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redfae's reviews
179 reviews
Crossfire by Malorie Blackman
dark
tense
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
3.0
With Toby and Sephy now adulting, I welcomed the introduction of a new generation of teens - Libby and Troy.
It was interesting to see where Toby and Sephy’s lives took them, but I really loved the chapters from the teens perspective. Due to their families past and connections, the teens are kidnapped and it was fun watching them unravel family secrets whilst trapped in a tense dangerous situation. I was excited to see how they were going to get out of this mess.
The book ends on a cliff hanger, so I’ll have to read the next book to see if I like how it ends. That’s the only reason I knocked off some stars. I wanted a satisfyingly conclusion, but Malorie Blackman isn’t a bad thing.
It was interesting to see where Toby and Sephy’s lives took them, but I really loved the chapters from the teens perspective. Due to their families past and connections, the teens are kidnapped and it was fun watching them unravel family secrets whilst trapped in a tense dangerous situation. I was excited to see how they were going to get out of this mess.
The book ends on a cliff hanger, so I’ll have to read the next book to see if I like how it ends. That’s the only reason I knocked off some stars. I wanted a satisfyingly conclusion, but Malorie Blackman isn’t a bad thing.
Double Cross by Malorie Blackman
dark
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
This story was a love story with a happy ending - at last. Although, don’t get me wrong, it still had the gritty story telling of crime and division found in the rest of the series.
One main character is Callie. She is struggling with what she did in the last book and now trying her best to keep out of trouble. Toby is the good boy that desperately wants to impress Callie but doesn’t feel good enough. With the promise of doing a simple delivery job for one of the local gangs, Toby thinks he can finally have the money to impress Callie. But, as you can imagine, the one job sucks him in to a life a crime and now he’s trying to get out alive and have his revenge.
This story was tense, fast paced, dangerous, and I loved the ending.
One main character is Callie. She is struggling with what she did in the last book and now trying her best to keep out of trouble. Toby is the good boy that desperately wants to impress Callie but doesn’t feel good enough. With the promise of doing a simple delivery job for one of the local gangs, Toby thinks he can finally have the money to impress Callie. But, as you can imagine, the one job sucks him in to a life a crime and now he’s trying to get out alive and have his revenge.
This story was tense, fast paced, dangerous, and I loved the ending.
The Lost Sisters by Holly Black
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I enjoyed reliving the story I loved but seeing it from the twin sister’s perspective. This can’t beat The Cruel Prince but I enjoyed it all the same.
The Iron Raven by Julie Kagawa
Did not finish book. Stopped at 15%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 15%.
I don’t like Robin Goodfellow. I’m finding him really annoying and he’s the main character. This one isn’t for me.
On Writers and Writing by Margaret Atwood
Did not finish book. Stopped at 60%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 60%.
I didn’t finish this book. It wasn’t for me. Maybe I’ll revisit one day in the future.
It is exactly as the title suggests - Margaret chatting about different writers and writing, and includes some interesting insights on her life and thoughts on the subject.
It is exactly as the title suggests - Margaret chatting about different writers and writing, and includes some interesting insights on her life and thoughts on the subject.
Awaken by K.S. Marsden
dark
fast-paced
4.0
It was an easy read. There were plenty of incidents with the demon forcing Mark to master his magic to protect those around him. Things go wrong. He falls out with his friends. But, Damien is a good boyfriend that sticks by him. Luca was a cute new addition that I look forward to seeing more of in the series.
I wasn’t a fan of the ending. It ends on a cliffhanger and I felt that Mark hadn’t solved the problem the book started with and was worse off as he’d lost certain connections (I’m being vague so not to spoil it). But, it still was a fun read and there is intrigue for the next book in the series.
I wasn’t a fan of the ending. It ends on a cliffhanger and I felt that Mark hadn’t solved the problem the book started with and was worse off as he’d lost certain connections (I’m being vague so not to spoil it). But, it still was a fun read and there is intrigue for the next book in the series.
Torment by Lauren Kate
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
It’s a good story of a romance between an angel and a Human, Luce. Luce keeps burning to death in each of her lives, although she has no memory of her past lives. She has to rely on the little info her boyfriend allows her about how they are destined to be together. I must admit, I’m not in love with Daniel.
I read Fallen over a decade ago, and it was easy to fall back into the story. However, there was something about this story that felt dated. I think over time main characters have got more feisty, but Luce relies on her boyfriend for protection.
He pulls her out of the boarding school she was at, and moves her to one for angels where he thinks she’ll be more safe. He then abandons her and refuses to answer her questions, leaving her in the dark.
I enjoyed learning more about the other angels, and demons. The “announcers” were interesting and this was one of my favourite parts of the story.
I read Fallen over a decade ago, and it was easy to fall back into the story. However, there was something about this story that felt dated. I think over time main characters have got more feisty, but Luce relies on her boyfriend for protection.
He pulls her out of the boarding school she was at, and moves her to one for angels where he thinks she’ll be more safe. He then abandons her and refuses to answer her questions, leaving her in the dark.
I enjoyed learning more about the other angels, and demons. The “announcers” were interesting and this was one of my favourite parts of the story.
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Book two picks up where book one left off. The cadets need to regroup and establish where they fit into the dynamics of this new set up.
They build an alliance, which introduces lots of new characters. One of which is Cat, Xaden’s ex. As you can imagine, Violet and Cat don’t get on. Now they live together, train together, and are allocated the same unit.
I loved that Rhi is now back in the inner circle. I hated when Violet felt she couldn’t share her secrets as I love their friendship. Also, whilst trying to figure out how to get the Ward working she rebuilds bridges with Dain. Jessina gets to be more involved now as the divide between riders and scribes has gone.
Andarna is growing more powerful every day. Once again, this little dragon saves Violet’s arse more than once. There is a massive epic battle at the end where everyone is tested and has to prove themselves. Once again, Violet figures out what they need to do but is there enough time?
And, the ending! Oh my gosh!
Read it for the friendships, romance, dragons, and magic.
They build an alliance, which introduces lots of new characters. One of which is Cat, Xaden’s ex. As you can imagine, Violet and Cat don’t get on. Now they live together, train together, and are allocated the same unit.
I loved that Rhi is now back in the inner circle. I hated when Violet felt she couldn’t share her secrets as I love their friendship. Also, whilst trying to figure out how to get the Ward working she rebuilds bridges with Dain. Jessina gets to be more involved now as the divide between riders and scribes has gone.
Andarna is growing more powerful every day. Once again, this little dragon saves Violet’s arse more than once. There is a massive epic battle at the end where everyone is tested and has to prove themselves. Once again, Violet figures out what they need to do but is there enough time?
And, the ending! Oh my gosh!
Read it for the friendships, romance, dragons, and magic.
Songbird Heir: A World Of Magic, A World Of Steel by April Grace
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This book packs in a lot! It’s basically three stories in one and all of them overlap.
You have Silver the Steel Princess helping her finance Elijah save his sister Faith. You have the Tinker Eden uncovering more secrets of his heritage. And, a new main character to this book was Adelia, the fiery Pirate Princess, with a big secret of her own.
All of them are on their own adventures battling evil queens across the realms. And, for fans that have read April’s other series, you may spot of a crossover character.
This book was fast paced and a lot of fun.
You have Silver the Steel Princess helping her finance Elijah save his sister Faith. You have the Tinker Eden uncovering more secrets of his heritage. And, a new main character to this book was Adelia, the fiery Pirate Princess, with a big secret of her own.
All of them are on their own adventures battling evil queens across the realms. And, for fans that have read April’s other series, you may spot of a crossover character.
This book was fast paced and a lot of fun.
Checkmate by Malorie Blackman
dark
emotional
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
Another great book in the series. One of the main characters this time is Callie. As a teen mum Sephy has to grow up fast and she does everything she can to protect her baby, especially from how her dad died.
It was heart breaking to see how Callie went from being a sweet innocent child, to getting groomed to be used by The Liberation Militia.
So far this book had the happiest ending out of all three, but it’s still not a HEA. I’m starting to understand that HEA is not Malorie’s thing.
It was heart breaking to see how Callie went from being a sweet innocent child, to getting groomed to be used by The Liberation Militia.
So far this book had the happiest ending out of all three, but it’s still not a HEA. I’m starting to understand that HEA is not Malorie’s thing.
Content Warnings
Minor: Hate crime and Racism