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zaiphon's reviews
152 reviews
Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Haven't read a sweet/romancy book in a while and I chose it half becauae of the cover and half because it had been on my TBR for some time.
I love myself a good YA romance, but I would be lying if I said that a lot of them at times feel all blended together. However, Painter incorporating rom coms and all the aspirations of love and heartbreak made this one stand out. I could feel the understanding and longing Liz has regarding this part in her life. With the additional hurdles of navigating loss and growing up, this book was an enjoyable experience.
It was a fast read, but I never felt bored or underwhelmed by each scene set. Painter did such a great job getting you to seamlessly fall into the story (like all great rom coms) that I never had to worry about that happening. Overall , this book was everything I love about a good YA novel - it allows me to feel and stay connected to all the powerful feelings a human feels and gives me a moment to shutdown the demands of adulthood...and remember to love strongly.
I love myself a good YA romance, but I would be lying if I said that a lot of them at times feel all blended together. However, Painter incorporating rom coms and all the aspirations of love and heartbreak made this one stand out. I could feel the understanding and longing Liz has regarding this part in her life. With the additional hurdles of navigating loss and growing up, this book was an enjoyable experience.
It was a fast read, but I never felt bored or underwhelmed by each scene set. Painter did such a great job getting you to seamlessly fall into the story (like all great rom coms) that I never had to worry about that happening. Overall , this book was everything I love about a good YA novel - it allows me to feel and stay connected to all the powerful feelings a human feels and gives me a moment to shutdown the demands of adulthood...and remember to love strongly.
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
After beginning to read, I heard about the inspiration behind the story. While I wholeheartedly understand the sensitivity of this topic, I wanted to give the book a try to see what directive Klune was taking from that kind of "inspiration".
Overall, I rather enjoyed this story. The comical but yet whimsical dialogue and characters remind me of something like - if Tim Burton met Ghibli. The characters and the descriptions of this world created something of that nature in my mind. The beginning was a little slow to start, but if you can make it through that, then the rest of the read keeps a steady pace. Although the back of the book describes romance, it is very light and subtle most times. So if you are looking for a lot of that, don't expect it to meet your needs.
Now, back to the more controversial topic. After digesting the story, I can see where Klune was attempting to lead us and inspire us. There were a lot of parallels utilizing the fantasy elements to draw attention to how a lot of our society functions in the real world. I got the impression that the Sixties Scoop scenario was something the author learned about and drew light inspiration from to create the fantasy setting. I wouldn't say this story is solely influenced on that particular topic solely. And while I would say this book is light hearted, difficult topics are woven througbout the narrative. Rather than a dark, "in your face" method, Klune created a tale of love, found home, and using your voice to ignite the sparks of change in a sweet, lighthearted story. It made you see the characters for who they are and not what they are.
Overall, I found it an interesting read but still wished there was a bit more umph in it.
Overall, I rather enjoyed this story. The comical but yet whimsical dialogue and characters remind me of something like - if Tim Burton met Ghibli. The characters and the descriptions of this world created something of that nature in my mind. The beginning was a little slow to start, but if you can make it through that, then the rest of the read keeps a steady pace. Although the back of the book describes romance, it is very light and subtle most times. So if you are looking for a lot of that, don't expect it to meet your needs.
Now, back to the more controversial topic. After digesting the story, I can see where Klune was attempting to lead us and inspire us. There were a lot of parallels utilizing the fantasy elements to draw attention to how a lot of our society functions in the real world. I got the impression that the Sixties Scoop scenario was something the author learned about and drew light inspiration from to create the fantasy setting. I wouldn't say this story is solely influenced on that particular topic solely. And while I would say this book is light hearted, difficult topics are woven througbout the narrative. Rather than a dark, "in your face" method, Klune created a tale of love, found home, and using your voice to ignite the sparks of change in a sweet, lighthearted story. It made you see the characters for who they are and not what they are.
Overall, I found it an interesting read but still wished there was a bit more umph in it.
A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
dark
reflective
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? Yes
4.0
Where to start..
There are plenty aspects of this book I absolutely adored. Is it a top book for me in this series overall? No.
Out of all the entries thus far, this one had such a slow start and it took me some time to get into the stories plot. I think partially it is due to such a sharp turn of the narratives (no longer Feyre as main POV) that it changed the flow of the story for me a little too much, too suddenly. It took me until about page 350 to feel that the plot chugged at a decent pace and kept me interested. Because of this too, characters that were so prominent in the first arc of the series felt like shells of themselves and made me feel I was scrambling to grasp what was going on and where this was going.
While this series is known for spicy scenes in previous books, there was way more in this book. To the point that it sometimes felt it overshadowed parts of the characters' story that I wanted to see more of. At times, it felt like I was reading a spin off with a ton of sex and little else. I love me a good romance in fantasy, but something about the placement and the fact that after 100000 sex scenes, the characters still made little progress in their development.
What I loved though, and thus encouraged me to give this read 4 stars, was the side characters. Gwyn and Emerie were absolutely a joy. The battle of their pasts/trauma and the sisterly bond that formed breathed new life into the story. While Feyre is an amazing character in her own right, we were seriously lacking in some female characters that appeared more than just a few chapters. These characters do an amazing job building toward Nesta and her struggles with her trauma and mental health. 10/10 hope they continue to be fleshed out in the future.
The short of this - slow start, but eventually gave me that excitement that SJM typically gives. It just took a while for me to get a feel for this one.
There are plenty aspects of this book I absolutely adored. Is it a top book for me in this series overall? No.
Out of all the entries thus far, this one had such a slow start and it took me some time to get into the stories plot. I think partially it is due to such a sharp turn of the narratives (no longer Feyre as main POV) that it changed the flow of the story for me a little too much, too suddenly. It took me until about page 350 to feel that the plot chugged at a decent pace and kept me interested. Because of this too, characters that were so prominent in the first arc of the series felt like shells of themselves and made me feel I was scrambling to grasp what was going on and where this was going.
While this series is known for spicy scenes in previous books, there was way more in this book. To the point that it sometimes felt it overshadowed parts of the characters' story that I wanted to see more of. At times, it felt like I was reading a spin off with a ton of sex and little else. I love me a good romance in fantasy, but something about the placement and the fact that after 100000 sex scenes, the characters still made little progress in their development.
What I loved though, and thus encouraged me to give this read 4 stars, was the side characters. Gwyn and Emerie were absolutely a joy. The battle of their pasts/trauma and the sisterly bond that formed breathed new life into the story. While Feyre is an amazing character in her own right, we were seriously lacking in some female characters that appeared more than just a few chapters. These characters do an amazing job building toward Nesta and her struggles with her trauma and mental health. 10/10 hope they continue to be fleshed out in the future.
The short of this - slow start, but eventually gave me that excitement that SJM typically gives. It just took a while for me to get a feel for this one.
Powerless by Lauren Roberts
adventurous
tense
fast-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
4.0
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this read. Powerless provided excitement, action, and romance at a fast pace. The characters and details for each scene were done well and had me fully invested.
This is an enemies to lovers with plenty of banter between the FMC and MMC. I felt anticipation to see the growth of Paedyn and Kai throughout the story. I found myself unable to put the book down as the story progressed. While the world building is not as intricate or intense as others in the genre, it makes up for with it's strong FMC and character developmemt.
I would recommend this as a good starter fantasy/romantasy for readers trying to get into the genre.
Definitely will be reading the next book in the series as it does leave on a cliff hanger that has me thinking about what will play out next.
This is an enemies to lovers with plenty of banter between the FMC and MMC. I felt anticipation to see the growth of Paedyn and Kai throughout the story. I found myself unable to put the book down as the story progressed. While the world building is not as intricate or intense as others in the genre, it makes up for with it's strong FMC and character developmemt.
I would recommend this as a good starter fantasy/romantasy for readers trying to get into the genre.
Definitely will be reading the next book in the series as it does leave on a cliff hanger that has me thinking about what will play out next.
Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was a breath of fresh air to read. It was nice to read something that wasn't all anxiety and nail biting. Insteasd, it was a romantic story that blended many topics - love, longing, loss, grief, rekindled flames. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a sweet, love story with beautiful writing.
Christina Lauren duo did a great job in expressing the feelings of these characters in different parts during their journey of love. It is told in Macy's POV in the present, while also hopping back in the past to give more depth into Macy and Elliot's story. The bonus chapters came in Elliot's POV and I love the symbolism and descriptions of the characters feelings.
This book would be perfect for anyone in a reading slump that is looking to feel inspired.
Christina Lauren duo did a great job in expressing the feelings of these characters in different parts during their journey of love. It is told in Macy's POV in the present, while also hopping back in the past to give more depth into Macy and Elliot's story. The bonus chapters came in Elliot's POV and I love the symbolism and descriptions of the characters feelings.
This book would be perfect for anyone in a reading slump that is looking to feel inspired.
The Young of Other Animals by Chris Cander
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I went back and forth how to rate this one.
At first, the story is interesting and pulls you in. But then, there is a chunk of the story that is slow and did not grab my attention at all. I did consider making this my first DNF. But then, it got exciting again.. until back to slow and repetitive.
It seemed Cander had a lot to say in regards to things such as women assault victims, how women are viewed by men in power, as well as finding and appreciating your inner strength.
Solid story overall that had it's moments. They just weren't enough to fully captivate me during the reading experience.
At first, the story is interesting and pulls you in. But then, there is a chunk of the story that is slow and did not grab my attention at all. I did consider making this my first DNF. But then, it got exciting again.. until back to slow and repetitive.
It seemed Cander had a lot to say in regards to things such as women assault victims, how women are viewed by men in power, as well as finding and appreciating your inner strength.
Solid story overall that had it's moments. They just weren't enough to fully captivate me during the reading experience.
Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I ended up really enjoying the last handful of chapters in this book. It had twists, lots of "gasp" moments, and left me ready to get to the finale in this trilogy.
However, there were parts that I felt this book took some time to find its footing. The first half of the book seemed to drag. It was only until I got to about 55% through did it seem it was dragged out because it was shaping the direction for the last part of the story (and potentially the foundation for the final part).
I do think the "romance" aspect (I put it in quotes because it is really all over the place) had me slightly frustrated because it feels like many of the strong male characters get wrapped up in this debauchery. I don't have a probem with fantasy that has light or minimal romance, it's just that this story seems to go back and forth with its importance in the series.
Overall though, the amazing world building and introduction (as well as strengthing) of characters is what is keeping me coming back. Curious to see how this is all wrapped up.
However, there were parts that I felt this book took some time to find its footing. The first half of the book seemed to drag. It was only until I got to about 55% through did it seem it was dragged out because it was shaping the direction for the last part of the story (and potentially the foundation for the final part).
I do think the "romance" aspect (I put it in quotes because it is really all over the place) had me slightly frustrated because it feels like many of the strong male characters get wrapped up in this debauchery. I don't have a probem with fantasy that has light or minimal romance, it's just that this story seems to go back and forth with its importance in the series.
Overall though, the amazing world building and introduction (as well as strengthing) of characters is what is keeping me coming back. Curious to see how this is all wrapped up.
Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
What a wild ride! This book was wild, romantic, and hilarious all in one!
I wasn't sure what to expect, but I definitely didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did. An interesting story of "serial killers who kill... serial killers!", this book was full of fun banter and witty humor. I found myself laughing out loud several times while reading. While there is some pining to the max on one character's end, it doesn't drag things out painstakingly dull and keeps thinks exciting. The spice was 👍🏻
I had been reading more dark and serious type of books recently, so this was a refreshing read. Also could have contributed to the 4 stars.
I'm excited to see how Rowan and Sloane fit into the next book as well as go more in depth with the other characters as well.
I wasn't sure what to expect, but I definitely didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did. An interesting story of "serial killers who kill... serial killers!", this book was full of fun banter and witty humor. I found myself laughing out loud several times while reading. While there is some pining to the max on one character's end, it doesn't drag things out painstakingly dull and keeps thinks exciting. The spice was 👍🏻
I had been reading more dark and serious type of books recently, so this was a refreshing read. Also could have contributed to the 4 stars.
I'm excited to see how Rowan and Sloane fit into the next book as well as go more in depth with the other characters as well.
Every Other Weekend by Abigail Johnson
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I came into this story without much knowledge of the plot. I heard good things about the book, so jumped in mostly blind.
I thought this was strictly a YA romance novel. It is so much more than that.
The story centers around Jolene and Adam; both finding themselves involved in issues developed within their families. However, they both are vastly different. While one family is cracked due to grief, the other is unrepairable and full of spite. As the story progresses, we get to see both characters grow not only their feelings and their definition of love, but grow as young teens while dealing with some complicated emotions.
I come from a divorced family, so I may be biased in how much I enjoyed the story. However, I thought it did a good job of bringing the emotions of the characters to the reader.
Trigger warning - there are mentions of toxic relationships, eating disorders, alcoholism, as well as sexual assault.
I thought this was strictly a YA romance novel. It is so much more than that.
The story centers around Jolene and Adam; both finding themselves involved in issues developed within their families. However, they both are vastly different. While one family is cracked due to grief, the other is unrepairable and full of spite. As the story progresses, we get to see both characters grow not only their feelings and their definition of love, but grow as young teens while dealing with some complicated emotions.
I come from a divorced family, so I may be biased in how much I enjoyed the story. However, I thought it did a good job of bringing the emotions of the characters to the reader.
Trigger warning - there are mentions of toxic relationships, eating disorders, alcoholism, as well as sexual assault.
A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I sped right through this immedately after I finished acowar.
Such a lighthearted read after everything that went on in the previous entry of the series. Definitely can see it is setting the stage for the next book as we see the new trials being set up for our main cast of characters. I think this definitely added new layers to ths characters and had time to flesh out some mode emotional complexities.
Kind of feels like a random gap in the series to be listed strongly on it's own, but I get the intention of this forecasting the next part in the series.
Overall enjoyed this and the funny banter, romance, and emotional scenes it portrayed.
Such a lighthearted read after everything that went on in the previous entry of the series. Definitely can see it is setting the stage for the next book as we see the new trials being set up for our main cast of characters. I think this definitely added new layers to ths characters and had time to flesh out some mode emotional complexities.
Kind of feels like a random gap in the series to be listed strongly on it's own, but I get the intention of this forecasting the next part in the series.
Overall enjoyed this and the funny banter, romance, and emotional scenes it portrayed.