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lemonsandligaments's reviews
32 reviews
King of Battle and Blood by Scarlett St. Clair
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
I'll admit that I didn't go into this book in the mood to read. I was quite "downtrodden".
This book uses a trope that I normally love, and it did illicit some emotion, but I'm not too big of a fan of the romance, this dynamic isn't for me.
I get Isolde's behaviour. If she were a dude, it'll be described as "typical". I spent a lot of the book being irate at how soft Adrian was, though. Then the reveal's elaboration happened and I got all sad. The reveal was 80-90% into the book so I just spent most of it being slightly put off.
I like a lot of the mirroring and banter in the book, some cute lines are in there. I also like the whole Adrian wiping blood off her knife thing. I wish it surmounted into something bigger at the end.
The worldbuilding is interesting and feels like a play with cardboard props at times. I'm not too interested in that though.
There is creativity with the scenes and scenarios, which I appreciate.
I think my biggest gripe with the book is their names. I still have not taken to Adrian (does not scream power) and Isolde (used for every single fantasy heroine), but it might just be a me thing.
This book uses a trope that I normally love, and it did illicit some emotion, but I'm not too big of a fan of the romance, this dynamic isn't for me.
I get Isolde's behaviour. If she were a dude, it'll be described as "typical". I spent a lot of the book being irate at how soft Adrian was, though. Then the reveal's elaboration happened and I got all sad. The reveal was 80-90% into the book so I just spent most of it being slightly put off.
I like a lot of the mirroring and banter in the book, some cute lines are in there. I also like the whole Adrian wiping blood off her knife thing. I wish it surmounted into something bigger at the end.
The worldbuilding is interesting and feels like a play with cardboard props at times. I'm not too interested in that though.
There is creativity with the scenes and scenarios, which I appreciate.
I think my biggest gripe with the book is their names. I still have not taken to Adrian (does not scream power) and Isolde (used for every single fantasy heroine), but it might just be a me thing.
A Maggot by John Fowles
Did not finish book. Stopped at 24%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 24%.
The book started out alright, then there was a suicide and missing person and it became this whodunnit thing, which is fine, if it weren't told in interview format. It's definitely just a me thing but seeing endless chapters of Q: xxxxxx A: xxxxxx can get boring.
Also, it delves into some philosophical stuff about free will and spiritualism and god, which is good if that's your thing.
Also, it delves into some philosophical stuff about free will and spiritualism and god, which is good if that's your thing.
Five For Heaven by KJ Charles
4.5
So I've finished it. Holy shit. I haven't been this attached to fiction for a while, and I will definitely miss these two.
Feast of Stephen by KJ Charles
4.25
Ughhh a Christmas edition. Idk how I feel about Saint though :/.
Flight of Magpies by KJ Charles
This book was a lot funnier than the early ones, and the relationship dynamic is definitely different. I enjoyed the conflict and the resolution that took place.
I have become very attached to these two and will definitely miss them when the series ends.
4.25
“But I do hope you are aware, my sweet, somewhere in that absurd heart, that I am ever, entirely, and quite pathetically yours.”
This book was a lot funnier than the early ones, and the relationship dynamic is definitely different. I enjoyed the conflict and the resolution that took place.
I have become very attached to these two and will definitely miss them when the series ends.
A Case of Possession by KJ Charles
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
I feel like I can't critique this book properly since I like the couple so much and would literally 5* anything with them in it. The plot is interesting, and I would definitely be back for more.
The orientalism in this book is a little concerning. If that is how British people really viewed Chinese people then I guess it's fine.
Seriously the pining, the conversation with Merrick, the "I Love You" scene, swoon.
The orientalism in this book is a little concerning. If that is how British people really viewed Chinese people then I guess it's fine.
The Night Tiger by Yangsze Choo
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.75
This book was a recommendation by ChatGPT. Not a fan of the whole step-siblings thing despite it being a sweet relationship, but I like that it is obviously written by someone familiar with Malaya's history and norms.
I like Ren and Ah Long's dynamic. I also did not manage to catch the twists before they happened.
The whole plot is alright, interesting enought where I want to read more. It does a great job at weaving everything together. However, it can feel a bit slow at times, leading me to skim.
When I was not getting irked at the step-sibling romance, I was enjoying this mystery.
I like Ren and Ah Long's dynamic. I also did not manage to catch the twists before they happened.
The whole plot is alright, interesting enought where I want to read more. It does a great job at weaving everything together. However, it can feel a bit slow at times, leading me to skim.
When I was not getting irked at the step-sibling romance, I was enjoying this mystery.