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the_library_of_mary's reviews
130 reviews
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.
House of Blight by Maxym M. Martineau
challenging
dark
emotional
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
4.5
I received a digital ARC of this book through NetGalley.
I went into this on vibes alone. The premise of this magic system is that there are threadmenders that can repair damaged life threads by sacrificing their own lifespan. It was also advertised as a slowburn romance surrounding an incurable blight. So with all these things combined it had the makings to be a tragic romantasy.
I LOVED this book, Edira our FMC has such a personality on her. The perfect amount of sass and humor, while still acting honestly in a scary situation. I find that sometimes books that have such a dark premise need a bit of humor in it to break it up, otherwise it's to hard to digest. But the risk with adding in that humor is that it can take away from the severity and stakes of the world. This book perfectly balanced that for me.
Rorick, for me it was love at first sight haha. This story has a "love triangle" (?). Edira and Rorick just have this connection and this natural feeling dialouge that I love, even if it wasn't necesarily romantic. Learning how to fight can be romantic, right?
Overall, I really really enjoyed this book. The mysteries were revealed at an appropriate pace (and that's coming from me, someone that wants all the answers asap haha). Even with the parts that I guessed might happen, I hadn't guessed specifics so there was still a reveal aspect even with the more "predictable' moments. I think it you enjoyed ACOTAR, you would enjoy this book.
I will definitely be continuing the series and buying the book once it it released proper.
I went into this on vibes alone. The premise of this magic system is that there are threadmenders that can repair damaged life threads by sacrificing their own lifespan. It was also advertised as a slowburn romance surrounding an incurable blight. So with all these things combined it had the makings to be a tragic romantasy.
I LOVED this book, Edira our FMC has such a personality on her. The perfect amount of sass and humor, while still acting honestly in a scary situation. I find that sometimes books that have such a dark premise need a bit of humor in it to break it up, otherwise it's to hard to digest. But the risk with adding in that humor is that it can take away from the severity and stakes of the world. This book perfectly balanced that for me.
Rorick, for me it was love at first sight haha. This story has a "love triangle" (?). Edira and Rorick just have this connection and this natural feeling dialouge that I love, even if it wasn't necesarily romantic. Learning how to fight can be romantic, right?
Overall, I really really enjoyed this book. The mysteries were revealed at an appropriate pace (and that's coming from me, someone that wants all the answers asap haha). Even with the parts that I guessed might happen, I hadn't guessed specifics so there was still a reveal aspect even with the more "predictable' moments. I think it you enjoyed ACOTAR, you would enjoy this book.
I will definitely be continuing the series and buying the book once it it released proper.
Mysteries of Thorn Manor by Margaret Rogerson
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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? Yes
4.0
A CUTE novella set after Sorcery of Thorns. This was nothing revolutionary, and it wasn't meant to be. It was the perfect taste of these characters that I loved so much in the first book. A fun and cute story about Nathaniel and Elisabeth navigating the beginnings of their relationship. It was a quick listen and I got some more of my boy Silas ( love that demon).
A must read if you loved the first book for when you need a pick me up.
A must read if you loved the first book for when you need a pick me up.
Earls Trip by Jenny Holiday
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This was a nice little romance. It gave me Bridgerton vibes ( tv show, not the books) with the modern feeling characters in a regency setting. The boys were fun and the girls were loveable.
I wouldn't say that this was a life changing romance, but it was a nice background audiobook to have playing. There were a few times where I caught myself giggling over the story. Friends to Lovers isn't my normal go to trope, but Clem and Archie felt good together.
There pacing felt a little slow in the beginning, but I think that was because she was building the romance up when what I wanted was to have it straight away. May have been a patience thing on my part haha. I will say that the scenes with Archie's mother, who has dementia, got me and I found myself tearing up sometimes.Especially with her lucidity at the end telling the two to get married and remembering Archie for a moment, I was shedding some tears I won't lie.
There are some spicy scenes, but not super descriptive ones (if that makes any sense. )
Overall, I wouldn't move this to the top of my TBR list, but would definitely read it for a fun period romance with a modern vibe.
I wouldn't say that this was a life changing romance, but it was a nice background audiobook to have playing. There were a few times where I caught myself giggling over the story. Friends to Lovers isn't my normal go to trope, but Clem and Archie felt good together.
There pacing felt a little slow in the beginning, but I think that was because she was building the romance up when what I wanted was to have it straight away. May have been a patience thing on my part haha. I will say that the scenes with Archie's mother, who has dementia, got me and I found myself tearing up sometimes.
There are some spicy scenes, but not super descriptive ones (if that makes any sense. )
Overall, I wouldn't move this to the top of my TBR list, but would definitely read it for a fun period romance with a modern vibe.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dementia
Dreams of Gods & Monsters by Laini Taylor
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Okay, how to begin this review. As this is the last book of the trilogy, I had high hopes going in that it would be a good ending to the series......and that's only kind of what I got.
Maybe this is my personally, but I grew tired and then ANNOYED at Karuo and Akiva during this book. I understand that there relationship relies HEAVILY on not only the forbidden love trope, but also the like " right person, wrong time" vibe. With these tropes there is always going to be a sense of yearning and longing and I am all for it. What I am NOT for is 2 books of the exact same scenes of Karou lamenting over how much she wants to be with Akiva. It got so stale and compare to the plot hooks and world building that happened in this book, I almost wanted to skip their chapters.
Speaking of the world building, the only reason this book got a 3 star rating was because the new characters and backstories we SO GOOD. I love this world and was so excited to learn more about the history of these worlds and get some more clarification on certain characters (*ahem* Razgut), and they introduce new elements to the characters that I LOVED. What frustrated me so much was that these amazing world building and lore chapters were so jam packed and short, and then we had 3 more chapters of these two being sad.
I enjoy this authors writing and I truly love how she handles plot twists and setting up for these big reveals. I just wanted her to focus more on those big reveals rather than the lovebirds, but maybe that's me being very biased.
This book ends with an open end, but it feels like an okay one. This trilogy was written years ago, so I doubt another book will be written in this world. I would give this series a try, especially if you like that romance aspect you will probably really enjoy it.
Overall I felt like this book was rushed in the lore and explanation department and slow in the romance chapters.
With the Eliza backstory and the Razgut backstory, all I wanted was more, more MORE. Who thought my favorite perspective would be Razgut ( certainly not me). He is terrible and broken, and you pity him but he is so beyond saving you just have to let him be. I did not see this second world coming and his "wanting to return home" being so unattainable which led to his madness.
Eliza, she stole this book for me. I was eating up her chapters. I had no idea what the twist with her was going to be, being a Seraph descendant was not my first guess. The information we got as her plot continued was great. This is what I'm talking about when I say this author can do really good plot reveals, I love them.
Ziri, what a babe. I saw him and Liraz coming a mile away haha, but its still cute. It felt a little rushes, but I'm happy they are happy.
Maybe this is my personally, but I grew tired and then ANNOYED at Karuo and Akiva during this book. I understand that there relationship relies HEAVILY on not only the forbidden love trope, but also the like " right person, wrong time" vibe. With these tropes there is always going to be a sense of yearning and longing and I am all for it. What I am NOT for is 2 books of the exact same scenes of Karou lamenting over how much she wants to be with Akiva. It got so stale and compare to the plot hooks and world building that happened in this book, I almost wanted to skip their chapters.
Speaking of the world building, the only reason this book got a 3 star rating was because the new characters and backstories we SO GOOD. I love this world and was so excited to learn more about the history of these worlds and get some more clarification on certain characters (*ahem* Razgut), and they introduce new elements to the characters that I LOVED. What frustrated me so much was that these amazing world building and lore chapters were so jam packed and short, and then we had 3 more chapters of these two being sad.
I enjoy this authors writing and I truly love how she handles plot twists and setting up for these big reveals. I just wanted her to focus more on those big reveals rather than the lovebirds, but maybe that's me being very biased.
This book ends with an open end, but it feels like an okay one. This trilogy was written years ago, so I doubt another book will be written in this world. I would give this series a try, especially if you like that romance aspect you will probably really enjoy it.
Overall I felt like this book was rushed in the lore and explanation department and slow in the romance chapters.
With the Eliza backstory and the Razgut backstory, all I wanted was more, more MORE. Who thought my favorite perspective would be Razgut ( certainly not me). He is terrible and broken, and you pity him but he is so beyond saving you just have to let him be. I did not see this second world coming and his "wanting to return home" being so unattainable which led to his madness.
Eliza, she stole this book for me. I was eating up her chapters. I had no idea what the twist with her was going to be, being a Seraph descendant was not my first guess. The information we got as her plot continued was great. This is what I'm talking about when I say this author can do really good plot reveals, I love them.
Ziri, what a babe. I saw him and Liraz coming a mile away haha, but its still cute. It felt a little rushes, but I'm happy they are happy.
How to Be Eaten by Maria Adelmann
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I was so surprised by how much I loved this book. Based on reviews I had seen and reading the synopsis I knew I would enjoy it, but I didn't realize how much I would truly love it. I couldn't put it down, having to force myself to stop reading to sleep and go to work haha.
The general gist is " fairy tale victims go to modern day group therapy". It centers around 5 women and each chapters is a different person's story. Each of the stories is interesting as they dive into their traumatic pasts that have given them like " true crime notoriety". Because they are all telling their own traumas there are some holes, where clearly they don't want to speak on it or they are defensive or hyper fixating on things. They are their own unreliable narrators for their own stories, its amazing. You are trying to piece things together, wanting more details. But then you kinda feel guilty because one of the main themes of the book is how these traumas get publicized to the masses, and everyone has opinions on your own personal issues. It's no one else's business, nobody is owed anything.
If you are looking for a book that delves into traumas and how it effects different people and a shorter read, I would highlight recommend. Obviously check trigger warnings before reading.
The Will / Jack chapters were so weirddddd ( in a good way). The detail about the lotion freaked me out every chapters, there was so much description about it. I knew there was something up with Will, but I didn't put together that he would be Jack until Ashlee's chapter.
Ruby, what a disaster. The language describing her and that she uses is so literally disgusting. The matted, soiled, smelly fur coat is so prominent that you feel like you are smelling it. You feel uncomfortable, which is the point. The destructive behaviors makes you want to give her sympathy, but when someone does she bites back.
Raina, I couldn't wait for her chapter. I was so interested in why she was there, and especially after you see she was invited as a mistake. The Little Man relationship I didn't see coming and I was so invested. I was eating those pages up, seeing where it was going to go. I felt like Ashlee, who had her mouth open the entire story in shock haha. Raina seemed so tragic and I think being able to tell someone about this loss she suffered gave her some freedom.
The general gist is " fairy tale victims go to modern day group therapy". It centers around 5 women and each chapters is a different person's story. Each of the stories is interesting as they dive into their traumatic pasts that have given them like " true crime notoriety". Because they are all telling their own traumas there are some holes, where clearly they don't want to speak on it or they are defensive or hyper fixating on things. They are their own unreliable narrators for their own stories, its amazing. You are trying to piece things together, wanting more details. But then you kinda feel guilty because one of the main themes of the book is how these traumas get publicized to the masses, and everyone has opinions on your own personal issues. It's no one else's business, nobody is owed anything.
If you are looking for a book that delves into traumas and how it effects different people and a shorter read, I would highlight recommend. Obviously check trigger warnings before reading.
Ruby, what a disaster. The language describing her and that she uses is so literally disgusting. The matted, soiled, smelly fur coat is so prominent that you feel like you are smelling it. You feel uncomfortable, which is the point. The destructive behaviors makes you want to give her sympathy, but when someone does she bites back.
Raina, I couldn't wait for her chapter. I was so interested in why she was there, and especially after you see she was invited as a mistake. The Little Man relationship I didn't see coming and I was so invested. I was eating those pages up, seeing where it was going to go. I felt like Ashlee, who had her mouth open the entire story in shock haha. Raina seemed so tragic and I think being able to tell someone about this loss she suffered gave her some freedom.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, Sexual harassment
Moderate: Eating disorder, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Vomit, Kidnapping, Murder
Days of Blood & Starlight by Laini Taylor
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I had picked up the first book in this trilogy kind of on a whim. I had seen it recommended and it was available at my library at the time. Ever since, I have been digging the Angels vs Devils "Chimera" setting and this world separate but near the human one.
Karou is a narrator that you want to give a glass of cold water to and tell her to just Breatheeeee. Poor girl is so stressed out in this book and is constantly exhausted, being threatened, or in pain. Or all 3 at once! She is desperately trying to fit in with the Chimera and atone for her crimes but its really hard. They need her and her skills, but they don't want her to be a part of them again. It pulls my heartstrings.
Overall, this felt like a good setup book for the grand finale. Knowing that this is a trilogy ( and having the 3rd book already borrowed from the library) the cliffhanger felt good and dramatic. I'm eager to break into the next book and see how the series ends.
I have a new favorite character in Ziri, protect this boy at all costs. He's so sweet, and I'm kinda rooting for Karou and Ziri to end up together ( but i'm not confident that will happen).
Thiago..........it's on sight.
EDIT: I dropped down a star. I wrote this review right after finishing the book and then started the third one right after. After I thought about it, I realized that this book was...meh. It was a setup for the last book, giving just enough to interest you but then it couldn't hold it. I really want to like Karou as a character, and I DO!. But hearing her and yearn ( in a non sexy way) and lament about their forbidden love got really old. I'll give you a teeny tiny spoiler, that vibe continues into the next book. I'm at a point where the world itself and the events taking place are super interesting, but the romance aspect is getting annoying.
Thiago is such a DICK. For like a millisecond in the very beginning I really did think he was trying to help Karou and then every scene he was in he got worse and worse. Happy the dude is dead. Sad that Ziri is in his body though. Like that trauma for Karou is one of the main reasons why I don't think they will end up together. Also the fact that Akiva is literally standing right there.
Zuzana, what a little spazz. Love that girl. The chaotic loyalty is charming and brought some much needed lightness to the book.
With the book ending with the literal APOCALYPSE, I gotta see what happens. If there is any group you can turn into devoted soldiers its the catholic church.
Karou is a narrator that you want to give a glass of cold water to and tell her to just Breatheeeee. Poor girl is so stressed out in this book and is constantly exhausted, being threatened, or in pain. Or all 3 at once! She is desperately trying to fit in with the Chimera and atone for her crimes but its really hard. They need her and her skills, but they don't want her to be a part of them again. It pulls my heartstrings.
Overall, this felt like a good setup book for the grand finale. Knowing that this is a trilogy ( and having the 3rd book already borrowed from the library) the cliffhanger felt good and dramatic. I'm eager to break into the next book and see how the series ends.
I have a new favorite character in Ziri, protect this boy at all costs. He's so sweet, and I'm kinda rooting for Karou and Ziri to end up together ( but i'm not confident that will happen).
Thiago..........it's on sight.
EDIT: I dropped down a star. I wrote this review right after finishing the book and then started the third one right after. After I thought about it, I realized that this book was...meh. It was a setup for the last book, giving just enough to interest you but then it couldn't hold it. I really want to like Karou as a character, and I DO!. But hearing her and yearn ( in a non sexy way) and lament about their forbidden love got really old. I'll give you a teeny tiny spoiler, that vibe continues into the next book. I'm at a point where the world itself and the events taking place are super interesting, but the romance aspect is getting annoying.
Thiago is such a DICK. For like a millisecond in the very beginning I really did think he was trying to help Karou and then every scene he was in he got worse and worse. Happy the dude is dead. Sad that Ziri is in his body though. Like that trauma for Karou is one of the main reasons why I don't think they will end up together. Also the fact that Akiva is literally standing right there.
Zuzana, what a little spazz. Love that girl. The chaotic loyalty is charming and brought some much needed lightness to the book.
With the book ending with the literal APOCALYPSE, I gotta see what happens. If there is any group you can turn into devoted soldiers its the catholic church.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Violence, War
Moderate: Sexual violence, Slavery, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence