reka111's reviews
280 reviews

Wings of Starlight by Allison Saft

adventurous emotional hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted relaxing 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? N/A

5.0

And even if I am not beside you, you will still have me. There will never be a star brighter. I will always love you.

It’s just so surreal, it seems so impossibly unreal that I finished this book. It’s so terribly strange to feel so complete. As a child, I never thought — not even in my wildest dreams — that years later I could re-enter, even for a short while, the wonderful world of Pixie Hollow.

I didn’t realize how much I needed this book. I wouldn’t have thought that now — lifetimes later — it would answer every question I had. I’m not saying my adult self was entirely satisfied, because it wasn’t, but I want to evaluate it not with my adult self, but with my inner child, because this book was for her.

Clarion was already an endlessly lovable and adorable character in the movies. While she was 400 years old there, here she’s a young and inexperienced fairy. What we once called wisdom gave way to naivety, and honestly, I don’t mind. The whole world was still ahead of her, with all its troubles and pain. She couldn’t know what would happen, so she made wild decisions, rebelled against the rules, and ran away from everything (doing things she surely wouldn’t do now). Yet because of that, she found peace — which she later lost — and happiness. Many people said she loved Tinkerbell because she saw herself in her. That’s partly true, but not entirely. I don’t think Clarion ever saw herself in Tinkerbell; they were too different. They had and still have similar traits, but no, that just wasn’t the case. I think she only saw her friend Petra in her—a friend she had probably lost by then.

Milori… Oh, dear gods, I’m dead. This man— sorry, fairy — is SO perfect. Seriously. Not a single flaw. He was a gentleman from beginning to end, with the right set of rules. He never did anything wrong, not even for a moment. There’s so much kindness in him, it’s incredible. Even in his youth, he took his duties seriously and always cared for Clarion (he was always the first to suggest she go back to the warm seasons). He never let her get hurt, never pushed her too hard, and gave her everything, even when he lost everything himself. Until now, I believed — hoped — that he lost his wing for the same reason as Periwinkle almost did; recklessly crossing the border to see another world. But no. He gave up his wing for something much more noble; for her. This shook my world so deeply that I will never see them the same way again. This fairy deserves the whole world and everything in it.

The others:

Petra. I was never fully at peace with her; somehow, I didn’t understand her (and I didn’t want to). Then she betrayed Clarion (which, to be fair, she had every right to do, and I understand it), but it still hurt. I could never fully trust her. She seemed doomed to fail from the beginning for me.

Artemis, my dear Artemis. She gave so much and asked for so little in return. She gave me Asterin vibes, but that’s probably just because their goals were similar. I loved her with all my heart. 

Elvina somehow didn’t grow on me, probably because I couldn’t quite place her in my mind. Honestly, I have mixed feelings about her. A part of me understands why she was so protective of Clarion, but another part resents her for being so biased.

I was absolutely terrified of the love story— there, I said it — but I was pleasantly surprised. It developed well. I liked that neither of them suddenly trusted the other; they were full of desires and unspoken words. Their love is so pure and beautiful, I can’t get enough of it.

As for the story itself, it didn’t always hold my attention completely. It was interesting, and I enjoyed visiting familiar places again with small changes, but I didn’t always feel it was heading in the right direction. Still, it was filled with new customs, stories, and moments that added a lot to it. The writing — I’ve never read anything by this author before — was enjoyable. Not outstanding, but I liked it. Although I read it in the original language this time, I might give it another chance if it comes out in my native language. The pacing was appropriate. Even though only weeks (a month) passed, it didn’t feel too slow or too fast.

The ending. Oh, the ending broke me. It hurt so terribly to read that I can’t even explain it. I knew what was coming, but that didn’t lessen the pain. It’s unbelievable to me that they couldn’t truly see each other for centuries! Their goodbye was beautiful and trafic.

Overall, it was worth the wait — a wait that felt endlessly long and difficult — and it mostly lived up to my expectations. This was a love letter to our younger selves, and that’s how it should be treated. I would love to see a movie adaptation of this, though I know it’s pointless to beg the gods for it.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Blood and Injury/Injury detail

Moderate: Medical content

Five Feet Apart by Rachael Lippincott

emotional inspiring reflective tense fast-paced

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

4.0

I want to be fearless and free. It's just life, Will. It'II be over before we know it

I didn't feel completely satisfied when I finished it. It was sad, sure, but something felt a bit hollow.

 I liked Stella's strength and determination, though her perfectionist tendencies felt a bit forced at times.

Will was sarcastic and rebellious all the time. I liked his wit, but his character sometimes felt like a cliché. Overall I didn't faint of him. 

 Poe, my sweet Poe, you deserved the whole world and more. I just wish he got more focus in the book.

The plot was predictable but emotional. The pacing felt rushed toward the end, and the writing was, well, it didn't enchanted ne, it was quite avarage. The ending was nicely closed (not perfect, but it went for one).

Az ​arany iránytű by Philip Pullman
Did not finish book. Stopped at 18%.

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
Did not finish book. Stopped at 4%.

I'll finish it, but right now I'd rather read something other. 

Mother of Rome by Lauren J.A. Bear
Did not finish book. Stopped at 4%.

It seems promising, but I'm not in the right mood for it

A Császárné by Gigi Griffis

hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

2.0

It’s Elisabeth or no one.

A wise man once said, “Don’t speak unless you’re asked.” But I’ve never been one to listen to wise men. So here we are again. I didn't like this book. 

I’m not sure where the writing went wrong — whether at the author’s or translator’s hands — but I'm trembling in hope that they're still practicing it. 

Sisi's character seemed annoying to me, I didn't really care what happened to her, even though she was the main character (and that says a lot). On the other hand, I found Helena far more likable. As for the historical accuracy, I wouldn’t call it remarkable either. Overall, not worth the time

The Leaving by Tara Altebrando
Did not finish book. Stopped at 2%.

I could not finish it

The Empress by Gigi Griffis
Did not finish book. Stopped at 4%.

Nahhh

Öt túlélő by Holly Jackson

challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense fast-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? N/A

4.25

Well that was interesting. It was difficult, painful, and maybe even a little crazy. I didn't think this would be the end, I didn't think there would be so much blood in it. But somehow, for some reason, I can't say it was bad. 

Red was a very lovable protagonist, full of flaws and pain, and yet, after everything, she was the first to be able to throw her life away. She was the one who protected everyone, not Oliver, not Arthur, but her. Her ending is still in the air, but since she woke up, I believe she'll be alright. I'd like to think that she and Maddy don't break, they hold each other's spirits, because neither of them deserved this.

Arthur is my sweet Arthur, he deserves the world, I feel so sorry for him, I shouldn't but that's right. He did everything he could to ensure that no one was hurt, and I do not believe - as he said - that he is a man of war, but rather of peace.

Scorched Skies by E.J. Mellow

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense slow-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? N/A

4.5

Beauty is never soft. You must remember this, my son. Beauty is hard, sharp, vicious. It carves away anything and everything that it believes threatens to make it grotesque. 

Date: 2025/01/08-2025/01/15

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Fiction  

Rating: ★★★★.5  

Spice rating: 🌶🌶.5

Age rating (I think): 18+

TIGGER WARNINGS: Death, Sexual content, Blood, Violence, Vomit, Medical contet, Torture, Injury, Confinement, Drugs, Panic attacks, Fire Injury (mentioned), Kidnaping, Grief, Sexism, Misogyny, Murder, Sexual assault, Racism, Abuse, PTSD, Mature language, Death of Animal, Classism, Animal cruelty

Thank you for the ARC e-copy from the authors in exchange for an honest review.

First, what you can expect from this book:

- forbidden love

- slow burn (I emphasize SLOW)

- dual POV

- Icarus' myth (inspired)

- animal companion

- prince x commoner

- 3rd POV

- enemies to lovers

- slow-paced

- strong character development

I just finished the book and I honestly don't know - I have no idea - how I should feel. It's been an amazing journey, from start to finish, and I'm so glad I was a part of it. It wasn't my first book by the author, but it was probably the first one that really tore my soul apart.

Tanwen was a very likeable character, full of passion, perseverance, courage and sincere loyalty to her family. And finally she was a FMC with a unique power (it was an incredible refreshment that she could not control fire, water, air - lightning - or any other cliché thing, but could communicate with animals!) 

RANDOM NOTE:

I highly recommend the Mousai trilogy to those who want to read about other FMCs. with unique powers. Give it a try, you won't regret it. 

Anyway, back to the present. Zolya, at first, well, I didn't know where to put him, I really didn't. I needed time to understand and love him, but I think everyone else would too. Either way, I loved the storm raging inside him, unlike his father, he was full of emotion and genuinely had the will to change. I understand him and I understand his actions, and I don't blame him for them.

When I say slow burn, THAT's what I mean, super slow, full of gallant and passionate waiting time. The pain of dancing around each other but never really touching. In a word, it was perfectly executed, I find no fault in it. They deserved and deserve each other so much, right from toes to the top of their heads. I loved their little moments, that they were always there for each other, they had difficult moments, but that's just what a relationship is.

I don't really want to single out the other characters, but there were a few who grew particularly close to my heart or got more important roles;

Azla, the king's bastard and thus Zolya's sister. I adored her, she was full of light and fire, she was probably the only one who shone even in the darkest times, although the loss of her lover shook her, she didn't collapse completely, she fought even when everything seemed lost.

Eli is my sweet and infinitely beloved Eli, he deserved so much, much better than this. I can't get over his death yet, he belonged to me as much as it did to Tarwen, and letting him go is still downright impossible.

Gabreel and Thol (my brave and persistent Thol) had been through so much, had survived so much, and yet, it wasn't enough. I broke for them and because of them, they deserved the whole world, everything. Gabreel's suffering was painful, but Thol's death killed me, so harsh that I fear my heart will never be the same! It was just cruel.

Réol, I mean he could be understood, I'm sure he could, but I can't do it now, everything he did, everything he fought for was just evil and unnecessary. In any case, I wonder if he wakes up (or what happened to him so that he fell into a coma), and if he does, whether the sky will fall.

The World-building. I will emphasise it once again, because it may not be enough to say it once; THE WORLD-BUILDING. This is how a fantasy book should be built, with past, present and future. I loved it and adored it. It was full of everything. New creatures, abilities, races, cultures and gods everywhere. I felt like a kid at Christmas, but really haha. I got everything I wanted and more.

ANOTHER RANDOM NOTE (because I can't stop);

Ré – here is the god of the sun and sky, etc. In English, the name of the Egyptian sun god is Ra, but in my language it is Ré. I believe there is a connection between them.

Galia - here is where the Volari (angel-like creatures) live, in history it was a place (the territory of present-day France - a bit of Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, Italy - mainly, with Celtic & Gallic tribes). Julius Caesar was its first proconsul. 

Either way, for me, the pace was a bit slow (slower than it should be), so I had to deduct a little from the rating. The composition was also good, quite captivating at times. The ending was closed a bit quickly for me and not all the questions were answered, but I think everything will be clear in the next book.

I recommend it to those who loved the world of LOTR, who still believe in miracles and fight for a better world. This book is for you! This book is FANTASY with capital letter.