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shewriteswithknives's reviews
319 reviews
Heart of the Sun Warrior by Sue Lynn Tan
5.0
I read this book in 8 hours. Ever since Moon Goddess ended, I have been impatiently waiting for its sequel. Sue Lynn Tan did not disappoint.
The world was just as whimsical and magical as the first book. Out of the two, I did prefer the first one more, but I enjoyed watching Xingyin grow, whereas in this next book we see her trying to navigate who she should be with, as well as trying to feel a particular void in her family. (I'm trying not to give away spoilers).
I was satisfied with the ending. I wish we had a bit more detail on Xingyin and you know who at the end, but I am glad that is who she ended up with.
Wenzhi's character development was wonderful. I always enjoyed him but loved seeing the effort he put into Xingyin and everyone else around her. Leiwei was kind and remarkable just as he was in the first.
I can't wait to read this story again in a couple of years. It is defiantly one of my comfort reads and an absolute favorite.
The world was just as whimsical and magical as the first book. Out of the two, I did prefer the first one more, but I enjoyed watching Xingyin grow, whereas in this next book we see her trying to navigate who she should be with, as well as trying to feel a particular void in her family. (I'm trying not to give away spoilers).
I was satisfied with the ending. I wish we had a bit more detail on Xingyin and you know who at the end, but I am glad that is who she ended up with.
Wenzhi's character development was wonderful. I always enjoyed him but loved seeing the effort he put into Xingyin and everyone else around her. Leiwei was kind and remarkable just as he was in the first.
I can't wait to read this story again in a couple of years. It is defiantly one of my comfort reads and an absolute favorite.
Opium and Absinthe by Lydia Kang
3.0
I only made this 100 something pages in. I wanted so badly to like this book, but found that so far in there was nothing about the story that grabbed my attention. I could not connect with any of the characters and it felt like a YA novel instead of an adult novel. I found the main character quite grating and childish.
I am a picky reader though, so take my review with a grain of salt. It is a gothic vampire novel I thought would be fitting for a Halloween read, but unfortunately it didn't make the cut.
I am a picky reader though, so take my review with a grain of salt. It is a gothic vampire novel I thought would be fitting for a Halloween read, but unfortunately it didn't make the cut.
Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak
5.0
I was really surprised by this book. I've seen a lot of talk about it and while ghost stories aren't my typical reads, I figured it was worth a shot due to it's hype. I'm so glad that I did! I ended up reading this in a single day. Hidden Pictures is a cliché story about a kid being haunted by a ghost. Or is he possessed? Either way, something sketchy is going on!
There was a twist I wasn't expecting that made it that more impactful.
The pictures were a really nice touch. I recommend getting a physical copy instead of the audio book. Or, have both so you can follow along.
Overall it was a really fun read. A little creepy (I read it in the daytime so maybe that's why I wasn't freaked out) but a fast-paced story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Rekulak has a brilliant way of writing. I'm looking forward to reading more of his work.
There was a twist I wasn't expecting that made it that more impactful.
The pictures were a really nice touch. I recommend getting a physical copy instead of the audio book. Or, have both so you can follow along.
Overall it was a really fun read. A little creepy (I read it in the daytime so maybe that's why I wasn't freaked out) but a fast-paced story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Rekulak has a brilliant way of writing. I'm looking forward to reading more of his work.
Special Dystopia by Alli Ferguson, Selah Raymer
5.0
Ferguson does a great job of pulling you in right from the beginning. Special Dystopia is just that. It is a unique dystopian full of sharp detail and relatable characters. I appreciated that it was multiple POV as they can be hard to come by in books. I always love getting a look into someone else's head. The world building was absolutely fantastic! Not too much, not too little. I typically don't go for dystopians, but the fact that this kept me reading, says a lot.
Sam was my favorite character. She had a good bit of spunk to her and I often found myself smirking at her snarky comments.The relationship between the girls, sisters and friends both, was lovely. I don't often read of such genuine relationships between women and so it was a refreshing and welcomed change.
I also really liked Max. He was a sweetheart. I thought he brought a nice balance to the group (as did the rest of the cast as we were introduced to them).
There were a couple of good twists. I enjoyed watching the Specials' powers develop and how each was unique to them.
I believe this book is suitable for anyone that enjoys fast-paced and engaging stories. It gave me a bit of a feel like Wool or Divergent. I couldn't put it down. This is the first in a series, so if you're looking for something new and exciting, Special Dystopia is for you!
Sam was my favorite character. She had a good bit of spunk to her and I often found myself smirking at her snarky comments.The relationship between the girls, sisters and friends both, was lovely. I don't often read of such genuine relationships between women and so it was a refreshing and welcomed change.
I also really liked Max. He was a sweetheart. I thought he brought a nice balance to the group (as did the rest of the cast as we were introduced to them).
There were a couple of good twists. I enjoyed watching the Specials' powers develop and how each was unique to them.
I believe this book is suitable for anyone that enjoys fast-paced and engaging stories. It gave me a bit of a feel like Wool or Divergent. I couldn't put it down. This is the first in a series, so if you're looking for something new and exciting, Special Dystopia is for you!
House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J. Maas
4.0
Crescent City is by far one of Maas' best works. I enjoyed this series so much more than ACOTAR (which has started to feel like fan fictions of itself). This took some time to get through only because work and personal matters arose, but by the last 300 pages, I couldn't put the book down.
It was nice seeing more world building and character development. A couple of things seemed far fetched (the secret with Baxian for instance). And who Day turned out to be was blindingly obvious. I'm not sure if other readers felt that way, but there were so many hints throughout the book it was hard not to realize.
All in all, I'm looking forward to the third book. It was nowhere near as great as the first, but I still ate it up. I'm curious how everything is going to tie together moving forward.
It was nice seeing more world building and character development. A couple of things seemed far fetched (the secret with Baxian for instance). And who Day turned out to be was blindingly obvious. I'm not sure if other readers felt that way, but there were so many hints throughout the book it was hard not to realize.
All in all, I'm looking forward to the third book. It was nowhere near as great as the first, but I still ate it up. I'm curious how everything is going to tie together moving forward.
Barrow of Winter by H.M. Long
5.0
I received an ARC of Barrow of Winter, but am only just not finishing it due to the fact I cannot read long texts on my phone because of my poor eyesight. (Now I have a kindle and that issue is long gone!)
I didn't think I could love Thray more than Hessa, but I think that I do. Like her aunt, Thray is a total badass. As with Long's previous work she has a cinematic way of writing that captures you from the very first page and keeps you enthralled for the entire journey. Thray was fascinating to me as she tried to navigate her way through trying to understand who she was. This is a story of family and how blood isn't always thicker than water, or ice, in this case. It is a story of battling for those you love and what you believe in. A story of found family. Out of all three novels, I think Barrow of Winter is my new favorite.
There is only a slight hint of romance in this book and it is packed full of action and suspense! It's one of the most captivating novels I've ever read. Long continues to surprise me and I'm looking forward to not only the final installment, but her future works.
I didn't think I could love Thray more than Hessa, but I think that I do. Like her aunt, Thray is a total badass. As with Long's previous work she has a cinematic way of writing that captures you from the very first page and keeps you enthralled for the entire journey. Thray was fascinating to me as she tried to navigate her way through trying to understand who she was. This is a story of family and how blood isn't always thicker than water, or ice, in this case. It is a story of battling for those you love and what you believe in. A story of found family. Out of all three novels, I think Barrow of Winter is my new favorite.
There is only a slight hint of romance in this book and it is packed full of action and suspense! It's one of the most captivating novels I've ever read. Long continues to surprise me and I'm looking forward to not only the final installment, but her future works.
The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen
3.0
I got 150 pages in and had to DNF. While the first couple of scenes are "shocking' there was just something about the story that never did grasp me. I couldn't find connection with Lara or Aren and found them both to be a bit dull. And Aren, seems to be pretty lax with Lara despite suspecting her to still be the enemy.
This book wasn't for me sadly, but it doesn't mean it's not for you. It was one of those constantly hyped on Booktok that I finally caved for.
This book wasn't for me sadly, but it doesn't mean it's not for you. It was one of those constantly hyped on Booktok that I finally caved for.
Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse
4.0
I wanted to badly to love this book. It got rave reviews and I enjoy Roanhorse's work. That being said, this just didn't do it for me. I have given it 4 stars based on her quality of work, style, and the story itself. Though I didn't personally enjoy it, doesn't mean it is a bad story. It just isn't for me.
I struggled caring anything for Nara and the characters surrounding her. I didn't care for her relationships, not could I sympathize with her. I did however, really like her brother. I think he has a lot of potential and I hope there is more of him in the next book (and that he isn't written off quickly).
Xiala was by far my favorite character. She is a strong, independent woman, and yet someone out of place trying to find herself. The unique twist to what she is, is something I should have guessed earlier. I really liked that surprise.
And of course, there is Serapio. The mysterious boy who is to be a vessel for the crow god. His story was as fascinating as it was disheartening. I really enjoyed him until the incident on the boat. After that, it felt like a shadow was hanging over me the more I read about him. And that is what I love about Roanhorse's writing. She makes you feel things.
I can't say I will continue to the next book unless it is gifted.
I struggled caring anything for Nara and the characters surrounding her. I didn't care for her relationships, not could I sympathize with her. I did however, really like her brother. I think he has a lot of potential and I hope there is more of him in the next book (and that he isn't written off quickly).
Xiala was by far my favorite character. She is a strong, independent woman, and yet someone out of place trying to find herself. The unique twist to what she is, is something I should have guessed earlier. I really liked that surprise.
And of course, there is Serapio. The mysterious boy who is to be a vessel for the crow god. His story was as fascinating as it was disheartening. I really enjoyed him until the incident on the boat. After that, it felt like a shadow was hanging over me the more I read about him. And that is what I love about Roanhorse's writing. She makes you feel things.
I can't say I will continue to the next book unless it is gifted.