shannonmreviews's reviews
492 reviews

A Lair of Bones by Helen Scheuerer

5.0

Why is no one talking about this book? It may be a little… worldbuildy (okay fine, info dumpy) but it’s just SOO FRIGGING GOOD (I am writing this as I start the third book and I promise you it’s TOTALLY worth it) — I like to think of it as DETAILED and intricate, if anything. I came to this series after giving Legends of Thezmarr a go and holy CRAP… Helen Scheuerer might just be my new favourite fantasy author. This world in particular is fantastic, deep, beautiful, and dark. Now, this is a YA fantasy, but it’s definitely not a lower YA read, in terms of dark thenes or the writing. Helen is a master storyteller. Please, if you want a unique story about cyrens, this is the one I BEG you to read. Also, don’t even look at the dates read on this versus book 2 — the only reason why I didn’t devour this in a single day is because I’ve been sooooo unbelievably sick with Norovirus and I couldn’t focus my eyes or stay awake long enough to read as much as I wanted to. Also, fun fact, this series has a “box set” available on audible — so for a single credit you can get all FOUR books. You’re welcome. ☺️ 

With Dagger and Song by Helen Scheuerer

5.0

Another thrilling instalment in the Curse of the Cyren Queen series. Seriously, this was SO GOOD. I did guess a couple of the twists, they weren’t exactly hidden, BUT that didn’t take away from the emotions that I felt during those moments. Roh is pretty bad ass and I’m excited to read the next book! 

The Fabric of Chaos by Helen Scheuerer

5.0

It's been a bit since I read this so I can't get very specific (not that I would anyways, because I don't like giving spoilers) but this was another fantastic entry in the Curse of the Cyren Queen series. 

To Wield a Crown by Helen Scheuerer

5.0

What an amazing ending! I loved this series so much. I have an unhealthy obsession with the aquatic, whether it's fantasy or horror. This was incredibly interesting, well written, and super fun! 

Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli

3.25

This was fun and certainly had more depth to it than Serpent and Dove (that book was quite terrible but had a similar premise). I will definitely be reading Rebel Witch when it comes out.

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

4.25

I honestly love these books so much. As a surface level reader, I enjoy seeing all the theory videos because they actually get my brain motivated to try to find little things that other people might not notice. While all the theories out there are fun, I do like that I can just read them and enjoy it without pulling out a white board LOL. 

While it sucks that we will have to wait for the next book, as an author myself, I can really appreciate and respect the author for taking a break, not just for her health, but also the sake of her family. Bravo!

Expiration of Sentence by John Lynch

4.0

 I saw the synopsis of this and immediately downloaded the KU version to start reading, even though I’ve already got another e-book and audiobook on the go. I was really pleased with this novella. I got a little squeamish during one part in particular between the MMC and inmate Reese. The writing was fantastic and I’ll definitely be reading more John Lynch in the future. 

Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider

slow-paced

• Loveable characters? No

3.0

I had originally given this 4 stars but upon thinking about it, it's definitely NOT worth that many. I was kinda bored throughout the book but there was JUST enough to keep me reading, instead of DNFing, and the ending definitely made it jump up from 1 or 2 stars to the 3 I am giving it. I just feel like this book had a lot of potential but didn't quite live up to the hype of it. There were quite a few parts that I had to go back and do a little reread because I had missed a little detail amongst the mass amounts of words that weren't needed in the story. Several times I caught my eyeballs trying to skim forward. The banter wasn't that great either. Idk, maybe it wasn't for me, but I am certainly going to give the second one a chance when it comes out, if I remember. 

The Blackened Blade by Isla Davon
Did not finish book. Stopped at 26%.

Okay, so, this wasn't good. There was so much repetition about literally everything. I don't know why I needed to know every article of clothing people wore, including the colour, but that happened. I know I wasn't that far in, but she was already bombing her new chance at life. I didn't care for everyone calling her crazy for defending herself, it literally made no sense. Idk, I know this book is super popular but it was just plain BAD. I have read better stories on Wattpad. 

A Day of Fallen Night by Samantha Shannon
Did not finish book. Stopped at 2%.

When I am only 2% into the book and it's still prologue and I am THIS bored, it's very clear that I need to DNF. I've been holding this and Priory on my physical shelves for too long now. Time to cast them into the fire (not really, I will sell them or give them away lol). I appreciate the strong world building of the author and although I didn't read much, I know that she has a way with words, but this wasn't for me.