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theanxiousbookworm_'s reviews
38 reviews
Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
Okay, this was a cover buy. But also I had heard so much hype attached to this one I just could not help myself. And it is super pretty!
I really enjoyed this book. The first 100 pages I literally flew through, and I got major Nevermoor vibes. I loved the characters and the plot, I found myself just wanting to read more and more to find out what was going to happen next. The middle in parts kind of dipped for me, I found that the whole pace of the book slowed which made it harder to read. Don't get me wrong I still really enjoyed those parts just not as much as the start and I did find them a little bit harder to get through. I say that despite the fact I actually finished it in less that a day and in one sitting but never mind.
I really liked the premise and the characters. The ending was satisfying for this book to end there but I really hope that it doesnt. I would love to read more from these characters and this world and I cannot wait to find out what happens next.
I really enjoyed this book. The first 100 pages I literally flew through, and I got major Nevermoor vibes. I loved the characters and the plot, I found myself just wanting to read more and more to find out what was going to happen next. The middle in parts kind of dipped for me, I found that the whole pace of the book slowed which made it harder to read. Don't get me wrong I still really enjoyed those parts just not as much as the start and I did find them a little bit harder to get through. I say that despite the fact I actually finished it in less that a day and in one sitting but never mind.
I really liked the premise and the characters. The ending was satisfying for this book to end there but I really hope that it doesnt. I would love to read more from these characters and this world and I cannot wait to find out what happens next.
A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Wow. This one is by far my favourite book in the series. I really loved it.
The ACOTAR series has had a pretty consistent 4/5 stars for me however ACOSF managed to hit the 5 star mark.
Whilst this book is 751 pages long, it definitely didn't feel like that. I flew through this book in 2 sittings I just could not put it down. I found myself justifying just one more chapter before I'd actually lost my whole Saturday to reading 500 pages. Never mind, it was worth it.
I loved the new character perspective and whilst Nesta didn't really bother me too much in the other books, she wasn't a favourite but I wouldn't say I disliked her, I grew to really love her in this book. I feel like at the start she really annoyed me and I was concerned about whether this feeling would have an impact on me liking the book. However, it definitely did not. I grew to love her, understand why she is the way that she is. Massive TW for PTSD.
I liked the plot, I mean it felt like we got 751 pages of smut and then a bit of plot. But I did really enjoy it. It threw me that we didn't actually get to the main plot coming to heads, but that just makes me even more excited for the next book. I loved the introduction of the new characters, the friendships and the relationships and I am literally so so excited for another book.
I have a new found love for this series after reading ACOSF.
The ACOTAR series has had a pretty consistent 4/5 stars for me however ACOSF managed to hit the 5 star mark.
Whilst this book is 751 pages long, it definitely didn't feel like that. I flew through this book in 2 sittings I just could not put it down. I found myself justifying just one more chapter before I'd actually lost my whole Saturday to reading 500 pages. Never mind, it was worth it.
I loved the new character perspective and whilst Nesta didn't really bother me too much in the other books, she wasn't a favourite but I wouldn't say I disliked her, I grew to really love her in this book. I feel like at the start she really annoyed me and I was concerned about whether this feeling would have an impact on me liking the book. However, it definitely did not. I grew to love her, understand why she is the way that she is. Massive TW for PTSD.
I liked the plot, I mean it felt like we got 751 pages of smut and then a bit of plot. But I did really enjoy it. It threw me that we didn't actually get to the main plot coming to heads, but that just makes me even more excited for the next book. I loved the introduction of the new characters, the friendships and the relationships and I am literally so so excited for another book.
I have a new found love for this series after reading ACOSF.
Bridge of Souls by V.E. Schwab
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I love this series and I love pretty much anything Victoria Schwab writes. Definitely an auto buy author for me.
I really enjoyed this one. I loved being back with the characters, especially my babe Jacob. I liked that whilst we had some new characters, we also revisited some of the old. I always love it when a series does that.
Bridge of Souls was a really easy read that I read in one sitting. It was such a lovely break from reading heavy fantasy. So refreshing and just wonderful to dive into. I think the plot for Bridge of Souls, whilst the darkest, was probably my favourite. I was super intrigued to find out what was going to happen and how everything was going to end.
Since finishing I have found out that this is potentially the last book as Schwab doesnt have any plans at the moment to continue. I feel like Bridge of Souls was rounded off well if that is the case but I would really love to see more in this series in the future.
I really enjoyed this one. I loved being back with the characters, especially my babe Jacob. I liked that whilst we had some new characters, we also revisited some of the old. I always love it when a series does that.
Bridge of Souls was a really easy read that I read in one sitting. It was such a lovely break from reading heavy fantasy. So refreshing and just wonderful to dive into. I think the plot for Bridge of Souls, whilst the darkest, was probably my favourite. I was super intrigued to find out what was going to happen and how everything was going to end.
Since finishing I have found out that this is potentially the last book as Schwab doesnt have any plans at the moment to continue. I feel like Bridge of Souls was rounded off well if that is the case but I would really love to see more in this series in the future.
Red Tigress by Amélie Wen Zhao
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
5.0
Oh my. This book. Wow. I'm not sure how I'm going to review this, I have so many thoughts.
If you couldn't already tell by the five star rating, I absolutely loved this book. LOVED IT.
I picked up Red Tigress yesterday evening with the aim to read a chunk and make progress with it. 5.5 hours later, having not moved for that period of time I finished it. I just could not put it down. Every time I thought about going to bed, something else happened and I needed to read 'just one more chapter'. There is so much action within this wonderful book, from the first chapter you are hit with action and drama and it literally just does not stop.
I really loved being back with the characters, I really loved to watch them develop and grow. I like that previous characters are mentioned and not forgotten which warms my heart. There are quite a few characters and at times I was confused with who was who however I found by tabbing and annotating the book I was able to quickly pop back and realise very quickly who they were.
I'm struggling with a review for this book because I loved it so much and seeing as it is the second in the series I am trying not to give any series. Red Tigress is my favourite book of the year so far, for reference it is the 35th book I have read in 2021. It is going to have to be something special to knock it off the top. I can't believe the ending and I just need the next one now. I really do not want to wait!
100% recommend this series.
If you couldn't already tell by the five star rating, I absolutely loved this book. LOVED IT.
I picked up Red Tigress yesterday evening with the aim to read a chunk and make progress with it. 5.5 hours later, having not moved for that period of time I finished it. I just could not put it down. Every time I thought about going to bed, something else happened and I needed to read 'just one more chapter'. There is so much action within this wonderful book, from the first chapter you are hit with action and drama and it literally just does not stop.
I really loved being back with the characters, I really loved to watch them develop and grow. I like that previous characters are mentioned and not forgotten which warms my heart. There are quite a few characters and at times I was confused with who was who however I found by tabbing and annotating the book I was able to quickly pop back and realise very quickly who they were.
I'm struggling with a review for this book because I loved it so much and seeing as it is the second in the series I am trying not to give any series. Red Tigress is my favourite book of the year so far, for reference it is the 35th book I have read in 2021. It is going to have to be something special to knock it off the top. I can't believe the ending and I just need the next one now. I really do not want to wait!
100% recommend this series.
Blood Heir by Amélie Wen Zhao
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
**reread review from Dec 2019 **
Blood Heir was one of my most anticipated books of the year, I couldn't help but get excited about how much I thought I was going to love it. THIS DID NOT DISAPPOINT. OMG, this has moved up to one of my favourite books of the year. Such an excellent book. I actually had to check more than once that this was a debut novel because it was fantastic.
I absolutely love Amélie Wen Zhao's writing style. I picked this book up before bed, struggled to put it down and devoured it the next day. I kept telling myself I would read one more chapter, and 100 pages later I wanted to continue. It is very rare a book captures me that much. It was so fast paced, you are thrown into action from page 1 and it doesn't really stop from that moment onwards. Just when you sit and relax you are thrown into another action packed chapter. Some parts absolutely tore my heart out of my chest, some made me laugh and others had me on the edge of my seat. THIS BOOK IS SUCH AN EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER.
I absolutely love Ransom. One of my favourite characters. He is a brilliantly developed character. Ana's character is also fascinating, I feel that she is only just understanding who she is, I feel we are on a journey of discovery with her and I can't wait to find out what happens next. AND May. I'm not going to say anymore because I don't want to give away spoilers. But May. Oh May!
Whilst the plot was built around a fantasy setting this book explores really important and current societal issues. Human trafficking plays quite a large plot fo this book more or less from the beginning and is built on throughout. We discuss being kidnapped, forced labour and people being sold as slaves to others. An industry is created in this book. This topic is so sensitive and prevalent in society today, it was handled so well and delicately. I really did enjoy this element of the book.
There were plot twists from start to finish, some I guessed, some I definitely did not see coming. I am really routing for Ana and Ransom in the next book. I can't believe I have to now wait for another instalment. The ending was satisfying. I hate books that leave you on a massive unnecessary cliffhanger. Blood Heir did not, it gave me enough information to make me intrigued for the next book and wanting to pick it up. I really enjoyed this and I cannot wait to read more.
If you do one thing in the new year, PLEASE READ THIS BOOK.
Blood Heir was one of my most anticipated books of the year, I couldn't help but get excited about how much I thought I was going to love it. THIS DID NOT DISAPPOINT. OMG, this has moved up to one of my favourite books of the year. Such an excellent book. I actually had to check more than once that this was a debut novel because it was fantastic.
I absolutely love Amélie Wen Zhao's writing style. I picked this book up before bed, struggled to put it down and devoured it the next day. I kept telling myself I would read one more chapter, and 100 pages later I wanted to continue. It is very rare a book captures me that much. It was so fast paced, you are thrown into action from page 1 and it doesn't really stop from that moment onwards. Just when you sit and relax you are thrown into another action packed chapter. Some parts absolutely tore my heart out of my chest, some made me laugh and others had me on the edge of my seat. THIS BOOK IS SUCH AN EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER.
I absolutely love Ransom. One of my favourite characters. He is a brilliantly developed character. Ana's character is also fascinating, I feel that she is only just understanding who she is, I feel we are on a journey of discovery with her and I can't wait to find out what happens next. AND May. I'm not going to say anymore because I don't want to give away spoilers. But May. Oh May!
Whilst the plot was built around a fantasy setting this book explores really important and current societal issues. Human trafficking plays quite a large plot fo this book more or less from the beginning and is built on throughout. We discuss being kidnapped, forced labour and people being sold as slaves to others. An industry is created in this book. This topic is so sensitive and prevalent in society today, it was handled so well and delicately. I really did enjoy this element of the book.
There were plot twists from start to finish, some I guessed, some I definitely did not see coming. I am really routing for Ana and Ransom in the next book. I can't believe I have to now wait for another instalment. The ending was satisfying. I hate books that leave you on a massive unnecessary cliffhanger. Blood Heir did not, it gave me enough information to make me intrigued for the next book and wanting to pick it up. I really enjoyed this and I cannot wait to read more.
If you do one thing in the new year, PLEASE READ THIS BOOK.
Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Thank you to Rock the Boat for sending me an arc of this book. I am so grateful for the opportunity.
This book took me by surprise, it was not what I thought it was going to be. However it was a pleasant surprise. I really liked the writing style within Firekeeper's Daughter, it made for an easy but interesting read. One that you can fly through pretty quickly. I read this book in two sittings between also being at work for both days that I read it. Whilst probably quite predictable, I did find it difficult to put down, I definitely found myself wanting more and more.
I really liked the idea of the tribes, I liked getting to know the dynamics and how the characters fit in around them. I do feel like a bit more background of said characters and tribes would have been nice because I did find myself confused at times and trying to go back to previous parts of the book to see whether things have ever been explained.
TW: sexual assault now this part of the book isn't described in depth, however it is very sudden and took me by surprise. I wouldn't say it was too much of a spoiler however I have hidden it for those that want to see before readying.
I think that the middle of this book dragged and whilst I wanted more background I do think that it could have been a little shorter as I found myself trying to skim read parts of the middle so we could get to a bit more action.
I would definitely read more from this author and I look forward to seeing what she does next.
This book took me by surprise, it was not what I thought it was going to be. However it was a pleasant surprise. I really liked the writing style within Firekeeper's Daughter, it made for an easy but interesting read. One that you can fly through pretty quickly. I read this book in two sittings between also being at work for both days that I read it. Whilst probably quite predictable, I did find it difficult to put down, I definitely found myself wanting more and more.
I really liked the idea of the tribes, I liked getting to know the dynamics and how the characters fit in around them. I do feel like a bit more background of said characters and tribes would have been nice because I did find myself confused at times and trying to go back to previous parts of the book to see whether things have ever been explained.
TW:
I think that the middle of this book dragged and whilst I wanted more background I do think that it could have been a little shorter as I found myself trying to skim read parts of the middle so we could get to a bit more action.
I would definitely read more from this author and I look forward to seeing what she does next.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault
The Serial Killer's Wife by Alice Hunter
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an early copy of this book. I am so grateful for the opportunity.
I used to read this genre all of the time, until I became bored of everything being the same and stopped for quite a while.I very rarely pick up books like this nowadays however something screamed at me when I saw this one and just couldn't help myself.
I am very pleased that I picked it up. I actually really enjoyed it! Yes it was predictable at times, yes I kind of knew where the story was going but actually it was a fun read. I really like crime/thriller books written in the perspective of we already know the killer and actually what we are doing is finding out how and why they have committed the crimes that they have. This is exactly what The Serial Killer's Wife did and it worked!
The writing style is really engaging and I literally could not put the book down. The Serial Killer's Wife is definitely one of those books where you just want to read one more chapter and then something else is revealed and you need to carry on. Be prepared for a late night when you pick it up!
I was taken by surprise at the ending. Whilst I knew something along those lines were going to happen, I didn't expect it to be in the way that it was. I wont go into anymore details because spoilers. But it was surprising, it made sense but it made me want a little bit more detail about certain characters that I feel we could have had throughout the story. I feel like it was left in a position where we could be getting a sequel which I would welcome and I would definitely pick it up. Fingers crossed!
I'd definitely recommend.
I used to read this genre all of the time, until I became bored of everything being the same and stopped for quite a while.I very rarely pick up books like this nowadays however something screamed at me when I saw this one and just couldn't help myself.
I am very pleased that I picked it up. I actually really enjoyed it! Yes it was predictable at times, yes I kind of knew where the story was going but actually it was a fun read. I really like crime/thriller books written in the perspective of we already know the killer and actually what we are doing is finding out how and why they have committed the crimes that they have. This is exactly what The Serial Killer's Wife did and it worked!
The writing style is really engaging and I literally could not put the book down. The Serial Killer's Wife is definitely one of those books where you just want to read one more chapter and then something else is revealed and you need to carry on. Be prepared for a late night when you pick it up!
I was taken by surprise at the ending. Whilst I knew something along those lines were going to happen, I didn't expect it to be in the way that it was. I wont go into anymore details because spoilers. But it was surprising, it made sense but it made me want a little bit more detail about certain characters that I feel we could have had throughout the story. I feel like it was left in a position where we could be getting a sequel which I would welcome and I would definitely pick it up. Fingers crossed!
I'd definitely recommend.
The Library of the Dead by T.L. Huchu
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book for an honest review.
I feel like I completely missed the idea and point of this book. I feel like I was super intrigued at the start, possibly the first 10%. For me, it felt like the premise had so much potential and I wanted to know what was going to happen next. However, it started to go downhill from here. Maybe I just don't appreciate the uniqueness of this book and it was wasted on me? But I just didn't get it, I lost interest and couldn't really pick it back up again.
The Library of the Dead was a very quick and easy read that I read in one sitting but it just fell flat for me. I skim read the final 100 pages and I dont think I will carry on with the series.
I feel so sad write this review.
I feel like I completely missed the idea and point of this book. I feel like I was super intrigued at the start, possibly the first 10%. For me, it felt like the premise had so much potential and I wanted to know what was going to happen next. However, it started to go downhill from here. Maybe I just don't appreciate the uniqueness of this book and it was wasted on me? But I just didn't get it, I lost interest and couldn't really pick it back up again.
The Library of the Dead was a very quick and easy read that I read in one sitting but it just fell flat for me. I skim read the final 100 pages and I dont think I will carry on with the series.
I feel so sad write this review.
As Far as You'll Take Me by Phil Stamper
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Massive TW for eating disorders.
I read this book as part of a bookstagram tour, after hearing really good things about the book and the author. This genre is not typically something that I would read but I was really excited to get to this one.
As Far As You'll Take Me was a good but heart breaking read. It was really interesting to watch Marty's journey to find himself. He did irritate me at times, some of the decisions he made and the friendship mistakes he seemed to make on more than one occasion wound me up more than anything. However, I felt better about things towards the end. Big shoutout to Sophie, definitely my favourite character.
The ending was good, I would have liked a bit more background about why it ended the way that it did. I would love to know what happens next.
I read this book as part of a bookstagram tour, after hearing really good things about the book and the author. This genre is not typically something that I would read but I was really excited to get to this one.
As Far As You'll Take Me was a good but heart breaking read. It was really interesting to watch Marty's journey to find himself. He did irritate me at times, some of the decisions he made and the friendship mistakes he seemed to make on more than one occasion wound me up more than anything. However, I felt better about things towards the end. Big shoutout to Sophie, definitely my favourite character.
The ending was good, I would have liked a bit more background about why it ended the way that it did. I would love to know what happens next.
A Tangle of Spells by Michelle Harrison
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I love this series so so much. When I saw that it was available to request on Netgalley I just could not help myself.
A Tangle of Spells did not disappoint me. This might actually be my favourite book in the series? I really did love it. I love how dark and enchanting Michelle Harrison's writing style is. Whilst it is of a middle grade genre it definitely helps to appeal to its older audience. It certainly keeps me gripped throughout. As soon as I started this one I just did not want to put it down.
I really enjoyed the eerie plot within this book, I just found myself wanting more and more. The characters are by far my favourite. I absolutely love the three sisters and their Granny. They are just wonderful and I love seeing them develop in each and every book. Charlie has to be my favourite and always gets a special mention when I review these books. She is just absolutely wonderful, we all need a Charlie in my life.
I need more from this series please Michelle!
A Tangle of Spells did not disappoint me. This might actually be my favourite book in the series? I really did love it. I love how dark and enchanting Michelle Harrison's writing style is. Whilst it is of a middle grade genre it definitely helps to appeal to its older audience. It certainly keeps me gripped throughout. As soon as I started this one I just did not want to put it down.
I really enjoyed the eerie plot within this book, I just found myself wanting more and more. The characters are by far my favourite. I absolutely love the three sisters and their Granny. They are just wonderful and I love seeing them develop in each and every book. Charlie has to be my favourite and always gets a special mention when I review these books. She is just absolutely wonderful, we all need a Charlie in my life.
I need more from this series please Michelle!