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mikasana's reviews
181 reviews
Amid Clouds and Bones by Ella Fields
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Ok after reading this my immediate first thought/critique is—change the title. It’s too vague. It gives 90’s contemporary romance on an Arizona cattle ranch, not an enemies to lovers fae seelie/unseelie fantasy romance. Call it Serpentine or something more sinister or whimsical.
ANYWHO~
Congrats Cruel Prince fans, here is another book with similar yet crueler vibes AND spice.
Honestly, I wasn’t liking it much in the beginning because I don’t like reading about toxic relationships, but uhhh yeah things changed later on and ummm. Yeah. I liked it. Muuuuch better.
It also had some very memorable lines that I found to resonate strongly with me so I enjoyed the writing immensely. Though there were some parts where I had to reread to understand some of the context though—that was my main issue.
And without spoiling too much…
I do recommend this, yes. Thoroughly enjoyed it, yes. It will be invading my headspace for the next several days, yes. Will reread at some point, yes.
ANYWHO~
Congrats Cruel Prince fans, here is another book with similar yet crueler vibes AND spice.
Honestly, I wasn’t liking it much in the beginning because I don’t like reading about toxic relationships, but uhhh yeah things changed later on and ummm. Yeah. I liked it. Muuuuch better.
It also had some very memorable lines that I found to resonate strongly with me so I enjoyed the writing immensely. Though there were some parts where I had to reread to understand some of the context though—that was my main issue.
And without spoiling too much…
I do recommend this, yes. Thoroughly enjoyed it, yes. It will be invading my headspace for the next several days, yes. Will reread at some point, yes.
The Wraith King by Juliette Cross
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
It’s… okay. A dark romantasy through and through. But I will never take the word “cunny” seriously; that was a choice.
It started great and pulled me in and then lost me completely around the 70% mark despite some weird moments before then. Lost me as in, I was so bored and miserable I had to force myself to continue.
I did like the main two characters but felt everything around them was pretty flat and uninteresting. I liked the character descriptions and the uniqueness about each fae race’s culture and religion.
I think my main issue was that the main plot was absent for a long period of time (other than the romance) and then suddenly gets forced in there and rushed. There was all this build up about a traitor and when the traitor is revealed it’s almost over as soon as it started. I couldn’t believe it.
But the rest of it I did enjoy. Mostly the first 60%, if I am being honest.
It started great and pulled me in and then lost me completely around the 70% mark despite some weird moments before then. Lost me as in, I was so bored and miserable I had to force myself to continue.
I did like the main two characters but felt everything around them was pretty flat and uninteresting. I liked the character descriptions and the uniqueness about each fae race’s culture and religion.
I think my main issue was that the main plot was absent for a long period of time (other than the romance) and then suddenly gets forced in there and rushed. There was all this build up about a traitor and when the traitor is revealed it’s almost over as soon as it started. I couldn’t believe it.
But the rest of it I did enjoy. Mostly the first 60%, if I am being honest.
Variation by Rebecca Yarros
Did not finish book. Stopped at 10%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 10%.
Too much info about ballet, not enough character chemistry. Zzz fest.
Kingdom of the Cursed by Kerri Maniscalco
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Slow pacing, but this one focused on the actual Kingdom of the Wicked so it took its time showing the world, its occupants, and its various places of interest. Then we got the budding romance between our main characters and even more twists to the plot. I honestly had no idea who was responsible for what for like 90% of the book.
Though I loved the introduction to the world and all the sweet scenes, I did feel the pacing was just a pinch too slow for my liking. Like damn. I mean I love a slow-burn romance as much as anyone else, but the overall plot was just slower than I would have liked. Just a tad.
ALSO ARE YOU JOKING WITH THAT ENDING?? IT CUT OFF THERE??? RUDE
Though I loved the introduction to the world and all the sweet scenes, I did feel the pacing was just a pinch too slow for my liking. Like damn. I mean I love a slow-burn romance as much as anyone else, but the overall plot was just slower than I would have liked. Just a tad.
Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
It’s a 5 from me.
Was Emilia annoyingly ignorant and rash? Yes. But her character is consumed by… *drumroll* … you got it? WRATH. So it makes sense her vengeance is her primary driving force and all her other cunning is mostly left at the front door.
And Wrath? This demon got me wrapped around his finger like hoooo boy. I may have taken that blood oath a little too quickly if offered from him. Oops. He is delectably devious.
I had a blast reading this and absolutely LOVE this world and its characters. I am so ready for book 2.
Was Emilia annoyingly ignorant and rash? Yes. But her character is consumed by… *drumroll* … you got it? WRATH. So it makes sense her vengeance is her primary driving force and all her other cunning is mostly left at the front door.
And Wrath? This demon got me wrapped around his finger like hoooo boy. I may have taken that blood oath a little too quickly if offered from him. Oops. He is delectably devious.
I had a blast reading this and absolutely LOVE this world and its characters. I am so ready for book 2.
Born of Starlight by Mariet Kay
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.5
I’m shocked this is a debut. Like holy shit, are you serious?
TLDR: Yennefer stars in her very own Rapunzel spinoff and finds her Geralt.
Super unique world filled with magic. The dialogue is also fantastic and swoon worthy.
Certain parts I couldn’t put down while others I felt I just wanted to move on from. That’s my reason for the nick in rating.
Overall? A 4.5/5 for me. I will be keeping my eye on what else this author puts out.
TLDR: Yennefer stars in her very own Rapunzel spinoff and finds her Geralt.
Super unique world filled with magic. The dialogue is also fantastic and swoon worthy.
Certain parts I couldn’t put down while others I felt I just wanted to move on from. That’s my reason for the nick in rating.
Overall? A 4.5/5 for me. I will be keeping my eye on what else this author puts out.
Starlight by Olivia Wildenstein
adventurous
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Uhhh yeah not as good as the previous one.
The love story was great (I kind of like the whole reincarnated love thing so long as we start with the first pair) and the old characters were great too.
What bored me to tears was the main plot aka the whole secret agent/spies rescue mission they had going on. I almost DNF’d this a few times because I had zero interest in any of it. Uck. Spent way too much time on that.
But, like its predecessors, the lore/worldbuilding around Elysium is always cool. And super unique to most of what I have seen in this genre.
The love story was great (I kind of like the whole reincarnated love thing so long as we start with the first pair) and the old characters were great too.
What bored me to tears was the main plot aka the whole secret agent/spies rescue mission they had going on. I almost DNF’d this a few times because I had zero interest in any of it. Uck. Spent way too much time on that.
But, like its predecessors, the lore/worldbuilding around Elysium is always cool. And super unique to most of what I have seen in this genre.
Celestial by Olivia Wildenstein
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.25
Oh this was sooo much better than Feather. Sooo much better. The writing improved, the romance improved, everything improved.
As always, I love the world-building and lore from this universe and I love how easily it integrates in with modern society and technology.
I had a great time and will definitely be continuing.
4.25/5
As always, I love the world-building and lore from this universe and I love how easily it integrates in with modern society and technology.
I had a great time and will definitely be continuing.
4.25/5
The Land Beyond the Waste: A Novel by B. F. Peterson
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
** NETGALLEY ARC REVIEW **
Bit of a slow start, this story takes place in a world where magic powers are not uncommon. We have Speaking (similar to "the Voice" from Dune), Perceiving, Showing, Knowing, and a few others I cannot recall off my head. The magic system and history are particularly interesting and clearly thought out. The world, divided by kingdoms, is on the brink of all-out war and our heroine and her brother are doing their best to save their people and civilization (as they know it) from those who want to destroy it.
While I enjoyed the world details and overall plot goals, I did feel like the characters were a tad impersonal to me. I would have liked to see more for them, maybe a bit of humor. Maybe more sibling chemistry between the brother and sister who are extremely loyal to each other. Maybe a little bit of humor here and there or the characters just having a moment to themselves to be themselves. Something along those lines that allow us to see a little further into their relationships and lenses. I think it would have made me get more attached to them and make the story easier to immerse myself into.
I did really love the description of the Elves and their land/cultural practices. It was one of my favorite parts of the book. In fact I was more interested in their land than I was with most of the other activities elsewhere. And by god, their language? Super super cool. I love the detail put into their world in general, definitely a favorite part of the story.
I am not quite sure about how everything resolved though and have mixed feelings. I feel for the build up it didn't quite match the outcome. But that's my personal opinion, others will see it differently.
Overall, this was a 3.75./5 for me (personally). I feel those who love high stakes fantasy will enjoy this as well.
Bit of a slow start, this story takes place in a world where magic powers are not uncommon. We have Speaking (similar to "the Voice" from Dune), Perceiving, Showing, Knowing, and a few others I cannot recall off my head. The magic system and history are particularly interesting and clearly thought out. The world, divided by kingdoms, is on the brink of all-out war and our heroine and her brother are doing their best to save their people and civilization (as they know it) from those who want to destroy it.
While I enjoyed the world details and overall plot goals, I did feel like the characters were a tad impersonal to me. I would have liked to see more for them, maybe a bit of humor. Maybe more sibling chemistry between the brother and sister who are extremely loyal to each other. Maybe a little bit of humor here and there or the characters just having a moment to themselves to be themselves. Something along those lines that allow us to see a little further into their relationships and lenses. I think it would have made me get more attached to them and make the story easier to immerse myself into.
I did really love the description of the Elves and their land/cultural practices. It was one of my favorite parts of the book. In fact I was more interested in their land than I was with most of the other activities elsewhere. And by god, their language? Super super cool. I love the detail put into their world in general, definitely a favorite part of the story.
I am not quite sure about how everything resolved though and have mixed feelings. I feel for the build up it didn't quite match the outcome. But that's my personal opinion, others will see it differently.
Overall, this was a 3.75./5 for me (personally). I feel those who love high stakes fantasy will enjoy this as well.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and War
Moderate: Racism
Ghost Walk by Cassandra Gannon
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Aww I liked this!
Was it corny? Yes. Was it cringey? At times, yes. Did I have to suspend my disbelief for most of it? Yes. But it was charming, sweet and so zany it was a blast. I could hardly put it down and that is when I know I am having a good time.
Also, I would clarify that this a romance first and then a paranormal fantasy book all in one.
There’s the MMC who is a ghost of a pirate/American man from the 18th century who had been accused of serial murders and was executed for it. The FMC (former crime scene investigator) is trying to help clear his name, after they both discover she is the only one who can see and hear him in modern times. Oh and she comes from a long line of fanatical spell-casters and has an uncanny knack for time travel. And she and her Jamie Fraser-inspired man candy get down to ghostly business to try to find the real murderer from 200 years ago.
It gets wild.
Some time travel shenanigans occur.
Some odd ghostly fornication may or may not occur.
Who knows? Maybe you should find out.
4/5
Was it corny? Yes. Was it cringey? At times, yes. Did I have to suspend my disbelief for most of it? Yes. But it was charming, sweet and so zany it was a blast. I could hardly put it down and that is when I know I am having a good time.
Also, I would clarify that this a romance first and then a paranormal fantasy book all in one.
There’s the MMC who is a ghost of a pirate/American man from the 18th century who had been accused of serial murders and was executed for it. The FMC (former crime scene investigator) is trying to help clear his name, after they both discover she is the only one who can see and hear him in modern times. Oh and she comes from a long line of fanatical spell-casters and has an uncanny knack for time travel. And she and her Jamie Fraser-inspired man candy get down to ghostly business to try to find the real murderer from 200 years ago.
It gets wild.
Some time travel shenanigans occur.
Some odd ghostly fornication may or may not occur.
Who knows? Maybe you should find out.
4/5