sarah_sapphire's reviews
348 reviews

The Murder After the Night Before by Katy Brent

challenging dark emotional mysterious tense 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? Yes

5.0

Although this wasn't what I was expecting ( dark humour murder mystery) I really enjoyed it! I found it to be such and engaging and tense story. I feel like the subject of grief and anxiety was very well written and very emotive. I cried loads reading this book. The events were very well woven together and I didn't expect the outcome that happened, I was kept guessing throughout the book. I loved the characterisation and I could really empathise with Molly and how she felt. Many important issues were involved and explored in an interesting yet sensitive way. This is the second book I've read by this author and I'm looking forward to reading more of her work. I also listened on audio and loved the narration style.

Fate of the Sun King by Nisha J. Tuli

adventurous challenging dark emotional 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

This was so good! A perfect mix of action and angst, the best aspects of books 1 and 2. I loved the flashbacks to the history which explained the lore so well. I absolutely loved the new characters and all the relationships between them. Nadir and Lor of course are the best and finally!!! Gabriel is so moody it makes me laugh but the serious backstory was so well thought out. Those last few chapters had me on my toes and I do not know how I am going to last until the next book. One of the most gripping series I've read in a while.

Worthy of Fate by A.N. Caudle

adventurous challenging dark emotional 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

4.75

I loved this, such a great first book. The pacing was perfect and I loved the different style of magic system. I found the characters really well fleshed out for a first installment but there is still mystery about and I'm excited to read more. The spirits were some of my favourite characters but I loved the MMC and FMC, fated mates is one of my favourite tropes. I also loved the dynamic between Kya and her siblings. After that cliff hanger ending I can't wait to see what happens next and I hope to see things resolving.

King of Libertines by Pam Godwin

adventurous emotional mysterious 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

4.0

Sea of Ruin by Pam Godwin

adventurous challenging dark emotional 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

This was so good! A dark spicy pirate romance. Some heavy themes but I loved the strong FMC and both the MMCs, I loved the adventure and tense plot. The relationships were so well woven and developed and I just enjoyed all of the interactions between the main crew. 

The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni

adventurous challenging dark emotional 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

I loved this! The characters were lovable, fun, complex. I loved the setting which was different to the fantasy I've read recently. There was mystery surrounding both the characters and the problems in the prison and I enjoyed the discoveries as I read the book. I can't wait to start the next one!

Funny Story by Emily Henry

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Another masterpiece by Emily Henry, I love the theme on relationship meeting stories and the complex situations different families could have. Miles is definitely a top tier book boyfriend, I was swooning. This story made me laugh, and cry and is just what I love for a contemporary romance.

Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi

adventurous challenging dark emotional tense 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

3.5

Overall this was a very tense and exciting 2nd installment to the series, I again loved the magic system and how the new aspects were incorporated. I cried at some points and l I enjoyed the new characters that we got to meet, I did however find the interactions between the main characters infuriating. There was so much miscommunication and overly emotional thinking that I felt annoyed and frustrated for the majority of the book. This is YA but the actions I found so childish and stubborn and some of the relationships didn't make sense to me. I will be reading the next book as I definitely need to know what happens next.

All This Twisted Glory by Tahereh Mafi

challenging dark mysterious slow-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

4.0

Yet again, the language in this book was absolutely beautiful and painted such a vivid picture. The in-depth look at each character was so interesting and I loved finding out more about the history of the characters and the kingdoms. I did find the pace quite slow and there wasn't a huge amount of plot progression, but the mysteries that are slowing being revealed are so interesting and I can't wait to see what happens next. Cyrus is still my favourite, and I think it would be hilarious if Kamran and Miss Houda ended up together. 

Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

adventurous challenging 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? Yes

4.75

I really enjoyed this book! I loved the culture woven throughout it and the intricate magic system. I enjoyed all the different POVs and seeing the growth of each of the characters in their different ways. Some parts were so tense and I couldn't wait to find out what happened. I found the pacing very good and the world so interesting. I enjoyed that the fighting Zelie did didn't rely on her magic and used the staff. I am going straight onto the next book!