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theshelfarchive's reviews
35 reviews
Desire in His Blood by Zoey Draven
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
4.0
Zoey Draven has very quickly become a comfort read for me, especially when I’m in the mood for a tension-filled romance in a fantasy/sci-fi setting, and Desire in His Blood was no exception. I enjoyed this one much more than her Horde Kings of Dakkar series, and I’m excited to see where this series goes. Like her other books I’ve read, the smut is definitely strong, but what really draws me in is the tension and romance between the main characters—Draven writes it so well.
I also really liked the characters in this one, which made the romance all the more compelling. The world-building was another highlight, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it expands across the rest of the series, especially since, like her other works, the books will be interconnected standalones.
Overall, Desire in His Blood was a solid, steamy read with engaging characters and a world I’m eager to explore further. I’ll definitely be continuing this series.
I also really liked the characters in this one, which made the romance all the more compelling. The world-building was another highlight, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it expands across the rest of the series, especially since, like her other works, the books will be interconnected standalones.
Overall, Desire in His Blood was a solid, steamy read with engaging characters and a world I’m eager to explore further. I’ll definitely be continuing this series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Cold Hearted by Heather Guerre
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
3.0
Cold Hearted was enjoyable enough, but I didn’t love it. The book started off slow but strong, drawing me into the eerie atmosphere and setting up the characters well. However, as the story progressed, the pacing felt unbalanced—things remained steady for a long while before suddenly ramping up toward the end, making the conclusion feel a bit rushed.
There were definite Twilight vibes throughout, so if that’s your thing, you might enjoy this.I really liked the dynamic between Grace and Caleb—their banter was fun, and I appreciated how their relationship developed. That said, Caleb could have been a little easier on Grace; she didn’t actually do anything to him to warrant his initial coldness. Grace, on the other hand, was a relatable protagonist, especially with how her social anxiety was portrayed.
One of the more interesting elements for me was the way vampires were characterised as genuinely creepy. Alex’s stalking and mind games were unsettling in the best way, adding a real sense of tension to the story. That said, I don’t think enough time was dedicated to the more paranormal aspects of this story. The first half reads like a contemporary romance drama, and the second like a paranormal romance.
Overall, the book had its strengths, especially in the character interactions and eerie vampire lore, but the pacing issues kept it from being a stronger read for me.
There were definite Twilight vibes throughout, so if that’s your thing, you might enjoy this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
The Dagger and the Flame by Catherine Doyle
medium-paced
3.0
The Dagger and the Flame had a promising premise, but the execution didn’t fully work for me. The pacing felt inconsistent—just as I was settling into the slower moments, the story would suddenly burst into action, only to slow down again. This back-and-forth made it difficult to stay engaged, as I was either waiting for something to happen or struggling to keep up with the sudden shifts in momentum.
While the writing itself was fine, it didn’t particularly stand out, and I never felt fully connected to the characters. I wanted to care more about them and their journey, but something about their development left me feeling detached. Without that emotional investment, the story didn’t have the impact I was hoping for. In fact, I could only manage reading in 20-30-minute stints before losing interest, which is never a great sign. 😬😅
Overall, it was an okay read—entertaining enough in parts, but not compelling enough to keep me invested. At this point, I don’t feel the urge to continue the series.
While the writing itself was fine, it didn’t particularly stand out, and I never felt fully connected to the characters. I wanted to care more about them and their journey, but something about their development left me feeling detached. Without that emotional investment, the story didn’t have the impact I was hoping for. In fact, I could only manage reading in 20-30-minute stints before losing interest, which is never a great sign. 😬😅
Overall, it was an okay read—entertaining enough in parts, but not compelling enough to keep me invested. At this point, I don’t feel the urge to continue the series.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Sexual content
Quicksilver by Callie Hart
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
5.0
LOVED LOVED LOVED this book. This was an easy five-star read for me, and I honestly can’t stop thinking about it. I’m also kicking myself for not picking it up sooner. 🤦🏻♀️
I went in completely blind, not knowing what to expect, and I came out utterly obsessed. The writing pulled me in right away—it’s engaging, well-paced, and full of tension without ever feeling overwhelming. The world building is rich, but never bogs down the story, and the main characters are loveable and interesting (Danya… I’m reserving judgement on her for now). I was worried that this wouldn’t live up to the hype, but it absolutely does. It’s dark, gripping, and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of story that keeps you flipping pages long past bedtime.
Kingfisher, in particular, completely stole the show for me. He’s intense, dangerous, and impossible not to fall for. He has such a strong presence on the page, and his dynamic with Saeris was addictive. Their chemistry was electric, and every interaction between them crackled with tension. I don’t think I’ve been this invested in a book couple in a long time.
And let’s be real—Kingfisher > Xaden every day of the week and five times on Sunday. Forever and ever. The end.
One thing I’ve been thinking about is Saeris’ transformation at the end. I don’t mind that she became a vampire/Fae hybrid—it makes sense narratively, and I trust that Hart had her reasons for taking the story in that direction. But I can’t help but wonder what might have happened if she had stayed human in the second book. The idea of her being the first human in Yvelia in a thousand years, only to kill the Vampire King and take his place as Queen? That could have been such an interesting shift in power. How would the court have reacted? How would she have ruled? It’s a fascinating “what if” to consider, though I have no doubt Hart will make whatever comes next just as compelling.
If you’re on the fence about reading this, don’t be. It’s absolutely worth it. Dark fantasy, high stakes, addictive romance—this book delivers on all fronts. I’m already counting down the days until the sequel.
I went in completely blind, not knowing what to expect, and I came out utterly obsessed. The writing pulled me in right away—it’s engaging, well-paced, and full of tension without ever feeling overwhelming. The world building is rich, but never bogs down the story, and the main characters are loveable and interesting (Danya… I’m reserving judgement on her for now). I was worried that this wouldn’t live up to the hype, but it absolutely does. It’s dark, gripping, and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of story that keeps you flipping pages long past bedtime.
And let’s be real—Kingfisher > Xaden every day of the week and five times on Sunday. Forever and ever. The end.
One thing I’ve been thinking about is Saeris’ transformation at the end. I don’t mind that she became a vampire/Fae hybrid—it makes sense narratively, and I trust that Hart had her reasons for taking the story in that direction. But I can’t help but wonder what might have happened if she had stayed human in the second book. The idea of her being the first human in Yvelia in a thousand years, only to kill the Vampire King and take his place as Queen? That could have been such an interesting shift in power. How would the court have reacted? How would she have ruled? It’s a fascinating “what if” to consider, though I have no doubt Hart will make whatever comes next just as compelling.
If you’re on the fence about reading this, don’t be. It’s absolutely worth it. Dark fantasy, high stakes, addictive romance—this book delivers on all fronts. I’m already counting down the days until the sequel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Violence
The Midnight Arrow by Zoey Draven
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
2.5
Zoey Draven knows her niche—romance, tension, and spice—and The Midnight Arrow delivers on all three. But while it checked the right boxes, it didn’t leave much of a lasting impression.
This was a shorter, character-driven story that felt like it might be set in one of her established worlds (though I’m not familiar with it). There’s just enough world-building to set the scene, but given the low page count, it’s more of a backdrop than a fully fleshed-out setting.
Nothing about the plot or characters particularly stood out, but there’s a certain reliability to Draven’s books. She follows a formula, and sometimes, that’s exactly what you need. When I’m in the mood for a quick, steamy read with guaranteed chemistry, I know I can pick up one of her books and get exactly that.
This was a shorter, character-driven story that felt like it might be set in one of her established worlds (though I’m not familiar with it). There’s just enough world-building to set the scene, but given the low page count, it’s more of a backdrop than a fully fleshed-out setting.
Nothing about the plot or characters particularly stood out, but there’s a certain reliability to Draven’s books. She follows a formula, and sometimes, that’s exactly what you need. When I’m in the mood for a quick, steamy read with guaranteed chemistry, I know I can pick up one of her books and get exactly that.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Violence
Thunderhead by Neal Shusterman
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
I really liked this one! I was a bit worried because I found book 1 just okay. But Thunderhead takes everything Scythe set up and runs with it at full speed. While I still felt a degree of detachment in the writing, the new characters kept things engaging enough that it didn’t bother me as much this time around.
Speaking of new characters—Greyson Tolliver was an absolute standout. He was a breath of fresh air in this series, and if he doesn’t get a happy ending, I will be most annoyed.
Unlike Scythe, which was more measured in its pacing while introducing the world and characters, Thunderhead is full throttle. Just when I thought one twist couldn’t be topped, another came along and completely floored me. What I found most interesting was that I could see where Shusterman was leading me—he wasn’t exactly subtle about it—but even so, when things unfolded, they still managed to shock me. Maybe I subconsciously thought it was all misdirection, but no. It goes exactly where you think it’s going, and somehow, that makes it even more effective. Twist after twist, Shusterman just casually mic-drops his way through the book.
And that ending! I have no idea where The Toll is going to pick up. In the present? In the future? WAY in the future? Either way, I’m excited to see how this trilogy concludes.
Speaking of new characters—Greyson Tolliver was an absolute standout. He was a breath of fresh air in this series, and if he doesn’t get a happy ending, I will be most annoyed.
Unlike Scythe, which was more measured in its pacing while introducing the world and characters, Thunderhead is full throttle. Just when I thought one twist couldn’t be topped, another came along and completely floored me. What I found most interesting was that I could see where Shusterman was leading me—he wasn’t exactly subtle about it—but even so, when things unfolded, they still managed to shock me. Maybe I subconsciously thought it was all misdirection, but no. It goes exactly where you think it’s going, and somehow, that makes it even more effective. Twist after twist, Shusterman just casually mic-drops his way through the book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Violence
Blood of Hercules by Jasmine Mas
Did not finish book. Stopped at 16%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 16%.
I don't know what in the Wattpad l read, but it was so bad, I couldn't continue.
---
I'm convinced this book was written for the attention span of Gen Zers.
Why?
Because of its disjointed writing.
Which, if you haven't read it, is basically Mas abusing the enter key.
To create short sentences like this.
She probably thinks it creates sharp and punchy writing.
It doesn't.
Not to mention her overuse of parentheses (to add extra cutesy thoughts) in the middle of and at the end of sentences (kill me).
I only read 76 pages.
But really, I shouldn't have bothered.
Avoid this book if you appreciate good (and actual) writing.
‘Cos this reads like it was haphazardly put together in a notes app.
---
I'm convinced this book was written for the attention span of Gen Zers.
Why?
Because of its disjointed writing.
Which, if you haven't read it, is basically Mas abusing the enter key.
To create short sentences like this.
She probably thinks it creates sharp and punchy writing.
It doesn't.
Not to mention her overuse of parentheses (to add extra cutesy thoughts) in the middle of and at the end of sentences (kill me).
I only read 76 pages.
But really, I shouldn't have bothered.
Avoid this book if you appreciate good (and actual) writing.
‘Cos this reads like it was haphazardly put together in a notes app.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Self harm
The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
I thoroughly enjoyed The Serpent and the Wings of Night—it was a gripping and captivating read! The dynamic between Oraya and Raihn was definitely a highlight for me. Their reverse grumpy x sunshine relationship was done so well, and I found myself drawn to how their contrasting personalities created such an engaging dynamic throughout the story. The chemistry between them felt real and it kept me eagerly turning the pages to see how their bond developed.
The plot twists towards the end completely threw me for a loop, and I can’t wait to see how they’ll impact the future of Oraya and Raihn’s relationship. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing how things evolve after that dramatic turn of events.
As for the writing style, I was pleasantly surprised by how lyrical and beautifully crafted it was. It flowed seamlessly and added so much depth to the story. This was my first Carissa Broadbent book, and I can say without a doubt that I’ll be checking out her other works.
Now, I did have some mixed feelings about Oraya and Vincent's relationship, as well as Oraya herself. I found myself frustrated by how blindly she trusted Vincent, especially considering the many unanswered questions surrounding his motives. She never really pushed him for explanations, which left me feeling uneasy, even though I understand it was a result of her difficult past. Vincent repeatedly told her he'd never hurt her, but she never seemed to press him on why he saved her in the first place. There was a part of me that sympathised with her, though, given how she was raised in an environment where Vincent’s version of ‘love’ was all she knew. It made sense that she still felt a misplaced loyalty towards him, but it was still a bit hard to fully embrace.
All in all, The Serpent and the Wings of Night was a fantastic read, with strong characters, an intriguing plot, and some real emotional depth. I highly recommend it to fans of fantasy romance, and I’m eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
As for the writing style, I was pleasantly surprised by how lyrical and beautifully crafted it was. It flowed seamlessly and added so much depth to the story. This was my first Carissa Broadbent book, and I can say without a doubt that I’ll be checking out her other works.
All in all, The Serpent and the Wings of Night was a fantastic read, with strong characters, an intriguing plot, and some real emotional depth. I highly recommend it to fans of fantasy romance, and I’m eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
One of the most significant issues is the sheer length of Part 1. Much of the early storyline felt padded with filler scenes that could have been shortened or cut entirely. The Varrish subplot, while featuring a compelling villain, ultimately felt pointless. Varrish never managed to achieve anything of note, and his eventual demise rendered his arc unsatisfying. A tighter edit could have redirected this energy into the much more engaging Part 2, which deserved greater focus.
The tension between Violet and Xaden around trust and communication also overstayed its welcome. Their circular arguments became repetitive, leaving me frustrated rather than invested. Compounding this was Yarros’ writing style, which at times lacked clarity. I often found myself re-reading paragraphs to understand what was happening.
That said, the novel truly shone in its scenes involving the dragons and the supporting cast. These moments added depth and vibrancy to the story, showcasing the strengths of Yarros’ world-building. The introduction of the fliers and gryphons was a welcome addition, enriching the lore and expanding the stakes in an exciting way.
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
Iron Flame delivers another instalment of high-stakes drama and thrilling fantasy. However, while the book has its shining moments, it struggles with pacing and narrative focus.
Overall, while Iron Flame has its highlights—particularly in its secondary characters and dragon-centric scenes—it could have benefited from more focused storytelling and sharper editing. Fans of the series will still find much to enjoy, but it falls short of its predecessor’s impact.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Violence
The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne
The Shadow of the Gods is an incredible read for anyone who loves epic fantasy. Blending the grandeur reminiscent of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings with a distinctly Norse edge, Gwynne crafts a world that's both vast and immersive, yet presented in a way that feels natural rather than an overwhelming info dump.
One of the standout features of this novel is its brilliant character-driven narrative. Following the journeys of three distinct characters—and the compelling secondary figures that accompany them—the story gradually weaves their paths together, creating a rich tapestry of intertwined destinies. This multi-perspective approach adds layers of depth, making the world feel lived-in and authentic.
The pacing is spot-on, too. The final few chapters ramp up the tension, delivering a nail-biting climax that had me on the edge of my seat. It’s a masterclass in building suspense and setting the stage for what promises to be an even more exciting series ahead.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
If you're a fan of the TV series Vikings or simply enjoy a story packed with myth, magic, and a fair bit of grit, this book is right up your alley. I can't wait to continue the series!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence