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zaiphon's reviews
152 reviews
Icebreaker by Hannah Grace
emotional
funny
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
3.0
I don't really get the super negative reviews of this one. Is this the best romance novel ever with no flaws? No. But is it the most terrible thing I've read? Also no. I actually thought the plot was interesting enough. It was nice to see all these other pieces in motion outside of the romance and spicy scenes.
The romance itself was okay/cute. It definitely felt there could have been more tense conflict, internal struggle, and growth than there was. The spice scenes were okay but felt like they were there just to put them there. The emotional aspect of this romance was more fulfilling.
Some of the dialogue fell flat for me. Additionally, some of the characters relationship to Anastasia was kind of random and felt odd to be included multiple times in the plot (Henry...). I realize these characters appear in other books in this series but still..
Overall, thought it was alright and I would consider seeing how Wildfire is if I got the book and had some time to read.
The romance itself was okay/cute. It definitely felt there could have been more tense conflict, internal struggle, and growth than there was. The spice scenes were okay but felt like they were there just to put them there. The emotional aspect of this romance was more fulfilling.
Some of the dialogue fell flat for me. Additionally, some of the characters relationship to Anastasia was kind of random and felt odd to be included multiple times in the plot (Henry...). I realize these characters appear in other books in this series but still..
Overall, thought it was alright and I would consider seeing how Wildfire is if I got the book and had some time to read.
Leather & Lark by Brynne Weaver
dark
funny
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? Yes
5.0
Okay. Lachlan. That is all. ♡
Serious take:
I think I loved this more than the 1st. The tension, depth of characters, the romance, the smut, the craziness (now pizza and ice cream are on the taboo list 😂), and the way it comes together in the end. Weaver is just as humorous and witty as ever.
Can't wait for the 3rd with Fionn and Rose!
Serious take:
I think I loved this more than the 1st. The tension, depth of characters, the romance, the smut, the craziness (now pizza and ice cream are on the taboo list 😂), and the way it comes together in the end. Weaver is just as humorous and witty as ever.
Can't wait for the 3rd with Fionn and Rose!
Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
fast-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? No
3.5
This book, much like the 1st in this series, was such an easy read. It was a sweet, cute romance and the aspect of the history of the divines and the war kept the book a page turner.
However, it did feel underwhelming at times, but I am keeping in mind this is a YA story. I felt like I wanted more on the lore of the gods. The conflicts and struggles during the intense scenes were resolved pretty quickly.
However, the typerwiter/letter exchange plot point is what drew me in to the series in the first place and if anything, that is the one thing I loved the most. The romance was so sweet and pure that it had the capability to hold this series story up until the end.
However, it did feel underwhelming at times, but I am keeping in mind this is a YA story. I felt like I wanted more on the lore of the gods. The conflicts and struggles during the intense scenes were resolved pretty quickly.
However, the typerwiter/letter exchange plot point is what drew me in to the series in the first place and if anything, that is the one thing I loved the most. The romance was so sweet and pure that it had the capability to hold this series story up until the end.
The Nobleman's Guide to Scandal and Shipwrecks by Mackenzi Lee
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Gentlemans Guide and the characters/story was my comfort story these last few months and Noblemans Guide met all my expectations.
All the things that were loveable and I enjoyed from the other Montague siblings books were present in this.
Ingridients for a Montague siblings novel: Funny, action, love, mental health representation, and characters that aren't perfect but seem tangible and real.
Recommend this if you liked the 1st book in this series.
All the things that were loveable and I enjoyed from the other Montague siblings books were present in this.
Ingridients for a Montague siblings novel: Funny, action, love, mental health representation, and characters that aren't perfect but seem tangible and real.
Recommend this if you liked the 1st book in this series.
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
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? No
5.0
I ultimately chose 5 stars just because this book inspired questions, conversation, and research about topcs that are grossly overlooked in teachings. And, the fact it caused me to feel strongly and shed a few tears on more than one occassion.
I felt so much empathy for the many people who did truly live through the darkest of times. Through all that darkness, we see that hope, strength, and even love prevail.
Leaving little here because I feel like this is a story readers need to experience themselves and determine what they take away from it.
I felt so much empathy for the many people who did truly live through the darkest of times. Through all that darkness, we see that hope, strength, and even love prevail.
Leaving little here because I feel like this is a story readers need to experience themselves and determine what they take away from it.
You, Again by Kate Goldbeck
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This book played out like a rom com from each page. Fast pace, tense chemistry, and the type of frustration you get watching romance movies where you just want yell at the characters on screen. I liked the other sub plots throughout the story as well. NThere were a few scenes that I absolutely loved and were standouts for me. However, it felt like there was something missing from the story, but I can't quite put my finger on it.
I think that while there are obvious similiarities to "When Harry Met Sally", this would be more enjoyable if you don't compare every piece of it to the movie plot.
SPOILER***
I was kind of hoping the 1 yr later would have had more details and insight to their relationship and life. The sex shop engagement is so on point for them and I had a few laughs. But then it just ended there. Felt like watching a movie get to its peak but then a black screen comes up and thats it.
I think that while there are obvious similiarities to "When Harry Met Sally", this would be more enjoyable if you don't compare every piece of it to the movie plot.
SPOILER***
I was kind of hoping the 1 yr later would have had more details and insight to their relationship and life. The sex shop engagement is so on point for them and I had a few laughs. But then it just ended there. Felt like watching a movie get to its peak but then a black screen comes up and thats it.
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
This is literally anime in a book. Or for those that are not into anime, this is a fast paced but exciting story of a world that is slowly being ravaged by war among gods. The vibes I envisioned in my head was sort of steampunk. Oh, and add romance and you have a perfect concotion of a story.
I rate this 4 stars because each page intrigued me and kept me invested in the world and characters. However, I do wish we could have had more moments between Marisol, Attie, Roman, and Iris. Just as the intensity of the war and relationships grew, it ends on a massive cliff hanger. I had so many questions the last 50 pages that if I had read this and didn't have the sequel available, I would have been in agony. It just made me wish that it was longer and had more depth in between finding out Roman was Carver and initially navigating their romance. This story was such a fast paced, quick read that I just needed more.. but guess that is a good thing.
Now on to book 2!
adventurous
tense
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? No
4.0
This is literally anime in a book. Or for those that are not into anime, this is a fast paced but exciting story of a world that is slowly being ravaged by war among gods. The vibes I envisioned in my head was sort of steampunk. Oh, and add romance and you have a perfect concotion of a story.
I rate this 4 stars because each page intrigued me and kept me invested in the world and characters. However, I do wish we could have had more moments between Marisol, Attie, Roman, and Iris. Just as the intensity of the war and relationships grew, it ends on a massive cliff hanger. I had so many questions the last 50 pages that if I had read this and didn't have the sequel available, I would have been in agony. It just made me wish that it was longer and had more depth in between finding out Roman was Carver and initially navigating their romance. This story was such a fast paced, quick read that I just needed more.. but guess that is a good thing.
Now on to book 2!
My Roommate Is a Vampire by Jenna Levine
funny
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
3.5 ☆'s
Light spoilers ahead
For what this book was, it did fabulous in. This had me smiling and laughing all the way through. It was hilarious to see Frederick struggle with modern concepts and watch Buffy with Cassie.
In alignment with other reviews, the ending seemed almost rushed. The hurdle that came up definitely fit in what most cheesy rom coms would conjure up. However, it wasn't necessarily the use of Tik Tok as a solution to the problem that was "meh", but the way it was executed. This book could have been a bit longer and more detail into solving the hurdle and I think this would draw in and satisfy more readers.
With that being said, I loved the characters and the way they navigated modern Chicago. I am from the suburbs, so that also helped me envision the characters doing their thing in the places they mentioned.
I enjoyed the characters so much that I do want to read the sequel. If she chooses to expand and write more about Frederick and Cassie in the future, I would be interested. There is so much potential for a sweet, funny, and romantic world to be created that one day; I can predict this first book will be considered campy and fun.
Light spoilers ahead
For what this book was, it did fabulous in. This had me smiling and laughing all the way through. It was hilarious to see Frederick struggle with modern concepts and watch Buffy with Cassie.
In alignment with other reviews, the ending seemed almost rushed. The hurdle that came up definitely fit in what most cheesy rom coms would conjure up. However, it wasn't necessarily the use of Tik Tok as a solution to the problem that was "meh", but the way it was executed. This book could have been a bit longer and more detail into solving the hurdle and I think this would draw in and satisfy more readers.
With that being said, I loved the characters and the way they navigated modern Chicago. I am from the suburbs, so that also helped me envision the characters doing their thing in the places they mentioned.
I enjoyed the characters so much that I do want to read the sequel. If she chooses to expand and write more about Frederick and Cassie in the future, I would be interested. There is so much potential for a sweet, funny, and romantic world to be created that one day; I can predict this first book will be considered campy and fun.
I fell in love with hope by Lancali
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I would recommend only reading this book when you are in a headspace to immerse yourself in heavy topics and philosphical questions about life and death.
We follow Sam throughout this story and a main focus is trying to figure out what Sam is and where they came from. It is apparent to the reader that Sam seems almost other wordly. Sam is the center of a group of youths who all are suffering from ailments that are chronic/terminal. We see life through their perspectives while they struggle with health issues as well as issues that comes with just being human. During the present, the book goes back and forth between the past of Sam and the group, tying into the ongoing events and stories.
I will say that at times it could get confusing to follow that narrative. I feel it was mostly due to being confused on Sam/narrators backstory and identity. Because of this story's topics, there are a lot of deep discussions and realizations each character comes to. This may come off as "cheesy" or over the top and I will admit that I felt that way. However, some of this makes more sense once you get to the latter half of the story.
I feel I need to re-read this to fully grasp everything discussed. It wasn't a slow or long read but the heavy topics make it a lot to digest. Overall though, it got me thinking about the characters and shed a tear or two.
Justice for Neo and C 😭
We follow Sam throughout this story and a main focus is trying to figure out what Sam is and where they came from. It is apparent to the reader that Sam seems almost other wordly. Sam is the center of a group of youths who all are suffering from ailments that are chronic/terminal. We see life through their perspectives while they struggle with health issues as well as issues that comes with just being human. During the present, the book goes back and forth between the past of Sam and the group, tying into the ongoing events and stories.
I will say that at times it could get confusing to follow that narrative. I feel it was mostly due to being confused on Sam/narrators backstory and identity. Because of this story's topics, there are a lot of deep discussions and realizations each character comes to. This may come off as "cheesy" or over the top and I will admit that I felt that way. However, some of this makes more sense once you get to the latter half of the story.
I feel I need to re-read this to fully grasp everything discussed. It wasn't a slow or long read but the heavy topics make it a lot to digest. Overall though, it got me thinking about the characters and shed a tear or two.
Justice for Neo and C 😭
Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
My feelings about this one stay pretty consistent to the others in the trilogy.
I didn't feel invested fully until about 60% into the book. I then sped through it and all the twists come flying at you. It wasn't all necessarily good though because I felt that some of these moments fell flat after the build up. There were a lot of parts that were repetitive and droned on, which was a key reason I took so long to get through this one.
Overall though, there were some interesting scenes, decent action, and a good feeling of found purpose/family that I did enjoy.
This and the entire trilogy is a solid 3 ☆'s for me.
I didn't feel invested fully until about 60% into the book. I then sped through it and all the twists come flying at you. It wasn't all necessarily good though because I felt that some of these moments fell flat after the build up. There were a lot of parts that were repetitive and droned on, which was a key reason I took so long to get through this one.
Overall though, there were some interesting scenes, decent action, and a good feeling of found purpose/family that I did enjoy.
This and the entire trilogy is a solid 3 ☆'s for me.