Scan barcode
the_library_of_mary's reviews
106 reviews
Thornhedge by T. Kingfisher
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I was reorganizing my bookshelves and needed a quick listen for while I worked on it. I had kept hearing about this a while ago, so when I saw it was available on libby I jumped on it.
I have had mixed success with T Kingfisher, some books I love while others I'm not crazy about. This one however, was great! In all of their books there is a theme of bending fairytales and magic. This book follows Toadling. Toadling is the human child that got swapped with a changeling, and it focuses on her life. Normally changeling stories focus on the changeling child, not the human child it was swapped with. I really enjoyed the character and the perspective.
There is a plot and actions that take place during the story, but this read more to be like a retelling of her life ( which I loved!). It felt very intimate, like we were having a conversation over coffee and I was listening to a friend vent. Toadling was an endearing narrator and as a character I loved her a lot.
There is a smidge of romance, I wouldn't even really consider this a romance. I interpreted it more as just connection, as she as been without it for sometime.
Overall, if you are looking for a quick and sentimental fantasy book I would definitely give this a try. I read this in basically one sitting and I was engaged the whole time.
I have had mixed success with T Kingfisher, some books I love while others I'm not crazy about. This one however, was great! In all of their books there is a theme of bending fairytales and magic. This book follows Toadling. Toadling is the human child that got swapped with a changeling, and it focuses on her life. Normally changeling stories focus on the changeling child, not the human child it was swapped with. I really enjoyed the character and the perspective.
There is a plot and actions that take place during the story, but this read more to be like a retelling of her life ( which I loved!). It felt very intimate, like we were having a conversation over coffee and I was listening to a friend vent. Toadling was an endearing narrator and as a character I loved her a lot.
There is a smidge of romance, I wouldn't even really consider this a romance. I interpreted it more as just connection, as she as been without it for sometime.
Overall, if you are looking for a quick and sentimental fantasy book I would definitely give this a try. I read this in basically one sitting and I was engaged the whole time.
Dragonfruit by Makiia Lucier
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I will start this off by saying that I don't think I was in the best head space "attention" wise when listening to this book.
The setting of this story is beautiful and the imagery of the sea and different islands was lovely to read, especially as it gets colder here where I am. The fantasy system being based on Pacific Islander folklore was also something I really liked about the book. It felt very refreshing, as I haven't really read a lot of fantasy books that take inspiration from it. This book definitely pushed me to go look into other books based on the mythology.
Now, I hate to say it, this audiobook was only 8 hours long and it dragged for me. I normally listen to audiobooks while at work, so I should have been able to knock this out in a day or two. I actually specifically rented this audiobook to listen at work. I found myself only able to listen to chunks of it at a time and not get fully immersed and invested in the characters. Hanalei and Sam are two characters that on paper I should be in love with, especially Hanalei. But I just couldn't get the attachment to any of the characters that I normally get while reading.
I think I did myself a disservice by listening to this so sporadically because I felt like the plot was kind of all over the place. And I really do think my lack of following it was my own fault. I felt like instead of unravelling a mystery, we were just kind of "task hopping". Things were connected, but didn't feel really deeply connected.
For a standlone fantasy I think the author did have a complete story, I liked the ending and it felt good. Enough was settled to feel completed, but enough left open to let our minds imagine how this story might continue.
Overall I am still glad I read this book and I think if you are looking to diversify your fantasy reads, this one would be a good try. It was an easy read.
The setting of this story is beautiful and the imagery of the sea and different islands was lovely to read, especially as it gets colder here where I am. The fantasy system being based on Pacific Islander folklore was also something I really liked about the book. It felt very refreshing, as I haven't really read a lot of fantasy books that take inspiration from it. This book definitely pushed me to go look into other books based on the mythology.
Now, I hate to say it, this audiobook was only 8 hours long and it dragged for me. I normally listen to audiobooks while at work, so I should have been able to knock this out in a day or two. I actually specifically rented this audiobook to listen at work. I found myself only able to listen to chunks of it at a time and not get fully immersed and invested in the characters. Hanalei and Sam are two characters that on paper I should be in love with, especially Hanalei. But I just couldn't get the attachment to any of the characters that I normally get while reading.
I think I did myself a disservice by listening to this so sporadically because I felt like the plot was kind of all over the place. And I really do think my lack of following it was my own fault. I felt like instead of unravelling a mystery, we were just kind of "task hopping". Things were connected, but didn't feel really deeply connected.
For a standlone fantasy I think the author did have a complete story, I liked the ending and it felt good. Enough was settled to feel completed, but enough left open to let our minds imagine how this story might continue.
Overall I am still glad I read this book and I think if you are looking to diversify your fantasy reads, this one would be a good try. It was an easy read.
The Absinthe Underground by Jamie Pacton
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
This book was not on my radar, I saw it was available at my library as an audiobook when I was in between loans . So I gave it a shot.
This was a fun, easy, and nice read. It focuses on 2 queer female characters who make the majority of their money as thieves. These two girls find out that there is another world of Fae and get hired to complete a job there.
I'm struggling to find the exact words because I don't want it to sound like a bad point. The heist aspect of this book was simple, but fun to read. Nothing really hit me in the face with these crazy plot twists and reveals, but it didn't seem like the author was overly concerned with shock value in those moments. The plot itself was fun, the setting is really exciting, and these two girls are so sweet and charming. Each with their own quirks and hidden feelings, this was a nice queer budding romance read.
If you want an easy fantasy revolving around completing heist "goals/tasks", a taste of fantasy world building, and some fluffy feel good sapphic love, give this a try!
This was a fun, easy, and nice read. It focuses on 2 queer female characters who make the majority of their money as thieves. These two girls find out that there is another world of Fae and get hired to complete a job there.
I'm struggling to find the exact words because I don't want it to sound like a bad point. The heist aspect of this book was simple, but fun to read. Nothing really hit me in the face with these crazy plot twists and reveals, but it didn't seem like the author was overly concerned with shock value in those moments. The plot itself was fun, the setting is really exciting, and these two girls are so sweet and charming. Each with their own quirks and hidden feelings, this was a nice queer budding romance read.
If you want an easy fantasy revolving around completing heist "goals/tasks", a taste of fantasy world building, and some fluffy feel good sapphic love, give this a try!
Flamefall by Rosaria Munda
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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
4.75
I was blown away by this book! The last half of it and the ending pushed it high for me. Just..wow.
This is the second book in the trilogy and I read the first book at the beginning of this year. My library finally got this book on libby so I borrowed it with only a quick refresher on the first book. I feel like this series is not talked enough about AT ALL. If you enjoy Fourth Wing, but don't want the romance and romantic scenes to be a huge portion of the book you should definitely check out this series.
This book swaps between multiple narrators as the characters navigate the political scene after the actions of last book. Annie, Lee, and Griff give major insight into the different groups plotting and schemes.
These characters HAVE DEPTH, just wow. Throughout the book these characters have to grow and change and make decisions that have such consequence behind them. I was enthralled reading about what decisions they would make and found myself actively getting upset over choices or reactions toward the others ( in a good way!). They all have made mistakes and have made choices that others may disagree with, but the have to continue to interact with each other and make decisions for their people to the best of their abilities.
Annie, my girl.
The ending had me SCREAMING. DUCKKKKK, OMG. I was shocked, genuinely. I thought that the deaths were really to motivate Cor's actions and commitment to Megara and the cause. The fact that he was being used by Ixion. ( I listened to the audiobook, I don't know about spelling)
Annie, my poor girl. She was dragged through the mud during this book and I felt so bad for her. Megara, it's on sight. Sorry I get you had your reasons, but Annie is it for me. I loved her growing relationship with Power and actually kind of found myself rooting for the two of them.
I do enjoy Lee and Annie's complex relationship, they clearly have a deep bond that I enjoy reading about. But I wasn't a huge huge fan of the romance rekindling at the end. I think at this point with the betrayals they have felt against each other, they need to just have a platonic connection. I don't mind the romance, but I think it would be more interesting.
This is the second book in the trilogy and I read the first book at the beginning of this year. My library finally got this book on libby so I borrowed it with only a quick refresher on the first book. I feel like this series is not talked enough about AT ALL. If you enjoy Fourth Wing, but don't want the romance and romantic scenes to be a huge portion of the book you should definitely check out this series.
This book swaps between multiple narrators as the characters navigate the political scene after the actions of last book. Annie, Lee, and Griff give major insight into the different groups plotting and schemes.
These characters HAVE DEPTH, just wow. Throughout the book these characters have to grow and change and make decisions that have such consequence behind them. I was enthralled reading about what decisions they would make and found myself actively getting upset over choices or reactions toward the others ( in a good way!). They all have made mistakes and have made choices that others may disagree with, but the have to continue to interact with each other and make decisions for their people to the best of their abilities.
Annie, my girl.
The ending had me SCREAMING. DUCKKKKK, OMG. I was shocked, genuinely. I thought that the deaths were really to motivate Cor's actions and commitment to Megara and the cause. The fact that he was being used by Ixion. ( I listened to the audiobook, I don't know about spelling)
Annie, my poor girl. She was dragged through the mud during this book and I felt so bad for her. Megara, it's on sight. Sorry I get you had your reasons, but Annie is it for me. I loved her growing relationship with Power and actually kind of found myself rooting for the two of them.
I do enjoy Lee and Annie's complex relationship, they clearly have a deep bond that I enjoy reading about. But I wasn't a huge huge fan of the romance rekindling at the end. I think at this point with the betrayals they have felt against each other, they need to just have a platonic connection. I don't mind the romance, but I think it would be more interesting.
A Curse for True Love by Stephanie Garber
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
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
It's official, I LOVE this series. I think the hype it received is well deserved and I enjoyed every book. This world is so inviting, I just want to know more and more about these characters and their individual plots. I'm excited to read the Caraval series to fill in some gaps.
Eva and Jacks, oh my HEART. The chemistry, tension, and emotion between them, ugh it simultaneously broke and warmed my heart. The way their relationship developed and changed throughout their story was beautiful and raw. I really felt like we saw the highs and lows of their dynamic and we saw the work that they both put into it.
The plot with Apollo, the Valors, and the other Fates. Amazing, I truly enjoyed every scene because it felt honest. Even Apollo, who I'm not the biggest fan of, displayed his logic and reasoning in his chapters. You believe that HE really believes his logic, know what I mean?
I loved the introduction of the dual POV in this bookEspecially with a lot of the beginning o the book being around Eva's memory loss, having Apollo chapters helped keep the "true" plot going while Eva's chapters were obviously also a part of the plot, but she has significant gaps.
I'm so happy I gave this series a go. I would consider this a "romance" romantasy. With the magic system feeling more fairytale-like, I really was focusing on the romance aspect of this series. The worldbuilding is also really interesting, but they was the author writes the romantic tension and chemistry was unmatched.
I'm so happy that Eva and Jacks got their happy ending. When we had like the "fake out" happy ending I got SO nervous, y'all have no idea. I was terrified that they wouldn't get anything out of this tragic story. I'm so happy they did.
I was so impressed with Apollo's character arc. In the first book I found myself really rooting for him and trying to see the good in him like Eva was. But the way he spiraled into this obsessive and controlling man, while still deluding himself that he was a good guy was done so well. I found myself wanting to keep giving him chances and excuses, until it was to late and then my eyes were violently opened to the kind of character he was.
By not reading Caraval, I have a feeling that a lot of the Castor, Aurora, and Jacks drama was lost on my a little bit. I understood the dynamics, but I bet it would have hit harder if I had some backstory.
Eva and Jacks, oh my HEART. The chemistry, tension, and emotion between them, ugh it simultaneously broke and warmed my heart. The way their relationship developed and changed throughout their story was beautiful and raw. I really felt like we saw the highs and lows of their dynamic and we saw the work that they both put into it.
The plot with Apollo, the Valors, and the other Fates. Amazing, I truly enjoyed every scene because it felt honest. Even Apollo, who I'm not the biggest fan of, displayed his logic and reasoning in his chapters. You believe that HE really believes his logic, know what I mean?
I loved the introduction of the dual POV in this book
I'm so happy I gave this series a go. I would consider this a "romance" romantasy. With the magic system feeling more fairytale-like, I really was focusing on the romance aspect of this series. The worldbuilding is also really interesting, but they was the author writes the romantic tension and chemistry was unmatched.
I'm so happy that Eva and Jacks got their happy ending. When we had like the "fake out" happy ending I got SO nervous, y'all have no idea. I was terrified that they wouldn't get anything out of this tragic story. I'm so happy they did.
I was so impressed with Apollo's character arc. In the first book I found myself really rooting for him and trying to see the good in him like Eva was. But the way he spiraled into this obsessive and controlling man, while still deluding himself that he was a good guy was done so well. I found myself wanting to keep giving him chances and excuses, until it was to late and then my eyes were violently opened to the kind of character he was.
By not reading Caraval, I have a feeling that a lot of the Castor, Aurora, and Jacks drama was lost on my a little bit. I understood the dynamics, but I bet it would have hit harder if I had some backstory.
Crier's War by Nina Varela
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
The concept, characters, and setting of this book are all very interesting and have the makings of being something great. This is definitely a "high school" YA book, I would have eaten this up if I read it when I was in high school.
The pacing felt a little quick in terms of the relationship between Ayla and Crier. There were some really beautiful lines and scenes, but it felt a little insta-love to me. More so in an attraction way not a relationship way, so maybe that was the intention. Overall their relationship dynamics, romantic and otherwise, was fluid having high and low moments.
I think it was a good move to include a historical timeline in the beginning of the book. The story itself is set in the reign of the Automae and we see how the current rule treats humans very poorly. We obviously sympathize with the humans in this setting, but in the timeline we see that originally the Automae were created and treated as pets and novelties. I'm sure historically there is also the perspective of the Automae revolting against the cruel human rule, similiar to the setting of this story.
I will read the second book of the duology for sure, I am interested in the political situation that this book leaves and I want to see where the characters end up and where their stories go.
If you are looking for a non-"heavy" fantasy with an interesting concept, easy to digest political plotting, and some complicated sapphic feelings I think you should give this book a try.
I'm very interested to see where Queen Junn falls and if she is truly betraying/using Crier similiar to Kinok. I want to believe that Queen Junn is really trying to make a better future, but how ruthlessly she gets there I do not know.
Kinok is a great "villian" / enemy. This book plays a lot with political power, so him being the leader of a fantatic group really adds to this story. He stinks though, we don't like Kinok haha. The reveal about Crier not having the 5 pillars, what a dick.
Ayla and Crier, these two discovering feelings they don't want for different but similiar reasons. I personally like a bit of yearning in my romances, and these two just had a tiny amount of it. I wouldn't even really consider this a romance, more a book that has a romance in it.
The pacing felt a little quick in terms of the relationship between Ayla and Crier. There were some really beautiful lines and scenes, but it felt a little insta-love to me. More so in an attraction way not a relationship way, so maybe that was the intention. Overall their relationship dynamics, romantic and otherwise, was fluid having high and low moments.
I think it was a good move to include a historical timeline in the beginning of the book. The story itself is set in the reign of the Automae and we see how the current rule treats humans very poorly. We obviously sympathize with the humans in this setting, but in the timeline we see that originally the Automae were created and treated as pets and novelties. I'm sure historically there is also the perspective of the Automae revolting against the cruel human rule, similiar to the setting of this story.
I will read the second book of the duology for sure, I am interested in the political situation that this book leaves and I want to see where the characters end up and where their stories go.
If you are looking for a non-"heavy" fantasy with an interesting concept, easy to digest political plotting, and some complicated sapphic feelings I think you should give this book a try.
I'm very interested to see where Queen Junn falls and if she is truly betraying/using Crier similiar to Kinok. I want to believe that Queen Junn is really trying to make a better future, but how ruthlessly she gets there I do not know.
Kinok is a great "villian" / enemy. This book plays a lot with political power, so him being the leader of a fantatic group really adds to this story. He stinks though, we don't like Kinok haha. The reveal about Crier not having the 5 pillars, what a dick.
Ayla and Crier, these two discovering feelings they don't want for different but similiar reasons. I personally like a bit of yearning in my romances, and these two just had a tiny amount of it. I wouldn't even really consider this a romance, more a book that has a romance in it.
The Ballad of Never After by Stephanie Garber
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This series is exactly what I have been looking for. I can't believe I'm just now looking into these books.
PSA, when I started this series I did not realize it was set after the events of Caraval which I have not read. I've decided to finish this series and then go and read the original series.
This cast of characters just draws you in, I am constantly amazed and enthralled by them. The character reveals, the mysteries, and the pacing are exactly to my taste. All the characters have such a depth to them and feel like real people.
Eva and Jacks, my heart. The tension, back and forth, and yearning for each other is amazing. I get the hype I have been seeing online and I really love their chemistry. Nothing about them feels like an "insta-love" cop out ( which sometimes I'm down for), but it feel so genuine and messy. They both have their traumas, fears, and wants and sometimes as things happen those change. People change.
The mystery of the Valor arch, the stones, and the Fates. I am EATING IT UP. I don't know if I'm missing some info by not reading the Caraval series first ( I'm sure I am a bit), but I am so invested in this forgotten history and what is really going on.
I had seen this book on a list of good plot twists, and I agree.
Jacks, my boy. You got trauma baby. I was crying when Eva was dying and Jacks was panicking. Him using this stones to save her life was so heroic and it gave me hope about them. But he has so much trauma he just feels like he needs to be mean to her to protect her, but like my guy, SHE IS IN LOVE WITH YOU. Take the leap of faith.
THAT ENDING, APOLLO WHY?! I was screaming reading it and was caught so off guard. I don't understand why he would take everything from her. I was really rooting for him this book, I was HOPING that he would be a good and kind man after getting rid of the Archer's curse but HERE WE ARE I GUESS. There better be a good fucking reason for this, otherwise I will be the #1 Apollo hater.
I was not expecting the Valors to be in the Arch, I guess there was some foreshadowing with the stasis magic in the beginning of the book. But I wasn't expecting a bunch of people in their. Chaos being Castor was a nice twist, I think this whole reveal has more weight if you have read the other series.
Who is Lala's husband? Was he a Valor I don't know if I just missed the reveal or not.
I have the last book already in my libby, I am going to start it right away because I NEED ANSWERS! I am so happy that this series is getting me so excited.
PSA, when I started this series I did not realize it was set after the events of Caraval which I have not read. I've decided to finish this series and then go and read the original series.
This cast of characters just draws you in, I am constantly amazed and enthralled by them. The character reveals, the mysteries, and the pacing are exactly to my taste. All the characters have such a depth to them and feel like real people.
Eva and Jacks, my heart. The tension, back and forth, and yearning for each other is amazing. I get the hype I have been seeing online and I really love their chemistry. Nothing about them feels like an "insta-love" cop out ( which sometimes I'm down for), but it feel so genuine and messy. They both have their traumas, fears, and wants and sometimes as things happen those change. People change.
The mystery of the Valor arch, the stones, and the Fates. I am EATING IT UP. I don't know if I'm missing some info by not reading the Caraval series first ( I'm sure I am a bit), but I am so invested in this forgotten history and what is really going on.
I had seen this book on a list of good plot twists, and I agree.
Jacks, my boy. You got trauma baby. I was crying when Eva was dying and Jacks was panicking. Him using this stones to save her life was so heroic and it gave me hope about them. But he has so much trauma he just feels like he needs to be mean to her to protect her, but like my guy, SHE IS IN LOVE WITH YOU. Take the leap of faith.
THAT ENDING, APOLLO WHY?! I was screaming reading it and was caught so off guard. I don't understand why he would take everything from her. I was really rooting for him this book, I was HOPING that he would be a good and kind man after getting rid of the Archer's curse but HERE WE ARE I GUESS. There better be a good fucking reason for this, otherwise I will be the #1 Apollo hater.
I was not expecting the Valors to be in the Arch, I guess there was some foreshadowing with the stasis magic in the beginning of the book. But I wasn't expecting a bunch of people in their. Chaos being Castor was a nice twist, I think this whole reveal has more weight if you have read the other series.
Who is Lala's husband? Was he a Valor I don't know if I just missed the reveal or not.
I have the last book already in my libby, I am going to start it right away because I NEED ANSWERS! I am so happy that this series is getting me so excited.
Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
adventurous
emotional
funny
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
Oh My God, I 100% get the hype surrounding this book now. I'm always hesitant when reading viral books because I think some of them get blown way out of proportion. This is book is NOT one of those.
I was sucked into this book right from the very beginning. The writing is so natural and Eva is an amazing narrator to follow. The plot moves so naturally through her and the reveals feel so satisfying, I always felt like I was putting the pieces together at the same time she was. It gave the perfect amount of mystery with a perfect balance of answers, and I'm someone that always wants to know the answers to things.
Eva and Jacks dynamic is electric. It's incredibly consistent and nothing feels rush about their changes. I can clearly follow where opinions and thoughts about each other changes, and why they go back and forth. The fact they they want to trust each other, but can't because they know better. Amazing. It kept everything so interesting and helped fill out the world.
Eva is so smart, I love her wit and her desire to try to be good. It shows a different kind of strength that is not normally displayed in such a noble way. Even when it causes issues, she sticks by her morals and beliefs and I really appreciate the about her characters. Jacks is charming but dangerous, and you feel it. You catch yourself falling for him as Eva does, and then BOOM wait he's not doing things for just the kindess of his heart.
I cannot wait to listen to the next book, I already have it from the library. These are the first books I'll be reading from this author and I will definitely be looking at her other works because her writing style and pacing is exactly my taste.
I really wanted to like Marisol. I was rooting for the evil step sister trope being proven wrong, but I'm happy with the ending and her character. I kept going back and forth about what she really did. I feel like Eva needs to always trust her first instinct it's always right.
Luke becoming a vampire, definitely didn't see vampires at all in this book and didn't see that coming at all. He is definitely coming back in some way. I still think he was kinda a jerk, I know Marisol owned up to the love potion, but ehhh I still don't really buy it.
The protectors and the prophecy, very nice add. I love the concept of fate in this book and the unavoidable actions that happen. I can't wait to see where these mysteries go, I'm completely hooked on this series.
I was sucked into this book right from the very beginning. The writing is so natural and Eva is an amazing narrator to follow. The plot moves so naturally through her and the reveals feel so satisfying, I always felt like I was putting the pieces together at the same time she was. It gave the perfect amount of mystery with a perfect balance of answers, and I'm someone that always wants to know the answers to things.
Eva and Jacks dynamic is electric. It's incredibly consistent and nothing feels rush about their changes. I can clearly follow where opinions and thoughts about each other changes, and why they go back and forth. The fact they they want to trust each other, but can't because they know better. Amazing. It kept everything so interesting and helped fill out the world.
Eva is so smart, I love her wit and her desire to try to be good. It shows a different kind of strength that is not normally displayed in such a noble way. Even when it causes issues, she sticks by her morals and beliefs and I really appreciate the about her characters. Jacks is charming but dangerous, and you feel it. You catch yourself falling for him as Eva does, and then BOOM wait he's not doing things for just the kindess of his heart.
I cannot wait to listen to the next book, I already have it from the library. These are the first books I'll be reading from this author and I will definitely be looking at her other works because her writing style and pacing is exactly my taste.
I really wanted to like Marisol. I was rooting for the evil step sister trope being proven wrong, but I'm happy with the ending and her character. I kept going back and forth about what she really did. I feel like Eva needs to always trust her first instinct it's always right.
Luke becoming a vampire, definitely didn't see vampires at all in this book and didn't see that coming at all. He is definitely coming back in some way. I still think he was kinda a jerk, I know Marisol owned up to the love potion, but ehhh I still don't really buy it.
The protectors and the prophecy, very nice add. I love the concept of fate in this book and the unavoidable actions that happen. I can't wait to see where these mysteries go, I'm completely hooked on this series.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
Minor: Death of parent
Throne in the Dark by A.K. Caggiano
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I heard about this series forever ago and the tag line that stuck out to me was " Son of a demon is really bad at being the villian". I knew it was going to be a romance, and I recently noticed the audiobook was available at my library for I went for it, wanting a bit of fun.
Damien and Amma have my perfect dynamic of the good girl & bad boy trope, they both have moments that flesh them out a bit more than just those stereotype. They both have backstories and although we start the book with a focus on Damien's, we do learn about Amma's as well.
The TENSION between these two was written so well. It was not a painful slowburn, it felt good to read ( even when I was silently screaming for them to kiss already!). It felt appropriately paced and more importantly it was FUN. This book allows the darker moments some room to breathe and the comedy and writing style makes its enjoyable. There are definitely high stakes and consequences, but my brain never got to the point of hurting (which is exactly what I was looking for from this book).
Overall, this was an enjoyable romantasy with lovable characters ( including the side characters!), a slowburn romance, and perfect comedic timing. I will definitely be continuing the series.
Damien and Amma have my perfect dynamic of the good girl & bad boy trope, they both have moments that flesh them out a bit more than just those stereotype. They both have backstories and although we start the book with a focus on Damien's, we do learn about Amma's as well.
The TENSION between these two was written so well. It was not a painful slowburn, it felt good to read ( even when I was silently screaming for them to kiss already!). It felt appropriately paced and more importantly it was FUN. This book allows the darker moments some room to breathe and the comedy and writing style makes its enjoyable. There are definitely high stakes and consequences, but my brain never got to the point of hurting (which is exactly what I was looking for from this book).
Overall, this was an enjoyable romantasy with lovable characters ( including the side characters!), a slowburn romance, and perfect comedic timing. I will definitely be continuing the series.
Barbarian Lover by Ruby Dixon
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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
4.0
I'm loving re-reading these books. I am realizing with these read throughs that I don't remember the plots of all these books, I had completely forgotten the plot points of this book. It's like I'm reading them for the first time and I'm enjoying them SO much.
Like I've said in every review ( and probably will continue to say) this series is my go to, fun series. These books have the perfect amount on fun, humor, spice, and a drama to be entertaining but not so heavy that you feel exhausted reading it. It is easy to read in the BEST way possible.
Kira and Aehako are a couple I love, not the top of my list ( out of the 20+ books in this series) but they are one of the OG's and dammit they are cute. Kira as the sad and overthinking Eeyore type and Aehako bringing all the golden retriever BF energy, they are the best kind of opposites attract.
The theme of choosing your own partner in this series, where the resonance is such a main part of this world and books, was really nice to read. Kira's growth through the series and finding her inner strength was great for her character.
Even with the topics of infertility, I felt for them. Poor Kira just wants to be happy and make the man she loves happy. I'm glad they did end up resonating in the end, I want these characters to have their happy endings.
Aehako's scene of mourning with the songs and pouring of snow and ash over his horns. Like OK Ruby Dixon with this world building in your spicy book. I, unironically, loved it. These books have moments like this that give it such depth, it always catches me off guard in the best way.
The hints at Harlow and Ruhk's book , with the 34 modified sakh. I feel bad that everyone think Harlow just bailed on everyone when she kidnapped. Like I know their immediate decision is for the plot, but I'm kinda annoyed at everyone about it still.
Like I've said in every review ( and probably will continue to say) this series is my go to, fun series. These books have the perfect amount on fun, humor, spice, and a drama to be entertaining but not so heavy that you feel exhausted reading it. It is easy to read in the BEST way possible.
Kira and Aehako are a couple I love, not the top of my list ( out of the 20+ books in this series) but they are one of the OG's and dammit they are cute. Kira as the sad and overthinking Eeyore type and Aehako bringing all the golden retriever BF energy, they are the best kind of opposites attract.
The theme of choosing your own partner in this series, where the resonance is such a main part of this world and books, was really nice to read. Kira's growth through the series and finding her inner strength was great for her character.
Aehako's scene of mourning with the songs and pouring of snow and ash over his horns. Like OK Ruby Dixon with this world building in your spicy book. I, unironically, loved it. These books have moments like this that give it such depth, it always catches me off guard in the best way.
The hints at Harlow and Ruhk's book , with the 34 modified sakh. I feel bad that everyone think Harlow just bailed on everyone when she kidnapped. Like I know their immediate decision is for the plot, but I'm kinda annoyed at everyone about it still.