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cyrille6k's reviews
641 reviews
A Kiss in Time by Alex Flinn
3.0
While A Kiss in Time is a modern retelling of Sleeping Beauty, it fails to capture the magic and charm of the original tale.The world-building is inconsistent, the characters are unlikable, and the plot is contrived.
Flinn's previous work, Beastly, demonstrated her ability to seamlessly blend classic fairy tale elements with a contemporary setting. Unfortunately, A Kiss in Time falls short in this regard. The story's inconsistencies and lack of believability detract from the overall enjoyment.
The characters are particularly disappointing. Talia is a spoiled and unlikable protagonist, while Jack is shallow and self-centered. The supporting characters are equally one-dimensional, lacking depth and nuance.
The forced and contrived ending feels rushed and unsatisfying. It's clear that Flinn put less effort into this novel compared to her previous work. While I'm a fan of Flinn's writing, I'm disappointed with A Kiss in Time and would caution readers to approach it with caution.
Beastly by Alex Flinn
4.0
Beastly is a captivating retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast tale, set in a modern-day context. Kyle Kingsbury, a spoiled and arrogant young man, is transformed into a beast as punishment for his cruelty.
The novel explores themes of redemption, self-discovery, and the true meaning of beauty. Kyle's journey of transformation is both relatable and inspiring, as he learns to appreciate the value of inner qualities over superficial appearances.
The supporting characters, including the blind tutor and housekeeper, provide valuable guidance and friendship. The novel's exploration of societal beauty standards and the power of true love is thought-provoking and relevant.
While the story may occasionally veer into cheesiness, the overall message is powerful and uplifting. Beastly is a heartwarming and enjoyable read that will resonate with readers of all ages.
Cloaked by Alex Flinn
4.0
Cloaked is a delightful and whimsical fairy tale retelling that offers a refreshing take on a classic genre. While it may not be groundbreaking in terms of plot or character development, it's a charming and entertaining read that's perfect for those looking for a lighthearted escape.
The protagonist, Johnny, is a lovable and relatable character with a unique perspective on the world. His self-deprecating humor and innocent nature add a touch of charm to the story. The author's ability to incorporate familiar fairy tale elements in unexpected ways is both clever and entertaining.
If you're looking for a fun and lighthearted read that doesn't require deep analysis or complex plotlines, Cloaked is a perfect choice. Just relax, enjoy the ride, and let yourself be swept away by the magic of this charming fairy tale retelling.
We Are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies by Matthew Tysz
3.0
While We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies initially promised a captivating adventure, the execution ultimately fell short. The lack of a clear plot and underdeveloped characters hindered my enjoyment of the story.
The novel's pacing is slow, and the inclusion of unnecessary elements, such as sexual jokes and themes, felt out of place and detracted from the overall narrative. The world-building and magic system were intriguing, but they were overshadowed by the weak plot and character development.
I found myself struggling to connect with the characters and understand their motivations. The inclusion of certain elements, such as the revelation about Eldus's son, felt forced and contrived.
While there were moments of intrigue, they were overshadowed by the overall weaknesses of the story. I would recommend this book to older readers due to its mature content. However, I caution readers who have experienced sexual trauma to proceed with caution due to the potentially triggering content.
Overall, We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies is a disappointing read that fails to live up to its potential. While there are glimpses of a good story, the execution is flawed, and the conclusion is unsatisfying.
The novel's pacing is slow, and the inclusion of unnecessary elements, such as sexual jokes and themes, felt out of place and detracted from the overall narrative. The world-building and magic system were intriguing, but they were overshadowed by the weak plot and character development.
I found myself struggling to connect with the characters and understand their motivations. The inclusion of certain elements, such as the revelation about Eldus's son, felt forced and contrived.
While there were moments of intrigue, they were overshadowed by the overall weaknesses of the story. I would recommend this book to older readers due to its mature content. However, I caution readers who have experienced sexual trauma to proceed with caution due to the potentially triggering content.
Overall, We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies is a disappointing read that fails to live up to its potential. While there are glimpses of a good story, the execution is flawed, and the conclusion is unsatisfying.
White Sand: Volume Three by Brandon Sanderson
3.0
White Sand Volume 3 delivers a thrilling conclusion to the trilogy, filled with political intrigue, personal battles, and unexpected revelations. Kenton's struggle to save the DM is intensified by the constant threat of assassination and the internal conflict of determining his own path as a sand master.
Khriss continues to be a valuable ally, offering her expertise and support while navigating her own challenges. The introduction of a potential traitor adds an extra layer of suspense and intrigue to the story.
The final volume offers several satisfying character arcs and unexpected plot twists. The revenge exacted by a certain drunkard is particularly memorable, showcasing the series' ability to deliver unexpected and impactful moments.
While the ending provides a sense of closure, it also leaves room for future stories within this rich and complex world.The characters' experiences and the lingering consequences of the events in White Sands offer ample opportunities for further exploration.
White Sand: Volume Two by Brandon Sanderson
3.0
While White Sand Volume 2 offers some improvements over its predecessor, it ultimately falls short of expectations. The story's pace is slow, and the lack of substantial conflict hinders the overall excitement. Despite the frequent mentions of sand mastery, the concept remains underdeveloped, leaving readers with many unanswered questions.
The characters' motivations and the overarching plot feel somewhat stagnant, lacking the urgency and tension found in other fantasy series. While there are moments of intrigue, they are overshadowed by the excessive exposition and lack of substantial action.
The characters' motivations and the overarching plot feel somewhat stagnant, lacking the urgency and tension found in other fantasy series. While there are moments of intrigue, they are overshadowed by the excessive exposition and lack of substantial action.
Dungeon Exploiters by Dustin Tigner
5.0
Dungeon Exploiters is a captivating blend of fantasy and dystopian fiction set in a virtual reality game world. The novel follows Entin, a young runner struggling to survive and support an orphanage, and his female crush, who is also navigating the challenges of the digital realm.
The story is told from a dual perspective, allowing readers to experience the game world through the eyes of both characters. Entin and his female crush are both trying to make ends meet, but their strategies differ. While Entin relies on his skills as a runner, she is motivated by a more personal goal: finding her missing parents.
Fans of litRPG and gamers alike will appreciate the detailed exploration of the game's mechanics and the way it mirrors real-world societal issues. Dungeon Exploiters is a thought-provoking and entertaining read that offers a fresh perspective on the potential consequences of our increasing reliance on technology.
The story is told from a dual perspective, allowing readers to experience the game world through the eyes of both characters. Entin and his female crush are both trying to make ends meet, but their strategies differ. While Entin relies on his skills as a runner, she is motivated by a more personal goal: finding her missing parents.
Fans of litRPG and gamers alike will appreciate the detailed exploration of the game's mechanics and the way it mirrors real-world societal issues. Dungeon Exploiters is a thought-provoking and entertaining read that offers a fresh perspective on the potential consequences of our increasing reliance on technology.
Ghost Reaper Girl, Vol. 1 by Akissa Saiké
5.0
Ghost Reaper Girl is a fun and engaging shonen manga that follows the adventures of Chloe, an aspiring F-level celebrity who finds herself entangled in the supernatural world. When ghosts escape from Hades and start wreaking havoc, Chloe's life takes an unexpected turn.
The manga features a strong and feisty female protagonist who forms friendships with two handsome men. With its blend of humor, action, and supernatural elements, Ghost Reaper Girl is sure to entertain readers of all ages. I'm eagerly anticipating the next volume.
The manga features a strong and feisty female protagonist who forms friendships with two handsome men. With its blend of humor, action, and supernatural elements, Ghost Reaper Girl is sure to entertain readers of all ages. I'm eagerly anticipating the next volume.
The Iron Vow by Julie Kagawa
4.0
While I enjoyed the conclusion of the Iron Fey series, I was initially hoping for a greater focus on Puck's story. The series shifted its attention back to Meghan and Ash, which was a bit disappointing given the promise of Puck's standalone adventure.
Despite this, I appreciate the overall arc of the Iron Fey series and the satisfying conclusion for Meghan and Ash.However, I would have liked to see more depth and development for Puck's character in this final installment.
White Sand: Volume One by Brandon Sanderson
4.0
Kenton, the protagonist, is an interesting character with a unique blend of skill and stubbornness. However, the lack of internal perspective and character development makes it difficult to connect with him on a deeper level. Khriss, while intriguing, remains somewhat mysterious at this stage.
The series' potential is evident, and I'm eager to see how Sanderson develops the story and characters in future installments. With a focus on character depth and a more cohesive narrative