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shoni's reviews
132 reviews
He Who Drowned the World by Shelley Parker-Chan
adventurous
challenging
dark
inspiring
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? Yes
5.0
If it wasn't for the holiday season and getting into a reading slump I know I would have finished this book a lot quicker. Once I was able to pick the book back up, I could not put it down and always got annoyed when anyone would interrupt me. I love Shelley's writing style as it's everything I love. Especially the dynamic between Zhu and Ouyang.
It was one of my favorite things in book one and I love that we got to see them interact so much more here. They are such great foil characters as they both have the same capacity for ruthlessness and determination even if their goals are slightly different. They both strengthen each other
but also are the other's weak spots because no one knows their weakness better than someone who's just like you.
As much as I hated seeing Xu Da and Ouyang die at the end I do think that was exactly what the story needed. Zhu had too many things working for her so it was interesting to see how she would deal with losing people dear to her. Every single time we were in Zhu's POV you believed in her, knowing she would achieve what she wanted because nothing has stopped and nothing would. Which was an interesting contrast from the other's POV. I also loved how as the reader you were always with each of the mandates of heaven candidates but it wasn't until it was further into the story you realized so much of what occurred was all due to Baoxiang. GENIUS writing because I seriously did not expect him to just kill the Third Prince, especially since it was a part of his plan all along. GENIUS
I also loved that we had more of Ma, she is such an underrated character that I'm glad they brought more attention toI also love the scene where Ma lets Zhu know that both she and Xu did what they did because they believed in her. Zhu didn't have to ask things of them because they had the same beliefs and knew that in a world where Zhu would be accepted and loved like they loved her would only be brought by Zhu herself.
I could discuss the dynamics, the writing, and so much about this book nonstop. I know for sure I reread them to properly do a character study as I always imagined my OCs to have a similar dynamic as Zhu and Ouyang who need one another to achieve what they want even if they don't want to accept it.
I tend to hate endings because I don't want things to end, but Shelley managed to write it in a way that all things were wrapped up in such a nice way but still left a slightly open ending, it gives you an idea of what to come. Especially if you know a little about the dynasties.
It was one of my favorite things in book one and I love that we got to see them interact so much more here. They are such great foil characters as they both have the same capacity for ruthlessness and determination even if their goals are slightly different. They both strengthen each other
but also are the other's weak spots because no one knows their weakness better than someone who's just like you.
I also loved that we had more of Ma, she is such an underrated character that I'm glad they brought more attention to
I could discuss the dynamics, the writing, and so much about this book nonstop. I know for sure I reread them to properly do a character study as I always imagined my OCs to have a similar dynamic as Zhu and Ouyang who need one another to achieve what they want even if they don't want to accept it.
I tend to hate endings because I don't want things to end, but Shelley managed to write it in a way that all things were wrapped up in such a nice way but still left a slightly open ending, it gives you an idea of what to come. Especially if you know a little about the dynasties.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Rape, and War
Moderate: Sexual assault, Homophobia, and Child abuse
The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
I think one thing I truly enjoyed was how poetic the story itself was. Whether it was Zachary's own story or the ones you were reading from the stories.I especially loved the idea of the starless sea being honey because honey is associated with sweet and comforting things and that's exactly what stories make people feel, and this book made me feel like that.
While I love the way it ended but also wish we had more. I want more of their stories and discovery of the world just below ours.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
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
5.0
This ended up being the last book I read in 2023 and it truly was such a great way to end the year. The book from the very first page, I felt like I was being called out, most beautifully and lovingly. I truly understand why this book has had such a following like it does. It was written for the readers who found a home in the stories they read, and as someone like that, it was so easy to just dive into the story and fall in love with it.
Zachary was truly such a loveable and relatable character. After finding out that he was modeled after an RPG video game protagonist made the entire story so much better and changed the story's perspective. You understand his actions so much more. You see him have that free willness of a video game character but also at the same time him not having a choice to do anything else as every story needs an ending after all.
I think one thing I truly enjoyed was how poetic the story itself was. Whether it was Zachary's own story or the ones you were reading from the stories.
While I love the way it ended but also wish we had more. I want more of their stories and discovery of the world just below ours.
How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories by Holly Black
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I was asking for more Cardan after finishing The Queen of Nothing, and I got it. Do i wish i still had more? yes. I want more of Cardan and Jude. their dynamic is my absolute favorite of them both still slightly hating each other and being afraid of each other but also in love and not ready to let the other go. GOD DAMN I WAN MORE
The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black
adventurous
hopeful
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 always have a hard time finishing series as I get so emotionally attached to the characters and I'm never ready to leave the world behind. And that stays true with The Folk of other Air series. I felt like this book was so fast-paced that I wished it slowed down a bit, I wish we got to see more of everyone. Yet as a series, I get why everyone loves the books. The story is great and Jude has so many flaws as well that you also understand her so well. Jude is a great female lead as we are constantly being presented with her flaws but she uses them to her advantage which I think is just genius.
Jude spends a lot of the second book trying to prove herself and I loved that by the third book she's accepted it all and just becomes her unhinged self and decides to do what she needs to/wants too.I also love that she made her peace with Ghost and that he joined the Court of Shadows, OH AND THE MASKS THEY GET AT THE END WAS SO CUTE AND GENIUS AND I LOVED IT BUT I ALSO LOVE THAT CARDAN AND JUDE KNOW THEM AND THAT THAT KIND OF MASK ISN'T GONNA KEEP HIDE THEM FROM THEIR FRIENDS
I also love that we got more of clever Cardan. He's such a great dynamic character, he isn't wholeheartedly good or bad, he is just doing what he's had to for survival. ||I also love that he was constantly trying to prove to Jude that he does love her, he does care for her and that he trusts her above all else.AND I KNOW THAT SHE COULD HAVE JUST PARDONED HERSELF AND IT ALSO KINDA PISSES ME OFF SHE DIDN'T BECAUSE THAT MEANS WE MISSED OUT ON SOME GENIUS JUDE AND CARDAN SECNES
I wish we had more of them trying to figure out their relationship and the political aspect. I know The Stolen Heir follows Oak but it's set like 7 years in the future and I wanna know the struggles they had to face with a mortal queen like Jude and how they make everything work after. Plus, I'm not ready to leave Cardan and Jude behind. They're like a Bi person's (me) dream.
Overall, I truly did enjoy the series. I get why these are one of the fae stories people always recommend as it's so compelling and you cannot put it down either.
Jude spends a lot of the second book trying to prove herself and I loved that by the third book she's accepted it all and just becomes her unhinged self and decides to do what she needs to/wants too.
I also love that we got more of clever Cardan. He's such a great dynamic character, he isn't wholeheartedly good or bad, he is just doing what he's had to for survival. ||I also love that he was constantly trying to prove to Jude that he does love her, he does care for her and that he trusts her above all else.
I wish we had more of them trying to figure out their relationship and the political aspect. I know The Stolen Heir follows Oak but it's set like 7 years in the future and I wanna know the struggles they had to face with a mortal queen like Jude and how they make everything work after. Plus, I'm not ready to leave Cardan and Jude behind. They're like a Bi person's (me) dream.
Overall, I truly did enjoy the series. I get why these are one of the fae stories people always recommend as it's so compelling and you cannot put it down either.
The Wicked King by Holly Black
adventurous
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? Yes
5.0
I understand why everyone loves the second book. I loved every second of it and seriously could not put it down. I loved seeing Jude grow into herself more but at the same time she is trying to do everything by herself without any help and you can see how that affects her. She is so used to sticking up and fighting everyone by herself, that relying on a team that you can clearly see it backfires.
I loved learning more about her dynamic with everyone. The second book helped establish so much of how the world works and I loved it. It's easier to understand why Jude feels like she has to prove herself so much. I do think overall my favorite thing was, how as the reader you notice more things, you see more hints of things than Jude, because while she's sleep-deprived and struggling to keep herself together the reader isn't. We picked up on things she didn't. that being said, GHOST BETRAYAL HURT I DIDN'T ASK FOR THAT I HATED THAT BUT IT WAS SUCH A GOOD PLOT TWIST!! I knew Taryn was gonna come back to bite her in the ass but GHOST?! THAT ISN'T SOMETHING I WAS OKAY WITH I FELT SO BETRAYED
I also loved seeing more about Cardan and how he is slowly growing into himself. How he's finding his footing, finding what he wants to do, what role he wants to play. He's learning from the Court of Shadows and I love it. They've become not only is true friends but his family. He knows they are the ones he can trust. WHICH MADE THAT ENDING JUST SOMETHING!! Like we know faeries can't lie. So we know whatever he told Jude is true. He trusts her, he cares about her, he basically said he loves her but you know him sending her out was political. He's playing some game and he needs everyone to play a certain role. I'm curious how much time will pass between the end of book 2 and the start of book 3. I wonder how long he's gonna leave her in the mortal world. Though that was a smart movie, she isn't dead, but she's serving her own type of sentence to let the other calm down about it.
I JUST NEED TO START READING THE THIRD ASAP BECAUSE I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS AND I HAVE SO MANY THOUGHTS AND I WANT EVERYTHING TO BE OKAY
I loved learning more about her dynamic with everyone. The second book helped establish so much of how the world works and I loved it. It's easier to understand why Jude feels like she has to prove herself so much. I do think overall my favorite thing was, how as the reader you notice more things, you see more hints of things than Jude, because while she's sleep-deprived and struggling to keep herself together the reader isn't. We picked up on things she didn't.
I also loved seeing more about Cardan and how he is slowly growing into himself. How he's finding his footing, finding what he wants to do, what role he wants to play. He's learning from the Court of Shadows and I love it. They've become not only is true friends but his family. He knows they are the ones he can trust.
I JUST NEED TO START READING THE THIRD ASAP BECAUSE I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS AND I HAVE SO MANY THOUGHTS AND I WANT EVERYTHING TO BE OKAY
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
emotional
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
5.0
I've always heard a lot about The Folk series, and I can see why people love it. I loved having a main character who isn't afraid to fight and show others what she's made of. Judge is a bit of a mess and lost but that's honestly understandable. Every time she was told she couldn't do something or ended up at a disadvantage, she made sure that next time it would not be her weakness.
I do think knowing a bit about the book itself made it more interesting, especially with Holly's annotations in the book. It provided such an interesting read to see what her thoughts were, to see what she thinks of during those scenes and I loved it. It made all the Cardan scenes so much better for sure. I already know that he and Jude are going to end up together, but his character is so fun from the "cruel" aspect to him just wanting to actually survive in the world of the court.
I'm excited to see what the next one holds because it left off in such an emotional cliffhanger that you're so invested and want to know what's happening even if the overall plot has been resolved and I love that. Give everyone a reason to stick around in the best way.
I do think knowing a bit about the book itself made it more interesting, especially with Holly's annotations in the book. It provided such an interesting read to see what her thoughts were, to see what she thinks of during those scenes and I loved it. It made all the Cardan scenes so much better for sure.
I'm excited to see what the next one holds because it left off in such an emotional cliffhanger that you're so invested and want to know what's happening even if the overall plot has been resolved and I love that. Give everyone a reason to stick around in the best way.
The Phoenix King by Aparna Verma
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
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
5.0
It has been well over a day since I finished and I have still not stopped thinking about the characters or the story. Everything about this story made me happy and I wanted the second book as soon as possible. I always wanted more South Asian representation and this book delivered for sure. Inspired by Indian myths and it being a high fantasy is truly combining some of my favorite aspects.
I also really appreciated that we had a POV of the father. Leo's perspective was so refreshing. We saw how he struggle doing what's right for his people but also for his daughter and it was so refreshing. Plus seeing the south asian father daughter struggle from a father's perspective isn't something you see often.
I also really appreciated that we had a POV of the father. Leo's perspective was so refreshing. We saw how he struggle doing what's right for his people but also for his daughter and it was so refreshing. Plus seeing the south asian father daughter struggle from a father's perspective isn't something you see often.
I loved having a strong female lead. Especially in the adult genre! I’m so used to seeing YA characters so I love seeing an older character who isn’t backing down and fights for what she believes in. My favorite is that even though she is a royal, and looks great in a red lehenga, SHE FIGHT BACK AND DOESN’T HESITATE. Like what’s not to love about that. Elena is everyone I've always wanted in a female lead and she's south Asian so it's even better.
On the other hand, Yassen is my boy. I love him. Being of a mixed race constantly not knowing where he belongs and being mistaken and never enough for either is something so personal to me. Aparna did such an amazing job to show the struggle of not knowing where you belong but struggling finding your place. AND THE LONGING BETWEEN YASSEN AND ELENA UGH! I am still not over the iconic dupatta scene. Like the fanart is so beautiful and I think about it constantly. Like that scene was absolutely beautiful and it had so many emotions behind it. And how it the symbolism behind it is so much more than what the surface shows ESPECIALLY WHEN SHES THINKING OF THE PRACTICE WITH YASSEN WHEN ELENA IS DANCING WITH SAMSON. ALSO CAN WE TALK ABOUT HIM SURIVING AND HIM BEING THE PROPHET?!? AND HOW HIM, ELENA, AND YASSEN ARE THE 3 DIFFERENT TIMES OF FIRE BECAUSE I WAS NOT EXPECTING THAT.
The story was also just captivating. From the very first page to the last I could not put it down nor stop thinking about it. I wanted to know what would happen, I wanted to know how everyone's paths would cross and what it would mean in the long scheme of things. The story itself is dark, there is a reason it's an adult and not a YA book. It covers some dark themes and topic and it doesn't shy away from it. It doesn't shy away from discussing what war not only does to a person but what it can push a person to do. It wad do interesting to see and I'm so excited to see more of it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Gun violence
A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
0.0
I don't think I've ever been in more pain than when I was reading this novel. It's been one hell of a ride and not a good one. I love a good healing journey as much as the next person, but let me tell you this was anything but that. Nesta spent so much time learning but I felt like we just went backward in the story. And all the characters didn't feel like the ones we got to know. Every time we saw Nesta make progress it was done in such a way that I couldn't even be happy about it. It seemed so out of the left field and then immediately followed by a smut scene... LIKE THAT'S NOT HOW IT WORKS BESTIE.
Though the ending pissed me off the most. Like first of all them participating in the blood rite AND WINNING LIKE THAT?! AFTER A FEW MONTHS OF TRAINING?!?!? WHAT ABOUT THE ILLYIAN WOMEN WHO HAVE BEEN TRAINING?! They both train for about 2 hours so what made nesta and her gang better? I don't like that. ALSO FEYRE'S DEAL OMG! First of all, I didn't like that she was pregnant, but also the idea that she might "die"??? like why wouldn't she just shapeshift??? like there is no way that posses a greater treat than idk the baby dying?!?!?!?
Honestly I think the plot point of Feyre and Rhys was done so they wouldn't take care of it. So that Nesta could "step up" idk I didn't enjoy it. I could rant about everything I didn't like for hours honestly. I just didn't enjoy that it was Feyre's story but different, like same metaphors, same struggles, same journey with no difference. I also think that Cassian deserves better.
Though Emrie was pretty cool, I loved her. She's a win in my book.
To me this was just a bad fanfic/fever dream. I do not count this as cannon even if it is. 🤣
And not to say that Nesta's journey isn't important, it is. Healing is. And her trauma is so valid as well. But it felt like SJM just tried to force a narrative that didn't work that well.
Though the ending pissed me off the most.
Honestly I think the plot point of Feyre and Rhys was done so they wouldn't take care of it. So that Nesta could "step up" idk I didn't enjoy it. I could rant about everything I didn't like for hours honestly. I just didn't enjoy that it was Feyre's story but different, like same metaphors, same struggles, same journey with no difference. I also think that Cassian deserves better.
Though Emrie was pretty cool, I loved her. She's a win in my book.
To me this was just a bad fanfic/fever dream. I do not count this as cannon even if it is. 🤣
And not to say that Nesta's journey isn't important, it is. Healing is. And her trauma is so valid as well. But it felt like SJM just tried to force a narrative that didn't work that well.