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thelitraccoon's reviews
99 reviews
Iron & Embers by Helen Scheuerer
Caution: This is my first book by Helen Scheuerer, and I haven’t read The Legends of Thezmarr series. Please keep that in mind while reading my review! 💕
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
4 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3 Spice
Caution: This is my first book by Helen Scheuerer, and I haven’t read The Legends of Thezmarr series. Please keep that in mind while reading my review! 💕
This book was an emotional, romantic rollercoaster, and I was here for it. From the start, the mutual attraction and longing between Wren and Torj were palpable, but post-war trauma, status, and pride kept getting in the way.
One aspect that stood out to me was how the story explored the aftermath of war. It’s rare to see heroes dealing with the psychological toll after the battle is over—coping with the horrors they’ve witnessed and the ones they’ve inflicted themselves. That layer of depth added so much to the story.
The romance itself was beautifully done. The tension, the buildup, and the eventual payoff were so satisfying—it left me giggling way longer than I’d care to admit!
That said, I did feel like the world-building and character descriptions were lacking. I struggled to picture the characters, as their ages and physical traits weren’t clearly outlined. For fans of the previous series, this might not be an issue, but as a newcomer, I felt a little lost.
The plot surrounding the uprising occasionally felt flat, taking a backseat to the romance. While the romantic elements were stunning, I wish the fantasy plotline had been stronger or more engaging throughout. That said, the last 15% of the book completely changed the pace—the tension and stakes skyrocketed, with the ending breaking me a little. I will definitely continue this series!
What I’d wished for:
A stronger, more developed fantasy storyline and more detail about the characters. That being said, the romance was incredibly well-executed, and I thoroughly enjoyed the book overall.
Finally, thank you to NetGalley and PanMacmillian for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This Monster of Mine by Shalini Abeysekara
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
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? It's complicated
5.0
5 Stars⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 🌶️ 🌶️ 2 Spice
What to Expect:
• Political intrigue, betrayal, and rigid class systems.
• An MMC who’s not morally grey—he’s utterly black.
• A scientific, Rome-adjacent fantasy world with stunning and unique world-building.
The Setting:
The world-building in This Monster of Mine is immaculate. As a history student who’s studied Latin since grade six, I was completely captivated by how the author created a setting that feels grounded in historical systems while remaining fresh and original. The scientific, Roman-inspired fantasy world feels alive, with just enough familiarity to draw you in while showcasing the author’s incredible ability to construct complex and distinct worlds. The magic system, atmosphere, and overall feeling of the story are unlike anything I’ve read before.
The Romance:
The romantic subplot is masterfully done. It’s a true slow burn filled with yearning, tension, and a palpable sense of wariness. The FMC and MMC’s dynamic is charged with mutual intimidation and uncertainty about each other’s intentions, which made every interaction compelling. I loved that the romance enhanced the main story instead of taking over—it’s a fantasy with romantic elements, not a romance in a fantastical setting. This balance was exactly what I wanted.
Themes:
This book doesn’t shy away from tackling heavy topics, and it does so with nuance and care. It explores:
• Class struggles and the pressure of capitalism.
• General misogyny and hints of non-binary phobia.
The themes are interwoven seamlessly into the narrative, making the story impactful and thought-provoking without feeling preachy or heavy-handed.
Representation:
Sexuality, gender, and relationships are handled beautifully. The book normalizes diverse identities and connections without making them feel performative. It’s refreshing to see this kind of representation presented so naturally.
The Characters:
The characters in this book are some of the most multi-faceted I’ve read in a long time. The FMC’s scars are an integral part of the story, symbolizing both her strength and insecurities. The way she reflects on them, using them as a source of empowerment while still grappling with moments of doubt, is deeply poetic and moving. Both the main and side characters feel real—their struggles, motivations, and flaws make them leap off the page.
Final Thoughts:
This is easily one of the best books I’ve ever read. I couldn’t put it down and finished it in less than 24 hours because I was so enthralled. The vivid emotions, masterful world-building, and complex characters made this an unforgettable experience.
Trigger Warnings:
The author does an exceptional job portraying intense emotions and events, but this makes the trigger warnings essential to consider. The vividness of the writing may be overwhelming for some, so proceed with care.
What to Expect:
• Political intrigue, betrayal, and rigid class systems.
• An MMC who’s not morally grey—he’s utterly black.
• A scientific, Rome-adjacent fantasy world with stunning and unique world-building.
The Setting:
The world-building in This Monster of Mine is immaculate. As a history student who’s studied Latin since grade six, I was completely captivated by how the author created a setting that feels grounded in historical systems while remaining fresh and original. The scientific, Roman-inspired fantasy world feels alive, with just enough familiarity to draw you in while showcasing the author’s incredible ability to construct complex and distinct worlds. The magic system, atmosphere, and overall feeling of the story are unlike anything I’ve read before.
The Romance:
The romantic subplot is masterfully done. It’s a true slow burn filled with yearning, tension, and a palpable sense of wariness. The FMC and MMC’s dynamic is charged with mutual intimidation and uncertainty about each other’s intentions, which made every interaction compelling. I loved that the romance enhanced the main story instead of taking over—it’s a fantasy with romantic elements, not a romance in a fantastical setting. This balance was exactly what I wanted.
Themes:
This book doesn’t shy away from tackling heavy topics, and it does so with nuance and care. It explores:
• Class struggles and the pressure of capitalism.
• General misogyny and hints of non-binary phobia.
The themes are interwoven seamlessly into the narrative, making the story impactful and thought-provoking without feeling preachy or heavy-handed.
Representation:
Sexuality, gender, and relationships are handled beautifully. The book normalizes diverse identities and connections without making them feel performative. It’s refreshing to see this kind of representation presented so naturally.
The Characters:
The characters in this book are some of the most multi-faceted I’ve read in a long time. The FMC’s scars are an integral part of the story, symbolizing both her strength and insecurities. The way she reflects on them, using them as a source of empowerment while still grappling with moments of doubt, is deeply poetic and moving. Both the main and side characters feel real—their struggles, motivations, and flaws make them leap off the page.
Final Thoughts:
This is easily one of the best books I’ve ever read. I couldn’t put it down and finished it in less than 24 hours because I was so enthralled. The vivid emotions, masterful world-building, and complex characters made this an unforgettable experience.
Trigger Warnings:
The author does an exceptional job portraying intense emotions and events, but this makes the trigger warnings essential to consider. The vividness of the writing may be overwhelming for some, so proceed with care.
The Half King by Melissa Landers
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
⭐⭐⭐✨3.5 Stars | 🌶️🌶️ 2.5 Spice
I feel very conflicted about this book. I received a preview on NetGalley a little while back and was immediately intrigued by the story, narration style, and premise.
Now that I’ve finished the book, I don’t quite know how to feel. The beginning was really good—enticing and intriguing, just as I’d hoped. What bothered me most was the demeanor of Cerise, her blatant naivety. However, when you consider her station and upbringing, it’s quite understandable and most likely intentional. Kian, on the other hand, gave me a constant ick. He felt flat, and I couldn’t connect with his manner of speaking or his overall behavior, which came across as patronizing at times—especially in contrast to Cerise’s almost childlike demeanor. The romance between the two felt very YA despite being spicy, and it often struck me as immature.
The ending, though, was what redeemed the book for me. I was hooked and absolutely had to finish it. The character development of Cerise, the plot twist—everything fell into place, and it just worked. I’m kind of sad that the main part of the book didn’t deliver the same magic, especially since the beginning and ending were so strong.
One element that may have influenced my positive rating was the letter at the beginning of the book addressed to the reader. (I tracked down the FairyLoot edition for this one because it’s stunning!) I really empathized with the author and her personal struggles, which she wove into Cerise’s journey. It gave the story an extra layer of meaning for me.
Will I continue the series?
Absolutely! Although the second book in this duology hasn’t even been announced yet, I’m eager to see more of Cerise’s journey toward female empowerment.
I feel very conflicted about this book. I received a preview on NetGalley a little while back and was immediately intrigued by the story, narration style, and premise.
Now that I’ve finished the book, I don’t quite know how to feel. The beginning was really good—enticing and intriguing, just as I’d hoped. What bothered me most was the demeanor of Cerise, her blatant naivety. However, when you consider her station and upbringing, it’s quite understandable and most likely intentional. Kian, on the other hand, gave me a constant ick. He felt flat, and I couldn’t connect with his manner of speaking or his overall behavior, which came across as patronizing at times—especially in contrast to Cerise’s almost childlike demeanor. The romance between the two felt very YA despite being spicy, and it often struck me as immature.
The ending, though, was what redeemed the book for me. I was hooked and absolutely had to finish it. The character development of Cerise, the plot twist—everything fell into place, and it just worked. I’m kind of sad that the main part of the book didn’t deliver the same magic, especially since the beginning and ending were so strong.
One element that may have influenced my positive rating was the letter at the beginning of the book addressed to the reader. (I tracked down the FairyLoot edition for this one because it’s stunning!) I really empathized with the author and her personal struggles, which she wove into Cerise’s journey. It gave the story an extra layer of meaning for me.
Will I continue the series?
Absolutely! Although the second book in this duology hasn’t even been announced yet, I’m eager to see more of Cerise’s journey toward female empowerment.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Self harm, Religious bigotry
Daughter of Shadows and Ash by Ember Johnson
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
I really wanted to like this book, but unfortunately, it just didn’t work for me.
The story throws you straight into a fantasy world with almost no context, leaving me confused about the setting, timeline, and characters. I know this is the first book in a trilogy, but I really wish there had been a stronger foundation for the world-building and a clearer introduction to what’s going on.
Another issue for me was the narration. It kept jumping between past and present tense without any clear reason, which made it hard to stay focused and follow the flow of the story.
I also had a tough time connecting with the FMC. Her personality felt one-dimensional, and her "not like other girls" attitude came across as repetitive and frustrating. Lines like, “No one wanted a wife who could gut a deer or fight like a man” and “They were all so beautiful and dainty, not the type to scrap with men or hunt in the woods” felt overused and made her difficult to relate to.
The biggest struggle for me, though, was the writing style. It felt unpolished, with a lot of repetitive phrasing and awkward descriptions, like “I looked up at the edge of the roof, it was just beyond my reach. I jumped up, attempting to grip the hard edge of the rooftop with my fingertips. The edge slipped my grasp.” and “After barely eating anything last night, I didn’t expect to feel famished. But this morning, my hunger is an angry wench this morning.” Unfortunately, this style wasn’t a one-off but continued throughout the book, which made it hard to stay engaged.
That said, I do think the story has potential. With more polish, better pacing, and deeper world-building, this series could become something really enjoyable. For me, though, it wasn’t quite there yet.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ember Johnson for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story throws you straight into a fantasy world with almost no context, leaving me confused about the setting, timeline, and characters. I know this is the first book in a trilogy, but I really wish there had been a stronger foundation for the world-building and a clearer introduction to what’s going on.
Another issue for me was the narration. It kept jumping between past and present tense without any clear reason, which made it hard to stay focused and follow the flow of the story.
I also had a tough time connecting with the FMC. Her personality felt one-dimensional, and her "not like other girls" attitude came across as repetitive and frustrating. Lines like, “No one wanted a wife who could gut a deer or fight like a man” and “They were all so beautiful and dainty, not the type to scrap with men or hunt in the woods” felt overused and made her difficult to relate to.
The biggest struggle for me, though, was the writing style. It felt unpolished, with a lot of repetitive phrasing and awkward descriptions, like “I looked up at the edge of the roof, it was just beyond my reach. I jumped up, attempting to grip the hard edge of the rooftop with my fingertips. The edge slipped my grasp.” and “After barely eating anything last night, I didn’t expect to feel famished. But this morning, my hunger is an angry wench this morning.” Unfortunately, this style wasn’t a one-off but continued throughout the book, which made it hard to stay engaged.
That said, I do think the story has potential. With more polish, better pacing, and deeper world-building, this series could become something really enjoyable. For me, though, it wasn’t quite there yet.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ember Johnson for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I am lost for words. I am broken. I will never trust again.
To anyone reading this, stop it, read the book instead.
To anyone reading this, stop it, read the book instead.