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sleepy_bookworm's reviews
186 reviews
It Ends With Violence by Elle Thorpe
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I enjoyed this series! However, I felt like the ending was kind of rushed. I liked that we got to see the people from the other books at the end. However, I feel like there wasn't closure with Scythe/Vincent's mom and the "family business." I was left wondering where he stood with it all.
<Spoiler> and did War step down as prez? Or was Bliss the new Fancy? Was Hawke all in or was he resentful/mad at War? Also Bliss didn't really seem to need to take the time to process that she knows who murdered her brother? I would have liked answers to these questions to feel like the whole series was wrapped up, but maybe they'll make an appearance in Rebel's books? I don't know I just feel like there were a few things that were brushed over to end the series. It was still good, Bliss continued to grow, the relationships in this book seemed to grow stronger which was nice to see.
<Spoiler> and did War step down as prez? Or was Bliss the new Fancy? Was Hawke all in or was he resentful/mad at War? Also Bliss didn't really seem to need to take the time to process that she knows who murdered her brother? I would have liked answers to these questions to feel like the whole series was wrapped up, but maybe they'll make an appearance in Rebel's books? I don't know I just feel like there were a few things that were brushed over to end the series. It was still good, Bliss continued to grow, the relationships in this book seemed to grow stronger which was nice to see.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Murder
Moderate: Trafficking, Pregnancy
Minor: Gun violence
Half the Battle by Elle Thorpe
dark
emotional
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 went into this book fully prepared to hate Scythe, and I did... For half a second. Learning about his actions and seeing his character development made me love him just as much as the other characters. Bliss's continued growth and ability to regain her confidence has been great as well, I enjoy seeing that just as I enjoy seeing her relationships with the other characters grow. So much happened in this book, and that cliffhanger at the end!! I'm really sad that I have to work in the morning because I would love nothing more than to start book 3 right now.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Violence, Grief
Moderate: Body shaming, Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Death of parent, Murder
Minor: Drug use, Rape
Start a War by Elle Thorpe
dark
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 cannot believe I waited so long to read this book! I love the character development Bliss had. I am eager to see how the relationships among the men play out - that could get pretty tricky. Vincent's sweetness and War's dirty talk are *chef's kiss* I am going to immediately dive into book #2 now.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Rape, Sexual content
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Sexual assault, Death of parent
Minor: Murder
Pulling the Goalie by Lasairiona McMaster
emotional
funny
fast-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
5.0
This book was so good! I'm living for the bi representation here. I'm also living for the sex positivity and emphasis on consent. This was such a great read! I loved the character development, especially of Eloise. I especially loved that there was no third act break up. This book does discuss recovering from addiction so if that's not something you are in a space to read about it would probably be best to skip this one, but there really were not any super harsh details. This book left a few loose ends out there that I am looking forward to getting tied up in the Apollo and Artemis books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Death of parent
Moderate: Addiction, Car accident
Minor: Rape
A Touch of Chaos by Scarlett St. Clair
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I am so sad that this series is over, but it is probably one of the best series I've read. The effort that the author put into these always amazes me when I read the author notes at the end to learn about the myths incorporated.
I loved the character development for Hades and Persephone throughout the series and the development of their relationship as well. I felt like Persephone had a decent amount of growth in the last two or three books especially. I also loved her relationship development with all the side characters as well. This book definitely screams "found family trope" louder than the others in this series, however, I think it's a present theme throughout.
I would have liked to learn more about Medusa, but I am thinking/hopeful the author is saving that for another series. I cannot wait to read about Aphrodite and Hephaestus.
I loved the character development for Hades and Persephone throughout the series and the development of their relationship as well. I felt like Persephone had a decent amount of growth in the last two or three books especially. I also loved her relationship development with all the side characters as well. This book definitely screams "found family trope" louder than the others in this series, however, I think it's a present theme throughout.
I would have liked to learn more about Medusa, but I am thinking/hopeful the author is saving that for another series. I cannot wait to read about Aphrodite and Hephaestus.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Violence, War
Moderate: Rape, Torture, Grief, Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Suicide, Pregnancy
A Game of Gods by Scarlett St. Clair
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
It is taking all that is in me right now to not immediately jump into A Touch of Chaos. The cliffhanger at the end of this and A Touch of Malice is going to make it hard to sleep tonight (it is almost midnight). In this book we get a POV from a few different characters including Theseus (who the author did a fabulous job making him a hateable character imo). I loved that we got to see more of Dionysus and Ariadne in this one as well. Along with the other typical characters. I cannot wait to read A Touch of Chaos!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual content, Violence
Moderate: Sexual violence
Minor: Child death
Freedom Is a Constant Struggle: Ferguson, Palestine, and the Foundations of a Movement by Angela Y. Davis
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
5.0
Angela Davis is brilliant. This work makes me want to be more of an activist than I am. This book is essentially a collection of speeches Angela Davis has given over the years and each one was different while somehow touching on the same topics throughout. Our world is so intertwined. If you want to work toward changing the status quo, start with this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Genocide, Racism, Police brutality
Moderate: Death, Slavery, War
Minor: Sexual violence, Transphobia
The American Roommate Experiment by Elena Armas
funny
lighthearted
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
4.5
This book was so sweet. Lucas is like the perfect man, I think I fell in love with him while reading this too. Elena Armas does so well with intertwining the serious stuff with lighthearted humor. I wish we learned a little bit more about Olly and his situation, it seemed like it was going to be more but then kinda just faded away. I will also add that this book is medium paced but the romance is a slooooow burn. Very low angst though, which is a plus!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Violence, Dementia
The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine by Ilan Pappé
informative
slow-paced
3.5
I'm not sure why, but I was expecting this book to be less military heavy. I understand the role of the military, but it felt like the vast majority of this book was a play by play of every military action from Israel.
That being said, I did learn a lot about the history of Israel and Palestine and I took away a lot from this book. However, it was definitely like a textbook. I think I will look for more succinct summaries that focuses more on the lives of people impacted than a military playbook.
That being said, I did learn a lot about the history of Israel and Palestine and I took away a lot from this book. However, it was definitely like a textbook. I think I will look for more succinct summaries that focuses more on the lives of people impacted than a military playbook.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Genocide, Islamophobia, War
Moderate: Rape, Violence
A Touch of Malice by Scarlett St. Clair
dark
emotional
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 is one of the best series I've read thus far. I'm sad I only have two more books before it's over.
The character development for Persephone in this book was so freaking good. The development of her relationship with Hades was also great to watch. I love that the author has continued to make the side characters have stories just as interesting as the main characters and that they each bring something to the table. I'm also really glad that Persephone has friends - I feel like that's so rare to get in romance novels because it's usually just the hero and heroine pining for each other with no time for anyone else. Or maybe that's just my lack of knowledge in the romantasy genre speaking. I love, love, love this series and this was probably my favorite book of the series so far - I'd give it more than 5 stars if I could.
The character development for Persephone in this book was so freaking good. The development of her relationship with Hades was also great to watch. I love that the author has continued to make the side characters have stories just as interesting as the main characters and that they each bring something to the table. I'm also really glad that Persephone has friends - I feel like that's so rare to get in romance novels because it's usually just the hero and heroine pining for each other with no time for anyone else. Or maybe that's just my lack of knowledge in the romantasy genre speaking. I love, love, love this series and this was probably my favorite book of the series so far - I'd give it more than 5 stars if I could.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual content, Violence
Minor: Death, Rape, Death of parent