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stardust_heidi's reviews
437 reviews
Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
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 cry.
After the Forest by Kell Woods
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-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
4.5
The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-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 love it so muuuuch
The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-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
Maybe better on the reread.
Entreat Me by Grace Draven
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-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
4.25
I’m having such a difficult time rating this book. I think what docks it the most points is the fact that this book could have used at least a few more rounds of editing. In the first half there were multiple missing words, and then I found html structural formatting that wasn’t deleted at one point. Uff. Bummed me out a bit, not gonna lie.
I also cannot decide if I like the use of language in this book; it’s unique from most romantasy that I’ve read in that the author approaches her story with a very old fashioned voice. It’s consistent and done well, though I often had no idea what the insults slung between Louvaen and Ambrose mean. I’m used to authors injecting more of a modern voice to a medieval setting, and this was the opposite. It just took some getting used to.
I think my biggest issue with the book overall is the formality surrounding Cinnia’s virginity. Yes, it was addressed and spoken about, but it still gave me the ick. I realize the author was going for a historical fantasy feel, but still…no. One thing I like about more recently written romantasy is that authors are subverting that trope and saying fuck that noise. It just really grated on me the first half of the book and into the second. On one hand, the author stayed consistent to Louvaen’s role as widowed older sister, but on the other hand…make your own world free of the patriarchy.
It’s probably telling that I’m listing all the things I don’t like about the book before the things I do, but really — I DID truly enjoy it! It’s my first romantasy in a while after overdoing it a few months ago. I liked the characters, and Louvaen’s straight forwardness is a FAVE. It was a simple tale with a twisted curse, but I found it compelling and was easily drawn into the story. I’m really happy with the ending and enjoyed its resolution.
I also cannot decide if I like the use of language in this book; it’s unique from most romantasy that I’ve read in that the author approaches her story with a very old fashioned voice. It’s consistent and done well, though I often had no idea what the insults slung between Louvaen and Ambrose mean. I’m used to authors injecting more of a modern voice to a medieval setting, and this was the opposite. It just took some getting used to.
I think my biggest issue with the book overall is the formality surrounding Cinnia’s virginity. Yes, it was addressed and spoken about, but it still gave me the ick. I realize the author was going for a historical fantasy feel, but still…no. One thing I like about more recently written romantasy is that authors are subverting that trope and saying fuck that noise. It just really grated on me the first half of the book and into the second. On one hand, the author stayed consistent to Louvaen’s role as widowed older sister, but on the other hand…make your own world free of the patriarchy.
It’s probably telling that I’m listing all the things I don’t like about the book before the things I do, but really — I DID truly enjoy it! It’s my first romantasy in a while after overdoing it a few months ago. I liked the characters, and Louvaen’s straight forwardness is a FAVE. It was a simple tale with a twisted curse, but I found it compelling and was easily drawn into the story. I’m really happy with the ending and enjoyed its resolution.