shannonmreviews's reviews
492 reviews

The Blood Orchid by Kylie Lee Baker

2.5

This felt like a completely different book/series. I loved Scarlet Alchemist SO MUCH. It was one of my top reads last year and it got 5 stars from me. This? Yeah, no. I couldn't bring myself to DNF it but I absolutely should have. This one wasn't for me. It pains me to even type that because I was SO upset when I didn't get the ARC and I had this preordered from the moment it went live. I will still read more by this author but I will be weary of duologies in the future. Seriously, they had such different vibes. 

For She Is Wrath by Emily Varga

5.0

The Important Highlights
This book is a standalone YA Romantasy that is loosely based on the Count of Monte Cristo. This is a diverse read set in a Pakistani inspired world. We get secret identity, lovers to enemies and back to lovers, found family, and revenge.

What I Liked
One thing that I loved about this was the fact that any traveling done by the characters weren't just drawn out to add to the plot with unnecessary conflict. Too many fantasy novels have high conflict whenever the character(s) are travelling. I like that this book didn't need that. Seriously, I made so many notes in my phone about it. Sometimes people can travel without a group of bandits trying to rob them, ya know? I loved all the cultural references within the novel and the diverse worldbuilding. The magic system was also very interesting. I did listen to a part of this as an audiobook and I love the narrator.

What I Didn’t Like
You know, I really cannot think of anything off the top of my head.

In Conclusion
I originally gave this 4.5 stars but I am changing it to 5 because I couldn't think of any reason why I took off half a star lol. I loved this SO MUCH -- which I am so thankful for, considering I have multiple special editions of this book LOL. It was seriously so good. Anyways, this book was phenomenal IMO. I can't wait to see what Emily brings us next! 

The Crash by Freida McFadden

3.0

I found this one to be kind of blah, not going to lie. I mean, it entertained me enough to finish it, but otherwise, it was just kinda meh to me. The twist just felt ridiculous and slapped together. 

The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden

4.5

This one is probably one of my favourites now. It could be because it came out on my birthday, but it could also be because I just thoroughly enjoyed it. I had read The Crash, which was okay, but then immediately read this one after, which could also play a huge part, but I did find myself actually wanting to read this one as fast as possible to figure things out. 

Crown of Feathers by Nicki Pau Preto

4.0

I have started this book multiple times and each time, I felt like it wasn't for me, despite being obsessed with phoenixes and refusing to let go of my hardcovers. The thing I did differently this time was listen to the audiobook which helped me stay engaged. I actually really enjoyed this book! I think now that I have listened to it, I could read the rest in print, but I will absolutely be aiming to listen to them all instead. 

Rebel Witch by Kristen Ciccarelli

4.0

I actually enjoyed this one far more than the first book. I went into it with major doubts, of course, because that's who I am as a reader (person). There were some twists and surprises in this one that were done really well. In true Shannon fashion, I finished this two days ago and have forgotten all the points I wanted to make in my review. LOL. 

Deep End by Ali Hazelwood

4.25

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as I do all of her others. I really liked the fact that this sports romance wasn't the typical football, hockey, etc, and that it focused on swimming and diving. I wasn't sure if I would like that but I did. I also really liked the fact that the FMC had multiple levels of trauma for different reasons and that they were dealt with in a very realistic and respectful way. 

Keep It In The Family by John Marrs

4.0

I'm not going to lie, at first, I wasn't sure if I would like this but it had been recommended so many times that I felt like I HAD to read it, at this point lol. I actually ended up enjoying it, although the beginning kind of dragged. I will definitely be reading more by John Marrs! 

Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
Did not finish book. Stopped at 32%.

DNF @ 32%. 

Guys I wanted to love this but I’m SOOOOOO BORED. I want to tear my eyeballs out and eat them. That would be more fun than this book. Nothing is happening and it feels so far in. I tried but this isn’t for me. 

Be Prepared by Farrah Rochon

3.5

This was my first Twisted Tale by Farrah Rochon. I was super excited because Lion King was always my favourite Disney movie growing up. I was more than disappointed with this story however. It was actually incredibly boring if I'm being honest. I only finished it because I didn't want the Lion King to be on my TBR, basically. I am glad I did though, because I did enjoy the ending. I definitely got a little emotional. Going to give this author another try with another Twisted Tale though!