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prisoner_of_books's reviews
380 reviews
Hollowed by Jessica S. Taylor
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
"The villain depends entirely on who is telling the story. And this is your story. Not theirs."
I actually don't know the original Sleepy Hollow story so I can't say what is similar and different in that point of view but I did absolutely love this story!
It is set in Sleepy Hollow, a safe haven for magic users protected by the Dullahan (headless horseman) in exchange for a yearly sacrifice. Deemed a failure and waste of magic by her parents, Katrina has always believed herself to be worthless, but as the daughter of the leader of their small town never thought she would be chosen as the sacrifice. But she will not go quietly and plans to escape before the ceremony until she discovers secrets that will change everything.
This book was the perfect mix of magic, monsters and romance! The concept of this book was so intriguing and I loved all the little magical elements throughout. The author knows how to write a vivid world and just like her other series I was instantly drawn into the town of Sleepy Hollow.
I love a good dark gothic fantasy and this one was made even better with the light romance in the story. Katrina and Alexander were so cute and . Also I love it when the FMC struggles to see her own value but the MMC slowly helps her realise just how amazing she is!! I enjoyed the mystery throughout the story and really liked the pacing of the book up until about two-thirds of the way in, this was when a big twist happened and I felt like it could have been delved into more because the ending did feel a little rushed to me.
But this really was such a great read that I recommend for anyone looking for a Gothic fantasy read for the Halloween season!
Thanks to BOMM tours and the author for the eArc! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I actually don't know the original Sleepy Hollow story so I can't say what is similar and different in that point of view but I did absolutely love this story!
It is set in Sleepy Hollow, a safe haven for magic users protected by the Dullahan (headless horseman) in exchange for a yearly sacrifice. Deemed a failure and waste of magic by her parents, Katrina has always believed herself to be worthless, but as the daughter of the leader of their small town never thought she would be chosen as the sacrifice. But she will not go quietly and plans to escape before the ceremony until she discovers secrets that will change everything.
This book was the perfect mix of magic, monsters and romance! The concept of this book was so intriguing and I loved all the little magical elements throughout. The author knows how to write a vivid world and just like her other series I was instantly drawn into the town of Sleepy Hollow.
I love a good dark gothic fantasy and this one was made even better with the light romance in the story. Katrina and Alexander were so cute and . Also I love it when the FMC struggles to see her own value but the MMC slowly helps her realise just how amazing she is!! I enjoyed the mystery throughout the story and really liked the pacing of the book up until about two-thirds of the way in, this was when a big twist happened and I felt like it could have been delved into more because the ending did feel a little rushed to me.
But this really was such a great read that I recommend for anyone looking for a Gothic fantasy read for the Halloween season!
Thanks to BOMM tours and the author for the eArc! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Within the Hollow Heart by Melissa Wright
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
For such a short read I really enjoyed this one! It was great to be back in this world and see some familiar characters. I loved the first book in this standalone series but it one was really good as well!
It had family secrets, betrayal, marriage of convince, royalty, a meddling bird and a magic fae curse!
Jules and Nickolas were such great characters in the first book so I was very excited to learn more about them in this one and they really are just such a great paring! The romance was so sweet and I love how Nickolas cared for her and Jules slowly opened up to him.
The secrets and curse were so interesting to read about! Not to mention that climax ending, I feel like it ended in such a perfect way! I loved reading those ending scenes!
I don't want to spoil too much but this one was a really good palette cleanser for me after so many long heavy books so if you’re looking for a sweet, quick, regency-era fantasy read filled with fae, adventure, mystery and a slow burn romance then go and pick this one up!
Thank you to the author and BOMM tours for the eArc. This did not influence my review in any way.
It had family secrets, betrayal, marriage of convince, royalty, a meddling bird and a magic fae curse!
Jules and Nickolas were such great characters in the first book so I was very excited to learn more about them in this one and they really are just such a great paring! The romance was so sweet and I love how Nickolas cared for her and Jules slowly opened up to him.
The secrets and curse were so interesting to read about! Not to mention that climax ending, I feel like it ended in such a perfect way! I loved reading those ending scenes!
I don't want to spoil too much but this one was a really good palette cleanser for me after so many long heavy books so if you’re looking for a sweet, quick, regency-era fantasy read filled with fae, adventure, mystery and a slow burn romance then go and pick this one up!
Thank you to the author and BOMM tours for the eArc. This did not influence my review in any way.
To Reforge A Destiny: A New Adult Medieval Fantasy Romance by Claire Butler
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
"History may be written by the victors, but war was won by the nameless."
I really enjoyed the story and characters from the first book, To Reclaim a Kingdom, so I was SUPER excited to dive into this one! Especially after that big cliffhanger! I'm glad to say that this book definitely lived up to my expectations!
I absolutely love the plot of this series I mean 'a spoiled princess, Brielle, discovers harsh reality after her father is killed and her kingdom is stolen. She escapes to the forest with the Prince from the neighboring kingdom, Henri, who faced the same challenge, expect he doesn't care because he doesn't want to be king. But Brielle is determined to reclaim her kingdom, no matter what it takes.' That was the premise of the first book but it just takes off from there in this book! But I won't say anything because of spoilers!
In this book we see the build up to the final battle and the battle itself. Even though the battle was only a short section of the book I was not bored at all! The dynamics of characters and the overarching atmosphere of anticipation was enough for me to speed through this book!
But seriously the plot is great! But the characters just really brought this book to the next level. There was SOOO much character growth and honestly it was so satisfying to read about! Each character had their own distinct motivations and feelings that changed and grew with the story.
Each character was so different when the series started and honestly they all had faults that made me hesitant to like them, but OMG Claire just writes these characters so so well!! Each main character, Citric, Eve, Brielle and Henri all had to make big choices that would determine their fate and I could honestly not predict what they would do because they were written so well it just felt so real!
I HIGHLY recommend picking up this series because it has everything I'm sure you will all love! Including:
✨ Touch her and you die
✨ Political intrigue
✨ Romance (with some spice 👀🌶)
✨ Royalty
✨ Blood magic
✨ Multiple POVs
✨ And the fight to take back two kingdoms!
Thank you so much tot the author, Claire Butler, for an eArc of this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed the story and characters from the first book, To Reclaim a Kingdom, so I was SUPER excited to dive into this one! Especially after that big cliffhanger! I'm glad to say that this book definitely lived up to my expectations!
I absolutely love the plot of this series I mean 'a spoiled princess, Brielle, discovers harsh reality after her father is killed and her kingdom is stolen. She escapes to the forest with the Prince from the neighboring kingdom, Henri, who faced the same challenge, expect he doesn't care because he doesn't want to be king. But Brielle is determined to reclaim her kingdom, no matter what it takes.' That was the premise of the first book but it just takes off from there in this book! But I won't say anything because of spoilers!
In this book we see the build up to the final battle and the battle itself. Even though the battle was only a short section of the book I was not bored at all! The dynamics of characters and the overarching atmosphere of anticipation was enough for me to speed through this book!
But seriously the plot is great! But the characters just really brought this book to the next level. There was SOOO much character growth and honestly it was so satisfying to read about! Each character had their own distinct motivations and feelings that changed and grew with the story.
Each character was so different when the series started and honestly they all had faults that made me hesitant to like them, but OMG Claire just writes these characters so so well!! Each main character, Citric, Eve, Brielle and Henri all had to make big choices that would determine their fate and I could honestly not predict what they would do because they were written so well it just felt so real!
I HIGHLY recommend picking up this series because it has everything I'm sure you will all love! Including:
✨ Touch her and you die
✨ Political intrigue
✨ Romance (with some spice 👀🌶)
✨ Royalty
✨ Blood magic
✨ Multiple POVs
✨ And the fight to take back two kingdoms!
Thank you so much tot the author, Claire Butler, for an eArc of this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thieves' Gambit by Kayvion Lewis
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This book is pitched as the Inheritance Games meets Oceans Eleven and OMG it was definitely like that! Even with a less high-stake Squid Game kind of vibe! It had heists spanning across continents, instantly lovable side characters, betrayals and international thieving families.
I LOVE the Ocean's movies and so I knew that I had to pick this one up! Also heists are some of my absolute favourite things to read about!! These ones were so well thought out! And while most of the twists were kinda predictable it was balanced out by the variety of places and plans that were in this book!
I just really loved it! it was a quick and entertaining read that reminded me why heists are so amazing to read about! of course there were some negatives, but this was the kind of book that you can just look over those negatives because even though you might know where the story ends up there is just so much more to be discovered on the way!
I can see why this book is already being turned into a movie! Coupled with the heists the great characters also pulled this book together. Everyone in a thieving group has their own abilities and this one was no different! Mylo was amazing and so was Kyung-soon I loved how the author wrote their characters and even gave all the other competitors their own personalities, although I would have loved to see them be involved a little bit more.
The whole, not trusting anyone was a little cliche but it's always so great to see them open up to people and this book even hinted at the beginning of found family which I LOVE.
If you're like me and love YA, heists, found family and quick reads full of secrets, betrayals and sneaky but really cool in-depth plans that we could never pull off, I highly recommend you give this one a go!
Thanks so much to Netgalley and the publisher! I was given an eArc but this in no way impacted my review!
I LOVE the Ocean's movies and so I knew that I had to pick this one up! Also heists are some of my absolute favourite things to read about!! These ones were so well thought out! And while most of the twists were kinda predictable it was balanced out by the variety of places and plans that were in this book!
I just really loved it! it was a quick and entertaining read that reminded me why heists are so amazing to read about! of course there were some negatives, but this was the kind of book that you can just look over those negatives because even though you might know where the story ends up there is just so much more to be discovered on the way!
I can see why this book is already being turned into a movie! Coupled with the heists the great characters also pulled this book together. Everyone in a thieving group has their own abilities and this one was no different! Mylo was amazing and so was Kyung-soon I loved how the author wrote their characters and even gave all the other competitors their own personalities, although I would have loved to see them be involved a little bit more.
The whole, not trusting anyone was a little cliche but it's always so great to see them open up to people and this book even hinted at the beginning of found family which I LOVE.
If you're like me and love YA, heists, found family and quick reads full of secrets, betrayals and sneaky but really cool in-depth plans that we could never pull off, I highly recommend you give this one a go!
Thanks so much to Netgalley and the publisher! I was given an eArc but this in no way impacted my review!
Vows & Ruins by Helen Scheuerer
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I urge you to pick up the first book in this series RIGHT NOW! You will not regret it and your life will have changed for the better. Nothing could ever beat how I felt about Blood & Steel but this books was so so so good!!!!!
A romantasy adventure series full of warriors, secrets, battles, betrayal and steaming tension, this book did not disappoint!
Just wow. I feel like I can't write this review because the only thing I can say is wow. Like everything was just perfect again! The ROMANCE Wilder still has my heart, but THAT FREAKING ENDING... OMG i literally NEED THE NEXT BOOK. Helen has almost killed me and I swear she cannot do this to us!!!
ahem..
anyway the romance in this book was on point!!! The spice level definitely went up in this book and I know you steamy romance lovers will really love it! But even without those scenes I still loved the romance, the banter and the tension, omg the tension. It was soo good!! Wilder and Thea are just two headstrong warriors and they just fit so well.
Of course the plot line was full of giant twists and turns and betrayals and secrets being revealed. it was really just a non-stop roller coaster of emotion and action!
Thea and all of the kingdoms are facing a giant threat looming just over the veil. And Thea needs to train hard to be ready for the Great Rite to become a Warsword. But she also has to control her newfound magic before it consumes her. But one of those things is much easier than the other.
IN this book we see Thea training and we even get to see adventure and missions! Of course there was not as much action as the last book but we did get a lot more insight into the world and Helen was just amazing at writing all this info into a fantastic story that I never got lost in.
I also just really love the world, the characters and their dynamics the plot, have I mentioned that I just love everything about this series?
The character development was so good, and Cal and Kip were as amazing friends like always, seriously found family is my favourite trope and Helen just does it SO AMAZINGLY, like if the romance didn't convince you the found family should!
But really go and pick up this series RIGHT NOW!
<b>Short Review from Book 1 to convince you more</b>
The characters were the stand-out of this book! I instantly fell in love with ALL of them, like I will revolt if anything happens to them! Wilder, best book boyfriend like almost ever! (I am not even going to think about that ending though)! Althea is still the PERFECT MC, loved her attitude and fighting spirit! Kipp and Cal, I will still die for them, so precious love their friendship! The plot was so good!! I could not put the book down and was invested in every single page! The world-building was easy to understand but still complex and interesting! I cannot wait for the next book and HIGHLY recommend this to you all!
It has all the good tropes! Found family, enemies to lovers, who did this to you, touch her and you die, a heroine wanting to prove herself in a man’s world and kicking ass along the way, royals with magic, one horse, forbidden love and slow burn with AMAZING tension. These tropes are all done so well and I seriously need you to read this book!!
A romantasy adventure series full of warriors, secrets, battles, betrayal and steaming tension, this book did not disappoint!
Just wow. I feel like I can't write this review because the only thing I can say is wow. Like everything was just perfect again! The ROMANCE Wilder still has my heart, but THAT FREAKING ENDING... OMG i literally NEED THE NEXT BOOK. Helen has almost killed me and I swear she cannot do this to us!!!
ahem..
anyway the romance in this book was on point!!! The spice level definitely went up in this book and I know you steamy romance lovers will really love it! But even without those scenes I still loved the romance, the banter and the tension, omg the tension. It was soo good!! Wilder and Thea are just two headstrong warriors and they just fit so well.
Of course the plot line was full of giant twists and turns and betrayals and secrets being revealed. it was really just a non-stop roller coaster of emotion and action!
Thea and all of the kingdoms are facing a giant threat looming just over the veil. And Thea needs to train hard to be ready for the Great Rite to become a Warsword. But she also has to control her newfound magic before it consumes her. But one of those things is much easier than the other.
IN this book we see Thea training and we even get to see adventure and missions! Of course there was not as much action as the last book but we did get a lot more insight into the world and Helen was just amazing at writing all this info into a fantastic story that I never got lost in.
I also just really love the world, the characters and their dynamics the plot, have I mentioned that I just love everything about this series?
The character development was so good, and Cal and Kip were as amazing friends like always, seriously found family is my favourite trope and Helen just does it SO AMAZINGLY, like if the romance didn't convince you the found family should!
But really go and pick up this series RIGHT NOW!
<b>Short Review from Book 1 to convince you more</b>
The characters were the stand-out of this book! I instantly fell in love with ALL of them, like I will revolt if anything happens to them! Wilder, best book boyfriend like almost ever! (I am not even going to think about that ending though)! Althea is still the PERFECT MC, loved her attitude and fighting spirit! Kipp and Cal, I will still die for them, so precious love their friendship! The plot was so good!! I could not put the book down and was invested in every single page! The world-building was easy to understand but still complex and interesting! I cannot wait for the next book and HIGHLY recommend this to you all!
It has all the good tropes! Found family, enemies to lovers, who did this to you, touch her and you die, a heroine wanting to prove herself in a man’s world and kicking ass along the way, royals with magic, one horse, forbidden love and slow burn with AMAZING tension. These tropes are all done so well and I seriously need you to read this book!!
An Echo of Fire by Amber Lynn Natusch
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
The blurb of this book does a really good job of setting up the story and instantly captured my interest but honestly the story really evolves so much more from those event and I just could not stop reading!!
The world was created in such detail, and yeah there were some familiar elements but the author was able to just add so much more to it! I am very excited for the next book so we can explore more of the world! Featuring three species of creatures, dragons (Minyades), fae (Neráides) and gargoyles (Nychterídes) this book really had it all! I loved how each species had their own distinct features and villages the prejudice between the races was also written really well! The magical forest between the two villages was also a great addition to the story and I loved learning about all the dark creatures that roamed around in it.
The characters were just amazing! It is a dual POV between a half blooded Minyade and Nychteride Ariel, who is the daughter of the Nychteride general and Hemming a half-blooded Nychteride and Neraide. Their friendship was so amazing and I love the slow-burn, tension and banter as the friendship slowly turned into more! The characters individually were also amazing and I loved their personalities! Also Hemming was just so protective which made it all the better!
The plot was fast-paced and i was never bored! It started off normally just still with enough mystery and action to keep you interested, until everything was revealed and I just could not put the book down!
I actually don't really have any negatives because I enjoyed the story so much! I highly highly recommend this book to people who love:
✨ Dragons
✨ Fae
✨ Shape-shifters
✨ forced proximity
✨ slowburn friends-to-enemies-to-lovers romance
✨ fast-paced plot full of action
✨ mysterious dark forest full of creatures
✨ Hidden secrets weaved throughout the story
Thank you so much to the author and BookofMatchesMedia for giving me an eArc, this review is my honest opinion and was not impacted by this.
The world was created in such detail, and yeah there were some familiar elements but the author was able to just add so much more to it! I am very excited for the next book so we can explore more of the world! Featuring three species of creatures, dragons (Minyades), fae (Neráides) and gargoyles (Nychterídes) this book really had it all! I loved how each species had their own distinct features and villages the prejudice between the races was also written really well! The magical forest between the two villages was also a great addition to the story and I loved learning about all the dark creatures that roamed around in it.
The characters were just amazing! It is a dual POV between a half blooded Minyade and Nychteride Ariel, who is the daughter of the Nychteride general and Hemming a half-blooded Nychteride and Neraide. Their friendship was so amazing and I love the slow-burn, tension and banter as the friendship slowly turned into more! The characters individually were also amazing and I loved their personalities! Also Hemming was just so protective which made it all the better!
The plot was fast-paced and i was never bored! It started off normally just still with enough mystery and action to keep you interested, until everything was revealed and I just could not put the book down!
I actually don't really have any negatives because I enjoyed the story so much! I highly highly recommend this book to people who love:
✨ Dragons
✨ Fae
✨ Shape-shifters
✨ forced proximity
✨ slowburn friends-to-enemies-to-lovers romance
✨ fast-paced plot full of action
✨ mysterious dark forest full of creatures
✨ Hidden secrets weaved throughout the story
Thank you so much to the author and BookofMatchesMedia for giving me an eArc, this review is my honest opinion and was not impacted by this.
Control: Book #1: Lockwood Trology by Melissa Cassera
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
Natalie has a normal life in a prestigious boarding school where she is dating the most popular guy because her father wants to keep his father happy. Very normal. Until Henry shows up. Henry is different, but she doesn't know why. Something keeps attracting her to him.
Little does Natalie know that Henry is a pre-cog, someone with psychic abilities who has had a vision of her death. The pre-cogs have one rule, do not mess with a vision. Henry has never met Natalie before but he knows that he cannot let her die.
But there are consequences for changing a vision. And Henry is just about to discover a wide conspiracy tied to Natalie's past.
At first I wasn't really into the book, the start was a little weird for me, i don't know why but I was hesitant to continue. Once I did I was immersed in a twisty, soap-opera-y, paranormal romance story.
I found the concept of the plot to be very interesting, where there's people with special psychic ability. At first I was very confused how it would all work but a little bit was revealed at the end and it was supposed to be one of the mysteries so I did question it. These people with psychic abilities are called Precogs and the first thought I had about them was that it seemed like some creepy religious cult thing... you'll have to read the book to see if I was right about that.
The setting of the story also suited the plot although was only used for an introduction of characters it kept me interested it was set in a private boarding school on a lonely island, where the only way to get to the school is by a ferry. There is also a big gate, security guards and cameras everywhere that don't work... or do they?
One thing I wasn't a huge fan of was the romance between the main characters. It has the insta-love/attraction and it just felt way too fast for me. They make eye contact and they’re obsessed with each other. I also didn't like the love triangle, one character was just thrown in there to shake things up and didn't really make that much sense.
Overall, I recommend this for someone who is looking for a fast-paced paranormal romance thriller with messy characters and plenty of secrets.
Thanks to the author and BookOfMatchesMedia for an eArc copy of the book for my honest review. All thoughts are my own and were not impacted by this.
Little does Natalie know that Henry is a pre-cog, someone with psychic abilities who has had a vision of her death. The pre-cogs have one rule, do not mess with a vision. Henry has never met Natalie before but he knows that he cannot let her die.
But there are consequences for changing a vision. And Henry is just about to discover a wide conspiracy tied to Natalie's past.
At first I wasn't really into the book, the start was a little weird for me, i don't know why but I was hesitant to continue. Once I did I was immersed in a twisty, soap-opera-y, paranormal romance story.
I found the concept of the plot to be very interesting, where there's people with special psychic ability. At first I was very confused how it would all work but a little bit was revealed at the end and it was supposed to be one of the mysteries so I did question it. These people with psychic abilities are called Precogs and the first thought I had about them was that it seemed like some creepy religious cult thing... you'll have to read the book to see if I was right about that.
The setting of the story also suited the plot although was only used for an introduction of characters it kept me interested it was set in a private boarding school on a lonely island, where the only way to get to the school is by a ferry. There is also a big gate, security guards and cameras everywhere that don't work... or do they?
One thing I wasn't a huge fan of was the romance between the main characters. It has the insta-love/attraction and it just felt way too fast for me. They make eye contact and they’re obsessed with each other. I also didn't like the love triangle, one character was just thrown in there to shake things up and didn't really make that much sense.
Overall, I recommend this for someone who is looking for a fast-paced paranormal romance thriller with messy characters and plenty of secrets.
Thanks to the author and BookOfMatchesMedia for an eArc copy of the book for my honest review. All thoughts are my own and were not impacted by this.
Follow the Shadows by Rosemary Drisdelle
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
3.5 stars
This was an enjoyable read full of dragons, mystery and Wicca but is suited for a middle grade of early YA audience.
I did pick this book up because of the dragons and the pretty cover and I've got to say it was pretty good! I thought it was very original and loved the unique take on dragons.
These dragons have spheres at the end of their tails and these spheres can emit light, enable humans to communicate with dragons and let them sphere-travel.
Our MC Marise found one of these spheres (not attached to a dragon obviously) and unknowingly traveled to the mysterious land filled with dragons, some that want to kill her and others that help.
At first Marise was a bit annoying but soon was developed into such an amazing MC, also she bonded with a dragon Javeer. And this dragon was so FUN and cute! AS Marise spends more time in the world searching for ways to get home she discovers that the dragons are suffering from a sickness, the Stagger.
Then Marise can finally go home, except she doesn't want to. Because she wants to help the dragons discover the origin of the Stagger. So begins her big quest of discovery! The mystery of this was woven so well into the story and I loved the slow reveal of it!
Of course this book had such an amazing concept, characters and world! The only thing that let it down for me was some of the writing. I don't know if it was just the formatting of the book on my kindle but some of it was very jumpy from one scene to the next and it disoriented me a little. The dialogue was also kind of weird. It did suit the dragons well but sometimes again was a little choppy.
However, I still really enjoyed this read and just know that as the author develops as a writer her books will be absolutely amazing!
Thanks to Netgalley and Sparkpress for a copy of this book to review, this did not impact my review and all thoughts are my own.
This was an enjoyable read full of dragons, mystery and Wicca but is suited for a middle grade of early YA audience.
I did pick this book up because of the dragons and the pretty cover and I've got to say it was pretty good! I thought it was very original and loved the unique take on dragons.
These dragons have spheres at the end of their tails and these spheres can emit light, enable humans to communicate with dragons and let them sphere-travel.
Our MC Marise found one of these spheres (not attached to a dragon obviously) and unknowingly traveled to the mysterious land filled with dragons, some that want to kill her and others that help.
At first Marise was a bit annoying but soon was developed into such an amazing MC, also she bonded with a dragon Javeer. And this dragon was so FUN and cute! AS Marise spends more time in the world searching for ways to get home she discovers that the dragons are suffering from a sickness, the Stagger.
Then Marise can finally go home, except she doesn't want to. Because she wants to help the dragons discover the origin of the Stagger. So begins her big quest of discovery! The mystery of this was woven so well into the story and I loved the slow reveal of it!
Of course this book had such an amazing concept, characters and world! The only thing that let it down for me was some of the writing. I don't know if it was just the formatting of the book on my kindle but some of it was very jumpy from one scene to the next and it disoriented me a little. The dialogue was also kind of weird. It did suit the dragons well but sometimes again was a little choppy.
However, I still really enjoyed this read and just know that as the author develops as a writer her books will be absolutely amazing!
Thanks to Netgalley and Sparkpress for a copy of this book to review, this did not impact my review and all thoughts are my own.
A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Okay so I put this one off for a while. and I deeply regret it!!
For some reason I felt like I wasn't allowed to like this book so much because its so popular but omg I just had to rate it 5 stars because it was SOOO GOOD!
All the out of context spoilers I've seen over the years finally make sense too!
I probably don't have to go around convincing you all to read this since most of you already have so I'll just tell you my spoiler free thoughts while reading:
Start, I wonder why everyone hates Tamlin so much I liked him in the first book.
After a few chapters, oh yeah I see why now.
Next, OMG I love Rhysand!! He's so sweet, also love how the author is portraying her trauma and its not just instantly fixed straight away.
But wait, Ok Tamlin can not redeem himself now
THen, AHHHH FOUND FAMILY I LOVE THIS SO MUCH
next, YES QUESTS TIME ADVENTURE HERE WE COME
after, omg Rhysand is so protective and I love it
Then, THEYRE SO CUTE TOGETHER
but wait, don't ruin it Rhysand!!
Wait this festival is so cool!! And I can see where the symbol comes from and why everyone is obsessed with it
YES FEYRE GO GET YOUR MAN BACK
oh no...
OOP okay that's good now the spice is coming...
NOOOO THEY WERE HAPPY, but yes Feyre unleash your POWER
Uh oh this isn't go to go as planned
I was right, but I definitely couldn't have predicted ALL THAT oh and Tamlin = Trash I am wondering what Lucien will do though!
And that's it, it was very chaotic I wonder who read through all that... anyway the writing was absolutely amazing deserving of a Bestselling author, all the characters were so distinct and thought out plus their dynamic together was just perfect! and the romance... omg the romance I can definitely see why everyone is so obsessed, I think I might be now too
For some reason I felt like I wasn't allowed to like this book so much because its so popular but omg I just had to rate it 5 stars because it was SOOO GOOD!
All the out of context spoilers I've seen over the years finally make sense too!
I probably don't have to go around convincing you all to read this since most of you already have so I'll just tell you my spoiler free thoughts while reading:
Start, I wonder why everyone hates Tamlin so much I liked him in the first book.
After a few chapters, oh yeah I see why now.
Next, OMG I love Rhysand!! He's so sweet, also love how the author is portraying her trauma and its not just instantly fixed straight away.
But wait, Ok Tamlin can not redeem himself now
THen, AHHHH FOUND FAMILY I LOVE THIS SO MUCH
next, YES QUESTS TIME ADVENTURE HERE WE COME
after, omg Rhysand is so protective and I love it
Then, THEYRE SO CUTE TOGETHER
but wait, don't ruin it Rhysand!!
Wait this festival is so cool!! And I can see where the symbol comes from and why everyone is obsessed with it
YES FEYRE GO GET YOUR MAN BACK
oh no...
OOP okay that's good now the spice is coming...
NOOOO THEY WERE HAPPY, but yes Feyre unleash your POWER
Uh oh this isn't go to go as planned
I was right, but I definitely couldn't have predicted ALL THAT oh and Tamlin = Trash I am wondering what Lucien will do though!
And that's it, it was very chaotic I wonder who read through all that... anyway the writing was absolutely amazing deserving of a Bestselling author, all the characters were so distinct and thought out plus their dynamic together was just perfect! and the romance... omg the romance I can definitely see why everyone is so obsessed, I think I might be now too
Powerless by Jacqueline Pretty
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
4.5 stars
Honestly I read this book a little while ago and can't remember everything, but I knew I absolutely loved it! And it was so unexpected too!
I was hooked from the first page and the author did not let me go! The writing was amazing and I could see everything so clearly in my head. The characters were so complex and amazing, all morally grey too.
In this world superheros are real and discovered by a strand of DNA, but they have to be registered and monitored. Hanna is a part of the Super family, the daughter of the guy who found the DNA strand. But out of her three monstrous siblings, she is the only one who never manifested a power. So of course her father tried many many things to get her to show powers. But none of them worked, so she spent her days in the lab trying to make herself useful.
Until there was a leak and everyone blames her. She is cast out into the street straight into enemy hands. The Brotherhood, the society her mother was a part of and her father was trying to destroy. Hanna decides she will earn her place back in the family by spying. But in the end she must decide how far she will go for power. Will she betray her monstrous family, or the new ruthless family she has found in the Brotherhood?
The premise of this book sounds so good and it was definitely executed that way as well! I honestly wasn't expecting much but I got drawn into Hanna's world of fear, torture, science, superheroes and mafia gangs.
It had an unraveling mystery, strong characters, amazing writing and was action-packed!
I highly recommend this book to all my sci-fi fantasy fans who love a good genetic superhero trope with adventure and action plus a tight sisterly bond, bold and brash characters and of course daddy issues.
Content notes: self harm, toxic family dynamics, light drug references, and mild violence
Thank you so much to BOMM tours and the author for providing me with this copy.
Honestly I read this book a little while ago and can't remember everything, but I knew I absolutely loved it! And it was so unexpected too!
I was hooked from the first page and the author did not let me go! The writing was amazing and I could see everything so clearly in my head. The characters were so complex and amazing, all morally grey too.
In this world superheros are real and discovered by a strand of DNA, but they have to be registered and monitored. Hanna is a part of the Super family, the daughter of the guy who found the DNA strand. But out of her three monstrous siblings, she is the only one who never manifested a power. So of course her father tried many many things to get her to show powers. But none of them worked, so she spent her days in the lab trying to make herself useful.
Until there was a leak and everyone blames her. She is cast out into the street straight into enemy hands. The Brotherhood, the society her mother was a part of and her father was trying to destroy. Hanna decides she will earn her place back in the family by spying. But in the end she must decide how far she will go for power. Will she betray her monstrous family, or the new ruthless family she has found in the Brotherhood?
The premise of this book sounds so good and it was definitely executed that way as well! I honestly wasn't expecting much but I got drawn into Hanna's world of fear, torture, science, superheroes and mafia gangs.
It had an unraveling mystery, strong characters, amazing writing and was action-packed!
I highly recommend this book to all my sci-fi fantasy fans who love a good genetic superhero trope with adventure and action plus a tight sisterly bond, bold and brash characters and of course daddy issues.
Content notes: self harm, toxic family dynamics, light drug references, and mild violence
Thank you so much to BOMM tours and the author for providing me with this copy.