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meliflowers's reviews
77 reviews
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
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? No
3.75
I thought this was a standalone!!!
Consider me disappointed when I reached the ending with more questions than answers...
I enjoyed this so much. It took me a while to get into the story but once in it, I couldn't stop reading it. I genuinely love the prose and the dialogue / letter exchanges in this so much. So poetic and so romantic!! I also loved the setting. The author describes it so vividly, I had no hard time visualising the story.
The depictions of war are unsettling. Although it's not extremely graphic, I consider yourself warned.
The story was quite predictable until the very end but it didn't bore me in anyway. It still had its twists and turns that I enjoyed quite a lot. I think I'm more curious to find more about Dacre and Enva now. Hopefully we get to read more through their perspectives in the next book.
Consider me disappointed when I reached the ending with more questions than answers...
I enjoyed this so much. It took me a while to get into the story but once in it, I couldn't stop reading it. I genuinely love the prose and the dialogue / letter exchanges in this so much. So poetic and so romantic!! I also loved the setting. The author describes it so vividly, I had no hard time visualising the story.
The depictions of war are unsettling. Although it's not extremely graphic, I consider yourself warned.
The story was quite predictable until the very end but it didn't bore me in anyway. It still had its twists and turns that I enjoyed quite a lot. I think I'm more curious to find more about Dacre and Enva now. Hopefully we get to read more through their perspectives in the next book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: War
Dark Heir by C.S. Pacat
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I lost a bit of my mind reading the last chapter. What do you mean I have to wait at least a year for the third book?
Oh god this is genuinely a perfect sequel to the first book. A great fantasy with amazing world building and flow and insanely good storytelling. I have to say though, the one thing that makes me go berserk is the relationship dynamics. Amazingly well done! Each character, from the past to the present, has a fitting role and they're all woven together so perfectly. Even in the second book we're surprised with plot twists and turns.
I feel like we've come a full circle. I'm going crazy with anticipation for the next book. I just need Will to be happy and feel loved.
The slow burn is indeed burning. Can't believe the one thing I've been yearning for so badly has become the thing that has hurt and upset me the most.
C. S. Pacat once again proves they're a master in creating complex and exciting stories and characters. One of the most exciting and well executed fantasy books I've read this year.
Oh god this is genuinely a perfect sequel to the first book. A great fantasy with amazing world building and flow and insanely good storytelling. I have to say though, the one thing that makes me go berserk is the relationship dynamics. Amazingly well done! Each character, from the past to the present, has a fitting role and they're all woven together so perfectly. Even in the second book we're surprised with plot twists and turns.
I feel like we've come a full circle. I'm going crazy with anticipation for the next book. I just need Will to be happy and feel loved.
The slow burn is indeed burning. Can't believe the one thing I've been yearning for so badly has become the thing that has hurt and upset me the most.
C. S. Pacat once again proves they're a master in creating complex and exciting stories and characters. One of the most exciting and well executed fantasy books I've read this year.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Violence, Vomit, and Murder
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
0.5
Gosh i really really really wanted to love this book so badly considering how hyped up it is only to be let down because of it.
This is essentially a sexed up ya fantasy with incredibly corny and sometimes even childish dialogue and pretty one dimensional characters. Most of them are just used as fodder for a deathly shock value...
Many elements from different popular ya books have been combined into one book which I guess guarantees a massive succes no matter what the quality of the storyline and writing is.
The author is surprisingly really good at writing action sequences and dramatic tension in comparison to simple dialogue and character dynamics which were incredibly corny and at times even really bad. The romance was too rushed and awkward and even though I was definitely rooting for them, I would've loved it if it had taken a longer time to fall in love for these "enemies".
Despite the amount of deaths and betrayals, it was a pretty lighthearted read. Doesn't really require much think work to enjoy so if you're looking for something quirky and an easy to follow story, this might be just for you!
I was being very nice the very first time I wrote my review but after some time and reading some more I realised how much I actually disliked this book and how it turned me off of ya books a bit.
This is essentially a sexed up ya fantasy with incredibly corny and sometimes even childish dialogue and pretty one dimensional characters. Most of them are just used as fodder for a deathly shock value...
Many elements from different popular ya books have been combined into one book which I guess guarantees a massive succes no matter what the quality of the storyline and writing is.
The author is surprisingly really good at writing action sequences and dramatic tension in comparison to simple dialogue and character dynamics which were incredibly corny and at times even really bad. The romance was too rushed and awkward and even though I was definitely rooting for them, I would've loved it if it had taken a longer time to fall in love for these "enemies".
Despite the amount of deaths and betrayals, it was a pretty lighthearted read. Doesn't really require much think work to enjoy so if you're looking for something quirky and an easy to follow story, this might be just for you!
I was being very nice the very first time I wrote my review but after some time and reading some more I realised how much I actually disliked this book and how it turned me off of ya books a bit.
The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
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? It's complicated
5.0
The Dragon Republic by R.F. Kuang
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
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
4.25
I started reading this book a year ago and only finished it now.
Kuang does not spare details when describing horrific events and actions. It was really hard to get through the graphic writings about the substance use abuse and PTSD. But once I did, the story rapidly moved along.
The trauma and pain of the characters aren't used as a prop for the story but are actually explored as consequences of war. Through the story, we explore the consequences of war to the mind and to the civilisation, how people with low socio economic status/ racial appearances are always exploited and sacrificed for the seemingly greater good and the role colonialism plays within war.
I could go on an endless rant to talk about all the aspects of the story which Kuang has clearly constructed carefully and thoughtfully. Some parts of the story did feel redundant (I assume it's meant to be a basis for the next book) and repetitive, however.
Regardless, it was still a really enjoyable book and although I want to start reading the next one immediately, for my own well-being I decided to wait it out a bit...
Kuang does not spare details when describing horrific events and actions. It was really hard to get through the graphic writings about the substance use abuse and PTSD. But once I did, the story rapidly moved along.
The trauma and pain of the characters aren't used as a prop for the story but are actually explored as consequences of war. Through the story, we explore the consequences of war to the mind and to the civilisation, how people with low socio economic status/ racial appearances are always exploited and sacrificed for the seemingly greater good and the role colonialism plays within war.
I could go on an endless rant to talk about all the aspects of the story which Kuang has clearly constructed carefully and thoughtfully. Some parts of the story did feel redundant (I assume it's meant to be a basis for the next book) and repetitive, however.
Regardless, it was still a really enjoyable book and although I want to start reading the next one immediately, for my own well-being I decided to wait it out a bit...
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Body horror, Death, Racism, Rape, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Violence, Vomit, Abortion, Murder, War, and Classism
Moderate: Classism
It's a heavy book that describes the consequences of war graphically. I do believe it's a great and insightful read but do be warned of the topics aforementioned.
Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
The translation was insanely good and I really love how Murakami carefully chooses his words and describes the monotonous life and the world and its noises and scents so prettily.
But gosh getting through this book was hell of a task. Especially once you've reached the halfway mark. The protagonist, Toru Watanabe, is insufferable and all the other characters (Naoko, Reiko and Midori) solely exist within his vision.
The message is to live one and to choose for happiness whenever you can but the delivery was so obnoxious and pretentious.
Two stars because I like the writing and the setting. Would not recommend it unless you enjoy torturing yourself.
But gosh getting through this book was hell of a task. Especially once you've reached the halfway mark. The protagonist, Toru Watanabe, is insufferable and all the other characters (Naoko, Reiko and Midori) solely exist within his vision.
The message is to live one and to choose for happiness whenever you can but the delivery was so obnoxious and pretentious.
Two stars because I like the writing and the setting. Would not recommend it unless you enjoy torturing yourself.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual violence, and Suicide
A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-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
4.0
I'll be taking one point off because this was very English.
Jokes aside, this was a genuinely enjoyable read. The story was exciting, the writing was so great and the romance was good, too. However I feel like the pacing was a bit too fast.
Also, by the end of it, the story didn't feel completed at all. But I assume it will probably pick it right back up in the second book.
Jokes aside, this was a genuinely enjoyable read. The story was exciting, the writing was so great and the romance was good, too. However I feel like the pacing was a bit too fast.
Also, by the end of it, the story didn't feel completed at all. But I assume it will probably pick it right back up in the second book.
Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-joo
challenging
emotional
informative
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? It's complicated
5.0
This is a story every woman can relate to one way or another, regardless where they're from and which values they hold. Cho Nam-joo is so conscious in her writing, from childhood to adulthood to marriage.
My personal favourite scene was the interview with three different women. They were asked what they would do when encountering sexual harassment from a company client and each woman gave a response in accordance of flight, fight or adapt. It shows us how women will always need to stay vigilant and overtly conscious to survive.
If not to empathise, you should read this book to become aware of a woman's world.
If not to empathise, you should read this book to become aware of a woman's world.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny
Minor: Sexual harassment
Cold Nights of Childhood by Tezer Özlü
At some point it felt like I was swimming in all of her thoughts and memories with no regard to structure and coherency. It was fun.
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-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? N/A
4.5
Through her writing I can tell how much she loved life, so much that it hurt her. Tezer gives us an insight on how it was to have a psychological disorder during the 20th century and how she and other patients were continuously mistreated, what it is to be a woman and the impact her illness has had on her life. Despite all of that, she kept loving.
She writes intricate and detailed settings and in turn it doesn't take much imagination to visualise the sceneries. This, personally, was the most enjoyable thing about this book.
Certain quotes hit too close to home, opening a wound I've been tending to myself. Two quotes I loved dearly:
She writes intricate and detailed settings and in turn it doesn't take much imagination to visualise the sceneries. This, personally, was the most enjoyable thing about this book.
Certain quotes hit too close to home, opening a wound I've been tending to myself. Two quotes I loved dearly:
I'm a young girl. For days now, I've been making the necessary preparations to ensure my dead body looks good.
And
Most people spend their lives remembering past joys. But there are times when we can live and breathe that joy, night and day. A song can take us there. A painting. A boulevard stretching out before us. A tree with rustling leaves.
At some point it felt like I was swimming in all of her thoughts and memories with no regard to structure and coherency. It was fun.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Rape, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide attempt
Confinement is about medical confinement. The author is put into mental wards and has undergone electroshock therapy without her consent. Nothing is written explicitly in the book.
Go For It, Nakamura! by Syundei
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I really hope he gets the boy!!!