And I kiss him."
- "Because caring for Hera was the only weakness I allowed, and this girl is dangerously even more so."
Tropes:
- Strangers to Lovers
- Grumpy x Sunshine
Wild Love by Elsie Silver
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book was one of my most anticipated reads of 2024 and it did not disappoint at all. Ford and Rosie were everything to me, and they remind me so much of Cade and Willa (probably because Willa and Ford are siblings). Like I just said, Ford is the brother to Willa who we see in 'Heartless' and his story was sooo good. Ford is also a new single dad after his 12 year old daughter Cora appeared on his doorstep to tell him that she is his daughter. Ford's relationship with Cora is the best thing, especially since he has not had any other children. Ford is also a softie for Rosie, and their relationship is built on pure love and I loved reading to see how that progressed through the book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who LOVED the chestnut springs series as this book is the start to an amazing new series.
Quotes:
- “Hear this, Rosie. You are worth every penny. Every fortune. Every investment. Every risk. You are priceless to me.”
- “Because as much as I don’t need a knight in shining armor to defend my honor, I’m relieved I have one who feels compelled to do so.”
- “I wasn’t lying when I said I don’t care if random people think I’m a dick. But Rosie Belmont isn’t random people.”
- “I miss my dad every day,” she whispers against my shoulder. “But I’m so glad I have you now.”
- “I told myself I was going to stay the hell away from you. But here I am, making you spread your legs for me on my desk and dreaming about fucking you senseless.”
- “Tell me to stop, Rosie.” “Please don’t stop, Ford,”
- “That journal entry is fascinating, but all wrong. I was at home when you called that night. And I broke every speed limit to get to you.”
- “We’re not enemies, Rosalie.” “Things might be a lot simpler if we were.”
- “Who are you?” I don’t mean to sound like a dick when I say it. After all, she’s just a kid. Her lips flatten, and she blinks once, slowly. “Your daughter, dickhead.”
- “She’s pretty enough to wear any fucking color she wants. And as I watch her sleeping form, I make a silent vow to teach her as much.”
- “Nah. You love me. I’m the sunshine to your grumpy.” My brows pinch together. “What?” “It’s a thing in romance books—”
- “I love you, Ford.” He just nuzzles against me again and responds with a quiet, “I’ve always loved you, Rosie.”
- “Your mom once told me that if I went home with a guy and there weren’t any books at his house, I shouldn’t fuck him.”
- “For all the women who’ve figured out that good enough isn’t actually enough. And for those of you who are still looking for more. It’s out there. You’ll find it. And if not, don’t worry. There’s always Ford Grant.”
- “You’re awfully eager for my cock, considering how much you hate me. Aren’t you, Rosie?”
- “You’re a hot mess, Rosalie.” “All I heard was that you think I’m hot.”
Tropes:
- Brother's Best Friend
- He Falls First
- Single Dad
- Childhood Frenemies to Lovers
- Forced Proximity
- Small Town
Quotes:
- “Hear this, Rosie. You are worth every penny. Every fortune. Every investment. Every risk. You are priceless to me.”
- “Because as much as I don’t need a knight in shining armor to defend my honor, I’m relieved I have one who feels compelled to do so.”
- “I wasn’t lying when I said I don’t care if random people think I’m a dick. But Rosie Belmont isn’t random people.”
- “I miss my dad every day,” she whispers against my shoulder. “But I’m so glad I have you now.”
- “I told myself I was going to stay the hell away from you. But here I am, making you spread your legs for me on my desk and dreaming about fucking you senseless.”
- “Tell me to stop, Rosie.” “Please don’t stop, Ford,”
- “That journal entry is fascinating, but all wrong. I was at home when you called that night. And I broke every speed limit to get to you.”
- “We’re not enemies, Rosalie.” “Things might be a lot simpler if we were.”
- “Who are you?” I don’t mean to sound like a dick when I say it. After all, she’s just a kid. Her lips flatten, and she blinks once, slowly. “Your daughter, dickhead.”
- “She’s pretty enough to wear any fucking color she wants. And as I watch her sleeping form, I make a silent vow to teach her as much.”
- “Nah. You love me. I’m the sunshine to your grumpy.” My brows pinch together. “What?” “It’s a thing in romance books—”
- “I love you, Ford.” He just nuzzles against me again and responds with a quiet, “I’ve always loved you, Rosie.”
- “Your mom once told me that if I went home with a guy and there weren’t any books at his house, I shouldn’t fuck him.”
- “For all the women who’ve figured out that good enough isn’t actually enough. And for those of you who are still looking for more. It’s out there. You’ll find it. And if not, don’t worry. There’s always Ford Grant.”
- “You’re awfully eager for my cock, considering how much you hate me. Aren’t you, Rosie?”
- “You’re a hot mess, Rosalie.” “All I heard was that you think I’m hot.”
Tropes:
- Brother's Best Friend
- He Falls First
- Single Dad
- Childhood Frenemies to Lovers
- Forced Proximity
- Small Town
What Lurks Between the Fates by Harper L. Woods
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
After reading book 1 and 2 of this series, I just had to read book 3. It gives me ACOTAR vibes which is one reason I really enjoy this series. Estrella and Caldris are always doing everything to protect each other in this book, and they do not want to lose each other if they can prevent it. I need book 4 in my hands so bad but it does not have an offical release date which is killing me (dear publisher, please can I have an arc of book 4? thanks!). I highly recommend this series if you love ACOTAR and want something with a similar vibe, plot and storyline.
Quotes:
- “Sometimes, it is far easier to see the good in others than it is to see it in ourselves. Sometimes, the hardest thing to do is understand that while we are not perfect, the way we defend ourselves is not an indication of our character but purely of our will to live so that we might do the right thing when given the freedom to do so.”
- “All I wanted was to stand beside her in all her glory. All I wanted was to love her for eternity. That meant loving all of her. The powerful parts of her that possessed magic so strong it coated my tongue. The sweet parts that were so unaccustomed to unconditional love that she looked at it suspiciously. The innocent flower that had been scorched by a hard life, and the female who rose from the ashes of it, ready to right the wrongs done to her. That was love. Not whatever Mab thought love was.”
- “Until chaos reigns…and eternity begins anew.”
- “She made them love her, and as such, took the first step in building her army.”
- “pulling my nightgown up inch by inch so that my calves showed as I crossed my legs. “We both know I’m not leaving.” My mate’s eyes dropped to the exposed flesh, his head tilting to the side as that animalistic desire spread over his face and washed away all traces of sadness.”
- “I am going to love every moment of watching your journey, Estrella Barlowe,” I murmured, touching a thumb to her tense bottom lip. It softened in response, allowing me to lean down and touch my lips to hers. “And when you’ve finished molding the world to your desire, I’m going to have a portrait of your creation hung on the walls of Catancia. I’ll make you stand before it, make you look at what you’ve done—and I will be the first of many to tell you I told you so.”
- “More powerful than my mate.”
- “My mate is my home,”
- “There was only one person he should be calling his anything, only one woman who should be his queen.”
- “I felt like a woman, but I needed to embrace the fact that femininity did not equal weakness. That it was only the standards men placed upon us that made us believe the two were mutually exclusive.”
- “You are meant for great things, Princess Estrella.”
Tropes:
- Fated Mates
- Possessive MMC
- Morally Grey MMC
Quotes:
- “Sometimes, it is far easier to see the good in others than it is to see it in ourselves. Sometimes, the hardest thing to do is understand that while we are not perfect, the way we defend ourselves is not an indication of our character but purely of our will to live so that we might do the right thing when given the freedom to do so.”
- “All I wanted was to stand beside her in all her glory. All I wanted was to love her for eternity. That meant loving all of her. The powerful parts of her that possessed magic so strong it coated my tongue. The sweet parts that were so unaccustomed to unconditional love that she looked at it suspiciously. The innocent flower that had been scorched by a hard life, and the female who rose from the ashes of it, ready to right the wrongs done to her. That was love. Not whatever Mab thought love was.”
- “Until chaos reigns…and eternity begins anew.”
- “She made them love her, and as such, took the first step in building her army.”
- “pulling my nightgown up inch by inch so that my calves showed as I crossed my legs. “We both know I’m not leaving.” My mate’s eyes dropped to the exposed flesh, his head tilting to the side as that animalistic desire spread over his face and washed away all traces of sadness.”
- “I am going to love every moment of watching your journey, Estrella Barlowe,” I murmured, touching a thumb to her tense bottom lip. It softened in response, allowing me to lean down and touch my lips to hers. “And when you’ve finished molding the world to your desire, I’m going to have a portrait of your creation hung on the walls of Catancia. I’ll make you stand before it, make you look at what you’ve done—and I will be the first of many to tell you I told you so.”
- “More powerful than my mate.”
- “My mate is my home,”
- “There was only one person he should be calling his anything, only one woman who should be his queen.”
- “I felt like a woman, but I needed to embrace the fact that femininity did not equal weakness. That it was only the standards men placed upon us that made us believe the two were mutually exclusive.”
- “You are meant for great things, Princess Estrella.”
Tropes:
- Fated Mates
- Possessive MMC
- Morally Grey MMC
The Housemaid's Secret by Freida McFadden
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I never heard anyone talking about this book even though everyone on booktok talked about 'the housemaid' which was a book I read in 2023. This book was really good and I adore Freida's books and writing style. If you love book 1 in this series then I recommend reading this book which is book 2, especially since it shows the growth of the FMC since the end of book 1.
Quotes:
- “I always help. I can never, ever walk away, even when I should.”
- “The last thing I see when I leave the bedroom is Wendy standing over Douglas’s dead body. And she’s smiling.”
- “You hiding drugs up there?” “No! Definitely not!” I just murdered somebody, that’s all. Sheesh.”
- “I’ve gotten involved with my employer only one time before, and I will never, ever go down that road again. I’d rather yank my own tooth out with a pair of pliers.”
- “Miss Calloway,” Detective Ramirez says, “Wendy Garrick is the one who told us about your affair with her husband.”
- “Oh, Jesus Christ. It’s not Millie.”
- “My heart sinks into my stomach. I have made an incredibly bad judgment call. I have underestimated an extremely dangerous person. And now I will pay the ultimate price.”
- “She wants me to stay out of it. Mind my own business. Unfortunately, I’ve never been very good at that.”
- “You are the one who wanted to end what we have. You are the one who started dating this Broccoli.” I roll my eyes. “His name is Brock.”
Quotes:
- “I always help. I can never, ever walk away, even when I should.”
- “The last thing I see when I leave the bedroom is Wendy standing over Douglas’s dead body. And she’s smiling.”
- “You hiding drugs up there?” “No! Definitely not!” I just murdered somebody, that’s all. Sheesh.”
- “I’ve gotten involved with my employer only one time before, and I will never, ever go down that road again. I’d rather yank my own tooth out with a pair of pliers.”
- “Miss Calloway,” Detective Ramirez says, “Wendy Garrick is the one who told us about your affair with her husband.”
- “Oh, Jesus Christ. It’s not Millie.”
- “My heart sinks into my stomach. I have made an incredibly bad judgment call. I have underestimated an extremely dangerous person. And now I will pay the ultimate price.”
- “She wants me to stay out of it. Mind my own business. Unfortunately, I’ve never been very good at that.”
- “You are the one who wanted to end what we have. You are the one who started dating this Broccoli.” I roll my eyes. “His name is Brock.”
Saving 6 by Chloe Walsh
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
After reading binding 13 and keeping 13, I needed and had to read Joey's pov, especially to learn about his side of the abuse that he experienced at home at the hand of his dad. Joey and Aoife grew on me really quickly, and Joey's story broke me apart and idk how I'm gonna read redeeming 16 with my broken heart. Aofie cared for Joey so so much despite how he acted towards her at times, and she always loved him no matter what. I gave this book 5 stars, and I already know that redeeming 6 will be a 5 star read for me. My heart broke when we learnt that Joey had to be the one to pay and provide for his siblings, and how he had to act as a mum and a dad to his brothers and sister when that was not his job to do at all.
Quotes:
- “Stay out of trouble out there, okay?” I nodded slowly. “I’ll try my best.” “Make sure you do,” she laughed. “Because I’ve put an awful lot of effort into saving you, six.”
- “I never knew devastation until he walked into my world and gave me a glimpse into his. I never knew heart break until he decimated my heart by decimating his body. I never knew hurt until he walked away from me. I never knew. I never…”
- “You shouldn't settle for anything less than being in love to the point of madness. The only person that you should be settling for is the person who unsettles you the most. The person who drives you to the brink of suicide because he or she makes you feel so fucking much that you can't catch your breath or remotely function without them. And what's more is you won't want to. You won't want to breathe, or feel, or fucking function without them. That's how you'll know that it's a real relationshop Molloy. Only when you're feeling the most discomfort you've ever felt in your entire life, should you even consider settling. Because that's when you'll know you're in love, which, sounds to me, like a hell of a lot nicer way to live than settling for someone you have nothing in common with because it's comfortable.”
- “Hm.” Her lips tipped up. “So, do you have a name, boy-who-can-think-for-himself?” “Does it matter?” I countered, needing to regain some ground I had lost to this powerhouse of a girl. “We both know that you’ll be calling me baby by the end of the day.”
- “He's going to be a star. Look at him, he already shines so bright, it's blinding...”
- “Because you might not love yourself, but I do. I love you enough for the both of us,” she whispered, fisting my cock in her hand. “And if keeping you here with me means that you’re off the streets and safe, then that’s what I’m going to do.”
- “No one needed to love me if it meant that it hurt them this deeply.”
- “The fact that I got a tattoo of my boyfriend's name on my ass like some slut, or the fact that I did it with a tampon string dangling between my legs!”
- “Aoife Molloy had a heart of gold and was hellbent on handing it over to a piece of shit like me. She was my momentary escape from all of the fucking dark.”
- “Rule number one,” I said, sitting in the middle of my bed, rummaging through a mountain of clothes and shoes. “You never judge the size of a girl’s wardrobe.”
- “I couldn’t pull the trigger. It was like I’d inhaled her so deeply inside of me that my head and heart refused to function. I couldn’t release the air in my burning lungs without the absolute guarantee that I would get to see her face again.”
- “First.” He eyed me carefully and asked, “Do you love my daughter?” Heart thumping violently in my chest, I felt myself nod. “Entirely.” And then I heard myself say, “For about five years now.”
Tropes:
- Slow Burn
- Grumpy MMC x Sunshine FMC
- Frenemies to (Star-Crossed) Lovers
- Highschool Romance
- Young Love
Quotes:
- “Stay out of trouble out there, okay?” I nodded slowly. “I’ll try my best.” “Make sure you do,” she laughed. “Because I’ve put an awful lot of effort into saving you, six.”
- “I never knew devastation until he walked into my world and gave me a glimpse into his. I never knew heart break until he decimated my heart by decimating his body. I never knew hurt until he walked away from me. I never knew. I never…”
- “You shouldn't settle for anything less than being in love to the point of madness. The only person that you should be settling for is the person who unsettles you the most. The person who drives you to the brink of suicide because he or she makes you feel so fucking much that you can't catch your breath or remotely function without them. And what's more is you won't want to. You won't want to breathe, or feel, or fucking function without them. That's how you'll know that it's a real relationshop Molloy. Only when you're feeling the most discomfort you've ever felt in your entire life, should you even consider settling. Because that's when you'll know you're in love, which, sounds to me, like a hell of a lot nicer way to live than settling for someone you have nothing in common with because it's comfortable.”
- “Hm.” Her lips tipped up. “So, do you have a name, boy-who-can-think-for-himself?” “Does it matter?” I countered, needing to regain some ground I had lost to this powerhouse of a girl. “We both know that you’ll be calling me baby by the end of the day.”
- “He's going to be a star. Look at him, he already shines so bright, it's blinding...”
- “Because you might not love yourself, but I do. I love you enough for the both of us,” she whispered, fisting my cock in her hand. “And if keeping you here with me means that you’re off the streets and safe, then that’s what I’m going to do.”
- “No one needed to love me if it meant that it hurt them this deeply.”
- “The fact that I got a tattoo of my boyfriend's name on my ass like some slut, or the fact that I did it with a tampon string dangling between my legs!”
- “Aoife Molloy had a heart of gold and was hellbent on handing it over to a piece of shit like me. She was my momentary escape from all of the fucking dark.”
- “Rule number one,” I said, sitting in the middle of my bed, rummaging through a mountain of clothes and shoes. “You never judge the size of a girl’s wardrobe.”
- “I couldn’t pull the trigger. It was like I’d inhaled her so deeply inside of me that my head and heart refused to function. I couldn’t release the air in my burning lungs without the absolute guarantee that I would get to see her face again.”
- “First.” He eyed me carefully and asked, “Do you love my daughter?” Heart thumping violently in my chest, I felt myself nod. “Entirely.” And then I heard myself say, “For about five years now.”
Tropes:
- Slow Burn
- Grumpy MMC x Sunshine FMC
- Frenemies to (Star-Crossed) Lovers
- Highschool Romance
- Young Love
Percy Jackson and the Last Olympian by Rick Riordan
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
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? Yes
5.0
I will forever give this book 5 stars, it is my fav book in this series and it is also heartbreaking. I sobbed when Luke died as I secretly loved him even though he was not a good person. The plot of this book was amazing, and it was an incredible ending to this series in prepartion for the Heroes of Olympus series (especially the next great prophecy Rachel spoke out after becoming the Oracle). Everyone needs to read this series as the character development and plot and amazingness in this series is the best thing ever.
Quotes:
- “With great power... comes great need to take a nap. Wake me up later.”
- “The world was collapsing, and the only thing that really mattered to me was that she was alive.”
- “It's hard to enjoy practical jokes when your whole life feels like one.”
- "You are not going to die while I owe you a favor," I said. "Why did you take that knife?" "You would've done the same for me." It was true. I guess we both knew it. Still, I felt like somebody was poking my heart with a cold metal rod.”
- “I found myself staring at her, which was stupid since I'd seen her a billion times. Still, she seemed so much more mature. It was kind of intimidating. I mean, sure, she'd always been cute, but she was starting to be seriously beautiful.”
- “Erre es korakas, Blinky!" Dionysus cursed. "I will have your soul!”
- “Well . . . sure good to be together again. Arguing. Almost dying. Abject terror. Oh, look. It's our floor.”
- “Race you to the road?" I said. "You are so going to lose." She (Annabeth) took off down Half-Blood Hill and I sprinted after her. For once, I didn't look back.”
- “We'll have to work on your bunny phobia later.”
- “Five syllables," Apollo said, counting them on his fingers. "That would be real bad.”
- “Um, dad?" I called "How's it going?" "Percy!" Annabeth whispered. "We're in a hurry!”
“The last time I'd seen the Minotaur, he'd been wearing nothing but his tighty whities. I don't know why. Maybe he'd been shaken out of bed to chase me.”
- “You know what would help this boy?" Demeter mused. "Farming." Persephone rolled her eyes. "Mother-" "Six months behind a plow. Excellent character building.”
- “Seriously, who has monogrammed pajamas?”
- “Husband, we talked about this," Persephone chided. "You can't go around incinerating every hero. Besides, he's brave. I like that."
- “The end of the world started when a pegasus landed on the hood of my car”
- “You Titans are about as bright as my gym socks.”
-"The knife, Percy," Annabeth muttered. Her breath was shallow. "Hero . . . cursed blade . . ." Luke turned and collapsed, clutching his ruined hands."Please, Percy . . ." Luke seemed to know what I was thinking. He moistened his lips. "You can't . . . can't do it yourself. He'll break my control. He'll defend himself. Only my hand. I know where. I can . . . can keep him controlled." I raised the knife to strike. Then I looked at Annabeth, at Grover. And I finally understood what she'd been trying to tell me. You are not the hero, Rachel had said. It will affect what you do. The line from the great prophecy echoed in my head: A hero's soul, cursed blade shall reap. My whole world tipped upside down, and I gave the knife to Luke. I watched as Luke grasped the hilt he stabbed himself”.
- “Artemis smiled. "You have done well, my lieutenant. You have made me proud, and all those Hunters who perished in my service will never be forgotten. They will achieve Elysium, I am sure." She glared pointedly at Hades. He shrugged. "Probably." Artemis glared at him some more. "Okay," Hades grumbled. "I'll streamline their application process.”
Tropes:
- Greek Mythology
- Found Family
Quotes:
- “With great power... comes great need to take a nap. Wake me up later.”
- “The world was collapsing, and the only thing that really mattered to me was that she was alive.”
- “It's hard to enjoy practical jokes when your whole life feels like one.”
- "You are not going to die while I owe you a favor," I said. "Why did you take that knife?" "You would've done the same for me." It was true. I guess we both knew it. Still, I felt like somebody was poking my heart with a cold metal rod.”
- “I found myself staring at her, which was stupid since I'd seen her a billion times. Still, she seemed so much more mature. It was kind of intimidating. I mean, sure, she'd always been cute, but she was starting to be seriously beautiful.”
- “Erre es korakas, Blinky!" Dionysus cursed. "I will have your soul!”
- “Well . . . sure good to be together again. Arguing. Almost dying. Abject terror. Oh, look. It's our floor.”
- “Race you to the road?" I said. "You are so going to lose." She (Annabeth) took off down Half-Blood Hill and I sprinted after her. For once, I didn't look back.”
- “We'll have to work on your bunny phobia later.”
- “Five syllables," Apollo said, counting them on his fingers. "That would be real bad.”
- “Um, dad?" I called "How's it going?" "Percy!" Annabeth whispered. "We're in a hurry!”
“The last time I'd seen the Minotaur, he'd been wearing nothing but his tighty whities. I don't know why. Maybe he'd been shaken out of bed to chase me.”
- “You know what would help this boy?" Demeter mused. "Farming." Persephone rolled her eyes. "Mother-" "Six months behind a plow. Excellent character building.”
- “Seriously, who has monogrammed pajamas?”
- “Husband, we talked about this," Persephone chided. "You can't go around incinerating every hero. Besides, he's brave. I like that."
- “The end of the world started when a pegasus landed on the hood of my car”
- “You Titans are about as bright as my gym socks.”
-
- “Artemis smiled. "You have done well, my lieutenant. You have made me proud, and all those Hunters who perished in my service will never be forgotten. They will achieve Elysium, I am sure." She glared pointedly at Hades. He shrugged. "Probably." Artemis glared at him some more. "Okay," Hades grumbled. "I'll streamline their application process.”
Tropes:
- Greek Mythology
- Found Family
Percy Jackson and the Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
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
I gave this book 4.25 stars, and it is one that I never hear people talking about when they talk about the series. It is amazing and has so many underrated moments, I just do not understand how people never talk about this book. We learn more about Rachel Elizabeth Dare, a girl who we were introduced to in the previous book, and Rachel is just pure humour and I love that for her.
Quotes:
- “Be careful of love. It'll twist your brain around and leave you thinking up is down and right is wrong.”
- “People are more difficult to work with than machines. And when you break a person, he can't be fixed.”
- “Don't feel bad, I'm usually about to die.”
- “You deal with mythological stuff for a few years, you learn that paradises are usually places where you get killed.”
- “Monkey bar," Annabeth said. "I'm great at these." She leaped onto to the first rung and start swinging her way across. She was scared of tiny spiders, but not of plummeting to her death from a set of monkey bars. Go figure.”
- “I turned to Dionysus. "You cured him?" "Madness is my specialty. It was quite simple." "But...you did something nice. Why?" He raised and eyebrow. "I am nice! I simple ooze niceness, Perry Johansson. Haven't you noticed?”
- As I sailed into the lake I realized the Fates really were cruel. They sent Calypso someone she couldn't help but love. But it worked both ways. For the rest of my life I would be thinking about her. She would always be my biggest what if.”
- “There were a lot of answers I might've given, from "I knew that" to "LIAR!" to "Yeah right, and I'm Zeus."
- “When I got across, I looked back and saw Tyson giving Grover a piggyback ride (or was it a goatyback ride?).”
- “I thought maybe he was seeing another tree."
- “Percy!” he bellowed. He dropped his broom and ran at me. If you’ve never been charged by an enthusiastic Cyclops wearing a flowered apron and rubber cleaning gloves, I’m telling you, it’ll wake you up quick.”
Tropes:
- Greek Mythology
- Found Family
Quotes:
- “Be careful of love. It'll twist your brain around and leave you thinking up is down and right is wrong.”
- “People are more difficult to work with than machines. And when you break a person, he can't be fixed.”
- “Don't feel bad, I'm usually about to die.”
- “You deal with mythological stuff for a few years, you learn that paradises are usually places where you get killed.”
- “Monkey bar," Annabeth said. "I'm great at these." She leaped onto to the first rung and start swinging her way across. She was scared of tiny spiders, but not of plummeting to her death from a set of monkey bars. Go figure.”
- “I turned to Dionysus. "You cured him?" "Madness is my specialty. It was quite simple." "But...you did something nice. Why?" He raised and eyebrow. "I am nice! I simple ooze niceness, Perry Johansson. Haven't you noticed?”
- As I sailed into the lake I realized the Fates really were cruel. They sent Calypso someone she couldn't help but love. But it worked both ways. For the rest of my life I would be thinking about her. She would always be my biggest what if.”
- “There were a lot of answers I might've given, from "I knew that" to "LIAR!" to "Yeah right, and I'm Zeus."
- “When I got across, I looked back and saw Tyson giving Grover a piggyback ride (or was it a goatyback ride?).”
- “I thought maybe he was seeing another tree."
- “Percy!” he bellowed. He dropped his broom and ran at me. If you’ve never been charged by an enthusiastic Cyclops wearing a flowered apron and rubber cleaning gloves, I’m telling you, it’ll wake you up quick.”
Tropes:
- Greek Mythology
- Found Family
Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5