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zaiphon's reviews
101 reviews
Reckless by Lauren Roberts
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I started Reckless with the hopes and expectation of it being exactly like Powerless. Once I stopped with those expectations, (and once I got through the first quarter of the book) I began to truly enjoy Reckless.
What drew me into Powerless was the characters, the ease of reading, the mix of loved YA fantasy tropes/settings, and importantly the banter and detail Roberts puts into her writing. Reckless does include the latter, however, the foundation of book 2 is a completely different setting than Powerless. What I found in this story was true to the title name, a reckless journey of two lovers who need to work through their pasts to accept the ability to love and be loved.
We got banter, Kai being - well being Kai, anxiouness knowing a twist was coming, and a cliffhanger that accomplished the task of cliffhangers (was not expecting that at all). I have to wait until 2025 to find out what is next and so I can sit on this and theorize relentlessly ðŸ˜
Reckless gave time to truly shape where this story could be heading and truly fed us plenty more of Kai and Paedyn. Personally, I enjoyed the topics tackled and I think as a reader we were supposed to get frustrated seeing these characters battle internalized feelings and trauma. It gave a hurdle for me to read through and settle my thoughts about the characters.
I am going to go crazy until book 3 - can't wait to see how all the characters and unanswered questions go from here.
What drew me into Powerless was the characters, the ease of reading, the mix of loved YA fantasy tropes/settings, and importantly the banter and detail Roberts puts into her writing. Reckless does include the latter, however, the foundation of book 2 is a completely different setting than Powerless. What I found in this story was true to the title name, a reckless journey of two lovers who need to work through their pasts to accept the ability to love and be loved.
We got banter, Kai being - well being Kai, anxiouness knowing a twist was coming, and a cliffhanger that accomplished the task of cliffhangers (was not expecting that at all). I have to wait until 2025 to find out what is next and so I can sit on this and theorize relentlessly ðŸ˜
Reckless gave time to truly shape where this story could be heading and truly fed us plenty more of Kai and Paedyn. Personally, I enjoyed the topics tackled and I think as a reader we were supposed to get frustrated seeing these characters battle internalized feelings and trauma. It gave a hurdle for me to read through and settle my thoughts about the characters.
I am going to go crazy until book 3 - can't wait to see how all the characters and unanswered questions go from here.
Disorderly Men by Edward Cahill
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
"..still liked the idea of a worldwide general strike and had plans to give it more thought. But he was beginning to see that the real revolution would have to take place in apartments and detached houses everywhere, most of which were in need of serious reform"
Taking place in New York City (pre stonewall), we follow the interwoven stories of 3 gay men who all happened to be in the same bar that was raided by police. Each character faces the same challenges but in different aspects. The writing was beautiful and very though provoking. Seeing things through the different perspectives prompted me to really sit and think about the history, bigotry, and the deeply embedded roots of hate and what led to their further watering.
I would definitely recommend this and feel this is better experienced rather than me attempting to type out all the little details and thoughts I had after reading.
Taking place in New York City (pre stonewall), we follow the interwoven stories of 3 gay men who all happened to be in the same bar that was raided by police. Each character faces the same challenges but in different aspects. The writing was beautiful and very though provoking. Seeing things through the different perspectives prompted me to really sit and think about the history, bigotry, and the deeply embedded roots of hate and what led to their further watering.
I would definitely recommend this and feel this is better experienced rather than me attempting to type out all the little details and thoughts I had after reading.
Powerful by Lauren Roberts
emotional
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
"See you in the sky"
I decided to wait and read this right before I was ready to begin Reckless. I think I made the right choice - because this short novella brought all the feels.
Dual POV between Adena (Paedyn's sweet and and energetic best friend) and a new character, Makoto (relation to a trial participant). The story gives us a little more perspective and insight on Adena and I am glad we did. With that being said, this does focus mostly on the pair's blossoming romance. At first, I felt it was rushed into with little to no context. However, as I got farther along, I ended up caring about and rooting fod these two. With knowing Adena's fate from powerless and all the little pieces I picked up in Powerful (bits of Adena and Makoto's past, their little quirks etc), it really added on to the emotions by the time I got to the end. It made me 10x more excited for Reckless and when we can hopefully see Makoto again.
While I wish the first part could have built us some more details on the characters foundation, the story still flowed perfectly for what it was. I highly recommend for all to read this (especially before book 2).
I decided to wait and read this right before I was ready to begin Reckless. I think I made the right choice - because this short novella brought all the feels.
Dual POV between Adena (Paedyn's sweet and and energetic best friend) and a new character, Makoto (relation to a trial participant). The story gives us a little more perspective and insight on Adena and I am glad we did. With that being said, this does focus mostly on the pair's blossoming romance. At first, I felt it was rushed into with little to no context. However, as I got farther along, I ended up caring about and rooting fod these two. With knowing Adena's fate from powerless and all the little pieces I picked up in Powerful (bits of Adena and Makoto's past, their little quirks etc), it really added on to the emotions by the time I got to the end. It made me 10x more excited for Reckless and when we can hopefully see Makoto again.
While I wish the first part could have built us some more details on the characters foundation, the story still flowed perfectly for what it was. I highly recommend for all to read this (especially before book 2).
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I didn't know for sure how I would end up feeling about the book when I finished, and so I had to take some time after reading to think this one through.
Ultimately, I did enjoy the story. The story is mostly told through the eyes of the narrator, Adeline/Addie with slight dual POV amongst a character who is introduced after the story really gets going (Henry). Once Henry is introduced, the plot really picks up and I felt more invested in the characters as well as connecting the pieces.
The story offers up a lot of great topics to discuss such as time, love, humanity, desires, and the lengths a person would go to make a desire obtainable. However, I finished the book wanting a little bit more. It felt like I was just getting a taste of it once the story ended. I think this is one of those books to read with a group or maybe even do a re-read.
This my first Schwab book and it did encourage me to check out more of her titles.
Ultimately, I did enjoy the story. The story is mostly told through the eyes of the narrator, Adeline/Addie with slight dual POV amongst a character who is introduced after the story really gets going (Henry). Once Henry is introduced, the plot really picks up and I felt more invested in the characters as well as connecting the pieces.
The story offers up a lot of great topics to discuss such as time, love, humanity, desires, and the lengths a person would go to make a desire obtainable. However, I finished the book wanting a little bit more. It felt like I was just getting a taste of it once the story ended. I think this is one of those books to read with a group or maybe even do a re-read.
This my first Schwab book and it did encourage me to check out more of her titles.
The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Vampires. Trials. Action. Twists. Romance.
The perfect concotion to create a fast paced and addicting story that I absolutely ate right up.
Book 1 creates the world within the Crowns of Nyaxia series. With some traditional fantasy/vampire related elements included, there also was some uniqueness blended in that always kept me invested on each page. All of these things, to me, are what makes a great fantasy read.
Oraya, our narrative character, leads us on a journey of discovering secrets within the world of Obitraes and does so through her descriptive emotions and coming to terms with herself. I enjoyed the way I felt I could peer into her thoughts and feel the struggles she felt when making decisions (some that would turn the course of the entire story). If I feel a twist of conflict while reading, then I got to award Broadbent for doing so through the readers connection to the characters.
Romance was an element, but not overbearing. While it did serve a purpose to the story and some actions that happen in the latter half of the book, it wasn't the sole basis for moving the plot forward. There are so many moving pieces that are happening at the end - but it was a good thing. I felt satisfied with what Book 1 was offering and 1000% reading to binge to the next one.
I can see myself re-reading this and becoming obsessed with the series. Excited to dive into more!
The perfect concotion to create a fast paced and addicting story that I absolutely ate right up.
Book 1 creates the world within the Crowns of Nyaxia series. With some traditional fantasy/vampire related elements included, there also was some uniqueness blended in that always kept me invested on each page. All of these things, to me, are what makes a great fantasy read.
Oraya, our narrative character, leads us on a journey of discovering secrets within the world of Obitraes and does so through her descriptive emotions and coming to terms with herself. I enjoyed the way I felt I could peer into her thoughts and feel the struggles she felt when making decisions (some that would turn the course of the entire story). If I feel a twist of conflict while reading, then I got to award Broadbent for doing so through the readers connection to the characters.
Romance was an element, but not overbearing. While it did serve a purpose to the story and some actions that happen in the latter half of the book, it wasn't the sole basis for moving the plot forward. There are so many moving pieces that are happening at the end - but it was a good thing. I felt satisfied with what Book 1 was offering and 1000% reading to binge to the next one.
I can see myself re-reading this and becoming obsessed with the series. Excited to dive into more!
Holy Knit by Deborah Alexander
fast-paced
2.0
I see the concept and potential, but everything was too fast and had no depth. The spice wasn't even that spicy. It was really like a super short fanfiction that leaves you feeling "meh" after reading it.
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Most reviews here have accurately depicted the emotions of this novel already.
I highly recommend everyone adds this classic novel to their TBR if you haven't already. This was so beautifully written and the characters and the twists all worked so well together. I do think that the themes and what the characters represent are not meant to be easily digested. There is so much under the surface level. Definitely a story that is debatable based upon reader interpretations.
The novels narrator (Mrs de Winter 2.0) is perfect to guide us through each step of the way in this story, with its many depictions of love, womanhood, devotion, and strength.
And Manderley - there is not an easy way to describe how the house/estate is a character itself. Manderley morphs into many different versions to symbolize the change/growth from not only the narrator, but the other characters as well.
Regret not reading this sooner!
I highly recommend everyone adds this classic novel to their TBR if you haven't already. This was so beautifully written and the characters and the twists all worked so well together. I do think that the themes and what the characters represent are not meant to be easily digested. There is so much under the surface level. Definitely a story that is debatable based upon reader interpretations.
The novels narrator (Mrs de Winter 2.0) is perfect to guide us through each step of the way in this story, with its many depictions of love, womanhood, devotion, and strength.
And Manderley - there is not an easy way to describe how the house/estate is a character itself. Manderley morphs into many different versions to symbolize the change/growth from not only the narrator, but the other characters as well.
Regret not reading this sooner!
The Child Thief by Brom
Did not finish book. Stopped at 30%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 30%.
DNF at 30%
I never, ever do this. But, I could not get into this at all. Maybe I should try again, or simply, it was just not for me.
I found the dark aesthetic interesting and there were parts I enjoyed. But the dialogue. It was bland, not exciting. It was like I was reading a low YA/middle grade novel.
"Nick screamed. "Get away from me". Nick ran fast. "Leave me alone"
^not word for word but an example of how several entire chapters read to me as. I was expecting the narrative to strengthen the farther along I got, but it just didn't grab me.
Normally, I refuse to DNF a book no matter what. But it was kind of putting me in a slump forcing myself to move forward.
I never, ever do this. But, I could not get into this at all. Maybe I should try again, or simply, it was just not for me.
I found the dark aesthetic interesting and there were parts I enjoyed. But the dialogue. It was bland, not exciting. It was like I was reading a low YA/middle grade novel.
"Nick screamed. "Get away from me". Nick ran fast. "Leave me alone"
^not word for word but an example of how several entire chapters read to me as. I was expecting the narrative to strengthen the farther along I got, but it just didn't grab me.
Normally, I refuse to DNF a book no matter what. But it was kind of putting me in a slump forcing myself to move forward.
Bride by Ali Hazelwood
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Not sure what I was expecting with this one.
The first part for me was slow. I felt like I wasn't sure where this was going and who I was supposed to like. There were a lot of characters and things were built up, but only for quick resolutions. Maybe the fantasy girly in me was looking for more details and action. There were some chapters were something was happening, but the next chapter would pick up after that event happened. It all just felt jumbled together at times and a lot of plot twists that I feel would have hit harder if I felt invested in some of these characters more.
Overall though, I feel there is potential to expand on this world created. I enjoyed getting to know the characters. The epilogue and bonus chapter definitely ended in a place where either a sequel or interconnected standalone seems possible.
Didn't hate it but I was left feeling that I was hoping and antcipating for more.
The first part for me was slow. I felt like I wasn't sure where this was going and who I was supposed to like. There were a lot of characters and things were built up, but only for quick resolutions. Maybe the fantasy girly in me was looking for more details and action. There were some chapters were something was happening, but the next chapter would pick up after that event happened. It all just felt jumbled together at times and a lot of plot twists that I feel would have hit harder if I felt invested in some of these characters more.
Overall though, I feel there is potential to expand on this world created. I enjoyed getting to know the characters. The epilogue and bonus chapter definitely ended in a place where either a sequel or interconnected standalone seems possible.
Didn't hate it but I was left feeling that I was hoping and antcipating for more.
Icebreaker by Hannah Grace
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I don't really get the super negative reviews of this one. Is this the best romance novel ever with no flaws? No. But is it the most terrible thing I've read? Also no. I actually thought the plot was interesting enough. It was nice to see all these other pieces in motion outside of the romance and spicy scenes.
The romance itself was okay/cute. It definitely felt there could have been more tense conflict, internal struggle, and growth than there was. The spice scenes were okay but felt like they were there just to put them there. The emotional aspect of this romance was more fulfilling.
Some of the dialogue fell flat for me. Additionally, some of the characters relationship to Anastasia was kind of random and felt odd to be included multiple times in the plot (Henry...). I realize these characters appear in other books in this series but still..
Overall, thought it was alright and I would consider seeing how Wildfire is if I got the book and had some time to read.
The romance itself was okay/cute. It definitely felt there could have been more tense conflict, internal struggle, and growth than there was. The spice scenes were okay but felt like they were there just to put them there. The emotional aspect of this romance was more fulfilling.
Some of the dialogue fell flat for me. Additionally, some of the characters relationship to Anastasia was kind of random and felt odd to be included multiple times in the plot (Henry...). I realize these characters appear in other books in this series but still..
Overall, thought it was alright and I would consider seeing how Wildfire is if I got the book and had some time to read.