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shelfcarewithjess's Reviews (51)
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
📚 Synopsis (Spoiler-Free):
The first in the Wicked Games series, Phantasma follows Ophie — a girl who finds herself thrust into a world of magic, secrets, and slow-burning romance after arriving at the mysterious Phantasma House. With magic tied to emotion and trauma, the story explores identity, mental health, and connection against a backdrop of hidden powers and dark forces. It’s a blend of magical academia, slow-burn tension, and emotional introspection.
The first in the Wicked Games series, Phantasma follows Ophie — a girl who finds herself thrust into a world of magic, secrets, and slow-burning romance after arriving at the mysterious Phantasma House. With magic tied to emotion and trauma, the story explores identity, mental health, and connection against a backdrop of hidden powers and dark forces. It’s a blend of magical academia, slow-burn tension, and emotional introspection.
🧠 My Thoughts:
This one started off a bit slow for me — I wasn’t really hooked until Ophie reached the Phantasma house. But once the setting shifted, I started to settle into it. The magic system is interesting and tied to deeper themes like OCD and emotional trauma, which I really appreciated. The book has a strong focus on consent, which stood out in a really positive way. There’s a fairly infamous “blood shower sex scene” that I definitely wasn’t expecting, but definitely appreciated. The ending did feel a bit rushed, like it was racing the word count, but overall it was enjoyable.
Not a groundbreaker, but a decent first entry into the series.
🗣️ Favourite Quotes:
“In all the darkness, in all the loneliness, you have been my one source of light.”
“Life is not measured in good or bad thoughts — it’s how you treat the world around you despite them.”
“You don’t need to fix yourself. You’re not broken. But it’s okay to get outside help if it gets too loud.”
“You’re doing such a good job,” he encouraged. “Eyes up for me, angel.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Blood
Moderate: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Grief
Minor: Injury/Injury detail
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
📚 Synopsis (Spoiler-Free):
Gild is the first book in The Plated Prisoner series — a dark, fantastical retelling of the King Midas myth. It follows Auren, a woman turned gold and “belonging” to the gilded king, who lives in luxury but is anything but free. The world is dangerous, the court politics are toxic, and secrets run deeper than the shine of gold. Told through Auren’s sharp internal voice, this is a slow burn start to a brutal, character-driven fantasy that’s far more than it first appears.
Gild is the first book in The Plated Prisoner series — a dark, fantastical retelling of the King Midas myth. It follows Auren, a woman turned gold and “belonging” to the gilded king, who lives in luxury but is anything but free. The world is dangerous, the court politics are toxic, and secrets run deeper than the shine of gold. Told through Auren’s sharp internal voice, this is a slow burn start to a brutal, character-driven fantasy that’s far more than it first appears.
🧠 My Thoughts:
This was such a surprise! I loved the Midas retelling and how much depth was given to Auren’s voice — her inner monologue is funny, dry, and unexpectedly endearing. The world-building does take a while to unfold, and I had a lot of questions, but it’s clearly the start of something bigger. The foreshadowing is strong and I trust we’ll get more answers in the rest of the series. Also? The fact that her main connection in this book is platonic felt refreshing. Didn’t expect to be so invested, but I’m fully in and can’t wait to carry on.
This was such a surprise! I loved the Midas retelling and how much depth was given to Auren’s voice — her inner monologue is funny, dry, and unexpectedly endearing. The world-building does take a while to unfold, and I had a lot of questions, but it’s clearly the start of something bigger. The foreshadowing is strong and I trust we’ll get more answers in the rest of the series. Also? The fact that her main connection in this book is platonic felt refreshing. Didn’t expect to be so invested, but I’m fully in and can’t wait to carry on.
🗣️ Favourite Quotes:
“It’s the arrogance of men, to think so little of women. And it’ll be their downfall too.”
“I’m ridiculously fun. You kind of have to be when the only person you hang out with is you. I wouldn’t want to bore myself.”
“One should never decide something as serious as bangs when they have a bottle of wine in their stomachs.”
“I realise how much I’ve wished for this — this connection with another person… just two people who enjoy talking to each other, who can share stories and meet in laughter, conspiring only for one another’s amusement.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Emotional abuse, Sexual assault
Minor: Violence
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
📚 Synopsis (Spoiler-Free):
The first in the Conqueror series, Wolf of the Plains charts the early life of Temujin — the boy who would become Genghis Khan. Set against the harsh, unforgiving Mongolian steppes, it’s a brutal tale of survival, legacy, betrayal, and power. Written in third person, it blends historical accuracy with fast-paced fiction, as Temujin rises from exile to unite warring tribes and build something greater than himself.
The first in the Conqueror series, Wolf of the Plains charts the early life of Temujin — the boy who would become Genghis Khan. Set against the harsh, unforgiving Mongolian steppes, it’s a brutal tale of survival, legacy, betrayal, and power. Written in third person, it blends historical accuracy with fast-paced fiction, as Temujin rises from exile to unite warring tribes and build something greater than himself.
🧠 My Thoughts:
This was a really strong start to the series. Iggulden’s world-building is what stood out most for me — he creates such a vivid sense of time, place, and political tension that it’s easy to get completely pulled in. I liked the way the story was told, though I did find the transitions between different time periods a bit disorienting at times. It occasionally felt like I was playing catch-up with the timeline rather than being swept along by it. That said, the writing is solid, the stakes feel real, and it managed to be emotional without losing its sense of scale or purpose. Definitely continuing the series.
🗣️ Favourite Quotes:
“He holds blood in his right hand,” she whispered. "He will walk with death all his life.”
“He raised his head and summoned his endurance to take him farther. His body was finished, but he remembered Yesugei telling him a man’s will could carry him long after the weak flesh had given up.”
“Mother’s love is unusual and complicated, unresolved to reason.”
“Never lose faith in me, little brother. My word is iron and I will always come home.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Physical abuse, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, War
Moderate: Death, Sexism, Grief
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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
📚 Synopsis (Spoiler-Free):
Flawless kicks off the Chestnut Springs series with a small-town, cowboy romance full of chemistry, personal baggage, and unexpected emotional depth. Rhett is a bull rider with a reputation that needs cleaning up, and Summer is the PR mind hired to help him do just that - by essentially babysitting him. What starts as forced proximity quickly turns into something deeper, with both characters confronting their pasts, insecurities, and what they actually want from life. It’s a mix of vulnerability, tension, and classic romantic build-up - with some very quote-worthy moments.
Flawless kicks off the Chestnut Springs series with a small-town, cowboy romance full of chemistry, personal baggage, and unexpected emotional depth. Rhett is a bull rider with a reputation that needs cleaning up, and Summer is the PR mind hired to help him do just that - by essentially babysitting him. What starts as forced proximity quickly turns into something deeper, with both characters confronting their pasts, insecurities, and what they actually want from life. It’s a mix of vulnerability, tension, and classic romantic build-up - with some very quote-worthy moments.
🧠 My Thoughts:
I went into this expecting something fun, maybe a bit too light and sweet for me - but it surprised me. I didn’t expect to feel as much as I did. Summer has an actual backstory (thankfully!) that adds weight to her character, and while I found the ex subplot a bit odd, it didn’t detract too much from the pacing. I really appreciated that the book veered away from a miscommunication trope right when it almost landed in one. Rhett’s family gave me major 'Malone family' vibes from Laylah Robert's Haven series - chaotic, warm, and protective. The only thing I rolled my eyes at was the whole “she's brave because she’s not ashamed of her scar” idea. We can move on from that now, please.
I went into this expecting something fun, maybe a bit too light and sweet for me - but it surprised me. I didn’t expect to feel as much as I did. Summer has an actual backstory (thankfully!) that adds weight to her character, and while I found the ex subplot a bit odd, it didn’t detract too much from the pacing. I really appreciated that the book veered away from a miscommunication trope right when it almost landed in one. Rhett’s family gave me major 'Malone family' vibes from Laylah Robert's Haven series - chaotic, warm, and protective. The only thing I rolled my eyes at was the whole “she's brave because she’s not ashamed of her scar” idea. We can move on from that now, please.
🗣️ Favourite Quotes:
- “You wear the hat, you ride the cowboy.”
- “If this were my last moment alive, how would I want it to be?”
- “Princess, you look like you were made for me.”
- “I want to take care of her, even though she doesn’t need taking care of.”
- “This thing between us? For me? It’s everything. It’s it. You’re it.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Medical trauma
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
relaxing
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Synopsis (No Spoilers):
Wolf Hall is the first in Hilary Mantel’s historical fiction series following the rise of Thomas Cromwell, a blacksmith’s son who becomes one of the most powerful figures in Tudor England. Set during the reign of Henry VIII, the novel chronicles Cromwell’s political ascent through a time of religious upheaval, royal marriages, and court intrigue. This is not your typical fast-paced historical drama - it’s richly detailed, introspective, and written in an unconventional style that demands focus.
Wolf Hall is the first in Hilary Mantel’s historical fiction series following the rise of Thomas Cromwell, a blacksmith’s son who becomes one of the most powerful figures in Tudor England. Set during the reign of Henry VIII, the novel chronicles Cromwell’s political ascent through a time of religious upheaval, royal marriages, and court intrigue. This is not your typical fast-paced historical drama - it’s richly detailed, introspective, and written in an unconventional style that demands focus.
Full Review:
I went into Wolf Hall excited - I love historical fiction, especially anything set in Tudor England. The subject matter and historical setting were exactly what I enjoy, and I appreciated Mantel’s deep dive into the political mechanics of the time.
I went into Wolf Hall excited - I love historical fiction, especially anything set in Tudor England. The subject matter and historical setting were exactly what I enjoy, and I appreciated Mantel’s deep dive into the political mechanics of the time.
However, the writing style really held me back. I found the third person, present tense narration incredibly difficult to follow - at times I wasn’t even sure who was speaking or being referenced. It made what should’ve been a gripping, intelligent narrative feel like a bit of a slog.
I can absolutely see the literary merit and why this book is praised, but for me, the reading experience just wasn’t enjoyable. If you’re into beautifully dense prose and complex historical layers, this may be your thing — but I’ll admit I struggled to stay invested.
🌟 Favourite Quotes:
📜 "It is all very well planning what you will do in six months, what you will do in a year, but it’s no good at all if you don’t have a plan for tomorrow."
📜 "Beneath every history, another history."
📜 "No prince ever says, 'This is my budget, so this is the kind of war I can have.’"
📜 "For what’s the point of breeding children, if each generation does not improve on what went before?"
📜 "He hopes she will use them to eat with, not to stick in people."
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Death, Religious bigotry
Minor: Sexism, Violence
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
📚 Synopsis (Spoiler-Free):
Bone Deep is a dark and emotionally gripping story that follows a hauntingly intense relationship wrapped in trauma, healing, and the shadows of the past. The plot pulls you into a world where pain and passion collide, layered with deep secrets and raw vulnerability. From the first page, the book demands your attention and doesn’t let go. With a tone that is as reflective as it is tense, the novel explores identity, obsession, and emotional survival in a way that lingers long after the final chapter.
Bone Deep is a dark and emotionally gripping story that follows a hauntingly intense relationship wrapped in trauma, healing, and the shadows of the past. The plot pulls you into a world where pain and passion collide, layered with deep secrets and raw vulnerability. From the first page, the book demands your attention and doesn’t let go. With a tone that is as reflective as it is tense, the novel explores identity, obsession, and emotional survival in a way that lingers long after the final chapter.
🧠 My Thoughts:
Everything about Bone Deep hits the mark. The pacing is tight and immersive - you’ll likely finish it in one sitting like I did. The character development is particularly standout, with layered protagonists whose flaws and fears are central to the story. Even when the plot seems predictable, it subverts your expectations in subtle, smart ways. It’s dark, yes, and absolutely requires checking content warnings, but it's also deeply satisfying and unexpectedly tender in moments. This is a must-read if you like your fiction to leave a bruise - in the best way.
Everything about Bone Deep hits the mark. The pacing is tight and immersive - you’ll likely finish it in one sitting like I did. The character development is particularly standout, with layered protagonists whose flaws and fears are central to the story. Even when the plot seems predictable, it subverts your expectations in subtle, smart ways. It’s dark, yes, and absolutely requires checking content warnings, but it's also deeply satisfying and unexpectedly tender in moments. This is a must-read if you like your fiction to leave a bruise - in the best way.
🗣️ Favourite Quotes:
- “Just enjoying the sight of you and your emotional support dinosaur.”
- “You fucking own me, Levana. I’m yours. Completely.”
- “Like gravity drawing me in, steady and constant, impossible to resist.”
- “A marker on a grave no one meant to dig.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Grief, Stalking
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Synopsis (No Spoilers):
ACOMAF is the second instalment in Sarah J. Maas' A Court of Thorns and Roses series. It follows Feyre as she grapples with the emotional scars left by the traumatic events of book one, while navigating the dangerous political and magical currents of the Fae courts. In a new setting, with new allies and threats, Feyre’s journey is one of self-discovery, healing, and reclaiming her power - with a focus on emotional resilience, deepening relationships, and transformative change. Expect high-stakes action, richly built worlds, swoon-worthy romance, and massive character growth.
ACOMAF is the second instalment in Sarah J. Maas' A Court of Thorns and Roses series. It follows Feyre as she grapples with the emotional scars left by the traumatic events of book one, while navigating the dangerous political and magical currents of the Fae courts. In a new setting, with new allies and threats, Feyre’s journey is one of self-discovery, healing, and reclaiming her power - with a focus on emotional resilience, deepening relationships, and transformative change. Expect high-stakes action, richly built worlds, swoon-worthy romance, and massive character growth.
Full Review:
This book completely blows ACOTAR out of the water.
This book completely blows ACOTAR out of the water.
Honestly, I wasn’t the biggest fan of A Court of Thorns and Roses - but reading A Court of Mist and Fury made me realise that I wasn’t crazy for feeling how I did about certain characters, I wasn't just missing the point entirely. The emotional depth, the character arcs, the relationships - everything is elevated here.
Feyre’s character development is exceptional. Watching her work through trauma, reassess her relationships, and rebuild her sense of self was powerful and emotional. Meanwhile, the world Sarah J. Maas built in ACOTAR is expanded beautifully, adding complexity, politics, and magic that make the setting feel so much richer. ACOTAR is a stepping stone into the world, not the full path.
The emotional highs and lows of ACOMAF left a huge impact — it’s a book that made me feel seen, furious, heartbroken, and hopeful all at once. It’s one of those rare sequels that completely changes how you see the series.
🌟 Favourite Quotes:
🖤 "I am broken and healing, but every piece of my heart belongs to you."
🖤 "Then I would have torn apart the world to get you back."
🖤 "And I realised — I realised how badly I'd been treated before, if my standards had become so low."
🖤 "Many atrocities have been done in the name of the greater good."
🖤 "The quickest way to a man's heart is through the fourth and fifth ribs."
🖤 "Then I would have torn apart the world to get you back."
🖤 "And I realised — I realised how badly I'd been treated before, if my standards had become so low."
🖤 "Many atrocities have been done in the name of the greater good."
🖤 "The quickest way to a man's heart is through the fourth and fifth ribs."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Sexual content
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.3/5)
Synopsis (No Spoilers):
Dark Fae kicks off the Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac series, a dark reverse harem fantasy romance set in the brutal, magical world readers might recognize from Zodiac Academy. It follows a tough, determined heroine who navigates a savage magical academy filled with rivalries, danger, and deadly secrets - all while drawing the attention of not just one, but several powerful, dangerous love interests. Magic, mystery, brutal trials, and intense, slow-burn romance collide as alliances are formed and hearts (and bodies) are claimed. Expect emotional scars, twisted loyalties, and a lot of deliciously tense chemistry.
Full Review:
After loving Zodiac Academy, I went into Dark Fae with really high expectations - and honestly, it didn't hit quite the same way for me. I think part of that might be down to having overdone the Zodiac universe a bit, because the familiar worldbuilding and vibe felt less exciting this time around.
After loving Zodiac Academy, I went into Dark Fae with really high expectations - and honestly, it didn't hit quite the same way for me. I think part of that might be down to having overdone the Zodiac universe a bit, because the familiar worldbuilding and vibe felt less exciting this time around.
That said, Dark Fae has all the classic Peckham and Valenti ingredients: tension, grit, sass, and emotional scars layered beneath hardened exteriors. It's still a solid, easy read that I'll keep in mind for when I need a fast-paced, angsty fantasy fix without having to concentrate too hard.
I didn’t connect as strongly with the characters yet, but there were moments of strong writing and emotional vulnerability that stood out - especially when it came to themes of resilience and building strength from trauma. I think the series has a lot of potential once I’m in the right mood for it.
🌟 Favourite Quotes:
🖤 "I can see the cracks in the perfection. I can see the poison that’s tainting your essence. And every break, every scar and burn and fissure in your soul only makes it more beautiful."
🖤 "Your father may have forged you into the man you are, but I built myself up into the woman I am."
🖤 "She loved a book more than she loved sex."
🖤 "Buckle up bitch. Here goes nothing.
🖤 "Your father may have forged you into the man you are, but I built myself up into the woman I am."
🖤 "She loved a book more than she loved sex."
🖤 "Buckle up bitch. Here goes nothing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Self harm, Violence, Grief
Moderate: Bullying, Emotional abuse
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.6/5)
I am so pleased I stumbled across this book - I had never heard of it before finding it on a Goodreads list, but it matched the prompt of "Breaks the Fourth Wall" so I thought I'd give it a go.
This book is hilarious in the driest, most understated way. It gave me major "emotional vampire" vibes à la What We Do in the Shadows. Fred is exactly what the title promises: an unassuming accountant who becomes a vampire... and otherwise continues living a pretty normal (if slightly supernatural) life.
What makes this story so charming is that Fred doesn’t become a brooding antihero or a powerful dark lord. He just remains an awkward, polite, quietly brilliant oddball — and along the way, he finds a group of equally quirky supernatural friends who are as much on the fringes as he is.
It’s warm, weird, funny, and ultimately really heart-warming in its celebration of all the awkward "unexceptional" people just doing their best. A hidden gem that I'm so glad I found!
🌟 Favourite Quotes:
🧛 "You’re a good man who happens to be a vampire. We aren’t human, but that doesn’t make us monsters."
🧛 "My unlife was so boring that even the woman who hunted monsters saw me as harmless."
🧛 "This book is dedicated to the uncool, uncoordinated, unexceptional, uncharming, uninteresting, and especially the unashamed."
🧛 "‘The worst kind of criminal,’ Bubba said. ‘Smuggler?’ Albert asked. ‘Gun-runner?’ Neil ventured. ‘Assassin?’ I guessed. Bubba shook his head. ‘Politician.’ We ‘oooohed’ collectively as a group as understanding set in."
🌟 Favourite Quotes:
🧛 "You’re a good man who happens to be a vampire. We aren’t human, but that doesn’t make us monsters."
🧛 "My unlife was so boring that even the woman who hunted monsters saw me as harmless."
🧛 "This book is dedicated to the uncool, uncoordinated, unexceptional, uncharming, uninteresting, and especially the unashamed."
🧛 "‘The worst kind of criminal,’ Bubba said. ‘Smuggler?’ Albert asked. ‘Gun-runner?’ Neil ventured. ‘Assassin?’ I guessed. Bubba shook his head. ‘Politician.’ We ‘oooohed’ collectively as a group as understanding set in."
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Rating: ★★★★☆ (3.4/5)
Angels and Demons was a strange re-read experience. Years ago, I absolutely loved it - but revisiting it now showed me just how much my reading tastes have evolved.
This time around, I struggled to stay engaged. The story felt surprisingly bland in parts, and the "romantic tension" between characters felt awkward, uncomfortable, and unnecessary. It was a reminder of how much I prefer romance (at any level) written by female authors, where emotional depth usually carries the connection much better.
That said, I still appreciate the historical and artistic backdrop Dan Brown creates. Even if much of it is exaggerated or fictionalized, it’s part of what makes his books feel immersive and grand. The adventure elements - racing against time, ancient conspiracies, hidden clues - are still a lot of fun when you're in the right mood.
It’s definitely a book that had a bigger impact on me once, but I’m glad I revisited it, if only to recognize how my preferences have changed.
🌟 Favourite Quotes:
🕯️ "Nothing captures human interest more than human tragedy."
🕯️ "Religion is flawed but only because man is flawed."
🕯️ "In the end we are all just searching for truth, that which is greater than ourselves."
🕯️ "Religion is flawed but only because man is flawed."
🕯️ "In the end we are all just searching for truth, that which is greater than ourselves."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Murder
Moderate: Torture, Religious bigotry