for a book with dragons in the title, there wasn’t enough of them? Feel like the book could have either been shorter or faster paced.

Love a strong female character who defies expectations. I did enjoy the memoir style, but there was barely any suspense and I found it way too slow at times (like at 85% where I was expecting so much action, I was considering marking this as a dnf)

also why the hell would you kill Jacob off?? He was the PERFECT husband, so salty about this and I didn’t expect it at all

The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-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

5.0

stop what you’re doing right now and pick up this book because you will not regret it.

now like everyone I’ve seen this book all over BookTok where everyone is saying this is a 5+ star book so I was intrigued but I wasn’t sure that high dark fantasy was for me.

But after I saw this book on KU and eventually picked it up and began to read, I devoured it! The first 40ish % did take me a little bit to get too, you’re immediately getting this amazing world building between a mother who has a mysterious past she can’t talk about (Misaki Tsusano) and her amazing sword bearer eldest son who is finding out everything the empire has told them about Kaigen’s history isn’t all true (Mamoru Matsuda).

I recommend reading StoryGraph’s description because it perfectly described the Sword of Kaigens synopsis without revealing the spoilers I would accidentally spurt out.

the sword of kaigen has it all, perfectly developed characters, outstanding magical fight scenes, and Wang makes sure you feel ALL the emotions, I mean I was trying reading chapters but just couldn’t put this book down, this book consumes you and I will never stop talking about it.

Content Warnings

Raiders of the Lost Heart by Jo Segura

Go to review page

adventurous inspiring lighthearted mysterious medium-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

1.25

Raiders of the Lost Heart, is a super quick and fluffy romance adventure.

I absolutely loved the fmc Dr Socorro “Corrie” Mejia, and she is everything a bad ass strong inspirational character should be. I absolutely loved her sense of adventure and her humour.

Its just a shame she was taken for granted (and with sexist comments withholding her from her archeological positions)

now if this book just focused on Corrie instead, I would have probably gave it a 3⭐️ but unfortunately the mmc Dr Ford Matthew’s just ruined the book slightly for me. I understand why he took on this archeological expedition.

But after finding out he’s the reason she didn’t get the fellowship for Yale, or being the leader of this expedition in the first place, it’s hard to like him? Especially after Corrie literally tells him how being a woman has held her back and the sexual barriers she goes through??

A Kingdom of Blood and Betrayal by Holly Renee

Go to review page

challenging emotional mysterious medium-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? Yes

1.5

Now I love romantasy, give me all the spice with fantasy elements. But this book was lacking for me, every plot point was followed with repetitive and unnecessary smut. Took away from plot points that I’d have loved to be developed more.

A Kingdom of Stars and Shadows by Holly Renee

Go to review page

adventurous dark mysterious medium-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

4.25

Sparks Still Fly by Cristina Santos

Go to review page

emotional funny inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

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

3.5

I highly recommend this book for anyone that enjoys: second chance romance, best friends brother, found family, guardian trope, duo POV’s, dual timeline (then & now), “good girl” and “my wife”, accidental marriage and it’s always been you💒

This book was absolutely amazing and looped me through so many emotions! And if you’re in a mood for a second chance romance, with a protective and perfect MMC this is the book for YOU.

The chemistry between Owen and Maeve was electric, and I enjoyed that they didn’t immediately reconnect (the tension and angst🥵).

The spicy was absolutely addicting too, pass me a bottle of water because DAMN.

When the bat swoops into her room and she runs to the main house🥵

Now I didn’t read the 1st book in this series, and I will be going back to read Lainey’s (Owen’s sister) story. I’ve seen that book 3 is also coming out later this year, and @ is absolutely addicting so best believe I’m going to be reading Rafael and Charlie’s story💌

Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe

Go to review page

emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced

4.5

More...

readwithbeth_'s reviews 674 reviews

readwithbeth_'s reviews
674 reviews