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sahramahtab's reviews
62 reviews
Smoke in the Sun by Renée Ahdieh
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
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? It's complicated
4.0
“Smoke in the Sun” by Renée Ahdieh concludes the series with a slow-paced narration that, unfortunately, didn’t fully captivate me until the final third of the book. While I appreciated the story’s progression, I couldn’t help but feel frustrated by the sluggish pacing that dominated much of the narrative.
Ōkami, while a likable character, paled in comparison to other love interests, especially when compared to Ahdieh’s Khalid from her previous series. By the end, I found myself hoping that Mariko would find love with Prince Raiden, whose character development throughout the series was surprisingly engaging.
Ahdieh set a high standard with “The Wrath and the Dawn” series, making it difficult for subsequent works to measure up. While “Smoke in the Sun” didn’t quite reach those heights for me, I still hold out hope that Ahdieh will continue to surprise and impress with her future projects.
Despite its shortcomings, I still enjoyed the series enough to keep Renée Ahdieh on my radar, eagerly anticipating her future endeavors. Her previous works have left a lasting impression, ensuring that I will eagerly keep up with her literary journey.
Ōkami, while a likable character, paled in comparison to other love interests, especially when compared to Ahdieh’s Khalid from her previous series. By the end, I found myself hoping that Mariko would find love with Prince Raiden, whose character development throughout the series was surprisingly engaging.
Ahdieh set a high standard with “The Wrath and the Dawn” series, making it difficult for subsequent works to measure up. While “Smoke in the Sun” didn’t quite reach those heights for me, I still hold out hope that Ahdieh will continue to surprise and impress with her future projects.
Despite its shortcomings, I still enjoyed the series enough to keep Renée Ahdieh on my radar, eagerly anticipating her future endeavors. Her previous works have left a lasting impression, ensuring that I will eagerly keep up with her literary journey.
Flame in the Mist by Renée Ahdieh
adventurous
dark
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
"Flame in the Mist" by Renée Ahdieh is an enjoyable read that, while not my favorite of Ahdieh's works, still managed to capture my interest enough to warrant picking up its sequel. The pacing was slow for the majority of the book, only picking up in the latter half, which made it a bit of a struggle to get through at times.
One aspect I particularly enjoyed was the setting, which evoked memories of a favorite virtual novel, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the reading experience. The characters were likable, although I couldn't help but feel disappointed that Ranmaru wasn't the love interest. While Ōkami was certainly likable, I found Ranmaru to be the more intriguing character.
Overall, I would rate "Flame in the Mist" a solid 4 stars. Despite its slow pacing and minor disappointments, it still managed to captivate me enough to keep me invested in the story and eager to see where the sequel takes us.
One aspect I particularly enjoyed was the setting, which evoked memories of a favorite virtual novel, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the reading experience. The characters were likable, although I couldn't help but feel disappointed that Ranmaru wasn't the love interest. While Ōkami was certainly likable, I found Ranmaru to be the more intriguing character.
Overall, I would rate "Flame in the Mist" a solid 4 stars. Despite its slow pacing and minor disappointments, it still managed to captivate me enough to keep me invested in the story and eager to see where the sequel takes us.
Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
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? It's complicated
5.0
"Firekeeper's Daughter" by Angeline Boulley is a remarkable journey that left me captivated from start to finish. It provided invaluable insights into Native American culture, and what stood out to me was how it didn't feel like it was written with white readers in mind—an all-too-common occurrence in literature representing marginalized communities. As a person of color, I appreciated seeing authentic representation that wasn't tailored to fit a white demographic.The book masterfully weaves explanations into the narrative, allowing the reader to learn and understand the intricacies of life within an indigenous tribe and their community. The characters were beautifully nuanced, with Daunis standing out for her strength, loyalty, and unwavering authenticity. Jamie was a delightful character as well, easy to like and root for.The plot twist took me by surprise, as I never once doubted Levi's character.
The sibling relationship between Daunis and Levi was a highlight in the first half of the book, and as the mystery unraveled in the final chapters, I found myself unable to tear my eyes away from the pages.
"Firekeeper's Daughter" resonated deeply with me, and I consider it the best book I've read so far this year. I'm incredibly grateful to have experienced such an incredible story and eagerly anticipate exploring more of Angeline Boulley's work, especially the sequel to this captivating novel.
The sibling relationship between Daunis and Levi was a highlight in the first half of the book, and as the mystery unraveled in the final chapters, I found myself unable to tear my eyes away from the pages.
"Firekeeper's Daughter" resonated deeply with me, and I consider it the best book I've read so far this year. I'm incredibly grateful to have experienced such an incredible story and eagerly anticipate exploring more of Angeline Boulley's work, especially the sequel to this captivating novel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Addiction, Drug abuse, and Racial slurs
Moderate: Rape, Sexism, Sexual harassment, Drug abuse, Drug use, Death, Hate crime, Grief, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Racial slurs, Racism, Violence, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
The Rose and the Dagger by Renée Ahdieh
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
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
"The Rose and the Dagger" by Renée Ahdieh concludes the series in a bittersweet fashion, leaving me with a sense of sadness that the journey has ended. Every moment of the series was a joy to experience, and I found myself deeply invested in the characters and their relationships.
Khalid, with all his flaws, captured my heart with the beautiful ways he expressed his love. Shazi's fierceness and the dynamic between her and Khalid made their relationship a joy to read about.
Even characters like Tariq, whom I disliked in the previous book, grew on me by the end of the series, becoming unexpectedly likeable.
However, I found the chapter before the epilogue,particularly Khalid's death and resurrection , to be somewhat unspectacular, which was a minor disappointment.
Despite this, I eagerly anticipate exploring more of Renée Ahdieh's work in the future. While I rarely reread books, I can envision myself returning to this beautiful series time and time again.
Khalid, with all his flaws, captured my heart with the beautiful ways he expressed his love. Shazi's fierceness and the dynamic between her and Khalid made their relationship a joy to read about.
Even characters like Tariq, whom I disliked in the previous book, grew on me by the end of the series, becoming unexpectedly likeable.
However, I found the chapter before the epilogue,
Despite this, I eagerly anticipate exploring more of Renée Ahdieh's work in the future. While I rarely reread books, I can envision myself returning to this beautiful series time and time again.
The Wrath & the Dawn by Renée Ahdieh
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
"The Wrath and the Dawn" by Renée Ahdieh captivated me from the first page, holding me in its thrall until the very end. Despite a mountain of studies waiting for me, I found myself devouring every page in less than two days, such was the allure of this enchanting tale.
While I adored the characters and their dynamics, I couldn't help but wish they were a bit older, given the depth of their experiences and emotions.
The pacing of the story was impeccable, and I was particularly impressed by Ahdieh's skill in painting the backdrop of the setting. The reveals were expertly timed, keeping me on the edge of my seat and eagerly anticipating what would come next.
Overall, "The Wrath and the Dawn" left me eager to dive straight into the sequel, a testament to the sheer enjoyment I experienced while reading it. Renée Ahdieh has crafted a captivating world and story that I can't wait to explore further.
While I adored the characters and their dynamics, I couldn't help but wish they were a bit older, given the depth of their experiences and emotions.
The pacing of the story was impeccable, and I was particularly impressed by Ahdieh's skill in painting the backdrop of the setting. The reveals were expertly timed, keeping me on the edge of my seat and eagerly anticipating what would come next.
Overall, "The Wrath and the Dawn" left me eager to dive straight into the sequel, a testament to the sheer enjoyment I experienced while reading it. Renée Ahdieh has crafted a captivating world and story that I can't wait to explore further.
A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid
mysterious
tense
medium-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
4.0
"A Study in Drowning" by Ava Reid may not be flawless, but the beauty of the prose makes it a compelling read. This was my first experience with Reid's work, and her writing style left a lasting impression, prompting me to explore more of her books in the future.
While the characters initially felt a bit flat, and Effy's childish behavior in the first third of the book was somewhat irksome, they gradually grew on me as the story unfolded. Despite these shortcomings, it was a solid 4-star read for me.
As I delved deeper into the story, I found myself struggling to put the book down, particularly during the last third. Reid's storytelling prowess shines through, captivating me until the very end. Overall, "A Study in Drowning" may have its flaws, but its enchanting prose and compelling narrative make it a memorable read worth diving into.
While the characters initially felt a bit flat, and Effy's childish behavior in the first third of the book was somewhat irksome, they gradually grew on me as the story unfolded. Despite these shortcomings, it was a solid 4-star read for me.
As I delved deeper into the story, I found myself struggling to put the book down, particularly during the last third. Reid's storytelling prowess shines through, captivating me until the very end. Overall, "A Study in Drowning" may have its flaws, but its enchanting prose and compelling narrative make it a memorable read worth diving into.
Slaying the Vampire Conqueror by Carissa Broadbent
adventurous
lighthearted
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
3.75
"Slaying the Vampire Conqueror" by Carissa Broadbent turned out to be a delightful surprise, even though I can't recall why I initially picked it up. Perhaps it was the appealing cover or the promise of a standalone romantasy instead of a series. Despite the cringe-worthy title, I found myself enjoying the book and not regretting my choice.
The story was a fun and engaging read, albeit somewhat predictable at times. However, the likable characters made up for any shortcomings in the plot. While this was my first experience with Carissa Broadbent's work, I wouldn't hesitate to pick up another one of her books in the future.
Overall, while "Slaying the Vampire Conqueror" may not be mind-blowing, it's surprisingly good, especially considering it was written by a white author. It's a testament to Broadbent's storytelling abilities and her ability to craft an enjoyable read in the romantasy genre.
The story was a fun and engaging read, albeit somewhat predictable at times. However, the likable characters made up for any shortcomings in the plot. While this was my first experience with Carissa Broadbent's work, I wouldn't hesitate to pick up another one of her books in the future.
Overall, while "Slaying the Vampire Conqueror" may not be mind-blowing, it's surprisingly good, especially considering it was written by a white author. It's a testament to Broadbent's storytelling abilities and her ability to craft an enjoyable read in the romantasy genre.
The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jackson
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
"The Weight of Blood" by Tiffany D. Jackson is an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish, leaving me in awe of its depth and impact. While labeled as young adult, the themes tackled are undeniably important and resonate far beyond age demographics. The narrative skillfully underscores how microaggressions can build up, leading to explosive consequences—a poignant reflection of real-life dynamics.
The finale, with its devastating consequences, felt like the culmination of actions and the refusal to acknowledge their repercussions. I found myself unsympathetic to the majority of those who met their demise, feeling that it was a direct result of their own actions.
This book served as a powerful teacher, shedding light on issues I might never have encountered otherwise. Learning about the existence of segregated proms in certain parts of the US as recently as 2014 was eye-opening and deeply unsettling.
The dichotomy between Maddy's and Kenny's characters, their differing yet intertwined paths, added layers of complexity to the narrative. Despite the trauma they endure, the ending felt hopeful to me, envisioning Madison and Kendrick finding solace and healing together in a peaceful place.
I struggle to find any criticisms of this book—it's a wild ride that I would recommend to anyone. Tiffany D. Jackson has crafted a masterpiece that challenges, educates, and ultimately leaves a lasting impact on its readers.
The finale, with its devastating consequences, felt like the culmination of actions and the refusal to acknowledge their repercussions. I found myself unsympathetic to the majority of those who met their demise, feeling that it was a direct result of their own actions.
This book served as a powerful teacher, shedding light on issues I might never have encountered otherwise. Learning about the existence of segregated proms in certain parts of the US as recently as 2014 was eye-opening and deeply unsettling.
The dichotomy between Maddy's and Kenny's characters, their differing yet intertwined paths, added layers of complexity to the narrative. Despite the trauma they endure, the ending felt hopeful to me, envisioning Madison and Kendrick finding solace and healing together in a peaceful place.
I struggle to find any criticisms of this book—it's a wild ride that I would recommend to anyone. Tiffany D. Jackson has crafted a masterpiece that challenges, educates, and ultimately leaves a lasting impact on its readers.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Police brutality, Grief, Racism, Bullying, Hate crime, Blood, Death, Gore, Racial slurs, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, and Death of parent
Behind the Net by Stephanie Archer
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
"Behind the Net" by Stephanie Archer brings us Jamie, another leading man in a romance novel with a penchant for excessive grunting – a familiar trope. While not anticipating a world-altering experience, especially from a romance novel by a white author, the book pleasantly surprised me. It's a solid three-star read, providing a welcome change of scenery from darker books I read before. Considering the possibility of checking out the sequel, there's no rush, but overall, it was an enjoyable escape.