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raikowlreads's reviews
151 reviews
Dungeons and Drama by Kristy Boyce
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
If there was better explaination about the world building, I might've liked it more. You just jump into the world really in someone's timeline with no real background information.
Absolutely loved the inclusive characters tho!
Absolutely loved the inclusive characters tho!
Vale of Dreams by Alex Rivers, C.N. Crawford
Crawford and Rivers have done an amazing job on the sequal of the Fey Academy series. The tension of navigating the royal court while staying undercover as a spy made this book incredibly gripping.
Even if Nia might not like the Fey prince herself, he has definitely captured my heart with his sobbing background story and undeniable charm. It's fascinating to see two sides of what may be the most terrifying man in the Fey kingdom.
The second book leans a lot into the spying and lying part, compared to the romantic scenes in the first one. I did not mind this at all, however my heart aches to see more of Raphael & Nia's relationship. If you're more interested in the espionage aspect, this book will be a great fit.
The story concludes with an unexpected and thrilling cliffhanger, leaving readers eager for more.
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
hank you to C.N. Crawford for sending me a copy to review. It's been an honour to be able to read this series so far.
This review might contain spoilers from the previous book Avalon Tower, which is the first of the Fey Academy for Spies series. If you'd like to read my review of that book, click here.
The war between Brocéliande and the humans continues. After attempting to rescue Raphael from the depths of the castle, Nia must now pose as the mistress of the fearsome Fey Prince known as the Dreamstalker.With Nia close to the prince, the human army might finally have a chance of winning the war. The prince seeks to use her hidden power for his own purposes, while she needs his intel to further her cause. But can Nia resist the Dreamstalker and save her world?
Crawford and Rivers have done an amazing job on the sequal of the Fey Academy series. The tension of navigating the royal court while staying undercover as a spy made this book incredibly gripping.
Even if Nia might not like the Fey prince herself, he has definitely captured my heart with his sobbing background story and undeniable charm. It's fascinating to see two sides of what may be the most terrifying man in the Fey kingdom.
The second book leans a lot into the spying and lying part, compared to the romantic scenes in the first one. I did not mind this at all, however my heart aches to see more of Raphael & Nia's relationship. If you're more interested in the espionage aspect, this book will be a great fit.
The story concludes with an unexpected and thrilling cliffhanger, leaving readers eager for more.
Avalon Tower by Alex Rivers, C.N. Crawford
adventurous
challenging
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
Thank you to C.N. Crawford for sending me a copy to review
Nia finds herself in a dangerous situation when her trip to France doesn't go as planned. What was meant to be a fun birthday celebration, became a dangerous fight with the Fey who has occupied half of France. Not only that, but she finds out that she might not be so human as she thinks she is as she starts to find explination for her everyday, that wasn't meant to be so everyday, but magic. Now she must become a spy and train in Avalon Tower, where some trails will test her skills if she truely belongs there. Not only that, but the guy that told her to become a spy, her mentor Raphael turns out to be just her type, whether she likes it or not. The only problem is: Romantic relationships will get you expelled.
This book is absolutely amazing. I loved the fact it plays in different locations and that these locations have their own worldbuilding around it, with some history from the real world mixed in. Seeing how France works with half occupied land, and the other half being free but still trying to keep the other half happy so they won't attack them, was absolutely great.
The missions of the spies were so tense at some times I couldn't stop reading, finding myself delved into this book at 2am, telling myself: "just another chapter and I'll stop." I don't think I've ever read such a good spy book before, and this made me realise even more how much I love this trope. It really made you feel you were a spy in that mission, the amount of detail you pick up and that they have to sink in, to stay aware of everyone's abouts.
The romance was also fantastic, I love the enemies to lovers turning into forbidden romance. It gives still that tension in the relationship, making them act like they're really still enemies for one another. The enemies to lovers part did go quickly, but I think the forbidden romance might have saved the romance plot for me.
Overall this book was written very smoothly, and I wish I didnt drag it out for too long, because C.N. Crawford has definitely gained a new fan due to this book. I love that you don't get infodumped about the situation, past or surroundings, but just enough to take in the environment. To make you feel present in this story, being able to imagine it in your head.
I recommend this book for fans of Leigh Bardugo & Holly Black.
Nia finds herself in a dangerous situation when her trip to France doesn't go as planned. What was meant to be a fun birthday celebration, became a dangerous fight with the Fey who has occupied half of France. Not only that, but she finds out that she might not be so human as she thinks she is as she starts to find explination for her everyday, that wasn't meant to be so everyday, but magic. Now she must become a spy and train in Avalon Tower, where some trails will test her skills if she truely belongs there. Not only that, but the guy that told her to become a spy, her mentor Raphael turns out to be just her type, whether she likes it or not. The only problem is: Romantic relationships will get you expelled.
This book is absolutely amazing. I loved the fact it plays in different locations and that these locations have their own worldbuilding around it, with some history from the real world mixed in. Seeing how France works with half occupied land, and the other half being free but still trying to keep the other half happy so they won't attack them, was absolutely great.
The missions of the spies were so tense at some times I couldn't stop reading, finding myself delved into this book at 2am, telling myself: "just another chapter and I'll stop." I don't think I've ever read such a good spy book before, and this made me realise even more how much I love this trope. It really made you feel you were a spy in that mission, the amount of detail you pick up and that they have to sink in, to stay aware of everyone's abouts.
The romance was also fantastic, I love the enemies to lovers turning into forbidden romance. It gives still that tension in the relationship, making them act like they're really still enemies for one another. The enemies to lovers part did go quickly, but I think the forbidden romance might have saved the romance plot for me.
Overall this book was written very smoothly, and I wish I didnt drag it out for too long, because C.N. Crawford has definitely gained a new fan due to this book. I love that you don't get infodumped about the situation, past or surroundings, but just enough to take in the environment. To make you feel present in this story, being able to imagine it in your head.
I recommend this book for fans of Leigh Bardugo & Holly Black.
The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan
adventurous
challenging
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Poor Arachne ):
The Spy Prince of Basadesh by H.M. Heath, H.M. Heath
A new gay fantasy book has hit the market, and as a queer person, I love bringing these books into the spotlight. They're often written by queer authors, and this one is no exception.
"The Spy Prince of Basadesh" is H.M. Heath's debut novel and the first in The Jali Throne series. I am honored to have read it, as it is a strong start to the series. The author knows how to build up characters and make them fit within the world. But the world itself felt not as developed as the characters. I, however, do really appreciate the amount of research she has done to keep the book culturally appropriate.
While the book does include sexual scenes, they are not the main focus. I feel like it established a build up for Arjun and Eldrin's relationship. A good enemies-to-lovers book, which I musn't lie has become one of my favourite tropes.
The book is a straightforward read, with a primary focus on the romance rather than the extensive background storytelling. The war's details are somewhat sparse, with the king of Zorvyaka being depictted as greedy and ruthless in my eyes.
The ending for the book felt for me short, till I realised it is becoming a series. So maybe that the second book will make me feel better about the ending of book one.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
fast-paced
4.0
Thank you so much to H.M. Heath for providing me with a copy in exchange for a review.
Would you go as far as to become a slave for a different country to save your own? Arjun, the prince of Basadesh, risks his life to go undercover and infiltrate the enemy's castle.Despite being on a mission to ensure his country's victory in the war against Zorvyaka, Arjun forms a close bond with the high wizard, Eldrin—the very man responsible for his country's demise. While getting close to the wizard could be a strategy to win the war, Arjun is torn between his duty to his country and his growing feelings for Eldrin.
A new gay fantasy book has hit the market, and as a queer person, I love bringing these books into the spotlight. They're often written by queer authors, and this one is no exception.
"The Spy Prince of Basadesh" is H.M. Heath's debut novel and the first in The Jali Throne series. I am honored to have read it, as it is a strong start to the series. The author knows how to build up characters and make them fit within the world. But the world itself felt not as developed as the characters. I, however, do really appreciate the amount of research she has done to keep the book culturally appropriate.
While the book does include sexual scenes, they are not the main focus. I feel like it established a build up for Arjun and Eldrin's relationship. A good enemies-to-lovers book, which I musn't lie has become one of my favourite tropes.
The book is a straightforward read, with a primary focus on the romance rather than the extensive background storytelling. The war's details are somewhat sparse, with the king of Zorvyaka being depictted as greedy and ruthless in my eyes.
The ending for the book felt for me short, till I realised it is becoming a series. So maybe that the second book will make me feel better about the ending of book one.
Here's to Us by Adam Silvera, Becky Albertalli
Did not finish book. Stopped at 0%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 0%.
I just really dont remember anything about them, so i dont care enough
The Trials of Lila Dalton by L.J. Shepherd
Did not finish book.
Did not finish book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for giving me an Advanced Readers copy. This book was high in my expectations, but sadly didn't make it. I DNF'd it around 65% into the book.
I must say the book starts out really strong. Lila not knowing anything about who she is and what trail she is in, in that exact moment. It was engaging to read, and you wanted to know more about it. But as things rolled on, it felt like the story hit some major slow patches. Kinda sucked 'cause I enjoyed the whole trail thing, but everything else just felt like it was dragging or didn't hit the mark.
I do feel like people who are super into crime thrillers will like this, however it sadly didnt for me.
I must say the book starts out really strong. Lila not knowing anything about who she is and what trail she is in, in that exact moment. It was engaging to read, and you wanted to know more about it. But as things rolled on, it felt like the story hit some major slow patches. Kinda sucked 'cause I enjoyed the whole trail thing, but everything else just felt like it was dragging or didn't hit the mark.
I do feel like people who are super into crime thrillers will like this, however it sadly didnt for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime and Xenophobia
Moderate: Racism, Antisemitism, and Murder
Minor: Car accident
You've Got the Map Backwards by Brian Usobiaga
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Thank you to BookSirens & Brian for giving me an advance reader copy.
We follow the story of both Aisha & Sarah throughout the book. Sarah grapples with a drinking problem and fluctuating mental health, while Aisha navigates the isolating landscape of anxiety during her second year of college.
Despite their complexities, the girls attempt to uphold their lifelong friendship, weathering numerous challenges along the way.
One commendable aspect of the book is its portrayal of Sarah's battle with alcoholism, which feels authentic and relatable. As someone who has personally struggled with similar issues, I found the depiction of her attitude and the consequences of addiction to be strikingly realistic. The story was sombre, but yet still engaging due to its simple writing style. It gave a good flow to the story.
I found myself resonating with the characters, which enhanced my enjoyment of the book.
This writing style might not be for everyone, but it's definitely great for someone who isn't ready to read at a high level yet as a non-native speaker.
So overall the pacing was pretty nice, it wasn't slow but also not too fast either. The characters can feel a bit bland to some, but this could be attributed to the nature of mental illness, which often obscures one's sense of self until they find their way out.
In conclusion, "You've Got the Map Backwards" earns a rating of 4/5 from me.
We follow the story of both Aisha & Sarah throughout the book. Sarah grapples with a drinking problem and fluctuating mental health, while Aisha navigates the isolating landscape of anxiety during her second year of college.
Despite their complexities, the girls attempt to uphold their lifelong friendship, weathering numerous challenges along the way.
One commendable aspect of the book is its portrayal of Sarah's battle with alcoholism, which feels authentic and relatable. As someone who has personally struggled with similar issues, I found the depiction of her attitude and the consequences of addiction to be strikingly realistic. The story was sombre, but yet still engaging due to its simple writing style. It gave a good flow to the story.
I found myself resonating with the characters, which enhanced my enjoyment of the book.
This writing style might not be for everyone, but it's definitely great for someone who isn't ready to read at a high level yet as a non-native speaker.
So overall the pacing was pretty nice, it wasn't slow but also not too fast either. The characters can feel a bit bland to some, but this could be attributed to the nature of mental illness, which often obscures one's sense of self until they find their way out.
In conclusion, "You've Got the Map Backwards" earns a rating of 4/5 from me.