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thisnursereads's reviews
53 reviews
Winter's Orbit by Everina Maxwell
3.0
⭐️3.25
“If he couldn't cope with you, then he couldn't have coped with anything [...]. Nobody could want more than who you are.”
Winter's Orbit reads like YA book and calls itself science fiction/romance but does a mediocre job at fully capturing either genre. Harsher words have been spoken but where this book redeems itself is in the quiet moments between two people that work to find understanding, respect and connection despite their differences and traumas.
An inter-planetarian treaty among the Iskat Empire is up for renewal and all planets (and their diplomats) must appear favorable and peaceful in order for the treaty to pass. When the Thean Count Jainan is widowed after his husband, Prince Taam, dies in a spaceship accident, he is matched with the imperial Prince Kiem and arranged to marry. Jainan is stoic, loyal to a fault, and all logics. Kiem is exuberant, wears his heart on his sleeve and could make friends with a rock. Under any other circumstances, these two would not be together yet here they are. Soon after their marriage, information emerges that Taam's death may not have been an accident and Jainan is a key suspect. Kiem and Jainan are forced to unravel a murder and unearth political secrets in order to save Jainan and the empire.
A+ for effort but C- in execution for proper world building and a grounded science fiction presence. The beginning has so many names and planets thrown out that it is overwhelming and lacks a sense of consistency or guidance. Eventually, I stopped caring about all the names and focused on the progression of the story. With a lot more explanation and detail, this world could be something grand but even the primary settings were weakly detailed.
Now to the characters, I am a sucker for heartfelt, loving characters and although their development fell a bit flat overall, I still loved most of Kiem and Jainan's interactions. As is often with two drastically different characters, there were MANY miscommunications. The entire book was a slow burn of Prince Kiem and Jainan assuming the wrong thing about the other and causing layers of confusion and frustration. It was a bit annoying but added entertainment and helped progress the story. What I feel mixed about is the IPV history between
This book is not life-changing, but it has really sweet moments and is an easy read. If you want to barely tip your toes in sci-fi and get a sprinkle of romance, be my guest with this book.
“If he couldn't cope with you, then he couldn't have coped with anything [...]. Nobody could want more than who you are.”
Winter's Orbit reads like YA book and calls itself science fiction/romance but does a mediocre job at fully capturing either genre. Harsher words have been spoken but where this book redeems itself is in the quiet moments between two people that work to find understanding, respect and connection despite their differences and traumas.
An inter-planetarian treaty among the Iskat Empire is up for renewal and all planets (and their diplomats) must appear favorable and peaceful in order for the treaty to pass. When the Thean Count Jainan is widowed after his husband, Prince Taam, dies in a spaceship accident, he is matched with the imperial Prince Kiem and arranged to marry. Jainan is stoic, loyal to a fault, and all logics. Kiem is exuberant, wears his heart on his sleeve and could make friends with a rock. Under any other circumstances, these two would not be together yet here they are. Soon after their marriage, information emerges that Taam's death may not have been an accident and Jainan is a key suspect. Kiem and Jainan are forced to unravel a murder and unearth political secrets in order to save Jainan and the empire.
A+ for effort but C- in execution for proper world building and a grounded science fiction presence. The beginning has so many names and planets thrown out that it is overwhelming and lacks a sense of consistency or guidance. Eventually, I stopped caring about all the names and focused on the progression of the story. With a lot more explanation and detail, this world could be something grand but even the primary settings were weakly detailed.
Now to the characters, I am a sucker for heartfelt, loving characters and although their development fell a bit flat overall, I still loved most of Kiem and Jainan's interactions. As is often with two drastically different characters, there were MANY miscommunications. The entire book was a slow burn of Prince Kiem and Jainan assuming the wrong thing about the other and causing layers of confusion and frustration. It was a bit annoying but added entertainment and helped progress the story. What I feel mixed about is the IPV history between
Spoiler
Jainan and his previous husband Taam. It was pretty obvious early on that Jainan had experienced trauma in that relationship which is an important story to tell but his healing journey seemed too linear for me.Kiem's response to the situation repeatedly warmed my heart and we all need more people in our life to remind us how worthy of love and happiness we are.This book is not life-changing, but it has really sweet moments and is an easy read. If you want to barely tip your toes in sci-fi and get a sprinkle of romance, be my guest with this book.
The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
⭐️4.5
I destroyed this book, read it in two days! It gave me the character building that kept me coming back to ACOTAR with a mixture of a hunger games like plot but with so much more. I thought that I had an idea of what the ending would bring and wow, plot twists and turns!
If you’re looking for romance, it is here as an enemies to lovers trope and slow
I destroyed this book, read it in two days! It gave me the character building that kept me coming back to ACOTAR with a mixture of a hunger games like plot but with so much more. I thought that I had an idea of what the ending would bring and wow, plot twists and turns!
If you’re looking for romance, it is here as an enemies to lovers trope and slow
The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling
4.0
⭐️3.5
What a fun quick novel that I wish I had been reading curled up next to a kindling fire and a warm cup of apple cider. Instead, I listened to the audiobook version in 90 deg F weather driving cross country. I needed a book that wasn't too thought provoking or character heavy, that could be on in the background as I drove-this book perfectly fit that bill. It was interesting enough that my mind didn't wander and the storyline kept my attention.
At its core, The Ex Hex is a romantic comedy with a touch of paranormal activity, witty women and witchcraft.
9 years ago, a young witch named Vivienne Jones gets her heartbroken and stomped on by fellow witch Rhys Penhallow, who leaves Vivi to head back to Wales. We all know not to mix alcohol and witchcraft but what else is a young 19 year old to do after such heartbreak. Vivi, along with her cousin Gwyn and a bit too much vodka, jokingly curse Rhys.
9 years later and Vivi now works as a professor of history in the same town she grew up in, Graves Glen, Georgia. The annual fall festival is right around the corner and a special guest is expected to arrive to assist with the magical recharging of the ley lines. Of course, this special guest is no one other than the Rhys Penhallow, sexy as ever. When things start going wrong, Vivi starts to wonder, did she actually hex her ex?
Filled with sharp tongued banter, a talking cat and comical mishaps, the story has a nice progression and overall flow. There were some plot lines left unexplained and chunks when the romance overshadowed the storyline but I still enjoyed it overall.
From an audiobook perspective, I wish the narrator had been able to switch into a Wales/British accent for Rhys's character. There are words that are clearly very british and to hear it in an American accent felt wrong.
What a fun quick novel that I wish I had been reading curled up next to a kindling fire and a warm cup of apple cider. Instead, I listened to the audiobook version in 90 deg F weather driving cross country. I needed a book that wasn't too thought provoking or character heavy, that could be on in the background as I drove-this book perfectly fit that bill. It was interesting enough that my mind didn't wander and the storyline kept my attention.
At its core, The Ex Hex is a romantic comedy with a touch of paranormal activity, witty women and witchcraft.
9 years ago, a young witch named Vivienne Jones gets her heartbroken and stomped on by fellow witch Rhys Penhallow, who leaves Vivi to head back to Wales. We all know not to mix alcohol and witchcraft but what else is a young 19 year old to do after such heartbreak. Vivi, along with her cousin Gwyn and a bit too much vodka, jokingly curse Rhys.
9 years later and Vivi now works as a professor of history in the same town she grew up in, Graves Glen, Georgia. The annual fall festival is right around the corner and a special guest is expected to arrive to assist with the magical recharging of the ley lines. Of course, this special guest is no one other than the Rhys Penhallow, sexy as ever. When things start going wrong, Vivi starts to wonder, did she actually hex her ex?
Filled with sharp tongued banter, a talking cat and comical mishaps, the story has a nice progression and overall flow. There were some plot lines left unexplained and chunks when the romance overshadowed the storyline but I still enjoyed it overall.
From an audiobook perspective, I wish the narrator had been able to switch into a Wales/British accent for Rhys's character. There are words that are clearly very british and to hear it in an American accent felt wrong.
Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand
4.0
⭐️4.0
(audiobook version)
This is a story of resilience. I was often gasping or wiping away tears as the story of WWII Veteran and olympian Louis Zamperini was told. I was transported back in time, reliving the momentous and downright horrific moments of Zamperini's life. As much as this is a retelling of one man's journey through the hell that is war, it is als a historical retelling from the perspective of an American airmen and POW. I learned so much while also being gripped and yearning to continue the story as every chapter ended. Hillenbrand does an amazing job at bringing history and thrill together. There is never a dull moment, even when you wish for one for Zamperini's sake.
Highly recommend.
(audiobook version)
This is a story of resilience. I was often gasping or wiping away tears as the story of WWII Veteran and olympian Louis Zamperini was told. I was transported back in time, reliving the momentous and downright horrific moments of Zamperini's life. As much as this is a retelling of one man's journey through the hell that is war, it is als a historical retelling from the perspective of an American airmen and POW. I learned so much while also being gripped and yearning to continue the story as every chapter ended. Hillenbrand does an amazing job at bringing history and thrill together. There is never a dull moment, even when you wish for one for Zamperini's sake.
Highly recommend.
ALL IN!: The Atlantic Standup Paddle Crossing - 93 days Alone at Sea by Chris Bertish
3.0
⭐️ 2.5
*Chris Bertish is a genius that borders on insanity-an insanity that makes history, that puts his mind to a dream and transcends imagination.
Written in first person POV by Bertish himself, this story follows him through the planning and adventure of crossing the Atlantic via standup paddleboarding (SUP). The idea in itself is wild, to say the least, but Bertish is one of those people that pushes through the unexpected and would die for his passions, imaginations and dreams. This was no different.
It was abundantly clear that although Bertish is an amazing athlete and human who's determination and stamina goes above what is believed possible to the human form, his writing skills could use some work. I wanted to FEEL like I was there experiencing this epic adventure, and sadly the details fell flat. It was very direct, in your face, writing that left TOO much to the imagination! There were also, what seemed to be, pivotal pieces of information that were never explained later in the book. It was odd.
I can be rather visual when trying to put places together in my head and Bertish is frequently explaining places and travel done with his SUP. What would have helped me so much was maps that showed the starting point, journey and end point. It just would have been more concrete for me personally. If that is something you struggle with, just an FYI!
Quick Version:
Is it a quick read with an insane story-yes!
Do I think the meh writing takes away from this amazing feat?-no!
Would I read again or recommend to a friend-probably not...
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review
*Chris Bertish is a genius that borders on insanity-an insanity that makes history, that puts his mind to a dream and transcends imagination.
Written in first person POV by Bertish himself, this story follows him through the planning and adventure of crossing the Atlantic via standup paddleboarding (SUP). The idea in itself is wild, to say the least, but Bertish is one of those people that pushes through the unexpected and would die for his passions, imaginations and dreams. This was no different.
It was abundantly clear that although Bertish is an amazing athlete and human who's determination and stamina goes above what is believed possible to the human form, his writing skills could use some work. I wanted to FEEL like I was there experiencing this epic adventure, and sadly the details fell flat. It was very direct, in your face, writing that left TOO much to the imagination! There were also, what seemed to be, pivotal pieces of information that were never explained later in the book. It was odd.
I can be rather visual when trying to put places together in my head and Bertish is frequently explaining places and travel done with his SUP. What would have helped me so much was maps that showed the starting point, journey and end point. It just would have been more concrete for me personally. If that is something you struggle with, just an FYI!
Quick Version:
Is it a quick read with an insane story-yes!
Do I think the meh writing takes away from this amazing feat?-no!
Would I read again or recommend to a friend-probably not...
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review