cyrille6k's reviews
641 reviews

Liar's Beach by Katie Cotugno

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3.0

Liar's Beach presents a classic mystery set amidst the privileged elite of Martha's Vineyard. Linden, an outsider navigating the wealthy social scene, becomes entangled in a puzzling incident when a party guest is found unconscious in the pool. Teaming up with his childhood friend, Holiday, Linden embarks on an amateur investigation. 

While the plot is engaging, Linden's character lacks depth, often overshadowed by his preoccupation with fitting in. The novel explores themes of class and deception, but the resolution feels somewhat predictable. Despite these shortcomings,Liar's Beach offers a quick and enjoyable escape. 


Quicksilver by Callie Hart

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3.0

While I've enjoyed fantasy romance featuring explicit content in books like ACOTAR and FBAA, this novel's excessive focus on sexual themes felt gratuitous. The constant references to sexual acts from the outset were uncomfortable and detracted from the plot. The characters lacked depth, and their interactions often devolved into cringeworthy banter. 

The plot was further hindered by the introduction of numerous plot twists that felt forced and unexplained. The pacing was uneven, with some sections dragging while others felt rushed. Despite these shortcomings, the book managed to hold my interest due to its fast-paced nature. 

Ultimately, Quicksilver is a disappointing read that prioritizes explicit content over character development and plot coherence. 


Underworld Mate (Underworld Wolves Prequel) by Dakota Cockaday

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5.0

What a fun little pop about Lisa and Mickey. I loved it!
A Mating of Convenience by Dakota Cockaday

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5.0

Dakota Cockaday has a knack for crafting endearingly awkward intimate encounters. This latest novella is a delightful exploration of unexpected attraction. The author's signature blend of humor and heartfelt emotion shines through, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the full-length story.
The Iron Sword by Julie Kagawa

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4.0

While I enjoyed the reunion of the Iron Fey characters, I found the narrative lacking the spark it typically has. The story would have benefited significantly from Puck's perspective. Ash's character has already been explored in depth in previous books. 

The plot follows the familiar formula of characters embarking on a quest to save the world, battling formidable foes along the way. The series' rich world-building continues to impress, with each installment introducing new and terrifying creatures. However, the lack of Puck's witty commentary and unique viewpoint is noticeable. 

Overall, while the book is enjoyable, it feels like a missed opportunity to delve deeper into Puck's character and perspective. 


Shadow's Legacy by Julie Kagawa

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4.0

Shadow's Legacy is a serviceable addition to the Iron Fey series. It offers a glimpse into Keirran's struggles as he grapples with his past and forges a new path. The introduction of a new threat adds intrigue, though the overall plot feels somewhat familiar. While the book provides character development and world-building, it lacks the same level of excitement and depth as other installments. 

 

The Iron Raven by Julie Kagawa

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5.0

The Iron Raven is a wild, exhilarating ride that perfectly captures Puck's mischievous spirit. With his Deadpool-esque wit,he steals every scene. This book offers a fresh perspective on the Iron Fey world, delving into Puck's complex backstory and showcasing his evolution as a character. 

The plot is fast-paced and full of unexpected twists. The growing tension between Puck's transformation and his feelings for Nyx adds emotional depth. The reunion of the original Iron Fey trio is a fan's dream come true. 

While I would have loved to explore the world-building in more depth, the overall adventure is thrilling and addictive.The ending leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment. 


Legend Undone by Angie Day

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4.0

Legend Undone captured my interest with its intriguing cover and premise. However, the novel’s beginning was convoluted, with excessive explanations about the Legend concept hindering the narrative flow. Once Mara's character arc begins post-escape, the story picks up pace and becomes more engaging. 

While the plot draws inspiration from familiar YA tropes, the characters are surprisingly likable. The ending was unexpected and left me curious about the characters' future. 

I found the world-building surrounding the Legends underdeveloped and hope for a deeper exploration in potential sequels. Despite its flaws, the book is a quick, enjoyable read that leaves room for improvement. 


The Awakening by Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti

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4.0

The series is rife with problematic characters and behaviors, including sexual assault, bullying, and disregard for human life. The portrayal of teachers as complicit in these issues is particularly disturbing. Despite these significant flaws, the book is undeniably addictive. The plot is engaging, and the characters, while deeply flawed, are compelling. The author's skill in creating a complex and dramatic world is evident. However, the excessive use of problematic tropes and the underdeveloped nature of some characters detract from the overall experience. 

The love triangles and character dynamics are both entertaining and frustrating. While the story's conclusion is satisfying, the journey to get there is marred by questionable character choices and actions. 


A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske

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4.0

A Marvellous Light is a captivating blend of magic, mystery, and romance set in Edwardian England. The novel introduces Robin Blyth, a newly appointed civil servant, to a hidden world of spells and secrets. The well-developed characters and vivid world-building create an immersive reading experience. The slow-burn romance between Robin and Edwin is a highlight. While some pacing issues and underdeveloped secondary characters occasionally surfaced, they didn't detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the story. 

The author's skill in crafting a magical world is evident, and the plot unfolds with intriguing twists and turns. I look forward to exploring this world further in subsequent books.