obscurepages's reviews
374 reviews

(You can also find this review on my blog!)

I first discovered this book back in June and I craved for it immediately. Witches, magic, royalty, fantasy, a beautiful cover, and an intriguing synopsis—it has everything that catches my eye in a book. Now that I’ve finally read it, I can now conclude that it’s one of my favorite reads this year!

The writing
I love the writing style of the author. There were moments that were easy to follow, and light and funny; but there were also parts where it was gripping and emotional and dark. It was a page-turner, not only because the story line was really interesting, but because the characters themselves were intriguing as well. I truly applaud the author for this.

The characters
I adore the main character of this book, Zera. She was fierce, witty, and sassy. I loved every sassy remark and witty comeback she said. She makes sure that no one steps on her or her friends. Despite this, I can also see that she was also lonely and scared—haunted by the blood on her hands, her longing for a normal human life, and the uncontrollable hunger within her.

I loved Prince Lucien as well. He’s your typical cold and brooding prince, but he has a heart of gold and a mind different from his father’s. His love for his sister is truly a great influence on his personality.

Malachite and Fione were really good as well. Malachite is a loyal soldier and friend, not to mention really funny. While Fione is a strong complex character driven by two things—her love for Varia and her disdain towards her uncle.

Above all, I loved the chemistry between these characters. I loved Zera and Lucien, Lucien and Malachite, Zera and Malachite, Zera and Fione. They work really well together, and I would love to see more of them in the future.

The plot
The plot was also very interesting. The idea of a Heartless was so interesting for me. How they were made, how they function, and of course, them dealing with the hunger inside. At first, I thought the hunger was just this figurative term. But the more I read the book, the more I advance through the story, the more I realize that the hunger seems like a whole new different and malevolent person living inside a Heartless. And I truly found this bit fascinating.

There were moments though when the plot was a bit predictable, but I still loved it nonetheless. I believe the story line progressed smoothly, and that cliffhanger at the end is just too good. I can’t wait for book two!

The world-building
Oh my God. The world-building! It is amazing! I absolutely loved the world that the author created for this story. It was complex, it was dark, it has this rich and haunting history, and I want every bit of it. I loved the bits and pieces in the story and in the dialogue, where they talk about their world and mention details about it. It absolutely helped me, as a reader, to visualize and get a feel of the world the characters are in.

(This review has also been posted on my blog.)

When I first heard about this book, I was already very interested. However, that did NOT prepare me for all the emotions that I went through when I finally read it.

Eliza and Her Monsters was an amazing read, (one that I finished in a record time of four hours) and I definitely enjoyed reading it more than I thought I would. It’s now one of my favorite reads this 2018.

The writing
The writing was so, so good! It was fun, it was easy, and it was so damn relatable. The writing in this book is actually my favorite thing because it was truly relatable, entertaining, and creative.

I found it creative because it was as if there were two stories in the book—Eliza’s life and Eliza’s comic book story. I loved it because the author blended these two stories together in such a manner that leads the reader on to this amazing journey.

I also found it truly relatable because for me, the author captured the emotions and thoughts of an introvert so well. I related to Eliza so damn much with every thought, every feeling, every fear, every doubt. Every emotion just punches me in the heart.

The characters
I loved the characters, of course.

As I mentioned, I related to Eliza so well in the whole story. She was an introvert, and Monstrous Sea, it was her escape—it was a part of her that she wanted to share with the world without actually being the center of people’s attention. I also loved how Eliza’s flaws were also shown, especially when it comes to her family, and she admitted these herself. I would have loved to see a full character development regarding these flaws, but it was still good nonetheless.

I liked Wallace as well. He was gentle and sweet, and such a geek just like Eliza. I was just a bit disappointed and annoyed at him near the end of the book, but of course I’m not telling why.

I also loved the interaction between Eliza and her online friends, and I adored how their friendship wasn’t devalued just because a screen separates them.

The plot
I loved the plot because as simple as it sounded, it actually was very complex as I read through the story. Apart from Eliza’s growing friendship with Wallace, there were also subplots about connecting and understanding your family, friendships both online and not, dealing with mental health, the struggle of artists and writers and their creations, everything. It’s actually kind of amazing for me how the author managed to tackle all of these in just about 400 pages.

I also loved the climax (no matter how heartbreaking it was), because I saw Eliza overcome a terrifying conflict (I really don’t want to go into detail about this because I might spoil you!). It was so good that I spent like the last 20% of the book crying while reading.

Anyway, that was such a good read. Definitely one of my faves this 2018 AAAHHHH FIVE STARS!

WOW WOW WOW. I've read this years ago, but I think rereading it now is even better.

The Sorcerer's Stone is a fun read—filled with just the right amount of comical dialogue, philosophical quotes, adventure, and magic!

The minute I start reading, I couldn't stop. The characters were so interesting! I loved seeing Harry's sass. I loved Ron and all his energy. I loved seeing Hermione fuss over homeworks and exams. I also loved how I got to see the development of their friendships! The writing, of course, was brilliant. I kept getting giddy and teary-eyed whenever I come across quote that I love. Although, I did find it a bit lacking when it comes to the author's descriptions of the situations. I would have liked more of it. The plot was brilliant, too, of course. The author truly has a way of inserting little details that actually has more significance than what the reader would have thought. I applaud her so much for that. It definitely makes the whole book—the whole story—exciting!

What a great start to my 2019! 4.5 stars for book one!

Review has been posted on my blog!

Why is Rowling so good with plots?!??! AAAAHHHHHH

This book was so, so good! The way J.K. Rowling weaves the plot is amazing. She leaves seemingly insignificant details (not just for the readers but for the characters as well) all throughout the story. And then as the climax builds up, you'll find that all those details are actually important and you'll be astounded just how all of it makes sense.

Also, Hagrid is so precious!!! Let that be known please.

Absolutely amazing! The plot thickens and we are really starting to see the bigger picture here. We start to see more of the connection between Harry and Voldemort, what he plans to do, what Dumbledore means to do, the ministry, everything. This book was also emotionally exhausting. It was a whirlwind of plot twists, teenage angst, and emotional stress.

I loved the characters as well, and they definitely made the story more exciting.
Ginny seems more mature and confident and fierce.
One of my favorites, Luna Lovegood, was introduced. It was annoying to see Hermione antagonize Luna in the earlier parts of the story, but I really can't blame her. Hermione relies on facts and information, while Luna is fond of the mysterious and the unknown. I definitely want to see more friendly interaction between the two in the future.
I also loved Fred and George here, of course! They're my favorites! I loved how their departure somehow united the students, professors, and Peeves on giving Umbridge hell. It was too funny, too brilliant!
Also, 15-year-old James and Sirius were jerks.

THIS WAS A MASTERPIECE. A heartbreaking, masterfully-written MASTERPIECE.

I loved this book because we learned so much about Voldemort's past. We delved into his history and tried to understand his ways, his logic, his being. I applaud J.K. Rowling for really taking the time to go through everything and letting us know (and the characters) about this very important part.

The characters were great. I'm really starting to love Ginny and Slughorn is a nice addition to the story. (Well, he actually is a very important part of the story if we think about it.) We see Malfoy's struggle and his second thoughts, his fear, it was all so heartbreaking. Fleur and Bill were also funny (I love them), plus Tonks and Remus (AAAAAAHHHHH) The writing was also great! I loved how all of the details came together in the end. We see Harry as he think about Voldemort and what he needs to do, what he needs to accomplish. I also love how relationships were starting to develop here in this book. It was nice getting to read that because we see these characters growing and changing.

Also, can I just say...

ALBUS PERCIVAL WULFRIC BRIAN DUMBLEDORE

I don't even have words for this book. Just a puddle of tears, and emotions. Maybe more tears.

This was so, so good! Goblet of Fire really was turning point of the series. The first three was fun and adventurous. But Goblet of Fire, though it was still fun and adventurous, was filled with (evil) plot, and drama, and traumatic events. This is where it gets real, this is where everything changes. I loved it.

Also, a few more thoughts: Cedric is an amazing character and he served better, Hermione really is the brightest witch of her age, Fred and George are too precious, and tHOSE DRAGONS AAAAHHHHHHH

(Review also posted on my blog.)

4.5 STARS | I have been rereading Harry Potter ever since the 1st of January, but a few days ago, I decided to a break before I started on Order of the Phoenix. And so, I got my hands on a Kindle edition of Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating!

I loved Christina Lauren's Autoboyography, and it's no surprise that I loved this book as well. It was hilarious, it was wholesome, it was cheesy, it was romantic, it was steamy, it was everything! This is exactly what I needed.

The writing
I absolutely adore Christina Lauren's writing. They have this writing style that just hooks you. It gets you invested with the characters and their lives, it makes you want more, it makes you feel things. It even made me feel like I was in love, and I'm not! That for me is just really amazing.

Just like in Autoboyography, I loved the frequent use of metaphors in this book. It managed to enhance the impact of a scene or the thoughts of a character to the reader. It also made it very relatable and enjoyable as I delved deeper into the characters and the story.

This is also my first Adult book from Christina Lauren, and I'm actually very impressed. It was steamy in the right parts, hilarious from the first page to the last, and so wholesome and relatable. 

The characters
I loved the characters, of course! Hazel was quirky, outgoing, and different and the authors wrote her really well. Her character wasn't the type of character that tries too hard to say "Hey, I'm different!", and I really loved that. I also adored how open Hazel is when it comes to her sexual endeavors. She doesn't shy away from it, and she even called out Josh when he gave her a small look when she told him how many guys she has been with. She's confident about herself without ever being too prideful and too much. At the same time, she also knows that she has flaws and these flaws are the root of her insecurities. 

I also loved Josh. I can definitely see the "blueprint-perfect" description that Hazel uses for him. He was also described as mellow (compared to Hazel) but he definitely wasn't boring. He was understanding, and mature, and outspoken. He wasn't afraid to convey his feelings and emotions (none of that toxic masculinity) and I really loved that about him.

The plot
The plot was good, and for the most parts I was really enjoying it. It had the right angst, the pining, the funny and quirky scenes, plus the hot and steamy ones. Everything was going good! However, that one plot twist near the end got me dumbfounded, and the ending was just too picture-perfect for me. So, although I liked the story, I wish the ending went down differently. I felt like it was just too easy and safe for me. (Or maybe I just got so used to epic plot twists from reading too much YA fantasy.)

4.5 stars for this lovely book! I definitely enjoyed reading this. I kept laughing the whole time, and I really recommend this to those who are having a book slump, those who wants an awesome, funny read, or those who want to try an Adult book.

Got a DRC of this book from Edelweiss! I saw the synopsis and I was really intrigued.

Reading this was frustrating for me. Don't get me wrong, I found the synopsis very interesting, and the story, despite being easy to predict, was also entertaining at the very least. What frustrated me is the execution of the story. The plot was all over the place and the writing style didn't communicate with me as a reader in any way. The characters were not gripping, they didn't pull the story forward for me. There were also scenes where the characters did things that are unrealistic and confusing, and I feel like the protagonist and the love interest didn't have any chemistry. I also think this book should come with certain trigger warnings for the readers.

In conclusion, I truly think the idea of this book had great potential. Unfortunately, the execution was lacking.