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shelves_by_sim's reviews
513 reviews
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!
Anathema by Keri Lake
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
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? Yes
4.5
This book gave me all the Crimson Moth vibes but make it darker and give it a few more fantasy aspects. From the moment I started reading it I was absolutely sucked into the story, I love Maevyth, I love the setting the story takes place in, I love the eerie woods that no human can survive and most of all, I love that there is a whole realm unknown to the mortals! The concept of this story is so freaking amazing, the way their magic is connected to certain gods or the moon and sun, and how using glyphs is a big part of welding this magic, is just so cool!
The worldbuilding is PHENOMENAL and the magic doesn't even stop there. Zevander has access to a dark magic that is unlike anything I have ever read. I will say that his origin story and childhood are quite heavy, he has been through alot of traumatic events and it really broke my heart. But, oh my soul, he is absolutely everything and more. I loved the side characters in this story and I loved the plot just as much. There were such interesting moments getting to know the history of these two worlds as well as intriguing and even creepy instances within the story.
I love how most fantasy these days are slow-burn because it just brings all the tension and feels and the intensity between Maevyth and Zevander gave me goosebumps! I do wish there were a little more action nearer to the end though, maybe a high-stakes confrontation or something like that but honestly, this book was so good I never wanted to put it down. I thought about it all day and night for days and I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
The worldbuilding is PHENOMENAL and the magic doesn't even stop there. Zevander has access to a dark magic that is unlike anything I have ever read. I will say that his origin story and childhood are quite heavy, he has been through alot of traumatic events and it really broke my heart. But, oh my soul, he is absolutely everything and more. I loved the side characters in this story and I loved the plot just as much. There were such interesting moments getting to know the history of these two worlds as well as intriguing and even creepy instances within the story.
I love how most fantasy these days are slow-burn because it just brings all the tension and feels and the intensity between Maevyth and Zevander gave me goosebumps! I do wish there were a little more action nearer to the end though, maybe a high-stakes confrontation or something like that but honestly, this book was so good I never wanted to put it down. I thought about it all day and night for days and I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
Did I take time to process? Nope. Do I feel like I absolutely need book 4, like, RIGHT THE FUCK NOW? Yes. I think we all had our theories regarding what Rebecca would throw at us in this book and while it was nothing like I expected, I am literally on a high. I love this world, I love how her storytelling is absolutely flawless but most of all, I love her plot, plot, PLOT!! There is always so much going on, so many webs woven, so many intricacies that can be interpretted one way or another and it blows my mind every single time!
Firstly, I want to say I am so proud of Violet. I did not like her in Iron Flame, unfortunately, but it felt like we got Fourth Wing Violet back and I was here for it! I absolutely love the way she fought and stood by Xaden no matter what. Xaden was so overbearing and protective in this book and it literally had my brain neurons firing. I am obsessed with this man, mainly because he is hot AF, but also because he is such a beautiful character. He would do anything for those he loves and he'd burn the world for Violet.
This series has some of the best side characters ever, of course Ridoc stole the limelight once again but I also loved Dain's growth. The dragons are hilarious, I love Tairn's grumpy ass and the way Andarna takes any opportunity to bicker with him! The questions we go answered, the things we discovered, the plot twists that hit us left, right and center!!! Everything about this read was anxiety-inducing and all-around satisfying and you can bet I have theories for book 4 flowing!! I think we still have so many questions and there are so many ways the next book could go but GAAAAAAH, that ending was everything!!
As always, thanks for the buddy read bestie, @the_bookbasket, and thank you, @books_by_dae, for always obsessing over theories with me 🖤
Firstly, I want to say I am so proud of Violet. I did not like her in Iron Flame, unfortunately, but it felt like we got Fourth Wing Violet back and I was here for it! I absolutely love the way she fought and stood by Xaden no matter what. Xaden was so overbearing and protective in this book and it literally had my brain neurons firing. I am obsessed with this man, mainly because he is hot AF, but also because he is such a beautiful character. He would do anything for those he loves and he'd burn the world for Violet.
This series has some of the best side characters ever, of course Ridoc stole the limelight once again but I also loved Dain's growth. The dragons are hilarious, I love Tairn's grumpy ass and the way Andarna takes any opportunity to bicker with him! The questions we go answered, the things we discovered, the plot twists that hit us left, right and center!!! Everything about this read was anxiety-inducing and all-around satisfying and you can bet I have theories for book 4 flowing!! I think we still have so many questions and there are so many ways the next book could go but GAAAAAAH, that ending was everything!!
As always, thanks for the buddy read bestie, @the_bookbasket, and thank you, @books_by_dae, for always obsessing over theories with me 🖤
Le Fay by Sophie Keetch
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
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? It's complicated
5.0
Oh my gosh, this series is an absolute masterpiece. I cannot stop talking about how it made me feel, how the setting was so perfectly described, how the world was perfectly dark/gothic Arthurian and how Keetch pulled off a story making Morgan a fantastic character that went through so much loss and sorrow and hardship in her life and finally decided that this one last time, she will come out on top.
Le Fay actually includes all of the general King Arthur characters, this includes Merlin, Guinevere and Arthur himself - whereas the first book focused more on Morgan. I loved having all of these characters together, I loved the uncomfortable, duplicitous nature of the court and Queen Guinevere, Camelot and all it's wrongs and really, just how spiteful and downright evil Merlin is portrayed to be in this story. It made the plot absolutely amazing.
I loved Morgan's character throughout, sometimes I wish she stood up to her brother sooner but at the same time, I admire her compassion. There were some really beautiful moments in this book and then there were some really devastating ones and my heart has still not recovered. But it was amazing to see Morgan make alliances, realise her power and her place in the world and finally prepare to fight back! I cannot wait for the third and final book in this series!
Le Fay actually includes all of the general King Arthur characters, this includes Merlin, Guinevere and Arthur himself - whereas the first book focused more on Morgan. I loved having all of these characters together, I loved the uncomfortable, duplicitous nature of the court and Queen Guinevere, Camelot and all it's wrongs and really, just how spiteful and downright evil Merlin is portrayed to be in this story. It made the plot absolutely amazing.
I loved Morgan's character throughout, sometimes I wish she stood up to her brother sooner but at the same time, I admire her compassion. There were some really beautiful moments in this book and then there were some really devastating ones and my heart has still not recovered. But it was amazing to see Morgan make alliances, realise her power and her place in the world and finally prepare to fight back! I cannot wait for the third and final book in this series!
The Hunt by Z.W. Taylor
adventurous
challenging
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? It's complicated
4.5
Loved!!!! I read the first book in this series, The Bite, a couple of years ago when it first came out and I absolutely loved that book. The Hunt absolutely lives up to it! It was so good being back with the Thunderhead pack, watching Charlotte grow into her wolf, watching Levi start to accept his past and come out of his shell! I loved meeting new characters from the main pack and the few from surrounding packs, especially Andrea! I really enjoyed Char's journey to become a tracker and the big hunt in the forest, it's creepy and ominous and I cannot wait for the next book! The rogue wolves are definitely still a problem and I cannot wait to find out what this means for the pack and for Char!
Diavola by Jennifer Marie Thorne
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Thanks for supporting my whims and going along with every random buddy read I suggest bestie, @the_bookbasket! I really enjoyed this book, I loved the setting in Italy, the old house, the creepy ghost, the small town and all the locals who are clearly in the know. I really enjoyed the story and the mystery of it all. Although I thought that this would have a more eerie/dark feel throughout the book, I still ended up loving it. Honestly, I loved Anna and hated every single one of her family members! I didn't necessarily find this book scary but I also don't find many things scary so that could just be a personal thing. Either way, I still recommend this book because it was definitely a good read.