roksyreads's reviews
297 reviews

A Soul to Heal by Opal Reyne

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I'll preface this by saying that I am both fat and struggle with extensive mental health issues. It was refreshing to see a genuine representation of the challenges that mental health brings, as well as to read about an actually fat FMC being and ultimately feeling sexy in her own body. 

That being said, I didn't love this story. I liked it well enough, and there's definitely some sweet and spicy moments, but I could happily have skipped it. After reading CWs, I'd actually intended to skip it because some of the main plot points were related to a topic that doesn't remotely interest me, but I also read the author's comments regarding that topic, which was described as funny, cute, and interesting, as well as being vital for lore/plot of the rest of the series. I've not yet tested the truth regarding it being vital, but I can say that I wish I'd taken the chance and skipped it. It wasn't funny, cute, or interesting for me, and has borderline put me off the rest of the series. 

I initially gave the book 3.5 stars, but after significant reflection, I realised that I was really overstating my enjoyment. Realistically, it's probably more of a 2.5, maybe a 3 on my personal rating scale. 
Hell Divers by Nicholas Sansbury Smith

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adventurous 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

4.0

I decided to give Hell Divers a go on a whim after seeing it recommended on Audible. It's a fascinating and unique take on a post apocalyptic world setting and the human will to survive, with a solid cast of characters and a dark, gritty storyline. This was my first time reading a story from this author, and I was impressed by his narrative style, especially how well he handled action sequences. Whilst this is the first of an extensive 10 book (so far) series, this first story does wrap up comfortably for those like me who aren't sure about commiting to the long haul.
Rise: A Newsflesh Collection by Mira Grant

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adventurous dark emotional 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? It's complicated

5.0

A fantastic companion to the original trilogy, filled with favourite characters and some new additions. The variety in the stories is especially enjoyable, covering both pre- and post-Rising events, and told from an array of character perspectives. My favourite story was the novella "How Green This Land, How Blue This Sea", which was set in Australia. It was so refreshing to hear a story set outside of America and to read about my home country, and there were so many laugh out loud moments. 
Barbarian Mine by Ruby Dixon

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adventurous emotional lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

This one was a bit of a miss for me. There are some really sweet moments scattered throughout the book, but they don't make up for the overall drop in quality. The relationship felt wrong on a lot of levels, and the massive time jump removed any opportunities for character growth and interactions which might have eased my misgivings; the characters' development both individually and as a couple was lost. 
Barbarian Lover by Ruby Dixon

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adventurous emotional hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

Another fun, quick read, with plenty of spice and a great pairing. Some of the challenging narrative aspects—especially action—are rushed and awkward, which did diminish the overall quality of the writing and story. However, the romance in this one is especially sweet: it was less fated mates and more friends to lovers, which I absolutely vibe with. I enjoyed seeing Kira and Aehako's relationship blossom, with them choosing each other first. I admit I hoped that the ending would go in a different direction, but the series is what it is, and I don't fault the books for that. Even if some of the content ultimately doesn't line up with my preferences or values, I can still appreciate them for what they are—lightheaded, steamy romps. 
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Barbarian Alien by Ruby Dixon

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adventurous dark tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Liz is sassy AF and I love her for her stubborn and mischievous ways. Whilst I don't vibe with some of the early content, with consent being dubious at best, the romance is definitely one for fans of the fated mates, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, and hurt/comfort tropes. Overall an enjoyable, quick read that does a good job of setting the foundation for the series whilst also having plenty of spice.
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Ice Planet Barbarians by Ruby Dixon

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adventurous lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

It's a fun, fast, and sexy read. I really liked the FMC; she could have used a little more depth, but given the brevity of the story, I think she's formed well-enough and I resonated with her (ha). It does require one to suspend almost all belief, and there are a couple glaring inconsistencies which I am surprised and somewhat disappointed have survived edits, which makes it more difficult. As a childfree individual, I'm also a little bummed that it seems like the rest of the stories in the series may focus heavily on breeding, but I'm intrigued enough with the setting and characters to continue on.
The Bone Shard War by Andrea Stewart

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adventurous emotional inspiring mysterious 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

The Bone Shard War concludes the Drowning Empire trilogy, an epic and immersive high-stakes fantasy series that enthralled me with its narrative, world-building, and characters from the beginning. Stewart has truly worked her own magic in crafting this incredible conclusion to an incredible series. Whilst I cannot say I loved every single second or moment of this final book, my quibbles would be so minor as to be pedantic. The characters, the setting, the story—every aspect has left its mark in me, and I am sad to leave this beautifully detailed universe behind. It was such a privilege to experience this tale with Lin, Jovis, Phalue, Ranami, and even Nisong. Even though I could not always support their actions, so much depth and thought was put into each that I came to love and appreciate them dearly, even in their darkest moments. 
The Deep by Rivers Solomon

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

4.0

A Soul to Keep by Opal Reyne

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adventurous dark 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

4.5

As the only survivor after a brutal demon attack, Reia is shunned by her village until she’s offered a choice: accept lifelong imprisonment, or sacrifice herself to a faceless monster—the Duskwalker—to secure another decade of protection for her village. Reia is the first human Orpheus encounters who does not fear his very presence and who offers the companionship he so desperately craves. But the Veil is a dangerous place. He’ll have to do everything in his power to convince her to stay—or risk losing her forever.

I did not realise how much I needed this book—this series—in my life. The setting and lore are fascinating and the characters are so engaging. I’m stoked that Reyne is an Aussie author; it was refreshing to see that reflected in subtle ways it shone through. Whilst the writing in the first ¼ of the book leans towards mediocre, as the novel progresses and the characters develop their voices, it significantly improves on all fronts. It was an absolute treasure to watch Reia and Orpheus grow as individuals and to see their friendship and love blossom. I knew this was going to be a super 🔥 romance, but it was also surprisingly sweet and emotive. The physical logistics are the most unique I’ve ever read and the spice is extra EXTRA hot. I so appreciate Reyne both for writing a story for herself and also for all of us who would happily explore our sexuality outside of humanity if given the opportunity. I knew as soon as I opened the book and read the dedication that I was in for one hell of a ride, and if I wasn’t already so happily married, I’d be one of the first to put my hand up and declare “I volunteer as tribute!” to score a Duskwalker. 
 
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