lewnie's reviews
238 reviews

Kingdom of the Feared by Kerri Maniscalco

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adventurous emotional mysterious 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? Yes

2.75

 The good: I liked the way the story wrapped up while still leaving some ends open that could be addressed in another book, or possibly novella.

The bad: Much of this book felt like fan service and it was disappointing in that I think the plot could have been bolstered and the relationships of characters could have been explored more fully but the author was too focused on the romance. I was definitely missing the balance of fantasy and romance that was captured in the first book and I feel that it skewed too far toward romance to successfully meet fantasy reader's expectations. Readers who prefer romance might enjoy this installment, but it is missing the high-fantasy adventure that readers of Sarah J. Maas and Holly Black have come to expect and those looking for something similar will be disappointed. 
Self-Made Boys: A Great Gatsby Remix by Anna-Marie McLemore

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challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Defend the Dawn by Brigid Kemmerer

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adventurous hopeful lighthearted mysterious 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? Yes

4.75

 An absolutely delightful next installment in the series. The story in engaging without pandering and feels absolutely natural to the development of the story. The world-building is superb and expands our knowledge in an engaging way. I love the romance and the development of the relationship between Tessa and Corrick. While Defy the Night left us thinking it would be happily ever after for this couple, we see real struggles with their conflicting ideals and the consequences of Corrick's previous actions. We see them have to work for their relationship in a way that isn't often explored in Fantasy/Romance and I found it really enjoyable. I also thought the Corrick's character development was well done. While we see his inner conflicts in the last book, he can't just suddenly became a great person overnight and he has to face the consequences of his actions. Overall, a fantastic addition to this series that reader's will thoroughly enjoy. 
A Broken Blade by Melissa Blair

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 A Broken Blade is a strong addition to this genre of fantasy. Keera is strong, blunt, and deeply flawed, yet she is multi-faceted and I really enjoyed watching her character grow and develop. The world-building was somewhat stunted at the beginning but I feel it becomes more developed by the end of the book. I was thoroughly engaged and could not put it down. All of the romantic tropes so beloved in a fantasy are there and done in a way that doesn't feel overwrought. If you loved Throne of Glass or Furyborn and are looking for a more adult read, pick this up next. 
The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jackson

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challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 
Maddy Washington is a biracial teen in a small Georgia town, about to graduate high school. Maddy has a secret though—she has been passing for white at the insistence of her prejudiced and abusive father. When a surprise rainstorm reveals this truth, right before the school’s first integrated prom, the town’s racist history begins to seep out. But after a popular white classmate convinces her Black quarterback boyfriend to take Maddy to the prom, she is hopeful for a normal life. Not all her classmates are ready to accept Maddy though and she still has one more secret, one that will cost everyone their lives. This Carrie-inspired horror examines the legacy of racism while delivering bloody, suspenseful thrills that will keep the pages turning.  

The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas

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adventurous emotional funny mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

 
Welcome to the Sunbearer Trials, where every decade 10 semidioses are chosen to compete in the tournament that ensures the safety of their world. It has always been the fate of the Gold semidioses, who train for this their whole lives. Teo, the son of Quetzal and a Jade, never imagined he would be chosen. But Teo is not the only Jade to enter the Trials, and now he must work to ensure that he and his friends survive. Because at the end of the Trials, one semidios will be crowned Sunbearer and one will become the sacrifice. Full of lush world-building and fierce friendships, this delightful, action-packed, Mexican-inspired fantasy is a perfect series starter that will leave readers wanting more. 

Violet Made of Thorns by Gina Chen

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dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 
Violet is a witch who uses her powers of prophecy for her own gain. Once an orphan living on the street, Violet now lives on the palace grounds in the famed Seer’s Tower. A trusted confidant of the King, she often manipulates her prophecies for the good of the royal family. The only problem is Cyrus, the Crown Prince. He knows Violet too well and isn’t going to go along with her schemes willingly. When she falsifies a prophecy about Cyrus’ potential bride, she unknowingly sets into motion a deadly curse. As the volatile feelings between Violet and Cyrus begin to look less like hate and more like love, Violet must make a decision that will either save or curse the kingdom– and herself.  

The good: While not a direct fairytale retelling, there are many aspects of well-known fairytales sprinkled throughout that readers will enjoy discovering. 

I think the standout here is really Violet. She is everything that so many readers will enjoy in a protagonist. She is unapologetically out for herself and once you begin to learn more about her past, it makes sense. Violet has no desire to change, for anyone, and she is confident in herself and her decisions. Often, this kind of characterization of female characters comes off as overly abrasive or without reason. However Violet is easy to sympathize with and her strong will stands up to the vicious court politics that Chen has created. 

The bad: I struggle with my feelings about Cyrus as a character. I think he is a good foil to Violet’s ruthlessness, however his fault is that he seems to believe this is an act for Violet. Chen has created a strong-willed character in Violet though, and she easily expresses that she is only ever acting like herself. The romance budding between them by the end of the book does make me a little uneasy as I don’t think that they seem like a good fit at this point. I do think that Cyrus has a ways to go in terms of character development though, and we could see this change later in the series. 

I also wish the world-building was a little stronger. I am still not sure I understand the complicated politics between the different countries. I understand this is heavier on the romance and the personal relationships, so I think we lose a little of that overarching geographical exploration. I am hoping that this will be explored more in the following book. I also understand that this is a debut and for a first book, I am really enjoying the development of the world and characters as a whole. 

Overall: This is a well-crafted fantasy with a fantastic, morally gray protagonist. The stakes are high and the mystery unfolding around Violet will keep readers entertained throughout. The romance between Violet and Cyrus is fiery, though perhaps a little more entertaining when they fully believe they hate each other. Overall, this is a great addition for anyone who enjoys high-stakes romantic fantasy.  
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The Kiss Curse by Erin Sterling

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funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

4.0

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 Thank you to NetGalley for this review copy in exchange for an honest review! 

Described as Practical Magic meets Gilmore Girls, which I think is a perfect description. This is definitely perfect for those of us who loved Halloweentown as kids but now as adults are looking for something a little more relatable….and spicy. 

Gwyn Jones is happy in Graves Glen. She, and her mom, and her cousin Vivi are now powering the town with their magic, her shop is thriving, and she has started to mentor a group of “Baby Witches”. The only problem is Wells Penhallow. Wells has returned to Graves Glen to start over and open a witchy shop of his own. But after going up against Gwyn, he realizes he might be in over his head. When the arrival of a mysterious new coven coincides with the disappearance of Gwyn’s magic, Wells and Gwyn team up to discover what the town is up against now. Can they deny the chemistry between them?

The good: This was so fun and a perfect holiday read. I definitely like the grumpy-sunshine dynamic over the lovers-to enemies- to lovers of the last book. I think that Gwyn and Wells are delightful. And honestly, I would read an entire book about Sir Purrcival. 

The bad: I wanted a little more relationship development between Gwyn and Wells to be honest. This book was face-paced so I get it, but it felt a little too like ‘insta-love’ for my taste. I liked the bi-rep, however we are definitely missing any other representation. I also think there are a couple small plot holes that I don’t want to spoil, but they don’t necessarily detract from the story overall. 

Overall: This was a fun, fluffy, comforting holiday read. I think this was even better than the Ex-Hex and would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for a cute witchy rom-com. 

CW: sexual content, blood, swearing, alcohol

 
Wells said that he was "pining" over Gwyn at school and she makes a face but never says anything to him. I think I would have liked this little bit resolved.
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Book Lovers by Emily Henry

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emotional funny relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

 
Romance book tropes abound in this stunning new novel from Emily Henry. Nora is the one who gets left behind when her boyfriends meet the woman of their dreams after visiting a small town to close the local boutique hotel or Christmas Tree farm, etc. Nora is the one in the sky-high stilettos with a 16-step skincare routine and she’s just fine with that. But she also knows that means she isn’t the heroine of anyone’s rom-com. When her sister, Libby, suggests a month-long visit to Sunshine Falls, North Carolina Nora wasn’t expecting to run into Charlie Lastra, a big-time editor from New York. But then they continue to run into each other. While nothing like the romance tropes she’s come to expect, there just might be something between them after all. 

The good: I don’t need to tell you how good this one was. Trust me, it’s as good as you would expect from Emily Henry. Even better, honestly. I loved Nora and Charlie. Nora is so unapologetically herself. She’s vain, she likes expensive things, and she’s a workaholic. But all of that is fine with her. And I love that Nora is the person we have come to expect as the “villain” of the romance novel, the woman that we root against, but she is such a likable and relatable character. The relationship between Nora and Libby was so wonderful to see. I think the way that Nora cares for Libby will resonate with so many eldest siblings in such a real way. The romance is also so wonderful. It has been described as grumpy-grumpy which I think is perfect. Charlie is also incredibly attractive without being hypermasculine. 

The bad: The first part of the book is more meandering than Henry’s other works I think but I honestly enjoyed being able to sit with the characters and feel like their relationships were developing naturally, rather than just jumping into something in the last 5 chapters. 

Overall: This is the best of Emily Henry’s books in my opinion. I felt so connected with Nora. An absolute comfort read.  

CW: sexual content, death of a parent, pregnancy, medical content, abandonment, panic attacks, alcohol. 

 
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Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert

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emotional funny hopeful relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 
Chloe Brown copes with her chronic pain by organizing and compartmentalizing and shutting people out. After her so-called friends and her fiance stopped coming around, she decided that she didn’t need things in her life like love. She is just fine living at home with her  academically-minded parents, her eccentric grandmother, and her two sisters. But after an almost-accident causes her life to flash before her eyes, she realizes that she needs to live a little. So Chloe moves out and makes a list that will fulfill her resolution to get a life. But what she doesn’t have on her list is Red Morgan. The big, tattooed, motorcycle riding artist-turned-flat superintendent isn’t too keen on Chloe. She’s too posh and stuck-up to want anything to do with him. But she’s also incredibly beautiful and he just can’t help himself. When Red agrees to help Chloe with her list in exchange for working on a website for his art, sparks fly. 

The good: REDFORD FREAKING MORGAN. My god.

But seriously. I loved everything about this book: Chloe, and Red, and their relationship, and obviously Smudge. This was by far the best relationship I’ve ever read in a romance novel. They really try to talk to each other and understand each other, even when there are miscommunications. And there are, because this is a romance novel– amiright? 

The bad: Literally nothing. 

Overall: I can’t believe I hadn’t read this before. Maybe the art on the cover deceived me or something, because this was sublime. The relationship was impeccable. The representation was everything I have been wanting out of a romcom. The love interest? *chef’s kiss*. There is a cat and cardigans and trauma and love and healing. I just cannot recommend this one enough. 

Representation: Black FMC, Black supporting characters, LGBTQ+ supporting character, FMC has a disability.

CW: sexual content, chronic illness, toxic relationship, panic disorders, cursing, ableism, domestic abuse, medical content, physical abuse, mental illness, car accident, medical trauma, gaslighting, classism, drug use (for medical purposes).

 
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