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bookgabz's reviews
539 reviews
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-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? No
4.5
They Never Learn by Layne Fargo
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-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
5.0
Pillow Thoughts II: Healing the Heart by Courtney Peppernell
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
3.75
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-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? No
5.0
The Fragile Threads of Power by V.E. Schwab
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
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
5.0
The Unbroken by C.L. Clark
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
slow-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
3.75
The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jackson
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-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
5.0
The Jasad Heir by Sara Hashem
adventurous
dark
emotional
slow-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
4.25
First, let me say Thank You to #OrbitBooks and #NetGalley for gifting me an ARC of #TheJasadHeir to read! Keep reading for a spoiler free review...
This book was fun, intense, clever, and captivating! I've read many a fantasy book about a dying kingdom with an hunted heir hiding in the shadows with her lost people. But what I loved about this book, and what I think sets it apart, is the Egyptian-inspired mythology behind the story. #SaraHashem does a wonderful job in her debut making a pretty standard fantasy formula stand out.
Our main character Sylvia makes a deal with Arin, the greatly feared Nizahl Heir, to compete in a tournament as his champion. In exchange, she'll earn her freedom, along with the freedom and safety of her two best friends Sefa and Marek. I'm a sucker for found families, and Sefa and Marek are some of the best I've read!
What ensues from that point forward is a series of sexual tension filled training sessions, long travel days/nights, and all around fascinating monsters and magics.
I cannot recommend this book enough for people who love enemies-to-lovers inspired stories that are unique and different from what is typically available in this genre!
My one cautionary aspect of this book: the white-presenting-male in a position of power (the Nizahl Heir, Arin) and Sylvia, who is a woman of color and Arin's prisoner, are the main love interest in this book. That being said, Sara Hashem is an American-Egyptian woman who chose to write this fantastical story is that way and I implicitly trust her writing choices!
This book was fun, intense, clever, and captivating! I've read many a fantasy book about a dying kingdom with an hunted heir hiding in the shadows with her lost people. But what I loved about this book, and what I think sets it apart, is the Egyptian-inspired mythology behind the story. #SaraHashem does a wonderful job in her debut making a pretty standard fantasy formula stand out.
Our main character Sylvia makes a deal with Arin, the greatly feared Nizahl Heir, to compete in a tournament as his champion. In exchange, she'll earn her freedom, along with the freedom and safety of her two best friends Sefa and Marek. I'm a sucker for found families, and Sefa and Marek are some of the best I've read!
What ensues from that point forward is a series of sexual tension filled training sessions, long travel days/nights, and all around fascinating monsters and magics.
I cannot recommend this book enough for people who love enemies-to-lovers inspired stories that are unique and different from what is typically available in this genre!
My one cautionary aspect of this book: the white-presenting-male in a position of power (the Nizahl Heir, Arin) and Sylvia, who is a woman of color and Arin's prisoner, are the main love interest in this book. That being said, Sara Hashem is an American-Egyptian woman who chose to write this fantastical story is that way and I implicitly trust her writing choices!
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
slow-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
4.25