I don’t know how I’ll be able to write any objective thoughts once I review this series bc it has been so immersive that I feel like I’m just along foI don’t know how I’ll be able to write any objective thoughts once I review this series bc it has been so immersive that I feel like I’m just along for the ride. So good. So unique. Also this sequel made me cry. Thanks Jemisin. ...more
I needed my heart broken and then pieced back together, and this book did just that. I’m so glad I randomly came across a Reddit comment recommending I needed my heart broken and then pieced back together, and this book did just that. I’m so glad I randomly came across a Reddit comment recommending this book because it was exactly what I was looking for at the time. Aly Martinez is now a potential new favorite romance author, especially for when I’m in need of a heart-wrenching friends-to-lovers romance. ...more
I personally find it difficult to enjoy books that don’t have a lot of drama thrown in, but Out on a Limb was just so pure and YOUR HONOR I LOVE THEM.
I personally find it difficult to enjoy books that don’t have a lot of drama thrown in, but Out on a Limb was just so pure and so wholesome, and I ate it up!
This story is definitely too perfect, to an extent. The MCs, who are both physically disabled, don’t go through a whirlwind of fights, didn’t have crazy exes, and didn’t have the world’s worst parents… But sometimes we just need a good, sweet pick-me up featuring lovable characters and a squeal-worthy romance, and this book was that. I saw it more as if it was life’s best case scenario. ...more
This dark, haunting, magical tale will leave you bewitched.
If you're interested in magical card decks, monsters living in people's minds, and that oneThis dark, haunting, magical tale will leave you bewitched.
If you're interested in magical card decks, monsters living in people's minds, and that one bloodbending episode from Avatar: the Last Airbender... then you're going to love this.
My expectations for this duology were pretty high going into it—I've been looking for more dark fantasies lately, and I've heard nothing but amazing things about these books. While One Dark Window didn't necessarily blow me away, Two Twisted Crowns completely shattered my expectations!
The Shepherd King duology tells the tale of a kingdom choked by dark magic and ruled by an oppressive monarchy, and a compelling cast of characters who just want to make things right.
The world-building is brilliant—the atmosphere was eerie, with a constant ominous feeling. I loved the lore behind the Providence Cards and the history of how magic came to be in this world. The explanations for the Cards did feel a bit info-dumpy at times in book one, but everything else is smooth-sailing once you get past that.
The story was actually high-stakes and thrilling. You're not necessarily wondering who the real heroes and villains are or anything, but you're always going to speculate on what their next moves will be. The twists were genuinely shocking and were well thought-out.
The grumpy-sad-sad-sunshine(?)-grumpy cast of characters will steal your heart.
Elspeth—sad1. Elspeth was a pretty decent character, though she felt more like a plot device rather than a main character. Everything she did was just to move the story along, or to help another character develop. She herself never felt like the main act.
Ravyn—grumpy1. I made fun of the name Ravyn and couldn't take him seriously for the entirety of the first book, then we got his POV in Two Twisted Crowns and I was basically in love. He had a lot of depth to him, was very thoughtful and mature, and was overall a menace (I'm saying this lovingly).
Elm—sad2. I would love a spinoff with just Elm's POV. I would marry this guy. He's sweet, funny, loyal, and has a heart of gold. He's not the most mature character out there, and he can make some stupid decisions, but he's just so pure that I was still all over him. It doesn't get more Golden Retriever Boy than this. ...more
“We live in a terrible time. An era when the truth is a crime. And there is nothing we can do about it—”
♡ A Crane Among Wolves is dark, gripping,
“We live in a terrible time. An era when the truth is a crime. And there is nothing we can do about it—”
♡ A Crane Among Wolves is dark, gripping, and heart-wrenching. The main story is based off true events from Korea's devastating history, and Jane Hur doesn't shy away from showing us the heinous deeds of King Yeonsan.
I often found myself reflecting on the story and its similarities to events from both of the cultures I associate with (Filipino and Chinese). I'm sure every nation has experienced (or is currently experiencing) ruthlessness, selfishness, and unjustness from people in power. This story highlights how these gruesome times should not be forgotten, and how there are crimes that should never be forgiven.
There's a lot of sub-plots woven into the story as well, including the planning of a secret coup, the mystery of a murderer, and the pining of two young characters. Fair warning: If you're looking for something fast-paced and action packed, this isn't for you. This book focuses a lot more on the bigger picture rather than the individual events that were going on.
♡ Iseul and Daehyun are likeable characters, and I was definitely on this journey with them, the whole way through. Neither were perfect by any means, but they both fit perfectly into this story.
Iseul. Iseul's character goes through a lot of character development. She starts off as a spoiled (but self-aware) girl who has no choice but to grow up and toughen up when she realizes how cruel the world can be… even to young girls like her.
Daehyun. He's very much the poster boy of a Historical K-drama — a tad stoic, very mysterious, and overall just the good guy. I would have loved to get to know him more (his chapters were half as short as Iseul's), but a liked his character well enough. He had this honesty to his character that I really appreciated.
Tomorrow, the kingdom could sink into the sea. Tomorrow, all the elders we trusted could betray us. Tomorrow, the fog might consume everything we loved. But I had him today. And he had me.
♡ Iseul and Daehyun together?This was enemies-to-lovers done well. I found their relationship to be slow and realistic. We got a few he's-touching-me-and-that's-making-my-stomach-tickle-but-idk-why scenes before we got the I'll-scarifice-my-life-to-keep-you-safe scenarios. I don't think you'd get attached to their romance at first (at least I didn't), but by the end, you'll feel your heart just bursting for these two. The angst and the yearning were so good.
“In dark times, every mother becomes your mother, every child your child, every sister your sister… and every stranger-in-need a friend.”
♡ Iseul and Daehyun also have a gorgeous found family in the side characters. The side characters were all well-written, and I definitely grew to love them. (Special shoutout to my favorite character, Wonsik!) They all had specific roles to play in the story, and I enjoyed watching our main characters grow bonds with them. Like with Daehyun, it would have been nice to have a liiitle bit more of a background for them, but overall, we have a pretty solid cast here.
“History moves its course, but it is the youth who point the current in its direction.”
♡ The writing style definitely leans a bit serious for this one. It's not the easiest read in the world (i.e., the writing is far from casual), but it adds to the ambiance. Trust me, if anything, you will feel like you're in 1500s Joseon. The writing also just makes the story deeper and more impactful.
♡ I'm going to leave this review with my favorite thing about the book: the ending is something I will think about and reread over and over again. (In fact, I've already reread it three times!) It's perfect. It's the best way to get off the emotional rollercoaster that is A Crane Among Wolves. No spoilers from me, though, so you'll just have to read it for yourselves.
TLDR: If you're interested in some fantastic storytelling about politics and power, featuring a team of unique characters (and an angst-y romance between the two MCs), please do yourselves a favor by picking this book up....more
Twelfth Night is the PERFECT read for anyone looking for something fun and charming but also... socially relevant. This book delt with so many topics Twelfth Night is the PERFECT read for anyone looking for something fun and charming but also... socially relevant. This book delt with so many topics like sexism, sexuality, social and familial responsibility, dealing with self-worth issues, etc., but incorporated everything so realistically into a light-hearted romcom.
I don't want to be considered beautiful without being seen as capable, too.
I'm both so similar and so different from the MC Viola Reyes that it's kind of comical to me. She's a self-proclaimed nerd (same) with very strong feminist views (also same)... but the difference is, she is so firm with her own self-worth that she is willing to put her friendships on the line so that she doesn't ever get stepped on as a woman, which is something I can only aspire to be.
I don't know how any girl can exist in the world without being perpetually furious.
I can understand people who would hate Viola. She's definitely a bitch who just assumes the worst of everyone. BUT! While I was reading from her perspective, I constantly found myself thinking, Yup, this is what being a woman is like. She basically voiced out everything I keep hidden in the depths of my brain.
Then we have our hero, Jack Orsino. He's charming, sweet, and has everything figured out... until he doesn't. He's definitely not the most memorable character, but he's likeable and does grow a lot in the book.
Twelfth Knight wins in the side character department, though, which is so rare for a contemporary romcom. We have Olivia, who is so charismatic and deep. She's a fantastic friend and a wonderful sister. There's also Bash (Viola's twin brother) who is lively and unexpectedly caring.
"I think we're lonely. Like, as a species." "So what does that mean?" "That we can like who we are and still like being alone and still want to feel connected."
We have so much character and relationship growth in this book from all angles -- we have characters who learn to look at life differently, and characters who we realize are truly the garbage of society; we have relationships that make it through complicated situations, and relationships that are formally broken for good reason. I really appreciated how this book showed both the good and bad in society.
There are only a few minor qualms I have that turned this book from a 5-star to a 4-star: - Jack felt more like a side character than a main character to me. Normally, I'd be more than fine about the heroine taking the spotlight, but this book was written in 2 POVs, so I would have liked to feel more connected to him. - I needed more romance! Like I said, there were so many things dealt with in this book that it felt like the romance did take the back seat sometimes. - One of the MCs (Viola) was... Filipino? This felt so random and unexplored. She didn't feel Filipino at all, so I didn't even realize this until she started calling her grandmother lola. I wish they'd either incorporated more culture into her character.
Overall, though, this was a fantastic read. Here's to all the feminist nerds of the world who need to be seen! ❤...more
"From your life came mine. I am but a verse inspired by your chorus, and I will follow you until the end, when the isle takes my bones and my name is
"From your life came mine. I am but a verse inspired by your chorus, and I will follow you until the end, when the isle takes my bones and my name is nothing more than a remembrance on a headstone, next to yours."
Miss ma'am Rebecca Ross mothered so hard with this one. ...more
A lot of my recent reads have been misses for me, and the things I hated in those books were the things I loved here.
Lara was a fantastic heroine, intA lot of my recent reads have been misses for me, and the things I hated in those books were the things I loved here.
Lara was a fantastic heroine, intelligent and fierce. But she was very human, too, and I really enjoyed seeing her vulnerability in this book. The other characters were great as well, with the hero being so sweet and loyal. I was on the edge of my seat wondering how the romance would pan out.
Not sure if this is a spoiler, since it's pretty much expected, but: (view spoiler)[Lara's siblings were great! I'm curious about them, and hope to see more of them in the future books -- I think the next two books are on Kerin's story, which is great. (hide spoiler)]
Action, politics, adventure -- this book has it all. I flew through this book because of how curious I was about how the story would play out... And it didn't disappoint. Every step made sense, and it was like I couldn't think of any alternatives for any of the plot points. Brilliant.
Bonus thoughts on the ending alone: that was crazy intense, but in the best way possible. I wish we had more! I miss Lara and Aren already. I can't wait to read the rest of the follow up stories once they're complete so I can binge!
I feel like you really need to read this with a very open mind. The characters aren't written as if they're realistic people -- these are true fictionI feel like you really need to read this with a very open mind. The characters aren't written as if they're realistic people -- these are true fictional characters, if you get what I mean.
I think this is why I enjoyed this one more than most -- others found the main character to be annoying or immature, but I treated this book as if it were a myth that I was told about as a child so that I wouldn't misbehave. This made me enjoy the story and the atmosphere, rather than look at all of the little things that might tick me off. And it was pretty magical.
I wish more authors told stories the way this author did -- that way I could just enjoy the reading experience, you know? Anyway, props to Elizabeth Lim -- definitely looking forward to more from her.
When I say I want to read a high fantasy book, this!! is!! what!! I!! mean!!
The world-building was so rich that I was hardly bothered by how juvenileWhen I say I want to read a high fantasy book, this!! is!! what!! I!! mean!!
The world-building was so rich that I was hardly bothered by how juvenile the heroine sounded for a good half of the book. But! I loved the storytelling so much that it was worth it in the end. Bonus points for having the sweetest male lead to ever exist, too.
If anything, though, read this book for the story! The twists were fucking insane.
It's been a long time since I cursed in a review, but I have to put it out there: Sadie fucked me up. It left me pretty hollow, but I guess that's what the author's trying to accomplish. Remember when Courtney Summers wrecked me with All the Rage? Well, she decided to come back for part two with Sadie.
"And it begins, as so many stories do, with a dead girl."
☎ Sadie is about, well, Sadie, who's looking for the man who killed her little sister. She grew up as Mattie's mother figure, so when Mattie's body was found dead, Sadie set off on a dangerous mission to bring justice down to the killer's door. This book was about Sadie's journey to seek closure for her sister's death, at whatever cost it took.
☎ There aren't a lot of characters in this book, which is okay. We get to focus on Sadie, who is a character with so much depth. She's always had to mature faster, since her mother wasn't the best mother out there. This made her incredibly strong, and her love for her little sister was off the charts. I had so much respect for her, and I don't know how I would've handled being in her situation--plus she also had a stutter, which made it hard for people to take her seriously.
That being said, it was so hard for me to really get into Sadie's head. I probably wasn't in the right mood when I read this, but I felt detached from her somehow. Or maybe it's because she herself felt detached from the world when she lost her sister. I can't really say, but this made it hard for me to really fall in love with her and her story.
☎ We don't just read from Sadie's perspective! Half of this book is told via a podcast, narrated by West McCray. It was incredibly interesting seeing an outsider's perspective on everything, and it made the story that much more real and modern. (If you love audiobooks, I do highly recommend listening to this book for a more 3D experience!)
☎ This book is so raw and totally relevant. Courtney Summers is basically the Queen of Heavy Themes Done Right. There's no sugarcoating in her books. (TW/CW) In Sadie, we dealt with pedophilia, child abuse, sexual assault, and murder--but we focused more on Sadie herself, and her struggle for justice. It was about fear, regret, and recklessness.
☎ The ending left me broken. I don't want to talk much about it to save you from spoilers, but let's just say that it really worked with the rest of the book.
It’s been so long since I read a book this fast! ELIZA AND HER MONSTERS was so addictive.
What you should expect: 🌻 Confusing heroine 🌻 LOVABLE AF main dIt’s been so long since I read a book this fast! ELIZA AND HER MONSTERS was so addictive.
What you should expect: 🌻 Confusing heroine 🌻 LOVABLE AF main dude 🌻 Adorable little brothers 🌻 Realistic parents 🌻 FANDOM LOVE!!! 🌻 Important issues tackled (anxiety & suicide) 🌻 AWESOMENESS
This might be one of the loveliest books I've ever read.
The main character's weak, shy, and perpetually lost, but I fucking love her. She's emotional,This might be one of the loveliest books I've ever read.
The main character's weak, shy, and perpetually lost, but I fucking love her. She's emotional, she's realistic, she's got a one-track mind. I could see myself in her at times. And Khalaf? Yes. No words for how sweet and wholesome this male lead was.
I feel like I should've taken my Chinese history lessons seriously in high school because I was so invested in the politics, the geography, the culture... This book seemed really well-researched (but don't quote me on this!).
Thoughts on the ending: (view spoiler)[I'm not familiar with the opera this book's based on, but I already saw the ending coming from a mile away... and yet, I cried my heart out when the ending finally came. It seemed really fitting, though. A different ending wouldn't have worked. (hide spoiler)]...more
aimee (aimeecanread)
>
Books:
favorites
(106)
Loading...
