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little_miss_darkness's reviews
789 reviews
A Soul to Embrace by Opal Reyne
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
There's also a Novella at the end - you don't want to miss it!
I am biased, but I love a good villain story. As we all know, evil isn't born, it's made. I knew immediately there had to have been a reason behind Jabez's behaviour and attitude. I am very glad we get to see more of him and learn more about his past. And honestly, considering what the Elysians did to him, I am firmly on his side. In fact, they are lucky he didn't turn out to be worse. He may be a monster, but he never harmed children or truly innocent, and he cared for the demons in his own way, even creating the Spiral Haven for them to live in peace.
Zylah is the first female Mavka and surely just as unique as Nathair and Merikh had to have been when they were created. She is definitely not as aggressive and confrontational as her male counterparts. I don't know if it's her or simply because she is female and they tend to be less aggressive unless challenged or attacked.
We see Zylah learning at the speed of light and has obvious interest in Jabez, while he's purposefully trying to keep her at an arm's length, fully knowing what kind of a pri*k he was. That's actually a big part of the reason why I love him as a character. He's completely unique as part Elf and part Demon, but he doesn't try to justify what he's done or make himself to be some kind of deranged saviour of the Demon race, but is completely aware of how he's behaved and how he treated others. It's a nice change, to be honest, and a refreshing kind of character.
This was almost a new kind of love story, as even when she finds out all he did, Zylah doesn't want to let him go (minor spoiler, but kind of obvious one considering this is basically a romance story regardless of other non-human elements). Not many would be willing to forgive this many or this serious transgressions, no matter how far in the past they were. But, Zylah isn't human, and neither is Jabez.
I'm admitting freely that I cried very hard when Jabez finally broke down his defences and started to cry when he remembered what happened to him when he was so young. No child should ever have to go through that, no matter what species they were. When I got to that part it was 4 am and really had to go to bed so forced myself to stop immediately after that scene and having a good cry, but it was SO HARD to calm down and fall asleep. I know, I should have stopped reading before that, but I was on a roll and didn't even realize how late, or early it is.
The Novella at the end, I swear it circles the series in such a way we get closure with all the characters. AND, we also get a little message from the author saying there will be a prequel with Weldir and Lindiwe, and give us all the answers we're still missing. I screamed, I was so excited! Apparently, it's coming this year. Still nothing online, no blurb, but I'm excited and I hope I don't miss it, as I'd really love to learn more about these two, how they met and how it all got started.
I am biased, but I love a good villain story. As we all know, evil isn't born, it's made. I knew immediately there had to have been a reason behind Jabez's behaviour and attitude. I am very glad we get to see more of him and learn more about his past. And honestly, considering what the Elysians did to him, I am firmly on his side. In fact, they are lucky he didn't turn out to be worse. He may be a monster, but he never harmed children or truly innocent, and he cared for the demons in his own way, even creating the Spiral Haven for them to live in peace.
Zylah is the first female Mavka and surely just as unique as Nathair and Merikh had to have been when they were created. She is definitely not as aggressive and confrontational as her male counterparts. I don't know if it's her or simply because she is female and they tend to be less aggressive unless challenged or attacked.
We see Zylah learning at the speed of light and has obvious interest in Jabez, while he's purposefully trying to keep her at an arm's length, fully knowing what kind of a pri*k he was. That's actually a big part of the reason why I love him as a character. He's completely unique as part Elf and part Demon, but he doesn't try to justify what he's done or make himself to be some kind of deranged saviour of the Demon race, but is completely aware of how he's behaved and how he treated others. It's a nice change, to be honest, and a refreshing kind of character.
This was almost a new kind of love story, as even when she finds out all he did, Zylah doesn't want to let him go (minor spoiler, but kind of obvious one considering this is basically a romance story regardless of other non-human elements). Not many would be willing to forgive this many or this serious transgressions, no matter how far in the past they were. But, Zylah isn't human, and neither is Jabez.
I'm admitting freely that I cried very hard when Jabez finally broke down his defences and started to cry when he remembered what happened to him when he was so young. No child should ever have to go through that, no matter what species they were. When I got to that part it was 4 am and really had to go to bed so forced myself to stop immediately after that scene and having a good cry, but it was SO HARD to calm down and fall asleep. I know, I should have stopped reading before that, but I was on a roll and didn't even realize how late, or early it is.
The Novella at the end, I swear it circles the series in such a way we get closure with all the characters. AND, we also get a little message from the author saying there will be a prequel with Weldir and Lindiwe, and give us all the answers we're still missing. I screamed, I was so excited! Apparently, it's coming this year. Still nothing online, no blurb, but I'm excited and I hope I don't miss it, as I'd really love to learn more about these two, how they met and how it all got started.
A Soul to Protect by Opal Reyne
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I don't know if I want to give this 4 or 5 stars.
Ever since we found out about Nathair, and especially since we meet him in Aleron and Gideon's story, I knew I wanted to know more about him. I was curious how affected he was by his time in Tenebris, whether he still blamed Merikh and why he lost his voice.
I am glad to report that, despite the hand he's been dealt, Nathair seems very playful and not at all bitter. Sure, there were a few moments he was envious the others got to live and didn't have to deal with the voices, but still, surprisingly playful and optimistic considering everything. Same thing with Linh. She's not as frightened of Nathair as she is of other monsters. The human ones. That only goes to show that human might be the most monstrous creatures on this, and any other, world.
This is a very intriguing story, especially considering Nathair is basically unable to speak except for a few specific times, and that means Linh and him had to rely on other forms of communication, which was harder but perhaps in the end, more fulfilling.
One thing that was perhaps the most surprising of all, even the fact that Linh has had Anzûli ancestors, is how easily her people accepted Nathair. Sure, he saved her, and helped protect them, but considering how humans are, they have been the least judgmental in this book as a whole rather than one person bonding with a Mavka.
I am excited about next book because I can see Jabez is in it, because I always thought there was more to him and his story than was hinted in previous books. As a sidenote, I am a bit disappointed there are no other Mavka in this book as it would have been quite interesting to see them meeting and interacting with Nathair, considering he is essentially their eldest brother.
One last thing, a bit of a spoiler but,who knew Mavka got so many of their characteristics after the animals they first eat, like the fact that snakes have two *cough cough* . It was an interesting factoid to learn, to say the least.
Ever since we found out about Nathair, and especially since we meet him in Aleron and Gideon's story, I knew I wanted to know more about him. I was curious how affected he was by his time in Tenebris, whether he still blamed Merikh and why he lost his voice.
I am glad to report that, despite the hand he's been dealt, Nathair seems very playful and not at all bitter. Sure, there were a few moments he was envious the others got to live and didn't have to deal with the voices, but still, surprisingly playful and optimistic considering everything. Same thing with Linh. She's not as frightened of Nathair as she is of other monsters. The human ones. That only goes to show that human might be the most monstrous creatures on this, and any other, world.
This is a very intriguing story, especially considering Nathair is basically unable to speak except for a few specific times, and that means Linh and him had to rely on other forms of communication, which was harder but perhaps in the end, more fulfilling.
One thing that was perhaps the most surprising of all, even the fact that Linh has had Anzûli ancestors, is how easily her people accepted Nathair. Sure, he saved her, and helped protect them, but considering how humans are, they have been the least judgmental in this book as a whole rather than one person bonding with a Mavka.
I am excited about next book because I can see Jabez is in it, because I always thought there was more to him and his story than was hinted in previous books. As a sidenote, I am a bit disappointed there are no other Mavka in this book as it would have been quite interesting to see them meeting and interacting with Nathair, considering he is essentially their eldest brother.
One last thing, a bit of a spoiler but,
A Soul to Steal by Opal Reyne
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Finally, a gay romance. I was waiting for this.
I think Aleron might actually be the biggest sweetheart of them all. He's very playful and almost child-like. I love that it showcases a Mavka who is not as developed and needs to learn more about the world and even themselves. For everyone before, it felt that even if they weren't as developed before, at the beginning of their story they would suddenly get an influx of intelligence and humanity.
The story seems to move both fast and slow at the same time. When you get at around half the book, they're already together, and you feel like it's gone too fast and what else is there to happen in the other half. Without spoiling too much, there is a twist and Aleron needs to win Gideon back, using everything Gideon thought him at the beginning, in Tenebris.
They both help each other and learn together, as well as heal each other. It's actually surprisingly sweet, and there are a lot of heartfelt and funny moments. I love how Gideon taught Aleron what sarcasm is, and honestly, when Aleron does it, he's way funnier. They are a good match.
I think Aleron might actually be the biggest sweetheart of them all. He's very playful and almost child-like. I love that it showcases a Mavka who is not as developed and needs to learn more about the world and even themselves. For everyone before, it felt that even if they weren't as developed before, at the beginning of their story they would suddenly get an influx of intelligence and humanity.
The story seems to move both fast and slow at the same time. When you get at around half the book, they're already together, and you feel like it's gone too fast and what else is there to happen in the other half. Without spoiling too much, there is a twist and Aleron needs to win Gideon back, using everything Gideon thought him at the beginning, in Tenebris.
They both help each other and learn together, as well as heal each other. It's actually surprisingly sweet, and there are a lot of heartfelt and funny moments. I love how Gideon taught Aleron what sarcasm is, and honestly, when Aleron does it, he's way funnier. They are a good match.
Unmasked by L.J. Smith, Aubrey Clark
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Okay, so this series didn't end on a completely disappointing note. I do find it ridiculous how everyone keeps dying and resurrecting, and how Elena was able to "fix" everyone and everything by going back to the past and rewriting history - didn't she basically create an alternate timeline when she changed so many things?
At least, even if Stefan is back to being alive (or never ended up dying, I supposed), Elena still ends up with Damon. That's something, I guess.
At least, even if Stefan is back to being alive (or never ended up dying, I supposed), Elena still ends up with Damon. That's something, I guess.
Unspoken by L.J. Smith, Aubrey Clark
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
AGAIN with the cliffhanger? They're quickly becoming redundant and exhaustive in this series, and I might genuinely start hating them in all the books I read from now on because of this.
And it was getting good. Or better, at least. It seems I was wrong, Stefan might be gone for good and Damon and Elena are going to end up together, for real. I did think these artificial vampires are a bit much. But I was willing to overlook it. This could have been a four-star rating, but now it's more like 3.50 stars, and I'm keeping it to three stars because I'm mad.
And it was getting good. Or better, at least. It seems I was wrong, Stefan might be gone for good and Damon and Elena are going to end up together, for real. I did think these artificial vampires are a bit much. But I was willing to overlook it. This could have been a four-star rating, but now it's more like 3.50 stars, and I'm keeping it to three stars because I'm mad.
The Salvation: Unseen by L.J. Smith
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
It's around 3.25/3.50 stars. It's slightly better than the previous series. I was excited that Katherine is back, I was expecting a lot of fun things from her. But of course, it's not meant to be. And of course, because the world is unfair, Stefan will be miraculously resurrected, but she won't. I was about to say good riddance to his loss. Book Stefan is even worse than TV show Stefan.
Destiny Rising by L.J. Smith
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Good will come to those who wait. It's still quite ridiculous, but I confess, Elena and Katherine actually being half-sisters on their mother's side is a very interesting twist. And Katherine may not be so bad, after all? I am intrigued.
Moonsong by L.J. Smith
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
I like Zander, after all, even if he came off a bit weird in the beginning. He's actually the biggest reason this book gets a higher rating. But the rest, honestly, it's so tiring and depressing and morose. I'm genuinely wondering who loves this series.
The Vampire Diaries: The Hunters: Phantom by L.J. Smith
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
Sucks slightly less than the previous one. One thing I've noticed in this series, the inclusion of all these other random supernatural beings feel more like an afterthought than us discovering more and more about this world. It simply doesn't fit.
Also, I'm really getting sick of Elena and even everyone else. I've found Stefan exhausting from the first and even Meredith, Damon and Bonnie are starting to slowly get on my nerves. Reluctantly going to the next book. Why did I say I will finish it no matter what?
Also, I'm really getting sick of Elena and even everyone else. I've found Stefan exhausting from the first and even Meredith, Damon and Bonnie are starting to slowly get on my nerves. Reluctantly going to the next book. Why did I say I will finish it no matter what?
Midnight by L.J. Smith
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
Okay, this is getting embarrassingly bad. It is only my own stubbornness and promise to myself that is keeping me from giving up. I said I will finish all the books, and I will. But this is just... not good.
And I can see why each book has to finish on a cliffhanger (still just annoying and not dramatic) because who would continue reading these. I think they should have just been done after the original trilogy (and even that wasn't spectacular, if I'm being honest).
And I can see why each book has to finish on a cliffhanger (still just annoying and not dramatic) because who would continue reading these. I think they should have just been done after the original trilogy (and even that wasn't spectacular, if I'm being honest).