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tales_of_monika's reviews
175 reviews
A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas
4.0
I'm gonna be honest, this book felt like a Christmas spinoff of a Disney movie. Have you ever seen "Shrek the Halls"? Yeah. Was a bit like that.
Although I enjoyed being back in the ACOTAR world, this part was like a filler chapter extended into a whole damn book. Not much happens throughout the chapters. We mainly see everyone thinking about what presents to get everyone or thinking about the peace that is within reach after the war.
There is a lot of Feyre hating the rich life and Rhysand being the perfect little prince (which is great don't get me wrong). This book just didn't do it for me as much as the other three did.
Although I enjoyed being back in the ACOTAR world, this part was like a filler chapter extended into a whole damn book. Not much happens throughout the chapters. We mainly see everyone thinking about what presents to get everyone or thinking about the peace that is within reach after the war.
There is a lot of Feyre hating the rich life and Rhysand being the perfect little prince (which is great don't get me wrong). This book just didn't do it for me as much as the other three did.
Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
4.0
I read this book a good few years ago but I completely forgot what it was about and what happens.
I've been meaning to re-read this for ages now.
When I had a look at the reviews that people gave this book and honestly I was shocked at the amount of negativity.
It was such a pleasant read for me. I instantly fell in love with Patch (this may be due to my fondness of mysterious, cocky fantasy boys). Nora is an interesting character. I liked the character development that the author put her through. As well as that I love the chemistry between Nora and Patch. Their constant bickering keeps you on edge and puts a smile on your face.
The plot twist that happens towards the end of the book is both easy to predict and quite well done. As much as I hated Elliott I kind of felt bad for him for getting used as a tool and essentially a spy.
I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series and I hope Patch gets to become a human so he can be with Nora wholly.
Also, can my guardian angel be as sexy as Patch?
I've been meaning to re-read this for ages now.
When I had a look at the reviews that people gave this book and honestly I was shocked at the amount of negativity.
It was such a pleasant read for me. I instantly fell in love with Patch (this may be due to my fondness of mysterious, cocky fantasy boys). Nora is an interesting character. I liked the character development that the author put her through. As well as that I love the chemistry between Nora and Patch. Their constant bickering keeps you on edge and puts a smile on your face.
The plot twist that happens towards the end of the book is both easy to predict and quite well done. As much as I hated Elliott I kind of felt bad for him for getting used as a tool and essentially a spy.
I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series and I hope Patch gets to become a human so he can be with Nora wholly.
Also, can my guardian angel be as sexy as Patch?
Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick
4.0
Just finished reading Crescendo!
I am giving the Hush Hush series another chance since I read the first book years ago but the library never had the others in stock.
This wasn't an easy read. It was really emotional for me. I knew, of course that after Patch and Nora broke up they would eventually get back together. I didn't doubt that for a second. It was all the things that happened in between that made my heart ache for Nora.
At times I despised Patch. Seriously. I despised him more than a guy that had played me while he had a girlfriend. He was being a complete dick. But at the same time I couldn't stop loving him. I knew that everything he was doing and saying was for Nora's own good.
Once again, the plot twist became quite predictable towards the end of the book but I liked how the story went anyway. I can't help but feel bad for Patch for his friend doing what he did.
I was supposed to take a break in between the books but THAT ENDING!? You can't just do that to me!
I am giving the Hush Hush series another chance since I read the first book years ago but the library never had the others in stock.
This wasn't an easy read. It was really emotional for me. I knew, of course that after Patch and Nora broke up they would eventually get back together. I didn't doubt that for a second. It was all the things that happened in between that made my heart ache for Nora.
At times I despised Patch. Seriously. I despised him more than a guy that had played me while he had a girlfriend. He was being a complete dick. But at the same time I couldn't stop loving him. I knew that everything he was doing and saying was for Nora's own good.
Once again, the plot twist became quite predictable towards the end of the book but I liked how the story went anyway. I can't help but feel bad for Patch for his friend doing what he did.
I was supposed to take a break in between the books but THAT ENDING!? You can't just do that to me!
Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick
4.0
Just finished Silence! This one was one hell of an emotional rollercoaster. Let's start off with the fact that the thought of Nora not remembering Patch and having to get to know him all over again absolutely TERRIFIED me. I kept putting the book aside and finding other things to do because I was scared of how things would turn out to be.
As for the rest of the story I think it's safe to say that Hank is an absolute monster. Although I do feel like the author missed out on a few good opportunities for Hank to cause Nora more pain. The whole "he's dating my mother" business was way too mild for me. In the end, all that he really did to Nora's mother was mess with her head and drug her up.
I'm curious to see what happens in the final book now that Nora has sworn to lead the army of Nephilim against the Fallen Angels. The good thing is that she has Patch right by her side and I am sure they will figure something out.
Can I just say I freaking LOVE Patch? He deserves the whole damn world. I love how protective he is of Nora and how he's always putting her safety first. I mean he even tried not to get closer to her and let her live a "normal" life because he knew that with him being around she would only get in trouble.
Overall I think the book was good. Not amazing but then not terrible either. I can't wait to finish this series.
As for the rest of the story I think it's safe to say that Hank is an absolute monster. Although I do feel like the author missed out on a few good opportunities for Hank to cause Nora more pain. The whole "he's dating my mother" business was way too mild for me. In the end, all that he really did to Nora's mother was mess with her head and drug her up.
I'm curious to see what happens in the final book now that Nora has sworn to lead the army of Nephilim against the Fallen Angels. The good thing is that she has Patch right by her side and I am sure they will figure something out.
Can I just say I freaking LOVE Patch? He deserves the whole damn world. I love how protective he is of Nora and how he's always putting her safety first. I mean he even tried not to get closer to her and let her live a "normal" life because he knew that with him being around she would only get in trouble.
Overall I think the book was good. Not amazing but then not terrible either. I can't wait to finish this series.
Alcoholic Betty by Elisabeth Horan
4.0
This was a tough read. It was a tough read but not because it was badly written. No, this book was REAL.
I don't often read poetry but I have never come across a poet like Elisabeth Horan. The poems in this book are so raw and filled with true human emotions.
There is no dancing around the subject. The poet is here to talk about her addiction and there is no stopping her. The poems she writes are truly reflecting how she feels. There is no romanticising of her addiction to alcohol and that in itself is a reason why the book is just so good. There are no metaphors, no sophisticated, hard-to-pronounce and what-do-they-even-mean words. Just the poet and her feelings.
Just a warning, some of the poems might not be suitable for those of you that are squeamish. However, some of the poems come with a trigger warning which I think is quite nice since not everyone is comfortable with topics such as self-harm and suicide.
Overall I think the book gives a fresh, straight to the point outlook on alcoholism and is a break from the over-the-top poetry we see every day.
I don't often read poetry but I have never come across a poet like Elisabeth Horan. The poems in this book are so raw and filled with true human emotions.
There is no dancing around the subject. The poet is here to talk about her addiction and there is no stopping her. The poems she writes are truly reflecting how she feels. There is no romanticising of her addiction to alcohol and that in itself is a reason why the book is just so good. There are no metaphors, no sophisticated, hard-to-pronounce and what-do-they-even-mean words. Just the poet and her feelings.
Just a warning, some of the poems might not be suitable for those of you that are squeamish. However, some of the poems come with a trigger warning which I think is quite nice since not everyone is comfortable with topics such as self-harm and suicide.
Overall I think the book gives a fresh, straight to the point outlook on alcoholism and is a break from the over-the-top poetry we see every day.
Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick
4.0
I think this was my least favourite book out of the whole Hush Hush series. It just went on and on and ON.
I didn't like how pretty much the entire book focused on preparing Nora for battle and her learing how to be a good leader to the Nephilim. Meanwhile the whole "battle" took place in the last 100 pages and wasn't that much of a big deal. It was over before it really began. Although Scott's death made me shed a tear.
Speaking of deaths, it was quite predictable that Patch was going to die at some point. And even though I was expecting it to happen at any given point in the story, I'm impressed with how dramatic the scene turned out. Nora desperately trying to fight through the flames to save his feather from being turned to ashes. And yes, I did cry.
It was also obvious that Patch would come back. How could he not? He's the main reason everyone is reading this book and he deserves a better end than being sent into the depths of hell.
As for his "better end", it was so extremely cute! Finally getting to feel Nora's touch and not having to experience everything on an emotional level only. It made me really happy.
Overall I enjoyed the series but I don't think I would put it in my top 5
I didn't like how pretty much the entire book focused on preparing Nora for battle and her learing how to be a good leader to the Nephilim. Meanwhile the whole "battle" took place in the last 100 pages and wasn't that much of a big deal. It was over before it really began. Although Scott's death made me shed a tear.
Speaking of deaths, it was quite predictable that Patch was going to die at some point. And even though I was expecting it to happen at any given point in the story, I'm impressed with how dramatic the scene turned out. Nora desperately trying to fight through the flames to save his feather from being turned to ashes. And yes, I did cry.
It was also obvious that Patch would come back. How could he not? He's the main reason everyone is reading this book and he deserves a better end than being sent into the depths of hell.
As for his "better end", it was so extremely cute! Finally getting to feel Nora's touch and not having to experience everything on an emotional level only. It made me really happy.
Overall I enjoyed the series but I don't think I would put it in my top 5
The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J. Maas
5.0
So, Assassin's Blade.. a few people on Bookstagram recommended I start the Throne of Glass series by reading this book. Thank you to whoever told me to do that! The story makes so much sense when you read the prequel.
Speaking of which, I really like how the book is a collection of short stories giving the reader some background information about Celaena. She's such a likeable character in my opinion and adds to the ever growing list of admirable female characters.
You've probably all heard this before but I guess it's my turn to say that I hope Arobynn gets what he deserves for treating Celaena and Sam like he did. It honestly made my blood boil and I can't wait for him to die (that was a bit dark
Speaking of which, I really like how the book is a collection of short stories giving the reader some background information about Celaena. She's such a likeable character in my opinion and adds to the ever growing list of admirable female characters.
You've probably all heard this before but I guess it's my turn to say that I hope Arobynn gets what he deserves for treating Celaena and Sam like he did. It honestly made my blood boil and I can't wait for him to die (that was a bit dark
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
5.0
I'm in love with this series so far. It never gets boring and you just want to keep on reading. I love Celaena for all she is and all she stands for. And Chaol and Dorian are my two little cupcakes
Ghosters 2: Revenge of the Library Ghost by Diana Corbitt
5.0
I have just finished reading this little gem and all I want to say is that it's such an enjoyable read!
I haven't read the first book of the Ghosters series but I managed to get through this one without any major confusion so - no, you don't have to read these in order (which is great when it comes to children's books).
What I loved most about this book is that it is mostly written from the point of view of a young boy - Joey, who as Asperger Syndrome. In various parts of the book we can see that Joey is struggling to understand metaphors or phrases such as "losing my marbles". He treats them all literally and doesn't understand their deeper meaning. He also struggles to understand why his friends are telling lies in some situations. I think that writing the book from his perspective gives children a great introduction into what Asperger Syndrome is and how it can affect the way a person functions.
That aside, the story itself is great! We can see a group of friends stumbling across a ghost in their school library and after doing some investigating they find out that the ghost needs help with solving a mystery. The story is filled with action and is very humorous, I found myself smiling a lot while reading. The ending seemed a little bit rushed to me, but maybe I'm digging in too deep into the story.
Would definitely recommend for children and adults alike!
I haven't read the first book of the Ghosters series but I managed to get through this one without any major confusion so - no, you don't have to read these in order (which is great when it comes to children's books).
What I loved most about this book is that it is mostly written from the point of view of a young boy - Joey, who as Asperger Syndrome. In various parts of the book we can see that Joey is struggling to understand metaphors or phrases such as "losing my marbles". He treats them all literally and doesn't understand their deeper meaning. He also struggles to understand why his friends are telling lies in some situations. I think that writing the book from his perspective gives children a great introduction into what Asperger Syndrome is and how it can affect the way a person functions.
That aside, the story itself is great! We can see a group of friends stumbling across a ghost in their school library and after doing some investigating they find out that the ghost needs help with solving a mystery. The story is filled with action and is very humorous, I found myself smiling a lot while reading. The ending seemed a little bit rushed to me, but maybe I'm digging in too deep into the story.
Would definitely recommend for children and adults alike!
Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas
5.0
Crown of Midnight!
I think it's safe to say that this is a great continuation of Throne of Glass.
I loved everything about this book. I went through it feeling every emotion that the characters felt and I just couldn't put it down (this was pre reading slump). My love for Chaol and Dorian grew with every page, they're just really precious characters.
I like how you just can't predict what's going to happen in the book. It could all be going smoothly and then suddenly you're hit with a gruesome murder that boils Celaena's (and your) blood.
Now I know that there's no point in getting attached to Chaol since it is Sarah J Maas and I'm gonna be hit with a fae-bae sooner or later, but I'm willing to accept that. And can we talk about how dramatic the ending was !? Loved it.
I think it's safe to say that this is a great continuation of Throne of Glass.
I loved everything about this book. I went through it feeling every emotion that the characters felt and I just couldn't put it down (this was pre reading slump). My love for Chaol and Dorian grew with every page, they're just really precious characters.
I like how you just can't predict what's going to happen in the book. It could all be going smoothly and then suddenly you're hit with a gruesome murder that boils Celaena's (and your) blood.
Now I know that there's no point in getting attached to Chaol since it is Sarah J Maas and I'm gonna be hit with a fae-bae sooner or later, but I'm willing to accept that. And can we talk about how dramatic the ending was !? Loved it.