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little_miss_darkness's reviews
789 reviews
The Sheltering Tree by J.R. Lawrie
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
tense
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? It's complicated
5.0
I'm speechless
I've loved J.R. Lawrie's other work, Let Your Heart be Light, so I knew I had to read this one. I love how they spin the story, making the same-old with a happy ending seem different and new and exciting.
Besides that, I love that the main characters are grown men, older but not old, as usual romance books characters are much younger. I feel like this gives the overall story a different perspective and maturity. Don't get me wrong, I'm in my mid twenties myself so I love characters in my age range, but it's nice to mix it up every once in a while.
For those starting the story, or halfway there, if you think you know Jay's real identity, you'd be wrong. I won't say more on the subject in order to avoid spoilers, but I loved that it wasn't as predictable as how these stories tend to go.
Even though, as this is an adult romance, there are intimate scenes, it feels like the author emphasized Jay and Alastair's emotional connection growing, their conversations and just quiet moments spent together. It's a wonderful direction of the story, and it made me fall in love with the characters more and more as the book continued.
Both Alastair and Jay change their roles as the situation requires. Usually, there seems to be a clear divide in a couple, even in an LGBT romance. This time, we see both in the roles of protector/caregiver and the one needing support and love. Alastair is all put together police commissioner, but in those intimate moments with Jay, we see his vulnerable and needy side as well. Jay seems uncertain and feeling out of place, but then we see him talk so confidently and sweetly to Alastair (calling him 'sunshine' - love the nickname!).
I started this story after midnight and I had to force myself to stop and go to sleep. It pulls you in. This is definitely going into one of my favourites, and I have a feeling that just like the author's other work, I will be coming back to reread it.
I've loved J.R. Lawrie's other work, Let Your Heart be Light, so I knew I had to read this one. I love how they spin the story, making the same-old with a happy ending seem different and new and exciting.
Besides that, I love that the main characters are grown men, older but not old, as usual romance books characters are much younger. I feel like this gives the overall story a different perspective and maturity. Don't get me wrong, I'm in my mid twenties myself so I love characters in my age range, but it's nice to mix it up every once in a while.
For those starting the story, or halfway there, if you think you know Jay's real identity, you'd be wrong. I won't say more on the subject in order to avoid spoilers, but I loved that it wasn't as predictable as how these stories tend to go.
Even though, as this is an adult romance, there are intimate scenes, it feels like the author emphasized Jay and Alastair's emotional connection growing, their conversations and just quiet moments spent together. It's a wonderful direction of the story, and it made me fall in love with the characters more and more as the book continued.
Both Alastair and Jay change their roles as the situation requires. Usually, there seems to be a clear divide in a couple, even in an LGBT romance. This time, we see both in the roles of protector/caregiver and the one needing support and love. Alastair is all put together police commissioner, but in those intimate moments with Jay, we see his vulnerable and needy side as well. Jay seems uncertain and feeling out of place, but then we see him talk so confidently and sweetly to Alastair (calling him 'sunshine' - love the nickname!).
I started this story after midnight and I had to force myself to stop and go to sleep. It pulls you in. This is definitely going into one of my favourites, and I have a feeling that just like the author's other work, I will be coming back to reread it.
Tarnished Cages by R. Phoenix
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
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
4.75
Truly don't know what to write
R. Phoenix definitely writes unique characters. The 'Master' always seems to be impulsive and unpredictable with an explosive temper.
The captive falls slowly deeper into the web, without even realising, uncertain where they stand.
Cammy is in an interesting position. Part of him knows that it's wrong, but he also realizes that, at this point, he wouldn't be able to survive on his own.
It is brilliantly written, if a little unfinished. Will there be a third book to tie their story?
R. Phoenix definitely writes unique characters. The 'Master' always seems to be impulsive and unpredictable with an explosive temper.
The captive falls slowly deeper into the web, without even realising, uncertain where they stand.
Cammy is in an interesting position. Part of him knows that it's wrong, but he also realizes that, at this point, he wouldn't be able to survive on his own.
It is brilliantly written, if a little unfinished. Will there be a third book to tie their story?
Gilded Cages by R. Phoenix
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- 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
Not sure if that's a happy ending?
Honestly not sure what to think of this story. In Cammy's POV you can pretend everything is okay, and that both of them fully understand what they've committed to. However, in Zay's POV, you realise that everything is wrong in the most horrifying of ways.
I'm not too happy with the ending, it's kind of bittersweet and unfinished.
Honestly not sure what to think of this story. In Cammy's POV you can pretend everything is okay, and that both of them fully understand what they've committed to. However, in Zay's POV, you realise that everything is wrong in the most horrifying of ways.
I'm not too happy with the ending, it's kind of bittersweet and unfinished.
Henry the HuCow 3 by R. Phoenix
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-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
3.5
Not sure how to write this review
There were a few things that made me uncomfortable, but at least it wasn't dull even if it's a bit too fast-paced.
There were a few things that made me uncomfortable, but at least it wasn't dull even if it's a bit too fast-paced.
Henry the HuCow 2 by R. Phoenix
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
reflective
fast-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? No
3.75
This is getting interesting
The first part felt like a really long introduction. This is definitely better thought through and the pacing of the story is much better, as well.
The first part felt like a really long introduction. This is definitely better thought through and the pacing of the story is much better, as well.
Henry the HuCow by R. Phoenix
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
reflective
fast-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
Why is this split into three?
It's way too short, as a book and each chapter on its own. Some of the time jumps make no sense, and the pace was definitely too fast at some point.
Interesting idea, especially because I figure it's not a common theme but the execution fell a bit short. I'll continue with the stories regardless because I want to see how the others pan out.
It's way too short, as a book and each chapter on its own. Some of the time jumps make no sense, and the pace was definitely too fast at some point.
Interesting idea, especially because I figure it's not a common theme but the execution fell a bit short. I'll continue with the stories regardless because I want to see how the others pan out.
The Beauty's Beast by R. Phoenix
dark
emotional
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? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Can the abductor get Stockholm syndrome as well?
Usually, these types of stories feature a lot more physical punishment. I am glad this story focuses more on the psychological aspect. However, I do believe this should have just been one book instead of a story split in two.
I know I should be angry and say I hated it, but I kind of loved the happy ending? I would have liked to see what happened if they went public, though.
Usually, these types of stories feature a lot more physical punishment. I am glad this story focuses more on the psychological aspect. However, I do believe this should have just been one book instead of a story split in two.
I know I should be angry and say I hated it, but I kind of loved the happy ending? I would have liked to see what happened if they went public, though.
The Beast's Beauty by R. Phoenix
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-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? Yes
4.0
Not sure how I feel about this
It's well written, and I'm kind of glad that it focuses more on the psychological aspect rather than physical.
In the end, I'm still a little uncomfortable with the direction of the story, and that's why I give it one less star.
It's well written, and I'm kind of glad that it focuses more on the psychological aspect rather than physical.
In the end, I'm still a little uncomfortable with the direction of the story, and that's why I give it one less star.
The Phoenix and His Prince by R. Phoenix, Adara Wolf
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
So Elric had darkness in him this entire time?
Or rust and holes, I suppose. I see where the series are going for. I would like to find out more about Callan. Was he once human, too? What happened between him and Athan?
It's alright, but weird pacing and I still can't get over the fact that this is supposed to be some kind of alternate world with magic and monsters and old-timey things, and then the author uses expressions like 'make out'.
Or rust and holes, I suppose. I see where the series are going for. I would like to find out more about Callan. Was he once human, too? What happened between him and Athan?
It's alright, but weird pacing and I still can't get over the fact that this is supposed to be some kind of alternate world with magic and monsters and old-timey things, and then the author uses expressions like 'make out'.
Murtagh by Christopher Paolini
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Murtagh and Thorn are finally free when they stumble into a secret that might explain what happened to Galbatorix.
Finally, we get Murtagh's story. We have the beginning from the short story in The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm: Eragon, only in Essie's POV, while this time it repeats in Murtagh's POV. Throughout this story, we see glimpses of their past, Murtagh's childhood and what happened to Thorn while he was still a hatchling.
Before I continue, I have to mention one thing; Riders seem to get in a lot of trouble without their dragons. Or it might just be Eragon and Murtagh. I remember in the Inheritance saga how Saphira kept mentioning that Eragon keeps getting into trouble every time they're separated. It seems Murtagh and Thorn have a similar dynamic. Though to be fair, it does seem like he's at the very least trying to avoid it, unlike Eragon, rushing headlong into everything.
Now, about the Dreamers. They are basically a cult, worshipping The Dreamer of Dreams, converting people to them and sending them out to spread chaos and discontent in an effort to spread chaos and plunge the world into darkness. Bachel is definitely deranged, and I feel like Murtagh was very patient with her cryptic answers and riddles (I myself would have definitely resorted to force in his stead much sooner). Finding out that Bachel was probably the one to make Glabatorix turn against the Riders and send him and Morzan out into the world as her thralls (basically meaning no matter how strong he was, in the end, he was only her puppet), and later Saerlith as well, is quite disturbing on some level. On the other hand, it suggests that this is going to be another epic tale, this time with Murtagh at the forefront (hopefully, Nasuada and him get together in the end - fingers crossed for love overcoming all, and all that).
The Dreamers worship Azlagûr, and while it's not confirmed, I kind of think he is the gigantic black wingless dragon that shows up in Murtagh's dreams. He seems to be older than even the Grey Folk (him and the Dreamers). I have a great imagination, but when it was mentioned that one of his spikes is as big as a mountain, it's kind of hard to imagine that in scale. It's mentioned he's so old he was alive at the time when dragons didn't have wings - which makes me kind of imagine him as a massive Nïdhwal, just on land. Or maybe similar to how the Far Eastern dragons are depicted, as giant wyrms. I am of the belief that the evil isn't born, but made. So I hope we'll have more of the background in the next book as to what made him so mad and angry at the world. All we got so far are Murtagh's dreams, the shape he saw in the well and the sense of overwhelming anger when he touched Azlagûr's mind.
The last thing is that I hope we find out more about Angela in the next instalment of the series. We have a breadcrumb here, that she met Bachel once, long ago, and was so powerful Bachel met her outside Nal Gorgoth and made the ground move. I really want to know who Angela is. If she really is the Soothsayer that was once in Illirea, did she once serve Azlagûr, like Bachel and the Dreamers, but saw the error of their ways and left?
Argh, I don't know if I can wait years for the next book. I really hope Christopher Paolini focuses on Alagaësia and the characters there (though I absolutely love To Sleep in a Sea of Stars and I have that book too).
Finally, we get Murtagh's story. We have the beginning from the short story in The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm: Eragon, only in Essie's POV, while this time it repeats in Murtagh's POV. Throughout this story, we see glimpses of their past, Murtagh's childhood and what happened to Thorn while he was still a hatchling.
Before I continue, I have to mention one thing; Riders seem to get in a lot of trouble without their dragons. Or it might just be Eragon and Murtagh. I remember in the Inheritance saga how Saphira kept mentioning that Eragon keeps getting into trouble every time they're separated. It seems Murtagh and Thorn have a similar dynamic. Though to be fair, it does seem like he's at the very least trying to avoid it, unlike Eragon, rushing headlong into everything.
Now, about the Dreamers. They are basically a cult, worshipping The Dreamer of Dreams, converting people to them and sending them out to spread chaos and discontent in an effort to spread chaos and plunge the world into darkness. Bachel is definitely deranged, and I feel like Murtagh was very patient with her cryptic answers and riddles (I myself would have definitely resorted to force in his stead much sooner). Finding out that Bachel was probably the one to make Glabatorix turn against the Riders and send him and Morzan out into the world as her thralls (basically meaning no matter how strong he was, in the end, he was only her puppet), and later Saerlith as well, is quite disturbing on some level. On the other hand, it suggests that this is going to be another epic tale, this time with Murtagh at the forefront (hopefully, Nasuada and him get together in the end - fingers crossed for love overcoming all, and all that).
The Dreamers worship Azlagûr, and while it's not confirmed, I kind of think he is the gigantic black wingless dragon that shows up in Murtagh's dreams. He seems to be older than even the Grey Folk (him and the Dreamers). I have a great imagination, but when it was mentioned that one of his spikes is as big as a mountain, it's kind of hard to imagine that in scale. It's mentioned he's so old he was alive at the time when dragons didn't have wings - which makes me kind of imagine him as a massive Nïdhwal, just on land. Or maybe similar to how the Far Eastern dragons are depicted, as giant wyrms. I am of the belief that the evil isn't born, but made. So I hope we'll have more of the background in the next book as to what made him so mad and angry at the world. All we got so far are Murtagh's dreams, the shape he saw in the well and the sense of overwhelming anger when he touched Azlagûr's mind.
The last thing is that I hope we find out more about Angela in the next instalment of the series. We have a breadcrumb here, that she met Bachel once, long ago, and was so powerful Bachel met her outside Nal Gorgoth and made the ground move. I really want to know who Angela is. If she really is the Soothsayer that was once in Illirea, did she once serve Azlagûr, like Bachel and the Dreamers, but saw the error of their ways and left?
Argh, I don't know if I can wait years for the next book. I really hope Christopher Paolini focuses on Alagaësia and the characters there (though I absolutely love To Sleep in a Sea of Stars and I have that book too).