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lillieslibraryy's reviews
441 reviews
Bloom by Delilah S. Dawson
3.75
The longer I sit with this book, the more I appreciate it.
Bloom is packed with lush writing, Shakespeare and other literature references and just such raw and real characters. This is truly a harrowing story that looks at the horrors and depths of humanity, love and obsession.
If you like things like Hannibal or even Killing Stalking, you will thoroughly enjoy this.
Bloom is packed with lush writing, Shakespeare and other literature references and just such raw and real characters. This is truly a harrowing story that looks at the horrors and depths of humanity, love and obsession.
If you like things like Hannibal or even Killing Stalking, you will thoroughly enjoy this.
The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang
dark
emotional
inspiring
4.75
This in many ways is one of the best books I've read, however it fell just short of 5 stars, and left me wanting so much more.
The Sword of Kaigen doesn't shy away from the brutality of war and how many lives it impacts. From the soldiers and warriors, to the women and elderly and the children it leaves behind. I loved the greater focus on building up the community and people working together after so much destructive. It's so touching to see people come together in the face of war and hardships and support each other through it. This is a brutal and heartbreaking story filled with so much power and love.
Both our main characters are strong willed and grow so much throughout the events of this book. Their strength in themselves and trust in each other is truly what makes this book. I loved seeing how they dealt with the conflicts within this book, from exterior forces or interior forces plaguing their lives. The discussions around propaganda, a useless and manipulative government and women's right is poignant and prevalent as ever.
The fight scenes in this are hands down, some of the best I have ever read. They are fast paced, easy to follow and so beautifully crafted. I felt like I was watching a movie. Paired with a banging reading playlist, it truly creates some memorable moments.
This book had me sobbing for a good hour as I read through some truly harrowing events. And it continued to pull on all my emotions throughout. It does such an incredibly good job of making you feel for all of the characters, and learn to love some who first seemed as if they could never be redeemed.
While there was so much I truly loved, the ending really brought my rating down. The last hundred or so pages (which I may go back to reread and see if my feelings change), felt almost incomplete. It left me underwhelmed and feel as if the conclusion was lacking. This is supposed to be a standalone, but was quite clearly originally meant to be a series. The ending really shows this. There were plot points brought up, that were half explained or not thoroughly explained at all, and maybe should have been edited out if this series was never going to continue. I just really wanted more from this ending. I loved the world and characters so much that I needed to know what happened. It felt less like an intentional ambiguous ending and more like a failed set up for a book that's never coming.
Overall, this book was truly something special and something that will stick with me for years to come. I'll never forget the way these characters made me feel and I'm so glad to have read it. I would love to see it trad published - and possibly even see the ending reworked or expanded (maybe even in the form of a bonus short story). Wang is a truly magnificent writer and I cannot wait to read more from her.
The Sword of Kaigen doesn't shy away from the brutality of war and how many lives it impacts. From the soldiers and warriors, to the women and elderly and the children it leaves behind. I loved the greater focus on building up the community and people working together after so much destructive. It's so touching to see people come together in the face of war and hardships and support each other through it. This is a brutal and heartbreaking story filled with so much power and love.
Both our main characters are strong willed and grow so much throughout the events of this book. Their strength in themselves and trust in each other is truly what makes this book. I loved seeing how they dealt with the conflicts within this book, from exterior forces or interior forces plaguing their lives. The discussions around propaganda, a useless and manipulative government and women's right is poignant and prevalent as ever.
The fight scenes in this are hands down, some of the best I have ever read. They are fast paced, easy to follow and so beautifully crafted. I felt like I was watching a movie. Paired with a banging reading playlist, it truly creates some memorable moments.
This book had me sobbing for a good hour as I read through some truly harrowing events. And it continued to pull on all my emotions throughout. It does such an incredibly good job of making you feel for all of the characters, and learn to love some who first seemed as if they could never be redeemed.
While there was so much I truly loved, the ending really brought my rating down. The last hundred or so pages (which I may go back to reread and see if my feelings change), felt almost incomplete. It left me underwhelmed and feel as if the conclusion was lacking. This is supposed to be a standalone, but was quite clearly originally meant to be a series. The ending really shows this. There were plot points brought up, that were half explained or not thoroughly explained at all, and maybe should have been edited out if this series was never going to continue. I just really wanted more from this ending. I loved the world and characters so much that I needed to know what happened. It felt less like an intentional ambiguous ending and more like a failed set up for a book that's never coming.
Overall, this book was truly something special and something that will stick with me for years to come. I'll never forget the way these characters made me feel and I'm so glad to have read it. I would love to see it trad published - and possibly even see the ending reworked or expanded (maybe even in the form of a bonus short story). Wang is a truly magnificent writer and I cannot wait to read more from her.
Crocodile Tears by Ali K. Mulford
4.5
Oh look another Ali. K Mulford book that made me cry😅
Crocodile Tears is such a sweet, tender, and hilarious read. I truly adored every second I got to spend with Dove and Deacon, I just loved seeing their relationship progress.
This is a super fun and nerdy slow burn friends to lovers. It's chaotic and at times, messy and just so much fun. Dove is such a caring and strong character, who is also a demi icon (we love to see it). And Deacon is a nerdy, Hollywood heartthrob, who just wants to be with his best friend again. They're such a perfect and entertaining duo.
In true Ali fashion this is a wild ride of a book. I just loved seeing how these two character navigated everything that was thrown at them.
This is such a perfect book and another amazing continuation to the Prickle Island Zoo series!
Thanks to Ali for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Crocodile Tears is such a sweet, tender, and hilarious read. I truly adored every second I got to spend with Dove and Deacon, I just loved seeing their relationship progress.
This is a super fun and nerdy slow burn friends to lovers. It's chaotic and at times, messy and just so much fun. Dove is such a caring and strong character, who is also a demi icon (we love to see it). And Deacon is a nerdy, Hollywood heartthrob, who just wants to be with his best friend again. They're such a perfect and entertaining duo.
In true Ali fashion this is a wild ride of a book. I just loved seeing how these two character navigated everything that was thrown at them.
This is such a perfect book and another amazing continuation to the Prickle Island Zoo series!
Thanks to Ali for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb
5.0
Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb is such a beautiful character study. Her writing is so effortless and easy to follow, but does such an incredible job at building this world and these characters. You can't help but love them, or love to hate them.
Fitz is such a special character who has been through so much at such a young age. I cannot wait to see him grow and see how he changes throughout these other books!
If you've been putting off reading Hobb's books, take this as your sign to start.
Fitz is such a special character who has been through so much at such a young age. I cannot wait to see him grow and see how he changes throughout these other books!
If you've been putting off reading Hobb's books, take this as your sign to start.