rebeccas_in_book_love's reviews
179 reviews

Sword Catcher by Cassandra Clare

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

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

5.0

I feel so surprised by this book in the best way and did not see this 5 star read coming! I’ve not seen Sword Catcher on too many TBRs but it sounded so good to me and was gifted to me at Christmas….so I read it and OH MY GOSH. Hang on, picking up my jaw…..ok, this book follows Prince Conor and Kel, an orphan brought into the castle at 10 years old, who serves as Conor’s Sword Catcher which means Kel’s whole life and purpose is to train to protect the Prince and be willing to die for him. It’s obviously a very intense role but one Kel, who loves Conor, see as his honor. As we get immersed in the world that Cassandra Clare has crafted so intricately and masterfully, conspiracies and threats to the Kingdom are revealed. There’s also a magic that is introduced which I thought was unique and with each chapter we learn more and more about the lore and history of why magic had disappeared. The world building was well crafted, the pacing perfect, the banter between certain characters now lives rent free in my head, and the characters themselves were layered and complex putting the gray in morally gray - I cannot wait for the next in this series and if you’re looking for a fast paced fun time with twists and turns and magic - give this one a go! 

House of Bane and Blood by Alexis L. Menard

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? It's complicated

5.0

 I am SHOOK! Ahhh! Ok - let me get myself together….this book was perfection for me. Let me explain. 😊 House of Bane and Blood by Alexis L. Menard is the first book in her Order and Chaos series. In this world we follow two POV’s - Milla and Nico as they navigate an arranged marriage from two powerful families - one whose power comes from magic bloodlines and one whose power comes from influence and control but corruption runs deep in the quest to be on top. This is enemies to lovers, found family, and the ‘who hurt you vibes’ are VIBING (I see you Nico 🖤!!) My tabs are exploding and I was here for all of it! If you love a fast-paced (and well paced in my opinion), character driven story with a great plot, slow burn done amazingly, with magic, lore, and a world that I loved being immersed in - then check this one out! It looks like book 2 is set to be released in May 2024 - ahhhhh! I feel about as patient as Milla but it’s fine… 😂! Five star read to close out the year and what a fantastic time! I’ll definitely be rereading this - also the amount of tabs sacrificed to the reading of this books was….excessive but I have no regrets! 😂 💜🥰🫶 

The Foxglove King by Hannah Whitten

adventurous dark emotional mysterious 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

4.5

The Foxglove King by Hannah Whitten is the 1st book in the Nightshade Crown Trilogy. In this story we follow Lore - a young woman who is able to channel Mortem- a death magic - and works in the city as a poison runner. She’s a survivor and keeps her powers hidden, along with a mysterious past that ties her to the goddess Nyxara. Circumstances arise that thrust her into the royal court as a spy working with Gabe - a member of the Presque Mort (servants of the church that keep Mortem from getting out of hand). As she gets closer to the King’s son, the Prince, and uncovers darker truths - Lore must finally face her own truths and darkness. A fast-paced fantasy with twists and turns and dark overtures that pull you in, this is was an enjoyable read and I can’t wait to read the next in the series!

Godkiller by Hannah Kaner

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny inspiring mysterious sad 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

5.0

I LOVED this! A fast-paced epic fantasy that kept me turning the pages. And the ending…. I can’t wait for book 2. In this story, we follow a godkiller (Kissen), a knight turned baker (Elo), and a young girl (Inara) with a god (Skedi) who is unable to be separated from her. This world is fresh off a war where all gods and their shrines were destroyed. King Arren has now outlawed the worshiping of any gods, banned shrines and uses godkillers to work as mercenaries in his name to destroy any gods that show up. While it’s post war, there’s still distrust and unrest. After certain events end up bringing these three characters together, we learn there are dark secrets and even darker betrayals that could threaten everything. It definitely gives Witcher vibes in the best way and the pacing of this was perfect for me! I had a fantastic time with this read!

A Fire Endless by Rebecca Ross

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

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

5.0

This book…THIS BOOK!! Rebecca Ross’ writing is some next level, ethereal, transcendent, spiritual experience and I am entranced…I am BEWITCHED and I’m here for it! In this second book in the Elements of Cadence duology, we continue to follow Adaira & Jack and Sidra & Tarin, along with new characters introduced. This is a stunning conclusion to the mystery around the curse that split the isle in two - east & west - with one being blessed in abundance with magic but struggling with famine and poverty - its people starving & cold, while the other side can only use magic at a direct cost to the wielder, but the land is prosperous and its people always well fed. With two rival sides where peace seems unlikely and the threat of war more imminent, will the curse be broken? With new challenges to face, new characters introduced, and stakes that continue to increase - the price for peace may be too high. Not only is the book beautifully written, but it also speaks to themes of grief, loss, and love in such a touching way. So many times, the interactions between these characters were just so incredibly moving that it stayed with me long after I closed the book, and I know has had a lasting effect. 😊

Vows & Ruins by Helen Scheuerer

adventurous dark emotional mysterious 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

5.0

In this second book in The Legends of Thezmarr series we are continuing to follow Thea, Wilder Hawthorne, Wren, and many others from the 1st book -’Blood & Steel’. It’s dual POV between Thea and Wilder exploring themes of friendship, sisterhood, love, and betrayal. We start to learn more about the Veil & the mysteries surrounding it. Truths are revealed that left my jaw on the floor and now I need Book 3! 😊 The politics also start to take center stage and we get a lot more world-building outside of the walls of Thezmarr. I LOVED this second installment even more than the 1st book ‘Blood & Steel’ - which I gave 5 stars too! I love the character development with Thea, the relationship between her and Wilder and his development as well. The plot and mystery around the new threats to the Kingdom are also well-paced making these 500+ books so easy to fly through! I’m excited for the third book projected to release in 2024. This world and these characters are so much fun to experience! I don’t know whether this is slated to be a trilogy or if more books are anticipated. Either way, I’m here for it! Helen Scheuerer’s writing just flows off the page for me and I’m having the time of my life with these characters and uncovering the mystery of what’s going on alongside them! 

Broken Whispers by Neva Altaj
Did not finish book. Stopped at 75%.

This was not for me. I love a good mafia romance. The Sweetest Oblivion by Danielle Lori is still one of my favorites! This had the ingredients for a great story - rival Mafia groups (Russians & Italians), an arranged marriage, beauty & the beast vibes, but it just fell flat. I made it 78% of the way through and then opted to not finish. The tension between our MC’s was not there. It was insta-love with no burn. The scenes between them were either completely unrealistic or just too over the top and then when I was interested…. fade to black. There’s a mall bathroom scene and the ick vibes were high. I just could not take this book seriously. I bought this book based on Bookstagram recommendations, but it did not live up to the hype falling flat I REALLY wanted to love this but don’t. 1 Star. 

Foxglove by Adalyn Grace

adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

5.0

Loved this!! Ready for book 3!!

Recipe for Love by Anne Malcom

emotional funny lighthearted fast-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

5.0

A sweet (and spicy!) story with a charming baker and army veteran.  Recently disengaged  bakery owner Nora, has had a crush on Rowan since she laid eyes on him.  Rowan, an army vet who has his own construction company, has also admired Nora but from afar.  However, that all changes when he sees a bruise on her face and steps in to protect her.  I LOVED this story - the pacing, the character development, the “who hurt you” - ahhhh! Chef’s kiss!! 

The Bone Shard War by Andrea Stewart

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious sad tense fast-paced

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

5.0

This was a stunning conclusion to the story! My heart has been ripped out and rebuilt - just wow.  Loved this series and this third book wraps everything up in an emotional yet satisfying way.