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moonlitreading_'s reviews
403 reviews
Foul Heart Huntsman by Chloe Gong
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
“Your life is mine as mine is yours— do you understand me? You are not allowed to die.”
Foul Heart Huntsman was so addicting to read and it really kept me on my toes. I feel like I’ve been played with over and over again while reading. I love a lot of things about this—the romance, the action, the angst!!! Mwah, chef’s kiss. There was not a single dull moment for me.
Roma, Juliette, Marshall, and Benedikt being a part of this, even for a tiny bit, made this book even better. There were a lot of tense moments in the book but seeing everyone work together made up for it. I think this book has more romance than Foul Lady Fortune and I love it!!! Seeing the development of each relationship was nice and didn’t feel rushed. All of them went through so much shit they all deserve to be happy!!!!
I cannot believe I’m done with the Secret Shanghai universe. I’m going to miss all of them so much :((((
Foul Heart Huntsman was so addicting to read and it really kept me on my toes. I feel like I’ve been played with over and over again while reading. I love a lot of things about this—the romance, the action, the angst!!! Mwah, chef’s kiss. There was not a single dull moment for me.
Roma, Juliette, Marshall, and Benedikt being a part of this, even for a tiny bit, made this book even better. There were a lot of tense moments in the book but seeing everyone work together made up for it. I think this book has more romance than Foul Lady Fortune and I love it!!! Seeing the development of each relationship was nice and didn’t feel rushed. All of them went through so much shit they all deserve to be happy!!!!
I cannot believe I’m done with the Secret Shanghai universe. I’m going to miss all of them so much :((((
The Chalice of the Gods by Rick Riordan
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
“Are you kidding?” He grinned at Annabeth. “A chance to do quests, just the three of us? Like old times? The Three Musketeers!”
“The Powerpuff Girls,” Annabeth suggested.
“Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey,” I said.
“Wait a minute,” Grover said.
The Chalice of the Gods is such a fun book!!! It’s the original trio going off on a quest to help Percy but this time the world isn’t ending. But that does not mean the battles are boring and less dangerous.
I didn’t realize how much I missed just Percy, Grover, and Annabeth on a quest together until I had my hands on this book. Despite Percy and Annabeth being a couple, Grover is never left out. I don’t want to spoil anything but there is a part in the book that really made my heart melt. This book feels like a big warm hug you get when you come home after a very long time.
I love the Percy Jackson books so much I know I’ll read about Percy and everyone going on quests until they’re senior citizens (I exaggerate, these people need their well-deserved rest from gods).
P.S. The amount of Percabeth content is insane!!!! I love it!!!!
“The Powerpuff Girls,” Annabeth suggested.
“Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey,” I said.
“Wait a minute,” Grover said.
The Chalice of the Gods is such a fun book!!! It’s the original trio going off on a quest to help Percy but this time the world isn’t ending. But that does not mean the battles are boring and less dangerous.
I didn’t realize how much I missed just Percy, Grover, and Annabeth on a quest together until I had my hands on this book. Despite Percy and Annabeth being a couple, Grover is never left out. I don’t want to spoil anything but there is a part in the book that really made my heart melt. This book feels like a big warm hug you get when you come home after a very long time.
I love the Percy Jackson books so much I know I’ll read about Percy and everyone going on quests until they’re senior citizens (I exaggerate, these people need their well-deserved rest from gods).
P.S. The amount of Percabeth content is insane!!!! I love it!!!!
A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
“How can a man control your fate when he is not even the master of his own?”
I loved Danielle L. Jensen’s The Bridge Kingdom series, so giving this book a low rating pains me greatly. I went in with high expectations because of the said series but ended up disappointed. This was a fast read, I finished it in a day or two, but it got boring for me around the middle to end.
This is a fantasy romance book which means it focuses on the romance more. Even so, that part of the book was a bit of a snooze for me because it was instalust and the relationship felt underdeveloped.
Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved Danielle L. Jensen’s The Bridge Kingdom series, so giving this book a low rating pains me greatly. I went in with high expectations because of the said series but ended up disappointed. This was a fast read, I finished it in a day or two, but it got boring for me around the middle to end.
This is a fantasy romance book which means it focuses on the romance more. Even so, that part of the book was a bit of a snooze for me because it was instalust and the relationship felt underdeveloped.
Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Blood
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
adventurous
dark
emotional
lighthearted
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
“Perhaps it begins with one person. Someone you trust. You remove a piece of armor for them; you let the light stream in, even if it makes you wince.”
I NEED THE NEXT BOOK NOW!!!!!
The letter writing was my favorite part of this book because there was something so intimate about them. The relationship between Iris and Roman was so perfect to me. Their rivalry and the slow burn was insane!!!! I think that them finding hope and love with each other was a ray of light in the darkness that was the war. I don’t know how I’m going to survive the days until the next book comes out because that ending was just crazy.
Divine Rivals definitely deserves its hype and more. If you haven’t read it yet, then drop everything and pick this one up!!!!!
I NEED THE NEXT BOOK NOW!!!!!
The letter writing was my favorite part of this book because there was something so intimate about them. The relationship between Iris and Roman was so perfect to me. Their rivalry and the slow burn was insane!!!! I think that them finding hope and love with each other was a ray of light in the darkness that was the war. I don’t know how I’m going to survive the days until the next book comes out because that ending was just crazy.
Divine Rivals definitely deserves its hype and more. If you haven’t read it yet, then drop everything and pick this one up!!!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Death, War, and Death of parent
Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang
dark
informative
slow-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
3.75
“She was going to show Tiran something they have never seen before. She was going to show them Hellfire.”
M.L. Wang’s The Sword of Kaigen is one of the books I loved so I just had to pick up Blood Over Bright Haven. Sadly, I didn’t love this one as I did TSoK but it is still a good book. Blood Over Bright Haven discusses racism, classism, feminism, and religious bigotry.
Thomil’s POV started the book and it set my expectations higher. It was so dark and intense that I was literally on the edge of my seat as I read on. Unfortunately, the pacing after that felt slow for me, especially during the first half of the book.
Sciona grew up in a very religious society that is deeply misogynistic and racist. As much as Sciona cries misogyny, it doesn’t change the fact that as a Tiranishwoman she has more privilege than the Kwen—especially the Kwen women. Even though I dislike Sciona, I still couldn’t help but root for her. The Tiranishmen are a hundred times worse, I wanted to squash them all especially Cleon Renthorn, that man is my enemy I don’t care if he’s fictional.
I felt like the talks about feminism and racism were only discussed through the experiences of Sciona and Thomil. I am in no way dismissing their experiences or belittling them but I would’ve loved this more if Sciona interacted with women outside her family but she’s not like other girls. With Thomil, I felt like his character only revolved around Sciona. I wish we were shown more of the Kwen community in Tiran. Also, the romance??? That was a weird addition and felt unnecessary to the story.
I understand why people gave this five stars, but it sadly didn’t work for me.
M.L. Wang’s The Sword of Kaigen is one of the books I loved so I just had to pick up Blood Over Bright Haven. Sadly, I didn’t love this one as I did TSoK but it is still a good book. Blood Over Bright Haven discusses racism, classism, feminism, and religious bigotry.
Thomil’s POV started the book and it set my expectations higher. It was so dark and intense that I was literally on the edge of my seat as I read on. Unfortunately, the pacing after that felt slow for me, especially during the first half of the book.
Sciona grew up in a very religious society that is deeply misogynistic and racist. As much as Sciona cries misogyny, it doesn’t change the fact that as a Tiranishwoman she has more privilege than the Kwen—especially the Kwen women. Even though I dislike Sciona, I still couldn’t help but root for her. The Tiranishmen are a hundred times worse, I wanted to squash them all especially Cleon Renthorn, that man is my enemy I don’t care if he’s fictional.
I felt like the talks about feminism and racism were only discussed through the experiences of Sciona and Thomil. I am in no way dismissing their experiences or belittling them but I would’ve loved this more if Sciona interacted with women outside her family but she’s not like other girls. With Thomil, I felt like his character only revolved around Sciona. I wish we were shown more of the Kwen community in Tiran. Also, the romance??? That was a weird addition and felt unnecessary to the story.
I understand why people gave this five stars, but it sadly didn’t work for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Police brutality, Religious bigotry, Animal death, Slavery, Injury/Injury detail, Gaslighting, Racism, Murder, Misogyny, Death of parent, Death, Sexual violence, Violence, Classism, Blood, Rape, and Sexual assault
Things We Left Behind by Lucy Score
dark
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
this didn't need to be 600+ pages long
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Domestic abuse, and Child abuse
Children of Fallen Gods by Carissa Broadbent
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
“I had long ago stopped believing in the gods. I already lived my life under the control of so many mortal men— it brought me no comfort to think of immortal ones pulling the strings, too.”
The beginning of Max and Tisaanah’s storyline felt dragged and repetitive. Things were happening, yet they were also not. I hope that makes sense. I did like that it’s now more political than the first book. Tisaanah and Max struggled a lot in this book and I feel so bad for them. I love how strong their relationship was and they would literally die for each other.
Aefe’s POV was a welcome addition for me. Aefe’s storyline and its connection to Tisaanah’s and Max was something I really enjoyed. It was also interesting to see how the Fey were like in this world. I hope there’ll be more information about them in the next book.
Overall, this book was okay. I found some parts boring but there were also parts that I enjoyed. Will I be reading the next book? Yes, but not immediately. It’s 700+ pages and with my experience with this one, I’m not eager to jump into it yet. That ending was hella crazy though.
The beginning of Max and Tisaanah’s storyline felt dragged and repetitive. Things were happening, yet they were also not. I hope that makes sense. I did like that it’s now more political than the first book. Tisaanah and Max struggled a lot in this book and I feel so bad for them. I love how strong their relationship was and they would literally die for each other.
Aefe’s POV was a welcome addition for me. Aefe’s storyline and its connection to Tisaanah’s and Max was something I really enjoyed. It was also interesting to see how the Fey were like in this world. I hope there’ll be more information about them in the next book.
Overall, this book was okay. I found some parts boring but there were also parts that I enjoyed. Will I be reading the next book? Yes, but not immediately. It’s 700+ pages and with my experience with this one, I’m not eager to jump into it yet. That ending was hella crazy though.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Blood, Slavery, Violence, Torture, and Sexual content
Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
“We are a mosaic. We’re made up of all those we’ve met and all the things we’ve been through. There are parts of us that are colorful and dark and jagged and beautiful. And I love every piece of you. Even the ones you wish didn’t exist.”
Oh my god????? This is my first Abby Jimenez book and it was saurrrr good I devoured it in a day!!!! Jimenez’s writing just captivated me from beginning to end.
The social anxiety representation made me feel validated and seen as Jacob shared his experiences because I related to him a lot. The overthinking, the overanalyzing, and the constant worrying takes a huge toll on me I wish I could shut my brain off forever. Being in his shoes, it gave me comfort that Jacob was surrounded by people who love and understand him.
I love Briana so much. She’s so kind and loving and caring. She carries so much weight on her shoulders and thankfully she has Alexis and Jacob to help her carry the burden. I want to wrap her in the fluffiest blanket and watch Schitt’s Creek with her (I haven’t watched it btw).
Briana and Jacob’s relationship was so beautiful I love them both so much. I’m obsessed with their cute little letter exchanges and they had me giggling as I read them. I did not know this was fake dating so imagine my surprise and delight when I found out it was. I’m a sucker for this trope because the angst it gives????? *CHEF’S KISS*
Oh my god????? This is my first Abby Jimenez book and it was saurrrr good I devoured it in a day!!!! Jimenez’s writing just captivated me from beginning to end.
The social anxiety representation made me feel validated and seen as Jacob shared his experiences because I related to him a lot. The overthinking, the overanalyzing, and the constant worrying takes a huge toll on me I wish I could shut my brain off forever. Being in his shoes, it gave me comfort that Jacob was surrounded by people who love and understand him.
I love Briana so much. She’s so kind and loving and caring. She carries so much weight on her shoulders and thankfully she has Alexis and Jacob to help her carry the burden. I want to wrap her in the fluffiest blanket and watch Schitt’s Creek with her (I haven’t watched it btw).
Briana and Jacob’s relationship was so beautiful I love them both so much. I’m obsessed with their cute little letter exchanges and they had me giggling as I read them. I did not know this was fake dating so imagine my surprise and delight when I found out it was. I’m a sucker for this trope because the angst it gives????? *CHEF’S KISS*
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Miscarriage, Terminal illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Sexual content, Vomit, Toxic relationship, and Pregnancy
The Coworker by Freida McFadden
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
“She’s a very dangerous woman. And nobody knows but me.”
This book felt like a hundred pages too long for me because of how slow it was. The big reveal didn’t really have that shock factor I was expecting. I think Dawn was in the Autism spectrum but that wasn’t confirmed nor denied in the book. Freida McFadden isn’t the best author to write anything about mental illnesses because I feel the way she portrays them does more harm than good.
Thank you Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
This book felt like a hundred pages too long for me because of how slow it was. The big reveal didn’t really have that shock factor I was expecting. I think Dawn was in the Autism spectrum but that wasn’t confirmed nor denied in the book. Freida McFadden isn’t the best author to write anything about mental illnesses because I feel the way she portrays them does more harm than good.
Thank you Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Mental illness, Suicide, Bullying, Self harm, Emotional abuse, and Murder
Moderate: Sexual content and Injury/Injury detail
Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
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
3.75
“Men want power because it makes them feel good. Women want power because it lets them do things.”
This was quite easy to read and the world-building didn't feel like a big info dump. I’m still kind of confused with the magic system so I hope more info on that is shown in the next book/s.
Tisaanah was such a strong character and I can’t help but root for her in whatever she does. Murder? Revenge? Proving men wrong? I will be in the back cheering. Max’s character was also good, and he had such great development in my opinion. I just want to wrap these two in a blanket and give them a big hug for all they’ve been through, and all they’re about to go through. I loved that the romance between them was a slow burn. They developed a strong friendship and trusted each other with their deepest and darkest secrets first before anything romantic happened to them.
I’m really excited to read the rest of the books because I need more of Tisaanah and Max. Also, special mention to Sammerin and Moth because I found them really funny.
I listened to the audiobook for this but I didn’t like the male narrator, sorry.
This was quite easy to read and the world-building didn't feel like a big info dump. I’m still kind of confused with the magic system so I hope more info on that is shown in the next book/s.
Tisaanah was such a strong character and I can’t help but root for her in whatever she does. Murder? Revenge? Proving men wrong? I will be in the back cheering. Max’s character was also good, and he had such great development in my opinion. I just want to wrap these two in a blanket and give them a big hug for all they’ve been through, and all they’re about to go through. I loved that the romance between them was a slow burn. They developed a strong friendship and trusted each other with their deepest and darkest secrets first before anything romantic happened to them.
I’m really excited to read the rest of the books because I need more of Tisaanah and Max. Also, special mention to Sammerin and Moth because I found them really funny.
I listened to the audiobook for this but I didn’t like the male narrator, sorry.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Grief, Child abuse, Blood, Death, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Physical abuse, Murder, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Slavery, Violence, and War