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mary_grace_van_der_kroef's reviews
21 reviews
An Inkling Hope: Select Poems by Erin A. Thomas, Daniel Barth
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
3.0
an inkling hope: select poems is a collection of many styles and touches on a wide array of topics. The author is clearly well versed in his craft.
I wasn't able to emotionally connect with this collection at this time. I can't put my finger on why as, as a whole, it's well written. But for me, it lacked a spark or a heart. I am sure others will disagree and perhaps I will come back to it at some point to try again.
If you enjoy variety and high language I recommend giving it a try.
I wasn't able to emotionally connect with this collection at this time. I can't put my finger on why as, as a whole, it's well written. But for me, it lacked a spark or a heart. I am sure others will disagree and perhaps I will come back to it at some point to try again.
If you enjoy variety and high language I recommend giving it a try.
A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A folding together of epic and cozy fantasy.
I can understand why some people don't like this shorter volume. It's a blend of mundane moments, the opening up of trauma, and a walk toward healing for each character. I think it's beautiful. I cried and laughed.
I can understand why some people don't like this shorter volume. It's a blend of mundane moments, the opening up of trauma, and a walk toward healing for each character. I think it's beautiful. I cried and laughed.
Carols and Spies: Winter Stories by Jennifer Kropf
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
5.0
I never want books about Winter to end. Carols and Spies is the perfect compliment to the Winter Souls Series. It starts of filled with stories laced with whimsy, and ends as the last book of the series did, with a shout of triumph and tears. I loved it. And yeah I absolutely cried
A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I found this boon three to be satisfying in how it wrapped up many if the story threads. There are a few story points that I found annoying but I understand why the author chose to happier ending. She also left us a few threads that are worth following.
A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Betrayal and intrigue breed where our characters walk. A Court of Mist and Fury is a smashing sequel. I enjoyed I more then book one.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
A Court of Thorns and Roses is the same time magical and heartbreaking. A romance twisted within the intrigue of the fae court, a human thrust into a world she was never supposed to experience.
I can see why so many people find this story addictive, but it left me a bit disappointed. The story is well written, and the setting magical, but it's let down slightly by a few scenes that are only there to appease readers looking for "spice" within their romance. Some of it fits well within the story, and some of it doesn't.
The ending is emotional and dramatic and tugs at heart heartstrings while giving nodding at what's next. The characters are enjoyable, a good blend of realistic and fae, wonderful and wounded. But the end 'solution' is more than a bit cliché. Still, we love those clichés don't we? It's why they exist.
Overall its a good story and an interesting look into fairy tale of the Fae. I am interested to see where the story goes in book two.
I can see why so many people find this story addictive, but it left me a bit disappointed. The story is well written, and the setting magical, but it's let down slightly by a few scenes that are only there to appease readers looking for "spice" within their romance. Some of it fits well within the story, and some of it doesn't.
The ending is emotional and dramatic and tugs at heart heartstrings while giving nodding at what's next. The characters are enjoyable, a good blend of realistic and fae, wonderful and wounded. But the end 'solution' is more than a bit cliché. Still, we love those clichés don't we? It's why they exist.
Overall its a good story and an interesting look into fairy tale of the Fae. I am interested to see where the story goes in book two.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault, Domestic abuse, Vomit, Violence, Torture, Toxic relationship, Sexual harassment, and Sexual content
Maelstrom by Stefanie Lozinski, Stefanie Lozinski
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
4.0
The cause of the High One continues as Wes and his friends search for a place of peace for the people they love. Could this be the start of a force that could champion their cause? But evil will not let them rest for long as Kessara's people are threatened by a creature of darkness. Can the small band beat it back into the sea?
I didn't find this third installment in the Storm and Spire Series as strong as book two, but the heart of the story is still there. The theme of trust in friendship and trust in the High One is a string as Wes and his friends go through their journey. I would have liked to have seen Aelrie's character built in more. Her reason for being included in the story felt weak but holds a lot of potential. Would have been good to have a chapter from the point of view before she joined the group.
Overall, it was still a good story and I am looking forward to reading book four! There is a certain little girl and her brother that I very much want to know about.
I didn't find this third installment in the Storm and Spire Series as strong as book two, but the heart of the story is still there. The theme of trust in friendship and trust in the High One is a string as Wes and his friends go through their journey. I would have liked to have seen Aelrie's character built in more. Her reason for being included in the story felt weak but holds a lot of potential. Would have been good to have a chapter from the point of view before she joined the group.
Overall, it was still a good story and I am looking forward to reading book four! There is a certain little girl and her brother that I very much want to know about.
Icarus, Anchors & You by J. L. Fizzell
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
The poet takes you on a journey of emotions. It was a privilege to walk beside them for a time as I read.
The Apprentice Storyteller by Astrid V.J.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
An interesting mix of magic and scifi elements within this story give it an interesting flair.
I would have liked to get to know Viola and her why a bit more right off the bat. It would have hooked me into the story better. I found my self asking why do I care? A few times during the first half of the book.
Much of the identity of both main characters is revealed very slowly. It kept me reading but also kept me from being fully invested. I am still glad I finished and am looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book.
I would have liked to get to know Viola and her why a bit more right off the bat. It would have hooked me into the story better. I found my self asking why do I care? A few times during the first half of the book.
Much of the identity of both main characters is revealed very slowly. It kept me reading but also kept me from being fully invested. I am still glad I finished and am looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book.
The Sword of Mercy and Wrath by N.C. Koussis
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Lots of action and the opening to the story is solid. But as the story shifts from the lead male to the lead female character I just didn't find it believable.
Now I've had this ebook in my library for a while and I think the author has done an expanded edition since I picked this one up. So go read some of the other newer reviews as well before deciding.
I found myself questioning why our leading lady was making the decisions she did from pretty early on. I didn't feel like her character was set up nearly as well as the lead male was. It pulled me out of the story and I found myself less and less willing to keep reading.
The writing quality is fair for a fast passed grimdark fantasy. Nothing immaculate but not bad either. If you like straightforward prose you will appreciate this author's style.
So all in all just not for me.
Now I've had this ebook in my library for a while and I think the author has done an expanded edition since I picked this one up. So go read some of the other newer reviews as well before deciding.
I found myself questioning why our leading lady was making the decisions she did from pretty early on. I didn't feel like her character was set up nearly as well as the lead male was. It pulled me out of the story and I found myself less and less willing to keep reading.
The writing quality is fair for a fast passed grimdark fantasy. Nothing immaculate but not bad either. If you like straightforward prose you will appreciate this author's style.
So all in all just not for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Sexual content