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shelves_by_sim's reviews
506 reviews
Fable for the End of the World by Ava Reid
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
tense
fast-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
Going into this book I had no idea what to expect and boy, did it shock me! I love the premise of this story, right from the get-go it gave me Hunger Games x The Uglies x George Orwell's 1984 and it was phenomenal. I love the organised totalitarianism in this book, the figurehead corporation that people are made to follow because without "Caerus," people don't know how to function. I really loved the system based on debt, the higher your debt, the higher chance Caerus will come knocking on your door for collection. I also really liked that people got nominated by the debtor for the Gauntlet when one cannot pay back their debt, and they have to try survive these advanced human/robot killing machines. So cool!
I enjoyed Inesa's character, her family dynamics were volatile at first and I really dislike her mother. Once she was nominated for the Gauntlet though, I feel like she could have had a little more backbone rather than coming off so weak, not physically because that's understandable, but more in terms of determination. I also really loved the dual-pov and I enjoyed experiencing the thoughts of Melinoe. The radiated world was such a cool aspect, I love the mutated animals and even people that were included in this story, it gave a sort of post-apocalyptic technological world and that was a really awesome setting.
For most of this book, I thought it was absolutely brilliant. But I think that the climax fell a little flat for me. I wanted something more, I think the story could have been a little longer, a little more action-packed in the end. I think we needed a little more character development, especially on the romance side, and a little more explanation into Melinoe's past. I just wanted MORE. Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, because I could not put it down for a second!
I enjoyed Inesa's character, her family dynamics were volatile at first and I really dislike her mother. Once she was nominated for the Gauntlet though, I feel like she could have had a little more backbone rather than coming off so weak, not physically because that's understandable, but more in terms of determination. I also really loved the dual-pov and I enjoyed experiencing the thoughts of Melinoe. The radiated world was such a cool aspect, I love the mutated animals and even people that were included in this story, it gave a sort of post-apocalyptic technological world and that was a really awesome setting.
For most of this book, I thought it was absolutely brilliant. But I think that the climax fell a little flat for me. I wanted something more, I think the story could have been a little longer, a little more action-packed in the end. I think we needed a little more character development, especially on the romance side, and a little more explanation into Melinoe's past. I just wanted MORE. Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, because I could not put it down for a second!
This Song Is (Not) for You by Laura Nowlin
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Contrary to the masses, I really enjoyed this book. I devoured it in a couple of hours and I think that this story was really beautiful and really sweet. I really do enjoy Laura Nowlin's writing. Yes, it's YA, but it's supposed to be and I really think that she somehow captures all the sorts of thoughts and feelings I had as a teenager and to me, that means it was written really well. I felt these characters emotions, how unsure they were about certain things, how certain they were about other things, their dilemmas, their questions about their own sexuality, all of it and I loved it.
I love how authentic Ramona is to her self, she's a talented, lovely young woman who has some personality quirks that make her really awesome. The friendship between her and Sam, the band, the platonic friends who are actually in love with each other! And then we meet Tom. Who represents a darker side of our teenage years. He's depressed, he doesn't experience life as any other "normal" teenager would, he is artistic and he has huge questions regarding his sexuality. Personally, I have never read a book that represents polygamy as well as asexuality and I really loved exploring these topics.
Yes this book was lighthearted in the sense that it didn't delve too deeply into these factors but I feel like we got enough clarity and emotion from the characters that it didn't matter. There wasn't alot going on with the plot as this is a short read that focused on the development of the characters and their relationship but it kept me entertained throughout. It was really such a beautiful story and I loved the ending, I love when teenagers embrace themselves, flaws and all, because there are too many kids out there who struggle with fitting in and that's really sad.
I love how authentic Ramona is to her self, she's a talented, lovely young woman who has some personality quirks that make her really awesome. The friendship between her and Sam, the band, the platonic friends who are actually in love with each other! And then we meet Tom. Who represents a darker side of our teenage years. He's depressed, he doesn't experience life as any other "normal" teenager would, he is artistic and he has huge questions regarding his sexuality. Personally, I have never read a book that represents polygamy as well as asexuality and I really loved exploring these topics.
Yes this book was lighthearted in the sense that it didn't delve too deeply into these factors but I feel like we got enough clarity and emotion from the characters that it didn't matter. There wasn't alot going on with the plot as this is a short read that focused on the development of the characters and their relationship but it kept me entertained throughout. It was really such a beautiful story and I loved the ending, I love when teenagers embrace themselves, flaws and all, because there are too many kids out there who struggle with fitting in and that's really sad.
Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood
funny
lighthearted
- 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
4.0
100 YES's because Jack Smith is absolutely amazing!! I loved the theoretical physicists VS experimental physicists angle this book had because it gave me such amazing Big Bang Theory vibes. I also love mine and Elsie's shared Twilight obsession!!! I unfortunately wasnt the biggest fan of Elsie though, I understand the reasons for her being the way she was but it started to annoy me especially because of the third act breakup! Overall I enjoyed the story and I LOVED Millicent lol - oh and I also loved the Diabetes rep!!
The West Wind by Alexandria Warwick
adventurous
challenging
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
4.0
To say Zephyrus really made a name for himself in The North Wind would be an understatement, so I was really interested to see how Warwick would turn him around and create a an MMC that we would love. I really enjoyed the setting of this book, we move between what's basically a convent and Under (which is the fae realm). I loved the weird and wonderful creatures in a world like this, how different the fair folk can be! It's whimsical and I really just love it.
I enjoyed the plot in this one too, it was good to see a more humble side of Zephyrus. He came off as a really broken character in this one and I think his character growth was so well done. The journey into under was exciting, filled with twists and turns and interesting side characters. And Brielle is so determined to complete the task she is given - even if she was paired up with one of the worst girls. Harper really made me want to pull my hair out for most of this book, but again, the character development in some of these characters were so good!
I did like Zephyrus, maybe not a much as Boreas but I have no complaints about him, and the epilogue was so adorable! I am not sure if I really loved Brielle though, she started off strong and I really did enjoy the direction she was heading but then it felt like she kind of got stuck, I would have expected a stronger character with a little more resolve! I think she allowed her life in the abbey to muffle who she could have been! Other than that, I really enjoyed this story!
I enjoyed the plot in this one too, it was good to see a more humble side of Zephyrus. He came off as a really broken character in this one and I think his character growth was so well done. The journey into under was exciting, filled with twists and turns and interesting side characters. And Brielle is so determined to complete the task she is given - even if she was paired up with one of the worst girls. Harper really made me want to pull my hair out for most of this book, but again, the character development in some of these characters were so good!
I did like Zephyrus, maybe not a much as Boreas but I have no complaints about him, and the epilogue was so adorable! I am not sure if I really loved Brielle though, she started off strong and I really did enjoy the direction she was heading but then it felt like she kind of got stuck, I would have expected a stronger character with a little more resolve! I think she allowed her life in the abbey to muffle who she could have been! Other than that, I really enjoyed this story!
More Than This by Krystal Marquis
lighthearted
fast-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
I really enjoyed being back in this world. Early 20th century Chicago is such a vibe and I love these characters so much. I love the that Amy Rose was able to make her dreams come true, I love that Ruby and Harrison are so committed to each other. I will say that I found that each female character seemed to all of a sudden be torn between different suitors and I found that a bit much in one book, i think if it was only one experiencing this it would have felt more authentic. But all in all, I love the Davenports, I loved Helen and John's scenes working on their automobile and it was such a sweet ending for all these characters!
Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
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
I honestly considered rating this book in crying face and broken heart emojis because that is how this book shattered me and I will never recover. Everything was tied up so perfectly in this book, the plot reached a perfect climax and the action was so good. As always, I love Magnus Bane!! I love his character and that we get him throughout this universe. But the character development in this book!!! I loved how Will finally accepted himself, how Tessa finally admitted certain things to herself and how Jem realized that he would do anything for the two people he loves most in the world.
Mortmain is a bloody genius of a villain, the way he kept throwing things at these characters was insane!! I didn't see most of the plot twists coming and gaaaaah, it had me feral! The truth about Tessa, the extent she was able to push her power! Absolutely amazing. I adored all the side characters in this one! I loved that Henry's inventions finally proved to be useful (or in usable condition) and how much of a difference it made when it was needed!
It was not only Mortmain who I absolutely despised in this book, Josiah Wayland - the current Consul - really grated my last nerves and I absolutely love Charlotte for taking all he put her through in stride. There were parts of this book that I'll never recover from, I love all these characters so much and dealing with the fallout of the battle is going to weigh on me for a long time. And just when I thought the story was healing me? Well, then there was the epilogue. And it ripped me to shreds. This trilogy is definitely one that is going to stay with me forever!
Mortmain is a bloody genius of a villain, the way he kept throwing things at these characters was insane!! I didn't see most of the plot twists coming and gaaaaah, it had me feral! The truth about Tessa, the extent she was able to push her power! Absolutely amazing. I adored all the side characters in this one! I loved that Henry's inventions finally proved to be useful (or in usable condition) and how much of a difference it made when it was needed!
It was not only Mortmain who I absolutely despised in this book, Josiah Wayland - the current Consul - really grated my last nerves and I absolutely love Charlotte for taking all he put her through in stride. There were parts of this book that I'll never recover from, I love all these characters so much and dealing with the fallout of the battle is going to weigh on me for a long time. And just when I thought the story was healing me? Well, then there was the epilogue. And it ripped me to shreds. This trilogy is definitely one that is going to stay with me forever!
Oath of Devotion and Ruin by Alexandra Rei
adventurous
challenging
fast-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
I read the first book in this series, Feud of Blood and Darkness, and I really enjoyed it but this one was so gooood!! Again, the magic system is so cool. I love how the magic is based off of tarot cards and how each arcanum gets gifted a magic by their specific god. I love the beliefs and history of the Arcanum and what they stand for. This being said, like most institutions they are stuck in there ways and even though our story didn't get the change we wanted for the future, we definitely saw some growth in their way of thinking, especially towards those of demon blood.
I actually thought this was going to be a follow on from book 1 but I was pleasantly surprised when I realized that this story followed an entirely new set of characters. I really liked the background Lena came from, I felt like it made her humble and authentic. The plot gives a good amount of mystery from the beginning, especially regarding Lena's betrothed and the Emperor's Arcanum, Gabriel Velmont. I enjoyed these new side characters, especially getting to know the werewolf clan.
There was so much action in this book, I loved the battle with the vampires, I loved hunting down the wendigo. I think the slow burn between Gabriel and Lena was perfect, for most of the book it feels like he despises her until he doesn't and it is everything. I loved the cabin scene, seeing his walls crack a little was everything. The ending was heartbreaking and beautiful and I wanted so much more of them!
I actually thought this was going to be a follow on from book 1 but I was pleasantly surprised when I realized that this story followed an entirely new set of characters. I really liked the background Lena came from, I felt like it made her humble and authentic. The plot gives a good amount of mystery from the beginning, especially regarding Lena's betrothed and the Emperor's Arcanum, Gabriel Velmont. I enjoyed these new side characters, especially getting to know the werewolf clan.
There was so much action in this book, I loved the battle with the vampires, I loved hunting down the wendigo. I think the slow burn between Gabriel and Lena was perfect, for most of the book it feels like he despises her until he doesn't and it is everything. I loved the cabin scene, seeing his walls crack a little was everything. The ending was heartbreaking and beautiful and I wanted so much more of them!
The Quick and the Dead by Emma Hinds
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-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 is hands down going to be one of my all-time favorite reads. If you're looking for that 16th century, grey London slums with historical fantasy feels such as Six of Crows and Ordinary Monsters but is still dark acedemia rich like Anatomy and Infinity Alchemist, well then I definitely recommend this book. This is by far my favorite march read (and I have read some bloody good books this month) and I don't think I will ever get over it. The Quick and the Dead is everything I could have asked for and more. I love the way Hinds explores sexuality and gender in this book, it was raw and emotional, some scenes graphic and even horrific. I also loved the slight Greek mythology references in regards to gender!
The setting was absolutely atmospheric, giving 100% Tudor England and it's honestly one of my favourite settings ever. The plot was intriguing, spellbinding, the magic in this story was so good and to mix it with alchemy? Gaaaaah! I loved the main characters, Kit Skevy and all the wonderful things about him. I loved his friendship with Mariner too, it's that sort of bond that only the streets could forge. I also really loved the slow-to-form connection between him and Laz.
This is the sort of story that keeps you on your toes. You know that every character is a bastard in there own way and you know that none can ever be trusted. You also know that trust will certainly be formed between them and when it blows up their faces, well, that's just they way it was always going to be. But because of this, the twists are so good! Elody and Isherwood, Twentyman, Squire Kay, Ezra! This story had loads of side characters that brought so much to it and I'll never get over it.
The setting was absolutely atmospheric, giving 100% Tudor England and it's honestly one of my favourite settings ever. The plot was intriguing, spellbinding, the magic in this story was so good and to mix it with alchemy? Gaaaaah! I loved the main characters, Kit Skevy and all the wonderful things about him. I loved his friendship with Mariner too, it's that sort of bond that only the streets could forge. I also really loved the slow-to-form connection between him and Laz.
This is the sort of story that keeps you on your toes. You know that every character is a bastard in there own way and you know that none can ever be trusted. You also know that trust will certainly be formed between them and when it blows up their faces, well, that's just they way it was always going to be. But because of this, the twists are so good! Elody and Isherwood, Twentyman, Squire Kay, Ezra! This story had loads of side characters that brought so much to it and I'll never get over it.
Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang
challenging
dark
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? It's complicated
5.0
This book, hands-down, deserves absolutely all the hype that it gets because... Wow, just wow. From the writing style to the worldbuilding to such a unique and fantastically-built magic system, this book was magnificent. I think the plot was so well done, from the first sentence of the prologue and all the way throughout the entirity of the story! I love that Wang depicted such discriminatory values that play a huge role in society even today, her use of sexism, classism and racism was somewhat uncomfortable and therefore, absolutely brilliant.
While the world had some complicated aspects, I did not find it hard to understand. In fact, I found that her writing style gave me light fantasy feels even when dealing with such heavy topics. I am literally in awe of the magic in this world, I love the mapping system used, how magic needs to be harnessed and instructed to create a reaction that will hopefully provide the hypothesised results, it was just so cool!
I loved the depth of Sciona's characters, that she was neither good nor bad. Her character felt authentic and relatable and this was a big theme throughout, the fact that someone can be good and bad at the same time, can be moral but be the cause of great suffering. She was so well written and I loved her. I also really loved Thomil - not just as a possible love interest, but also because of how he is "lower class" but was still able to challenge Sciona and speak his truth. I loved how real Sciona's reaction to Tiran's truth was, how she went from denial to anger to grief to action and everything in between. The ending broke me, it is not at all what I wanted but it was so needed, it was so perfect for the story!
While the world had some complicated aspects, I did not find it hard to understand. In fact, I found that her writing style gave me light fantasy feels even when dealing with such heavy topics. I am literally in awe of the magic in this world, I love the mapping system used, how magic needs to be harnessed and instructed to create a reaction that will hopefully provide the hypothesised results, it was just so cool!
I loved the depth of Sciona's characters, that she was neither good nor bad. Her character felt authentic and relatable and this was a big theme throughout, the fact that someone can be good and bad at the same time, can be moral but be the cause of great suffering. She was so well written and I loved her. I also really loved Thomil - not just as a possible love interest, but also because of how he is "lower class" but was still able to challenge Sciona and speak his truth. I loved how real Sciona's reaction to Tiran's truth was, how she went from denial to anger to grief to action and everything in between. The ending broke me, it is not at all what I wanted but it was so needed, it was so perfect for the story!
Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare
adventurous
challenging
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? It's complicated
5.0
I am absolutely, irrevocably head-over-heals for this series. I love this world and these characters so much it honestly feels like home to me. I love seeing how these old Shadowhunter families stay prevalent throughout this universe and I love connecting the characters, figuring out who is related to who. I love the time line of events and I especially have a soft spot for the London Institute! I love seeing the similarities in characters I've already read and characters I am just meeting. Like how Matthew Fairchild from The Last Hours is literally Will and Jem combined and it breaks my heart because Cassandra writes them with so much pain and longing and depth.
This book had some really major plot twists and I was here for it! They might not have been good but boy, they added to the overall story and really kept it nail-biting and exciting throughout! I loved seeing a sort of bond develop between Will and Magnus (let's face it, Magnus Bane is the face of this universe because he is the literal best character to ever exist!), I loved that we got some answers pertaining to Will, his current behavior and his past. I enjoyed more of Gideon and Gabriel Lightwood and I'm really obsessed with the little feels we got between Sophie and Gideon!
As always, I love the supernatural aspect. The demons, the automatons, the really brilliant villain. I loved Jem so much, his character is heartbreakingly beautiful. Charlotte and Henry are another two characters that own my heart, I think that their relationship is so unique and so bewitching. They are so different and yet, love each other infinitely. There were so many things that absolutely blew me away and that ending was a total "WHAT" moment. This series is just so brilliant and I cannot wait to dive deeper into it!
This book had some really major plot twists and I was here for it! They might not have been good but boy, they added to the overall story and really kept it nail-biting and exciting throughout! I loved seeing a sort of bond develop between Will and Magnus (let's face it, Magnus Bane is the face of this universe because he is the literal best character to ever exist!), I loved that we got some answers pertaining to Will, his current behavior and his past. I enjoyed more of Gideon and Gabriel Lightwood and I'm really obsessed with the little feels we got between Sophie and Gideon!
As always, I love the supernatural aspect. The demons, the automatons, the really brilliant villain. I loved Jem so much, his character is heartbreakingly beautiful. Charlotte and Henry are another two characters that own my heart, I think that their relationship is so unique and so bewitching. They are so different and yet, love each other infinitely. There were so many things that absolutely blew me away and that ending was a total "WHAT" moment. This series is just so brilliant and I cannot wait to dive deeper into it!