vik_reads_books's reviews
387 reviews

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! 

Dead to the World by Charlaine Harris

adventurous 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? It's complicated

5.0

Oh, this reread reminded me just how much I love this  series, and this is on if my favourites if not my number 1 in this series, mostly because it contains more Eric! This one is fun, full of mystery and action, and oh my, that shower scene 🚿🔥 so excited to continue with this series! 

Cupcakes for My Orc Enemy by Honey Phillips

funny lighthearted medium-paced

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

4.0

So I'll admit I wanted a book with baked goods on the cover for buddy read book nook winter bingo and stumbled across this one, and I'm so happy I did! This is super cute and easy to read (I finished it in under 2 hours while I was lay in bed this morning!) It's enemies to lovers, sunshine x grumpy (though he's not really a grump) fab characters a cute story with a little dash of spice what more could you want for a Sunday morning read? I'll definitely be checking out more of Honeys books. In fact, I've  already downloaded Valentines for my Vampire read to read!

The Invocations by Krystal Sutherland

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
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

This one sounded right up my street, witches, demons and mystery, and although I did enjoy it, I wasn't blown away by it! I really over all the characters and couldn't help but root for them and what them all to succeed and I really liked the concept of it and the writing but I found the twists a bit predictable which just let it down a bit for me, though I would love to see more of the girls ans what happened next! I know that those that loved House of Hollow will also adore this one! 

Strong Female Character by Fern Brady

5.0

This has been on my radar for a while, and I was so excited to get a spot on the tour! 
The book was honest, funny, and, at times, heartbreaking! I loved getting an insight into what it's like being a woman with autism and although I know this isn't the same for everyone, it's definitely opened my eyes, and I've learnt a lot. I think this is definitely a book I'll be recommending to everyone! 
I was first introduced to Fern on Taskmaster and was so happy to learn that this was a series that she could be herself on, and this is one of the reasons I liked her so much, and I'm definitely going to look at getting tickets to see her when her tour comes to Manchester! 

Black Rose by Karina Halle

dark emotional 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

3.5

So I read book 1 of this last year and then jumped over to the Dark Eyes Duet and didn't read the second one, though. After that ending, I was excited to pick this back up! It was great to be back in this world and back with some favourite characters as well as new ones! Again, this had great stories, characters, and spice, and I hope Karina does write more in this world! 

Nightwolf by Karina Halle

adventurous dark emotional sad 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

Last year, I read the dark eyes Duet last and I really liked Wolf and Amethyst so was excited that they had their own book and it didn't disappoint! I always think I'm not a fan of friends to lovers, but I think this proved me wrong! I loved the tension even if Wolf needed a slap sometime! Although this wasn't as spicy as some of Karinas other books, I've read the spice was good, and I can't wait to read more of Karinas books! 

Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas

adventurous challenging emotional sad 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

So, I originally started reading this back in September, then I broke my shoulder, and I couldn't read physical books! I picked it up again in December but wasn't quite vibing with it and put it down to read some Christmas books, and I finally picked it back up and finished this last week! 
I can't help feeling I would have enjoyed it a lot more if  I hadn't had to stop and start it a few times! Overall, it was a great conclusion to the series, though at times, it was slightly predictable! I loved seeing all my favourite characters all coming together and will definitely be reading the series at some point! 

Of Blood, Bones, and Truth by T.M. Ledvina

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

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

3.5

I enjoyed this and liked the story it kept me guessing what was happening the whole way through! I really liked Cassian and Kellan, and the Shadow was the perfect Villian, though I must admit Vaida was my favourite. I'm a sucker for a sassy analyst! And after that ending/epilogue, I'll definitely be keeping my eye out for book 2! 
I also love how the author included a guide of characters, places, and the politics of the world as well as a pronunciation guide it was super useful to have to flick back to when needed!