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little_miss_darkness's reviews
789 reviews
The Fury by L.J. Smith
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I like this kind of villain - unhinged!
While a lot of people already know the story, I am determined to not spoil anything, maybe the first time in my life. However, I do have to say that I absolutely love how it all turned out. The villain let's say, is almost childlike and innocent one moment and cruel and vicious the next.
But I am getting ahead of myself. Elena becomes a vampire - I know, not a big spoiler there. Also not a big spoiler - she hates it. Oh, she's so good and vampires are so evil, even though she's in love with one, or maybe two (eye roll), but she can't go on like a vampire. And of course Stefan and Damon are hovering over her to give her anything she wants (Stefan obviously and Damon conspicuously and with feigned disinterest). Not just two of them, but Meredith, Bonnie and even Matt.
Things are moving, stuff is happening. Everything is becoming at least a bit clearer. Caroline and Tyler are conspiring together, but to do what? Matt is avoiding everyone after Elena is presumed dead, but then shows up undead to feed on him. Bonnie is fluttering and Meredith is suspicious. Strange things are happening around Fell's Church, animals are restless and attacking people without provocation.
I do appreciate the drama and the build-up of all the tension, just for it to smash against everyone. Maybe I'm just judging the book too harshly because it was written for teenagers (and though I did read it first as a teenager, most of the details are hazy) but it's just missing things. The writing feels like it's missing a lot of descriptions, of things and characters and what they're doing (my love of high fantasy coming into play here), but like it's an abstract of the book rather than the book itself.
While a lot of people already know the story, I am determined to not spoil anything, maybe the first time in my life. However, I do have to say that I absolutely love how it all turned out. The villain let's say, is almost childlike and innocent one moment and cruel and vicious the next.
But I am getting ahead of myself. Elena becomes a vampire - I know, not a big spoiler there. Also not a big spoiler - she hates it. Oh, she's so good and vampires are so evil, even though she's in love with one, or maybe two (eye roll), but she can't go on like a vampire. And of course Stefan and Damon are hovering over her to give her anything she wants (Stefan obviously and Damon conspicuously and with feigned disinterest). Not just two of them, but Meredith, Bonnie and even Matt.
Things are moving, stuff is happening. Everything is becoming at least a bit clearer. Caroline and Tyler are conspiring together, but to do what? Matt is avoiding everyone after Elena is presumed dead, but then shows up undead to feed on him. Bonnie is fluttering and Meredith is suspicious. Strange things are happening around Fell's Church, animals are restless and attacking people without provocation.
I do appreciate the drama and the build-up of all the tension, just for it to smash against everyone. Maybe I'm just judging the book too harshly because it was written for teenagers (and though I did read it first as a teenager, most of the details are hazy) but it's just missing things. The writing feels like it's missing a lot of descriptions, of things and characters and what they're doing (my love of high fantasy coming into play here), but like it's an abstract of the book rather than the book itself.
The Struggle by L.J. Smith
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
It's finally picking up!
I do have to say again that first three books could have just as easily been made into one, and I feel like both this one and The Awakening ended up in an awkward cliffhanger. Awkward because while it is a cliffhanger and there is suspense, there is still almost an expectation of immediate continuation. I'm not certain personally if I could have stuck with the series if I started when the first book came out.
Stefan still annoys me and even though I'm not the biggest fan of book Damon either - show Damon was still as dark but more flirty and mischievous rather than just dark and brooding - part of me wishes Elena ends up with Damon like in the show. Stefan still vehemently hates that part of himself and doesn't want Elena to become like him, while Elena is adamant she knows her own mind. I do hate how quickly Elena and Stefan arrived at exchanging "I love you's" - wasn't it basically right after their first kiss in the previous book? Surely even lovestruck teenagers see that it is too much too soon? Why was this ever a thing?
There's a bit of back and forth between Elena and Damon, and she's running herself ragged trying to figure out which secret she should keep from whom and what she should focus on next. A mysterious force that may or may not be Damon is still lurking around town, while Caroline and Tyler have teamed up in an effort to make Elena a pariah and rip her from her throne while framing Stefan for the increasing number of murders.
What Caroline says in her diary about Elena, Bonnie and Meredith - well, I have to say that while it is definitely exaggerated, it's not entirely wrong, either. They are definitely standing up for themselves more, and it does feel like what they're doing is their choice, rather than simply doing it because they don't want to defy Elena's will. However, no matter how close their friendship is, it still feels like Elena is getting more out of it, while Meredith and Bonnie are simply following her lead.
I do kind of remember what is going to happen next, and I'm so excited, because I like those events more than how they play out in the show. But I tend to go off on a tangent and I don't want to accidentally spoil something for people who haven't read this before or are unfamiliar with the series and the characters.
I do have to say again that first three books could have just as easily been made into one, and I feel like both this one and The Awakening ended up in an awkward cliffhanger. Awkward because while it is a cliffhanger and there is suspense, there is still almost an expectation of immediate continuation. I'm not certain personally if I could have stuck with the series if I started when the first book came out.
Stefan still annoys me and even though I'm not the biggest fan of book Damon either - show Damon was still as dark but more flirty and mischievous rather than just dark and brooding - part of me wishes Elena ends up with Damon like in the show. Stefan still vehemently hates that part of himself and doesn't want Elena to become like him, while Elena is adamant she knows her own mind. I do hate how quickly Elena and Stefan arrived at exchanging "I love you's" - wasn't it basically right after their first kiss in the previous book? Surely even lovestruck teenagers see that it is too much too soon? Why was this ever a thing?
There's a bit of back and forth between Elena and Damon, and she's running herself ragged trying to figure out which secret she should keep from whom and what she should focus on next. A mysterious force that may or may not be Damon is still lurking around town, while Caroline and Tyler have teamed up in an effort to make Elena a pariah and rip her from her throne while framing Stefan for the increasing number of murders.
What Caroline says in her diary about Elena, Bonnie and Meredith - well, I have to say that while it is definitely exaggerated, it's not entirely wrong, either. They are definitely standing up for themselves more, and it does feel like what they're doing is their choice, rather than simply doing it because they don't want to defy Elena's will. However, no matter how close their friendship is, it still feels like Elena is getting more out of it, while Meredith and Bonnie are simply following her lead.
I do kind of remember what is going to happen next, and I'm so excited, because I like those events more than how they play out in the show. But I tend to go off on a tangent and I don't want to accidentally spoil something for people who haven't read this before or are unfamiliar with the series and the characters.
The Awakening by L.J. Smith
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Before I start, I want to say I read the series years ago as a teenager, and I've loved the show, but while I was aware and remembered some of the differences, I did forget a lot of the details.
I do like the book-Elena more than show-Elena, but if it's possible, I hate Stefan more.
I'm sorry to all the Stefan lovers out there (I used to be one briefly as well), but now as an adult I am starting to really loathe Stefan's self-sacrificing, saintly BS. I find him so exhausting as a character, did we actually used to love these types of characters? It's like he holds everyone to impossibly high standards, which can be feel to the other people as if we're being judged and found wanting. How was Elena ever attracted to him? He's so weak and constantly in pain and withdrawn- if he was like that for the past 500 years, why didn't he simply choose to end his immortal existence? He could have done it, easily.
I do like book Elena more, as I mentioned above. She's strong, and not afraid to show it. She isn't some damsel in distress that needs to be rescued (that one scene in the graveyard notwithstanding), and isn't afraid to stand up for herself. I do feel like sometimes she can be a little too much like a Queen Bee, and sometimes almost predatory, but nobody holds it against her because she looks like an angel (blonde and blue-eyed and all pale skin). She doesn't take no for an answer from Stefan, and I am the first one to admit that if she were a man, we wouldn't be so eager to support her but brand her creepy and predatory, instead.
Show Bonnie is a blend of book Bonnie and Meredith. I do think they may be following Elena's lead without any resistance too easily. Caroline, on the other hand, is kind of a B word and obviously holds a grudge against Elena. There's no hope with Tyler, either. Matt might be a bit sweeter than his show counterpart and I'm here for it.
The first two, or even three, books could have easily been made all into one as it's really short, but I guess that makes it easier to read. It's good, but I keep seeing a lot of plot holes and impossible events, even for a world with magic and druids and vampires and werewolves. I can see where it appealed the teenage me, but it doesn't withstand the test of time, unfortunately.
I do like the book-Elena more than show-Elena, but if it's possible, I hate Stefan more.
I'm sorry to all the Stefan lovers out there (I used to be one briefly as well), but now as an adult I am starting to really loathe Stefan's self-sacrificing, saintly BS. I find him so exhausting as a character, did we actually used to love these types of characters? It's like he holds everyone to impossibly high standards, which can be feel to the other people as if we're being judged and found wanting. How was Elena ever attracted to him? He's so weak and constantly in pain and withdrawn- if he was like that for the past 500 years, why didn't he simply choose to end his immortal existence? He could have done it, easily.
I do like book Elena more, as I mentioned above. She's strong, and not afraid to show it. She isn't some damsel in distress that needs to be rescued (that one scene in the graveyard notwithstanding), and isn't afraid to stand up for herself. I do feel like sometimes she can be a little too much like a Queen Bee, and sometimes almost predatory, but nobody holds it against her because she looks like an angel (blonde and blue-eyed and all pale skin). She doesn't take no for an answer from Stefan, and I am the first one to admit that if she were a man, we wouldn't be so eager to support her but brand her creepy and predatory, instead.
Show Bonnie is a blend of book Bonnie and Meredith. I do think they may be following Elena's lead without any resistance too easily. Caroline, on the other hand, is kind of a B word and obviously holds a grudge against Elena. There's no hope with Tyler, either. Matt might be a bit sweeter than his show counterpart and I'm here for it.
The first two, or even three, books could have easily been made all into one as it's really short, but I guess that makes it easier to read. It's good, but I keep seeing a lot of plot holes and impossible events, even for a world with magic and druids and vampires and werewolves. I can see where it appealed the teenage me, but it doesn't withstand the test of time, unfortunately.
Blood Feast by Vela Roth
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
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? It's complicated
5.0
There's a new war on the horizon, and Hesperines need to shed antiquated customs to remind themselves why they are the heretics in the first place.
Cassia is finally a Hesperine! I can't believe it took her almost eight full books before she finally accepted the Gift. I was beginning to think Vela is going to stretch this until the end of the series. Speaking of which, while I have loved that the series stretched this long, I am beginning to think that it may be stretched too far already. This should have either ended already or this should have been the last book (it's not, and I'm obviously going to stick with it until the end, but I can't help but complain, sorry).
Cassia shines as a Hesperine. The one thing I do hate is that Roth has decided to keep her in the "oh I don't want any more power, I love that the Collector took most of my magic away, I don't need to be more powerful" BS. I LOVE LOVE LOVE that Lio is more than willing to fight for her power and insists she is not a bad person for wanting it and that the power won't necessarily corrupt her. We need more male love interests like that, even when their female counterparts have only been allowed to have the female power of the household and the loom their entire lives.
So much happens in this book, I finally feel like we have picked up the pace. The Eight Circle decides to arm themselves and go errant while Orthros wants to arrest them because the broke the law against weapons. They call themselves the Black Roses - a little nod to both Hespera and Cassia's power. Solia is the queen of Tenebra (finally) but needs to fight to keep her throne and her people safe. Monsoon and her are still pretending they don't need each other - they should just get over themselves and give in FFS. Miranda is an evil Gift Collector hunting the errant Black Roses while they run around Tenebra awakening the old Lustra magic.
I won't say any spoilers, but there is a major reveal of the Collector - his name, and even in the end, what is his end goal and why he's been so adamant about getting Cassia to help him work toward his goals. It was both incredibly surprising, but also kind of strangely making sense and expecting? I don't know, I guess you'll have to figure it out for yourselves.
I do hope we get to see Rudhira and Nike find their Graces before the end. They have definitely waited long enough. And of course, I keep thinking Methu is still alive and being held captive by the Aithuorian Circle, and we'll see him - if he is, the author is keeping it well under wraps, but I keep hoping.
Here's to hoping the next book is released soon!
Cassia is finally a Hesperine! I can't believe it took her almost eight full books before she finally accepted the Gift. I was beginning to think Vela is going to stretch this until the end of the series. Speaking of which, while I have loved that the series stretched this long, I am beginning to think that it may be stretched too far already. This should have either ended already or this should have been the last book (it's not, and I'm obviously going to stick with it until the end, but I can't help but complain, sorry).
Cassia shines as a Hesperine. The one thing I do hate is that Roth has decided to keep her in the "oh I don't want any more power, I love that the Collector took most of my magic away, I don't need to be more powerful" BS. I LOVE LOVE LOVE that Lio is more than willing to fight for her power and insists she is not a bad person for wanting it and that the power won't necessarily corrupt her. We need more male love interests like that, even when their female counterparts have only been allowed to have the female power of the household and the loom their entire lives.
So much happens in this book, I finally feel like we have picked up the pace. The Eight Circle decides to arm themselves and go errant while Orthros wants to arrest them because the broke the law against weapons. They call themselves the Black Roses - a little nod to both Hespera and Cassia's power. Solia is the queen of Tenebra (finally) but needs to fight to keep her throne and her people safe. Monsoon and her are still pretending they don't need each other - they should just get over themselves and give in FFS. Miranda is an evil Gift Collector hunting the errant Black Roses while they run around Tenebra awakening the old Lustra magic.
I won't say any spoilers, but there is a major reveal of the Collector - his name, and even in the end, what is his end goal and why he's been so adamant about getting Cassia to help him work toward his goals. It was both incredibly surprising, but also kind of strangely making sense and expecting? I don't know, I guess you'll have to figure it out for yourselves.
I do hope we get to see Rudhira and Nike find their Graces before the end. They have definitely waited long enough. And of course, I keep thinking Methu is still alive and being held captive by the Aithuorian Circle, and we'll see him - if he is, the author is keeping it well under wraps, but I keep hoping.
Here's to hoping the next book is released soon!
The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-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? No
5.0
Beautiful and heart-warming story.
Before I start with the review, I want to say that this is a particularly smart idea, and I'm tempted to start leaving my own little reading lists wherever I go, just in case someone needs it.
This book is light-hearted, yet heavy at the same time. It teaches us the importance of reading - that books not only pull us into new and exciting worlds, but can also teach us things, among everything else - but also showcase just how difficult it is to deal with loss. That definitely hit a particular note with me, as it reminded me of my grandfather. Not that he was a particulate bibliophile.
While this book has a definitive main character, or rather, two of them - Mukesh and Aleisha, we can see how this particulate reading list that keeps appearing in so many people's lives, can bring all those different people together. I myself haven't read all the books on the reading list yet, but through Mukesh and Aleisha's impressions and conversations, I can almost feel as if I did.
While it has some difficult topics, I wouldn't call this book particularly dark, but quite light-hearted and sort of melancholy at the same time. I would recommend it to anyone who has a spare time to read, as there are some universal topics there, and it shouldn't be too difficult for anyone to find themselves in this book and in these characters. I implore the reader to read actively (not something I necessarily apply every time I read, as sometimes I like to switch off my brain) and think through some things and how this book might affect them. Don't hesitate to stop for a while to gather your thought and see how this story makes you feel.
I won't put any spoilers, but while the identity of the List Owner didn't surprise me, it did at the same time. Personally, I thought it might be one of two people and there were clues to indicate who it was (and it was definitely more obvious for one of them), it was ambiguous enough to still keep you wondering.
I genuinely want to know, how did this book make you feel? Please let me know your thoughts. Honestly, this was such a charming idea if I had only read this story while I was still living in London, I could have started leaving the reading lists of my own all over the place. It would definitely be an interesting sort of experiment to see if people could be intrigued into taking up reading or if they're already readers, to expand their horizons.
Before I start with the review, I want to say that this is a particularly smart idea, and I'm tempted to start leaving my own little reading lists wherever I go, just in case someone needs it.
This book is light-hearted, yet heavy at the same time. It teaches us the importance of reading - that books not only pull us into new and exciting worlds, but can also teach us things, among everything else - but also showcase just how difficult it is to deal with loss. That definitely hit a particular note with me, as it reminded me of my grandfather. Not that he was a particulate bibliophile.
While this book has a definitive main character, or rather, two of them - Mukesh and Aleisha, we can see how this particulate reading list that keeps appearing in so many people's lives, can bring all those different people together. I myself haven't read all the books on the reading list yet, but through Mukesh and Aleisha's impressions and conversations, I can almost feel as if I did.
While it has some difficult topics, I wouldn't call this book particularly dark, but quite light-hearted and sort of melancholy at the same time. I would recommend it to anyone who has a spare time to read, as there are some universal topics there, and it shouldn't be too difficult for anyone to find themselves in this book and in these characters. I implore the reader to read actively (not something I necessarily apply every time I read, as sometimes I like to switch off my brain) and think through some things and how this book might affect them. Don't hesitate to stop for a while to gather your thought and see how this story makes you feel.
I won't put any spoilers, but while the identity of the List Owner didn't surprise me, it did at the same time. Personally, I thought it might be one of two people and there were clues to indicate who it was (and it was definitely more obvious for one of them), it was ambiguous enough to still keep you wondering.
I genuinely want to know, how did this book make you feel? Please let me know your thoughts. Honestly, this was such a charming idea if I had only read this story while I was still living in London, I could have started leaving the reading lists of my own all over the place. It would definitely be an interesting sort of experiment to see if people could be intrigued into taking up reading or if they're already readers, to expand their horizons.
Sinners Consumed by Somme Sketcher
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Started well but lost me in the middle
To be fair, I finished it. It's alright, but if I'm being honest, by the end I wanted to lower my rating to two stars. There were some relatively good parts so I changed my mind.
This series sounds like something I'd love to read. However, I feel like I will forget all about it as soon as I'm done - I'm very stubborn and I still want to finish the series as there were no deal breakers just yet.
To be fair, I finished it. It's alright, but if I'm being honest, by the end I wanted to lower my rating to two stars. There were some relatively good parts so I changed my mind.
This series sounds like something I'd love to read. However, I feel like I will forget all about it as soon as I'm done - I'm very stubborn and I still want to finish the series as there were no deal breakers just yet.
Sinners Condemned by Somme Sketcher
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The pacing is weird and I just couldn't get into it
This story SHOULD have appealed to me. I liked the first one and I like the premise and characters of this one. Maybe even better.
However, I only really got into properly maybe for the last 10% of the book. Since Rafe and Penny's story will technically continue in the next book - speaking of which, the ending was more than a little abrupt and definitely cut off at a weird time of the story - so maybe the next one will be it for me.
Speaking of which, I'm actually looking forward to Gabe's story. I want to know what happened that both Rafe and Angelo alluded to that changed him. I like the thought of Gabe and Wren ending up together.
This story SHOULD have appealed to me. I liked the first one and I like the premise and characters of this one. Maybe even better.
However, I only really got into properly maybe for the last 10% of the book. Since Rafe and Penny's story will technically continue in the next book - speaking of which, the ending was more than a little abrupt and definitely cut off at a weird time of the story - so maybe the next one will be it for me.
Speaking of which, I'm actually looking forward to Gabe's story. I want to know what happened that both Rafe and Angelo alluded to that changed him. I like the thought of Gabe and Wren ending up together.
Sinners Anonymous by Somme Sketcher
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Isn't that cheesy
Not the story I was expecting. Somme sketcher definitely managed to keep us in suspense long enough. It's almost like an adult version of a YA fantasy where it takes them forever to kiss, except this book has much more than just kissing. It is surprisingly refreshing as most of these types of books tend to be a lot more fast paced with almost no details throughout.
Secretive mafia, gold digger with a heart of gold who's after something other than gold and unlikely love story. Who wouldn't be sucked in?
Not the story I was expecting. Somme sketcher definitely managed to keep us in suspense long enough. It's almost like an adult version of a YA fantasy where it takes them forever to kiss, except this book has much more than just kissing. It is surprisingly refreshing as most of these types of books tend to be a lot more fast paced with almost no details throughout.
Secretive mafia, gold digger with a heart of gold who's after something other than gold and unlikely love story. Who wouldn't be sucked in?
Vengeance Blooms by Chloe Hodge
Did not finish book. Stopped at 15%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 15%.
<b>I tried, I really did.</b>
Writing is trite, all the descriptions too short and rushed, and characters overdone. I got through about 15% on KU (over a week) before I finally gave up. Who knows, maybe someday I'll give it a chance again and see if I change my mind. However, at the very least for now, it's a DNF from me.
Writing is trite, all the descriptions too short and rushed, and characters overdone. I got through about 15% on KU (over a week) before I finally gave up. Who knows, maybe someday I'll give it a chance again and see if I change my mind. However, at the very least for now, it's a DNF from me.
Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Not how I expected this to go
To be honest, even though I took my time going over this book, I still feel I need a whole other book just to properly understand this entire world and all the still-unknown words and descriptions. I have to admit, I cheated at times and googled certain things and ended up spoiling some parts for myself.
I will probably need to reread the whole series at least a few more times before I can say with absolute certainty that I understand everything.
These types of stories, with massive world building and complex society, policies and religion - I love them. Though I wonder what kind of person the author was because for me, I felt this universe too confusing at times, and story going around in circles. I think my brain just works completely different, and it makes wiring like this hard to process immediately.
Nonetheless, I admit this was brilliantly written and heartbreaking at times. I will stubbornly continue reading the other books to understand Arrakis, the great mystery.
To be honest, even though I took my time going over this book, I still feel I need a whole other book just to properly understand this entire world and all the still-unknown words and descriptions. I have to admit, I cheated at times and googled certain things and ended up spoiling some parts for myself.
I will probably need to reread the whole series at least a few more times before I can say with absolute certainty that I understand everything.
These types of stories, with massive world building and complex society, policies and religion - I love them. Though I wonder what kind of person the author was because for me, I felt this universe too confusing at times, and story going around in circles. I think my brain just works completely different, and it makes wiring like this hard to process immediately.
Nonetheless, I admit this was brilliantly written and heartbreaking at times. I will stubbornly continue reading the other books to understand Arrakis, the great mystery.