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shethatreadstok's reviews
8 reviews
You've Reached Sam by Dustin Thao
I heard it was a highly recommended romance and read blindly. I'm not usually a crier but, my goodness, I didn't last past chapter 2. It's a solid four star read. But I'd like to keep this review spoiler-free as possible. So, vaguely, I'll admit that the ending left me with more questions than I would like. It's a beautiful novel of second chances, honoring the memory of a loved one, and moving forward.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
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
4.0
Letting go isn’t about forgetting. It’s balancing moving forward with life, and looking back from time to time, remembering the people in it.
I heard it was a highly recommended romance and read blindly. I'm not usually a crier but, my goodness, I didn't last past chapter 2. It's a solid four star read. But I'd like to keep this review spoiler-free as possible. So, vaguely, I'll admit that the ending left me with more questions than I would like. It's a beautiful novel of second chances, honoring the memory of a loved one, and moving forward.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Grief, and Car accident
House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas
Such an incredible introduction to modern fantasy. The worldbuilding is heavy in the first four chapters but it is essential. By chapter five, I was hooked. So much character development and unique attributes were woven into the story beautifully. Thcaptivating story of a young woman finding life again after tragically losing her best friend and found family.
Bryce Quinlan is an immaculate MFC who continued to grow along with holding that sarcastic characteristic. And Hunt? So much depth and understanding. I absolutely adore the two! Emotions ran high as I eagerly flipped through the pages, my heart racing with anticipation. But suddenly, tears welled up in my eyes as the story took an unexpected turn. Definitely will reread Crescent City just to see what other hidden gems lay within the pages. So many parallels to ACOTAR and TOG, it's incredible. First Five Star read of 2024!
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
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
“My friends are with me and I am not afraid.”
Such an incredible introduction to modern fantasy. The worldbuilding is heavy in the first four chapters but it is essential. By chapter five, I was hooked. So much character development and unique attributes were woven into the story beautifully. Thcaptivating story of a young woman finding life again after tragically losing her best friend and found family.
Bryce Quinlan is an immaculate MFC who continued to grow along with holding that sarcastic characteristic. And Hunt? So much depth and understanding. I absolutely adore the two! Emotions ran high as I eagerly flipped through the pages, my heart racing with anticipation. But suddenly, tears welled up in my eyes as the story took an unexpected turn. Definitely will reread Crescent City just to see what other hidden gems lay within the pages. So many parallels to ACOTAR and TOG, it's incredible. First Five Star read of 2024!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Violence
Moderate: Drug use, Slavery, and Torture
A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
4.75
To resonate with Nesta means to know the trauma. And how you overcame the dark troves within or are facing it. It is not a direct reflection on your own turmoil. No, the things Nesta said out of spite are never acceptable. But the sharp twisted reasoning behind it is the swift cut that trauma recognizes. And how, you too, clawed your way out— teeth and all.
I was hesitant to read this based on the rapid MFC hate. But, my goodness, this is a treasure among my collection. The mural of healing from trauma is a strewn ugly thing. Everyone has their own vision for how a person is supposed to recognize, face and heal from their infliction. Until the mirror is turned and you have to dwell with the edged darkness.
A lot is skimmed over having their (Nesta and Elaine’s) mortality ripped forcibly away within Hybern’s control. Their mortal bodies were pushed into plunging cold waters of endless darkness to be drowned as mortals, then raised as High Fae. And while Elaine shields her traumas by burying it in the ground and her mind, Nesta guards herself. Tearing apart everyone who dares to look at her with love and care as her father had. And while that's not excusable for her raunchy behavior, it gives an insight to the broken mind of a young woman. This journey is of all the bridges Nesta Archeron burned and the new ones she Made.
This read was a beautiful mess. So much worldbuilding, strong character development (main and not), and the leading edge to the fourth Trove item .
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Death, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
Minor: Child abuse, Child death, and Rape
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
challenging
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
If I could describe this book in one word, it would be predictable. Beside the fact that there are striking similarities to Red Queen (Iykyk), it wasn't entirely enjoyable. A lot of the scenes bounce around inorganically, cutting off the lessons/meetings for meaningless banter repeatedly. The “foreshadowing” is blatantly screaming through the pages. If you're going to use a best friend betrayal , at least make him likable!! In my opinion. It's distasteful for the author to use Gealic for her work and disregard it's respected language with what she deems “her own vision”. Couldn't bear the audiobook for this reason.
I had high hopes for this upcoming series.
I had high hopes for this upcoming series.
A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
This is the transitioning phase to ACOSF. With that in mind, think of it as a Christmas romcom for the High Lady’s future pregnancy while both her sisters drown in their trauma. I almost skimmed this book but I’m glad I didn't. There's a lot of foreshadowing for characters that will be in the future works for Sarah J Maas. And while it's not plot-based, it gives you further insight to see how others adapt after the war.
Tragic Bonds by J. Bree
Did not finish book. Stopped at 16%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 16%.
Repetitive storyline. Double standards at its finest.
Forced Bonds by J. Bree
adventurous
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
I've read this far to know the outcome of all bonds. And to put it lightly, it was a heavy disappointment. The series is all about consent but it's blatantly ignored for the sake of completion. Instead of facing the ominous traumas regarding a bonded male, his bond entity takes over to complete their group. After reading four books with slow and dragged out plots, I thought it would be a respectful thing. It's as if all unique qualities for the original characters has been siphoned out as minor and insignificant parts are thoroughly described for the majority. But the minority, the real turmoil, is skimmed over with vague details to keep the planes open. I’m wondering why the slow parts within the community was 300+ pages (the main focus) while the ending happened within two brief chapters. This would've been a brilliant series had it not been dragged out to be six books. The story drags on with little progression and the only thing to pull your attention is a cliff hanger.
Blood Bonds by J. Bree
adventurous
dark
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
Far more enjoyable with the multiple POVs given. There was noticeable plot holes (some blatantly mentioned) and others likely to be discussed in the following books. There's a huge shift in narration that makes the ending obvious but nonetheless, it still hits the mark. A great read.