theshelfarchive's reviews
35 reviews

emotional hopeful sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Loveable characters? Yes

3.5

I’d been counting down the days for this release, and as soon as I woke up, I dove straight in, devouring it in a single day. Like always, this latest instalment in the Brides of the Kylorr series delivers angst, following Erina and Kaldur’s journey as they navigate the deep tensions and undeniable pull between them.

Erina was an absolute breath of fresh air—imaginative, sweet, kindhearted, and forgiving, but never a pushover. She had a quiet strength that made her compelling, and I loved that she stood her ground when it mattered. Kaldur, on the other hand, had his work cut out for him. Without giving too much away, his actions meant he had to truly prove himself worthy of Erina. While it didn’t quite deliver on the angst for me—I just wanted MORE—their individual arcs and the way they grew together made for a gripping read.

I would have liked Kaldur to work harder to earn Erina’s forgiveness—he was a d*ck to her and didn't even bother talking to her about all the things he'd been told about her—but at the same time, Erina was an incredibly forgiving person, so her choices made sense for her within the story. I also feel like Lydrasa and Velle got off a little too easy given how much they tried to drive a wedge between the MCs.

Comparing it to the other two books in the series, this one lands as my second favourite. It didn’t quite give me all the same feels (or break my heart as much) as book one did, but it was still a solid instalment that kept me hooked from start to finish.

One small issue that took me out of the experience was the occasional spelling and word choice errors scattered throughout. I don’t expect perfection, but when I find myself stumbling over a sentence to decipher what it’s meant to say, it pulls me out of the world the author has worked so hard to build. It didn’t ruin the book by any means, but it was something I noticed enough that it impacted my rating. (This might make me a harsh reviewer, but I won't apologise for calling it out.)

Overall, this was another enjoyable addition to the series, filled with longing, tension, and a romance that kept me turning the pages. While it didn’t quite deliver the level of angst I was hoping for, I still thoroughly enjoyed Erina and Kaldur’s journey. A solid 3.5 stars!

Content Warnings

A Vow of Blood and Tears by Cate Corvin

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

This was a solid book that offered such an interesting and fresh take on Beauty and the Beast—one that’s definitely not for the faint of heart.

Cirri was a fantastic protagonist. She was independent and strong-willed, yet still vulnerable, with insecurities she fought hard not to let define her. That balance between strength and softness made her feel incredibly real.

And then there’s Bane. Oh, my heart. His self-loathing was palpable, but what made him so compelling was how hard he tried.

He wanted to be gentler, softer—for Cirri. He constantly made the effort to meet her where she was, to become the kind of husband she could be proud of, despite his monstrous appearance and the terrible things he’d done.

The story itself unfolded at a measured pace, allowing the romance to build naturally over time. With a forced marriage at its core, Cirri was always aware of her duty and what was expected of her. She did begin to see Bane in a sexual light fairly early, but it never felt rushed or forced—it was more of an internal exploration, a gradual shift in perspective rather than an instant attraction. And Bane never pushed her. He let her set the pace, which made their dynamic all the more engaging.

While the villain was obvious (is there a sleazier antagonist than Miro? Every time he appeared on the page, I cringed), and there weren’t any jaw-dropping twists, the book still felt well-developed. The storytelling was immersive, and the slow-burn romance fit the world and the characters perfectly.

Overall, A Vow of Blood and Tears was dark, romantic, and captivating in its own way. If you love gothic fantasies with complex, emotionally rich characters and a fresh spin on familiar tropes, this one is well worth picking up.

Content Warnings

Wild Side by Elsie Silver

Go to review page

medium-paced

2.5

This was better than I expected in terms of emotional depth, but ultimately not one that resonated. I’m starting to think contemporary romance just isn’t for me. 😆

One thing I did appreciate was that this book had more emotional weight than some of the other contemporary romances I’ve tried/read recently. That said, I found myself questioning a few things.

The biggest issue for me was how the story used Milo as a plot device to force the main characters into close proximity, only to have him fade into the background. Both characters wanted to be parents to him, yet there was surprisingly little development around them actually stepping into that role. There was no major conflict tied to their decision, no deep exploration of what that transition meant for them and Milo—it just... happened.

The romance itself also had elements that didn’t quite work for me. The sexual tension between the leads kicked in far too early. I would love to read a book where the main characters aren’t immediately hyperaware of each other the moment they meet. Give me a slow burn, please.

Then there was Rhys’ job. Wrestling was undeniably a core part of his identity, and I respect that the book fully leaned into it, but I just couldn’t take it seriously. It’s not that I have an issue with unconventional careers in romance novels, but this one didn’t work for me on a personal level.

As for Tabby, she was fine overall, but her character often felt juvenile and immature in a way that didn’t fully match the tone of the story. At times, it made it difficult to invest in her journey.

All in all, Wild Side had some bright spots, but it didn’t fully come together for me. If you’re a big fan of contemporary romance with a bit of an unconventional setup, it might be worth a try, but personally, I need something more to stay engaged.

Content Warnings

Sunlight by Devney Perry

Go to review page

medium-paced

Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No

2.5

This was an OK read, but ultimately forgettable. I struggled to connect with either of the main characters, and their story didn’t feel particularly compelling.

I generally find contemporary romance harder to review than fantasy or romantasy. Without the added layers of world-building, magic, or high-stakes conflict, there’s often less to discuss. And in the case of Sunlight, that absence was especially noticeable.

The story hinged on a premise that felt flimsy at best—if Sasha had simply been upfront when she first met Jax and told him, "I’m really flattered, but I’m about to start working at your ranch, so this isn’t appropriate," there wouldn’t have even been a book. And her choice to pretend she’d never met him once she started the job? Completely unnecessary and frustrating.

Sasha herself was a difficult character to warm to. She came across as insufferable at times, and without the subplot involving her past and Eddie, I’m not sure who she even was as a character. That element seemed designed to add emotional weight to the story, but it didn’t quite land for me.

Then there was the dialogue. Conversations between Sasha and Jax often felt stilted, filled with an awkward back-and-forth of "Hey." "Hi." that made their interactions feel unnatural. Their chemistry, or lack thereof, didn’t do much to elevate the book either.

Overall, Sunlight wasn’t a bad read, but it didn’t leave much of an impression. It’s the kind of book I’ll have completely forgotten in a few months, which makes it hard to recommend. It's a quick, easy read with some angst and a happy ending.

Content Warnings

Heart of Chaos by Madeleine Eliot

Go to review page

adventurous funny fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No

3.75

Heart of Chaos is a fast-paced, engaging fantasy read that pulls you in from the first chapter and doesn’t let up. From the moment we meet Eisa, her life is turned upside down in an instant, and the momentum never really slows. While this makes for a quick, compulsive read, I would have loved for the pacing to ease up in the middle, allowing for more time to settle into the world and the characters.

Eliot’s writing is sharp and concise, making the story easy to sink into without overly flowery or complex prose. The world-building, while not as detailed as other fantasies, is intriguing and sets up an interesting backdrop for the story. However, I think more time could have been spent expanding on certain aspects.

For instance, what’s the hierarchy of the dragons? We know they’re divided by colours with some being more rare and powerful than others, but is power the only thing that differentiates them? And how was this hierarchy determined? And by whom? Because on the other side of The Rift, the dragons are pure chaos energy and don’t have corporeal forms. These things might get explained in the next book, but I feel like it’s important enough information to include in the first book in a series.

The cast of characters is well-drawn and likeable (except for the ones who aren’t meant to be, of course), but I didn’t feel a deep connection with them. The two leads, Eisa and Arik, are the most developed, but even with them, I would have liked more introspection and emotional depth.

Eisa, in particular, takes everything in stride with a level of calm that felt a little unrealistic at times. She’s thrown into a life-or-death situation while already dealing with a chronic illness that threatens to shorten her life, yet she rarely seems overwhelmed by it all. I understand that this is a fantasy novel, but I think a bit more emotional weight in her reactions would have made her journey feel more grounded.

The romance leans towards the "fated" trope rather than outright insta-love, but there’s an early expectation that Eisa and Arik will end up together, and they don’t put up much resistance to it. Eisa does push back against the idea of being mates, but not with the level of intensity I’ve seen in other fated mates stories. There’s an element of "I don’t like this because it feels like my choice has been taken from me, but I’m still going to go along with it." For example, when Arik asks her to choose him in The Rifting over another character, it’s framed as a noble request—he needs her help to save their world. However, in the end, she chooses him not out of conviction but because Einar threatens her, and she generally finds him to be awful. While it seems like she made the choice of her own free will, the circumstances make it feel more like she was backed into a corner, especially since The Rifting began much earlier than expected. The whole situation felt a little strange—like she had a choice, but not really.

In terms of plot, the story is fairly predictable. There aren’t any major twists or shocking moments that change the trajectory of the story—it unfolds as you expect it to. While this doesn’t take away from the enjoyment, it does mean that the book lacks the kind of surprises that keep you on the edge of your seat.

Overall, Heart of Chaos is a fun, fast read with engaging writing, an interesting world, and a solid cast of characters. While I would have liked a slightly slower pace and deeper exploration of both the world and its characters, I still enjoyed it enough to want to continue the series.

If you're looking for a dragon fantasy set in a Norse-inspired world with a spicy romance and fast-paced writing, then this is an enjoyable pick. Just don’t go in expecting a complex, twist-filled epic.

Content Warnings

The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty

Go to review page

adventurous emotional funny mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.0

This was a great read and felt unlike anything I’d read before, which was refreshing. I loved the Middle Eastern-inspired setting, and while I’m no expert on Middle Eastern culture, it was a welcome change from the typical fantasy landscapes.

One of the things I liked most about this book was its characters.

Nahri and Dara had a fantastic dynamic—his gruffness and secrets clashing with her sharp wit and determination. Ali was an interesting contrast to them; young, idealistic, and naive, but with a strong moral compass that made his perspective compelling. Then there was Ghassan, the king of Daevabad, who was an excellent villain—calculated, dangerous, and coldly ruthless in his machinations. He didn’t care what anyone thought of his decisions, which made him all the more formidable.

I really felt for Nahri being thrust into a world she never intended to be in and didn’t particularly care about. On one hand, she didn’t try very hard to fit into Daevabad or truly understand it, but given that she’d been on her own her entire life, it made sense that she’d be selfish in that regard—her survival had always depended on looking out for herself. On the other hand, I found it unfair that the people of Daevabad expected her to care so much and adapt so quickly. She was an outsider, thrown into the deep end of a city with centuries of history and conflict, and I don’t blame her for not immediately aligning herself with any of it.

The writing was great—smooth and easy to read—but what really stood out was the pacing. The book builds slowly, carefully layering its world and conflicts, before hurtling into a chaotic, WTF-inducing ending that had me hooked. The final stretch was intense, and the way all the moving pieces collided was incredibly well done.

The only thing that held this back from being a five-star read was the complexity of the world-building and political system. There’s a lot to take in—numerous factions, histories, and betrayals—and while the depth was impressive, it was also overwhelming at times. Just when I thought I had a grasp on the politics of Daevabad, new information would be introduced that made me question everything I thought I understood. The glossary at the back helped, but I would have loved a more structured guide—maybe a timeline or cheat sheet outlining the key conflicts and historical events. It didn’t stop me from enjoying the book or wanting to continue the series, but it did slow me down as I tried to keep everything straight.

Overall, The City of Brass was an engrossing and beautifully written fantasy with a rich setting, compelling characters, and an explosive ending. Despite some dense world-building, I thoroughly enjoyed it and can’t wait to see where the series goes next.

Content Warnings

Captive of the Wild Hunt by A.A. Gordon

Go to review page

adventurous funny mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

This was a surprise read for me—one I probably wouldn’t have picked up on my own—so I’m glad it was recommended. What I found was a richly built world, compelling characters, and an interesting dual storyline that kept me engaged. It took me a little while to settle into the rhythm of the book, partly because it throws you straight into the action, but once I adjusted, the pacing evened out, and I found myself fully immersed.

The story follows two intertwined narratives. Ornella, a Summer Court dryad, unexpectedly becomes part of the Autumn Court’s Wild Hunt—a formidable group of fey warriors sworn to protect their kind. She’s taken under the wing of Sage, a Hunt rider tasked with training her. Meanwhile, in the human world, Amira, a witch, stumbles upon Riordan, King of the Vale, and helps him return to his realm—with Ornella’s aid. The dual perspective worked well, gradually revealing how these two storylines connected while maintaining a sense of mystery.

I really liked the characters, even if Ornella was a bit frustrating at first. Both she and Amira have endured difficult pasts, shaping them into fiercely independent and guarded individuals. Ornella, in particular, is stubborn and headstrong, but she grows on you as her story unfolds. The male leads, Sage and Riordan, were a refreshing change from the dominant, overbearing MMCs often found in romantasy. Both are composed, thoughtful, and restrained in their own ways, which made their dynamics with the FMCs feel more natural. The romance is a slow burn, with this book having no spice (though I’ve heard book 2 brings the spice).

One of the biggest standouts was the world-building—detailed, immersive, and full of Celtic-inspired lore. There’s a lot to absorb, and while I appreciated the depth, it could be a bit overwhelming at times. Thankfully, there’s a glossary at the back, though I eventually gave up trying to pronounce everything correctly. 😅

While the writing style took a little getting used to, I appreciated how it brought the world and characters to life. There were a few moments where I had to reread a sentence or two, but overall, the storytelling held my attention. And just when I thought I had a handle on everything, the epilogue completely threw me for a loop.

By the end, I was hooked. Captive of the Wild Hunt delivers a unique, engaging fantasy with strong characters and an intriguing romance. I’ll definitely be picking up book two to see where the story goes next.

Content Warnings

Direbound: A Dark Romantasy by Sable Sorensen

Go to review page

adventurous emotional funny mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

This book. THIS BOOK.

Now that I’ve had some time to process and move past the initial shock of Direbound’s ending—not to mention the general "OMG this is SO GOOD" feeling I had throughout this read—I can finally put my thoughts down.

For a debut, this book delivers on all fronts: mystery, slow-burn tension, banter, high-stakes action, and spice. The pacing is excellent; you spend just enough time absorbing one piece of information before seamlessly moving on to the next. The world-building is just as strong—detailed, immersive, and left open for expansion in future books without overwhelming the reader. With such a rich world, it would have been easy to introduce too much at once, but the authors balanced it perfectly.

It’s easy to draw comparisons to a book like Fourth Wing since the setups are quite similar, but at the same time, it feels wrong to compare it to Fourth Wing because Direbound is executed better, in my opinion. The writing is sharper, the plot is more compelling, and the character dynamics feel richer and more nuanced.

Meryn is a fantastic FMC—stubborn, tenacious, funny, and hardworking. Anassa matches her in strength, determination, and resilience, making them a powerful duo. The secondary characters are just as compelling, and the found family trope thrives here, adding warmth and depth to the story.

One of the things I loved most was how this book stays primarily contained to the Bonding Trials. There’s a brief excursion to another significant location, but it serves a specific purpose and doesn’t distract from the main story. This focus makes the book feel tightly woven and prevents unnecessary side plots from bogging down the narrative.

Another standout aspect is the way the book begins with an established relationship—a rarity in the romantasy genre. While it’s later revealed that the relationship was fake (on one side) and full of ick, I commend the authors for taking this approach. It immediately sets up intrigue and subverts expectations.

Speaking of that relationship… I didn’t see the first twist—that Lee was Prince Killian—coming. But once it was revealed and his true nature began to unfold, I didn’t trust him. There was something controlling about him, especially during his and Meryn’s intimate moments, that made me deeply uncomfortable. I also didn’t want Meryn to end up with him, so when he was revealed as the villain, I was more than relieved.

And then there’s Stark. This man. He overshadows Xaden and rivals Kingfisher. While I initially assumed Killian was the one who got Meryn her own room, I knew—knew—that Stark was the one who left her the dress for the ball. It was also obvious that their wolves were mates, but the revelation at the end still broke me. Stark unloading four months’ worth of pining and heartbreak? Absolutely gut-wrenching. I love that their relationship is a torturously slow burn and that they don’t actually get together in this book. The anticipation makes it all the more satisfying, and when they do finally come together, it’s going to be incredible.

The book balances predictability and unpredictability well. Some moments felt expected, but others—like the engagement bracelet that can’t be removed and Meryn’s sister being turned into a Siphon—completely caught me off guard. Regardless, the storytelling is so engaging and addictive that any predictability becomes irrelevant.

Now, I’m anxiously counting down the days until book two releases in July—and hopefully book three at the end of the year.

I don’t want to make too many predictions, but I am very curious about how Jonah will react to learning that Meryn, supposedly a commoner, is actually the rightful queen. He despises her, so I can’t imagine he’ll just accept it. Will he rebel? Will he try to assassinate her? And then there’s Killian—I can’t wait to see Meryn and Anassa take him down. I’m also eager to explore the mate bond between Cratos and Anassa and how that affects Stark and Meryn, as well as what’s really happening on the frontlines of the war.

THIS BOOK. GAH.

Content Warnings

Lightlark by Alex Aster

Go to review page

slow-paced

Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No

1.5

Warning: I don’t hold back on my thoughts. Sorry, not sorry.

The synopsis of Lightlark promises a "deadly game" where rulers must fight to break their curses or risk destruction. What it actually delivers is a confusing, low-stakes story where nothing feels particularly dangerous or thrilling.

The so-called "trials" are laughably dull, lacking any real tension or challenge. Instead of gripping life-or-death moments, we get Isla showing off her blade-throwing skills and prancing around in revealing dresses. Meanwhile, the plot jumps from one underdeveloped idea to another

—first the trials, then a search for relics, then the heart of Lightlark—

without any real cohesion. For a book that’s been compared to The Hunger Games, the stakes are practically nonexistent.

The writing doesn’t help. It’s repetitive, overcomplicated, and reads like the author was trying too hard to sound poetic and "serious." Scenes drag on far longer than necessary, and the prose is bogged down by unnecessary flourishes. The whole thing feels like an early draft that never got the thorough edit it needed, and reminded me of the amateur stories I used to read on Fictionpress back in the day.

Then there’s Isla, possibly one of the most boring protagonists I’ve ever read. She has no real personality, which makes being stuck in her head for an entire book frustrating. The rest of the cast isn’t much better

—Celeste’s "twist" is painfully predictable, and the two love interests, Oro and Grim, are forgettable at best

. The romance feels forced, with little chemistry or build-up, making any supposed tension fall flat.

I genuinely don’t understand how Lightlark got a movie deal, but considering it’s being produced by the same team behind Twilight, I’m not holding out hope for the adaptation. This book had potential, but between the weak plot, lifeless characters, and clunky writing, it completely missed the mark.

Content Warnings

Craving in His Blood by Zoey Draven

Go to review page

emotional tense medium-paced

3.0

After really enjoying Desire in His Blood, I was looking forward to this book, but it didn’t quite hit the same for me. The romance in this one is much more drawn out, with the main characters slowly getting to know each other over the first half of the book. While I usually enjoy a slow burn, this one dragged a bit, making it harder to stay fully engaged.

One aspect that didn’t work for me was the male main character’s whole “I have to do my duty” mindset. I didn’t love how it played into his dynamic with the female lead, and the way he kept leading her on became frustrating. It made it difficult to fully root for their relationship when so much of it hinged on his internal conflict rather than genuine connection.

Overall, while Craving in His Blood had some enjoyable moments, it didn’t grab me the way the first book did. I’m still interested in continuing the series, but I’m hoping the next book delivers a stronger romance.

Content Warnings

More...

theshelfarchive's reviews 35 reviews

theshelfarchive's reviews
35 reviews