orlakm's reviews
21 reviews

The Ballad of Never After by Stephanie Garber

adventurous emotional hopeful tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

It was a really good ending to a wonderful trilogy! I really hope this isn’t the last book in this universe! 

Kingdom of the Cursed by Kerri Maniscalco

emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I really liked the sequel to the kingdom of the wicked series. This book is an example of why you should not DNF a book because I was very close to not finishing the first in the series, but after having read this I’m very excited about finishing the trilogy. The only thing I would say is that the sizzling scenes were amazing, but the story can sometimes get lost because there are lots of different threads of mystery running through it so it can be difficult at times to follow. I am however, looking forward to seeing how the story wraps up.

Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco

adventurous slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

I found this book pretty slow and while the story was not complicated in and of itself, I found I lost track throughout and still after finishing this book. I’m not quite sure how I ended up here. I think it was enjoyable overall, but because of the introduction of werewolves and vampires, when there was little to no worldbuilding, it was difficult to follow and I felt the plot was somewhat shallow. I am going to read the next book and I think as it is situated in hell, I think I will enjoy it more, but I am not 100% convinced.

Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber

adventurous emotional hopeful lighthearted 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

3.75

The first half of this book was quite slow and I wasn’t convinced but towards the end I became hooked. Jacks’ and Evangeline relationships is interesting and I am looking forward to how it develops.

The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black

adventurous slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I found this to be the least enjoyable out of the trilogy. It was good, but I am glad I listened to it instead of reading it but maybe that would have changed the experience… 
I found Cardan and Jude’s relationship to be somewhat forced and the final twist was obvious and not really explained- also cardan is immortal and Jude isn’t which isn’t really addressed, so found that to be a loose end.

Twisted Love by Ana Huang

dark emotional fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I absolutely devoured this book. In just under 24 hours, I lept into the world and didn’t look back. While the main male character, Alex, definitely is a walking red flag and toxicity incarnate, it’s a great love story between two people who don’t think they deserve to belong to one another.

Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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? It's complicated

4.5

This book had my sobbing for about 300 pages. It was such a fantastic way to end the series, one I am already looking forward to reading again. Aelin’s story and SJM’s storytelling is complex, layered and incredibly grounded. I feel emotionally wrecked, but in a way that lays testament to how connected you become to the characters. Loved it.

The Wicked King by Holly Black

adventurous emotional fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

It was fun to listen to. But I found that the storyline was not complex and it offered little in terms of character development. In terms of how it sits in the trilogy, I think it is good and I definitely enjoyed it and I am looking forward to reading the final book, but it was not groundbreaking.

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

challenging emotional medium-paced

5.0

Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious medium-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

4.5

I really enjoyed reading this as it’s own book, not in tandem with Empire of Storms. I resonate with Nesryns character quite a lot, but it felt she didn’t come into her own until she was with Sartaq. Which is fine, but actually thinking about it- it was the first time she was really home and not in anyone’s shadow, so that makes sense. Really loved it- one of my favourites!