obscurepages's reviews
374 reviews

This was an emotional one, I might have shed a few tears or so, especially at the end!

I admit, I struggled a bit in the first few chapters because I read Never Fade back in August last year. That was quite a long time ago, so it took a while before I could really connect to the story. Once I got past that though, it was so so good! The action, the plot twists, the fear, the determination, the hope. Everything was so good, and I loved this ending.

I loved witnessing Gabe's character development and Zu's journey without Liam, Ruby, and Chubs. Was a little slow at first, but this short story was emotional, and it's just so sad to read about the ending.

Just like The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue (which was one of my fave reads last 2018), this was a delightful read!

The writing is awesome—it was light, it was hilarious, but still so relatable and emotional especially in terms of a woman's struggles.

I loved the characters! Especially the trio, Felicity, Johannah, and Sim. They were all different, yet so alike and so strong in their own ways. Which brings me to the lone thing that annoyed me in this book—Felicity and Johannah's early fights. I don't want to say too much without spoiling you guys, but let's just say they had a couple of disagreements because they're two different kinds of girls. One spends a lot of time with books, and one is invested with the social scene. It irked me because this is the kind of judgment that pits women against women. Thankfully, this was resolved between Felicity and Johannah (although I feel like it hasn't fully sunk in to Felicity yet, like, it will take more time before she really gets used to it). I also loved Felicity coming to terms with her sexuality. Although, she didn't actually say what her sexual orientation was (I doubt they already have a word for that back then), she explained it so simply and so clearly in the story. She is precious.
It's also so nice to Monty and Percy again AAAAAAHHHHHHH MY BABIES. They're really precious, and even though we don't get to see much of them, it was still so good.

The plot, of course, was really good! I already expected the unexpected (as much as I can hahaha!) because The Gentleman's Guide was really surprising and unexpected. This book is like that as well.

So that's it! 4 stars for this wonderful book! Loved finally getting to read Felicity's perspective, her story! I have so much love for the Montague siblings!

Also #protecttheseadragons !

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

The author gave me an ebook copy of this book via Booksprout in exchange for an honest review.

They Called Me Wyatt is intriguing, enjoyable, and offers a new and bold perspective to readers.

The writing
I mostly enjoyed the writing style of this book. It offered a new perspective for me, a perspective of a Jordanian woman struggling to fit into her world and a new world. Siwar’s memories of Jordan was really interesting, and I could sense the struggle and the need to be herself and follow her true passion.

The writing style also tries to point out several flaws and issues in the society—it tries to discuss things such as feminism and racism. I liked how the book tackled these things, but at times it didn’t feel convincing enough for me. I thought it wasn’t convincing enough because sometimes it feels out of the blue and out of character, so it didn’t affect me as as great as I thought it would.

The characters
Now, the characters. I’m a bit conflicted about the characters. Although I enjoyed reading about them, I didn’t connect with any of the characters very well. I feel like the characterizations are all over the place, and I just couldn’t get a good grasp of their personalities.

Siwar, our protagonist. I mostly liked her and her journey as a woman of color in a foreign land, and as someone who aspires to be an author. But her personality is a bit frustrating for me. I felt like she was dramatic most of the time and a bit selfish.

Wyatt, our other protagonist. Now, don’t get me wrong, I liked Wyatt, but I felt like something was missing and his characterization wasn’t as fleshed out as I hoped it would be.

The plot
The plot was truly interesting. The consciousness of a dead person stuck in a living and breathing baby until he grows up? That already is a mystery, and I was really curious about how Siwar is going to cope with that situation, and how Wyatt is going to be when he finally grows up.

As the story progresses, it also keeps you wondering and thinking about Wyatt’s next move, about Siwar’s memories, about the suspects and their true motives, and if Siwar will truly get the right justice. I must admit though, I was worried that it might take a cliche turn but that little twist at the end wrapped it up for me.

Three stars for this book!

WOW. Just wow! I knew I would love this book, I just didn't realize that I would love it so much! SO MUCH.
Angie Thomas was able to put up a story that tackles not just racism and police brutality (which is very timely), but also family, friendship, self-identify, love, unity in the community, and learning how to speak up and use our voices for good.

The book is already good as it talked about the obvious unfairness that is being given to black people and other minorities. And I believe the book also consists of little things that adds more beauty and impact to this wonderful story.
Family is an important aspect to this book. The Carter family's situation with Kenya and Seven is complicated, but that doesn't stop them from looking out for them and protecting them from possible harm. Throughout this book, I realize that these people really love each other through hell and back.
Friendship is also an aspect in this. And I loved how it conveys the message that we have to let go of people that are only bringing negativity to our lives.

"People make mistakes, and you have to decide if their mistakes are bigger than your love for them."

Self-identity is also prominent as Starr struggles to separate her true self from the the personality she has built for herself in her fancy prep school. And I love how Starr accepted the ugly truth that Kenya pointed out.

"I can't change where I come from or what I've been through, so why should I be ashamed of what makes me, me?"

Love is also a theme all throughout this book, and I love it! There was love in Starr's family, love in her friendship with Maya, love in her friendship with Khalil, and love with Chris, of course! Unity is also a theme as this book showed unity within the community and within families.

Another thing I also love from this book? The humor! I cried in a lot of parts of the book, yes, but there were moments when I was legit cracking up! The author knew just how to diffuse a suspenseful moment with good, wholesome humor.
Another thing? BIG MAV. I really, really loved his character in this book! He was funny, he was tough, but he was also wholesome and very protective of his family.
Nana was also a favorite of mine! She's a firecracker, that one.

"Tell me the truth, boy. Did you kill somebody? What, I better ask before y'all have me sleeping in the house with a murderer, waking up dead!"

I was also inspired by a line from this book:

"...that lady said our voices are weapons. I should use mine, right?"

We, the youth, have so much power in our hands. We scroll and look and post through various social medias not realizing that these can be used as weapons, and that we should learn how to use them and fight for what we believe in.

All in all, this was such a great book! Another five-star read from me.
I can't wait for the movie! I have a feeling it's going to be amazing!

(You can also find this review at my blog.)

This was really good! I had so much fun reading this. When Dimple Met Rishi had the right amount of romance, comedy, culture, and breaking societal norms among women and family. It was definitely balanced all throughout the story!

The characters were good. I loved the characterization of Dimple and Rishi in this story. We have Dimple, a coder, who’s desperate to break free from her parents’ hold and live her life free from dictations and judgments. I love how she was so fierce and brave about what she wants and what she is. She’s different and she knows that, and she wants people to realize her worth doesn’t revolve around beauty.

“Seriously? That’s what you think I should be relegating my brain space to? Looking nice? Like, if I don’t make the effort to look beautiful, my entire existence is nullified? Nothing else matters-not my intellect, not my personality or my accomplishments; my hopes and dreams mean nothing if I’m not wearing eyeliner?”

And then we have Rishi, a soon-to-be engineering student but is an artist by heart (no matter how many times he denies his talent). He was so sweet and thoughtful, and he always thinks of his parents first before anything else. I’m glad I got to see him evolve at the end of the story, that for once he finally thought about himself and what he really wanted to do.

“It was his damn fool heart. Ever optimistic, always looking for a sliver of sunshine in a sky clotted with thunderclouds.”

I love how I really got to know these characters as I read the book. I witnessed their individual inner battles, and their conflict as a couple and as members of their families (Dimple being urged by her mother to look for a husband, and Rishi being the dutiful son of his parents). At the end of the story, it’s safe to say that I came to love these two.

The plot was also very interesting. I was really curious on how the story would end. I was excited to see how the author would resolve the various conflicts in the story—the Insomnia Con, Dimple’s doubts about their relationship and Rishi’s inner struggle with what he wants and what he needs to do to be a good son. I also liked how Rishi and his brother’s relationship improved at the end of the story. It was a minuscule part of the story but I liked that it was acknowledged. I also loved how Dimple and her mother finally communicated with each other, and Dimple finally told her what she really felt.

I must admit though, I was a bit confused at first about Dimple’s actions towards the end of the book (I won’t get into it so much because I don’t want it to be a spoiler haha!). But as I read on, I understood her point and her reason.

I liked the writing style of the author in this book. It was light and it flows easily. Even though there were light, comedic moments and angsty, serious ones, the author still managed to make the storytelling so easy. I also applaud the author for bringing light to different issues in this book and tackling it through Dimple and Rishi’s journey.

All in all, this was a good book and I loved it! It was what I needed after a stressful month haha!

You can also find this review on my blog!

While I was reading the book, I suddenly realized how it’s sort of a mashup between Harry Potter and Twilight, and yet it’s still a different book altogether.

The writing
The writing was good enough for me. It was light and humorous, the kind that made me laugh at certain points of the story. But although I found it good, there were some parts of the writing that I didn’t like. I found the author’s use of parentheses excessive. I mean, I know they were the thoughts of the characters, but it was too much for me.

I also didn’t like how there were certain parts of the story that seemed like they weren’t important enough, and I really feel like they should have been!

The storytelling is also somehow fragmented. There were perspectives from the past, there were perspectives from the present. And then there were also perspectives from characters that seemed out of place, and that can be confusing.

The characters
I really liked the characters of this book, particularly the two main characters which is Simon and Baz. I loved the chemistry between them!

In Simon, I saw an insecure boy, not ready for all the responsibilities and expectations carelessly thrown at him when he was only a child. And in Baz, I saw a loyal and ruthless boy, conflicted by his feelings, and afraid of the destiny that awaits them.

I liked Penelope and her loyalty to Simon. She was fierce and intelligent and I wish she finished her studies at Watford! I didn’t like Agatha on the other hand. She really seemed unconcerned about Simon and I kept wondering how the hell did they end up together when there doesn’t seem to be any chemistry at all. Also, I have a feeling in my gut that she would like to be a Normal more than someone who has magic.

The Mage, I am conflicted about his character. I have so many questions about him and I didn’t get any answer at the end of the story. For example, what was his real agenda? Did he truly care about Simon or no? How can he do that to him? I’m disappointed that his character left so many unsolved questions for me.

The plot
The plot was also interesting! It’s one of the factors that kept me on turning the pages and looking for more. Unfortunately, I did not find more at the end of the book! Again there were so many unsolved mysteries that concerns the plot. I felt like there were subplots that weren’t fully explained and solved (I’m not going to specify them since I don’t want to spoil you all haha!) I am honestly hoping I find some answers in the sequel!

The world-building
I loved the world-building in this story. Somehow, it reminded me of Harry Potter because of the magic and the setting, but it has its own flair as well.

I found the World of Mages really intriguing. I loved how their spells rely on the language that they speak; that some spells were common phrases people say daily (and that is an indication that the spell will be effective).

I also found it interesting, how they treat their magic. Like how it can “run out” when family members keep marrying Normals for generations. And how feeling their magic run out when they’re in a dead spot causes them to severe reactions. For me it shows just how dependent they are in their magic.

Quotes from the book

“You have to pretend you get an endgame. You have to carry on like you will; otherwise, you can’t carry on at all.”

“You were the centre of my universe and everything else spun around you.”

“And sometimes holes want to get bigger, but Baz was wrong—sometimes they just want to be filled.”

“How long does it take for a star to collapse? How many trillions of years?”

“You were the sun, and I was crashing into you.”

So, this would have been 3.5 stars for me but I loved Simon and Baz and all the feels I experienced while I was reading this, so 4 stars! I do hope the sequel will be better though.

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

Children of Blood and Bone is consuming, enthralling, intense, and heartbreaking all at once.

The writing
Wow. That's what I can say about the writing style of the author. Tomi Adeyemi weaves a story full of pain, hope, despair and magic. Every chapter and every page makes me crave for more. At the same time, it also made me afraid of what's to come.

From the very first chapter until the end, it was intense and action-packed. Her writing style really managed to keep me at the edge of my seat! And honestly, if I didn't have any work, I would have devoured this book in just a couple days as I really enjoyed it!  

I also love how the author did not abuse the use of detailed description and metaphors. The narration was just enough to make me visualize the different locations, feel the character's emotions, and go along the situations. And the metaphorical expressions throughout the book was just enough to make it poetic and poignant.

The characters
I loved the characters as well! The multiple first person point of views allowed me to peer into the characters' personalities—their emotions and thoughts—as the story went on. 

I felt Zélie's pain, her drive, her hope, and despair. Reading the story through her perspective filled me with a lot of emotions. With every chapter I read in her perspective, it's almost as if her emotions become a tangible thing that affects me to the core. She might have been sidetracked by something in the middle of the story, but at the end she found her purpose once again. 

I felt Amari's hopelessness and guilt, and her willpower to correct all the wrongs her father made. I loved that despite what she went through under the care of her father's hands, she was not tainted by the same hate and evilness that surrounds him, or the doubts and naivety that surrounds her brother. She is truly a pure soul in this book. (and I hope it stays that way for the rest of the series omg).

I felt Inan's doubts, hate, and fear. His character was the most frustrating out of them, for me.  I understood his fear of himself and the hatred in the early parts of the book, but even when the truth about his father's evil deeds was already glaring at him, he stills wants to erase magic in Orïsha. He remains a good soldier eager to please his father, and that was really infuriating for me. 

The plot
The plot of this book was amazing and really intense from start to finish. Just when I thought one problem was solved, another one comes and then plot twists sprout from one chapter to another, it was heart-stopping! 

The plot kind of reminded me of Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch (aka one of my favorite books out there and an underrated series!) as well. Especially at the middle an near the end part, when Zélie is conflicted and having second thoughts about returning the power for all maji in Orïsha.

The attraction between Zélie and Inan was something I did not like to be honest. It felt rushed and confusing. (Also, I am not overly fond with the insta-love trope, so you can see why this irks me.)

The plot has also left me with some interesting questions. I hope I get the answer to them in the sequel. I'm really excited to continue this story! 

The world-building
The world-building is probably my favorite thing in this book! It was amazing! The world-building of this story just reminded why Fantasy is my favorite genre of all. It was consuming and intriguing, and truly beautiful.

I loved the parts where they would talk about the mythology and the magic embedded in Orïsha, and after I finished the book, I honestly want to know more about it! I was actually expecting some sort of glossary at the end of the book, because their world was really intricate and beautiful. I want to find out more about those ten maji clans; their gods, their powers, everything. And because of it, I immediately took the the official quiz and found out that I am a Connector! Adeyemi is truly a genius for creating this incredible world. 

(I do hope we get a glossary in the future haha!)

Quotes from the book

“I won’t let your ignorance silence my pain.”

“When your opponent has no honor, you must fight in different ways, smarter ways.”

“Your people, your guards – they’re nothing more than killers, rapists, and thieves. The only difference between them and criminals is the uniforms they wear.”

“As long as we don’t have magic, they will never treat us with respect. They need to know we can hit them back. If they burn our homes, we burn theirs, too.”

“As it fades, I see the truth – in plain sight, yet hidden all along. We are all children of blood and bone. All instruments of vengeance and virtue. This truth holds me close, rocking me like a child in a mother’s arms. It binds me in its love as death swallows me in its grasp.”