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shelves_by_sim's reviews
513 reviews
Kings Cage by Victoria Aveyard
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Im not going to write a long review for this one because the book itself blends in more with the overall series than stands out on its own.
After reading Glass Sword, I can appreciate how much better the plot in this book was. It was intense, constantly moving, had really high stakes and the plot twists were really well done.
Thay being said, I struggled to care for any of the characters. I think Mare absolutely ruined herself for me in the previous book and I just cannot stand her now. Not to mention the fact that for no reason at all, we get Cameron chapters - I dislike this girl, she comes off bratty and self-entitled and really, I couldn't listen to her for one more second.
The relationship between Mare and Cal is also really weird, I love Cal and I do not think she deserves him at all. There was this weird awkwardness between them like one second she'll be thinking something really ugly about his character or he's compassion or anything else she wanted to judge (because she's all high and mighty) and then in the next second, she is talking about how much she loves him or how their connection is something she has never experienced before. Euw. I just don't get it.
I liked Evangeline.
Thank you bestie, @the_bookbasket, for suffering through this with me, atleast it's not as bad as ZA ππ
After reading Glass Sword, I can appreciate how much better the plot in this book was. It was intense, constantly moving, had really high stakes and the plot twists were really well done.
Thay being said, I struggled to care for any of the characters. I think Mare absolutely ruined herself for me in the previous book and I just cannot stand her now. Not to mention the fact that for no reason at all, we get Cameron chapters - I dislike this girl, she comes off bratty and self-entitled and really, I couldn't listen to her for one more second.
The relationship between Mare and Cal is also really weird, I love Cal and I do not think she deserves him at all. There was this weird awkwardness between them like one second she'll be thinking something really ugly about his character or he's compassion or anything else she wanted to judge (because she's all high and mighty) and then in the next second, she is talking about how much she loves him or how their connection is something she has never experienced before. Euw. I just don't get it.
I liked Evangeline.
Thank you bestie, @the_bookbasket, for suffering through this with me, atleast it's not as bad as ZA ππ
Morgan Is My Name by Sophie Keetch
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
I got this book from my pookie @tbrwarriors, a couple of years ago and I cannot believe I waited so long to pick it up because that was utter magnificence! I am 100% in my Arthurian Legend era, anything to do with Arthur or Merlin or Camelot has me absolutely reeling but this book has to be the best I have read so far!
First of all, this is an intoxicating debut. A DEBUT!!! Keetch's writing is astounding, so lyrical and prolific, I loved her eloquent use of language and the way every sentence felt absorbing. The way she pulled off the world, encompassing all the small details that made it feel right for the century it is told in and yet, allowing for Morgan to pave her own way in a world that saw to punish women who did not know how to be owned.
I loved that Morgan is depicted as a healer, her magic shows great potential for what she could be and I love that she grows into this power. This book was absolutely amazing and actually already finished Le Fay (review to be posted soon because I cannot wait to tell you all what a masterpiece it was)!
First of all, this is an intoxicating debut. A DEBUT!!! Keetch's writing is astounding, so lyrical and prolific, I loved her eloquent use of language and the way every sentence felt absorbing. The way she pulled off the world, encompassing all the small details that made it feel right for the century it is told in and yet, allowing for Morgan to pave her own way in a world that saw to punish women who did not know how to be owned.
I loved that Morgan is depicted as a healer, her magic shows great potential for what she could be and I love that she grows into this power. This book was absolutely amazing and actually already finished Le Fay (review to be posted soon because I cannot wait to tell you all what a masterpiece it was)!
Guardian of Ajalon by Joan Campbell
adventurous
challenging
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
4.5
Ahhh! I loved the first two books in this series and this one was just as good! I loved the world, the worldbuilding was so good and actually, this one had me reeling because gosh, what were those twists!!! The different kingdoms and the different timelines and how everything overlapped!!! The characters! Just, wow!
I really enjoyed the multiple character's individual stories and how they end up so integral to the end of the book. Shara's journey with Eliad and Andreo added a suspensive touch to the story, and I loved Kkyden and Elxa in this book. Lucian is such a good villain, I mean this man really gave me so much anxiety! I loved that we got the history of Ajalon in this book, especially in story form - I loved reading about E'shua and Ab'el and what took place with Taus to create the evil Rif'twine forest that separates Ajalon from Gwyndorr.
Everything was tied up really nicely and although I wish that final battle had higher stakes, I think Lucian's scheming gave it enough angst! I love that this author is a local South African author and I definitely recommend this series!
Thank you, @willowtradingsa, for this review copy π€
I really enjoyed the multiple character's individual stories and how they end up so integral to the end of the book. Shara's journey with Eliad and Andreo added a suspensive touch to the story, and I loved Kkyden and Elxa in this book. Lucian is such a good villain, I mean this man really gave me so much anxiety! I loved that we got the history of Ajalon in this book, especially in story form - I loved reading about E'shua and Ab'el and what took place with Taus to create the evil Rif'twine forest that separates Ajalon from Gwyndorr.
Everything was tied up really nicely and although I wish that final battle had higher stakes, I think Lucian's scheming gave it enough angst! I love that this author is a local South African author and I definitely recommend this series!
Thank you, @willowtradingsa, for this review copy π€
The Glass Girl by Kathleen Glasgow
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Every doubt, every insecurity, every anxiety, every little thought that went through your head as a fifteen year old was perfectly summed up in this book. I think mental health and dealing with social issues like drinking and drugs is such a huge thing for a teenager, it literally feels like world is against you, it is such a struggle just to get through the day and Kathleen perfectly conveyed all these feelings in this magnificently deep book. I love the how easy it is to fall into a YA story, the world is always easy because it gives you the same real-world feeling everyday-life gives you.
I really liked Bella, she's definitely a character who is struggling and you can feel that struggle, that inner war raging inside of her. It is emotional and makes it a heavy read if you can relate to that sort of state of mind. I felt sorry for her, for the loss of her grandma, for the way she had to always step up and be the parent, for the way she felt like she always had to please people. I think this kind of life, on top of the mental issues she deals with, always manifests into something very serious, like cutting or drug abuse, and in Bella's case, alcoholism.
I enjoyed her journey to recovery. I was amazed by how she went from straight-up anger and denial, to realization and acceptance. And once that happened, how much work she put in to staying sober. The side-characters were diverse, you meet good and bad people in life - especially in a situation like this - and I am so proud of Bella for the way she navigated them and every other obstacle thrown her way. This was a sad read, but a hopeful one and I really enjoyed it!
I really liked Bella, she's definitely a character who is struggling and you can feel that struggle, that inner war raging inside of her. It is emotional and makes it a heavy read if you can relate to that sort of state of mind. I felt sorry for her, for the loss of her grandma, for the way she had to always step up and be the parent, for the way she felt like she always had to please people. I think this kind of life, on top of the mental issues she deals with, always manifests into something very serious, like cutting or drug abuse, and in Bella's case, alcoholism.
I enjoyed her journey to recovery. I was amazed by how she went from straight-up anger and denial, to realization and acceptance. And once that happened, how much work she put in to staying sober. The side-characters were diverse, you meet good and bad people in life - especially in a situation like this - and I am so proud of Bella for the way she navigated them and every other obstacle thrown her way. This was a sad read, but a hopeful one and I really enjoyed it!
Mother of Death and Dawn by Carissa Broadbent
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
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 cried. I cried because this was the perfect way to end this series and the epilogue absolutely wrecked me!!! Gosh, this one was a wild ride hey. For Maxantarius especially, and for Tisaanah having to experience the effect Ilyzath had on Max too. It's a deeply emotional book, so many close calls, so much pain. I am so glad we get to meet Brayan finally, him being Max's only remaining sibling means he is important. I actually really liked him, too. Sure he is specific, and probably very caught up in his ways but he loves Max and he is hurting and I get him!
As for Tisaanah, well, she's as badass as ever! I love that the rebels/alliance slowly start to gain a footing in Threll, their victories bring so much hope to the slaves owned by powerful families and I love that Tisaanah stops at nothing to save her people. It was really cool to have Ishqa working with them, I liked him in book 2 and even though he has made some really big mistakes, fighting with the rebels shows his true character and values. I really loved him in this book!
As for the Fae, gosh Caduan is very, very misguided and Aefe actually started irritating me in this one. I wanted so much more for her character but we only get it as a last minute decision in the end. Meajqa was wonderful though. I loved the addition of him as a character in this story! Obviously the battles were amazing, the plot twists!! The Lejaras, ILYZATH!! All of it, blew my mind. I love the ending so much, the start of a new era for them! But saying goodbye to these characters was really hard. I absolutely loved reading through Carissa's books and I cannot wait for her future works! β€οΈ
As for Tisaanah, well, she's as badass as ever! I love that the rebels/alliance slowly start to gain a footing in Threll, their victories bring so much hope to the slaves owned by powerful families and I love that Tisaanah stops at nothing to save her people. It was really cool to have Ishqa working with them, I liked him in book 2 and even though he has made some really big mistakes, fighting with the rebels shows his true character and values. I really loved him in this book!
As for the Fae, gosh Caduan is very, very misguided and Aefe actually started irritating me in this one. I wanted so much more for her character but we only get it as a last minute decision in the end. Meajqa was wonderful though. I loved the addition of him as a character in this story! Obviously the battles were amazing, the plot twists!! The Lejaras, ILYZATH!! All of it, blew my mind. I love the ending so much, the start of a new era for them! But saying goodbye to these characters was really hard. I absolutely loved reading through Carissa's books and I cannot wait for her future works! β€οΈ
Ashen Son by Carissa Broadbent
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Really enjoyed getting to know Max before! Cannot wait for the next few parts
Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
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
Even though I was always going to read this, this was another one of @thiane_reads_sa's highly recommended books! She had to sit through my constant message spamming because OH. MY. WORD!!! What a book! What a world!!! Like I've said before, Carissa Broadbent can do NO wrong in my books (or in hers hahaha). Her writing style, her characters, her BATTLES! There is not a single thing to fault her on and this book was amazing!
I loved the worldbuilding in this book, such a new and fresh concept. With an FMC that has strong vitaligo rep that's perfectly written into the story and magic system. I love the flow of this story, it feels like we take a real journey with Tisaanah. From Threll to Ara to the cottage with Max, back to Threll, back to Ara - so much happens and it is never overwhelming. The magic system is absolutely amazing, I love the two Orders and the distinction between them, their magic and their physical attributes. It was such an experience!
And Max!!! Oh my soul. He and his grumpy self and his cute little cottage and his obsessive gardening and the fact he is certainly "not made for" anything to do with humans, gosh he is perfect. I love the friendship that grows between Tisaanah and him, and how it slowly develops into something more. He is such a good man and they are absolutely perfect together! I loved the raw power aspect, Reshaye is definitely a very volitile presence, it comes off as powerful and possibly evil but I'm hoping that it turns out to be misunderstood or tamed? I jumped into Ashen Son too, which is Max's prequel novella, and I enjoyed reading about his origins (still waiting for another 3 parts of this story before I can fully review it). Cannot wait to carry on with the rest of this series π
I loved the worldbuilding in this book, such a new and fresh concept. With an FMC that has strong vitaligo rep that's perfectly written into the story and magic system. I love the flow of this story, it feels like we take a real journey with Tisaanah. From Threll to Ara to the cottage with Max, back to Threll, back to Ara - so much happens and it is never overwhelming. The magic system is absolutely amazing, I love the two Orders and the distinction between them, their magic and their physical attributes. It was such an experience!
And Max!!! Oh my soul. He and his grumpy self and his cute little cottage and his obsessive gardening and the fact he is certainly "not made for" anything to do with humans, gosh he is perfect. I love the friendship that grows between Tisaanah and him, and how it slowly develops into something more. He is such a good man and they are absolutely perfect together! I loved the raw power aspect, Reshaye is definitely a very volitile presence, it comes off as powerful and possibly evil but I'm hoping that it turns out to be misunderstood or tamed? I jumped into Ashen Son too, which is Max's prequel novella, and I enjoyed reading about his origins (still waiting for another 3 parts of this story before I can fully review it). Cannot wait to carry on with the rest of this series π
Such A Filthy Girl by Effie Campbell
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Effie Campbell's smutty novellas are literally the perfect palette cleanser! After being on a heavy romantasy train this entire month, this novella was the perfect refresher. I do absolutely love a taboo step-sibling trope and boy was this one dark. From the moment we start this book, we're in the action - there is no time to settle, you are hit with Leo's obsessing full force.
I really loved the whole agoraphobe angle this book had, I haven't read one before and I enjoyed experiencing it. I loved his determination and his utter confidence even though he obviously struggles with this disease. His obsessed with Estella had heavy stalker vibes and was borderline psychotic but gosh-daymn it was hot as hell.
I loved the family reunion vibes and the fact that Estella brought her, very obviously, not-for-her boyfriend along. It made the forbiddenness between hers and Leo relationship all the more real. Watching Leo struggle with his disease in order to be the man Estella needed was really cool and I really enjoyed this book!
I really loved the whole agoraphobe angle this book had, I haven't read one before and I enjoyed experiencing it. I loved his determination and his utter confidence even though he obviously struggles with this disease. His obsessed with Estella had heavy stalker vibes and was borderline psychotic but gosh-daymn it was hot as hell.
I loved the family reunion vibes and the fact that Estella brought her, very obviously, not-for-her boyfriend along. It made the forbiddenness between hers and Leo relationship all the more real. Watching Leo struggle with his disease in order to be the man Estella needed was really cool and I really enjoyed this book!
Vicious Fae by Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
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
4.0
Gosh this series has me absolutely obsessed! Honestly though, not too much plot happened in this one for me. We carry on with the mystery of Gareth's death and the weird Black Card cult that Elise suspects has something to do with her brother's murder. We get alot of action regarding this near then end of this book and alot of investigating throughout which is really cozy!
There is alot of character and relationship development in this book, although Gabriel really needs to stop being so hot and cold all the time! I feel like I really love him and I love that he's a loner and is a grumpy bastard but he is definitely the one Elise has made the least progress with! I love that the guys seem to be more open to who Elise is now and we even get a *spoiler* little sum' sum' with two astral adversaries, if you know what I meanπ
I LOVED going to Zodiac Academy with these characters! I loved experiencing Lance Orion in his Pitball prime, that was absolutely amazing. I laughed my ass off with this book too, it has honestly been the funniest in this series. I did get a little annoyed with Leon in this one though and I really wish he had done a little more groveling before that ending happened but it's not the biggest thing. I am very worried about book 4 though, because my baby Ryder (and Gabriel and Dante, I guess) is really upset and my heart hurts thinking about it! All in all, I am SUPER EXCITED to continue this series because it is perfection!
There is alot of character and relationship development in this book, although Gabriel really needs to stop being so hot and cold all the time! I feel like I really love him and I love that he's a loner and is a grumpy bastard but he is definitely the one Elise has made the least progress with! I love that the guys seem to be more open to who Elise is now and we even get a *spoiler* little sum' sum' with two astral adversaries, if you know what I meanπ
I LOVED going to Zodiac Academy with these characters! I loved experiencing Lance Orion in his Pitball prime, that was absolutely amazing. I laughed my ass off with this book too, it has honestly been the funniest in this series. I did get a little annoyed with Leon in this one though and I really wish he had done a little more groveling before that ending happened but it's not the biggest thing. I am very worried about book 4 though, because my baby Ryder (and Gabriel and Dante, I guess) is really upset and my heart hurts thinking about it! All in all, I am SUPER EXCITED to continue this series because it is perfection!
Amid Clouds and Bones by Ella Fields
adventurous
challenging
dark
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
This was a rec from @thiane_reads_sa, she said "Cardan vibes" and I was immediately like YUP, GIMME GIMME! And let me tell you that it did not disappoint! This book was absolutely brilliant, I LOVED the story, I loved the FMC, I loved the world and how it's divided between the human, seelie and unseelie realms. I LOVED the bully trope and how godsdamned perfectly it was done!! Ahhhh, the shivers I'm still getting! The magic system in this story was amazing, I love the more monstrous magic and creatures of the unseelie realm!
Atakan is an absolute nightmare and you can bet that I am 100% head-over-heals for that Fae prince! He is cruel, terrifying, duplicitous and absolutely everything I could want in an MMC! The relationship between him and Mildred is a deliciously simmering slow-burn and it gave me all the feels! Oh, and unlike The Cruel Prince, this story is spicy and OMGosh it was everything! Fields gave us a twist I would have never seen coming and what a brilliant thing to do! She had me certainly second guessing everything I thought I knew and felt and honestly, I'm still shook!
When I tell you that this plot blew me away, I mean it. The story and the world were so well developed, the monsters, the war, the curse, the prophecy, the way you never know what the seelie king is up to because, of course, he's pure-blooded Fae. The plot twists had me in a choke-hold but gosh, there's one that had me literally squealing. Everything out of Atakan's mouth had me squealing too! I loved this book so much that I wish it were actually a series because I just want more of them! So, so much more! This story was absolutely beautiful and I highly, highly recommend it! If you loved The Folk of the Air series then PLEASE, read this book!!!
Atakan is an absolute nightmare and you can bet that I am 100% head-over-heals for that Fae prince! He is cruel, terrifying, duplicitous and absolutely everything I could want in an MMC! The relationship between him and Mildred is a deliciously simmering slow-burn and it gave me all the feels! Oh, and unlike The Cruel Prince, this story is spicy and OMGosh it was everything! Fields gave us a twist I would have never seen coming and what a brilliant thing to do! She had me certainly second guessing everything I thought I knew and felt and honestly, I'm still shook!
When I tell you that this plot blew me away, I mean it. The story and the world were so well developed, the monsters, the war, the curse, the prophecy, the way you never know what the seelie king is up to because, of course, he's pure-blooded Fae. The plot twists had me in a choke-hold but gosh, there's one that had me literally squealing. Everything out of Atakan's mouth had me squealing too! I loved this book so much that I wish it were actually a series because I just want more of them! So, so much more! This story was absolutely beautiful and I highly, highly recommend it! If you loved The Folk of the Air series then PLEASE, read this book!!!