sparklynreads's reviews
9 reviews

Prelude of Fire by Christine E. Schulze

adventurous challenging emotional tense slow-paced

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

2.5

This was a very high fantasy YA read. I found it hard to like Ashlai for about seventy percent of the book. She was brash, kind of rude, and did not have a handle on her emotions. She seemed to lash out alot and I just had a hard time with her outbursts. She did end up finally growing on me a bit but the book was mostly over by time I felt like she started getting a handle on herself. Along for the journey was a whole motley group of rather enjoyable side characters. I enjoyed the banter between Aryl (a teenage sprite) and Mandolin (a water-skipper elf). They had a really cute brother sister dynamic that I thought was well done. There are a few magical items and elements that I found really unique in this story, and a rather loveable giant green bat. The magical talents people had, however, were quite powerful, and at times, maybe too convenient. I loved the found family theme in the story, and thought the ending was well done and tied everything up nicely. The book was quite long, and I think the pacing would have to be one of its biggest flaws. 

*This book was an ARC provided to me in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

So That Happened by Katie Bailey

funny hopeful lighthearted 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

4.25

The Off Limits Rule by Sarah Adams

funny lighthearted medium-paced

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

4.0

Cinder Luna by Marie Soleil

funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

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

3.75

The Governess of Penwythe Hall by Sarah E. Ladd

emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious tense slow-paced

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

3.75

A Proper Charade by Esther Hatch

funny inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

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

4.0

Heartless by Marissa Meyer

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense 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? It's complicated

4.0

Crown of Coral and Pearl by Mara Rutherford

adventurous dark emotional inspiring mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Among the Beasts & Briars by Ashley Poston

adventurous hopeful mysterious medium-paced

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

3.75

I thought this book was a good mix of fairytale adventures with the right amount of romance. The friendship in this book was very cute. It is a more closed door friendly read. There is a small amount of swearing. Themes of family loss are also part of the story. Some violence is also present in the story. I enjoyed this book overall and think it's a great read for older teens and adult readers alike.