rdmoreland0801's reviews
212 reviews

King's Cage by Victoria Aveyard

adventurous challenging dark emotional tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

It was so sad to confirm that Maven was made this way because of his mother’s interference, but we already knew that.  However, what’s worse is that Maven cannot or will not change his ways.  His feelings for Mare were could have saved him, but they were instead twisted into obsession.

I love the sweet little moments of Mare and Cal here and there, it was a nice way to break up some of the sad or difficult stuff.

I also really liked the relationships Mare was able to start building with the other newbloods.  I hope we get to see even more interaction with Kilorn but especially Farley.  I think they could be a lot of good for each other.

On to the final book!

Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard

adventurous challenging emotional tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

How can I give this high of a rating when I dislike the main character so much?  Because I think that’s the point.  We’ve been told again and again that nobody is born evil, anybody can betray anybody, etc.  mate is pretty self-centered and selfish, but she’s a 17 year old girl who got thrown into being the face of a revolution.  

Mare is so confused and it shows through in her actions.  She doesn’t want to be looked at as a leader, but she still expects people to follow her.  She tells herself not to trust anybody, but ends up trusting all the wrong people while pushing those who love her away.

In the next book, we’ll either see her fight back against Maven, or she’ll continue down the dark path she’s headed down.  Kilorn, Cal, and Julian all see it and they’re scared.

I’m excited to see more of Maven in the next book, especially after that ending.

A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson

emotional reflective 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? It's complicated

4.0

Not my typical genre, but it was a nice little palette cleanser for me.

I wish the book had been a little bit longer so we could have gotten even more little details about their experiences through time.  Some parts felt a little rushed.

I also kinda wish they had all gone their separate ways at the end.  They were so entirely trauma-bonded, I think it would’ve been extremely healing for them to finally be their own people.

I would like a couple more stories from their times after his death.  In the end, Constanta said she’d never say his name again.  I love how she never actually said his name throughout the entire book.  She really made the story about the wives, rather than the man.

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

adventurous funny mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Not sure how it’s possible that I both did and didn’t see the betrayal coming.  There’s something to be said about being too good to be true.

Nobody and nothing is as it seems.  Mare is a lowly Red thief, avoiding the Silver elite at every turn.  After a crazy turn of events, she finds herself in the middle of this unknown world.

Made is now struggling to navigate this treacherous new life, while contributing to the rebel forces, and fighting her feelings between two princes.

This was a a good start to a fantasy series.  I’m looking forward to more.

Some Kind of Perfect by Krista Ritchie, Becca Ritchie

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

What a perfect way to end this 5⭐️ series.  10 books, 17 years, 4 marriages, and 14 children.  That’s an amazing feat.

I have grown so connected to these characters, it’s hard to say goodbye.  Lily turned out to be stronger and braver than she ever imagined.  Lo became the most amazing father, the one thing he never thought he could accomplish.  Connor and Rose fight with everything they have for those they love, and they instilled that same confidence in all of their children.  Ryke and Daisy were destined to be alone until they met each other, their determination to keep their kids safe born from their struggles.

I cannot wait to continue with the Like Us series after I give myself some time to let this ending soak in.

Bride by Ali Hazelwood

adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Ali Hazelwood continues to be an automatic read for me.  I’m really hoping we get a second book about alien and Serena.

Misery’s reluctant relationship with Ana is the cutest thing.  I loved how her and Lowe’s friendship developed.  I’m glad Serena didn’t turn out to be super shady.  I was so happy when the pack started to accept her.

Miss Hazelwood has the perfect formula and I will continue to read everything she puts out.

Long Way Down by Krista Ritchie, Becca Ritchie

challenging emotional funny inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Ryke and Daisy are the most private of the couples and also feel the most responsibility to their siblings.  Daisy constantly puts herself on the back burner to ensure her sisters are okay.  Ryke worries so much about Lo.

This time, it’s their turn to need help and they’ll just have to learn how to accept that.  We see so much growth between all six of them throughout this book and it’s always incredible to see them from different perspectives.

Daisy’s fertility issues really hit home for me, and I was relieved to get such a happy ending.  Ryke will be the absolute best girl dad.

Every couple has their own strengths, but Ryke and Daisy refuse to give anything they love up to start their family.  In doing so, they’re teaching their kids to run headfirst into any situation.

The epilogue in this book was fantastic, but I am glad we get one more full-length epilogue novel to get all the loving yet heartbreaking moments to the end.

That First Flight by Jenn McMahon

emotional funny fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

Oliver and Macey are definitely my favorite couple so far in this series.  Oliver has major golden retriever vibes and Macey is just so overwhelmingly sweet and compassionate.

It was sad having to see the way that Macey’s parents (specifically her mother) treated her and even threatened to have her daughter taken away.  Macey did everything right in raising her daughter, despite having her so young.

I LOVED the bond between Oliver and Mackenzie.  She had picked up on all the negativity from her grandparents and never got to be a true kid.  Oliver gave her that chance and she thrived.

I always appreciate a romance with no third-act breakup and Jenn always delivers!

Fuel the Fire by Krista Ritchie, Becca Ritchie

5.0

Electric Idol by Katee Robert

4.0