I was entranced from the beginning of this book. Politics, schemes, magic, brutality, and beauty all wrapped into one. I cannot wait to continue with I was entranced from the beginning of this book. Politics, schemes, magic, brutality, and beauty all wrapped into one. I cannot wait to continue with the series.
I’ll be doing a full review and discussion on my channel....more
TW: child abuse; self harm; death of animals; VERY graphic violence; gore; graphic torture; graphic deaths particularly of women and children; rape; sTW: child abuse; self harm; death of animals; VERY graphic violence; gore; graphic torture; graphic deaths particularly of women and children; rape; self-sterilization; opium use
(Note that this is not throughout the book; the torture and graphic death are mostly present in 2 chapters)
This is a adult grimdark fantasy inspired by the historical events of the second Sino-Japanese war. It weaves the fantastical elements of magic and gods with the grim realities of war. I adored our characters and how their history impacts their motivations. Rin is one of my new favorite characters.
I’m looking forward to the rest of this series!...more
TW: loss of loved ones; suicide; drug and alcohol abuse; sexual assault
This is a winding, atmospheric, character study of a woman who sold her soul tTW: loss of loved ones; suicide; drug and alcohol abuse; sexual assault
This is a winding, atmospheric, character study of a woman who sold her soul to an old god to live as long as she wants but be remembered by no one. It’s a quiet story of a life led only in the present, with all the suffering that would entail but also broken up by beautiful moments. It’s a story of relationships, and all their complicated parts.
I haven’t traditionally been a fan of Schwab’s work, but she hit the mark for me with this one. This is a softer story than she usually does, and I appreciate it. I’d also love to see this adapted, and I say that about few stories. ...more
I thought I was going to enjoy this book but did not expect how head over heels I would fall in love with it. ThisTW: death of a parent, cancer, cults
I thought I was going to enjoy this book but did not expect how head over heels I would fall in love with it. This features so many tropes I love wrapped into one: rivals to lovers who knew each other in college so it has the flavor of second chance romance. Not only was the romance and banter top notch, the book also managed to cover grief, loneliness, and female best friendship masterfully. While being peak romance, the story also managed to feel grounded and no obstacle felt thrown in just for the sake of drama. I cried at least 3 times not necessarily because it was sad, but because I truly felt so seen by so many lines. I plan to get a physical copy of this book, because I will absolutely be rereading it in the future....more
This may be a book I bump up to 5 stars depending on how it sits in my feelings. Y'all know I am a sucker for second chance romance, and this4.5 stars
This may be a book I bump up to 5 stars depending on how it sits in my feelings. Y'all know I am a sucker for second chance romance, and this is a story between a young married couple on the verge of divorce. The husband, Gavin, is brought into the "Bromance Book Club", where a group of men all read romance novels in order to unpack their own toxic masculinity, be vulnerable, explore their feelings, and reconnect with their partners. IT IS A DELIGHT! We get both Gavin and Thea's perspective in all this and what allows it to work is neither person is an asshole; just flawed from past experiences. When they come together and open up more, it's magic. This was an excellent depiction of two people trying to work it out, and I was pulling for them. The only thing that grated on me slightly was Thea's sister, who also has her own baggage but was being way over the top about them not getting back together, and also that this couple reads like they are in their early 30s instead of mid-20s. But other than that, I adored it. Also, Gavin has a stutter which is shown in dialogue throughout the story and Thea is supportive and it's great to read. I plan on continuing with the books in this series, even though I know the next one involves Thea's sister. Maybe it can make me pull for her......more
4.5 stars although I may bump it up to 5. I’m just annoyed with it right now.
This book was 5 stars for the first 75%. Banter. So much banter. So much4.5 stars although I may bump it up to 5. I’m just annoyed with it right now.
This book was 5 stars for the first 75%. Banter. So much banter. So much hate to love. Perfection in every way and I had no complaints. It even had the best written sex scene I have ever read and I’m someone who typically cringes at sex scenes, especially how they are written.
The major conflict near the end of the book was what tripped it up a bit for me. The main characters personality changed a bit and some things, imo, were blown way out of proportion. So that soured the experience a bit.
I still adored this and it will likely be a favorite of the year. I already plan to reread it and I rarely reread. This made me think of Ren Faires as a romance setting when I’d previously thought of them as anything but. I’m very much looking forward to more in this series.
I will also be gushing about this on my channel I promise - so more in depth thoughts there. ...more
This is possibly a perfect book for me. A perfect finale, certainly. I wrote down so many quotes and I rarely care for quotes. This was the perfect cuThis is possibly a perfect book for me. A perfect finale, certainly. I wrote down so many quotes and I rarely care for quotes. This was the perfect culmination of so many threads and how finales should be done. Loss, learning, triumph, joy, tragedy... all in one book. Such a fulfilling conclusion. One of my favorite books of the year.
I will of course be gushing about it in a review on my channel. ...more
I loved this first installment. Royce and Hadrian’s friendship is the classic thief bond I so enjoy. They are such a great balance for each 4.25 stars
I loved this first installment. Royce and Hadrian’s friendship is the classic thief bond I so enjoy. They are such a great balance for each other. Neutral good with chaotic neutral? We love to see it. Plus we add in the classic themes of sword and sorcery, elves, dwarves, magical beasts, and a conniving Church.. honestly what’s not to love?
I gave The Crown Conspiracy 4 stars and Avempartha 4.5 stars. ...more
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