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pikachu_in_glasses's reviews
43 reviews
Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
All the makings were there, but this book fell short for me. The course the plot took made complete sense but the execution lacked. Stakes were not strung tight enough. Climaxes and resolutions were too quick and glossed over. The two main characters family members were “told” and not “shown” and thus had no emotional impact on the reader. Enva had little depth and was a mere plot device to push things along.
However, the other side characters were developed and dimensional. While no strong character development happened, Ross made you care deeply about Roman and Iris’s found family. Every character had a reason that made you cheer for them in the war.
The sequel focused much more on the war and political dynamics than romance this time - which is fine. But it almost felt Ross only gave 50% to each theme and tone. Thus, neither reached their full potential. I wish the war politics had been more of a focus and used to creat tension and the romance less. It would have suited the plot more.
Overall a solid finish. Fans of the first book will not be disappointed, just perhaps underwhelmed.
However, the other side characters were developed and dimensional. While no strong character development happened, Ross made you care deeply about Roman and Iris’s found family. Every character had a reason that made you cheer for them in the war.
The sequel focused much more on the war and political dynamics than romance this time - which is fine. But it almost felt Ross only gave 50% to each theme and tone. Thus, neither reached their full potential. I wish the war politics had been more of a focus and used to creat tension and the romance less. It would have suited the plot more.
Overall a solid finish. Fans of the first book will not be disappointed, just perhaps underwhelmed.
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
An outstanding YA fantasy romance. The perfect balance of world building, character archs, and witty poetic dialogue. It keeps a fast pace and has depth fitting for the age demographic (13-17). It hits on themes and topics with quick and clear prose that makes the point without beating it home. The tension between the two main characters builds beautifully as their two relationships parallel through the book.
If you keep in mind that this book is YA, you will enjoy it. If you expect the depth, world building, or dynamics of an adult book, you will be disappointed.
A unique concept that will entertain and thrill any YA book lover.
If you keep in mind that this book is YA, you will enjoy it. If you expect the depth, world building, or dynamics of an adult book, you will be disappointed.
A unique concept that will entertain and thrill any YA book lover.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A true five star in prose prowess and entertainment value. Schwab writes complex, grey characters that make you savor every chapter and analyze like your back in school - except you want to! Her prose is almost like poetry with careful diction and melodic sentence patterns. This book harkens back to classic literature that prides itself on quality writing, dynamic characters, and thought provoking concepts that leave the reader pondering long after putting the book down.
Be warned, the beginning is slow. A purposeful choice so the reader feels the strain of mundanity like Addie. The only critique is one single line towards the end that contradicts a previous one. Two contradictory lines that speak to one of the main themes. Otherwise, a truly perfect piece of literature.
Be warned, the beginning is slow. A purposeful choice so the reader feels the strain of mundanity like Addie. The only critique is one single line towards the end that contradicts a previous one. Two contradictory lines that speak to one of the main themes. Otherwise, a truly perfect piece of literature.
The Curse of Saints by Kate Dramis
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A good debut novel from this author. The multiple POVs were a bit scattered and confusing at times. The pacing in the final act was choppy and felt rushed. Some aspects felt incomplete, but a gripping plot with dynamic characters who continually struggle. A unique fantasy world filled with intriguing relationships. I look forward to the next book!
A Curse for True Love by Stephanie Garber
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Entertaining as heck! Successfully turned the pervious villain into a grey hero. A solid conclusion to the trilogy.
Reasons it didn’t get 5 stars:
-All of the side characters were only half realized and had no conclusion to their stories. One is just blatantly never brought up ever again. May be resolved in future books?
-Some of the phrasing and themes were repetitive and said far too often. Yes, it is YA, but the repetition every other chapter made them loose meaning and weight.
Reasons it didn’t get 5 stars:
-All of the side characters were only half realized and had no conclusion to their stories. One is just blatantly never brought up ever again. May be resolved in future books?
-Some of the phrasing and themes were repetitive and said far too often. Yes, it is YA, but the repetition every other chapter made them loose meaning and weight.
The Ballad of Never After by Stephanie Garber
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Open door rom com that does exactly what it sets out to do - take you on a fun, cozy Christmas journey. The reason it did not get 5 stars is because one of the side characters has flaws/makes choices that are written as endearing and thus, are quickly forgiven by the FMC. They are flaws I personally feel like should have been addressed differently for that relationship resolution to feel earned. Otherwise, a wonderful book for the holidays. You’ll laugh and blush the entire time.
Foxglove by Adalyn Grace
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Better than the first in the series. The main characters are more dynamic and the plot stronger. A few points lacked some depth and there are few loose ends, but hopefully they’ll be resolved in the next installment.