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pageturning578's reviews
405 reviews
Heavenly Bodies by Imani Erriu
adventurous
challenging
dark
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
3.0
This book was a rollercoaster ride for me. There were times when I thought it was going to be a 5 star / new favorite read...then there were times I zoned out while reading and had to go back and re-read. Idk if this was a me issue or the book itself.
My rating may change once I talk with people about it. I'm just left feeling like the last hour of this book went right over my head...I even went back and listened to it again this morning and I still feel like WHAT THE HECK HAPPENED hours later.
Luckily the book club I'm part of is reading it in May and I plan on being part of the discord discussion...I feel like talking about this book will help me understand better...We will see if my feelings change next month...
My rating may change once I talk with people about it. I'm just left feeling like the last hour of this book went right over my head...I even went back and listened to it again this morning and I still feel like WHAT THE HECK HAPPENED hours later.
Luckily the book club I'm part of is reading it in May and I plan on being part of the discord discussion...I feel like talking about this book will help me understand better...We will see if my feelings change next month...
Storm of Secrets and Sorrow by Melissa K. Roehrich
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
4.75
This book took me a while to get into BUT I don't think its the books fault...I have been doing a ton of reading these last few months and I think I just needed a break at the beginning of April and this just happened to be the book I was reading.
This book took me about a week and a half to read fully. BUT once I sat down and focused on it I flew through it last weekend. I think the concept of this series is different from all of the other fantasy romance series I have read this year and it makes it stand out from the crowd. This series is dark and I think that this is very important for readers to know going in. I knew this going into the series and I've been fine reading so far.
Where I struggle a little bit is there are some characters who crossover from the authors Lady of Darkness series. I did DNF Lady of Darkness in the middle of book 3. This series is also dark and there is a scene at the end of Lady of Darkness that is very traumatic for the main character so I decided to not continue with the series because they keep revisiting the scene and it makes me very uncomfortable.
So for this series I don't know who some of the characters are who keep appearing to the characters in this series....I feel like I understood what was happening enough in this second book to keep going with this series...BUT I'm hoping that not knowing theses other characters isn't going to affect me when I continue this series...
This is my biggest concern. It has been a few days since I've finished this book and I really do need to get better at writing reviews sooner to when I finish a book. It's not that I don't remember what happened I do I just don't feel like rewriting the whole book in a review at the moment. I may regret this decision to not write a real review later but for now its fine and hopefully I remember what happened once I get my Libby hold.
This book took me about a week and a half to read fully. BUT once I sat down and focused on it I flew through it last weekend. I think the concept of this series is different from all of the other fantasy romance series I have read this year and it makes it stand out from the crowd. This series is dark and I think that this is very important for readers to know going in. I knew this going into the series and I've been fine reading so far.
Where I struggle a little bit is there are some characters who crossover from the authors Lady of Darkness series. I did DNF Lady of Darkness in the middle of book 3. This series is also dark and there is a scene at the end of Lady of Darkness that is very traumatic for the main character so I decided to not continue with the series because they keep revisiting the scene and it makes me very uncomfortable.
So for this series I don't know who some of the characters are who keep appearing to the characters in this series....I feel like I understood what was happening enough in this second book to keep going with this series...BUT I'm hoping that not knowing theses other characters isn't going to affect me when I continue this series...
This is my biggest concern. It has been a few days since I've finished this book and I really do need to get better at writing reviews sooner to when I finish a book. It's not that I don't remember what happened I do I just don't feel like rewriting the whole book in a review at the moment. I may regret this decision to not write a real review later but for now its fine and hopefully I remember what happened once I get my Libby hold.
Skyshade by Alex Aster
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
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
OK...So I read all of the books that are out in this series in less than a week. I flew through these books and I had a great time. However...I did decide to re-read the ending of this book twice. I actually originally finished this book on Friday and decided to re-read this morning. For whatever reason the end of this book just did not stick with me the first time.
Idk if this is because I have read way more books than I normally do in a month these last 2 months and my brain can only hold so much information...But this happened to me with another YA series I binged earlier this month. The conclusions just aren't sticking....
I thought this conclusion was fine...It just unfortunately did not have the mind-blowing impact I was hoping for for me. I have enjoyed my time with this series but will I remember what actually happened in this book when the next book in the series comes out....I really hope so... I personally was left feeling underwhelmed...But I do still plan on continuing the series at some point...
I really want Isla to end up with Grim...will this be the outcome? No way to know for sure since the prophecy said that Isla will kill either Grim or Oro. Lark her ancestor can revive the living and they have both gone through the portal to another Island where Isla can hopefully kill Lark and save the world. But the other half of the prophecy is that she will either save the world or end it.
Sorry for the spoilers but I feel like if I don't put that there I will forget this information before the next installment comes out. I am invested in this series now and I do want to find out its conclusion BUT we don't know when the next book is releasing yet IDT...
OK...So I read all of the books that are out in this series in less than a week. I flew through these books and I had a great time. However...I did decide to re-read the ending of this book twice. I actually originally finished this book on Friday and decided to re-read this morning. For whatever reason the end of this book just did not stick with me the first time.
Idk if this is because I have read way more books than I normally do in a month these last 2 months and my brain can only hold so much information...But this happened to me with another YA series I binged earlier this month. The conclusions just aren't sticking....
I thought this conclusion was fine...It just unfortunately did not have the mind-blowing impact I was hoping for for me. I have enjoyed my time with this series but will I remember what actually happened in this book when the next book in the series comes out....I really hope so... I personally was left feeling underwhelmed...But I do still plan on continuing the series at some point...
I really want Isla to end up with Grim...will this be the outcome?
Sorry for the spoilers but I feel like if I don't put that there I will forget this information before the next installment comes out. I am invested in this series now and I do want to find out its conclusion BUT we don't know when the next book is releasing yet IDT...
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.