Take a photo of a barcode or cover
theshelfarchive's reviews
36 reviews
The Horde King of Shadow by Zoey Draven
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Don’t let the cover fool you—this book is an absolute gem! I ate it up in less than a day.
If you’ve finished Onyx Storm and are feeling some post-Empyrean blues, this story is a must-read. It shares some similar themes: a scholarly woman proving her worth in a world where she’s underestimated, all while learning to claim and fly a dragon. But here, the tone is much more adult, and it really hits the mark.
The slow-building tension and longing between the main characters is a highlight. Even though it’s a forced marriage trope, it never feels like insta-love—it’s earned, and that makes the payoff so satisfying. The world-building is immersive, with intriguing magic elements woven in. I haven’t read the author’s Horde Kings of Dakkar series yet, but I’m definitely going to dive into it—I'm hoping it’ll add even more depth to this world. Highly recommend!
If you’ve finished Onyx Storm and are feeling some post-Empyrean blues, this story is a must-read. It shares some similar themes: a scholarly woman proving her worth in a world where she’s underestimated, all while learning to claim and fly a dragon. But here, the tone is much more adult, and it really hits the mark.
The slow-building tension and longing between the main characters is a highlight. Even though it’s a forced marriage trope, it never feels like insta-love—it’s earned, and that makes the payoff so satisfying. The world-building is immersive, with intriguing magic elements woven in. I haven’t read the author’s Horde Kings of Dakkar series yet, but I’m definitely going to dive into it—I'm hoping it’ll add even more depth to this world. Highly recommend!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
The Wolf King by Lauren Palphreyman
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.0
I’ve always had a soft spot for werewolf stories (and no, it’s not because of Twilight), so I was intrigued to dive into The Wolf King. Overall, this was a light and entertaining read—perfect for when you’re in the mood for something easy and quick to get through (took me about 6 hours to finish). While the plot wasn’t the most original and leaned towards being fairly predictable, it did have its refreshing moments.
One aspect I liked was the first MMC, who, thankfully, didn’t come with the typical brooding "I-want-to-kill-you" energy that tends to dominate the romantasy genre. His banter with Aurora is sweet and delightful and always brought a smile to my face. But then Blake entered the picture. As the second MMC, he brought some of that broodiness, and while he seems to be shaping up to be a second love interest, I’m still unsure how I feel about that dynamic. Nor can I guess at his endgame with Aurora. 🧐 The unexpected Scottish inspiration for the wolves, complete with kilts, was also a delightful twist. It added a bit of charm and novelty to the story.
As for the writing, it wasn’t spectacular. I read the ebook version, and it was riddled with editing and spelling errors, which pulled me out of the story at times. That said, the prose was straightforward and easy to follow, so for $1.49, I can’t say I regret the purchase.
If you’re in the mood for a quick werewolf romance with a few unique touches, The Wolf King might be worth picking up—just don’t go in expecting perfection.
As for the writing, it wasn’t spectacular. I read the ebook version, and it was riddled with editing and spelling errors, which pulled me out of the story at times. That said, the prose was straightforward and easy to follow, so for $1.49, I can’t say I regret the purchase.
If you’re in the mood for a quick werewolf romance with a few unique touches, The Wolf King might be worth picking up—just don’t go in expecting perfection.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
This is a charming and light-hearted read with an eclectic cast of characters that instantly draws you into its whimsical world. I enjoyed the dual POV chapters, which offer delightful insight into Evie and Trystan’s mutual (and painfully obvious) feelings for each other. Watching them fumble through their emotions, completely unaware of the other's true thoughts, is both hilarious and endearing.
I also enjoyed the slow-burn romance, but I did think that it stretched on a bit too long. If Evie and Trystan had admitted their feelings by the end, it could have added a stronger emotional punch to the final scenes. That said, their grumpy/sunshine dynamic is still compelling, and I found myself rooting for them throughout.
The book’s character-driven nature is a strength, but I do wish there had been a little more to the plot. While the quirky charm carries it, I can see how some readers might find it lacking in action or intrigue at times.
Overall, it’s a whimsical and enjoyable read that offers plenty of heart and humour, making it a great choice for fans of quirky, slow-burn romances.
I also enjoyed the slow-burn romance, but I did think that it stretched on a bit too long. If Evie and Trystan had admitted their feelings by the end, it could have added a stronger emotional punch to the final scenes. That said, their grumpy/sunshine dynamic is still compelling, and I found myself rooting for them throughout.
The book’s character-driven nature is a strength, but I do wish there had been a little more to the plot. While the quirky charm carries it, I can see how some readers might find it lacking in action or intrigue at times.
Overall, it’s a whimsical and enjoyable read that offers plenty of heart and humour, making it a great choice for fans of quirky, slow-burn romances.
Heavenly Bodies by Imani Erriu
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.5
This had the makings of a decent fantasy romance but ultimately fell short of its potential. What started as a slow and somewhat meandering read unexpectedly drew me in around the halfway point, only to unravel into chaos by the final chapters.
The pacing of the story is uneven, with a sluggish start that eventually accelerates, though not necessarily in a satisfying way. The last few chapters were particularly disjointed, packed with twists that lacked real impact and an overabundance of dramatic turns that felt forced rather than earned. Instead of building tension, the story felt cluttered and unfocused.
The characters are likeable enough (the ones you’re supposed to like anyway), but I didn’t feel deeply about any of them. I was also baffled by some of their actions. For instance, early on, Elara plans to escape Helios, gets caught, and then ultimately decides, “oh wait, I need Enzo’s help, so I’ll stay”. Then, towards the end, Elara tells Enzo they can’t be together and then very quickly goes back on that decision. And then there’s Ariete. For someone billed as the ~formidable~ King of Stars, it’s baffling that he waits to march on Helios after learning Elara is alive. Liiiiiike, what? If he's this supposed Big Bad who really DGAF about any of the other Stars and just wants to capture Elara, why not make his move immediately, consequences be damned? Especially considering that, after the little Stars meeting was completed and he was told he couldn't enter Helios, he decides to invade the kingdom anyway. 🤨
The romance also left much to be desired. I found it difficult to truly care about Elara and Enzo’s relationship. Once their feelings for each other became clear, the back-and-forth, will-they-won’t-they dynamic was more frustrating than engaging.
Plot-wise, it’s a fairly basic story that doesn’t really deliver—there’s a significant amount of build-up that ultimately feels like it leads nowhere interesting. The writing itself is also serviceable, but unremarkable, occasionally dipping into cheesiness (e.g., Enzo kissing his own bicep in a bizarre flex that had me 🙄), and while there were some moments that hinted at Erriu’s potential as a storyteller, the execution of this book left much to be desired.
Overall, it wasn’t a bad book, but it was far from memorable. I don’t regret finishing it, but I also don’t plan to continue the series. If you’re looking for a light fantasy romance and don’t mind some eye-roll-worthy moments, it might be worth a shot—but don’t expect anything groundbreaking.
The pacing of the story is uneven, with a sluggish start that eventually accelerates, though not necessarily in a satisfying way. The last few chapters were particularly disjointed, packed with twists that lacked real impact and an overabundance of dramatic turns that felt forced rather than earned. Instead of building tension, the story felt cluttered and unfocused.
The romance also left much to be desired. I found it difficult to truly care about Elara and Enzo’s relationship. Once their feelings for each other became clear, the back-and-forth, will-they-won’t-they dynamic was more frustrating than engaging.
Plot-wise, it’s a fairly basic story that doesn’t really deliver—there’s a significant amount of build-up that ultimately feels like it leads nowhere interesting. The writing itself is also serviceable, but unremarkable, occasionally dipping into cheesiness (e.g., Enzo kissing his own bicep in a bizarre flex that had me 🙄), and while there were some moments that hinted at Erriu’s potential as a storyteller, the execution of this book left much to be desired.
Overall, it wasn’t a bad book, but it was far from memorable. I don’t regret finishing it, but I also don’t plan to continue the series. If you’re looking for a light fantasy romance and don’t mind some eye-roll-worthy moments, it might be worth a shot—but don’t expect anything groundbreaking.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
This was a re-read because I needed a refresher before Onyx Storm, but in a lot of ways, it felt like a first-time read. There was a lot I didn’t remember, and I also don’t remember what I thought about it the first time around.
On this read, I found it action-packed and spicy, with a cast of main characters, both human and dragon, that are (mostly) likeable. The world-building is fairly good, the writing is easy to read, if a little dialogue-heavy, and the plot is fast-paced.
That said, I do have some gripes (of course I do). Firstly, it’s most definitely NOT a true enemies-to-lovers romance (it would have been a true one if Violet and Jack had decided to get together 😂). Secondly, Dain is the most insufferable character and I do not understand why it took Violet so long to see it. Yeah, yeah; they’ve been friends since they were five. But friends don’t constantly tell you to your face that you can’t do something. Dude was the worst and I started to dread every scene he popped up in because it meant having to sit through Violet’s inner monologue as she tried to salvage something not worth salvaging. I’m glad she finally worked it out.
And thirdly, while it probably wasn’t intended, given the characters are all in their 20s, the book felt very YA at times. Not that I have a problem with that. I just think that, tonally, it was off.
Often, when I was reading the interactions between characters, I found myself imagining them younger. If I had to pinpoint why, I think it’s because there are many moments where the characters act quite juvenile. And Violet’s preoccupation with sex and other people’s sex lives didn’t help much.
Given the fact that they’re in a “death sentence of a college” that is supposedly ~super dangerous~ because you could basically die at any time (which several characters do), I was expecting a slightly darker, more mature tone. But tonally, it kind of reminded me of Harry Potter—there are obvious threats, but they still get up to mischief and joke around.
All that said, this was an entertaining read, but not something to take too seriously. It’s fun and pure escapism.
On this read, I found it action-packed and spicy, with a cast of main characters, both human and dragon, that are (mostly) likeable. The world-building is fairly good, the writing is easy to read, if a little dialogue-heavy, and the plot is fast-paced.
And thirdly, while it probably wasn’t intended, given the characters are all in their 20s, the book felt very YA at times. Not that I have a problem with that. I just think that, tonally, it was off.
Often, when I was reading the interactions between characters, I found myself imagining them younger. If I had to pinpoint why, I think it’s because there are many moments where the characters act quite juvenile. And Violet’s preoccupation with sex and other people’s sex lives didn’t help much.
Given the fact that they’re in a “death sentence of a college” that is supposedly ~super dangerous~ because you could basically die at any time (which several characters do), I was expecting a slightly darker, more mature tone. But tonally, it kind of reminded me of Harry Potter—there are obvious threats, but they still get up to mischief and joke around.
All that said, this was an entertaining read, but not something to take too seriously. It’s fun and pure escapism.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson
adventurous
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
I was pleasantly surprised by this one! I added it to my TBR awhile ago, so I’d forgotten what it was actually about when I started reading it, which ended up being a good thing. Going in blind meant I had zero expectations or ideas about where the story was headed.
This is a book that you settle into, and even though it’s technically YA, it didn’t feel like a YA to me. The plot unfolds slowly, the world feels really established, and you get to know the characters pretty well. There was a lot more politics to the plot than I was expecting, but it wasn’t boring; it helped you understand the characters’ motivations better.
In terms of the romance, I was surprised when it started so early in the story and I was worried it was going to be another insta-love situation. But in light of how everything unfolds, I can understand why Pearson wrote it that way. Kazi and Jase needed something to make both of their betrayals hurt—if they had just been friends, it wouldn’t have had the same impact. And I liked that while they were both outwardly falling for each other, they were also keeping pretty big secrets from each other. I would argue that this isn’t a true enemies-to-lovers romance, though, since they never really hated each other.
I’m still a bit undecided on the ending. On one hand, I like that Jase and Kazi reconciled and that Kazi finally admitted that she loved Jase. I find their feelings for each other believable, so it was nice to see that. But on the other hand, I think it was backwards of them to reconcile before they had spoken about Zane. Kazi was devastated when she learned that Zane had been working for Jase, and I find it hard to believe that she wouldn’t want some kind of explanation before they made up. I also think delaying the reconciliation until the second book would have been better because it felt a little too tied-up-in-a-neat-little-bow.
All in all, though, this was a really solid book. I’ve already picked up a copy of the second book and will likely read it soon—next month, maybe. I’m looking forward to seeing where the story goes. And at some point, I might even check out the related series, The Remnant Chronicles.
This is a book that you settle into, and even though it’s technically YA, it didn’t feel like a YA to me. The plot unfolds slowly, the world feels really established, and you get to know the characters pretty well. There was a lot more politics to the plot than I was expecting, but it wasn’t boring; it helped you understand the characters’ motivations better.
I’m still a bit undecided on the ending. On one hand, I like that Jase and Kazi reconciled and that Kazi finally admitted that she loved Jase. I find their feelings for each other believable, so it was nice to see that. But on the other hand, I think it was backwards of them to reconcile before they had spoken about Zane. Kazi was devastated when she learned that Zane had been working for Jase, and I find it hard to believe that she wouldn’t want some kind of explanation before they made up. I also think delaying the reconciliation until the second book would have been better because it felt a little too tied-up-in-a-neat-little-bow.
All in all, though, this was a really solid book. I’ve already picked up a copy of the second book and will likely read it soon—next month, maybe. I’m looking forward to seeing where the story goes. And at some point, I might even check out the related series, The Remnant Chronicles.