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maello's reviews
37 reviews
Where the Dark Stands Still by A.B. Poranek
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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? Yes
4.5
I absolutely loved this book. It's so incredibly well-written and very, very fun. It's charming, it's romantic, it's high-stakes. It's taking an emotionally unavailable demon warden and making him look at you all soft and loving. This book was going to be 5 stars, right up until the end. Unfortunately, a book that is so clearly romance (e.g, the book revolves around the pair, and their development (although they do develop separately, most of it is because of each other)) to me, needs a happily ever after and I don't like the ambiguity of the ending. Though it's beautifully written and makes you wonder, I just wanted something a bit more than that. Something like an additional chapter, or even just a letter that she writes home explaining the updated situation, really anything.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Grief
Moderate: Religious bigotry, Death of parent
Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Vomit
Of Jade and Dragons by Amber Chen
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
This book interested me from the premise of a female STEM MC. I was intrigued to hear about engineering and was thinking it'd be strong fantasy (like, with dragons). I think there's a good bit of cool works of engineering, and I would love to see more in the series. I will say, the dragons aren't really what you're thinking of. It's a bit more symbolic/metaphorical.
I was a bit disappointed with the MC, I thought she'd be a bit more rational and less hasty/impulsive. That being said, I think it reads fine as a YA. The romance is a bit unsurprising/forced. I do plan on continuing the series, because I think the world is interesting and I'm curious to see what happens next.
I was a bit disappointed with the MC, I thought she'd be a bit more rational and less hasty/impulsive. That being said, I think it reads fine as a YA. The romance is a bit unsurprising/forced. I do plan on continuing the series, because I think the world is interesting and I'm curious to see what happens next.
Bride by Ali Hazelwood
adventurous
funny
mysterious
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? No
3.5
This book yanked and grabbed me out of my reading block. This definitely was not the most show-stopping or gorgeously written book (or even romance) I've ever read. Was the MC kind of "same-old" with his big tall body and he growls and is husky??? Yeah. But did I have fun reading it? Also yeah.
The writing reminds of Wattpad, and the whole "vampyre" x werewolf thing also kind of sells it on that. There isn't much description of the characters outside of size (MC has size 14 shoes btw), and they don't really feel like people. Misery (the name of the female lead) is somewhat aware that she literally has no life/things she cares about/hobbies/etc, and even if she is aware, it's kind of boring. The male lead allegedly had a life and hobbies and things before he became the "Alpha" but none of that is ever really touched on in a way that matters.
Similar to the characters, the world really lacks depth. The only detail you get is when something comes up that's important (eg they are going to a place, or they have to explain why alliance is the way it is).
There isn't really a romance, or a kindling between these two characters, as much as there is just a sexual attraction. There is definitely no slowburn, and if you were told this is enemies to lovers (or thought it was based on vampyre x werewolf) you are like, wrong. At best, it's miscommunication and lying.
The writing reminds of Wattpad, and the whole "vampyre" x werewolf thing also kind of sells it on that. There isn't much description of the characters outside of size (MC has size 14 shoes btw), and they don't really feel like people. Misery (the name of the female lead) is somewhat aware that she literally has no life/things she cares about/hobbies/etc, and even if she is aware, it's kind of boring. The male lead allegedly had a life and hobbies and things before he became the "Alpha" but none of that is ever really touched on in a way that matters.
Similar to the characters, the world really lacks depth. The only detail you get is when something comes up that's important (eg they are going to a place, or they have to explain why alliance is the way it is).
There isn't really a romance, or a kindling between these two characters, as much as there is just a sexual attraction. There is definitely no slowburn, and if you were told this is enemies to lovers (or thought it was based on vampyre x werewolf) you are like, wrong. At best, it's miscommunication and lying.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Blood
Moderate: Kidnapping
Minor: Death of parent
Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka
dark
emotional
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
Notes on an Execution is an excellently written book that travels through multiple POVs. It uses 2nd person 'you' pronouns for the killer which kind of draws you into his mind. It is uncomfortable, and you do not want to be there. You may find yourself trying to make sense of it, to ask why, to indulge in this attempt to humanize him. You may find yourself repulsed by it when you realize it. Along with his POV, there's also the POVs of the women related to him, or the ones he's killed. The emotions in this book are brilliantly written, some of my favorite quotes are listed in the spoiler below.
The book lets you come to your own conclusion about what makes a person good or bad, about whether people who do bad things can be saved. It looks our criminal justice system and the weird cultural obsession with serial killers right in the face, and it makes you really think if it's really worth trying to look into these people. You are constantly reminded that these people he killed were not just names. They were people, with memories, families, things that they loved, things they would be doing if they were alive. Their impact, the lives they may save, the children they could've had. These things that made them human are taken away, their prospects removed. They become names in a paper, etchings engraved in stone. And the serial killer becomes a renowned name. He gets to be remembered, for all the cruel things that he has done. He gets to feel important.
This is a beautiful book, and combines wonderful prose, interesting and suspenseful plot, as well as a stance on society. Everyone is human, everyone has these ugly emotions, and this book delves deep into examining people, and this definitely is a book that will stay with me for a while.
This is a beautiful book, and combines wonderful prose, interesting and suspenseful plot, as well as a stance on society. Everyone is human, everyone has these ugly emotions, and this book delves deep into examining people, and this definitely is a book that will stay with me for a while.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Murder
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Child abuse
Some of my favorite quotes:
- "His smile melted instantaneously off his face the second he did not need it--he held Jenny with a rigid back and a shallow happiness, impermanent as wet paint."
- “…and she thought how sad it was that a single bad thing could turn you into a story, a matter to be whispered about. Tragedy was undiscerning and totally unfair.”
- "She knew violence, from the lifetime she had spent chasing it—she knew how it lingered, how it stained. Violence always left a fingerprint."
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
dark
emotional
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? Yes
3.75
The fighting between the two main characters is something I really didn't like about this book. There wasn't really any character growth in this book, other than in one of the side characters. Dain's redemption arc was the only significant character growth-- I loved it though. Otherwise this book was intriguing to read with extremely high stakes. I read it pretty quickly, not as quick as the first book but I was really looking forward to this series so that takes part as well.
So many downright shocking and epic moments in this book. I think some things were foreshadowed a bit too obviously, but I know some that didn't pick up on any of the foreshadowing at all so that might just be a personal taste.
The ending is a bit out of left field, and feels a bit less like a cliffhanger and a bit more like the rug was swept right out under me. That being said, I do plan on sticking to the series. This book feels good, even if it was a much harder read (despite the width of the book and the page count, there are LOTS of words in this book. It is NOT a quick or particularly easy read) especially with the constant arguing between the two leads.
So many downright shocking and epic moments in this book. I think some things were foreshadowed a bit too obviously, but I know some that didn't pick up on any of the foreshadowing at all so that might just be a personal taste.
The ending is a bit out of left field, and feels a bit less like a cliffhanger and a bit more like the rug was swept right out under me. That being said, I do plan on sticking to the series. This book feels good, even if it was a much harder read (despite the width of the book and the page count, there are LOTS of words in this book. It is NOT a quick or particularly easy read) especially with the constant arguing between the two leads.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Torture, Violence, Grief, Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Sexual content, Death of parent, War, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Vomit
Beach Read by Emily Henry
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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
3.75
I would say overall this book was good! I really enjoyed it, and definitely cried at some parts. I definitely didn't like the 'typical' parts where the girl assumes the feelings of the guy. I get why she did that, etc, but it's just hard to read. I feel like I've read it a million times. I would recommend this book to people that like 'grumpy-sunshine' tropes or 'rivals-to-lovers' (sort of, it's more like misunderstood rivals-to-lovers or one-sided). It had good writing, there are a few good quotes that I really loved that the writer includes during parts where the MC is being introspective. I would say that this story is more of a good one rather than an okay one, was a good read, but was predictable. And I kind of didn't like the ending either.
My rating system:
5 ⭐ = Great story, loved it, would definitely recommend to everyone
4 ⭐ = Good story, enjoyed it, worth the read, would recommend it to people that like this genre
3 ⭐ = Okay story, some predictable parts, it was fine
2 ⭐ = Lame story, boring, kept losing interest
1 ⭐ = Terrible story, couldn't finish
My rating system:
5 ⭐ = Great story, loved it, would definitely recommend to everyone
4 ⭐ = Good story, enjoyed it, worth the read, would recommend it to people that like this genre
3 ⭐ = Okay story, some predictable parts, it was fine
2 ⭐ = Lame story, boring, kept losing interest
1 ⭐ = Terrible story, couldn't finish
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Grief, Death of parent
Moderate: Cancer, Infidelity
Minor: Child abuse, Vomit
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-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? Yes
4.25
When I see reviews for this book they are usually very polarizing. Some will say that the book's writing wasn't good and the world was underdeveloped, and some will say that this book was amazing and book of the year.
I think the book was great, but I definitely think the complaints have merit.
To start, this book's romance sub-plot is very involved. If you think it's just a book about dragons and then there's some romance in it, you would be wrong. The romance is deeply engrained in this book, and in my eyes it's really important. Without this romance, the FMC would've gone down a completely different path in this book. It is necessary. Of course, she is very ... thirsty ? And there are paragraphs and pages for how thirsty it is. If you won't like reading that, this isn't the book for you. Because there is a lot. lol
In regards to the worldbuilding, I'm a bit torn. Yes, we didn't get that much information about what people care about (how dragons bond, the dragons, etc, etc). But, I think this makes sense. The parts of the world that we know, are the parts of the world that Violet knows. She trained to be a scribe, she thinks she knows everything about history. We expect her to know everything. But the truth is, she doesn't. There just isn't much written and recorded knowledge about the dragons. She doesn't know it, so we don't either. I personally like this storytelling, it makes it easier to immerse and connect with the MC rather than being an all-knowing reader. However it's definitely not for everyone, and so I can see why some people say the worldbuilding is underdeveloped and stuff is inconsistent.
All things said, I really liked this book. It is an easy-to-read non-complex world, with a physically disabled character (something I have personally never read in this kind of kickass hardcore fantasy world) and she isn't just disabled to be a diversity-quota selling point, but it actually feels important to the story. It changes how she approaches things, it shows that accommodations aren't something to be ashamed of.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book and pre-ordered the next book as well.
I think the book was great, but I definitely think the complaints have merit.
To start, this book's romance sub-plot is very involved. If you think it's just a book about dragons and then there's some romance in it, you would be wrong. The romance is deeply engrained in this book, and in my eyes it's really important. Without this romance, the FMC would've gone down a completely different path in this book. It is necessary. Of course, she is very ... thirsty ? And there are paragraphs and pages for how thirsty it is. If you won't like reading that, this isn't the book for you. Because there is a lot. lol
In regards to the worldbuilding, I'm a bit torn. Yes, we didn't get that much information about what people care about (how dragons bond, the dragons, etc, etc). But, I think this makes sense. The parts of the world that we know, are the parts of the world that Violet knows. She trained to be a scribe, she thinks she knows everything about history. We expect her to know everything. But the truth is, she doesn't. There just isn't much written and recorded knowledge about the dragons. She doesn't know it, so we don't either. I personally like this storytelling, it makes it easier to immerse and connect with the MC rather than being an all-knowing reader. However it's definitely not for everyone, and so I can see why some people say the worldbuilding is underdeveloped and stuff is inconsistent.
All things said, I really liked this book. It is an easy-to-read non-complex world, with a physically disabled character (something I have personally never read in this kind of kickass hardcore fantasy world) and she isn't just disabled to be a diversity-quota selling point, but it actually feels important to the story. It changes how she approaches things, it shows that accommodations aren't something to be ashamed of.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book and pre-ordered the next book as well.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Sexual content, Violence
Moderate: Bullying, Death of parent
Minor: Vomit
This Is How You Lose the Time War by Max Gladstone, Amal El-Mohtar
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I loved this book. It is a bit difficult to read in the sense of wording/sentence structure. It can come off as a bit of a 'pretentious' read. Another thing is that this is not a book that is primarily about a 'time war' you're not going to get chapters based on fighting a war, at least not in the literal sense you might think. It's more based on the two characters, and their relationship with each other and the secondary relationship to their side/cause. The book is short so the pacing is fast but I wouldn't say it's rushed, just fast. In the true nature of books regarding being able to move through time, there's a lot of surprising interactions/twists (?) that are really nice. I would definitely recommend this book to people who like shorter emotional stories, or people that enjoy reading literature with this kind of tone.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder
Moderate: Body horror, Torture, Suicide attempt, War
Minor: Vomit