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siesssie's reviews
299 reviews
Wildfire by Hannah Grace
3.0
3.25 ★
This was a very adorable read that touched several heartstrings I wasn’t expecting.
I enjoyed the slower pace and the overall feel and setting of the camp, which was surprising cause I was afraid it would be annoying and/or boring.
Men written by Grace are top tier and Russ is now added to my long list of book boyfriends.
I really liked how Aurora, despite all her issues, isn’t a cliché because of them. She’s outgoing, confident and kind.
I want more of Xander.
”The only person who knows you're not confident is you.”
This was a very adorable read that touched several heartstrings I wasn’t expecting.
I enjoyed the slower pace and the overall feel and setting of the camp, which was surprising cause I was afraid it would be annoying and/or boring.
Men written by Grace are top tier and Russ is now added to my long list of book boyfriends.
I really liked how Aurora, despite all her issues, isn’t a cliché because of them. She’s outgoing, confident and kind.
I want more of Xander.
Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas
4.0
1st read: 4 ★
2nd read: 4 ★
As I read this book, I couldn't help but thinking how much Aelin has matured. A blade that has become sharper, hardened by the numerous burdens she carries.
The story felt heavier, longer, and the tone more intense. Maas managed to vividly depict the brutality of war and the toll it takes on those who fight in it.
Rowan Whitethorn Galathynius, everyone deserves a love like yours.
Manon continued to take my breath away with her unwavering love and loyalty to her Thirteen, to Abraxos. She defied all the odds of her upbringing, and her strength of mind, of character is truly inspiring.
Elide's and Lorcan's chapters were, yet again, my favorites. I absolutely adore their dynamic. Lorcan instantly became one of my favorite POV’s to read. I resonate with how direct and blunt his thoughts are, while Elide remains a force of nature, both cunning and brave to the very end.
I cannot wait to read what happens to Maeve, how I wish you suffer.
2nd read: 4 ★
”For Terrasen. For them. For a better world. Aelin Galathynius had raised an army not just to challenge Morath ... but to rattle the stars.”
As I read this book, I couldn't help but thinking how much Aelin has matured. A blade that has become sharper, hardened by the numerous burdens she carries.
The story felt heavier, longer, and the tone more intense. Maas managed to vividly depict the brutality of war and the toll it takes on those who fight in it.
”She did not think she'd ever see him again. He did not accept that. He would not accept that.”
“Fight her. I am coming for you. Even if it takes me a thousand years. I will find you, I will find you, I will find you.”
Rowan Whitethorn Galathynius, everyone deserves a love like yours.
Manon continued to take my breath away with her unwavering love and loyalty to her Thirteen, to Abraxos. She defied all the odds of her upbringing, and her strength of mind, of character is truly inspiring.
Elide's and Lorcan's chapters were, yet again, my favorites. I absolutely adore their dynamic. Lorcan instantly became one of my favorite POV’s to read. I resonate with how direct and blunt his thoughts are, while Elide remains a force of nature, both cunning and brave to the very end.
I cannot wait to read what happens to Maeve, how I wish you suffer.
Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas
5.0
1st read: 3.5 ★
2nd read: 5 ★
I could barely put this book down. So much happened that I can barely string along coherent thoughts. This story spectacularly catapulted since[b: Heir of Fire|76706470] and has become everything I live and breathe.
I found myself falling more and more into rhythm with Maas’s writing and it now feels like a familiar, warm blanket. I adore how she continues to mature and evolve, crafting and honing her particular style.
Aelin, Manon, Lysandra, Asterin, Elide, Nesryn, you’re what I want to be when I grow up.
PS: As beyond the moon as I am that Arrobyn chocked to death on his own blood, how I wish it didn’t happen so quickly.
2nd read: 5 ★
”At long last, Aelin Ashryver Galathynius was home.”
I could barely put this book down. So much happened that I can barely string along coherent thoughts. This story spectacularly catapulted since[b: Heir of Fire|76706470] and has become everything I live and breathe.
I found myself falling more and more into rhythm with Maas’s writing and it now feels like a familiar, warm blanket. I adore how she continues to mature and evolve, crafting and honing her particular style.
Aelin, Manon, Lysandra, Asterin, Elide, Nesryn, you’re what I want to be when I grow up.
PS: As beyond the moon as I am that Arrobyn chocked to death on his own blood, how I wish it didn’t happen so quickly.
The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J. Maas
4.0
1st read: 3.5 ★
2nd read: 4 ★
Everything hurts.
You will always be loved Sam Cortland.
2nd read: 4 ★
”She would tuck Sam into her heart, a bright light for her to take out whenever things were darkest. And then she would remember how it had felt to be loved, when the world had held nothing but possibility. No matter what they did to her, they could never take that away. She would not break.”
Everything hurts.
You will always be loved Sam Cortland.
Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas
4.0
1st read: 3 ★
2nd read: 4.5 ★
I couldn't put this book down, I enjoyed reading it so much. It's my favorite book of the series so far. Meeting and discovering all the new characters, following them on their individual journeys, the pain and growth they went through—it was all beautifully written. Maas is a master at writing grief and healing.
I absolutely adore how friendship takes center stage and it’s love is the one to shower and drive the characters and the story.
I absolutely love the way Celaena/Aelin is growing into her womanhood. Her depth is being revealed gradually. Her inner monologue has matured, mirroring the complexities of her experiences. The emotional journey she could no longer ignore was fundamental and hit deep. Accepting and claiming her name, her birthright, making peace with the demons of her family's past was the most integral part of the series.
Rowan's introduction and their relationship, him not being a prop solely for a romantic arc, solidified my love and respect for this story. They’re healing together and although they’re clearly intimately connected, starting as friends, becoming carranam instead of being lovers first was the best decision.
Manon and Abraxos stole my soul yet again. Their chapters are still my favorite, and I cannot wait to get more of them.
I don't remember what happens to her grandmother, but I hope she suffers a terrible, slow and painful death.
Dorian is baby n°1
I didn’t care much for Sorscha, she made Dorian happy and offered him refuge. For that I’ll always respect her.
She was definitely there so that Dorian could take the next step towards his fate. It mirrored Nehemia’s death although the emotional value is incomparable.
My kind hearted prince, stay strong.
Aedion is baby n°2
I enjoyed his introduction and felt deeply for all he had to pretend to be in order to save his people, his country.
Him thinking that Aelin wouldn’t care for him or forgive him because of the blood on his hands, while she’s thinking the same *my heart* they are too similar.
Chaol has become a pleasant surprise. I can connect with him in a way I couldn't before, and I'm no longer dreading reading[b: Tower of Dawn|76714487] as much. Him telling Dorian he loved him made my heart so warm. Love is the dominator of his growth.
I think my main struggle with him has been his discrimination towards magic (& his arrogant moral code). I understand he was raised and conditioned to have those beliefs and he’s fighting them, I respect him for it. While I like him, I still don’t love him.
PS: oh how I wish I could reach my hands into the book and strangle the King myself until his face turned purple and the veins in his eyes popped like fireworks.
I’m so glad Celaena/Aelin realized he was the puppet master behind her losing control when she was younger. Make him pay.
2nd read: 4.5 ★
“She was Aelin Ashryver Galathynius, heir of two mighty bloodlines, protector of a once glorious people, and Queen of Terrasen.
She was Aelin Ashryver Galathynius and she would not be afraid.”
I couldn't put this book down, I enjoyed reading it so much. It's my favorite book of the series so far. Meeting and discovering all the new characters, following them on their individual journeys, the pain and growth they went through—it was all beautifully written. Maas is a master at writing grief and healing.
I absolutely adore how friendship takes center stage and it’s love is the one to shower and drive the characters and the story.
”A woman— a woman was smiling back at her, beautiful for every scar and imperfection and mark of survival, beautiful for the fact that the smile was real, and she felt it kindle the long-slumbering joy in her heart.”
I absolutely love the way Celaena/Aelin is growing into her womanhood. Her depth is being revealed gradually. Her inner monologue has matured, mirroring the complexities of her experiences. The emotional journey she could no longer ignore was fundamental and hit deep. Accepting and claiming her name, her birthright, making peace with the demons of her family's past was the most integral part of the series.
”We’re stronger together than apart”
Rowan's introduction and their relationship, him not being a prop solely for a romantic arc, solidified my love and respect for this story. They’re healing together and although they’re clearly intimately connected, starting as friends, becoming carranam instead of being lovers first was the best decision.
"They have made you into monsters.
Made, Manon. And we feel sorry for you."
Manon and Abraxos stole my soul yet again. Their chapters are still my favorite, and I cannot wait to get more of them.
I don't remember what happens to her grandmother, but I hope she suffers a terrible, slow and painful death.
Dorian is baby n°1
I didn’t care much for Sorscha, she made Dorian happy and offered him refuge. For that I’ll always respect her.
She was definitely there so that Dorian could take the next step towards his fate. It mirrored Nehemia’s death although the emotional value is incomparable.
My kind hearted prince, stay strong.
Aedion is baby n°2
I enjoyed his introduction and felt deeply for all he had to pretend to be in order to save his people, his country.
Him thinking that Aelin wouldn’t care for him or forgive him because of the blood on his hands, while she’s thinking the same *my heart* they are too similar.
Chaol has become a pleasant surprise. I can connect with him in a way I couldn't before, and I'm no longer dreading reading[b: Tower of Dawn|76714487] as much. Him telling Dorian he loved him made my heart so warm. Love is the dominator of his growth.
I think my main struggle with him has been his discrimination towards magic (& his arrogant moral code). I understand he was raised and conditioned to have those beliefs and he’s fighting them, I respect him for it. While I like him, I still don’t love him.
PS: oh how I wish I could reach my hands into the book and strangle the King myself until his face turned purple and the veins in his eyes popped like fireworks.
I’m so glad Celaena/Aelin realized he was the puppet master behind her losing control when she was younger. Make him pay.
Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas
4.0
1st read: 4 ★
2nd read: 4 ★
Crown of Midnight was everything this sequel needed to be. It was more mature, complex, and well-crafted. The writing was stronger, the story richer, and the world-building started to take on a beautiful form. The dialogue, which I struggled with in[b: Throne of Glass|76703559] was a pleasure to read in comparison. It felt truer, like it shed a sense of pretense and simply was.
Celaena killing Archer was a pivotal moment for her character. I can't emphasize enough how much I loved this decision by Maas. I'm incredibly tired of the trope of having to save awful people for the sake of « not tarnishing one's soul even further ». I almost ripped out my hair when she was about to spare him. Celaena is an assassin, cunning and powerful. She can't hold this title, be who she is, and shy away from the ugliness that comes with the territory (which she doesn't). Her mercifulness and humanity are important to her, and they're what make her such a compelling character. She finds balance in the grey areas, has her morals, but also knows when certain lines need to be crossed.
Nehemia's death was so bittersweet. We understand why she had to die, and reading that conversation with Elena was soul-crushing. But without her sacrifice, the story wouldn't have the same impact. Wherever you are, sweet lotus, I hope you're at peace.
Chaol was less annoying than I remembered but still insufferable in certain aspects. His desire for a dutiful wife in Celaena, projecting his wishes into his dreams, only showed how little he understood her. I'm not judging him for wanting that future, but for thinking it would be with Celaena. It hurt that he didn’t have the clairvoyance to realize his deepest desires weren’t compatible with her, who he most cherishes. He also has a long road of growth ahead of him, which he started in this book. I just hope I can read along without wanting to pluck out my eyeballs.
(I’m so happy there was no love triangle. Celaena ended things with Dorian for both their sakes. Only allowed herself to be with Chaol when she couldn’t deny her true feelings any longer.)
Dorian, my baby, reading you be so emotionally strong when letting Celaena go, and not be this pitiful man with a toxic mentality was everything.
I also can't wait to continue to watch you grow. You were more fleshed out in this book, became pivotal to the plot, gained agency from only being a love interest or a tool to your crown. You've stuck to your principles from the start. Growing up surrounded by such evil, resisting the conditioning, and finding the right path on your own truly shows how resilient and beautiful of a being you are. Now it's time to do more than just believe. Embrace your magic. Take good care of Fleetfoot.
2nd read: 4 ★
”Celaena Sardothien wasn't in league with Aelin Ashryver Galathynius.
Celaena Sardothien was Aelin Ashryver Galathynius, heir to the throne and rightful Queen of Terrasen.”
Crown of Midnight was everything this sequel needed to be. It was more mature, complex, and well-crafted. The writing was stronger, the story richer, and the world-building started to take on a beautiful form. The dialogue, which I struggled with in[b: Throne of Glass|76703559] was a pleasure to read in comparison. It felt truer, like it shed a sense of pretense and simply was.
”To escape death, she'd become death.”
“Never forgive, never forget.”
Celaena killing Archer was a pivotal moment for her character. I can't emphasize enough how much I loved this decision by Maas. I'm incredibly tired of the trope of having to save awful people for the sake of « not tarnishing one's soul even further ». I almost ripped out my hair when she was about to spare him. Celaena is an assassin, cunning and powerful. She can't hold this title, be who she is, and shy away from the ugliness that comes with the territory (which she doesn't). Her mercifulness and humanity are important to her, and they're what make her such a compelling character. She finds balance in the grey areas, has her morals, but also knows when certain lines need to be crossed.
Nehemia's death was so bittersweet. We understand why she had to die, and reading that conversation with Elena was soul-crushing. But without her sacrifice, the story wouldn't have the same impact. Wherever you are, sweet lotus, I hope you're at peace.
Chaol was less annoying than I remembered but still insufferable in certain aspects. His desire for a dutiful wife in Celaena, projecting his wishes into his dreams, only showed how little he understood her. I'm not judging him for wanting that future, but for thinking it would be with Celaena. It hurt that he didn’t have the clairvoyance to realize his deepest desires weren’t compatible with her, who he most cherishes. He also has a long road of growth ahead of him, which he started in this book. I just hope I can read along without wanting to pluck out my eyeballs.
(I’m so happy there was no love triangle. Celaena ended things with Dorian for both their sakes. Only allowed herself to be with Chaol when she couldn’t deny her true feelings any longer.)
Dorian, my baby, reading you be so emotionally strong when letting Celaena go, and not be this pitiful man with a toxic mentality was everything.
I also can't wait to continue to watch you grow. You were more fleshed out in this book, became pivotal to the plot, gained agency from only being a love interest or a tool to your crown. You've stuck to your principles from the start. Growing up surrounded by such evil, resisting the conditioning, and finding the right path on your own truly shows how resilient and beautiful of a being you are. Now it's time to do more than just believe. Embrace your magic. Take good care of Fleetfoot.
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
3.0
1st read: 3 ★
2nd read: 3 ★
Curious how Maas's signature move — making the last chapters the defining element of her books — started with her first novel.
I had forgotten how Celaena walked such a fine line, being this badass assassin who could gut you before you blinked twice, while still being a young girl who doesn't shy away from her vanity and her femininity. Who’s kind and desires affection. Paradoxically being immature and too arrogant, because she was robbed of growing up in a safe and stable environment with caring parents.
I keep thinking back to how angry she was for not being able to receive the praise she deserved because she had to pretend her abilities were inferior. She was Arobynn’s protégée, his number one; she had to be. Reading how she couldn't grasp anything but that, even if it benefited her in the long run, shows a lot about the character she was conditioned to develop.
I'm so happy to reread this series and accompany Celaena on her journey of self growth. Rediscovering the world, the characters, the magic, that first made me fall in love with fantasy and powerful, feminine, strong leading ladies.
However, I didn't remember the dialogue being so formal and stuffy, that, I didn't like. It did a good job representing life at court and how someone of a certain social status or someone in those circles should talk, but it felt weird. I think I couldn't connect with the characters as much as I would have liked because of it, creating an unnecessary distance.
I'm still not a fan of love triangles. I have extreme difficulty making choices as it is in real life, and I don't need to feel even more bamboozled by constantly switching sides. Even though I'm a Dorian girlie, when Chaol has his moments...damn, they're powerful. If only he could step off his moral high horse.
Lastly, how did I completely blackout Fleefoot’s whole existence ? The moment she named her, the name became crystal clear in my head but nothiiiiing comes to mind about the dog.. does she die a horrible death that my brain decided I was too fragile to remember ??
That was a lie, this is the last point. Nehemia fucking rules! Her playing everyone, chefs kisses. I’m not ready for what’s to come. I’m really not. I’m very much afraid.
2nd read: 3 ★
”I will not be afraid.”
Curious how Maas's signature move — making the last chapters the defining element of her books — started with her first novel.
I had forgotten how Celaena walked such a fine line, being this badass assassin who could gut you before you blinked twice, while still being a young girl who doesn't shy away from her vanity and her femininity. Who’s kind and desires affection. Paradoxically being immature and too arrogant, because she was robbed of growing up in a safe and stable environment with caring parents.
I keep thinking back to how angry she was for not being able to receive the praise she deserved because she had to pretend her abilities were inferior. She was Arobynn’s protégée, his number one; she had to be. Reading how she couldn't grasp anything but that, even if it benefited her in the long run, shows a lot about the character she was conditioned to develop.
I'm so happy to reread this series and accompany Celaena on her journey of self growth. Rediscovering the world, the characters, the magic, that first made me fall in love with fantasy and powerful, feminine, strong leading ladies.
However, I didn't remember the dialogue being so formal and stuffy, that, I didn't like. It did a good job representing life at court and how someone of a certain social status or someone in those circles should talk, but it felt weird. I think I couldn't connect with the characters as much as I would have liked because of it, creating an unnecessary distance.
I'm still not a fan of love triangles. I have extreme difficulty making choices as it is in real life, and I don't need to feel even more bamboozled by constantly switching sides. Even though I'm a Dorian girlie, when Chaol has his moments...damn, they're powerful. If only he could step off his moral high horse.
Lastly, how did I completely blackout Fleefoot’s whole existence ? The moment she named her, the name became crystal clear in my head but nothiiiiing comes to mind about the dog.. does she die a horrible death that my brain decided I was too fragile to remember ??
That was a lie, this is the last point. Nehemia fucking rules! Her playing everyone, chefs kisses. I’m not ready for what’s to come. I’m really not. I’m very much afraid.
There Is No Devil by Sophie Lark
3.0
3.25 ★
I enjoyed this book a lot more than the first one. I felt more drawn to the world and the characters. I was able to connect with them in a way I couldn't before. Maybe it's because they no longer felt like strangers to me? I appreciated the slower pace, feeling safe to savor the growing relationship between Mara & Cole. Honestly, I kinda didn't want to leave them.
Maybe what solidified this book were the deaths of Mara’s mom and stepdad. I truly delighted in them. May you burn in book hell you pieces of shit.
”The value in horrible things is what you make of them.”
I enjoyed this book a lot more than the first one. I felt more drawn to the world and the characters. I was able to connect with them in a way I couldn't before. Maybe it's because they no longer felt like strangers to me? I appreciated the slower pace, feeling safe to savor the growing relationship between Mara & Cole. Honestly, I kinda didn't want to leave them.
Maybe what solidified this book were the deaths of Mara’s mom and stepdad. I truly delighted in them. May you burn in book hell you pieces of shit.
Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
Let's hope this story finds an ending where Evangeline isn't a boring, idiotic, naive disappointment. She seemed to have finally come to her senses at the very end, at least she was able to think more critically.
For someone keenly self-aware of their destructive wrongdoings and the impact of its consequences, she seems to be detached from their meaning. That, or her selfishness, borderlining on impulsive obsessive tendencies, blinds her completely.
If it weren't for Jacks and Lala, I think I would have DNF'd this book.
2.0
”Every story has the potential for infinite endings.”
Let's hope this story finds an ending where Evangeline isn't a boring, idiotic, naive disappointment. She seemed to have finally come to her senses at the very end, at least she was able to think more critically.
For someone keenly self-aware of their destructive wrongdoings and the impact of its consequences, she seems to be detached from their meaning. That, or her selfishness, borderlining on impulsive obsessive tendencies, blinds her completely.
If it weren't for Jacks and Lala, I think I would have DNF'd this book.