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shelves_by_sim's reviews
508 reviews
A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab
adventurous
challenging
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 is my first V.E. Schwab book and it really did not dissapoint. This book gave me Swordcatcher by Cassandra Clare meets Dark Heir by C.S. Pacat and it was literally everything. Sure, the world is a little complicated and you really need to pay attention at first but once I grasped it I was set (I'll give you a little advice, don't start out with an audio like I did lol). It is absolutely amazing. Red, White, Grey and Black London and their respective magics or lack there of, the Antari who are able to move through each of these worlds, the entire magic system was so good.
The writing was absolutely decadent, so captivating, so encompassing. I loved the setting, the colours of the worlds Kel travels through, the danger around every corner. I loved how each world or each London had different cultures and customs and that even languages and names of surrounding areas changed so drastically. It really showed how London is the only point that connects all of these worlds. Kel is a great character, he's that sort of morally gray, he's probably good but not that good, protagonist with a good cause (in an unromantic way, sorry lol) that gives a character so much depth.
Lila is, well, she's a bit hectic but I really learned to love her. She's headstrong and argues about everything and you never know if she's about to unalive you, just because. The plot was so good, the stone from Black London and what it could do is so interesting and the villains in this story were also so freaking good. I loved the ending and I cannot wait to jump into the next book in this series!
The writing was absolutely decadent, so captivating, so encompassing. I loved the setting, the colours of the worlds Kel travels through, the danger around every corner. I loved how each world or each London had different cultures and customs and that even languages and names of surrounding areas changed so drastically. It really showed how London is the only point that connects all of these worlds. Kel is a great character, he's that sort of morally gray, he's probably good but not that good, protagonist with a good cause (in an unromantic way, sorry lol) that gives a character so much depth.
Lila is, well, she's a bit hectic but I really learned to love her. She's headstrong and argues about everything and you never know if she's about to unalive you, just because. The plot was so good, the stone from Black London and what it could do is so interesting and the villains in this story were also so freaking good. I loved the ending and I cannot wait to jump into the next book in this series!
Deep End by Ali Hazelwood
emotional
funny
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? Yes
5.0
Ali has freaking done it again and let me say that this might just be my favorite of all of her books! First of all, like all of her FMCs, Vandy is perfect! I love her individual quirkiness, the statement inner monologue that usually comes off as a self-berating ramble, and just how overall hilarious she was. I loved the setting of this story, it's still very much STEM considering the main characters are geniuses but the athlete angle was so fresh, the pool side scenes and all the training really made this feel like a cozy college movie and I loved it.
Lukas Blomqvist (yes, he's Swedish and yes, he has the most swoon-worthy accent if you listen to the audiobook! No, seriously! I highly recommend that you experience Lukas with a voice, okay!) is an insanely controlled, sullen and super quiet hot shot. He's on track to be one of the most famous swimmers of his age and yet he is so logical, he doesnt even care - about people, about what they think, about fame. And my knees buckled!!! Because we all know I love a mysterious guy. Every. Damn. Thing. About this man has me fanning myself. Every interaction with Vandy, every dirty little thing that came out of his mouth!!! Gaaaaah!
Also, this book is insanely spicy and even though it's based around kink, it came off as this soft, sensual sort of kink in a lighthearted story and I don't know what about that drove me insane, but man, it did! I really enjoyed the story, there was one character I thought was really sus and that gave me anxiety for like 80% of the book but other than that, it was utter perfection. Not to mention, the Adam and Olive cameos literally made day! This book made me so happy while reading it, I didn't want it to end!
Lukas Blomqvist (yes, he's Swedish and yes, he has the most swoon-worthy accent if you listen to the audiobook! No, seriously! I highly recommend that you experience Lukas with a voice, okay!) is an insanely controlled, sullen and super quiet hot shot. He's on track to be one of the most famous swimmers of his age and yet he is so logical, he doesnt even care - about people, about what they think, about fame. And my knees buckled!!! Because we all know I love a mysterious guy. Every. Damn. Thing. About this man has me fanning myself. Every interaction with Vandy, every dirty little thing that came out of his mouth!!! Gaaaaah!
Also, this book is insanely spicy and even though it's based around kink, it came off as this soft, sensual sort of kink in a lighthearted story and I don't know what about that drove me insane, but man, it did! I really enjoyed the story, there was one character I thought was really sus and that gave me anxiety for like 80% of the book but other than that, it was utter perfection. Not to mention, the Adam and Olive cameos literally made day! This book made me so happy while reading it, I didn't want it to end!
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
adventurous
challenging
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
4.5
I am a huge fan of both the movie and the Shadowhunters series so yes, I did know what I was getting into going into this! I was so amazed at how true to the movie this first book is, for atleast the first 80% of it! This is also not my first Cassandra Clare book, I ADORED The Last Hours series (like in my top 3 reads of 2023!) and I am insanely obsessed with Swordcatcher. I think that it was so incredibly interesting to see how Clare's writing has changed from this series to her later works!
This book felt light and easy and maybe it is because I already know so much about this world, but I found the worldbuilding to be easy to follow. I think it's obvious that I love the story, given that I've seen all the adaption, but I really love this story, OKAY! The characters and the plot are so good in book 1 and I hope it carries on throughout. I loved seeing certain characters I was obsessed with in the TV series, like Raphael and Luke, and I cannot wait to get to know them on paper!
Again, the Shadowhunter world might seem complicated but it is just so beautiful, I love the intricacies of the world, the different types of demons, the glamours, the Rune magic and the fact that normal ass people are called mundanes! I love the institute settings and the high-action scenes and really, I love the depth that Clare's characters have. I cannot wait to go through Alec's journey with him because there is something about the way she writes queer characters that is just absolute stunning!
I am so glad we have started this series bestie, @the_bookbasket, thank you for reading it with me 🖤
This book felt light and easy and maybe it is because I already know so much about this world, but I found the worldbuilding to be easy to follow. I think it's obvious that I love the story, given that I've seen all the adaption, but I really love this story, OKAY! The characters and the plot are so good in book 1 and I hope it carries on throughout. I loved seeing certain characters I was obsessed with in the TV series, like Raphael and Luke, and I cannot wait to get to know them on paper!
Again, the Shadowhunter world might seem complicated but it is just so beautiful, I love the intricacies of the world, the different types of demons, the glamours, the Rune magic and the fact that normal ass people are called mundanes! I love the institute settings and the high-action scenes and really, I love the depth that Clare's characters have. I cannot wait to go through Alec's journey with him because there is something about the way she writes queer characters that is just absolute stunning!
I am so glad we have started this series bestie, @the_bookbasket, thank you for reading it with me 🖤
Dance of Wings by Taylor Aston White
adventurous
challenging
dark
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
I cannot believe this series has come to an end. This is such a bitter sweet review because I have read the arcs of every single one of these books as Taylor has written them, literally from book 1, and I honestly don't want to let go! I love this world, I love the different types of breed, the setting, THE CHARACTERS!!! So. Damn. Much. Every single one of these boys stories have been etched into my heart but I always, always knew that Lucifer's would be my absolute favorite...
And I was right! I love how different this story was from the rest of them. We actually get so much of the Celestrial realm with a whole lot more plot centered around Celestrial characters. Considering Lucifer is a Daemon and his breed is seen as evil, I love that Scarlet's character is what is usually portrayed as Angelic (even if this is a huge misconception in the story). It gives such a good contrast!
I loved the mystery aspect of this story too, Scarlet is only there for one reason and she is determined to fulfill it, no matter the cost. I loved the relationship development between Scarlet and Lucifer, her being the grumpy and him being the sunshine! His glitter obsession continues to be a delight! As for the overall plot of this series, I loved how everything played out. It was about time that the Guardians were able to defeat Gideon and the whole addition of the Archangel, Cassiel, made this one really high-stakes and so interesting. I highly recommend this series to everyone because not only is every story amazing with really good spicy scenes, but you just have to get to know these boys!!! Okay?!
Thank you, @taylorastonwhite, for having me tag along for this journey, I will never forget it 🖤
And I was right! I love how different this story was from the rest of them. We actually get so much of the Celestrial realm with a whole lot more plot centered around Celestrial characters. Considering Lucifer is a Daemon and his breed is seen as evil, I love that Scarlet's character is what is usually portrayed as Angelic (even if this is a huge misconception in the story). It gives such a good contrast!
I loved the mystery aspect of this story too, Scarlet is only there for one reason and she is determined to fulfill it, no matter the cost. I loved the relationship development between Scarlet and Lucifer, her being the grumpy and him being the sunshine! His glitter obsession continues to be a delight! As for the overall plot of this series, I loved how everything played out. It was about time that the Guardians were able to defeat Gideon and the whole addition of the Archangel, Cassiel, made this one really high-stakes and so interesting. I highly recommend this series to everyone because not only is every story amazing with really good spicy scenes, but you just have to get to know these boys!!! Okay?!
Thank you, @taylorastonwhite, for having me tag along for this journey, I will never forget it 🖤
Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
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
4.0
What a wonderful, cozy read this was! It gave me all the warm, cuddle in front of the fire and drink hot cocoa sort of feels and I loved it! Belle is a very unsure-of-herself, yet somewhat cheeky character and I enjoyed getting to know her and grow with her. The story itself gave small-town, with Belle being employed at a small business having to deal with a toxic boss on top of juggling her life.
I loved how subtle the magic in this story is. Nothing is in your face and it gives it this simple, sweet sort of feeling. That being said, the story had some good mystery, some good twists and turns and things I would never have seen coming. I absolutely loved Artorius, he is a quirky old man and I don't think Belle could have asked for a better mentor.
Rune was such a great character too, honestly such a cinnamon roll and I loved him to bits. I will say that I am not exactly happy with the way Belle treated him though, I think she could be pretty mean and I do hope this changes in book 2! All in all, this was a lovely read, quick and easy and really enjoyable for me! Plus, I love this cover so much 😍
I loved how subtle the magic in this story is. Nothing is in your face and it gives it this simple, sweet sort of feeling. That being said, the story had some good mystery, some good twists and turns and things I would never have seen coming. I absolutely loved Artorius, he is a quirky old man and I don't think Belle could have asked for a better mentor.
Rune was such a great character too, honestly such a cinnamon roll and I loved him to bits. I will say that I am not exactly happy with the way Belle treated him though, I think she could be pretty mean and I do hope this changes in book 2! All in all, this was a lovely read, quick and easy and really enjoyable for me! Plus, I love this cover so much 😍
When The Mask Slips by Iris Kayan
adventurous
mysterious
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
3.75
I really enjoyed this book. The plot was really good and the crime/mystery aspect of it was really refreshing and so interesting. The magic system was really cool, I enjoyed the different sorts of magics, the auras, the way these magics can be severed from the wielder and used afterwards.
I liked that we got the POVs of both main characters, Lynx Wu being a stickler of a cop with a good heart and a determination unmatched and Sutyu Lam being the villain with a good cause. I enjoyed their friendship/relationship development and I liked how this made the stakes of the plot even more dire, because there were so many momentous secrets between them!
There was action, there was mystery, there were villains and so much danger! And after all of that, there was a really good story behind it all! And of course, loved the Asian rep!
I liked that we got the POVs of both main characters, Lynx Wu being a stickler of a cop with a good heart and a determination unmatched and Sutyu Lam being the villain with a good cause. I enjoyed their friendship/relationship development and I liked how this made the stakes of the plot even more dire, because there were so many momentous secrets between them!
There was action, there was mystery, there were villains and so much danger! And after all of that, there was a really good story behind it all! And of course, loved the Asian rep!
The Duke and I by Julia Quinn
funny
lighthearted
medium-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
5.0
I think we are all Bridgerton fans and honestly, after loving the series so much I just couldn't get wait to get my hands on these two books!
And oh my soul, I loved them!! The perfect regency setting, I love how the writing is so freaking easy, how fast it reads, how it absolutely captivated my attention and how it immediately transports you into the 19th century.
I was surprised at how many changes there were in the series, like actual pivotal things we have all come to know as very Bridgerton, were not in the books. This means things like the Queen's part in the entire series was added in afterwards! Crazy.
Nevertheless, I loved both of these books. Daphne and Simon will always be THE couple for me, I loved their story, I loved their relationship dynamics and to actually read about Simon, what he went through and what he feels on the inside was heartbreaking!
Anthony Bridgerton will always be THE man for me! His book was so good, I actually really liked Kate and Edwina in this one (which I didn't in the series) and it was just amazing. The tension, the longing, the denial!! Just so good.
This concludes my Bridgerton experience though, I might pick up the rest one day but it's these two books I really wanted to read!
And oh my soul, I loved them!! The perfect regency setting, I love how the writing is so freaking easy, how fast it reads, how it absolutely captivated my attention and how it immediately transports you into the 19th century.
I was surprised at how many changes there were in the series, like actual pivotal things we have all come to know as very Bridgerton, were not in the books. This means things like the Queen's part in the entire series was added in afterwards! Crazy.
Nevertheless, I loved both of these books. Daphne and Simon will always be THE couple for me, I loved their story, I loved their relationship dynamics and to actually read about Simon, what he went through and what he feels on the inside was heartbreaking!
Anthony Bridgerton will always be THE man for me! His book was so good, I actually really liked Kate and Edwina in this one (which I didn't in the series) and it was just amazing. The tension, the longing, the denial!! Just so good.
This concludes my Bridgerton experience though, I might pick up the rest one day but it's these two books I really wanted to read!
The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn
funny
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? Yes
5.0
I think we are all Bridgerton fans and honestly, after loving the series so much I just couldn't get wait to get my hands on these two books!
And oh my soul, I loved them!! The perfect regency setting, I love how the writing is so freaking easy, how fast it reads, how it absolutely captivated my attention and how it immediately transports you into the 19th century.
I was surprised at how many changes there were in the series, like actual pivotal things we have all come to know as very Bridgerton, were not in the books. This means things like the Queen's part in the entire series was added in afterwards! Crazy.
Nevertheless, I loved both of these books. Daphne and Simon will always be THE couple for me, I loved their story, I loved their relationship dynamics and to actually read about Simon, what he went through and what he feels on the inside was heartbreaking!
Anthony Bridgerton will always be THE man for me! His book was so good, I actually really liked Kate and Edwina in this one (which I didn't in the series) and it was just amazing. The tension, the longing, the denial!! Just so good.
This concludes my Bridgerton experience though, I might pick up the rest one day but it's these two books I really wanted to read!
And oh my soul, I loved them!! The perfect regency setting, I love how the writing is so freaking easy, how fast it reads, how it absolutely captivated my attention and how it immediately transports you into the 19th century.
I was surprised at how many changes there were in the series, like actual pivotal things we have all come to know as very Bridgerton, were not in the books. This means things like the Queen's part in the entire series was added in afterwards! Crazy.
Nevertheless, I loved both of these books. Daphne and Simon will always be THE couple for me, I loved their story, I loved their relationship dynamics and to actually read about Simon, what he went through and what he feels on the inside was heartbreaking!
Anthony Bridgerton will always be THE man for me! His book was so good, I actually really liked Kate and Edwina in this one (which I didn't in the series) and it was just amazing. The tension, the longing, the denial!! Just so good.
This concludes my Bridgerton experience though, I might pick up the rest one day but it's these two books I really wanted to read!
Mysteries of Thorn Manor by Margaret Rogerson
adventurous
funny
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
5.0
Mysteries of Thorn Manor was such a cute companion novella that I absolutely adored. I loved getting a little more of these characters after the ending of Sorcery of Thorns and it just added an extra magical touch to this world and their story. It gave me some sort of closure to let these characters go and it was honestly, so beautiful 🖤
Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson
adventurous
challenging
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
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
5.0
I love how this book reminded me of The Book That Wouldn't Burn but with that lighter fantasy feel that Divine Rivals had. I loved the worldbuilding, it was complex while still being easy to read and let's face it, magical libraries and magical books? What more could I ask for. I love the setting that this story was written in and I love that Elisabeth is such a stand-out character, not only in the sense that she was raised in a library which brings all sorts of weird and wonderful little tidbits to the plot, but rather the fact that she is quite tall and does not fit in easily.
The plot was so good, I loved the villain and for such a light story, it was quite high-stakes. I loved the side characters, especially Silas. The fact that this world has demons in it but is written in such a way that it all seems so natural is amazing. I love the magic system and the little quirks the magic brings to the world, like cursed dressing gowns and wards that think on their own! I really loved Nathaniel and I think the audio solidified this for me because there was something about the way he carried himself that I just loved. He's that kind of grumpy, reluctant character with the most deadpan humor that had me giggling!
The plot was so good, I loved the villain and for such a light story, it was quite high-stakes. I loved the side characters, especially Silas. The fact that this world has demons in it but is written in such a way that it all seems so natural is amazing. I love the magic system and the little quirks the magic brings to the world, like cursed dressing gowns and wards that think on their own! I really loved Nathaniel and I think the audio solidified this for me because there was something about the way he carried himself that I just loved. He's that kind of grumpy, reluctant character with the most deadpan humor that had me giggling!