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zaiphon's reviews
101 reviews
Leather & Lark by Brynne Weaver
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Okay. Lachlan. That is all. ♡
Serious take:
I think I loved this more than the 1st. The tension, depth of characters, the romance, the smut, the craziness (now pizza and ice cream are on the taboo list 😂), and the way it comes together in the end. Weaver is just as humorous and witty as ever.
Can't wait for the 3rd with Fionn and Rose!
Serious take:
I think I loved this more than the 1st. The tension, depth of characters, the romance, the smut, the craziness (now pizza and ice cream are on the taboo list 😂), and the way it comes together in the end. Weaver is just as humorous and witty as ever.
Can't wait for the 3rd with Fionn and Rose!
Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
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
3.5
This book, much like the 1st in this series, was such an easy read. It was a sweet, cute romance and the aspect of the history of the divines and the war kept the book a page turner.
However, it did feel underwhelming at times, but I am keeping in mind this is a YA story. I felt like I wanted more on the lore of the gods. The conflicts and struggles during the intense scenes were resolved pretty quickly.
However, the typerwiter/letter exchange plot point is what drew me in to the series in the first place and if anything, that is the one thing I loved the most. The romance was so sweet and pure that it had the capability to hold this series story up until the end.
However, it did feel underwhelming at times, but I am keeping in mind this is a YA story. I felt like I wanted more on the lore of the gods. The conflicts and struggles during the intense scenes were resolved pretty quickly.
However, the typerwiter/letter exchange plot point is what drew me in to the series in the first place and if anything, that is the one thing I loved the most. The romance was so sweet and pure that it had the capability to hold this series story up until the end.
The Nobleman's Guide to Scandal and Shipwrecks by Mackenzi Lee
adventurous
emotional
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
5.0
Gentlemans Guide and the characters/story was my comfort story these last few months and Noblemans Guide met all my expectations.
All the things that were loveable and I enjoyed from the other Montague siblings books were present in this.
Ingridients for a Montague siblings novel: Funny, action, love, mental health representation, and characters that aren't perfect but seem tangible and real.
Recommend this if you liked the 1st book in this series.
All the things that were loveable and I enjoyed from the other Montague siblings books were present in this.
Ingridients for a Montague siblings novel: Funny, action, love, mental health representation, and characters that aren't perfect but seem tangible and real.
Recommend this if you liked the 1st book in this series.
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I ultimately chose 5 stars just because this book inspired questions, conversation, and research about topcs that are grossly overlooked in teachings. And, the fact it caused me to feel strongly and shed a few tears on more than one occassion.
I felt so much empathy for the many people who did truly live through the darkest of times. Through all that darkness, we see that hope, strength, and even love prevail.
Leaving little here because I feel like this is a story readers need to experience themselves and determine what they take away from it.
I felt so much empathy for the many people who did truly live through the darkest of times. Through all that darkness, we see that hope, strength, and even love prevail.
Leaving little here because I feel like this is a story readers need to experience themselves and determine what they take away from it.
You, Again by Kate Goldbeck
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This book played out like a rom com from each page. Fast pace, tense chemistry, and the type of frustration you get watching romance movies where you just want yell at the characters on screen. I liked the other sub plots throughout the story as well. NThere were a few scenes that I absolutely loved and were standouts for me. However, it felt like there was something missing from the story, but I can't quite put my finger on it.
I think that while there are obvious similiarities to "When Harry Met Sally", this would be more enjoyable if you don't compare every piece of it to the movie plot.
SPOILER***
I was kind of hoping the 1 yr later would have had more details and insight to their relationship and life. The sex shop engagement is so on point for them and I had a few laughs. But then it just ended there. Felt like watching a movie get to its peak but then a black screen comes up and thats it.
I think that while there are obvious similiarities to "When Harry Met Sally", this would be more enjoyable if you don't compare every piece of it to the movie plot.
SPOILER***
I was kind of hoping the 1 yr later would have had more details and insight to their relationship and life. The sex shop engagement is so on point for them and I had a few laughs. But then it just ended there. Felt like watching a movie get to its peak but then a black screen comes up and thats it.
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
This is literally anime in a book. Or for those that are not into anime, this is a fast paced but exciting story of a world that is slowly being ravaged by war among gods. The vibes I envisioned in my head was sort of steampunk. Oh, and add romance and you have a perfect concotion of a story.
I rate this 4 stars because each page intrigued me and kept me invested in the world and characters. However, I do wish we could have had more moments between Marisol, Attie, Roman, and Iris. Just as the intensity of the war and relationships grew, it ends on a massive cliff hanger. I had so many questions the last 50 pages that if I had read this and didn't have the sequel available, I would have been in agony. It just made me wish that it was longer and had more depth in between finding out Roman was Carver and initially navigating their romance. This story was such a fast paced, quick read that I just needed more.. but guess that is a good thing.
Now on to book 2!
adventurous
tense
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? No
4.0
This is literally anime in a book. Or for those that are not into anime, this is a fast paced but exciting story of a world that is slowly being ravaged by war among gods. The vibes I envisioned in my head was sort of steampunk. Oh, and add romance and you have a perfect concotion of a story.
I rate this 4 stars because each page intrigued me and kept me invested in the world and characters. However, I do wish we could have had more moments between Marisol, Attie, Roman, and Iris. Just as the intensity of the war and relationships grew, it ends on a massive cliff hanger. I had so many questions the last 50 pages that if I had read this and didn't have the sequel available, I would have been in agony. It just made me wish that it was longer and had more depth in between finding out Roman was Carver and initially navigating their romance. This story was such a fast paced, quick read that I just needed more.. but guess that is a good thing.
Now on to book 2!
My Roommate Is a Vampire by Jenna Levine
funny
relaxing
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
3.5 ☆'s
Light spoilers ahead
For what this book was, it did fabulous in. This had me smiling and laughing all the way through. It was hilarious to see Frederick struggle with modern concepts and watch Buffy with Cassie.
In alignment with other reviews, the ending seemed almost rushed. The hurdle that came up definitely fit in what most cheesy rom coms would conjure up. However, it wasn't necessarily the use of Tik Tok as a solution to the problem that was "meh", but the way it was executed. This book could have been a bit longer and more detail into solving the hurdle and I think this would draw in and satisfy more readers.
With that being said, I loved the characters and the way they navigated modern Chicago. I am from the suburbs, so that also helped me envision the characters doing their thing in the places they mentioned.
I enjoyed the characters so much that I do want to read the sequel. If she chooses to expand and write more about Frederick and Cassie in the future, I would be interested. There is so much potential for a sweet, funny, and romantic world to be created that one day; I can predict this first book will be considered campy and fun.
Light spoilers ahead
For what this book was, it did fabulous in. This had me smiling and laughing all the way through. It was hilarious to see Frederick struggle with modern concepts and watch Buffy with Cassie.
In alignment with other reviews, the ending seemed almost rushed. The hurdle that came up definitely fit in what most cheesy rom coms would conjure up. However, it wasn't necessarily the use of Tik Tok as a solution to the problem that was "meh", but the way it was executed. This book could have been a bit longer and more detail into solving the hurdle and I think this would draw in and satisfy more readers.
With that being said, I loved the characters and the way they navigated modern Chicago. I am from the suburbs, so that also helped me envision the characters doing their thing in the places they mentioned.
I enjoyed the characters so much that I do want to read the sequel. If she chooses to expand and write more about Frederick and Cassie in the future, I would be interested. There is so much potential for a sweet, funny, and romantic world to be created that one day; I can predict this first book will be considered campy and fun.
I fell in love with hope by Lancali
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I would recommend only reading this book when you are in a headspace to immerse yourself in heavy topics and philosphical questions about life and death.
We follow Sam throughout this story and a main focus is trying to figure out what Sam is and where they came from. It is apparent to the reader that Sam seems almost other wordly. Sam is the center of a group of youths who all are suffering from ailments that are chronic/terminal. We see life through their perspectives while they struggle with health issues as well as issues that comes with just being human. During the present, the book goes back and forth between the past of Sam and the group, tying into the ongoing events and stories.
I will say that at times it could get confusing to follow that narrative. I feel it was mostly due to being confused on Sam/narrators backstory and identity. Because of this story's topics, there are a lot of deep discussions and realizations each character comes to. This may come off as "cheesy" or over the top and I will admit that I felt that way. However, some of this makes more sense once you get to the latter half of the story.
I feel I need to re-read this to fully grasp everything discussed. It wasn't a slow or long read but the heavy topics make it a lot to digest. Overall though, it got me thinking about the characters and shed a tear or two.
Justice for Neo and C 😭
We follow Sam throughout this story and a main focus is trying to figure out what Sam is and where they came from. It is apparent to the reader that Sam seems almost other wordly. Sam is the center of a group of youths who all are suffering from ailments that are chronic/terminal. We see life through their perspectives while they struggle with health issues as well as issues that comes with just being human. During the present, the book goes back and forth between the past of Sam and the group, tying into the ongoing events and stories.
I will say that at times it could get confusing to follow that narrative. I feel it was mostly due to being confused on Sam/narrators backstory and identity. Because of this story's topics, there are a lot of deep discussions and realizations each character comes to. This may come off as "cheesy" or over the top and I will admit that I felt that way. However, some of this makes more sense once you get to the latter half of the story.
I feel I need to re-read this to fully grasp everything discussed. It wasn't a slow or long read but the heavy topics make it a lot to digest. Overall though, it got me thinking about the characters and shed a tear or two.
Justice for Neo and C 😭
Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
My feelings about this one stay pretty consistent to the others in the trilogy.
I didn't feel invested fully until about 60% into the book. I then sped through it and all the twists come flying at you. It wasn't all necessarily good though because I felt that some of these moments fell flat after the build up. There were a lot of parts that were repetitive and droned on, which was a key reason I took so long to get through this one.
Overall though, there were some interesting scenes, decent action, and a good feeling of found purpose/family that I did enjoy.
This and the entire trilogy is a solid 3 ☆'s for me.
I didn't feel invested fully until about 60% into the book. I then sped through it and all the twists come flying at you. It wasn't all necessarily good though because I felt that some of these moments fell flat after the build up. There were a lot of parts that were repetitive and droned on, which was a key reason I took so long to get through this one.
Overall though, there were some interesting scenes, decent action, and a good feeling of found purpose/family that I did enjoy.
This and the entire trilogy is a solid 3 ☆'s for me.
Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Haven't read a sweet/romancy book in a while and I chose it half becauae of the cover and half because it had been on my TBR for some time.
I love myself a good YA romance, but I would be lying if I said that a lot of them at times feel all blended together. However, Painter incorporating rom coms and all the aspirations of love and heartbreak made this one stand out. I could feel the understanding and longing Liz has regarding this part in her life. With the additional hurdles of navigating loss and growing up, this book was an enjoyable experience.
It was a fast read, but I never felt bored or underwhelmed by each scene set. Painter did such a great job getting you to seamlessly fall into the story (like all great rom coms) that I never had to worry about that happening. Overall , this book was everything I love about a good YA novel - it allows me to feel and stay connected to all the powerful feelings a human feels and gives me a moment to shutdown the demands of adulthood...and remember to love strongly.
I love myself a good YA romance, but I would be lying if I said that a lot of them at times feel all blended together. However, Painter incorporating rom coms and all the aspirations of love and heartbreak made this one stand out. I could feel the understanding and longing Liz has regarding this part in her life. With the additional hurdles of navigating loss and growing up, this book was an enjoyable experience.
It was a fast read, but I never felt bored or underwhelmed by each scene set. Painter did such a great job getting you to seamlessly fall into the story (like all great rom coms) that I never had to worry about that happening. Overall , this book was everything I love about a good YA novel - it allows me to feel and stay connected to all the powerful feelings a human feels and gives me a moment to shutdown the demands of adulthood...and remember to love strongly.