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palmsygal's reviews
91 reviews
Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Again, I loved this book. The sequel gave us background information that I thought was lacking in the first novel, had a lot of scenery and world building, and gave even more insight into the gods!
However, the memory loss trope could have been done better, in my opinion. I wanted more letters, more pining, more falling in love all over again before remembering everything!
I still very much enjoyed this and I am still very much in love with both Roman C. Kitt and Iris E. Winnow. Their love beats all odds and is just simply beautiful. Iris’ courage and bravery is also incredible, she has no fear and goes against anything to save those she loves; what an amazing character.
Rebecca, if you end up reading this review, do you fancy maybe producing a third book for Attie and Tobias…? I kinda fell in love with them two and need them together. The way they bounce off each other and CLEARLY have feelings is unreal!!
Overall, if you read Divine Rivals, I highly recommend and personally ask that you also read Ruthless Vows. It was a brilliant end to this plot line and gave me nearly everything I hoped for.
However, the memory loss trope could have been done better, in my opinion. I wanted more letters, more pining, more falling in love all over again before remembering everything!
I still very much enjoyed this and I am still very much in love with both Roman C. Kitt and Iris E. Winnow. Their love beats all odds and is just simply beautiful. Iris’ courage and bravery is also incredible, she has no fear and goes against anything to save those she loves; what an amazing character.
Rebecca, if you end up reading this review, do you fancy maybe producing a third book for Attie and Tobias…? I kinda fell in love with them two and need them together. The way they bounce off each other and CLEARLY have feelings is unreal!!
Overall, if you read Divine Rivals, I highly recommend and personally ask that you also read Ruthless Vows. It was a brilliant end to this plot line and gave me nearly everything I hoped for.
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
4.5
The only reason this is a 4.5 instead of a 5 is simply because I wanted more fantasy scenery and more letters between Roman and Iris, more build up to the reveal that he was Carver all along. That’s just me though, I found everything else practically perfect and I ADORED this book.
I really love the storyline of this book. I would’ve liked maybe a little bit more info on the background to the war, but that’s just me being picky and I think you can easily understand it with the few snippets we see anyway. Special notice, although a tiny detail, the ban on writing about the war was something I liked a lot, as in real life wars we face propaganda (I just thought this was a nice touch to the story and gave a real life feeling to it).
Iris and Roman both have my heart, unequivocally. Their love story is ethereal. Roman’s selflessness and way of words captivated me from the get-go (this man dove into a war for Iris, for crying out loud!!!!). Iris, you deserve the world and I will accept no slander on her character: she is bold, she is a gorgeous writer, but she breaks my heart talking about being left behind constantly (I would never leave you Iris <3 ).
This is a brilliant combination of You’ve Got Mail and fantasy. The reveal had me grinning and repeating “I wanted it to be you” in my head non-stop! I’m both excited and scared to dive right into the sequel, I hope it brings me as much joy as this did and doesn’t disappoint me!
I really love the storyline of this book. I would’ve liked maybe a little bit more info on the background to the war, but that’s just me being picky and I think you can easily understand it with the few snippets we see anyway. Special notice, although a tiny detail, the ban on writing about the war was something I liked a lot, as in real life wars we face propaganda (I just thought this was a nice touch to the story and gave a real life feeling to it).
Iris and Roman both have my heart, unequivocally. Their love story is ethereal. Roman’s selflessness and way of words captivated me from the get-go (this man dove into a war for Iris, for crying out loud!!!!). Iris, you deserve the world and I will accept no slander on her character: she is bold, she is a gorgeous writer, but she breaks my heart talking about being left behind constantly (I would never leave you Iris <3 ).
This is a brilliant combination of You’ve Got Mail and fantasy. The reveal had me grinning and repeating “I wanted it to be you” in my head non-stop! I’m both excited and scared to dive right into the sequel, I hope it brings me as much joy as this did and doesn’t disappoint me!
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
5.0
It’s taken me quite a while to write this review, simply because I could not find the right words. This book was devastating. I think I sobbed for a good hour after finishing it.
First and foremost, the writing in this book is absolutely beautiful. The descriptions the author uses hook you in completely, you can picture almost everything that is conveyed, from scenery to emotions. You resonate with the characters, specifically Jude, and you feel everything in this book wholly.
This book is not for the faint hearted. This book is depressing. This book made my heart race from the contents. There is so much in here that made me twitch and wince. Anything bad you can imagine has most likely happened to Jude, that poor boy.
I’ve read that this book is about love, but I’m honestly not sure I agree. There is love, so much love, that occurs in this book: from friendships, to family, to relationships, to work connections. However, I think this book is mainly an amalgamation of abuse and the effects it can have on one person.
This book is about Jude, and the connections he has with others around him. This book is about bravery and sacrifice and pain, how someone can try to overcome it. I don’t think I can go a day without thinking of Jude’s character now, how he kept going for others, but not for himself. Truly heartbreaking.
Overall, ouch. But a 5 star ouch. I cannot give it any less.
First and foremost, the writing in this book is absolutely beautiful. The descriptions the author uses hook you in completely, you can picture almost everything that is conveyed, from scenery to emotions. You resonate with the characters, specifically Jude, and you feel everything in this book wholly.
This book is not for the faint hearted. This book is depressing. This book made my heart race from the contents. There is so much in here that made me twitch and wince. Anything bad you can imagine has most likely happened to Jude, that poor boy.
I’ve read that this book is about love, but I’m honestly not sure I agree. There is love, so much love, that occurs in this book: from friendships, to family, to relationships, to work connections. However, I think this book is mainly an amalgamation of abuse and the effects it can have on one person.
This book is about Jude, and the connections he has with others around him. This book is about bravery and sacrifice and pain, how someone can try to overcome it. I don’t think I can go a day without thinking of Jude’s character now, how he kept going for others, but not for himself. Truly heartbreaking.
Overall, ouch. But a 5 star ouch. I cannot give it any less.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Suicide, Ableism, Domestic abuse, and Self harm
The Perfect Son by Freida McFadden
3.0
I enjoyed it but was a bit disappointed considering I thought the previous novel I read by Freida was a 4.5 review for me!
This time, the plot twist was a bit too predictable, you can probably guess quite easily who has actually committed the crime within the first half.
I did like the multiple POVs, however I was a bit sad that we never got a Liam POV. I think even after everything is unfolded, it would’ve been great to get some in depth into Liam’s mind, as we have only learnt about him for others’ perspectives.
There was a lot of repetition in this book that I didn’t find in Never Lie - one thing I really praised in Never Lie was that every chapter was different and you learnt new things each time, which was not conveyed at all in this book, which was a shame.
Another thing that irked me: what happened to the grandad? I get it. It was put in there for another ‘hidden, secret info’ ploy. But one chapter and then bam, never again? No clue what happened to him, no clue if he ended up happy, no clue if he was actually guilty of anything, no idea. Just my opinion though, that irked me slightly.
The ending, gosh. Not needed, in my opinion. I understand Freida was looking for another shock factor and ambiguity, but I think it almost ruined the main ‘plot twist’ of the story.
All in all, I know I’m spewing a lot of negativity, but I did still enjoy the novel. I like how fast-paced it was, the story was interesting, and i actually really liked Hannah’s character (which I know might be controversial). I simply think there was a lot of repetition, a non-shocking plot twist, and a lack of rounding everything up properly.
This time, the plot twist was a bit too predictable, you can probably guess quite easily who has actually committed the crime within the first half.
I did like the multiple POVs, however I was a bit sad that we never got a Liam POV. I think even after everything is unfolded, it would’ve been great to get some in depth into Liam’s mind, as we have only learnt about him for others’ perspectives.
There was a lot of repetition in this book that I didn’t find in Never Lie - one thing I really praised in Never Lie was that every chapter was different and you learnt new things each time, which was not conveyed at all in this book, which was a shame.
Another thing that irked me: what happened to the grandad? I get it. It was put in there for another ‘hidden, secret info’ ploy. But one chapter and then bam, never again? No clue what happened to him, no clue if he ended up happy, no clue if he was actually guilty of anything, no idea. Just my opinion though, that irked me slightly.
The ending, gosh. Not needed, in my opinion. I understand Freida was looking for another shock factor and ambiguity, but I think it almost ruined the main ‘plot twist’ of the story.
All in all, I know I’m spewing a lot of negativity, but I did still enjoy the novel. I like how fast-paced it was, the story was interesting, and i actually really liked Hannah’s character (which I know might be controversial). I simply think there was a lot of repetition, a non-shocking plot twist, and a lack of rounding everything up properly.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death
Never Lie by Freida McFadden
4.5
Plot twist after plot twist after plot twist! To summarise, I did not expect any of what happened to happen!
I really like Freida’s writing style too, it’s my first novel by her and I really enjoy the pace of it. She truly gets to the point and there’s something new in every chapter. You don’t have to sit through repetitive narratives or descriptions, which is brilliant for a book such as this!
The only thing I have a slight dislike about is that if I were to reread it knowing the twists, some of the characters reactions and thoughts probably wouldn’t have made as much sense. But, could one say that is just great acting from certain characters?
I simply MUST read more books by her now!
I really like Freida’s writing style too, it’s my first novel by her and I really enjoy the pace of it. She truly gets to the point and there’s something new in every chapter. You don’t have to sit through repetitive narratives or descriptions, which is brilliant for a book such as this!
The only thing I have a slight dislike about is that if I were to reread it knowing the twists, some of the characters reactions and thoughts probably wouldn’t have made as much sense. But, could one say that is just great acting from certain characters?
I simply MUST read more books by her now!
Always You by Elizabeth Grey
1.0
I know this was a lead up to the full book where we go more into Violet and Ethan’s story, but I am so sad to say I really did not enjoy this.
It felt like 43 pages of unnecessities (I know that’s not a word but I’m using it). It made me HATE the MMC, so much, he seems like a complete jerk.
There’s no chemistry between the two leads, so I hope that whoever reads the main book finds some chemistry there. Notable mention, the ‘inside jokes’ in the first part where we meet the leads were not explained in any entirety, which was frustrating.
All in all, I just don’t think this was necessary, and it has not made me want to read the main book at all :(
It felt like 43 pages of unnecessities (I know that’s not a word but I’m using it). It made me HATE the MMC, so much, he seems like a complete jerk.
There’s no chemistry between the two leads, so I hope that whoever reads the main book finds some chemistry there. Notable mention, the ‘inside jokes’ in the first part where we meet the leads were not explained in any entirety, which was frustrating.
All in all, I just don’t think this was necessary, and it has not made me want to read the main book at all :(
The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
3.5
*small spoilers are in this review*
I was worried about this book: I was not sure how I would find it or if I would enjoy it. Safe to say, I was pleasantly surprised.
I think it is easy for people to be shouting “give up, cut the line” at this book, as we see problem after problem arise. However, in my opinion, we must take note of Santiago’s character to combat this narrative. This man has gone days without a catch, which is sad in itself, but I think he is most likely more upset about disappointing possibly the only true friend he cares for, the young boy Manolin. Furthermore, Santiago truly ended up loving his caught fish, how was he to simply let it go after such beauty and triumph? I also feel he believed he HAD to bring it home for the fish’s sake more than his own: he took its life and watched it deteriorate, but still wanted the fish to bring HIM in.
It was quite a heartbreaking end. Santiago remained hopeful and undefeated, and still ended up weeping due to the cruel demise of his fish friend. We even see the marlin reduced to a simple ‘shark’ description to passers-by.
While I understand this book relies on pride and perseverance as its main focus, I think we see a tale of love, guilt and character development too. Santiago was fully immersed in killing the marlin but was so remorseful at the end, and he did regret what had happened.
As a final note, after understanding the ending of Hemingway’s life, I do wonder if the contemplation of life that Santiago had throughout this book mirrored what Hemingway was also believing and thinking in real time.
I was worried about this book: I was not sure how I would find it or if I would enjoy it. Safe to say, I was pleasantly surprised.
I think it is easy for people to be shouting “give up, cut the line” at this book, as we see problem after problem arise. However, in my opinion, we must take note of Santiago’s character to combat this narrative. This man has gone days without a catch, which is sad in itself, but I think he is most likely more upset about disappointing possibly the only true friend he cares for, the young boy Manolin. Furthermore, Santiago truly ended up loving his caught fish, how was he to simply let it go after such beauty and triumph? I also feel he believed he HAD to bring it home for the fish’s sake more than his own: he took its life and watched it deteriorate, but still wanted the fish to bring HIM in.
It was quite a heartbreaking end. Santiago remained hopeful and undefeated, and still ended up weeping due to the cruel demise of his fish friend. We even see the marlin reduced to a simple ‘shark’ description to passers-by.
While I understand this book relies on pride and perseverance as its main focus, I think we see a tale of love, guilt and character development too. Santiago was fully immersed in killing the marlin but was so remorseful at the end, and he did regret what had happened.
As a final note, after understanding the ending of Hemingway’s life, I do wonder if the contemplation of life that Santiago had throughout this book mirrored what Hemingway was also believing and thinking in real time.
Blindsided by Becca Steele
3.0
I like a good enemies-to-lovers. This though, just fell short and wasn’t the best.
The mixed signals and the back and forth, “I love him, I hate him, I want a friends with benefits, I don’t want him with anyone else, ugh I’m so messed up” just wasn’t giving much. It was repetitive and honestly, Liam is just kinda a jerk and is not a nice person. He was confused and going through this bi-awakening, but it was just dragged out for the sake of (not great) drama.
I liked some of the banter and it was still a plot I got through and enjoyed, I think the second half of the story simply let it down. It’s a shame as I do like Becca Steele’s other works!
Also, the whole student loan and broke Noah plot line? Where did it go? What happened? It was shoved in there simply to give Liam a ‘omg he’s broke maybe I was too harsh’ moment and then was let go immediately?? Maybe a bit unnecessary to the story… just an opinion.
The mixed signals and the back and forth, “I love him, I hate him, I want a friends with benefits, I don’t want him with anyone else, ugh I’m so messed up” just wasn’t giving much. It was repetitive and honestly, Liam is just kinda a jerk and is not a nice person. He was confused and going through this bi-awakening, but it was just dragged out for the sake of (not great) drama.
I liked some of the banter and it was still a plot I got through and enjoyed, I think the second half of the story simply let it down. It’s a shame as I do like Becca Steele’s other works!
Also, the whole student loan and broke Noah plot line? Where did it go? What happened? It was shoved in there simply to give Liam a ‘omg he’s broke maybe I was too harsh’ moment and then was let go immediately?? Maybe a bit unnecessary to the story… just an opinion.
Diary Of An Oxygen Thief by Anonymous, Anonymous
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I don’t think I’ve read anything quite like this book. The whole point is to despise the narrator, which is perfectly done. Halfway through this book, I was thinking ‘what’s the purpose of this… I’m confused…’ but it did not stop me from wanting to find out where this journey ends. I was engaged throughout and actually could not put the book down.
I believe this perfectly encapsulates what it is like for someone to have narcissism and a victim complex. The narrator is horrible, you don’t grow to like him, and that’s the point. Whilst he drones on about his alcoholism and his ‘changed’ character, you really are able to see the intricacy of his own thoughts and feelings, believing himself to be a victim and that he does not deserve what happens to him, and you see how preposterous it really is.
I feel most dislike this book, from the variety of reviews I have seen already, and I can understand why as it is not a happy ending or a story of love and redemption. If you’re looking for a redemption arc or a mass-load of apologies and events of remorse, this is not the book for you.
However, I liked it, and would go so far as to say enjoyed it, as it is a true and honest representation of how naive and egotistical some can be, and does truly show that hurt people hurt people.
I believe this perfectly encapsulates what it is like for someone to have narcissism and a victim complex. The narrator is horrible, you don’t grow to like him, and that’s the point. Whilst he drones on about his alcoholism and his ‘changed’ character, you really are able to see the intricacy of his own thoughts and feelings, believing himself to be a victim and that he does not deserve what happens to him, and you see how preposterous it really is.
I feel most dislike this book, from the variety of reviews I have seen already, and I can understand why as it is not a happy ending or a story of love and redemption. If you’re looking for a redemption arc or a mass-load of apologies and events of remorse, this is not the book for you.
However, I liked it, and would go so far as to say enjoyed it, as it is a true and honest representation of how naive and egotistical some can be, and does truly show that hurt people hurt people.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism
A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. The only reason I give 4/5 was because I agree with some previous reviewers that it did feel a little fanfiction-y in some places.
However, the plot was amazing and had you engaged throughout the whole novel. I don’t think I could’ve guessed the climax at all, and I don’t think there were too many hints that would’ve given it away anywhere!
The main characters, Robin and Edwin, truly have my heart. Edwin’s character development was beautiful to read, from his lack of desire to open up to baring his whole truth and wanted desires to Robin. Robin’s character was intricate in a way that you have to truly understand the whys before you can understand HIM - learning fully why he is the way he is really added to his whole personality and I loved the small details the author brought in for this.
Overall, I would recommend this to a lot of people I know! It had mystery, romance, intriguing characters and the most exciting part, magic. Please read this <3
However, the plot was amazing and had you engaged throughout the whole novel. I don’t think I could’ve guessed the climax at all, and I don’t think there were too many hints that would’ve given it away anywhere!
The main characters, Robin and Edwin, truly have my heart. Edwin’s character development was beautiful to read, from his lack of desire to open up to baring his whole truth and wanted desires to Robin. Robin’s character was intricate in a way that you have to truly understand the whys before you can understand HIM - learning fully why he is the way he is really added to his whole personality and I loved the small details the author brought in for this.
Overall, I would recommend this to a lot of people I know! It had mystery, romance, intriguing characters and the most exciting part, magic. Please read this <3