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pageturning578's reviews
402 reviews
Nightbane by Alex Aster
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
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? Yes
4.0
I decided to give this book a shot despite not loving the random Love Triangle that is actually not so random because the author is very upfront that this series has a love triangle when promoting this series.
I knew that I was going to be a Grim fan as soon as we started getting memories from their past! I'm almost positive that I am intrigued by the mysterious "bad character" due to all of the fantasy romances I've been reading this year.
I feel like I still don't even know Oro as a character despite spending most of Lightlark with this character. I am just idk friends...I think Oro means well and has good intentions BUT Grim is just so mysterious and I love learning about him and their relationship so much!
The ending of this book had me shocked and as a Grim Fan I was so excited! I need them together and I cannot wait to start Skyshade today to find out what the heck is going to happen!
I also enjoy the present day which is all about preparing for War! I am also intrigued by some of the side characters and I have no idea who to trust or who is going to betray Isla next.
This month I have read a ton of YA and I am loving my time binging some older series that have been on my TBR for forever! I have a couple more YA series on my radar that I would love to try asap!
I knew that I was going to be a Grim fan as soon as we started getting memories from their past! I'm almost positive that I am intrigued by the mysterious "bad character" due to all of the fantasy romances I've been reading this year.
I feel like I still don't even know Oro as a character despite spending most of Lightlark with this character. I am just idk friends...I think Oro means well and has good intentions BUT Grim is just so mysterious and I love learning about him and their relationship so much!
The ending of this book had me shocked and as a Grim Fan I was so excited! I need them together and I cannot wait to start Skyshade today to find out what the heck is going to happen!
I also enjoy the present day which is all about preparing for War! I am also intrigued by some of the side characters and I have no idea who to trust or who is going to betray Isla next.
This month I have read a ton of YA and I am loving my time binging some older series that have been on my TBR for forever! I have a couple more YA series on my radar that I would love to try asap!
Forged by Malice by Elizabeth Helen
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-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
4.0
This series is way out of left field for me. This is my first experience with why choose and this is definitely a series I need to make sure my headphones are connected at all times because you never know what is going to happen next with this series!
I enjoyed this one. Overall this series is landing around a 4 star to me with each book. I felt like this book was longer then it needed to be at times. I understand that more then just sex and mates needs to happen in these books to keep readers interested. I just felt like certain situations could have been edited down just a bit for me personally.
This is very much Ezron's book and I enjoyed learning his history. As sad as some of the past events are I felt like it was essential to knowing who he is in present day. His brother is the evil one of the 2 in my opinion.
With everything that happened at the end of this book I feel like it is kind of a set up book for book 4 and I am still very curious to see what is going to happen to our found family. I hope to continue this series sooner rather than later so I don't forget everything thats happened in this book...
I enjoyed this one. Overall this series is landing around a 4 star to me with each book. I felt like this book was longer then it needed to be at times. I understand that more then just sex and mates needs to happen in these books to keep readers interested. I just felt like certain situations could have been edited down just a bit for me personally.
This is very much Ezron's book and I enjoyed learning his history. As sad as some of the past events are I felt like it was essential to knowing who he is in present day. His brother is the evil one of the 2 in my opinion.
With everything that happened at the end of this book I feel like it is kind of a set up book for book 4 and I am still very curious to see what is going to happen to our found family. I hope to continue this series sooner rather than later so I don't forget everything thats happened in this book...
Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
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
5.0
This book was this weeks "BookTube influenced me" and it did not disappoint! The booktube recommendations have been top tier this year and even tho it was a little bit on a wait for the audiobook on Libby for me this was worth the wait!
When I first started reading again in 2020 I was strictly reading young adult. I have since "followed the trend" and kinda "aged up" to fantasy romance in the middle of 2024.
In March I have been focusing on reading my physical / audible tbr with libby holds sprinkled in. This book reminded me that its ok it still enjoy YA at 33 years old and there are still some really good books out there!
I loved this book! Literally read it in 2 days. I was intrigued by the world and loved the characters. I did not see this ending coming at all!
Rune is a witch who is living a double life as a socialite to try to get information on where the officers are hiding the witches so that Rune who is also known as the Crimson Moth can help save the witches she can. Rune took on this responsibility after her grandmother who raised her forced Rune to turn her in to the officers. Rune never forgave herself and she is the Crimson Moth to try and right a wrong she can never truly fix.
Rune's "friends" or higher society have no idea that she is the crimson moth. She uses parties and social events to gather information from patrons about the whereabouts of witches. Rune has 2 close friends she confides in throughout the story. Alex and Verity are Rune's safe keepers and confidants they help her plan and scheme. But not everything is as it seems.
Alex loves Rune and Rune loves Alex as a friend. When Rune starts pursuing Gideon (Alex's brother) despite knowing he is a witch hunter and this is every dangerous territory for her. Her main priority is to get as much information about one witch in particular that she can. Gideon also suspects that Rune is the Crimson Moth but he has no proof at this time. They both suspect each other and use this courtship for their own gain BUT they also can't ignore that sparks are flying between them. They are both kinda living a double life for each other which makes the dynamic really fun.
The ending of the book is a wild time. I won't go into everything that happened because it is definitely more fun to experience reading it. I will just say that not everyone is as they seem and character rolls really come into play for this conclusion and I did not see it coming at all! I will definitely be adding this series to my want to purchases list this year!! I cannot wait to get my hands on Rebel Witch hopefully soon!!
When I first started reading again in 2020 I was strictly reading young adult. I have since "followed the trend" and kinda "aged up" to fantasy romance in the middle of 2024.
In March I have been focusing on reading my physical / audible tbr with libby holds sprinkled in. This book reminded me that its ok it still enjoy YA at 33 years old and there are still some really good books out there!
I loved this book! Literally read it in 2 days. I was intrigued by the world and loved the characters. I did not see this ending coming at all!
Rune is a witch who is living a double life as a socialite to try to get information on where the officers are hiding the witches so that Rune who is also known as the Crimson Moth can help save the witches she can. Rune took on this responsibility after her grandmother who raised her forced Rune to turn her in to the officers. Rune never forgave herself and she is the Crimson Moth to try and right a wrong she can never truly fix.
Rune's "friends" or higher society have no idea that she is the crimson moth. She uses parties and social events to gather information from patrons about the whereabouts of witches. Rune has 2 close friends she confides in throughout the story. Alex and Verity are Rune's safe keepers and confidants they help her plan and scheme. But not everything is as it seems.
Alex loves Rune and Rune loves Alex as a friend. When Rune starts pursuing Gideon (Alex's brother) despite knowing he is a witch hunter and this is every dangerous territory for her. Her main priority is to get as much information about one witch in particular that she can. Gideon also suspects that Rune is the Crimson Moth but he has no proof at this time. They both suspect each other and use this courtship for their own gain BUT they also can't ignore that sparks are flying between them. They are both kinda living a double life for each other which makes the dynamic really fun.
The ending of the book is a wild time. I won't go into everything that happened because it is definitely more fun to experience reading it. I will just say that not everyone is as they seem and character rolls really come into play for this conclusion and I did not see it coming at all! I will definitely be adding this series to my want to purchases list this year!! I cannot wait to get my hands on Rebel Witch hopefully soon!!
Lightlark by Alex Aster
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
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? Yes
3.75
3.75 stars.
This book has been on my radar for a couple of years now. I saw the author appear on the Kelly Clarkson show and it peaked my interest...but I've waited until now because I had heard such mixed things regarding this book. A couple of the creators that I follow are also doing a buddy read of this series this week and I decided to loosely join them.
I literally read this book in 3 sittings...it was very fast paced but I also felt like it was a bit into dumpy at times and I'm not sure I fully understand everything that was discussed especially with the different rulers.
I am usually all in with books that are high stakes games with backstabbing and twists and turns...But I literally saw the big reveal with Celeste backstabbing Isla coming from chapter 1. Isla is way too trusting for someone who is in such a high stakes game / situation. I didn't predict the whole reveal with celeste actually being Aurora. I'm not sure I fully understand who Aurora is and what she did. I felt like this reveal was very info dumpy and literally so much was discussed I am left feeling very confused even hours later...
Also why the heck in there a love triangle...I understand Grim and that he took her memories and that he has some sort of alliance with Aurora. BUT Oro being in love with Isla makes literally no sense to me. They spent so much time together in this book and I didn't get one inkling of a hit that Oro had feelings for her on their journey. I just feel like this came out of left field is is so unnecessary. Maybe we will understand his motives more in future books...Idk this reveal just doesn't work for me at this point in time.
I do still plan on at least trying book 2 in this series and seeing where it goes. I know one of my friends did DNF this series this week...but I want to make my own choices so I am still going to at least try it when it comes in on libby.
This book has been on my radar for a couple of years now. I saw the author appear on the Kelly Clarkson show and it peaked my interest...but I've waited until now because I had heard such mixed things regarding this book. A couple of the creators that I follow are also doing a buddy read of this series this week and I decided to loosely join them.
I literally read this book in 3 sittings...it was very fast paced but I also felt like it was a bit into dumpy at times and I'm not sure I fully understand everything that was discussed especially with the different rulers.
I am usually all in with books that are high stakes games with backstabbing and twists and turns...But I
Also why the heck in there a love triangle...I understand Grim and that he took her memories and that he has some sort of alliance with Aurora. BUT Oro being in love with Isla makes literally no sense to me. They spent so much time together in this book and I didn't get one inkling of a hit that Oro had feelings for her on their journey. I just feel like this came out of left field is is so unnecessary. Maybe we will understand his motives more in future books...Idk this reveal just doesn't work for me at this point in time.
I do still plan on at least trying book 2 in this series and seeing where it goes. I know one of my friends did DNF this series this week...but I want to make my own choices so I am still going to at least try it when it comes in on libby.
A Reign of Rose by Kate Golden
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
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? Yes
3.75
3.75 stars
I read this book for Realmathon hosted by coverswithcassidy. I bought this book when it originally came out a few months ago but I put it off because a couple of my friends had DNF'd this book. But I still wanted to give it a try since I had purchased a copy. I also decided to wait for my Library to receive an audiobook copy so my wait to read this one was longer than expected.
Overall I thought this conclusion was fine. The beginning was a little rough because I was struggling to remember who characters were and Kane's father was giving me the ick. I thought I was going to DNF but I pushed through.
I like Kane and Arwen and their love story and found family. I just didn't find myself invested enough durning fight scenes,Arwen was also kidnapped and rescued twice and even then I wasn't like OMG they have to save her now...
It didn't have the high stakes feeling for me that some other fantasy romance series have had and thats ok. It is a book I read it and had a decent time. Not everything I read is going to be life changing and a new favorite....But someone else may read this series and it will be a favorite for them. Reading is subjective and thats ok!
I read this book for Realmathon hosted by coverswithcassidy. I bought this book when it originally came out a few months ago but I put it off because a couple of my friends had DNF'd this book. But I still wanted to give it a try since I had purchased a copy. I also decided to wait for my Library to receive an audiobook copy so my wait to read this one was longer than expected.
Overall I thought this conclusion was fine. The beginning was a little rough because I was struggling to remember who characters were and Kane's father was giving me the ick. I thought I was going to DNF but I pushed through.
I like Kane and Arwen and their love story and found family. I just didn't find myself invested enough durning fight scenes,
It didn't have the high stakes feeling for me that some other fantasy romance series have had and thats ok. It is a book I read it and had a decent time. Not everything I read is going to be life changing and a new favorite....But someone else may read this series and it will be a favorite for them. Reading is subjective and thats ok!
Rapture by Lauren Kate
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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
4.0
I did a binge of this series last week and I thought this conclusion was fine...after 4 books we finally got some answers as to what the heck was going on! In the end the reveal was interesting how everything connected. But after a week it took me discussing what happened in this book with my mom to remember all of the details.
Seeing Luce's past live's in book 3 was very interesting but I remember having so many questions going into book 4. Bill or Lucifer set the wheels in motion to re-rest the future. Since the whole point of the series was that Luce's curse was reversing. We still didn't know what made Luce so different from the other's.
In the end we learned that Luce was in fact Lucifer's lover before she met Danielle originally. We also learned that Luce is in fact an Angel. When she chose Danielle over Lucifer, Lucifer cursed the couple and in all of her lives Luce didn't live past 17 and she and Danielle only had a short time together. Where Luce doesn't remember Danielle or her past lives, Danielle is forced to remember everything.
In this story they are trying to stop Lucifer and his angels from writing history. I can't believe I am blanking on if they actually succeed with this task. I am 95% sure this book ended with a happy conclusion. (This is why I write reviews as soon as I finish books)
In the end we learned that Luce was in fact Lucifer's lover before she met Danielle originally. We also learned that Luce is in fact an Angel. When she chose Danielle over Lucifer, Lucifer cursed the couple and in all of her lives Luce didn't live past 17 and she and Danielle only had a short time together. Where Luce doesn't remember Danielle or her past lives, Danielle is forced to remember everything.
In this story they are trying to stop Lucifer and his angels from writing history. I can't believe I am blanking on if they actually succeed with this task. I am 95% sure this book ended with a happy conclusion.
Fallen in Love by Lauren Kate
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
fast-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
4.0
I thought that these short stories were a fun addition to this series!
I am really happy that Shelby and Miles have found each other. I was a little worried in book 2 when Miles had a crush on Luce because Miles seems like such a good kid and he deserves happiness and love. (I just don't think anyone is going to compete with Luce and Danielle in this series which is basically the whole point of this series...) (I am still intrigued by Cam tho...I can't help myself with these YA love triangles)!
Arriane and Tess's story was probably the hardest for me to read. It was so nice seeing an LBGTQ couple in a YA series BUT I can't imagine how much harder it is for this couple adding in the fact that they are on opposing sides. My heart broke for both girls during this short and I really hope they can figure out a way to make things work in the last book of the series but I know its probably not possible...They both have physical and emotional scars from this relationship for sure...
These were my two favorite stories from this collection. The other 2 stories were also fine but I just feel like since the whole series revolves around Luce and Daniel there really isn't much more I can say about their relationship at this point in the series.
I am really happy that Shelby and Miles have found each other. I was a little worried in book 2 when Miles had a crush on Luce because Miles seems like such a good kid and he deserves happiness and love. (I just don't think anyone is going to compete with Luce and Danielle in this series which is basically the whole point of this series...) (I am still intrigued by Cam tho...I can't help myself with these YA love triangles)!
Arriane and Tess's story was probably the hardest for me to read. It was so nice seeing an LBGTQ couple in a YA series BUT I can't imagine how much harder it is for this couple adding in the fact that they are on opposing sides. My heart broke for both girls during this short and I really hope they can figure out a way to make things work in the last book of the series but I know its probably not possible...They both have physical and emotional scars from this relationship for sure...
These were my two favorite stories from this collection. The other 2 stories were also fine but I just feel like since the whole series revolves around Luce and Daniel there really isn't much more I can say about their relationship at this point in the series.
Passion by Lauren Kate
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
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
4.0
I am continuing my time reading this series for the readathon Realmathon hosted by CoverswithCassidy. This is an older YA series and I am pleasantly surprised by how much I am enjoying this series overall.
I thought the concept for this book was really unique I really liked traveling back in time and revisiting Luce's past lives. I still have so many unanswered questions regarding Luce and Danielle's relationship and why Luce keeps dying. Things hasn't really been answered yet in the 3.5 books I've read in this series. But I am still invested enough to find out how this series is going to wrap-up and hopefully get some answers we are seeking.
Overall I am still having a fun time I think it is a unique enough storyline>
I thought the concept for this book was really unique
Overall I am still having a fun time I think it is a unique enough storyline>
Torment by Lauren Kate
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
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
4.0
This is probably one of the oldest books I've had on my TBR...I bought these first 2 books back in 2011 during a difficult time but put them down because the MMC reminded me of my ex who I was struggling getting over at the time. But anyway its been a very long time since 2011 and I have definitely moved on from that time in my life (THANK GOODNESS)...
I am reading this book for Realmathon hosted by coverswithcassidy! I have been waiting a hot minute to find the audiobooks and books for this series...My library actually unhauled this series years ago and I've been trying to find the audiobooks and physical books for YEARS. I have since added a library card to the Boston Public Library and I put in a request that they get this series and they did!
My hold on this book came in a few weeks ago and I was finally able to get to it! I literally read this book in 2 sittings it was so quick and fun! This book does read a little young BUT it is quick and fast paced. It is a school setting which I was kinda struggling with BUT as I read we started learning more about the world and it is honestly so interesting to me!
I want to learn more about these angles and demons! I want to know more about what is going on with the history of our main characters...There is still so much we don't know and I am dying to know!
This book was released during the 2010 love triangle era so of course there is more than one potential love interest for our main character Luce. Danielle is very mysterious and there is so much we don't know yet and I am dying for some answers!!
If you see me binging this series this week just know I am completely drawn in and engaged!!!
I am reading this book for Realmathon hosted by coverswithcassidy! I have been waiting a hot minute to find the audiobooks and books for this series...My library actually unhauled this series years ago and I've been trying to find the audiobooks and physical books for YEARS. I have since added a library card to the Boston Public Library and I put in a request that they get this series and they did!
My hold on this book came in a few weeks ago and I was finally able to get to it! I literally read this book in 2 sittings it was so quick and fun! This book does read a little young BUT it is quick and fast paced. It is a school setting which I was kinda struggling with BUT as I read we started learning more about the world and it is honestly so interesting to me!
This book was released during the 2010 love triangle era so of course there is more than one potential love interest for our main character Luce. Danielle is very mysterious and there is so much we don't know yet and I am dying for some answers!!
If you see me binging this series this week just know I am completely drawn in and engaged!!!
Rain of Shadows and Endings by Melissa K. Roehrich
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
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
5.0
I split this book into 50% read in February and my first book in March so I got to count this book for 2 readathons! In March I am participating in Realmathon hosted by CoverswithCassidy!
I was able to get this audiobook on Libby and the E-book on KU and I was able to skip the line on Libby which meant I had a week to read this chunky book. But I made it in the nick of time last night by staying up until Midnight to finish this one!
I wasn't sure if this book was going to work for me because I ended up DNF'ing this authors pervious Lady of Darkness series by the 3rd book. But I really wanted to give this series a chance because so many people are talking and raving about this series on BookTube and I wanted to give this one a chance and see what all the hype is about!
YouTube did not lead me astray with this one! I ended up really enjoying my time reading this and even stayed up past midnight to finish! This book is not a fluffy fantasy romance it is rather dark with a very unique premise.
I'm not sure I'm going to do a good job explaining this premise so please see the synopsis for more explanation.
Theon is a Legacy who gets to choose a Fea to be his source durning a selection at the opening scene of this book. He chooses Tessalyn (Tessa) after a strange encounter before the ceremony. We learn that Theon and his team had been doing research on different source candidates before the selection. They had it narrowed down to 5 options but after their encounter Theon was drawn to Tessa.
Tessa is a Fea with a darker past. She does not want to be a source even tho it is installed in Fea from a young age that it is an honor to be chosen by a Legacy. Tessa does not understand why Theon chose her and she is very resistant to the bond they are trying to create. She is the opposite of what a obedient source is supposed to be and she fights the process as much as she can.
Tessa and Theon are like oil and water. Theon really does try to make Tessa as comfortable as possible throughout the process of becoming his source. But Tessa fights tooth and nail and really makes the process extremely difficult for both of them. This book is on the darker side and there is a lot the reader doesn't know going on behind the scenes that we get glimpses of as the story goes. Both Theon and Tessa have their secrets and I think more is going to be explored in future books in the series.
There is so much that happens in such a short period of time and if I went over everything we would be here all day. If your looking for a really unique set up thats a little bit dark then this series may be for you! I highly recommend at least giving this first book a chance!
I was able to get this audiobook on Libby and the E-book on KU and I was able to skip the line on Libby which meant I had a week to read this chunky book. But I made it in the nick of time last night by staying up until Midnight to finish this one!
I wasn't sure if this book was going to work for me because I ended up DNF'ing this authors pervious Lady of Darkness series by the 3rd book. But I really wanted to give this series a chance because so many people are talking and raving about this series on BookTube and I wanted to give this one a chance and see what all the hype is about!
YouTube did not lead me astray with this one! I ended up really enjoying my time reading this and even stayed up past midnight to finish! This book is not a fluffy fantasy romance it is rather dark with a very unique premise.
I'm not sure I'm going to do a good job explaining this premise so please see the synopsis for more explanation.
Tessa is a Fea with a darker past. She does not want to be a source even tho it is installed in Fea from a young age that it is an honor to be chosen by a Legacy. Tessa does not understand why Theon chose her and she is very resistant to the bond they are trying to create. She is the opposite of what a obedient source is supposed to be and she fights the process as much as she can.
Tessa and Theon are like oil and water. Theon really does try to make Tessa as comfortable as possible throughout the process of becoming his source. But Tessa fights tooth and nail and really makes the process extremely difficult for both of them. This book is on the darker side and there is a lot the reader doesn't know going on behind the scenes that we get glimpses of as the story goes.
There is so much that happens in such a short period of time and if I went over everything we would be here all day. If your looking for a really unique set up thats a little bit dark then this series may be for you! I highly recommend at least giving this first book a chance!