Take a photo of a barcode or cover
pageturning578's reviews
403 reviews
The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen
adventurous
challenging
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
4 stars!
This book has been on my tbr since the beginning of my Romantasy journey which started in March or April of 2024! It was one of the first books that was recommended to me and I am so glad that not only new georgous covers have been released BUT I was finally able to get this first book onto a TBR!!
I am able to get this book to fit prompts for both Winterathon hosted by Rainybluereads and Bucketlistathon hosted by DanniDabbles! Winterathon is a bingo board so I will have to take a look at the prompts again (not sure where it fits at the time of writing this) and for Bucketlisathon I landed on the TBR space and picked a random card and get The Bridge Kingdom!
Overall I thought this book was a fun time! I did think it was a tad repetitive at times but overall I enjoyed the storyline and the direction I think the second book may go.
I really enjoyed being in Lara's head and watching her make decisions throughout because in the beginning I wasn't exactly sure where her loyalties were. Watching her relationship with Aren bloom was entertaining to say the least....I knew they were going to fall for each other in the end. It's just unfortunate how things ended up turning out. I really think Lara had the best intensions in mind but the decision to write on the paper and not burn it sooner came back to bit her in the ass in the end...
Laura's father is an evil man through and through and I hope he gets what is hopefully coming to him in future books...obviously I have no idea how future books are going to go....I just hope Laura can find a way to best him...
Aren was a little too quick to trust Lara in the beginning because she was definitely deceiving him....BUT I also think he was a little to quick to not hear her side of things in the end...I do believe that Lara grew to love him and his people by the end. Yes she was a spy in the beginning with very bad intensions but once she learned the truth about who her father is and his motives her loyalties quickly changed and I believe she really did have good intensions in the end...
I will be continuing this series in the future! I think it has really strong potential to be a favorite series. I am happy i listened to recommendations for this one!
This book has been on my tbr since the beginning of my Romantasy journey which started in March or April of 2024! It was one of the first books that was recommended to me and I am so glad that not only new georgous covers have been released BUT I was finally able to get this first book onto a TBR!!
I am able to get this book to fit prompts for both Winterathon hosted by Rainybluereads and Bucketlistathon hosted by DanniDabbles! Winterathon is a bingo board so I will have to take a look at the prompts again (not sure where it fits at the time of writing this) and for Bucketlisathon I landed on the TBR space and picked a random card and get The Bridge Kingdom!
Overall I thought this book was a fun time! I did think it was a tad repetitive at times but overall I enjoyed the storyline and the direction I think the second book may go.
I really enjoyed being in Lara's head and watching her make decisions throughout because in the beginning I wasn't exactly sure where her loyalties were. Watching her relationship with Aren bloom was entertaining to say the least....
Laura's father is an evil man through and through and I hope he gets what is hopefully coming to him in future books...obviously I have no idea how future books are going to go....I just hope Laura can find a way to best him...
Aren was a little too quick to trust Lara in the beginning because she was definitely deceiving him....BUT I also think he was a little to quick to not hear her side of things in the end...I do believe that Lara grew to love him and his people by the end. Yes she was a spy in the beginning with very bad intensions but once she learned the truth about who her father is and his motives her loyalties quickly changed and I believe she really did have good intensions in the end...
I will be continuing this series in the future! I think it has really strong potential to be a favorite series. I am happy i listened to recommendations for this one!
Shadow & Storms by Helen Scheuerer
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
4.5
4.5 Stars!!
originally I picked this book to fit a prompt for the Fablen Readathon that took place in October...But I decided to take a break from reading towards the end of the month because I was getting a bit overwhelmed by the prompt drop style of readathon and then the end of October got busy... So I decided to carry this one over to November and count it towards Winterathon hosted by Rainybluereads and Bucketlistathon hosted by Dani Dabbles.
I really enjoyed this conclusion to The Legends of Thezmarr series! I had originally seen some mixed reviews when this book first came out in June. But for me personally I am happy with how this series concluded. I am learning to trust my gut on how I enjoy reading and not be so influenced on other people opinions as much....
For me this series has kinda been all over the place I really didn't like book 2 in this series and almost DNF'ed the series when I read it back in March... But I've pretty much really enjoyed or loved every other book that has been released.
In book 2 I thought Wilder and Thea were extremely toxic...but by the end of this series their relationship has really grown on me. I really enjoyed seeing the characters and world come together in this conclusion. I did think the battle scenes could have used a little more to them...espically the last battle with the true daughter of darkness I thought there was a lot of buildup for a quick wrap-up...I wanted a bit more of an epic battle scene between the 2 characters.
I still think this series has some of the best side characters and I was hoping for a series featuring either Cal, or Kip. But I'm still very excited that Wren is getting her own series! And the premiss sounds right up my alley!! I am excited to kick off 2025 with a new series within this world!!
originally I picked this book to fit a prompt for the Fablen Readathon that took place in October...But I decided to take a break from reading towards the end of the month because I was getting a bit overwhelmed by the prompt drop style of readathon and then the end of October got busy... So I decided to carry this one over to November and count it towards Winterathon hosted by Rainybluereads and Bucketlistathon hosted by Dani Dabbles.
I really enjoyed this conclusion to The Legends of Thezmarr series! I had originally seen some mixed reviews when this book first came out in June. But for me personally I am happy with how this series concluded. I am learning to trust my gut on how I enjoy reading and not be so influenced on other people opinions as much....
For me this series has kinda been all over the place I really didn't like book 2 in this series and almost DNF'ed the series when I read it back in March... But I've pretty much really enjoyed or loved every other book that has been released.
In book 2 I thought Wilder and Thea were extremely toxic...but by the end of this series their relationship has really grown on me. I really enjoyed seeing the characters and world come together in this conclusion. I did think the battle scenes could have used a little more to them...espically the last battle with the true daughter of darkness I thought there was a lot of buildup for a quick wrap-up...I wanted a bit more of an epic battle scene between the 2 characters.
I still think this series has some of the best side characters and I was hoping for a series featuring either Cal, or Kip. But I'm still very excited that Wren is getting her own series! And the premiss sounds right up my alley!! I am excited to kick off 2025 with a new series within this world!!
Phantasma by Kaylie Smith
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
5.0
(re-read February 2025)
I re-read this book for my in person bookclub that is happening in February! Phantasma was one of my favorite books in 2024 and this re-read did not disappoint! It was possibly even better on re-read because I picked up on some foreshadowing that happened throughout the book!
I also found the trails in this book to be just as exciting the second time around as well. I was very entertained and fully engaged! I am a little nervous about how others may view this one but I'm excited for a good discussion and I'm happy I enjoyed my re-read! I think this book deserves the 5 star rating for sure!! Can't wait for book 2 to come out in April!
I am so excited that I got to read this book during spooky season! It was absolutely perfect vibes for this time of year! I am so happy I was able to read this book for Fablen hosted by Margret at TheWordN3rd! This book was also the bookclub pick for Who did this to you Bookclub hosted by Tori at Toribetweenpages! But YouTube and Instagram is what really put this book on my radar!
I really enjoyed my time reading this book today! I decided to stay away from the bookclub chat and read it at my own pace in order to not be influenced by other peoples thoughts and comments. I wanted to experience this one for what it is after seeing comparisons to Caraval by Stephanie Garber. Caraval was my favorite book of 2021 and that series basically became my personality after finishing it. So after seeing that comparison I had high hopes for this one. And my honest opinion is that this book did not disappoint and I thought it held its own even with the Caraval similarities!
I really enjoyed the trials I thought each one was unique and had never been done before! I also really liked the romance aspect to this story! This book definitely had the spice that Caraval was missing which I think could really work for people.
The spooky element to this story also made it really unique in my opinion. At first I was a little nervous for it as I don't typically like horror but the way it was written into the storyline really worked for me!
The final reveal was predictable but it didn't take away from the story for me personally...in fact it solidified the ending for me...and I was satisfied with the ending! I think this book may be my favorite book of the month so far and possibly even my favorite book of the year! I'm going to try to not let peoples opinions sway me because reading is subjective! I am really excited to continue the story with book 2 when it comes out!!
I re-read this book for my in person bookclub that is happening in February! Phantasma was one of my favorite books in 2024 and this re-read did not disappoint! It was possibly even better on re-read because I picked up on some foreshadowing that happened throughout the book!
I also found the trails in this book to be just as exciting the second time around as well. I was very entertained and fully engaged! I am a little nervous about how others may view this one but I'm excited for a good discussion and I'm happy I enjoyed my re-read! I think this book deserves the 5 star rating for sure!! Can't wait for book 2 to come out in April!
I am so excited that I got to read this book during spooky season! It was absolutely perfect vibes for this time of year! I am so happy I was able to read this book for Fablen hosted by Margret at TheWordN3rd! This book was also the bookclub pick for Who did this to you Bookclub hosted by Tori at Toribetweenpages! But YouTube and Instagram is what really put this book on my radar!
I really enjoyed my time reading this book today! I decided to stay away from the bookclub chat and read it at my own pace in order to not be influenced by other peoples thoughts and comments. I wanted to experience this one for what it is after seeing comparisons to Caraval by Stephanie Garber. Caraval was my favorite book of 2021 and that series basically became my personality after finishing it. So after seeing that comparison I had high hopes for this one. And my honest opinion is that this book did not disappoint and I thought it held its own even with the Caraval similarities!
I really enjoyed the trials I thought each one was unique and had never been done before! I also really liked the romance aspect to this story! This book definitely had the spice that Caraval was missing which I think could really work for people.
The spooky element to this story also made it really unique in my opinion. At first I was a little nervous for it as I don't typically like horror but the way it was written into the storyline really worked for me!
The final reveal was predictable but it didn't take away from the story for me personally...in fact it solidified the ending for me...and I was satisfied with the ending! I think this book may be my favorite book of the month so far and possibly even my favorite book of the year! I'm going to try to not let peoples opinions sway me because reading is subjective! I am really excited to continue the story with book 2 when it comes out!!
City of Mirth and Malice by Alexis L. Menard
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
5.0
I am so glad I was able to read Books 1 and 2 back to back! I was able to fit this book into prompts for both Fablen hosted by Margret at TheWordN3rd and Spookopoly hosted by Becca and the Books!
I really enjoyed this second book it picked up right where book 1 left off with the crazy cliffhanger and there were so many twists and turns throughout this book that once I started reading I was hooked and didn't want to put it down!
Mila and Nico are ride or die I just love them so much and they will literally do anything to save the other throughout these 2 books! Nico is definitely in the running for favorite book boyfriend of the year!
I honestly didn't know who to trust throughout this whole series! There were back to back life changing situations throughout this book! Friends and Enemies often blurred and I really enjoyed this audiobook! I know this isn't much of a review but I will be adding books 1 and 2 to my Amazon Wishlist for the Holiday season! I hope to add these books to my collection and they are on the list for potential top 10 of the year! Thank you BookTube for another great recommendation!
I really enjoyed this second book it picked up right where book 1 left off with the crazy cliffhanger and there were so many twists and turns throughout this book that once I started reading I was hooked and didn't want to put it down!
Mila and Nico are ride or die I just love them so much and they will literally do anything to save the other throughout these 2 books! Nico is definitely in the running for favorite book boyfriend of the year!
I honestly didn't know who to trust throughout this whole series! There were back to back life changing situations throughout this book! Friends and Enemies often blurred and I really enjoyed this audiobook! I know this isn't much of a review but I will be adding books 1 and 2 to my Amazon Wishlist for the Holiday season! I hope to add these books to my collection and they are on the list for potential top 10 of the year! Thank you BookTube for another great recommendation!
House of Bane and Blood by Alexis L. Menard
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
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 has been on my radar since July and August thanks too many booktubers talking about it and saying its a new favorite of the year! I am so glad I was able to fit this book into prompts for 2 different readathons for October because this book was a wild ride! I read this book for Fablen readathon hosted by Margret at TheWordN3rd! And for Spookopoly hosted by Becca and the Books!
This book was a wild time and I think that Nico and Mila are in the running for favorite romantasy couple of the year! This book came highly recommended by multiple booktubers I follow and it did not disappoint! I just wish I hadn't spoiled myself for the ending by reading the synopsis for book 2. (note to self not to do that in the future)
The banter between our 2 main characters was top tier! There relationship progression from spontaneous arranged marriage to what I think is touch her and die vibes worked very well for me! I love Nico and Mila and I fully believe that Nico will burn the world down for Mila!
Not only did the romance really work for me but so did the storyline! I feel like something engaging was either happening or about to happen and I was fully sucked into this story! But I do feel like this book is better off being experienced then told! The ending of this book has me immediately wanting to pick up book 2 and thats exactly what I'm going to go do! This book is definitely a contender for favorite of the year and I think you should follow the hype and pick this series up ASAP!!
This book was a wild time and I think that Nico and Mila are in the running for favorite romantasy couple of the year! This book came highly recommended by multiple booktubers I follow and it did not disappoint! I just wish I hadn't spoiled myself for the ending by reading the synopsis for book 2. (note to self not to do that in the future)
The banter between our 2 main characters was top tier! There relationship progression from spontaneous arranged marriage to what I think is touch her and die vibes worked very well for me! I love Nico and Mila and I fully believe that Nico will burn the world down for Mila!
Not only did the romance really work for me but so did the storyline! I feel like something engaging was either happening or about to happen and I was fully sucked into this story! But I do feel like this book is better off being experienced then told! The ending of this book has me immediately wanting to pick up book 2 and thats exactly what I'm going to go do! This book is definitely a contender for favorite of the year and I think you should follow the hype and pick this series up ASAP!!
Bespelled by Laura Thalassa
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
lighthearted
fast-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
4.5
4.5 Stars!
I read this sequel as part of the Mystic Readathon hosted by Nel Diamond! I started this series at the beginning of the month and decided to continue because it fit the witchy vibes I was looking for! This was also my last book on my Fall TBR that I had already planned so I'm happy I got through my whole physical TBR this month!
I really enjoyed this sequel. Since I knew what to expect from Memon and Selene I enjoyed this one a bit more then Bewitched. We really don't know who to trust in this series and I was here for the journey in this book. They really fight for their lives at some points throughout this and I found myself caring more this time around!
Memon oh Memon where do your motives lie....If you've read the first book you know he is other worldly obsessed with Selene....BUT the ending to this book makes me question everything!
I read this sequel as part of the Mystic Readathon hosted by Nel Diamond! I started this series at the beginning of the month and decided to continue because it fit the witchy vibes I was looking for! This was also my last book on my Fall TBR that I had already planned so I'm happy I got through my whole physical TBR this month!
I really enjoyed this sequel. Since I knew what to expect from Memon and Selene I enjoyed this one a bit more then Bewitched. We really don't know who to trust in this series and I was here for the journey in this book. They really fight for their lives at some points throughout this and I found myself caring more this time around!
Memon oh Memon where do your motives lie....If you've read the first book you know he is other worldly obsessed with Selene....BUT the ending to this book makes me question everything!
Reckless by Lauren Roberts
adventurous
challenging
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
5 stars!!!
I was originally unsure if I was going to enjoy this book after not really liking the trials aspect of Powerless...Which means I hopped on my library's waitlist for this book and it finally came in last week!
I am so happy this book came in when it did because I have read 2 five star reads back to back for team thorns for Battleathon!! Battleathon is all about reading books that are five star predictions...I was hesitant to read this one for the last week of this readathon as I wasn't sure I was going to love this one or not...
However, I literally ate this book up and read 80% of it in one sitting! I really enjoyed the journey of the main characters took during this book. I love Kai and Payden! The banter in this book reminded me why I loved YA books for so long...it is literally top tier banter in my opinion!!! Kai really proves his love for Payden by the end of this book.
This was Kai and Payden's book you really get to know them as characters and they get to know each other through the many situations in this book! This is Enemies to Lovers at its finest! I literally love them and can't express it enough! If you aren't a fan of reading about long journey's and escaping situations very quickly this may not be the book for you.
The ending of this book was mind blowing! Definitely didn't see it coming and I am very nervous for what this means for Payden....KIT you had no right to do what you did!!!
I was originally unsure if I was going to enjoy this book after not really liking the trials aspect of Powerless...Which means I hopped on my library's waitlist for this book and it finally came in last week!
I am so happy this book came in when it did because I have read 2 five star reads back to back for team thorns for Battleathon!! Battleathon is all about reading books that are five star predictions...I was hesitant to read this one for the last week of this readathon as I wasn't sure I was going to love this one or not...
However, I literally ate this book up and read 80% of it in one sitting! I really enjoyed the journey of the main characters took during this book. I love Kai and Payden! The banter in this book reminded me why I loved YA books for so long...it is literally top tier banter in my opinion!!! Kai really proves his love for Payden by the end of this book.
This was Kai and Payden's book you really get to know them as characters and they get to know each other through the many situations in this book! This is Enemies to Lovers at its finest! I literally love them and can't express it enough! If you aren't a fan of reading about long journey's and escaping situations very quickly this may not be the book for you.
The ending of this book was mind blowing! Definitely didn't see it coming and I am very nervous for what this means for Payden....KIT you had no right to do what you did!!!
Bewitched by Laura Thalassa
adventurous
challenging
lighthearted
fast-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
4.25
4.25 Stars!!
I added this book to my September TBR when I bought a couple books in August on my last book shopping trip! I also read this one as part of the Mystic Readathon hosted by NelDiamond! This readathon is vampire diaries themed! Even though I have never watched the show and unfortunately have to way of accessing the show right now I am still having a good time with hanging out on reading sprints with everyone when I can!
This book did grow on me as I got further along and realized what was bothering me was such a minor issue and was more of a character trait for the main character...lets be real Selene makes some very poor decisions in this book! Once I put the "poor decisions making" trait aside I started reading this one for what it is and ended up having a really good time with it the last half of the book!
I just feel like Selene could have confided in her fellow witches and coven a bit more then she did...
Mennon is something in this book...I came to terms that he is an accident demon...a very possessive, manipulative demon...but his actions and intentions where kinda what hooked me in the end! I am still interested in what could potentially happen in book 2 and hope to get to it in October as a witchy book!!
I added this book to my September TBR when I bought a couple books in August on my last book shopping trip! I also read this one as part of the Mystic Readathon hosted by NelDiamond! This readathon is vampire diaries themed! Even though I have never watched the show and unfortunately have to way of accessing the show right now I am still having a good time with hanging out on reading sprints with everyone when I can!
This book did grow on me as I got further along and realized what was bothering me was such a minor issue and was more of a character trait for the main character...lets be real Selene makes some very poor decisions in this book! Once I put the "poor decisions making" trait aside I started reading this one for what it is and ended up having a really good time with it the last half of the book!
I just feel like Selene could have confided in her fellow witches and coven a bit more then she did...
Mennon is something in this book...I came to terms that he is an accident demon...a very possessive, manipulative demon...but his actions and intentions where kinda what hooked me in the end! I am still interested in what could potentially happen in book 2 and hope to get to it in October as a witchy book!!
The Coven by Harper L. Woods
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-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
4.0
low 4 stars...
This book was a time...I picked up this book because I was looking for a book with witches and or vampires...I should have done more research for this one instead of being influenced by the pretty sprayed edges...This was my first time experiencing dark romance and honestly I thought it could have gone darker in my opinion...based on comments and what people were saying I really thought this was going to be way worse then it was...It honestly wasn't too bad...
I honestly really liked the storyline for this one and I am curious to see where book 2 is going to go and what this means for the students and the school...We know that Gray is not a good guy in the slightest...But at the same time I'm not rushing to pick up the sequel because reading this book physically took way too long...
This book was a time...I picked up this book because I was looking for a book with witches and or vampires...I should have done more research for this one instead of being influenced by the pretty sprayed edges...This was my first time experiencing dark romance and honestly I thought it could have gone darker in my opinion...based on comments and what people were saying I really thought this was going to be way worse then it was...It honestly wasn't too bad...
I honestly really liked the storyline for this one and I am curious to see where book 2 is going to go and what this means for the students and the school...We know that Gray is not a good guy in the slightest...But at the same time I'm not rushing to pick up the sequel because reading this book physically took way too long...
Wisteria by Adalyn Grace
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
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
4.5
4.5 stars!!
Wisteria has been on my most anticipated list since I read Foxglove last December! I actually met Adalyn Grace last year at my local bookstore for the release of Foxglove (the second book in the series)!
I decided to save this book for September because this book fits the "Poisonous plant" prompt for magical readathon. I also wanted to save it for Mystic Readathon because I kind of get gothic vibes from this series!
I really enjoyed this book I thought this was a good conclusion to the series. I did enjoy Blythe's story and I realize this was her book...I just wish there was a little more of Death and Signa throughout this book... I did fall in love with this series because of death and Signa...
This is true hate to love and I did like Fate and Blythe's love story for the most part. I did love how he grew to love Blythe in the end. Again I thought this was a good conclusion to the series. I can't wait to buy my copy so that I can complete my collection!!
Wisteria has been on my most anticipated list since I read Foxglove last December! I actually met Adalyn Grace last year at my local bookstore for the release of Foxglove (the second book in the series)!
I decided to save this book for September because this book fits the "Poisonous plant" prompt for magical readathon. I also wanted to save it for Mystic Readathon because I kind of get gothic vibes from this series!
I really enjoyed this book I thought this was a good conclusion to the series. I did enjoy Blythe's story and I realize this was her book...I just wish there was a little more of Death and Signa throughout this book... I did fall in love with this series because of death and Signa...
This is true hate to love and I did like Fate and Blythe's love story for the most part. I did love how he grew to love Blythe in the end. Again I thought this was a good conclusion to the series. I can't wait to buy my copy so that I can complete my collection!!