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paz_books's reviews
1083 reviews
King of the Dark by Ariana Nash
5.0
5/5, without a doubt.
“We have other means of deterring attackers.” “Your personality?” Niko mumbled.
The world building is absolutely immaculate; I love how high fantasy and intense it is. Niko, our main character, really hooked me in. His past is so interesting- and even more so fascinating is the way he thinks, which is completely different to me and yet completely understandable.
As spoiler free as I can say this... a certain plot twist absolutely wrecked me- from a spoiler I read, I assumed a X just died, but no... it was worse. There are, without a doubt, some gruesome and horrible scenes in this book so please read the full trigger warnings if you're interested, but these were still handled in a tactful/plot-driven way. I have seen a lot of comparison to Captive Prince, which is honestly pretty accurate, so if you liked that series then 100% check this one out too.
In all, I adored seeing how unique these characters were, adored the plot, the secrets, the politics, the world, the writing and honestly everything about this. It was so well structured and emotionally driven. I started the second installment straight away.
“We have other means of deterring attackers.” “Your personality?” Niko mumbled.
The world building is absolutely immaculate; I love how high fantasy and intense it is. Niko, our main character, really hooked me in. His past is so interesting- and even more so fascinating is the way he thinks, which is completely different to me and yet completely understandable.
As spoiler free as I can say this... a certain plot twist absolutely wrecked me- from a spoiler I read, I assumed a X just died, but no... it was worse. There are, without a doubt, some gruesome and horrible scenes in this book so please read the full trigger warnings if you're interested, but these were still handled in a tactful/plot-driven way. I have seen a lot of comparison to Captive Prince, which is honestly pretty accurate, so if you liked that series then 100% check this one out too.
In all, I adored seeing how unique these characters were, adored the plot, the secrets, the politics, the world, the writing and honestly everything about this. It was so well structured and emotionally driven. I started the second installment straight away.
I Wish You All the Best by Mason Deaver
5.0
I read this entire novel in one sitting and I think that speaks for itself.
It was such a heartwarming yet honest read. It is so relatable for people in the LGBTQ+ community and can be so useful to show allies what it can be like to come out. I adored the writing, the pace, the characters; it all just really spoke to me and made me feel somewhat at home/safe, and therefore I recommend this to everyone, and anyone, because it is both informative and stunning. I found it quite entertaining that, literally the day before I read this novel, me and my friend were discussing where enby folk lay on the sexuality spectrum in the eyes of other people- for example, a 'gay' man cannot date a masculine-aligned non binary person and still call himself gay, so does that then make him bi? Or something completely different? it is honestly just such an eye opening and enjoyable read.
5/5
It was such a heartwarming yet honest read. It is so relatable for people in the LGBTQ+ community and can be so useful to show allies what it can be like to come out. I adored the writing, the pace, the characters; it all just really spoke to me and made me feel somewhat at home/safe, and therefore I recommend this to everyone, and anyone, because it is both informative and stunning. I found it quite entertaining that, literally the day before I read this novel, me and my friend were discussing where enby folk lay on the sexuality spectrum in the eyes of other people- for example, a 'gay' man cannot date a masculine-aligned non binary person and still call himself gay, so does that then make him bi? Or something completely different? it is honestly just such an eye opening and enjoyable read.
5/5
Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi
3.0
I honestly cannot put my finger on why this series isn't hitting as much as it should. This would usually be everything I loved and more, but I just can't find myself connecting much to the characters (other than Kenji, what an icon). I also don't think it helped that the first half of this book really took some dragging before anything exciting happened.
I am going to carry on, as I really want to understand the Aaron hype, and also see more of Kenji, but currently it is just feeling a bit mediocre to me.
I am going to carry on, as I really want to understand the Aaron hype, and also see more of Kenji, but currently it is just feeling a bit mediocre to me.
Night by Night by Jack Jordan
4.0
Comes for your throat in the very first chapter... then just gets darker from there...
In all seriousness, I really enjoyed this one. I've read some of Jack Jordan's other works, and loved them, so it is no surprise that this one also had me sucked in. The plot corresponded with a lot of traits and opinions I have which hammered home many emotional aspects of the mystery.
In all seriousness, I really enjoyed this one. I've read some of Jack Jordan's other works, and loved them, so it is no surprise that this one also had me sucked in. The plot corresponded with a lot of traits and opinions I have which hammered home many emotional aspects of the mystery.
Inferno by Dante Alighieri
3.0
It is clear this book is a classic for a reason. It has such an interesting and philosophical basis and includes some of my favourite literary quotes. The only reason I have rated it 3 stars despite this is that I really did struggle with the writing style and to get through this one. It felt like an exhausting stretch just to get to the next fascinating quote, be amazed, and then lug through again.
Chain of Iron by Cassandra Clare
4.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What I liked:
-The characters (specifically Thomas, Alistair, Matthew, Anna and Christopher)
-The complexities behind some of the side characters (e.g., Grace, Matthew, even Malcom Fade)
-The plot; it was done really well and I never felt too 'out of the loop' or like it was being dragged out
-Every time Magnus popped in
-The writing; it is so easy to get lost in
-Lucie and Jesse's entire arc
What I didn't like:
-I wouldn't say DIDN'T LIKE per se, but I do have to say that James is my least favourite MMC in the shadowhunters universe... He has tough competition to be fair when we have a whole Jem Carstairs and Julian Blackthorn out here
-THE MISCOMMUNICATION. This series could probably drop a whole book if people just spoke to each other. Especially James and Cordelia... I'm finding it hard to be fully invested in their relationship when they are both making it so much more difficult than needs be
Favourite quotes:
-“We are none of us perfect, and no one expects perfection. But when you have hurt people, you must allow them their anger. Otherwise it will only become another thing you have tried to take away.” Immaculate
-“You cannot save people who do not want to be saved," said Magnus. "You can only stand by their side and hope that when they wake and realize they need saving, you will be there to help them.” Magnus always spititing bars
-“Someone who broke your heart is often not the person who can mend it.” This just hit me right in the feels on too many levels
-“When you want something very much, you are willing to accept the shadow of that thing. Even if it is just a shadow.” The context of this being an unaccepted/complicated queer relationship... ouch
-“That love is complicated," said Cordelia, "That it lies beside anger and hatred, because only those we truly love can truly disappoint us.” *applause*
What I liked:
-The characters (specifically Thomas, Alistair, Matthew, Anna and Christopher)
-The complexities behind some of the side characters (e.g., Grace, Matthew, even Malcom Fade)
-The plot; it was done really well and I never felt too 'out of the loop' or like it was being dragged out
-Every time Magnus popped in
-The writing; it is so easy to get lost in
-Lucie and Jesse's entire arc
What I didn't like:
-I wouldn't say DIDN'T LIKE per se, but I do have to say that James is my least favourite MMC in the shadowhunters universe... He has tough competition to be fair when we have a whole Jem Carstairs and Julian Blackthorn out here
-THE MISCOMMUNICATION. This series could probably drop a whole book if people just spoke to each other. Especially James and Cordelia... I'm finding it hard to be fully invested in their relationship when they are both making it so much more difficult than needs be
Favourite quotes:
-“We are none of us perfect, and no one expects perfection. But when you have hurt people, you must allow them their anger. Otherwise it will only become another thing you have tried to take away.” Immaculate
-“You cannot save people who do not want to be saved," said Magnus. "You can only stand by their side and hope that when they wake and realize they need saving, you will be there to help them.” Magnus always spititing bars
-“Someone who broke your heart is often not the person who can mend it.” This just hit me right in the feels on too many levels
-“When you want something very much, you are willing to accept the shadow of that thing. Even if it is just a shadow.” The context of this being an unaccepted/complicated queer relationship... ouch
-“That love is complicated," said Cordelia, "That it lies beside anger and hatred, because only those we truly love can truly disappoint us.” *applause*