This is the worst out of the three but it doesn’t make it bad by any means. It is an amazing introduction to the World of Faerie, the way Black sets up all the details and mechanics of the political system makes the other two books delectable. If it weren’t for this book the others would not be nearly as good, but it doesn’t dismiss my dislike for it. In the midst of reading the first book I genuinely contemplated if this was worth it—it 100% is.

The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller

Go to review page

adventurous challenging funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

1.75

Words cannot describe how much I disliked the King. Sure the book was fun as a one off read but seriously he is horrible. Correction, they’re both horrible, which I guess is the point of Levenseller marketing it as a Slytherin love story but, as a Slytherin, these two are insufferable. Perfect for eachother though. They can be insufferable together in their giant castles while they spit on the poor people with enthusiasm.

To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo

Go to review page

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I am biased because I was absolutely in love with The Little Mermaid as a child and this is by far the best retelling I have ever read. Christo deserves the world for blessing us with this masterpiece, the communication and trust between Lira and Elian as we progress through the book is so satisfying.

Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco

Go to review page

adventurous funny mysterious tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

God it was so slow I literally don’t think I can read the rest of the series if the pacing continues like this. I love slow paced books and slow burns but this was another level, it was painstaking to get through. The characters were fun though and I didn’t hate it.

The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas

Go to review page

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Their relationship and interactions were set up great apart from the many miscommunications that were sort of just left unresolved, in my opinion. Many said it was enemies to lovers but it really just felt like unrequited love from one party toward the other. Wish it was a slow-burn romance rather than everything seeming to unfold in 2 weeks but judging by the name of the book I should have expected it, still recommend though!

Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell

Go to review page

challenging dark mysterious sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

I didn’t read the back when I started this and I should have because boy was that a heavy novel, definitely should not have been reading it at 14 but whatever. Very heavy, very true crime, honestly felt like a real case.

Content Warnings

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

Go to review page

dark funny informative lighthearted mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? N/A
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

Very predictable, I loved it while I was reading it but thinking back you could piece together the ending if you just paid attention.

More...

sophiamoneva's reviews 32 reviews

sophiamoneva's reviews
32 reviews