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| Oh, Axie
*
| 9781529391732
| 1529391733
| 4.10
| 76,203
| Feb 22, 2022
| Feb 23, 2023
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I’m on BookTube now! =) I suppose for once I’m actually good with going through with my monthly TBR. *lol* “The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea” is the se I’m on BookTube now! =) I suppose for once I’m actually good with going through with my monthly TBR. *lol* “The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea” is the second book I wanted to read in November and it’s been on my TBR for ages. I love myself some good mythology in my books and this sounds like it will deliver! The only other Axie Oh story I ever read was “XOXO” and I enjoyed that one so I’m pretty optimistic I’ll end up liking this one too. I guess we’ll find out and see! ;-) Find me on: My Blog Instagram ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Nov 11, 2024
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not set
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Nov 11, 2024
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Paperback
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| 1488089329
| 9781488089329
| B076PDH5XN
| 4.16
| 10,205
| Feb 19, 2018
| Feb 19, 2018
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I’m on BookTube now! =) Okay, I absolutely loved and adored this?! And I could legit bite myself in my own behind for not picking this up sooner!!! Coo I’m on BookTube now! =) Okay, I absolutely loved and adored this?! And I could legit bite myself in my own behind for not picking this up sooner!!! Cooper and Park had such a great chemistry and the supernatural mystery element was done so well too. Not to mention the humour! *lol* Also Cooper is so damn relatable, I can’t even. Haha! Love this man. Full RTC soon-ish. Stay tuned for more! ;-) P.S: I managed to finish one #rainboween book, at least. >_< _____________________________ “The Wolf at the Door” is my second #Rainboween read this year and I’m more than just a little curious about it! So many people raved about this story, you have no idea! Also it sounds exactly like my cup of tea! I mean, two FBI agents that work for a special investigations bureau and are forced to team up in order to solve a supernatural case?! They are attracted to each other but don’t want to give in?! This sounds like the supernatural version of the “Cut & Run” series and I don’t know about you, but I’m so here for it! <3 Let’s do this! Cooper and Park, here I come! Find me on: My Blog Instagram ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Oct 21, 2024
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Oct 31, 2024
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Oct 21, 2024
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ebook
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| 1529434076
| 9781529434071
| B0C7D5HFSF
| 4.08
| 13,377
| Apr 09, 2024
| Apr 11, 2024
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I’m on BookTube now! =) It’s finally time I read this because I was given an ARC of “A Promise of Peridot” by NetGalley and the author a couple of mont I’m on BookTube now! =) It’s finally time I read this because I was given an ARC of “A Promise of Peridot” by NetGalley and the author a couple of months ago. I’m very sorry I didn’t get to this sooner but my life has been extremely busy and the flood we had in Austria a couple of weeks ago certainly didn’t help. >_< Anyway: I’m going to read this now and I’m so ready to find out how Arwen’s and Kane’s story is going to continue. I absolutely loved the first book and after the ending I can’t wait to read this one. I think Kane might get knee pains from all the grovelling he’s about to do, though. *lol* Just a guess. XD Find me on: My Blog Instagram ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Oct 15, 2024
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not set
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Oct 15, 2024
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Kindle Edition
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| 1682637379
| 9781682637371
| B0D7PJSTSM
| 4.02
| 843
| Sep 24, 2024
| Sep 24, 2024
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I’m on BookTube now! =) Okay, this comes a couple of days too late but let’s finally do this! “This Fatal Kiss” is going to be my first #Rainboween read I’m on BookTube now! =) Okay, this comes a couple of days too late but let’s finally do this! “This Fatal Kiss” is going to be my first #Rainboween read and I’m so curious about it! I mean we have a folklore tale with a nymph, the son of a local witch and a love interest they both fall for while they also fall for each other?! Polyamorous rep is so rare and this is just perfect for my readathon! I think this will tick off many prompts from the bingo board! XD I AM READY! P.S: If you want to know more about #Rainboween and the bingo board just follow the link to my channel and IG! You can still join if you want to. ;-) Find me on: My Blog Instagram ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Oct 04, 2024
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not set
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Oct 04, 2024
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Kindle Edition
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| 000860066X
| 9780008600662
| 000860066X
| 4.18
| 539,405
| Apr 04, 2023
| Aug 30, 2023
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I’m on BookTube now! =) WHY REBECCA ROSS?! Why?! I think I’m speaking for both of us when I say: We need book two asap!! Iris and Roman were so cute and I’m on BookTube now! =) WHY REBECCA ROSS?! Why?! I think I’m speaking for both of us when I say: We need book two asap!! Iris and Roman were so cute and yes, they broke my heart! T_T Full RTC soon! For now I’m busy with trying to get my hands on book two! *lol* ___________________________________ This is a buddy read with my lovely sister and even though I’m a couple of days too late I’m still glad we’re doing this together! (Sorry, didn’t plan on getting sick. *lol*) So as soon as I have the energy to pick up that huge brick of a book (not even kidding here. It IS a heavy book!) I’ll play catch up! Thankfully you’re not that far ahead in the game... yet. XD This said: I’m very curious how the magical letter exchange is going to play out in this and if I’ll end up loving the story or not. Could go either way. The fact it’s enemies-to-lovers is already a plus, though. Guess we’ll see and find out. Find me on: My Blog Instagram ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Sep 21, 2024
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Oct 20, 2024
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Sep 21, 2024
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Paperback
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| 1627980547
| 9781627980548
| B01HKYBT8U
| 3.72
| 1,357
| Aug 11, 2013
| Aug 12, 2013
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really liked it
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”What Ian asked of him – whatever it was – Taren feared it. He feared a future with choices and uncertainty.” So this was not what I expected, but it w ”What Ian asked of him – whatever it was – Taren feared it. He feared a future with choices and uncertainty.” So this was not what I expected, but it was still kinda good? O_o I never thought I'd enjoy a mermen book that much but aside from the rather weird start (all I'm saying is "butter"?!) this actually turned out to be an interesting read. *lol* To read this felt like to witness the author’s journey. I think at first she might have wanted to go for smut but the longer she wrote the more her story became fleshed out. Hence the rather smutty and weird beginning that turned into an unexpectedly good story line. Of course we’re not talking Shakespeare here, but it definitely was good enough to make me want to read her second book. ;-P ”The fates will find you, Taren. They always will.” And how they found him. Poor boy knew nothing but slavery and servitude, but despite everything he still managed to stay positive and that instantly caused me to like him. Plus I loved him with Rider and Bastian! If the book would have continued to be merely smut I definitely still would have been hooked by it. The Rider/Taren/Bastian love triangle was just too amazing and in all honesty I would have been content just to go on with those three. XD ”I know you too well. I can sense the turmoil in your heart. You want him, and yet you hesitate. Why?” “I’m not sure.” Taren shook his head. I LOVED Bastian’s character and how he always knew how Taren felt and what was on his mind. Those two would have been so cute together but since Shira Anthony obviously had other plans Taren got lost at sea and met Ian instead. I was okay with that ship though so I can’t really complain. *lol* After all Ian was a very strong-willed and caring character and I loved that he always kept an eye on Taren. <3 ”Aye, I will come with you. Not to make certain you do not harm him – you are too kindhearted to do him harm, even if he has brought it upon himself – but to give you my support, should you need it.” Ian kissed the top of his head. After the ending I can’t help but be curious about book two and I’m sure sooner or later I’ll eventually get to it. For now all I can say is: I really enjoyed this and I want to read more about those amazing mermen Trigger warnings: slavery, torture, abuse ____________________________ Ahh damn! Am I going to read an m/m mermen book right before the old year ends? Yep, yes I am! *nods* Don't judge me! XD A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do. *lol* Merged review: ”What Ian asked of him – whatever it was – Taren feared it. He feared a future with choices and uncertainty.” So this was not what I expected, but it was still kinda good? O_o I never thought I'd enjoy a mermen book that much but aside from the rather weird start (all I'm saying is "butter"?!) this actually turned out to be an interesting read. *lol* To read this felt like to witness the author’s journey. I think at first she might have wanted to go for smut but the longer she wrote the more her story became fleshed out. Hence the rather smutty and weird beginning that turned into an unexpectedly good story line. Of course we’re not talking Shakespeare here, but it definitely was good enough to make me want to read her second book. ;-P ”The fates will find you, Taren. They always will.” And how they found him. Poor boy knew nothing but slavery and servitude, but despite everything he still managed to stay positive and that instantly caused me to like him. Plus I loved him with Rider and Bastian! If the book would have continued to be merely smut I definitely still would have been hooked by it. The Rider/Taren/Bastian love triangle was just too amazing and in all honesty I would have been content just to go on with those three. XD ”I know you too well. I can sense the turmoil in your heart. You want him, and yet you hesitate. Why?” “I’m not sure.” Taren shook his head. I LOVED Bastian’s character and how he always knew how Taren felt and what was on his mind. Those two would have been so cute together but since Shira Anthony obviously had other plans Taren got lost at sea and met Ian instead. I was okay with that ship though so I can’t really complain. *lol* After all Ian was a very strong-willed and caring character and I loved that he always kept an eye on Taren. <3 ”Aye, I will come with you. Not to make certain you do not harm him – you are too kindhearted to do him harm, even if he has brought it upon himself – but to give you my support, should you need it.” Ian kissed the top of his head. After the ending I can’t help but be curious about book two and I’m sure sooner or later I’ll eventually get to it. For now all I can say is: I really enjoyed this and I want to read more about those amazing mermen Trigger warnings: slavery, torture, abuse ____________________________ Ahh damn! Am I going to read an m/m mermen book right before the old year ends? Yep, yes I am! *nods* Don't judge me! XD A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do. *lol* ...more |
Notes are private!
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2
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Dec 26, 2019
not set
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Jan 04, 2020
not set
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Sep 11, 2024
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ebook
| ||||||||||||||
| 1526651793
| 9781526651792
| 1526651793
| 4.00
| 21,442
| May 11, 2023
| May 11, 2023
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I’m on BookTube now! =) I really enjoyed this book and it was a lot of fun! =) The conversations between Gwen & Art were hilarious and gave me life, plu I’m on BookTube now! =) I really enjoyed this book and it was a lot of fun! =) The conversations between Gwen & Art were hilarious and gave me life, plus their interactions with Gabe & Bridget were cute. The ending was a little bit heavy, though so I dunno. >_< Full RTC soon! I’ll give it a think. ______________________________ I recently found “Gwen & Art Are Not in Love” in my library and just had to borrow it because the premise sounds way too good. I mean, this is a retelling in which Gwen and Art are supposed to marry each other, but actually hate each other’s guts?! *lol* And to top it all off they are not only in love with other people but both of them are queer as well! This sounds like the most interesting love square!? I hope this is a good one!! *fingers crossed* Find me on: My Blog Instagram ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Aug 26, 2024
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Sep 13, 2024
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Aug 26, 2024
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Paperback
| |||||||||||||||
| 1473693152
| 9781473693159
| 1473693152
| 4.17
| 6,631
| Jul 18, 2023
| Jul 26, 2022
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I’m on BookTube now! =) This was such a great finale for a series and I didn’t know this was even possible but I loved all the characters even more tha I’m on BookTube now! =) This was such a great finale for a series and I didn’t know this was even possible but I loved all the characters even more than I loved them before?! I mean Nicky and his father are the best! <333 I love them and their interactions so much. And their friends and the Dad Squad! Damn, I just loved everything about this book. Full RTC once I sorted through my emotions and thoughts. XD _________________________________ I think by now you can say that it’s one of my traditions to read a book written by T.J. Klune every summer during the holidays. So this time around, I decided for “Heat Wave”! Because 1.) I’m so curious how this series is going to end and 2.) I finally need to finish one of the many series I started to read and this is the last book! XD And 3.) The title fits so perfectly to the summer heat over here. *lol* I can’t wait to find out what’s going to happen with Nick and Seth in this instalment! I love them both so much and I just want a great HEA for my two precious boys! <333 Also, side-note to myself: Get up the review for book two soon!!! >_< Find me on: My Blog Instagram ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Aug 05, 2024
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Sep 08, 2024
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Aug 05, 2024
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Paperback
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| 1035007312
| 9781035007318
| 1035007312
| 4.10
| 238,711
| Feb 22, 2022
| Nov 10, 2022
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it was amazing
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I’m on BookTube now! =) ”After twenty-two years of adventuring, Viv had reached her limit of blood and mud and bullshit. An orc’s life was strength and I’m on BookTube now! =) ”After twenty-two years of adventuring, Viv had reached her limit of blood and mud and bullshit. An orc’s life was strength and violence and a sudden, sharp end – but she’d be damned if she’d let hers finish that way. It was time for something new.” And something new it is! I think the special thing about “Legends & Lattes” is that the story starts exactly where other books usually end. The adventure is over, all the fights are won and Viv has the scars to prove it. She’s tired of her life as a soldier and after 22 years she craves some quiet and peace. A normal trade that will ensure she can enjoy a calm peaceful life, a place to call her own and lots of coffee to bring joy into the world. It’s a pretty humble plan but it’s definitely an honourable one. (One I fully support because reasons and mostly COFFEE! *lol*) So right after her last adventure Viv sets out to find the perfect place for her coffee shop and ends up in Thune. A little city whose residents have never even heard of coffee. A small obstacle Viv is sure she’ll be able to overcome once they taste her delicious drinks and goods. Well, and once her legendary Scalvert’s Stone starts to work its magic and provides her with some dire needed luck. ;-) "They called it a café. People just sat around drinking it from these little ceramic cups, and I had to try it, and ... it was like drinking the feeling of being peaceful. Being peaceful in your mind. Well, not if you have too much, then it's something else." I honestly loved this so much!!! I think I get the hype now, and why so many people loved “Legends & Lattes”! This book is very different to other high fantasy stories and extremely slow paced but I think that’s exactly what makes it so charming. We follow Viv as she buys an old building, renovates it with the help of Cal, a hob who becomes one of her most trusted friends, and then starts her business by selling coffee and café latte. Sure, there doesn’t happen a lot, but it’s so nice to follow Viv as her long-cherished wish of being a coffee shop owner comes to fruition. It was a slow start, but boy, did I live for the way everything came together so nicely. I just loved the manner in which Viv went about setting up her business. She might have been a layperson but she trusted her gut instinct and made so many precious friends along the way. No matter if it was Tandri, the succubus she hired as a barista, or Thimble her rattkin baker, that created the most delicious pastries, Viv seemed to have a sixth sense for who to hire and to trust with her dream. It was so satisfying, wholesome and oddly soothing to read about every food that was added to the menu and boy, did this book make me hungry! Thimble sounded like a genius in the kitchen and I found myself wanting to taste his pastries. They sounded way too good! *lol* "Come on around here. I'll show you," said Viv. She was smiling, and for the first time, the building, the city, this place ... felt like hers. A place she'd still be tomorrow, the week after, next season, next year ... Home." But not everything is perfect and there are clouds on the horizon. An old battlefield acquaintance is jealous of Viv’s success and a local gang has set their eyes on Viv’s shop and profit. Our quick-witted orc barbarian would never allow them to destroy what she built, though and with the help of her friends and a huge dire-cat named Amity she’s ready to defend what’s hers. I won’t go into more detail here because you’ve to experience this book yourself but I just wanted to say that I loved how so many of the shops customers became Viv’s closest friends. They all contributed something to make the place a safe haven and it was so beautiful to see how every single one of them fell in love with the idea of Viv’s shop. Also and this is so rare for a standalone novel, all the characters were unique and fleshed-out! No matter if it was Hemington, a standoffish student who made the wards for Viv’s shop, Pendry the shy musician, Durias the chess playing gnome or Laney, Viv’s old neighbour that couldn’t bake to safe her own life, they were all one-of-a-kind and gave so much warmth to the storyline. The kindness of the characters made my heart feel so full and I think that already says so much about this book. <3 That’s not what I mean,” said Tandri, with surprising heat. “Sure, it might be fine this time, for this one thing … but once it’s an option, once she can pick that back up …” She pointed at the sword on the wall. “She loses what she won by building this place without it.” I can’t talk about the characters kindness without mentioning Tandri as well, because I loved her so much for being at Viv’s side from the beginning. They started out as strangers, then became friends and tentatively turned into more than that later on in the book. Such a satisfying slow burn romance that made me very happy for both of them. They both deserve happiness and a quiet peaceful life and the way they understood each other without saying anything was chef’s kiss. Give me more sweet and gentle romances like this one, please!!! ”You’d find few who know it, these days, but ‘the ring of fortune’ is an old sea-fey phrase. It means … a destined cadre, I suppose. Individuals brought together, like to like. Which can be fortunate, of course. Sometimes, nothing’s more fortunate than that!” Conclusion: “Legends & Lattes” is one of the most wholesome and tranquil books I’ve ever read. It floats by so steadily and it’s the perfect story it if you want to read something quiet, relaxing and rather uneventful. The found family trope in this book is perfection and the descriptions of Thimble’s delicious pastries made me hungry more than once. If you’re looking for something slow-paced and nice that will put a soft smile on your face: This is the book! ___________________________________ Short info: Yes, the hype around this book is real! <3 This was so, so wholesome and sweet and the found family trope really gets a chance to shine in here! There doesn’t happen a lot, though and the book is very slow paced. I guess it depends on your reading tastes, but for me this was perfect! Full RTC soon! I’ll write down a couple more thoughts because this was nice!! ____________________________________ It’s time for a comfort read and every book reviewer, book blogger, bookstagrammer and BookTuber I know said that “Legends & Lattes” is one of the best comfort books ever. So here we are and since I’m in dire need of a comforting and wholesome story it seems like the right time to pick this up. =) Plus it’s queer too so this sounds perfect! Let’s find out if this is as amazing as everyone claims it to be. ;-) Find me on: My Blog Instagram ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jul 30, 2024
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Aug 18, 2024
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Jul 30, 2024
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Paperback
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| 1529380944
| 9781529380941
| 1529380944
| 4.06
| 418,548
| Sep 28, 2021
| Jun 30, 2022
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I’m on BookTube now! =) I could say so many things about this book, but for now all I’ll say is: I LOVED it! Evangeline and Jacks are such great MCs and I’m on BookTube now! =) I could say so many things about this book, but for now all I’ll say is: I LOVED it! Evangeline and Jacks are such great MCs and I’m so curious how this series is going to continue because with those two everything seems to be possible! Also: Their chemistry was amazing. I can’t wait to dive into book two! Full RTC soon! Stay tuned, I’ve got plenty of thoughts and things to discuss. *lol* ;-P _________________________ After working my way through the entire “Caraval” series I can finally start to read “Once Upon a Broken Heart”!!! YES! I’ve been dying to read Jacks story and I’m so pumped for this! Also by now the third book is out so if I want to binge the series I can actually do it! XD Sometimes it pays off to miss the hype train. ;-P (Miraculously the plot wasn’t spoiled by anyone… yet! *lol*) Find me on: My Blog Instagram ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jul 24, 2024
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Aug 17, 2024
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Jul 24, 2024
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Paperback
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| B0CCZM8Y4C
| 4.09
| 11
| unknown
| Aug 31, 2023
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liked it
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I’m on BookTube now! =) "His soft hand is wrapped around my neck, pulling me closer. The tears slowly come to a crawl as he breathes life between my li I’m on BookTube now! =) "His soft hand is wrapped around my neck, pulling me closer. The tears slowly come to a crawl as he breathes life between my lips. The rain outside starts to pour down while the spinning world seems to come to a perfect still moment between us. Our galaxies are swirling together." It were quotes like this one, which made this book really interesting and good for me. I’m not gonna lie, though, at parts this story was extremely confusing and the timeline seemed to be all over the place. “Flesh and Bone – Awakening” had some good parts but also some that would have needed a little bit more work or feedback from the beta readers. So I think it’s best if we start with the good things first and then work our way through the not so good parts, okay?! First I’ve to say that I really loved Sam and Max as characters. They both gave me “All For the Game” vibes and if you know me, you know that I’m obsessed with this series. So I really appreciated those two boys and that they made their way even though they had a lot of baggage they carried with them. ”Well, I give up," I mutter through gritted teeth. Making eye contact, we both lean into the flame. The tobacco leaves light the night between us. His dimples radiate against the flame as that smirk transforms into a full-blown smile, all the while his hazel eyes never leave mine. We stay in that flame, gazing, gauging each other. Their chemistry was very palpable and even though they didn’t want to admit it at first, it became obvious that they were drawn to each other and weren’t able to escape each other’s pull. I really wish the author wouldn’t have left us in the dark about their mysterious connection because the way it reads, you know there is something between them but you never truly find out what exactly it is. I’m pretty certain a lot of people will say it’s insta-love, but I got the distinctive feeling that the author had reasons for writing them that way. Still, even after finishing the book, I didn’t grasp those reasons and that’s a shame because I really wanted to understand their relationship. "Caught off guard, I respond without thinking. "Absolutely, I ... I think I would go to war for you." His hand grabs mine firmly; a deep blush crossing his face. My grip tightens but he responds in kind. As stories go, this is a slow-paced one and there doesn’t really happen a lot. I’m honestly still trying to figure out in which kind of direction the author wanted to go with this because on the one hand we have the budding relationship of Sam and Max, then we have Max’s mysterious powers which he’s trying to hide and we also have Sam playing Lacrosse with his team. Well, and in between there are some sort of random fighting scenes and mysterious moments when I didn’t know what exactly was going on. *lol* I think you can already tell why this book was so confusing for me. XD "I might not know you very well Sam, but I recognize strength when I see it. You're the only one who doesn't want to recognize it. I thought at first it was a fear of being hurt, but now I think it's fear of being able to hurt others." From the blurb you can tell that mythology and gods seem to be involved in the story as well, but that aspect was highly confusing for me. We get a lot of dream sequences or parallel world sequences even (if I understood that correctly), in which Max is struggling with his fate, but we never truly find out what that fate is or entails. You might say Max is a very unreliable narrator and I think you’d be right with that assumption. Also I didn’t quite grasp which mythology the author wanted to go for. There were a couple of Greek Gods that were mentioned (Zeus, Hera, Olympus, etc.) but then we also had Max’s uncle named Horus?! And Horus is a god from ancient Egypt so this confused me immensely. Unless this was supposed to be a mash up of many different mythologies?! I think in this particular case, it would have been better not to keep the reader in the dark and to go for some tangible facts instead. That way a lot of the reader’s confusion could have been prevented. ”Just … wait, Sam. I didn’t want this, I didn’t want to have someone feel that my life depended on them, I’ve never depended on anyone before, and I don’t want to start now. I didn’t want anyone mixed up with any of this! I don’t even feel like I should be here! I feel like I’m on borrowed time, but whose time, right? Whose lives are sent to replace my own? I mean, do you really want to become involved in this? In me?” I’m still trying to figure out what Max meant with all of this and so far there’s nothing but a huge question mark hoovering over my head. XD Anyway! Ignoring all of those issues, I could still see that the author has a lot of potential. There’s this raw and intense energy to his writing that sometimes grips you and you can’t help but think: “Damn, this is written so beautifully.” The relationship between Max and Sam, once it gets out of the “I hate you but I still kinda like you” stage is written so tender that you’re happy about every single moment they spend together and I think this was the part where the author’s writing style excelled the most. In addition, the ending was quite suspenseful and many things started to make sense. All told, I ended up liking SammaX’s story, no matter how confusing it was and I’ll watch out for book two because I hope to get some answers! Because as I already said, this story had a lot of potential and I’m curious if it will be used in the next book. =) ________________________________ This was a very interesting book but also extremely confusing at some points. I’m not gonna lie, half of the story I had no idea what was even going on (Max is an unreliable narrator) and the timeline confused me big time. XD Still, there’s a lot of potential and the last couple of chapters were pretty suspenseful. This said: Full RTC soon! I need to think about this some more in order to put all my thoughts into words. Stay tuned. ;-) ________________________________ I heard about this book on IG and wanted to read “Flesh and Bone - Awakening” ever since I saw the fanart some artists made about the main ship Sammax. So here we are! Considering there is even fanart on IG I’m surprised this doesn’t have more reviews on goodreads!? I mean the book is about sports and two boys that fall in love and apparently it also has some mythology angle?! Sounds good to me. =) I don’t know about you, but I’m sold. xD Find me on: My Blog Instagram ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jul 12, 2024
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Aug 04, 2024
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Jul 12, 2024
|
Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||||
| 1039007570
| 9781039007574
| B0CKKZPV8R
| 3.82
| 909
| May 07, 2024
| May 07, 2024
|
it was amazing
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”They could have this, if only for a moment. A tiny bit of comfort in a world that wanted to rip them apart.” **I received an advanced copy of this ”They could have this, if only for a moment. A tiny bit of comfort in a world that wanted to rip them apart.” **I received an advanced copy of this book from Random House Canada and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Thank you so much for giving me a chance to read this ARC!** After reading “The Sins on Their Bones” and giving myself some time to digest the book it seems like I’m still at a loss for words. Considering the heavy topics this story explored and how dark and twisted it turned out to be this shouldn’t come as a surprise, though. If you ask me Laura R. Samotin did something not many authors are able to pull off. She wrote a book that’s not only set in a Jewish folklore-inspired queernormative world but also one that features three different POVS. And she gave all those characters such a unique voice that it was extremely easy to keep them apart. No matter if it was Dimitri, Vasily or Alexey, each and every single one of them had their own agenda and tried to push it forward. Still, if you’re expecting something fast paced now, you’ll be disappointed. “The Sins on Their Bones” is a very character driven story that used every tool available in order to create a lush and credible setting. There’s a very strong religious element that runs through the entire storyline and the topic of abuse and how it affects the people who suffered from it is always in the forefront as well. All of the characters are morally grey and they all did things they aren’t proud of. It’s a pretty complex world with multi-layered characters that are all forced to play the parts they’ve been given. Like a chess game, that’s working its way towards the grande finale. What the book truly lives from are the different kinds of love that are visible in every line of the story, though. And I’m not just talking about queer love here. I’m talking about the toxic, destructive, manipulative kind of love that rips you apart, the wholesome and nourishing sort we all crave for, as well as the love that comes from having supportive friends that stick with you through thick and thin. Samotin didn’t just cover the entire bandwidth of human emotions and relationships, she also dove into the abyss of human nature and gave this book an unexpected psychological depth that’s not easy to match. The story raises the century old question of what is wrong and what is right and confronts the reader with what happens if both sides think that the other side is in the wrong. Hearts and bones are quite literally broken in order to find the truth, but in the end, as is the essence of war, no side ever truly wins. And for that alone I love what Laura R. Samotin did with this story! “The Sins on Their Bones” is a book about love and loss, about grief and guilt, about the darkness within and the light of hope that always finds its way in. It’s a study of human nature, a story about the resilience of humankind and what we’re able to endure. But most of all it’s a story about faith, the belief that no matter how dark it gets, there are people who love us, there’s a higher power that guides us and when confronted with our sins, there’s always hope for change and amendment. 4,5 stars rounded up to 5. Trigger warnings:(view spoiler)[physical and mental abuse, gaslighting, child abuse (mentioned & insinuated), blood & gore, violence (also sexual), drug use, war (mentioned), body horror and human experimentation (on page), trauma, grief, sickness, panic attacks, PTSD, depression, bodily harm (hide spoiler)] The characters: Welcome to my spoiler section! When I read ARCs I usually don’t go for one of these, but since I bought the book (my e-reader died and my copy didn’t work anymore) I decided I’d go for a more thorough review here. I have many thoughts and I need to put them into words. So here goes nothing! You’re welcome to join me or to skip this part. It’s your choice. ;-) Dimitri: "I'd ask God to protect you, but I don't think He's listening to me anymore." Dimitri looked down at his hands in his lap, his voice thick. Dima is a character I couldn’t help but feel sorry for. He probably would hate me for saying that, but after everything he went through it’s no surprise that he’s a broken man. The things he did in order to get Alexey back and the things he had to do after he betrayed him? It’s enough to break any man and this without true love being involved. Dimitri loved Alexey too much and there’s truth in the saying that “the ones who can hurt you the most are the ones you love”. I hear the reviewers who said that Dima is wallowing in self-pity and therefore didn’t get anything done but hear me out. This man was thoroughly broken, Alexey was the one person he trusted and his everything after his parents died. He was manipulated and gaslighted by him for years and because he loved him, he didn’t even notice until it was too late. The pain and guilt that came along with the realization of what he’d done and what he had allowed him to do with his country must have been more than just crippling and yes, we might have not known everything that happened but the reader knows enough to get a good picture of the situation. And if that wouldn’t have been enough already, the physical and mental abuse went on for years. No, seriously, I feel so, so sad for Dimitri because he’s a poor soul that had to suffer. Yet despite it all, he’s also a survivor and I loved to see the change in him. It was slow but it was realistic and after all the pain he went through I honestly hope that he and Vasya will have some peace now. ”He’d spent the last year wondering if Alexey had been right, if he’d been too weak to be the Tzar that Novo-Svitsevo needed. He still heard the echo of every one of Alexey’s scornful remarks over and over, every time he was alone.” ”Alexey was still so much a part of him, still controlling him, still leaving him crippled with guilt and with grief. He was nothing more than a boy living in the past, wishing that there was some way to undo his sins so he didn’t have to grapple with the consequences in the present.” Alexey: ”They all cried out for their families, begged him to let them go, prayed to God, as if Alexey Balakin, God’s finest creation, was not standing in front of them, offering to be their family, giving them a chance to protect the empire from any of the monstrosities that would stand against it. None of them loved Novo-Svitsevo like he did. Boy, Alexey was a piece of work! >_< The horrible thing about him, was that he truly believed he was doing what was best for Dimitri and his country. Whilst Dima was eaten up with self-doubt and self-hatred in equal measure, Alexey had no such qualms. Quite the contrary, Alexey was self-assured and believed in himself and his Holy Science. You might say he was a fanatic that did what he thought needed to be done and you’d be right. But unfortunately he was also charismatic and manipulative af and very scary which explained all the people at his court that just tried to survive his reign. For Alexey there’s no doubt that he’s in the right and he ruled with an iron fist. And I have to say this here: he’s also a sadistic assh*le that thrives when others are in pain. From what I gathered from all the sex scenes in the book he enjoys being in power and degrading and humiliating others. I know some people criticized that there are seemingly unnecessary sex scenes but I think Samotin wrote them in order to emphasise Alexey’s sadistic streak. For me those scenes revealed a lot about his character and megalomaniacal personality and therefore actually felt necessary for the plot. ”Every day after that, Alexey had prayed that Dimitri made no trouble, because as long as he made no trouble, he could stay alive. The moment he began to make a move for the throne, he would have to die. There would be no way that Alexey could maintain control otherwise. So he hoped that Dimitri would never make that mistake.” "I believe, Moy Tzar," Ivan said, bending down for another kiss, then nuzzling his neck. "I believe in two things. In you, and in the Lord our God." Alexey didn't correct Ivan that believing in him and believing in God were one and the same. Vasily: "He'd made it his life's mission to protect Dimitri - the very heart of Novo-Svitsevo, the backbone of them all - from anything that might hurt him, be it assassination or civil unrest, or bruised ribs and a broken heart." Can I have my own Vasya, please?! I swear this man stole the show and I enjoyed his POV so damn much! The way he toyed with Alexey and catered to his needs in order to get the information, he wanted… chef’s kiss! The role as spymaster fit him so well and Dima honestly couldn’t have found a better guy for the job. Vasya has all my respect for being a force to be reckoned with, and keeping a cool head when everyone else would have succumbed to panic. I’m not gonna lie, I fell in love with this man’s clever mind and the way he went about solving problems. He was extremely resourceful and would have done everything to safe not only Dima but also his country and people. His unwavering trust, dedication and loyalty in Dima and his court was so admirable. I can’t even. Moreover, I adored him for being so compassionate and having one hell of a poker face. Yes, I’m besotted with this man and I regret nothing. Legit the best character in the entire book. <3 ”Alexey licked his lips, and Vasily prayed to God that Ivan was satisfying in bed, because while he would bury every fear and instinct of his and let Alexey fuck him for days if that would save Dimitri and Novo-Svitsevo, he’d really rather not.” ”You shifted my entire image of myself. For all this time, I thought I deserved what happened to me as a child. I thought I was the one at fault. But now that instinct just kills me, because I see it in you too.” The relationships & ships: Dimitri & Alexey: "But he could love Alexey the same way Alexey had loved him. Unflinchingly, honestly, willing to look him in the eyes and assess his flaws. Willing to betray him, because the love they both felt for their country was more powerful than anything else." I’m still in awe of the way Samotin wrote their toxic relationship. It felt so real, dark and twisted and it was definitely abusive and destructive as well. You know some part of Dima still loves Alexey, yet at the same time he’s painfully aware of all the abuse he went through. Alexey for his part sees nothing wrong in his actions and this makes it so damn difficult. Whilst Dima went through some tough trauma initiated by his own husband, Alexey thinks the end justified the means. Alexey is blind to his own actions and how they affect and hurt the ones around him. Mostly because his humanity seems to have died when he returned from the grave. It was so hard to read from the villains POV because you know he’s wrong but he doesn’t see the error of his ways. Alexey tried to form Dima into someone he wasn’t and he didn’t care whether that broke him or not. So whilst Dima has true feelings for Alexey, his husband seems to be incapable of feeling anything at all. Even worse, when confronted with the truth, he refuses to acknowledge it. In the end Dimitri sees no other way than to kill his own husband, even going as far as to ask for help from an angel. Which is dangerous and leaves him with an arm that was flayed open because Gods name ended up written on his bones. Quite literally. Boy, that one was graphic. As were the scenes of Alexey’s abuse and how he broke Dimitri, figuratively and literally. This definitely wasn’t for the faint hearted… In the end, Dima tried to do the right thing and suffered immensely because of it and I can’t help but wonder how this will affect him in the second book. I’m sure we’ll see more of Alexey as well and that their toxic story isn’t quite over yet even though I wish it would be. For Dima’s sake I hope he’ll be a lot stronger when he faces him again. >_< But that’s the problem, if you’ve been the victim, it’s not easy to change your role and to fight against what the other made you believe. I guess we’ll have to find out in the next book. "If there was one thing about Dimitri he had despised, it was how stubborn and steadfast he was. Dimitri had pushed back and fought him, clawed at him, despite all of Alexey's efforts to mold him." ”We’re just two broken men, aren’t we? Who tried and tried, and yet in the trying, made everything worse.” Alexey recoiled and squared his shoulders. “I am not broken.” Dimitri laughed wetly. “If you refuse to admit it, then, who are we but two people who loved each other to the point of destruction? You and I burned everything to the ground in our wake. I loved you, Alexey, but I lost you all the same. I lost you to that fucking Holy Science of yours, and you never came back to me.” Dimitri & Vasily: ”It filled him with guilt, pretending that Vasily was Alexey instead, but it was what he needed. And Vasily had never told him no, had never complained, and so he took and took and took, even as he wished it wasn't Vasily he was taking from." Those two were so good for each other and I loved their slow burn romance! I know a couple of other readers mentioned that Dima was too hung up on Alexey to make their ship believable but I personally think that this was very realistic. To fall in love is easy, but to fall out of it is hard and it’s exactly what Dimitri was trying to do. He knew Alexey was bad for him, but his heart couldn’t quite follow the lead of his head. Once there are feelings involved it’s always difficult. You can hate someone but still love them and I think Samotin portrayed Dima’s inner conflict more than just well. So yes, Vasya’s and Dima’s relationship is developing slowly and there isn’t a lot of chemistry, but considering their history this felt real. They connected more on an emotional level than on a physical one and I think that’s totally believable. Both of them suffered physical and emotional abuse from the people they trusted and loved so them building a healthy relationship based on trust and familiarity was exactly what they needed. I think it was realistic and developed naturally and I don’t need them to have mind-blowing chemistry as long as they are happy and feel comfortable around each other. They have room to grow and to heal and that’s perfect! I ship it! Period! ”I know what he would do. I know exactly what he would do, because I spent years watching him do it to you. I could draw the atlas of the way he hurt you.” It was a punch to the gut, the way that Dimitri leaned into his touch, the way that he replied, “I don’t want him to hurt you. And I’m afraid he will.” Like his own hurt didn’t matter. Like he was so worthless that he didn’t deserve to be safe. ”It was a feeling that only one other person had truly been able to give him, and something in Dimitri’s heart burned with the thought that Vasily’s comfort was better, and purer, and more real and selfless and solid than Alexey’s had ever been. He couldn’t lose this. He couldn’t bear it. This would be the loss that tore him to shreds.” ”There will merely be this, between us, this recognition of the perfect hurt and pain that honed us into blades, so we could cut each other free. I wanted so badly to tell you that if you died, I would follow, because it’s no longer the secrets of heaven I would wish to whisper to you. It’s that I love you too.” Alexey & Ivan: ”Would you –“ Ivan was truly crying now, and Alexey deigned to wipe away his tears. “Would you be doing this if I wasn’t my father’s son?” No, Alexey thought. “Yes, of course. Don’t be ridiculous.” I still feel sad about Ivan’s death because this gullible boy fell in love with the wrong man and he’s basically the embodiment of what could have happened to Dimitri if he would have stayed with Alexey. But Dima was too strong-willed and fought against Alexey, something that would have never even occurred to Ivan. Which is so tragic because it’s the reason Alexey didn’t love him as much as he loved his husband. Ivan was too pliable and innocent. No match for Alexey’s wickedness and cunning. He was just a means to an end and this will always be tragic and sad. T_T ”None of us get what we want in this life.” Ivan’s voice was laced with such unbearable sadness that it made Alexey choke on a sob. “Not bastards, not Tzars. Not even the chosen one of God.” Dimitri & his Court: ”I meant it because to people like you, to people like me, there’s more to our lives than family, than friends, than love,” Annika continued. “There is duty, and loyalty to one’s country, and the knowledge that we will do what we must to protect our people.” I absolutely adored Dima’s court because they weren’t just amazing but also distinctive and diverse voices. Mischa his physician went by they/them pronouns, Ladushka (Lada in short) seemed to be on the aro/ace spectrum and Annika was a compassionate soul that deserved the world. (I think she might have been bi or lesbian, but it was never truly mentioned, at least as far as I can remember) I loved that they all had different strengths and that they did their best to support Dima. They definitely were a found family and I was glad Dimitri and Vasily had them. =) ”None of them had protested the plan. He had not needed to ask if they would come with him, back to Novo-Svitsevo. Because he knew that even if he was standing at the edge of the world, these four would be behind him, holding him up. They were his friends, his family, his strength, his salvation.” Conclusion: So, those are my thoughts on the book and its characters. I probably could go on and on but I think I’ll leave it at that. If anyone wants to discuss the story with me, feel free to drop me a comment! I’d love to talk about this because I still have so many thoughts! =) _____________________________ I was very lucky to get an e-ARC of “The Sins on Their Bones” through NetGalley. Well, and then I was extremely unlucky because my e-reader died and my ARC copy didn’t work anymore. >_< Guess they are right when they say: You win some, you lose some?! *lol* I decided to buy the book now, though because I wanted to read this so badly it hurts So yeah, I might be late to the party but I had very good reasons and now I’m going to read this book! Find me on: My Blog Instagram ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jun 24, 2024
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Aug 24, 2024
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Jun 24, 2024
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Kindle Edition
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| 3000767665
| 9783000767661
| B0CP47YSP9
| 4.27
| 220
| unknown
| Jan 29, 2024
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it was amazing
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I’m on BookTube now! =) ”The Binding. For the first time Vindt understood what it meant, its impact, its finality. The Singer’s heart beat against Vind I’m on BookTube now! =) ”The Binding. For the first time Vindt understood what it meant, its impact, its finality. The Singer’s heart beat against Vindt’s back, strong and fast, like his own.” **I received an advanced copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review and all opinions are my own. Thank you so much for giving me a chance to read your book, Thelma!** Trigger warnings:(view spoiler)[mention of past suicide attempt, lashing (on page), dubious consent, on page sex, blood drinking, mention of torture, mild body horror, war, trauma, forced servitude, slavery, violence (hide spoiler)] I thought long and hard about how to start this review but all I seem to be able to come up with is: Wow. What a debut!!! The fact this is Thelma Mantey’s first book is something my mind can’t comprehend because how do you even write a story and characters like that?! It boggles my mind but I definitely won’t complain because this was amazing and exactly the kind of book I want to read. There’s so much to love about “Ocean’s Blood” because we don’t just have two really interesting and complex MCs but also a great setting and world-building. There are a lot of intrigues and schemes going on as well and the unique magic system had me glued to the pages. The idea of Singers who can decide a war by just using their voices is wild, but also very fascinating and it was extremely interesting to find out more about their origins and limitations. ”Withdrawal. The Singer’s blood was a drug, without exit. No matter how long the abstinence went, how much he suffered, it wouldn’t leave his system. If the new Singer didn’t arrive soon, Vindt would die, slowly and painfully.” One of the things that gives the story an intriguing dynamic is the fact that we explore this world through Vindt’s eyes and even though he’s spent a decade in the service of Silhorveen, his former master and quite a piece of work, he somehow managed to live from day to day without giving his surroundings much of a thought. Something he becomes painfully aware of once an unforeseeable chain of events causes Silhorveen to be out of the picture and binds him to a new master. Asche is completely different than Silhorveen, though and for the first time in years Vindt is making an effort to understand his new masters motives. "Mad?" he said, so quietly Vindt was sure the others couldn't hear him. "Funny. You are not the first to say that." Louder, he added, "You need my blood, Thyd. If I were you, I would think before speaking." With that, he rose and left the tent. What I really liked about those two is the way they challenged each other. No matter if it was Asche asking Vindt to change his braid because he was aware of its meaning or if it was Vindt refusing to give into Asche’s manipulations. They both gave each other a run for their money and I lived and breathed for their little mind games. Vindt has been through a lot and his distrust and defiance are based on years of abuse by his former master. Whilst everyone else considers being a Thyd an honour, Vindt certainly doesn’t see it that way and Asche is trying to understand the reasons why. He’s the first Singer who confronts Vindt and demands answers to questions Vindt doesn’t want to answer, let alone think about. And I loved that about him. "I assume you sent a messenger?" Plotliw just glowered at Asche. "So you've received an answer. Let me guess. She said, 'Try to negotiate, and if he won't, give the bastard the fucking money.' Am I wrong?" Asche is such a multi-layered, mysterious, charismatic and morally grey character, I couldn’t help but adore him. There’s good in him and you can see that he truly cares about his people, but there’s also a darker side to the Singer and he seems to thrive when he’s challenged and forced to use his wits. All his schemes and the way he presented himself were calculated and deliberate and trying to figure him out had my mind in knots. In a good way, of course. ;-) I love characters like that because they make me think and I’m sure Vindt felt the same way, his initial distrust and animosity turning into something like respect and tentative trust. "He didn't know how long he had been sitting like that when someone crouching down in front of him made him look up. Asche's face was as pale as bone, the lips pressed together into two bloodless lines. The dark, burning glow in the black eyes would have made Vindt recoil, had it not been for the wheel at his back. “You’re wounded.” Asche sounded as if he wanted to strangle him. The more time they spend together, the more the reader learns about the world they live in and I really appreciated this kind of approach of introducing your characters and their environment. What I also valued, and now we’re finally addressing the big elephant in the room, was their extremely slow slow-burn and how their relationship changed throughout the book. At first, they were two strangers that didn’t trust each other, then they turned into acquaintances that respected and appreciated each other’s company and mind. And at the end? Well, I definitely wouldn’t call them lovers because they’re not. Maybe two people who feel an undeniable pull towards each other? It’s complicated, especially after that ending, but it has me hooked for sure. XD "Now that the chase was over, the places their bodies touched crawled to the forefront of his awareness, chest, groin, thighs. Asche's flanks under his hands. So strange. Not a demon's squirming nothingness but an actual body, bones, flesh. Touchable." And speaking of THAT mind-blowing ending without spoiling anything, at least for now: My mind still grapples with all the insinuations and repercussions the actions of Asche and Vindt might entail. I mean, I’m still thinking about this book, and I have so many questions that haven’t been answered and so many thoughts on what exactly happened! Thank you, Thelma for doing my head in. Haha! No, seriously, I have THOUGHTS and because of that, I need to go for a little spoiler part real quick now: (view spoiler)[ 1.) Asche had known him for less than a month; Vindt’s eyes had not even made a full turn. It took people years to notice the color changing. Most never did. From gray to deep green and back in a moon’s cycle. “Moon child,” Asche said. He knew. What is it with Vindt’s eyes that makes him so special?! I mean Asche alludes to them more than once and the other Singers seemed to be impressed by him being a moon child as well. Does it come with special abilities? Are those powers dependent on the moon cycles? I need to know!! And I hope we’ll find out more about this in book 2! Also, nice touch with the Swedish word “växling” which means “change/shift”. ;-) 2.) "So, golden boy, next time you think you are the dependent one in our relationship, the slave - think again." This bomb was dropped and delivered so nicely. So if I got that correctly Singers are also sort of enslaved to their gods and hunted by the Verdurs?! And their Thyd’s have more power over the Singers than the Singers have over them? Which changes literally EVERYTHING!! And especially what happened near the ending between Asche and Vindt! I swear my mind is still in knots about this and I’ve thought about this scene again and again. 3.) ”The other side: untainted, unclaimed. Vindt could see the pulsing vein beneath the pale skin, smell the blood. He licked his lips. The Singer’s eyes went even wider. “No.” “No?” Vindt didn’t let go of Asche’s wrists, but he slackened his grip so it would take a child’s strength to free them. Then he waited. Now it was Asche’s turn to lick his lips. He tried to say something, but all that came out was an inarticulate noise. He was struggling now, ferociously – Vindt felt it – just not with his body. “Tilt your head.” Asche’s breath changed from shallow to wheezing. THIS scene! I’ve reread it more than twice and I’m still trying to figure out if it was consensual or not. At first I didn’t understand why Asche lashed Vindt within an inch of his life after they slept with each other but then I reread that moment and if we consider the fact that a Thyd who drank a Singers blood is stronger because of it, then I have to assume that Asche couldn’t stop Vindt even if he tried?! He said “no”, he was struggling against Vindt’s pull and I think some part of Asche tried to fight it but couldn’t. Vindt wanted Asche to stop him but he didn’t and Vindt took this as consent even though his actions and his reactions to him spoke a different language. Damn! My mind is still reeling from this and then we have this quote as well: "Losing is an acquired taste, you know. Once you've done it a few times, you'll start to ... well." Asche bored his glinting eyes into Vindt's. "Get addicted to it." Vindt's skin prickled. He wasn't sure whether the Singer was still talking about chess. We know the Singers drink each other’s blood as some sort of power game and if you win you’re considered to be the highest rank on the food chain. So how often did Asche lose to Ru and is this the reason he learned to accept it?! To protect himself from thinking of it as what it is, namely rape. Because there’s clearly no love lost between these two and Asche hates Ru at least as much as he seems to hate him. ”His mind was dazed, and yet he had never been this aware. And he wanted Asche to be aware, too. Of this. Its impossibility. The universe upended. Of the fact that he could have prevented it but had not.” I’m so confused! I honestly don’t know if it was consensual or not and I hope one of these days I’ll stop breaking my head over this. My mind says “no” it wasn’t consensual but there’s a small part that considers all of Asche’s actions and can’t help but wonder if it was consensual after all. I mean he obviously tried to manipulate Vindt into betraying him to Ru and Vindt didn’t betray him, even though he had plenty of chances to do so after he drank from Asche’s wrist. Giving into Vindt’s advances and hurting him so much that he had no other choice than to go to Ru and finally take action against Asche wouldn’t be that improbable. Quite honestly, it’s something that’s definitely in Asche’s skill set. And it would explain Asche’s cautious probing and confusion through their mental link after he lashed Vindt. For Asche the end justifies the means, but he might have felt guilty and confused about his own growing feelings for Vindt. 4.) ”This time, however, the pattern didn’t inspire dread; to the contrary, the Singer looked newly born, as if the ocean had spat him out of its womb, a creature made of waves and tides, of liquid and darkness, something that would slip through Vindt’s fingers as soon as he tried to grasp it.” And last but not least: Are Singers vampires or do they fall into the category of sirens and merfolk?! Maybe they are both? I get siren vibes but also vampiric ones and I honestly don’t know where to place them. Anyway, I hope Thelma will put me out of my misery with the release of her second book and with answers to all of those burning questions soon because this is driving me nuts. XD (hide spoiler)] ”With my blood, I bind you. I bind your body and your soul. My blood will fulfil your destiny. You will be my shield and my sword. You will be my voice. You will depend on me as I will depend on you. You will defend my life with yours, and I will do the same for you. This Bond is sacred. It shall only be broken by death.” Conclusion: “Ocean’s Blood” is one hell of a debut novel and once I started to read it, I had difficulties to put it down. The world building was well thought-out and the characters were intriguing. In addition to that, I loved all the machinations, political schemes and mysteries that raised so many questions that have yet to be answered. What the book truly lived from was the chemistry between the two MCs, though. Their character arcs and the way their relationship changed and grew into something more was done so masterfully and I honestly can’t wait to see how their bond is going to develop in the next book. I’m definitely going to find out because there’s no way I’ll miss this. Thelma if you read this: Thank you! And now, I need book two! ;-P ______________________________ I absolutely loved this book! Asche was such a complex, mysterious and morally grey character! I totally lived and breathed for this. Also the world building! Amazing! <3 What happened at the ending totally blew my mind and I’m still reeling from … everything?! I want to understand what happened there?!?! Anyway! Full review to come soon! I’m looking forward to the next book in the series! _______________________________ At the end of January, Thelma asked me if I wanted to read an ARC of “Ocean’s Blood” and I was more than just happy to say “yes”! I already saw the book all over my IG feed and got extremely curious about it. So Thelma Mantey asking me to read it was perfect timing! It took me a while to get to it, but here I am, totally ready to dive into this enemies-to-lovers story that promises “Captive Prince” and “Interview with the Vampire” vibes. The world building already sounds so unique and I love the concept of Singers that use their voices to bring down entire empires! Not to mention that I can’t wait to meet Vindt and Asche and all the intrigues they’ll have to face! Can you already tell I’m excited? Boy, I’m so here for this! Find me on: My Blog Instagram ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jun 14, 2024
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Jul 07, 2024
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Jun 14, 2024
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Kindle Edition
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| 9783865806161
| 3865806163
| 4.39
| 28,238
| Apr 2005
| May 24, 2007
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really liked it
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I’m on BookTube now! =) I’ve to admit that Volume 6 was better again and that it was actually pretty suspenseful. At the beginning, neither Light nor M I’m on BookTube now! =) I’ve to admit that Volume 6 was better again and that it was actually pretty suspenseful. At the beginning, neither Light nor Misa know that they’ve been the former owners of the “Death Note” and L is still in the dark about how the murders actually happen. In order to find the Kira in the finance company Light and L decide to go for surveillance cameras in the conference room and that definitely pays off. To figure out the identity of the new Kira takes them a little while, though. Well, and there is still the trust issue between L and Light. Their dynamic always amazes me because while they are both extremely intelligent and think about ten steps ahead they still don’t get along all too well. Yes, they put their differences aside for the time being whenever it’s necessary but they are always at each other’s throat as well. Also and that’s something I find very particular: Whenever they run out of words, they resort to fists and violence. *lol* Then again there’s something about L that can really piss you off. So I can’t blame Light for losing his patience every once in a while. Haha! I think what makes it really hard for L to figure out the details, is that he’s a logical person who thinks things through and comes to logical conclusions but that’s not how the Death Notes work. They are supernatural and L has troubles to wrap his mind around that, which stands in his way of figuring things out. I suppose you’d get the same result if you’d let Sherlock Holmes go for a supernatural case that is actually supernatural. XD I can’t help but wonder when it will finally sink in. Anyway! What I really liked about this Volume was how suspenseful it was. We’re led to the true identity of the Death Note owner and I’m sorry to say it but I was completely wrong with my assumptions after Vol.5. *lol* Tsugumi Ohba did a great job with that. Also kudos for making Misa a character that acts and thinks for herself. I really liked that she did her own thing in this Volume and it was intriguing to get insight into Rem’s thoughts. It’s interesting that Rem – a death god – thinks Light was a good owner of the Death Note because he used it to do good. Plus I’m pretty certain sooner or later the Death Note will find its way back to Light. After everything, I wonder how he’ll feel about it once he gets it back, though. Right now, it seems like he doesn’t believe in the possibility that he was the original Kira and to find out he was, might turn out to be quite the shock to this new version of Light. (view spoiler)[So far only Misa is back in the game and knows about the truth so I’m sure this is going to add a lot of new and interesting possibilities to the plot. ;-) (hide spoiler)] It might take a while until we get to this point of the series, though so I’m very curious how everything will continue in volume 7. After that suspenseful car chase at the ending, everything seems to be possible. The elaborate con to cause the new Death Note owner to expose himself was one hell of a freaky ride and I loved every second of it. ;-) I’m ready to find out what Volume 7 holds in store for me! ____________________________ Okay, I admit it! This was fun again! Of course, Light and L were at each other’s throat, but that’s nothing new. Still, I really liked how they planned ahead and set a trap for the new Kira. Very entertaining & suspenseful. Full and short RTC soon! ;-) ____________________________ It’s time to pick up volume 6 of “Death Note”! I wasn’t an all too huge fan of the last one but I have high hopes that this one will be great again. Apparently, Misa is working for Yotsuba-Group and trying to find out who has the death note. This already sounds way more interesting than the last volume. *lol* Fingers crossed this will be a good one! Find me on: My Blog Instagram ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jun 03, 2024
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Jun 16, 2024
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Jun 03, 2024
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Paperback
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| 0316539880
| 9780316539883
| 0316539880
| 4.22
| 54,437
| May 04, 2021
| May 04, 2021
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it was amazing
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I’m on BookTube now! =) “Courage is being scared of a task and doing it anyway.” It’s been a long, long time I last read an epic fantasy book, but John I’m on BookTube now! =) “Courage is being scared of a task and doing it anyway.” It’s been a long, long time I last read an epic fantasy book, but John Gwynne’s “The Shadow of the Gods” made me so curious I couldn’t help but pick it up! If you followed my updates closely, you might have seen, that I started to read this story in June and only finished it in October, but don’t let yourself be fooled by that. This was an amazing book and the world building wasn’t just brilliant, the characters were well-thought-out as well. The only reason it took me 5 months to read this, was because I read this book extremely slowly in order to take everything in. Epic fantasy books like this aren’t just heavy when it comes to their weight, they’re also heavy stuff when it comes to digesting what you’ve read. *lol* And, boy, did we have a lot to take in with this one! "At the very least it is a good tale, and a worthy reminder of why we must hate the gods, and hunt down their offspring. Their greed, their jealousy, their blood feud near destroyed the world, and that is why they can never be allowed to hold power in this world again, even in the form of their Tainted children." It already starts with the fact that we are kind of thrown into an existing dystopian world and see it through the eyes of three different POVs. All three of our main characters start out differently and they all have their own journey ahead of them. In some ways, they are connected with each other, though, and I personally loved all those different layers this brought to the table. It kept me on my toes and forced me to stay with them and in the story. As for the world, they live in: It’s a harsh and cruel one and it’s definitely based on Norse mythology, not only because it plays up north in a landscape with many rivers and fjords but also because there are rites, beliefs, mythological creatures, magic and the actual gods that almost destroyed their world when they waged their war. The entire story plays out in a post-war period in which warbands are hunting the offspring of the gods in order to enslave them because they are afraid their “tainted children” will wreak havoc on their world again. It’s a pretty grim setting and all three of the MCs have a hard life. I think what I really liked about all of them, is that they are all morally grey and none of them is what you’d consider a hero. To be honest I’d say they are all anti-heroes, but in this case it’s their life circumstances that push them over the edge and force them to make choices people usually don’t have to make. They are a product of their environment and they have their principles, loyalty and values. Due to that the found family vibes were really strong in this story as well and I absolutely loved Glornir, the leader of the Bloodsworn, and Agnar, the leader of the Battle Grim. Those two were men of integrity and they were amazing leaders. (To their people I may add. Agnar isn't particularly fond of the offspring of the gods. >_< As I said, morally grey characters through and through.) "Thrall, freedman, all on my ship risk their lives, and will be respected for that. If you choose to travel on my ship, with my crew, you will give her the same respect as any other of my Bloodsworn. Or we are going to have a problem. Do I make myself clear?" ”Follow where your heart and thought-cage lead you,” he said, “but know this. Whatever your choice, whatever your road, you will always have an oar-bench on the Wave-Jarl. You have proven your worth, Elvar Troll-Slayer.” Two of our MCs find themselves in different warbands and no matter if it was Elvar, the daughter of a jarl (some sort of king?), that turned her back on her family because she didn’t want to get married off to a rich man and sought battle fame instead. Or Varg who is a former thrall (basically a slave) that escaped his master in order to take revenge on the murderers of his sister; they both had good reasons to leave their past behind and to join their respective groups. To me those two point of views were very interesting, because Elvar has been a part of the Battle Grim for a long time and Varg only just joined the Bloodsworn, and is learning to fight alongside them. It’s a testament to Gwynne’s talent as a writer that he wrote those characters completely different than you’d expect. We have a warrior woman that earned her place and has the skill, self-confidence and experience it takes to stand her ground on a battlefield and we have a man who lived as a slave and decided to take his fate in his own hands. Varg is still unexperienced and only just started to trust in himself and others. It’s a stark contrast and it works so well because the typical stereotypes you usually find in fantasy books are completely reversed. "I wonder if you would be so quick to agree if it were you that were being bartered, if it were you that would have to be humped by some sweating pig and turned into a brood bitch." The third point of view we get is something we don’t get often in fantasy books as well. Orka is a woman that is married and has a son, so at the beginning of the book we actually have a character that is pretty much settled and living a more or less quiet life with her family. It’s an extremely unusual perspective and one I appreciated immensely. I love the way Gwynne portrayed women in his book in general and their strong desire to protect the ones they love was so painfully palpable in every line. To be honest the entire book is full of strong women that don’t back down and fight for what they want and I lived and breathed for it. I mean we have three POVs and two of them are female, not to mention all the amazing side-characters like the two Seiðr witches that are a part of the two different warbands as well. Uspa as well as Vol were two powerful witches that knew what they were capable of. Moreover everyone around them knew it too and appreciated their skills. You just gotta love a book like this. ”I am a hypocrite, you see. Because a mother’s love is a powerful thing. An instinct like no other. I would let the world drown in blood if it would mean my Bjarn was safe and back in my arms again.” Not that the men in the story weren’t great characters, too. I was especially fond of the two leaders of the war bands and of Lif and Mord, two brothers who wind up accompanying Orka in her quest to find her son. They brought some dire needed humour to the story and I appreciated the author for adding them to the plot. The brothers were a good counterweight to Orka’s intense character and I couldn’t help but enjoy their conversations and easy banter. The dynamic between those three was impeccable and I found myself hoping to see more of them. They started to feel like a found family at some point and if you know me, you know that I love myself some good found family trope in my books. ;-) "We were trying to think of a plan with more deep-cunning than just walking into a tavern where we would be outnumbered twelve to one and try to put some steel in his belly," Mord added, a smile twitching his mouth. I probably could go on and on and try to describe the world building to you, but I think I’ll leave it at that and let you explore this world by yourself. Mostly because it’s a great experience but also because I honestly can’t seem to be able to explain it properly. Heaven knows I tried to do so in my monthly BookTube wrap up video and failed miserably. XD Conclusion: All told, “The Shadow of the Gods” was an amazing epic fantasy book that kept me engaged for months. I couldn’t help but pull for those morally grey characters and enjoyed to follow their journey into the unknown. At first, it all seemed to be disconnected but at the end, everything came together and threw me for a loop. And this doesn’t happen all too often lately! Gwynne is a brilliant writer, and I can’t wait to find out what twists and turns he’ll come up with for the other two books in this series. One thing is for sure though; I’m definitely going to find out. ;-) ____________________________ It might have taken me a couple of months to finish this book, but boy, this story was good! I so rarely read epic fantasy but whenever I do I find myself enjoying it immensely! The 3 POVs, the Nordic mythology vibes and the strong family bonds and friendships in this were great. <3 Full RTC soon! This is going to be a high rating! _____________________________ I think it’s been about a year I last read some epic fantasy so I guess it’s about time I finally pick up another one! “The Shadow of the Gods” has been on my radar for ages and so many of my BookTube friends raved about this story, I just had to pick it up too. I’m very curious if this will live up to my very high expectations but judging by the cover it has dragons and I’m always down for a good dragon story. ;-) Also the gods drove themselves into extinction and it’s mayhem after their reign? 3 different POVs? Sounds like the right book for me! =) Find me on: My Blog Instagram ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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May 22, 2024
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Oct 19, 2024
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May 22, 2024
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Paperback
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| 9781706447573
| 1706447574
| 4.06
| 18
| unknown
| Mar 29, 2020
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really liked it
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I’m on BookTube now! =) **I received this book as a free eBook copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you S.P. Fletcher for en I’m on BookTube now! =) **I received this book as a free eBook copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you S.P. Fletcher for entrusting me with your story and for your endless patience!** ”You’re the first one I actually ever voted for because I thought you would make life for people around here better. So you are going to get on that rocketship and you are going to go make a difference like everyone knows you can.” First of all: I’m kinda mad at myself for reading “The Senator” so late! This story was great and I absolutely loved it because it was once again the right book at the right time for me. And secondly: The European elections are around the corner, Austrian elections for the Austrian parliament are coming up this autumn and I still don’t know who to vote for. Modern day politics have become tiresome and vexing and with all the scandals and corruption allegations, it’s really not easy to find someone decent who actually deserves your vote. I want change and I want Austria to become a better country, for the politicians to do more for their people and to understand the troubles and hardships Austrian citizens have to face. Unfortunately, it seems like they are miles away from knowing what is truly happening in their country and I think I’d have to go into politics myself in order to truly bring about change. Well, and that’s the point where we come back to the plot of the book because that’s exactly what the MC of “The Senator” does! ”To me, it seems democracy too easily falls prey to men of greed and power.” I could totally relate to this quote and if there ever was a guy who would have gotten my vote then it would have been Senator Jason Jones! XD I really loved the fact that Jason came from a poor background and lived at a trailer park. His life wasn’t easy and due to politicians and people who didn’t care he had an accident that turned him into some sort of indestructible superhero when he was a teen. Of course, no one knows about this part of Jason’s past and even though he had to fight his way to the top, he became the official senator of Kentucky! He’s become a man of the people and because he’s so down-to-earth and knows about the struggles ordinary people have to face, he’s trying his best to change American politics from the inside. "And here I am, day after day, in a small forlorn and forgotten back alley of the rust belt, fighting to keep us out of poverty, fighting to keep the bank away from the house, fighting to stop Dad from gambling away his pay check on horses and drugs while he bashed my head in on a regular basis." Yes, Jason didn’t have it easy and because of that he’s become a fighter for the poor people that can’t defend themselves. No matter if it’s at the courtroom in his official function as a prosecutor, as the Senator of Kentucky who works in the Senate or as a secret villain who takes out corrupt politicians at night. Jason’s work is cut out for him and as it seems he’ll have to go through half of the Senate in order to weed out all the bad roots. The worst part? Apparently, the President himself is allied with the very forces that want to bring about the downfall of America. ”Thank you for not fucking something up for once, I guess? That's an improvement for you guys." How much prison time do they give you for killing the President again? Is it like a guaranteed ride to the electric chair or would I be able to say he asked for it? And so it happens that Jason ends up at the Oval Office at midnight, while the man who is responsible for America is trying to ensure his silence by offering him way too much money. Of course, Jason declines which causes him to end up on the blacklist of the President himself. Talk about a good start of your career as a Senator. *lol* Jason would not be Jason if this would faze him, though. If you stick your nose in someone else’s business, you’re bound to face some serious backlash. Jason was aware of that from the beginning. Still, he didn’t think the crazy leader of America would go to such lengths in order to get rid of him. ”This is just turning into the worst week of my life.” I calmly survey the tanklike men. “Come to Washington D.C. Be a senator. You’ll spend your whole term cleaning up other people’s messes and have people trying to kill you.” Haha! I just loved Jason’s black humour, unapologetic attitude and his integrity. I mean they tried to bribe him with a lot of money, but he still said “no”. They did everything in their power to thwart his career because he came from a poor background and is gay and they crossed him on multiple occasions, trying to get rid of him with all their machinations and intrigues. Thankfully, Jason had a great team that was loyal to him and always managed to be one-step ahead of the game. Bless Harry, the Senator of Hawaii, his personal assistant Jackie and sweet Earnie. ”You ever try something like that again and I will rip your arms out of their sockets and beat you to death with them. Come after me all you want. That’s fine. But you don’t dare fuck with the innocent families of this country. I was a prosecutor. If I kill you, I will get off without a sentence or conviction.” I know Jason’s actions were more than just morally grey and totally out of line. You don’t go about killing corrupt politicians at night. It’s the wrong way to bring about change and it’s morally reprehensible, but some part of me could understand why he did what he did. Jason was tired of the system failing whenever it was important. Cases lost on some minor technicality that let the culprit get free and do it again or just judges that were bribed with a lot of money. And quite honestly, that part wasn’t even fiction. So many cases are lost because of little mistakes and the victims have to suffer their entire lives from what was done to them while the rapists, murderers, burglars etc. get free without any consequences. Add to that the sheer amount of horrible, rich and entitled Senators that never did what was good for their people and only ever worked for their own gain. Jason was in a position to get his change, whether it was through legal ways or through using his special abilities, either way he was determined to do what was best for his country and people. So yeah, I got where he was coming from and his actions might have been drastic and wrong but they ultimately came from a good place. ”I’m not exactly sure I’m the hero America wants. But, if I’m sure of anything, it’s that, right now, I’m willing to be the villain it desperately needs.” S.P. Fletcher created an anti-hero you can’t help but pull for, no matter how condemnable his actions are. I think in many ways Jason Jones reminded me of Matt Murdock. Attorney at day and “Daredevil” at night. Both of them are morally grey characters but Jason definitely gets his hands way dirtier than Matt and thrives when he hands out justice. I think there’s a dark side to Jason that enjoys killing those politicians and to take them out of the race. Yet there’s still his unshakable belief in justice and truth that motivates him to get up every day. Jason is a truly complex character and I loved that about him. ”That hadn’t gone so well. Since I didn’t speak any Russian, I had to interrogate him through Google Translate, and from the weird looks he kept giving me none of my questions were making any sense. I could have bought the app for my phone but they wanted $29 and no interrogation is worth wasting that kind of money on.” Also he’s funny! *lol* There were a couple of scenes that caused me to laugh because they were so absurd, but also very relatable. Sure, the fact no one is able to catch him felt a little unrealistic at times, especially because the story played in the future and there are like a million of surveillance systems that should have been able to give him a hard time. For the plot’s sake I had no problem to overlook those minor issues, though. Sometimes you just gotta cut the author some slack and let them off the hook in order to enjoy a book. Call it creative freedom. ;-P "Sadly, there are no good, decent men in the Senate anymore," I say, almost fiercely. "But lately I'm starting to wonder if there ever was anyone decent in this job." "That can't be true, sir." He locks eyes with me. "I'm looking at one of the decent ones right now." I blush uncomfortably. Last, but not least I have to talk about Jason being a part of the LGBTQIA+ community and the very steamy scenes we get throughout the entire book. Truth be told, it even starts with one and that was quite a surprise! I didn’t expect the book to go for it right at the beginning but that opening scene certainly intrigued me enough to continue. *lol* You have no idea how happy I was to find out that Jason isn’t only gay but also very unapologetic about it. He’s secure in his sexuality and whenever he meets someone he finds attractive Jason doesn’t beat about the bush and makes his intentions clear. When he gets a “no” he accepts it and when he gets the all-clear he enthusiastically goes for it. I loved this! No, seriously! Please write more characters like that! The world needs them! “Never seen a male senator with the pizza boy before.” He opens the car door for me. There’s a hint of a smile on his features. “Ah. How time changes and we move forward.” “Well that’s what I’m here for,” I say. “Breaking barriers and moving America forward one pizza boy at a time.” That scene! *lol* It was gold! As was Special Agent Galloway who becomes Jason’s bodyguard and is part of his security detail. This hot Scottish Highlander with copper hair and a body like Adonis was exactly what we needed in this story. XD His growing friendship and later on relationship with Jason was perfect and it was nice to see that there was someone who could accept Jason for who he was, with all his faults, flaws and secrets. He doesn’t condone Jason’s actions and even calls him out on them, but he understands why he is doing what he’s doing and he respects Jason’s decisions. I was glad he finally found someone who made him feel safe enough to confide in. When I turn my gaze away from the rain thrusting down across the street and off my portico, my eyes are haunted. “They killed an entire town.” I feel my throat hoarsen. “Because they didn’t want to pay seventeen dollars and nine cents. They killed 449 people just for that. For a measly seventeen dollars and nine cents. All my childhood friends and Link. They killed them all.” My heart broke for Jason when he told his superhero origin story and despite the book having a rather black humour and being very action driven those chapters were kept very serious and sober. With this S.P. Fletcher managed to convey the intensity of Jason’s background story and as a reader you feel his pain and helpless rage at the system. Moreover, you become angry on Jason’s behalf and you want the bad guys to pay for what they did. Quite honestly, it’s a genius stroke of the author and this scene was done masterfully. You have enough distance to take it all in but it still leaves a strong impression. Conclusion: I can’t believe I waited so long to read “The Senator” because this was amazing! I dunno what it is about this book but it catered to all my needs and I was hooked right from the beginning. No matter if it was the backstabbing politics, the superhero aspect, the LGBTQIA+ representation, the humour, the steamy scenes or Jason as the multi-layered MC of the story who’s integrity can’t be swayed, I enjoyed it all. This was great and if you’re tired of today’s politics this perfectly hits the nerve of the times. ;-) __________________________________ I had so much fun reading this! <3 I didn’t expect to like “The Senator” that much but once again it was the right book at the right time. Also I loved the mixture of intrigues, superpowers, action and LGBTQIA+ rep! And yes, it was steamy too. ;-P Full RTC soon! I need to think this through and write a proper review! =) ___________________________________ First of all I want to apologize to S.P. Fletcher for taking so long to get to this review copy, and then I want to add how much I’m looking forward to read “The Senator”! I heard this is a book for people that are fed up with politics and quite honestly the mere fact we have a Senator who has super powers and uses them to get rid of corrupt politicians is already persuading enough. *lol* Plus I heard that Senator Jason Jones is part of the LGBTQIA+ community so this sounds perfect! Let’s find out the truth. ;-) Find me on: My Blog Instagram ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Apr 15, 2024
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May 30, 2024
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Apr 15, 2024
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Paperback
| |||||||||||||||
| 1250822130
| 9781250822130
| 1250822130
| 4.33
| 20,964
| Sep 06, 2022
| Sep 06, 2022
|
I’m on BookTube now! =) This was great! The world building was amazing and I loved to learn about all the different dioses and their cities. Plus some I’m on BookTube now! =) This was great! The world building was amazing and I loved to learn about all the different dioses and their cities. Plus some of the trials were extremely suspenseful! Teo, Niya and Xio were such a fun trio! The ending, though! Like OMG! O_o I need to read book 2 asap! Full RTC soon! Give me some time to gather my thoughts! ;-) ________________________________ I loved “Cemetery Boys” when I read it last year and I’m already convinced I’ll love “The Sunbearer Trials” too! I mean what’s not to love? - A trans masc MC - Mythology, gods and semidioses - A deadly competition - “Hunger Games” meets ”Percy Jackson” This sounds exactly like my cup of tea! =) Find me on: My Blog Instagram ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Apr 02, 2024
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May 12, 2024
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Apr 02, 2024
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Hardcover
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| 4.15
| 847,533
| Sep 01, 2020
| Sep 03, 2020
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really liked it
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I’m on BookTube now! =) ”The remainder of my estate,” Mr. Ortega read, “including all properties, monetary assets, and worldly possessions not otherwis I’m on BookTube now! =) ”The remainder of my estate,” Mr. Ortega read, “including all properties, monetary assets, and worldly possessions not otherwise specified, I leave to Avery Kylie Grambs.” I honestly thought I could write a short review about this book, but the joke’s on me because when I looked through all the quotes I marked, I realized that it’s impossible to keep this review as short and simple as I intended it to be. There are just too many characters and different players in this story so a full-blown review it will be. I hope you have time because we’ll sit here for a little while. *lol* So first of all I’ve to say that this story blew me away in the best way possible! I absolutely loved this and it turned out to be the perfect book for me! This series popped up on my feed a lot lately and I got curious enough to add it to my TBR. The interesting thing is that I think this series might still be a little underrated?! Aside of on goodreads I never saw it in any bookstores and no one in my country seems to put an effort into trying to market it. Maybe that’s just an Austrian thing but I feel like “The Inheritance Games” should be more popular than they actually are over here. Anyway! What I really loved about this first book was the fact that a seeming nobody inherited a billion fortune and that there are four handsome grandsons who try to solve that mystery alongside the new heiress. All those four boys were very different and I adored them all in their own way. We didn’t just get two big mysteries but also a lot of secrets and a big mansion with hidden rooms and corridors, action and suspense, lots of intrigues and riddles as well. It was the full package and catered to all my needs and I honestly can’t wait to read the next book. Which is the main reason I’m writing this review now because I need to get it up before I jump into the second instalment. *lol* This said, let’s head to the character’s section! There’s a lot of ground to cover and I’m eager to discuss all those characters! ”Legally,” she said, “the Hawthorne family is required to provide you with keys. Practically speaking …” She narrowed her eyes. “The Hawthorne family is a pain in the ass.” “That a legal term?” Oren asked dryly. The characters: Welcome to Hawthorne Manor! This house is full of secrets, lies, intrigues and spoilers! You better tread carefully or either the estate or it’s occupants will make sure to let you disappear. Trust no one and keep your heart close, but most of all don’t read this spoilery spoiler section if you haven’t read the book. You’ve been warned! Now go, have a good time spending your billions! ;-P Avery Grambs: “I was supposed to have an edge. But sharp-edged girls had feelings, too.” You know, despite Avery kinda living the dream and inheriting billions, I actually felt really sorry for her most of the time. The way she was treated by most of the Hawthorne family members was horrible and it wasn’t even her fault that Tobias gave her all that money. I mean, she didn’t even know the man and from one day to the next she was an heiress and had more money than she could spend in 10 lifetimes. Of course, there was a lot of hostility to be expected, but I think for a person like Avery who came from nothing this must have been even harder than for most. Not to mention all the attention from the media and people that only spoke two words with her before she became rich and then expected to get some money. It was a real sh*tshow and Avery was thrown into it without any warning. It hurt to see how much she struggled to adapt and the fact she couldn’t trust anyone made everything so much worse. Despite all the things that were thrown at her she held her own pretty well, though and I think given the circumstances she acted like a boss! I love that she had so much compassion and tried to see things through the Hawthorne boy’s eyes. She stayed true to herself and I hope she’ll continue to do so in the next books as well. =) ”Think of someone you trust.” That hurt in a way that should have hollowed me out but left me feeling like I might throw up instead. I swallowed. Grayson Hawthorne: ”You.” Alisa greeted him with a steely-eyed look. “I take it I’m not forgiven for interfering?” Grayson asked. “You’re nineteen,” Alisa retorted. “Would it kill you to act like it?” “It might.” Grayson flashed his teeth in a smile. “And you’re welcome.” I gotta be honest here, I wasn’t Grayson’s biggest fan at first but he somehow won me over?! I have no idea how it happened, but to see his soft side and to know that everything he did, he did in order to protect his family was something I could relate to. I will always protect my family and friends as well, so the fact Grayson did it so fiercely kinda softened my heart for him. *lol* Still, he was a douche when Avery inherited the Hawthorne fortune and I won’t apologize his behaviour. I gotta give it to him, though. For a nineteen-year-old boy he is quite self-assured, intelligent and skilled. He seemed so strong at first but I think most of it was for show while he tried to keep everything from falling apart. I can respect that and I think Avery does too, which is the reason she started to like Gray more than she probably should…. XD “I will pay you to stop right there,” Grayson said, a pained expression on his face. Skye patted her son’s cheek. “Bribe. Threaten. Buy out. You couldn’t be more Hawthorne, darling, if you tried.” She gave me a knowing smile. “That’s why we call him the heir apparent.” But his grandfather chose me. “I’m –“ “Don’t say that you are sorry.” Grayson stared at the wall a moment longer, then turned to face me. “Don’t be sorry, Ms. Grambs. Be worthy of it.” Jameson Hawthorne: “Where are you going?” I asked him. After everything it has taken to get to this point, he couldn’t just walk away. “To hell, eventually,” Jameson answered. “Probably to the wine cellar, for now.” I think it will surprise absolutely no one that I loved Jameson right from the start! Haha! That boy is the perfect blend of tortured rich bad boy who can be so very gentle and soft when no one is looking! While it took me a while to warm up to Gray, I was on Team Jameson from the minute he was introduced. I have a weakness for broken boys and Jameson immediately gave off that vibe. What can I say? I’m just weak for boys like him. ;-P Still, like all the Hawthorne boys he has a sharp mind and is strong-willed and there’s definitely more than meets the eye. I’m very curious what’s going to happen with him in the next book and where his character arc is going. Hands reached past me to turn on the faucet. I should have jumped. I should have panicked. But somehow, my body relaxed into the person behind me. “It’s okay, Heiress,” Jameson murmured. “I’ve got you.” Xander Hawthorne: "I apologize for Xander," Grayson commented. "He tends not to buy into such antiquated notions as thinking before one speaks and sitting still for more than three consecutive seconds." He looked down. "He's the best of us, even on his worst days." Okay, but isn’t Xander just a ray of sunshine?! I adore this boy so much and as it seems everyone else does too! He gave off serious puppy vibes, and this despite being the tallest of the Hawthorne boys. *lol* I loved that he was a foodie and an inventor as well! Science seemed to be his passion and I swear he made me so hungry with all the talk about scones and cupcakes etc. But just as with Jameson I’m convinced there’s more to him than initially meets the eye. The reader is supposed to not see him as a threat, but I can’t help but wonder if we shouldn’t be more weary of him. It’s hard to tell. I guess only time will show his true face and I’ll definitely keep an eye on my sunshine boy in the next book! ;-) ”Maybe you’re blameless.” Xander shrugged. “Maybe you’re the evil genius that Gray seems to think you are, but at the end of the day, even if you thought that you’d manipulated our grandfather into this, I guarantee that he’d be the one manipulating you.” Nash Hawthorne: “We aren’t normal. This place isn’t normal, and you’re not a player, kid. You’re the glass ballerina—or the knife.” Now Nash is a character I instantly liked and I actually believe him that he doesn’t want any of the money. Of all the Hawthorne boys he seems to be the most grounded, reasonable and down-to-earth. What I find interesting is that it was mentioned Nash tries to save everyone and that most of the house’s personnel is loyal to him. So why not let him be their heir of all that money? A person who isn’t even interested in it would be best suited for it, right? Like you should never give power to the people who want it, but to those who don’t want it because they would do the right thing. For some reason old Tobias didn’t give him the money though, and I wonder why that is?! Maybe we’ll find out more in the next instalment?! I honestly hope so because this has my mind in knots. XD Nan – The Wildcard: She swatted his arm. “I’m this rascals great-grandmother.” Nan settled, with no small difficulty, into the open seat beside me. “Older than dirt and twice as mean.” I couldn’t help but like Nan from the moment she said that quote above. *lol* She’s quite something and I hope we’ll see more of her in the next book. Also from all the Hawthorne women she actually seemed to be the most sincere and honest one so I’m a fan of her. I don’t think she might play a bigger role in the books to come but who knows, maybe I’ll eat my words in the future. Everything is possible with Nan – The Wildcard. ;-) ”You ask me, if you’re going to kill someone, you should at least have the decency to do it yourself and do it right.” The relationships & ships: Avery & Grayson: "You have no idea," Grayson said lowly, "how ill prepared you are. A girl like you?" "You don't know me." A rush of fury surged through my veins as I cut him off. "I will," Grayson promised. "I'll know everything about you soon enough." Every bone in my body said that he was a person who kept his promises. I just realized that it’s kinda odd I saved more moments between Avery and Grayson than I did between Avery and Jameson. I guess this might be because their feelings are more restrained? They don’t really act on them which makes for amazing chemistry and as you all know I’m a sucker for a slow-burn and gentle gestures. I suppose Grayson fully delivered on that front yet I’d probably still choose Jameson as a love interest?! Help! I’m confused. *lol* Those two boys make it really hard and I think I’m not the only one who’s confused! Avery seems to be pretty undecided as well and if Gray wouldn’t hold back they probably would have kissed as well. Those two connect on an entirely different level than Jameson and Avery because they both value their family, are less impulsive and think a couple of steps ahead. They look at the bigger picture, which makes for a quite formidable pair. I wonder if they’ll ever act on their feelings in the other books. I guess only reading them will tell. "Remember me?" I raised a hand, then paid for it. "Subject of your conversation and capable individual in her own right?" Grayson must have seen the pain the movement caused me, because he turned and used his hands to gently lower mine. "You'll let Oren do his job," he ordered softly. Beside me, Grayson unbuckled his seat belt. He reached for my wrist, his touch gentle. "Oren's right. You shouldn't go out there." I looked down at his hands on mine, and after a heartbeat, I looked back up. "And what would you do," I said, "what lengths would you go to in order to protect your family?" Grayson let out a ragged breath, and then I felt him gently turning my face back toward his. “Avery.” He almost never used my given name. He gently traced the line of my jaw. “I won’t let anyone hurt you ever again. You have my word.” He thought he could protect me. He wanted to. He was touching me, and all I wanted was to let him. Let him protect me. Let him touch me. Avery & Jameson: "Avery doesn't bite." For once, Jameson referred to me by my actual name. "Frankly, now that the issue of relatedness has been settled in the negative, I'd be game if she did." Those two had a lot of chemistry right from the start and I think that automatically makes them the more obvious couple. I mean I almost instantly knew that they would hook up later on and that there would at least be a kiss somewhere during the book. It was almost inevitable and I’m pretty sure the author wanted it to be that way. We’re supposed to ship Avery and Jameson, but will they be endgame? I dunno. I’m very sceptical about their HEA because their relationship is a little bit too on the nose. Jameson deserves someone who’s nourishing and will give him the love that he craves, I’m not sure Avery is the one who can give him what he needs, though. Am I making any sense?! All I’ll say is, we’re supposed to ship them but then the author turned everything into a love triangle and as we all know they usually end up with a happy couple and one person who’s heart gets broken. I guess I’ll just read the series and see what’s going to happen in book two? XD ”Yes?” I asked him hoarsely. “Yes, Heiress.” My lips closed over his. He kissed me back, gentle at first, then not gently at all. Grayson & Jameson: ”I’m trying to protect you,” Grayson said lowly. “I think we both know,” Jameson replied, “that the only person you’ve ever protected is yourself.” Those two brothers had a seriously messed up relationship and I think it’s sad that they aren’t close anymore because of what happened with Emily. That girl must have been quite the heartbreaker and I hate that she used the two brothers and pitted them against each other. I suppose you could say Avery isn’t any better because both boys have feelings for her too, but while Emily did it on purpose Avery had no such intention. It just happened that she developed feelings for both of them. For Emily this was just a game and she probably basked in the attention she got from the brothers. Jameson and Grayson suffered because they loved her and if Emily would be still alive I’d give her a piece of my mind. The way she led them on was just vile and unfair. Jameson and Grayson deserved better than that! I really hope they’ll have a heart-to-heart and get closer again because it’s obvious they still care about each other. <3 ”Can’t an older brother spend time with his younger brother and an interloper of dubious intentions without getting the third degree?” “He doesn’t trust me with you,” I translated. “I’m such a delicate flower.” Jameson’s tone was light, but his eyes told a different story. “In need of protection and constant supervision.” ”You didn’t kill her,” I said. “The adrenaline did. Or the altitude, the change in pressure. I don’t know. Jameson wouldn’t take her. I shouldn’t have, either.” “I will always protect you" he told me, his jaw tight, his eyes shadowed. "You deserve to feel safe in your own home. And I'll help you with the foundation. I'll teach you what you need to know to take this life like you were born to it. But this...us..." He swallowed. "It can't happen, Avery. I've seen the way Jameson looks at you.” Libby & Avery: Libby picked up a cupcake and cradled it in her hands. “I’m doing the best I can, Avery.” She was a people pleaser. Drake liked putting her in the middle. He used me to hurt her. I couldn’t just wait around for the day he stopped punching walls. Libby’s and Avery’s sisterly bond was great and I liked those two a lot! Sure, they didn’t have it easy with all the Drake stuff going on and then Avery basically becoming a billionaire over night, but in contrast to Avery I never questioned Libby’s loyalty and love. She didn’t have to take in her sister after her mom’s death but she did and she really tried everything to make things work. It’s unfortunate she ended up with a guy like Drake but I think that matter resolved itself by now. For Libby I hope that she won’t fall for another “Drake” and that things will get better. She deserves some happiness and their sisterly bond deserves a chance to grow as well. =) ”Libby wouldn’t hurt me, I thought desperately. She wouldn’t let Drake hurt me. And then: She didn’t block his number.” ”Don’t you dare say we’re not sisters,” I told her. “Would you still want me here?” Libby asked me, her fingers rubbing at her choker. “If we’re not –“ “I want you here,” I promised. “No matter what.” Libby & Nash: Nash peered through her hair to the black eye underneath. "What happened here?" he murmured. "I'm fine," Libby said, sticking her chin out. "I can see that," Nash replied softly. "But if you decide you'd like to give me a name? I'd take it." Please someone tell me I’m not the only one who’s shipping those two like crazy! *lol* Nash going all “who did this to you?” and “touch her and you die” was my personal highlight of the book! Also in a very weird way those two make absolute sense?! Like it’s not just that Nash is someone who saves people and Libby kinda needs saving but it’s also the way they interact and just, I dunno, can be themselves around each other?! They are so in sync, it feels like they were always a part of each other’s life. Also the cowboy and the goth?! Love it! Give me more of this amazing “we’re blowing all the stereotypes and do it in style” couple. I’m a 100% convinced Nash wants to nibble more than just Libby’s cupcakes. Okay, that sounded weird now, but you get what I mean! *LOL* ;-P I’m fully on board of this ship and I hope we’ll see some development in the next books! <333 ”Don’t talk about me like I’m not here.” Libby looked up from the cupcakes she was icing to narrow her eyes at Nash. “Yes, ma’am.” Nash smiled, wide and slow. I wondered how long he’d been with her – why he’d been with her. Conclusion: I loved “The Inheritance Games” and this book was deliciously perfect! Mysteries, a big mansion with secret rooms and corridors, riddles and hints to be solved, 4 handsome heirs and many scheming and dangerous jilted family members? The perfect recipe for a suspenseful story that kept me guessing alongside the characters! All I can say is: I want more! =) Find me on: My Blog Instagram ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Mar 11, 2024
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Mar 30, 2024
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Mar 11, 2024
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Paperback
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| 4.26
| 133,785
| Jul 13, 2021
| Jul 13, 2021
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it was amazing
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I’m on BookTube now! =) ”The City was a healthy place, a thriving place. A never-ending harmony of making, doing, growing, trying, laughing, running, l I’m on BookTube now! =) ”The City was a healthy place, a thriving place. A never-ending harmony of making, doing, growing, trying, laughing, running, living. Sibling Dex was so tired of it." Boy, ain’t that a #mood! *lol* No, seriously, I can relate to that quote so much because I feel the same way whenever I leave my small town and go to Vienna. Don’t get me wrong, I love Vienna and it will always be the city I was born and grew up in, but everything there is so much more hectic and stressful than it’s in my chosen hometown. So when Sibling Dex – Dex for short – decided to leave the big city in order to find the sound of crickets I could totally understand that. Sometimes you just need quiet and the sounds of nature and this is exactly what Dex sets out to do. They want to become a tea monk and even though they have a rocky start, they put a lot of energy and effort into getting better and become the best tea monk of Panga in the end. Well, at least that’s what people claim, Dex would never say that about themselves. ;-) ”Dex had taken respite in tea parlors plenty of times, as everyone did, and they’d read plenty of books about the particulars of the practice. Endless electronic ink had been spilled over the old tradition, but all of it could be boiled down to listen to people, give tea.” I totally loved the concept of tea monks, because even though it sounds simple, it’s not really that easy to listen to people and to give them exactly the kind of comfort they need. Dex however does an amazing job and I could relate to them so much. I think if I’d live in their world I’d be a tea monk too. XD Because apparently I’m a good listener and give solid advice. I dunno about that, but it’s what other people think of me so I won’t argue with their perception of me. What I do know is that I have some sort of gift – if you want to call it like that – that causes people to open up to me and to just talk. It’s an endless source of amusement for my friends and hubby, because whenever I come home and tell them about my day there will be a story about a stranger I met on the train or subway and that started to talk to me. *lol* It happened recently with a lady on the train and I probably know more about her now than I know about my own cousin. XD Anyway! Let’s get back to Dex! ”In seven hours, they were supposed to be in Hammerstrike, a smile on their face, a mug of comfort extended. They believed in that work; they truly did. They believed the things they said, the sacred words they quoted. They believed they were doing good. Why wasn’t it enough?” Dex has a gift to help people in need, yet despite all their efforts and the knowledge they are doing something good, they still can’t shake the feeling that they are missing out on something. What exactly that is they don’t know, but it’s gnawing on them and they always feel like there’s more out there. That what they do isn’t enough. So one day they pack their things and go off the usual path, trying to find whatever it is they are searching for. And then they meet Splendid Speckled Mosscap and an adventure into the wild begins. The robot took another step back. “Are you afraid of me?” “Uh, yeah,” Dex said. The robot crouched, trying to align itself with Dex’s height. “Does this help?” “That’s … more condescending than anything.” Haha! Gosh, I loved the way they met and their first contact was hilarious. Those two were so different and at first Dex is more than just a little wary of Mosscap. It’s the first time a robot is talking to a human being after they went into the wild and Dex can’t believe that they are the one Mosscap wants to talk to. After all, robots and humans haven’t been in touch for centuries, surely there’s someone better qualified to handle this exchange, right? No, Mosscap insists it’s Dex it wants to talk to and after a couple of adventures they start to get to know and trust each other. Dex took note of Mosscap’s phrasing. “So, it is correct, then? You wouldn’t prefer they or –“ “Oh, no, no, no. Those sorts of words are for people. Robots are not people. We’re machines, and machines are objects. Objects are its.” “I’d say you’re more than just an object.” Dex said. The robot looked a touch offended. “I would never call you just an animal, Sibling Dex.” It turned its gaze to the road, head held high. “We don’t have to fall into the same category to be of equal value.” And that’s basically the essence of the book, Dex and Mosscap have meaningful conversations while they make their way through the wilderness together. I know that doesn’t sound adventurous or interesting but it was! I dunno what it is about this book, but the way Dex and Mosscap got to know each other and how they explained things, it was just so wholesome and sweet! They are both very innocent and they are aware that there is a lot they don’t know about each other, yet at the same time they are perceptive and try their best not to assume anything. Their conversations kinda reminded me of two little kids starting to talk to each other at the playground. Two strangers without an ulterior motive or any bad intentions. They just are and let each other be and try to understand where the other one is coming from. It was so refreshing and wholesome to read this. Also Mosscap’s curiosity! Ahh! I loved Mosscap so damn much! <333 ”You said you didn’t know how to make a fire,” Dex said as they approached. “I didn’t,” Mosscap said. “I went through the library and found a book that taught me how. I’ve never read a book before; it was very exciting. They’re not supposed to fall apart when you touch them, though, right?” Mosscap is honestly such a cute robot and I’d love to talk to it! I really enjoyed hearing what it thought and how it approached things. It was such a wise robot and the way it saw things and thought outside of the box was more than just a little intriguing. Mosscap is a gentle but also passionate soul and I hope we’ll get to know some of the other robots it spoke about in the next book. They all sounded like such interesting individuals. And speaking of interesting, alone the fact the robots were the ones who went into the wilderness is one hell of an intriguing and unique concept! I mean, robots who are made of technology and consist of metal that was bend together and shaped into a human form decided to go into nature and to study it. You’d think they wouldn’t be able to survive in a world without internet, electricity or shelter yet they seem to thrive and have their own rules and started their own civilisation. It’s amazing and I absolutely fell in love with the world-building and overall idea of this book. Becky Chambers really has become such a comfort author for me and I want to read all of her books. ”It’s pretty here,” Dex said. “I wouldn’t have imagined I’d say that about a place like this, but –“ “Yes, it is,” Mosscap said, as if making a decision within itself. “It is. Dying things often are.” Dex raised an eyebrow. “That’s a little macabre.” “Do you think so?” said Mosscap with surprise. “Hmm. I disagree.” It absently touched a soft fern growing nearby, petting the fronds like fur. “I think there’s something beautiful about being lucky enough to witness a thing on its way out.” Conclusion: I loved every second of “A Psalm for the Wild-Built” and I was kinda disappointed when it ended. I mean, I knew it was a short book, but once I finished the last page I couldn’t help but want for more! It felt like Dex’s and Mosscap’s journey just started, and I suppose in some way it actually did. I can’t wait to read the second book and I hope there are more to come! If you want to read something wholesome, endearing, meaningful, intriguing and unique, then this is the book for you! I know the premise sounds simple but the story is so much more than meets the eye and dare I say it? Splendid! ;-P 5 stars! ___________________________ This book was so, so, so wholesome! I have no idea how to describe it, but just to meet Mosscap and Dex was extremely soothing. The way they got to know each other, it was so nice and easy to read. <3 Loved it. Such a comfort read! Full RTC soon! I’ll try to nail that feeling with words. Wish me luck! XD ____________________________ Every once in a while you just need to read that one book everyone is raving about and I guess for me this is “A Psalm for the Wild-Built” by Becky Chambers. So many people recommended this book to me and everyone is telling me that this story is extremely wholesome and awesome. So basically all the some’s. *lol* I’m very curious what a tea monk and a robot have to discuss so I’m totally here for their conversation. XD Let’s do this. Ready, steady, go! Find me on: My Blog Instagram ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Feb 26, 2024
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Mar 10, 2024
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Feb 26, 2024
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Hardcover
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| 1250162688
| 9781250162687
| 1250162688
| 3.86
| 15,307
| Jun 19, 2018
| Jun 19, 2018
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really liked it
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I’m on BookTube now! =) "Help me find out who killed Nick Elliot, and everything I can teach you before Frostnight is yours." He propped his chin on th I’m on BookTube now! =) "Help me find out who killed Nick Elliot, and everything I can teach you before Frostnight is yours." He propped his chin on the pad of his thumb and the second knuckle of his index finger, examining me again. "Starting with how to hide your true nature, I think. You shine, Starred One, to anyone with the power to see." And so the interesting tale of Dr. Miles Singer and Tristan Hunter begins. To say it’s an intriguing story would be an understatement because wow, this book really surprised me. In the best way possible, I might add. These days it’s quite rare to find a unique and intriguing world-building but “Witchmark” managed to do exactly that! Plus it addressed a lot of other topics and themes and that makes it kinda hard to put it in just one category. For instance, we don’t just have the murder mystery around Nick Elliot who was killed by a stranger and passed his witch powers on to Miles right before he died. We also have politics, a secret society, magic, class differences, complicated family relationships, slavery, mental health, the aftereffects of war and PTSD. It’s a lot that’s packed into this 318 pages book but despite all that, it worked more than just well! C.L. Polk managed to pull it off and even added the setting of Edwardian England to it, which made for great scenes with bicycles and carriages. I honestly thought I read it all but then there comes this amazing chase scene on bicycles and I’m like: “Woah! I love it.” *lol* "She'll gut me if I hurt you," he said with a grin. "She didn't even need to say it. You inspire a true friendship, Miles." "She's never met anyone who claims to call on me." "I question the taste of every man and woman in this city." My face grew hot. So yeah, I had a great time with this book and I really enjoyed reading about it all. What I found very fascinating as well was the magic system and how it worked because apparently the people with magic abilities were also the people who were in charge and could do whatever they wanted. The way I understood the politics and power dynamics in this story, the aristocracy was divided into witches and storm singers. The Storm Singers kept their country safe by protecting it with their magic and keeping storms and horrible natural disasters at bay. And to strengthen their own powers while maintaining the weather balance in their country they took the power from Witches - which they considered inferior to them - and exploited their magic for their own gain. Which brings us to the topic of slavery because Witches weren’t even allowed to marry whoever they wanted, let alone allowed to use their own powers the way they wanted to. They are, for lack of a better word, some sort of battery that’s used by the Storm Singers. ”Free rein, but not free, Grace.” “I need you, Miles. If I’m to become the Voice, I need you. I wanted to convince you. I didn’t want this.” “But you won’t release me.” Silence. I rolled away from her hand, turned my back to her. “Go away.” Of course, this was the exact reason why Miles ran away from home and chose being a doctor in a war over being enslaved to his sister Grace. After he returned from the front, he let his family believe that he was dead and worked as a doctor in a veteran’s hospital instead. Unfortunately, him trying to heal Nick Elliot doesn’t only lead him to good people like Tristan Hunter but also causes him to be discovered and well, the rest you better read for yourself because I won’t spoil anything! ;-P This said, the mysterious mental disease some of the veterans brought back from the front and that turned them into murderers made for an interesting mystery and the love story between Tristan and Miles was just so sweet and tender. ”Should I go?” “No. Stay.” His hands trembled as he set them in mine. I raised them to my mouth and kissed his knuckles. “You didn’t enchant me.” “Like in the stories,” Tristan said. “I never did.” “You’re shaking.” “I am. Isn’t it silly?” I turned his hands over to kiss the palms, tracing the calluses of his sword hand. “You’re nervous. I didn’t think you felt –“ “Shut up, Miles.” He wound his arms around my neck and let me carry him upstairs. I mean, alone this quote! I loved those two together and I adored Tristan for giving Miles the respect and reverence he deserved. Miles was Tristan’s equal in every way and he appreciated his company, skills and intelligence! This was so palpable in every scene they had together and I just loved that about them. Was their love a little bit insta-lovey? Sure, I mean the happenings of the story take place during a timespan of about two weeks and that’s pretty short, but despite all that I’d still consider their love to be a slow-burn because they get to know each other first. They spend time together, they find out about each other’s habits and they have conversations while trying to solve a murder mystery. I really liked that about them and they both were such precious souls that just tried to help other people. No, seriously, they are a match made in heaven. <3 "He sat beside me and poured, stirring in a cube of sugar before giving me a cup. He rested his hand on my thigh as he sipped his own. Grace's nostrils flared as she watched Tristan lean against me as if we were lovers. I let him.” Also: I absolutely loved the way Tristan was protective of Miles and how he subtly but very clearly made his point in front of Grace. *lol* This Gentleman’s subtle “f*ck off” will forever be in the hall of fame of my favourite bookish scenes. It’s a gem. XD And speaking of Lady Grace Hensley, I hated her so much! Ugh! The way she treated Miles was horrible and it was so sad to see that Miles obviously loved her more than she loved him. If you truly love your sibling you’d never enslave him the way Grace did and the fact that she had the audacity to suggest marriage to him!! ARGH! That scene made me so damn angry and was pretty much the straw that broke the camel’s back. Grace was so egoistic and only thought about herself and her place in society while Miles always thought about others and tried to help them as best as he could. I mean that man tried to keep a low profile while working at a veteran’s hospital, healing other soldiers even though he went through hell as well. The only reason his cover was blown was because he tried to save a life. Grace… well she was born with a silver spoon in her mouth and it was annoying af. XD I honestly dunno how I feel about continuing this series because I loathe Grace and apparently she’s the MC in the second book. I really would have wanted more of Miles and Tristan, not Grace. So I feel kinda conflicted about picking up the second instalment now. >_< Anyway! Back to the ending of my review! "Call me Tristan," he said. My pulse thumped in my ears. "It's not proper." "Miles," he said. Warmth spread across my chest. He leaned closer. Too handsome, and his face was only half of the truth. Conclusion: “Witchmark” was a great story with quite a unique world building! I haven’t read anything like it before and I really liked the entire Edwardian England with magic vibe! Miles was an amazing, altruistic, humble and extremely genuine MC as well and I enjoyed being in his head. His slow-burn romance with Tristan was awesome and I liked that it wasn’t the focus of the book, but still added so much to it. Politics, a murder mystery and social criticism were strong themes of the story too and I found myself enjoying that immensely. Maybe I might give the second instalment a chance after all? I guess we’ll see, for now I’m just glad I read the first book. =) ______________________________ Yesh! I finished this just in time to count it to my February Wrap Up! It’s the small goals, you know?! ;-P *lol* Anyway! I really enjoyed this and I loved the world building! I genuinely wish we would have gotten even more of it. The murder mystery was interesting too and I liked the characters as well. The ending could have been a little more detailed, though. Full RTC as soon as I get to it! (which might take a little while… XD ) _______________________________ I’ve wanted to read this for ages so I finally decided to go for it. I mean I really don’t know a lot about the plot other than that it’s a m/m story that plays in Edwardian England and apparently features a witch who’s hiding as a doctor in an asylum and a gorgeous man who helps him to solve the death of one of his patients. Sounds intriguing and as you all know I can never resist a great m/m series. So here we are! XD Find me on: My Blog Instagram ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Feb 19, 2024
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Feb 29, 2024
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Feb 19, 2024
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Paperback
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Virginia Ronan
>
Books:
fantasy
(78)
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my rating |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Oh, Axie
*
| 4.10
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not set
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Nov 11, 2024
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| 4.16
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Oct 31, 2024
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Oct 21, 2024
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||||||
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| 4.08
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not set
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Oct 15, 2024
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||||||
|
| 4.02
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not set
|
Oct 04, 2024
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|
| 4.18
|
Oct 20, 2024
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Sep 21, 2024
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|
| 3.72
|
really liked it
|
Jan 04, 2020
not set
|
Sep 11, 2024
|
|||||
|
| 4.00
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Sep 13, 2024
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Aug 26, 2024
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| 4.17
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Sep 08, 2024
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Aug 05, 2024
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|
| 4.10
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it was amazing
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Aug 18, 2024
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Jul 30, 2024
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| 4.06
|
Aug 17, 2024
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Jul 24, 2024
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||||||
|
| 4.09
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liked it
|
Aug 04, 2024
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Jul 12, 2024
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|||||
|
| 3.82
|
it was amazing
|
Aug 24, 2024
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Jun 24, 2024
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|||||
|
| 4.27
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it was amazing
|
Jul 07, 2024
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Jun 14, 2024
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|||||
|
| 4.39
|
really liked it
|
Jun 16, 2024
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Jun 03, 2024
|
|||||
|
| 4.22
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it was amazing
|
Oct 19, 2024
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May 22, 2024
|
|||||
|
| 4.06
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really liked it
|
May 30, 2024
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Apr 15, 2024
|
|||||
|
| 4.33
|
May 12, 2024
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Apr 02, 2024
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||||||
|
| 4.15
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really liked it
|
Mar 30, 2024
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Mar 11, 2024
|
|||||
|
| 4.26
|
it was amazing
|
Mar 10, 2024
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Feb 26, 2024
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|||||
|
| 3.86
|
really liked it
|
Feb 29, 2024
|
Feb 19, 2024
|
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