phyllica_reads's reviews
967 reviews

Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko

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adventurous medium-paced

5.0

* audiobook review *

Narration: 5 stars
Plot: 5 stars
Overall: 5 stars
The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander

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challenging dark informative inspiring reflective sad slow-paced

5.0

Secret God by April Gaisford

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious sad medium-paced

5.0

For She is Wrath by Emily Varga

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adventurous dark hopeful inspiring mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

Narration: 5 stars
Plot: 4.5 - 5 stars
overall: 5 stars
A Bright Heart by Kate Chenli

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adventurous hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced

4.5

 * Audiobook Review *

Narration: 4 - 4.25 Stars
Plot: 4.25-4.5 Stars
Overall: 4.5 Stars

The premise alone had me very intrigued, as did a few twists. I rather enjoyed the story and look forward to reading the next book. 
The Secrets of Jane: Reborn by Charlotte Mallory

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

 *4.5 Stars*

The long-awaited release of book two is finally here! When book one was published, I was overjoyed. I not only read the ARC but also reread the physical copy and listened to the audiobook. There was something about the characters that drew me back. It was clear to me that reading book two was a necessity.

**First 0-50% (4 Stars)**
It's no surprise that this book is hefty and significantly longer than book one. I wouldn't say that the slower pacing of the first half was unimportant, but it did feel slightly drawn out for me. In this section, the reader is introduced to new characters and prepared for a more extensive journey. In contrast, book one was packed with tension and intrigue.

**Middle 50-75% (4.25 Stars)**
I found this part of the story to be much more engaging, and it really pulled me deeper into the narrative. While this wasn’t a dealbreaker for me, it’s worth noting that book two is much more plot-focused rather than being centered on character development or romantic elements.

**Last 75-100% (4.5 Stars)**
The ending is where the story really comes together, solidifying my rating. It wraps up many loose plot threads while also offering a faster pace in the storytelling. Additionally, it hints at new developments, but I won’t spoil those here.

Overall, I genuinely enjoyed returning to the Improper Bastards series, and I hope it is also released as an audiobook.

Happy Reading!! 
Sinful Obsession by Asia Monique

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hopeful sad medium-paced

4.25

 
I enjoyed the story. However, I found it a bit harder to feel the connection between the two MCs. This has been a really good series thus far. I am looking forward to reading the last book.

 
Sinful Desire by Asia Monique

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dark emotional hopeful mysterious medium-paced

5.0

Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

 * 5+ Stars Easily!! *
* Audiobook Review *

Narration: 6+ stars
Plot: 6+ stars
Overall: 6+ Stars

There are not enough words to describe how much I loved this story. I listened to the audiobook and followed along via a physical copy. Can't believe it took me this long to read this story/series.