vik_reads_books's reviews
385 reviews

Invocation by Aileen Erin

emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

Overall, I enjoyed this book. I really liked Sam and Phoenix and all the other characters, though sometimes I did feel I was missing parts of their stories as they were from another series and felt that sometimes it overly repeated what had happened to them. I enjoyed the story even though it was a but predictable towards the end! Saying that I will be keeping my eye out for book 2 and may try and read the other series as I really liked the characters and am intrigued as to what their stories are! 

A Winter Crown by Evelyn Winters

adventurous emotional lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes

3.0

I stumbled upon this one, and it sounded right up my street! It has one of my favourite tropes unknown powers. I really liked Lou, and overall, I enjoyed the story. Although I didn't feel like it didn't flow smoothly sometimes and I had to go back, as I  thought I had missed a page. It did have a few twists that were a bit predictable, but overall, it was a good quick read, and I'll check out the rest of the series when they are released.

Bride by Ali Hazelwood

funny mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This was definitely a booksta made me do it book it was also my first Ali Hazelwood book and I did enjoy it! I really liked Misery and Lowe and the tension between them. I really enjoyed the story, and it had lots of twists that I didn't see coming, but some parts were a bit predictable, and I was expecting a bit more spice! I was also happy to hear that Ali is planning a few more books in this world as there definitely characters I would like to see more of! 

Meraki: A Syren Story by Naomi Kelly

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes

3.75

This was a great quick read, I really liked Wren and Kellan (and I'm a sucker for Enemies to lovers!) I really enjoyed the story and found the world building really easy to follow. I also really liked the side characters and will definitely be keeping my eyes out for the other books in this series! 

Between Two Realms by Mazrine L. Amaris

adventurous funny lighthearted tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

I really enjoyed this book. I loved Sophie, and this was a great spin on someone falling into a magical world . I loved that Sophie knew the tropes, etc, as she was also a massive fantasy bookworm! I really liked the story and loved how it didn't take itself too seriously and leaned into the tropes and stereotypes. I absolutely adored Ellie and Cam. They were amazing sidekick/side characters, and Queen Calliea was the ultimate badie! This had some great twists and that ending!!!! I can't wait for book 2! 

The Darkness Within Ourselves by Jessica Huntley

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

This isn't my usual genre as I'm normally a fantasy girl, but this Januarys @bookmarkedbychris Blind Date Indie Book.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and really liked the characters, and Jessica wasn't joking with her note in my book! The descriptions of sleep paralysis really freaked out, especially as this is something I've experienced myself when I was younger and occasionally still have dreams where I can't scream or ask for help! It had some great twists and turns, and I'll definitely be continuing the series to see what happens to the gang next and see if they manage to get rid of the creature!

Solstice by Helen Steadman

challenging dark emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

I listened to the first 2 books of this series a few years ago, so I was super excited to get a spot on this tour. I really enjoyed the story, but for me, it's the characters that make it! Helen is amazing at writing characters, both those you cheer for and those you hate! I had to stop a few times as I was getting so angry and frustrated with Patience.If you're a fan of history, especially the witch trials, I would definitely recommend giving this series a read or a listen as the narratiator of this series is brilliant 

Valentine for My Vampire by Honey Phillips

funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

After reading and loving Cupcakes for my Orc Enemy, I spotted that that Honey was releasing a Valentines book, so obviously, i had to read it ASAP! Again, I really enjoyed it and thought it was such a fun, quick read! I really liked Wendy and Damian and enjoyed the mystery element of this book . It was a little bit spicer than the 1st book and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series 

House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas

adventurous emotional funny mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

So I finally gave into my FOMO and started reading HOEAB which I've been excited to read for a while as I'm a fan of Sarah J Maas and have enjoyed her other series and I think that it maybe my favourite! I loved Bryce and  Hunt and Ruhn and Lehabah, OK, I loved all the characters! The story kept me guessing, and although some bits were slightly predictable and similar to other of Sarah's series (though if it ain't broke don’t fix it!), I enjoyed it overall it had me laughing and crying and everythingin between. I did think this was going to be like the other series where the first book is OK and each book gets better that wasn't the case and wow those last 200/150 pages had me on the edge of my seat and I can't wait to carry on with the series! 

The Serial Killer's Wife by Alice Hunter

dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

I'm not usually a thriller girlie, but this was the @brunchingbookclub February pick, so I decided to listen to the audiobook! I did enjoy it and found it quite interesting, especially the twist at the end. That being said, I really didn't like the main character and found them quite unlikeable, though I don't know if that was intentional, and I didn't think the narratiation was the best! I think I may check out the other books in this series at some point!