So it looks like Ali Hazelwood stepped out of her comfort zone and I surprisingly enjoyed it. While there wasn't deep-rooted history and a plush worldSo it looks like Ali Hazelwood stepped out of her comfort zone and I surprisingly enjoyed it. While there wasn't deep-rooted history and a plush world-building the characters more than made up for it. But I will say it was a bit predictable at times.
Misery played the pliant wife while seeking her own means. The culture clash between Weres and Vampires made all the interactions irresistible. Misery isn't used to feelings and family dinners and when a 6/7 year old walks into the room and demands to be loved well she doesn't have a choice in the matter. Oh Misery you are a woman after my own heart.
Honestly, I'm a bit surprised. Usually, the male lead has a bigger hold on my attention because the female is too busy making me angry with being obscenely obtuse. But I felt a sharp pull towards Misery. Not all women are softies towards little humans. And the fact that Misery detests this little girl but secretly will kill for her made me love the Vampire even more.
Again there isn't a lot of depth to the world but that was not the case with the relationships. Misery stayed true to herself and people followed. Yes we indeed have your everyday possessive alpha werewolf but I don't care it doesn't gets old. And it makes the smut even more steamy.
Alright, so I don't feel like the knot is a spoiler because it's in Ali's dedication. Me? I have no problem with it I read monster smut it's a personal favorite only next to alien smut. What I didn't care for was how big a deal it became but I guess only because I'm used to the sort of thing in the literary sense. Then when I thought I was home free the last 20 pages became somewhat corny with the bedroom talk.
----Quotes----
“I thought it was a myth,” Cal whispers. “That our elders used to scare us.” I can relate since I grew up fairly sure that if I misbehaved, a Were would crawl up the toilet to eat my @ss.
“Can I braid your hair?” “Absolutely f*cking no.” A couple of hours later, half a dozen braids pull at my scalp, and Ana is snoring softly with her head in my lap. Her heartbeat is sweet, delicate, a butterfly finding a good landing flower, and f*ck children for being little @ssholes who manipulate people into wanting to protect them....more
Every once in a while you read a story that connects with you. You feel the author's intent. You know they have experienced the story that is unfurlinEvery once in a while you read a story that connects with you. You feel the author's intent. You know they have experienced the story that is unfurling before you. It makes the words more rich and meaningful. I could not look away from this story. It made me feel things I didn’t want to feel again which made it all the more real.
I realized that I needed to be alone with this book. It was too important to be constantly interrupted by idle chatter. Several men passed by asking what I was reading and even read the cover. They all laughed. "A Studing in Drowning that must be easy just put your head underwater". When I found out myself what the title meant it was like a physical blow to my stomach and the irony was not lost on me. I highly enjoy when books are relatable and I think this would be to any woman.
In all fairness, we want all of humanity to be equals. Still, women perceive the world differently. We pick up on subtle energy shifts and movements. It's a way of protecting ourselves. Looking out for danger in a small room with a male stranger. This book became so relatable that it itched at my skin.
Our main character was never taken seriously. Even to the reader, she was unreliable. Effy was such a bright light the world tried to smother and I felt such kinship with her. She reminded me of that feeling I get sometimes. Like I want to tell the world my dreams but I also just want to hold it close to keep it safe. Preston's character was like a warm smile. The healthy relationship that blossomed between these too was as bright as a summer day. I wanted more.
The world-building was absolutely stunning and some of the atmospheres were so potent I read them again and again so that I might stay there longer. It's like the author was there in that flooded house as she wrote. Every line was descriptive. This tale took me on a journey and I had no idea where we would end up but I was all in. It made me feel such hope.
-----Quotes-----
We must discuss, then, the relationship between women and water. When men fall into the sea, they drown. When women meet water, they transform. It becomes vital to ask: is this a metamorphosis, or a homecoming?
It had been nothing at all. A friendly gesture, a pat on the shoulder. But didn't all drownings begin with a harmless dribble of water?
That was the truth at the very center of everything, the truth she had tried her whole life to evade: there were no faeries, no magic, and the world was just ordinary and cruel....more
From the reviews, it seemed like some expected a lot more from this book. But as the cover suggests, The Very Secret Society of Witches is 3.75 star.
From the reviews, it seemed like some expected a lot more from this book. But as the cover suggests, The Very Secret Society of Witches is cutesy, wholesome, and fun. Almost like another Mary Poppins or a witchy Miss Honey from Matilda. There are beautiful connections here with a found family T.J. Klune vibe.
I just thought it all very unconventional and lovely with a great little tidy twist at the end. There was a nice fall atmosphere and a sunshine and grumpy slow-burn romance. Usually, I'm not one for romances with kids involved. I dunno the kids are usually used as men arm candy luring in women. But this was not the case here. Also the girls were very fun to be around. Annoying in the cutest of ways....more
The opening was dark and alluring. I girl who cannot die and death watching over her. I was instantly hooked. I even gasped haha I haven't done that iThe opening was dark and alluring. I girl who cannot die and death watching over her. I was instantly hooked. I even gasped haha I haven't done that in a while. Perfect for a fall read.
The romance reminded me of Labyrinth with the Goblin King. But do be warned the relationship was an extremely slow burn. Usually, I love that but this was over-the-top slow. Still, there was a murder to solve and many mysteries to keep you busy.
My biggest criticism would have to be the plot distractions. Not only did it slow down the romance but solving the mystery as well. At one point Signa's cousin is on the verge of dying and instead of going straight home and giving her the remedy she goes out to tea so she doesn't break social etiquette. Sadly the distractions only get worse with book 2.
The atmosphere was nice and dark. The time period made it even more entrancing. The mysteries and the romance kept me intrigued but I will say things were predictable at times. The plot was weakened by trivial matters. Like social norms. And that also dragged out the story in the end.
The cliffhanger though was awesome.
-------Quotes--------
"I like animals more than most things. I like that they can see me."
"You should be careful what you wish for little bird."...more
This book had gothic illustrations...... just saying.
V.E. Schwab is a pretty unique writer. Even though I don't love all of her works I enjoy and resThis book had gothic illustrations...... just saying.
V.E. Schwab is a pretty unique writer. Even though I don't love all of her works I enjoy and respect them. I also know that they will be unlike anything I have ever read. So while I love audiobooks I think a physical read here is a must. The pictures do not make sense until they do, enough said. But also included is a nagging sense that the illustrations have a lot more going on than you realize.
This felt like a short read, the depth not quite there but even so I got attached to the characters. You start off with very little knowledge while thrown into the bleak life of an orphaned girl. Secret after secret is revealed, meaningless illustrations too but it is all for a reason. Even considered to be a YA this felt more like a mature writing style which I always prefer.
From the very beginning I was glued to the pages. The world building creepy and atmospheric. Schwab is never predictable and there is always a slight edge to the story as if coming from somewhere real. I loved the Acknowledgments on how she came to write the story. It made me appreciate it that much more.
Olivia was a strange and wonderful character. Mute but always had much to think about and communicate if anyone would care to listen. I always appreciate when an author makes characters so accessible. Everyone should be able to see themselves in a story. Enjoyed this dark twisted tell very much....more
This story started off perfectly. Quirky and crooked academy house full of rich dark history. Then halfway through it was clear that the story3.5 star
This story started off perfectly. Quirky and crooked academy house full of rich dark history. Then halfway through it was clear that the story was missing a few things here and there. The Dolloway house which I thought sounded like it could be a character in the book later turned out was just a backdrop. I was surprised the author didn't use its charms more to further the story.
This book was right there on the cusp of something great. The tethers of the five girls, I felt, was not delved into enough. It began to feel like the sisters of The Craft but then turned out they didn't have much of a connection at all. So mostly the plot only centered around two girls which I think fell short of the dark academia genre. The literary theme was pulled off quite nicely, though bordered on pretentiousness.
The old school dark academia vibes with bourbon, white collars, and tweed shirts, had a great atmosphere about it. Although again bordered on the edge. There was quite a bit of underage drinking, drugs and sex. Which saying it sounds silly, they are teenagers everyone does it. But the way it was written made me feel uneasy and I'm unsure why. Maybe because at one point Felicity does it to impress someone and then she feels gratified because it works. So I would say this is closer to New Adult rather than Young Adult.
Still the story was quirky and had so much character I honestly thought the book itself should have been lopsided with too short pages and scuffs on the side. Another downside to me was I wished the author would have played more off the fever dream, what is real, what is not, aspect. With the world thinking Felicity was crazy it would feel more on par if she was worried about that herself. She seemed to not remember things and make up her own story but Felicity was pretty stable minded. In the end I still enjoyed myself though the halfway mark started going a little down hill. Even so I liked the ending.
-Quotes-
I don't know why she's here early. I don't know why she won't tell me her name. I don't know why she never speaks to me, or who she is. But I want to find a lose thread on the her collar of her shirt and tug. I want to unravel her.
But all at once I feel as if she has knotted her fingers in the threads that hold me together, pulling them taut and close to breaking.
Every spell is a pomegranate seed on your tongue, binding you to the underworld....more
So I didn't start with much knowledge about this book. Many booktoks and recommendations videos later here we are. I listen to the audiobook which I tSo I didn't start with much knowledge about this book. Many booktoks and recommendations videos later here we are. I listen to the audiobook which I think is a must. Richard Armitage and Gemma Whelan did an amazing job of freaking me out. There were many povs, so sometimes it was difficult to know who's story was being told. Though in this instance I put it all down to the experience and to make a point of drawing me in. I did appreciated the fast pace of the story which never grew stale.
But really what is it about religion that makes a story even more unnerving? Maybe because so many people where killed for and by Christianity. Haha I had to send my cousin videos of my face cringing so she would understand the severity of what I was listening to. The plot felt like many roads all converging on the same point. And I couldn't tell who or what had set them on course. The Burning Girls where a little easy to figure out but the rest I couldn't guess the outcomes.
I very much enjoyed all the characters. Jack was especially intriguing to follow. And raising a teenager gosh that brought back old memories. So of course they were all relatable and enjoyable to follow. Near the end the confessions didn't seem to stop. It was plot twist after plot twist. The ending felt a bit to open for me. Which I know it should be open but there could have been a little more intent on what Jacob would do next. All and all a solid spooky read.
"Who is the best on screen devil Al Pacino or Jack Nicholson?" "Who says the Devil has to be a man?"...more
Ouch so close. While reading Kingdom of the Wicked I felt something missing. Now, after reading reviews, I figured out what that was. World building. Ouch so close. While reading Kingdom of the Wicked I felt something missing. Now, after reading reviews, I figured out what that was. World building. The story takes place in Italy. What peroid? Who knows. There was so much description of food and Emelia's dresses that the story suffered greatly from it. The author had focused on the main character to the point where the rest of the world blurred away.
My number one complaint is when an author proceeds to tell the reader what to think instead of showing them. A book can become a different experience for each person but when you all are told the same thing over and over again the knowledge is not gained it is forced. "Wrath is always there for me. Wrath saved me. Wrath Wrath Wrath." Repeat repeat. The story becomes mostly filler and the plot goes nowhere.
The concept of the story was so much fun. Witches and the sons of the devil, the seven deadly sins. Also I was listening to the audiobook and loved the Italian accent. I was all in from the beginning. But then the food and the romance book talk became very much cliché. And it was strange how the world was discribed thru dialog. Emelia would be in the middle of a break thru or a rush to go out the door but then we would get a five minute description of her dress she was putting on.
Wrath did not live up to his namesake. He was mostly very calm and reasonable and obviously nice to the 10th power. For a son of the devil I just expected a lot more from him. I don't know possibly a bit of anger or of him being an unreasonable prince of Hell. Emelia on the other hand was always angry like a sulking teenager. Her wrath just didn't feel genuine though with all the empty threats she liked making.
Still after all this complaining I'm doing I did listened to the story eagerly. I was interested as to what would happen next. I rolled my eyes at the clichés and kept right on going. The romance was slow burn just like I like. The atmosphere was dark and perfect for the season. Marisa Calin's narration was just about perfect. And it had been so long since I read a good romance I was sure this would be it. But when I got to the end of the book and the author had held so much back that I would have to read book two, to satisfy my curiosity I decided to give up. In the end I wasn't given enough to care for what would happened next....more
Really what to say about a classic that inspired multiple versions of some of my favorite Christmas movies. And hearing iconic quotes from the source Really what to say about a classic that inspired multiple versions of some of my favorite Christmas movies. And hearing iconic quotes from the source itself made my cheeks warm with merriment. I decided to listen to the audiobook while wadding thru traffic Christmas shopping. Which I found put me in a blissfully festive mood and I'm sure the red velvet mocha helped too.
This whimsical and dark tale has such great detail and a host of cheeky characters. The words made me feel the snap of cold and see the swirling mist. Definitely worth the read even if you have seen 10 different forms of it. Hands down the top Christmas/wintery book I have read this year. It has practically everything it should. Magic, hope, redemption, a chilled winter air and even a turkey twice the size of tiny Tim.
I can see why this as been remastered on the big screen again and again truly a Christmas masterpiece. I always feel like dancing foolishly with Mr. Scrooge on Christmas morning and hope I keep the spirit of the holiday good in my own way....more
Okay hear me out. I can't stand when a blurb mentions other books or shows in relation to the book it is selling. But this 100% gave me Stranger ThingOkay hear me out. I can't stand when a blurb mentions other books or shows in relation to the book it is selling. But this 100% gave me Stranger Things vibes with Practical Magic sisterhood thrown in and some classic high-school revenge from The Craft. In the very beginning, I was hooked. The words were unnerving, wild, unpredictable, and just perfect for a fall read. I didn't know what was going to be around each corner.
We follow one of three girls who mysteriously went missing at a young age only turn return knowing nothing of what happened. The mystery only gets stranger from there. Their hair begins to turn white and it's almost as if anything they wish to happen does. I mean how could you not get hooked right away?
Also let me mention this cover. I cannot express how many times I have been burnt by a bewitching page of art and words. This one did not disappoint though. The atmosphere was spot on the world-building chilled me to the bone. I felt uneasy around these characters. It was kind of like The Craft and Practical Magic the way people were drawn to these girls. They were otherworldly and unnatural. Weird things would always happen around them.
And of course who could forget all the twists and turns it made my head spin. Frankly, it's been weeks since I read this book and I'm still thinking about it. And I have to give an honorable mention to normal Tyler haha. He was a great contrast to the crazy mystery....more
During my reread I hadn't noticed how cheesy it was though still fun. This story was a bit of a mess but in the end I enReread: dropped to a 3.75 star
During my reread I hadn't noticed how cheesy it was though still fun. This story was a bit of a mess but in the end I enjoyed the sassy hilarity of it all. A mean a reverse harem with three alpha characters fighting over a badass cheeky heroine. Talk about a delicious story and even more tasty book cover.
Grim of course was my favorite. Just picture the Grim Reaper probably the scariest creature from which other monster flee. Looks of an angel, fire in his eyes, and curious as a child. That had to be one of the best character trait combinations I have ever come across. And the male narrator Lucas Webley did an even better job making me fall for him. Haha so prim and proper with the promise of murder in his gruff voice.
Though I still enjoyed the verity of characteristics with Calix and Gunner. Even when they fought like little children with Grim scolding them every five minutes. This was just a super fun read that had me hot and bothered one minute and guffawing the next. I mean come on sex and finger guns haha. And the window scene.....I might have woken up the neighbors I laughed so hard.
Dami was a no nonsense kind of girl. I found her cheeky and very domineering. The character arcs were quite nice as well everyone slowly acclimating to each other which made the story very warm and organic. And honestly, I couldn't figure out where these relationships were going and I always enjoy a challenge. Vanessa Moyen narrated the voice of Dami which I liked most of the time except her modulation never changed which didn't fit throughout the story.
The multitude of creatures was very cool and interesting, adding to the bulk of a small book. Other than the plot being all over the place or sometimes none existent this story was an easy read and super fun. I found myself stopping several times to fill my partner in on what was going on because I wanted to share the snarks. I'm still clinging to hope there will be an audiobook for book 2. I think the narrators did an excellent job of bringing these characters to life. I feel so invested in them and maybe the story will catch up in the sequel....more
Yep I got enticed by a beautiful cover so sue me. You ever just get in the mood for a trashy read? Rhetorical question you wouldn't be here if you didYep I got enticed by a beautiful cover so sue me. You ever just get in the mood for a trashy read? Rhetorical question you wouldn't be here if you didn't. This plot to me was highly interesting but the execution of course was below par.
Let's start with the main character Sarah. False modesty seemed to sweat off of her. Please tell me of a more annoying trope than someone acting like they haven't done a good deed when they have 100 times over. "You saved a man." "No I was just there and it happened it's nothing no no no don't thank me." *blush* And come on is she really ignorant enough to think no one else has tried to kill Pestilence? And oh the inner ramblings. A little immature and eye rollingly annoying at times. I gawked at one scene were Sarah gets hurt and instead of soaking up every second she can so the rest of the world doesn't parish she's like "I'm healed let's go take out the rest of the world."
The book had a nice atmosphere which was nice for the cold fall weather. A little world building which is always my favorite. I loved Tricksy even his silly name. Pestilence character was over all well done. Of course I have my gripes but he was curious and timeless. Though the talking during, and I'm finger quoting here, love making was weird. But in all honesty I couldn't imagine the weight on his shoulders to be put into being to destroy the world. It must be very lonely.
I felt very uneasy about them throwing God into some things. It sound off hand and in poor taste. I am in no way wildly religious but it's unnerving when you mention God in trashy books like it was his plan all along for you to bone her.... So to end this rambling I was just disappointed at the main character. This was also a strange subject to write about riddled with mine fields and to me the Author wasn't careful enough to get around most of them. The cheesy inner monolog probably is what ruined it most for me. Oh and the talk about #lovemaking sometimes while in the middle of the act. Trashy books for me are always balanced on a ledge and it takes one corny conversion to tip it over....more
Maybe it's just 2020 but I'm having a hard time finding books that scare me lately. Most authors have to resort to disgusting scenarios evolving kids,Maybe it's just 2020 but I'm having a hard time finding books that scare me lately. Most authors have to resort to disgusting scenarios evolving kids, gore or rape. So I was quite surprised with the child like fear I felt while listening to this audiobook without the unpleasantness of said scenarios. Chbosky did a great job with mixing real life fears with make believe. Also it didn't help me sleep at night that Christine Lakin was too good at her narration.
This story was conflicting but in a good way. It felt like hope around every corner but with a lingering itch of doom on your skin. Not what I was expecting at all. For me it stayed interesting throughout and I couldn't guess at all what would happen next. Of course you can't have a mystery thriller without some good twist. They didn't blow my socks off but definitely shot my eyebrows up a everytime haha.
The ending twist was especially great it opened up my mind and rearranged my thoughts which always is an A+ for any story telling. This plot brought back many childhood nightmares as well. You could feel the agonizing people in the story trapped by there own making. It also has many pov's but it wasn't overwhelming and was nicely paced.
So true story I rounded a corner in my house while listening to the book and their my husband was. So as I jumped out of my skin, I then proceeded to get super angry, ran and turned on every light along the way even though it was daylight. I still don't forgive him for doing absolutely nothing just being in the wrong place at the wrong time.........more
This was a nice light and fun read. I honeslty needed a break after the Stephen King marathon. There was a good atmosphere about the book. Onl3.5 star
This was a nice light and fun read. I honeslty needed a break after the Stephen King marathon. There was a good atmosphere about the book. Only it needed more bulk somehow. I couldn't relate to the characters or care much for them. But the link between Cassidy and Jacob was a very nice touch. Possibly the only reason I am considering the next book.
The talk of British/American lost in translations was hilarious.
"It's official, nothing is sacred."
No much more to say here. It's a nice go between book. Like a good break before you start a new monstrous tale. Easy to read and hard to put down. But as a stand alone, there just wasn't enough meat in it. Also while the book cover is top notch the cat is kind of confusing to me. Cass has a cat but it's not mentioned much in the book....more
Sorry for the lower rating. I am apologizing because I really am thick in the head sometimes and never get the undertones of stories. Politics3.5 star
Sorry for the lower rating. I am apologizing because I really am thick in the head sometimes and never get the undertones of stories. Politics or society.... nothing. It all goes over my head while I focus on the fantasy aspect of life so I don't go to sleep crying every night. But this is Neil Gaimen and I love his work.
I will honestly never get over Neil narrating his own audiobooks. They are beyond amazing and fun. Though my favorite part of this tale was the talk about his writing process. It almost seems magical in and of itself. I had to write things down like he thought of this because of that or this took him many years and so on. It gave the stories more life and I enjoyed them even better because of it.
(Troll Bridge ) Absolutely loved this one. So much atmosphere creepy but utterly depressing in a way.
(The Goldfish Pool) Written in pieces then put together. Some of this story is true Neil stated. That's why I enjoyed it so much it felt ridiculously real. Even excitingly magical somehow. Definitely my favorite of them all.
(Queen of Knives) Neil also said that this particular tale was so close to the truth he had to explain to people that it didn't happen, well not like that anyway. Knowing that this was possibly true made it the more eerie. Now I shall forever wonder which parts were reality.
(Looking for the girl) Neil was commisoned by penthouse for this one. It did open my eyes to the fact that if you could touch a dream it would disappear.
(We can get them for you for wholesale) Came from listening to the radio about buying in bulk when Neil woke up they were talking about hired killers. This amused me because it was so close to the world we are living in today.
(The Sweeper of Dreams) Inspired by a Lisa Snellings statue. Probably the most unsettling to me out of all of them. Still throughly enjoyed it....more
Unpopular opinion time. House of leaves gets 5 stars for unique presentation and 2 stars for story line. To unravel the crazy that is this book I watcUnpopular opinion time. House of leaves gets 5 stars for unique presentation and 2 stars for story line. To unravel the crazy that is this book I watched many videos and read many more theories. We begin before the introduction where the page reads "This is not for you." Honestly gave me chills. I figured this book was not for my eyes or any others only to later understand it as this is not for you because double meanings and decoding messages are above what your brain can handle.
So there in was my biggest issue. This book was simply not for me. Not that it wasn't mind bending, unique, and disturbing. It's just not something I couldn't appreciate fully. For example I read a review that mentioned the different angles of text was to immerse the reader in the goings on and also set the pace. Which I thought was really interesting and spooky and it did draw me in but I often and I mean often got derailed by footnotes. So I could only immerse myself a few seconds at a time.
The whole story together with the right reader I think would be amazing. Someone who is obsessive over the hidden details. Really the layout and how each experience for each reader is different was well done. And it is an experience. There are different ways to read this different was to interpret. I really wished I could have been one of those people.
Also I figured the text placement and the ramblings were to make me crazy in return. Just didn't quite work. It bored me making me want to procrastinate and do anything but finish this book. The text was so weirdly done I also found my self starting the same sentence two to three times. At one point I was freakishly caught unaware when I skipped a passage rambling about space or echos or some junk and the author called me on it.
Another review and even video stated a book about a man who decends into insanity. I was hoping they wasn't talking about Truant because his point of few was like listening to someone on acid. Now confession time after a while I just completely skipped his story altogether and felt like I missed nothing.
What throughly killed if for me though was that I was drug through so much nonsense that the spook factor was gone. And in hindsight it was scarey. At times I felt the characters talking to me or describing something that could be in my very room. The atmosphere was cold and dank but the only passages I enjoyed where Navidson's family and the explorations of the house. The surroundings were very easy to picture but with all the babble it wasn't easy picturing each characters which was a shame....more
The elements of this story vs King's real life account makes this immeasurably unsettling. The characters were ok all having mysterious backg3.75 star
The elements of this story vs King's real life account makes this immeasurably unsettling. The characters were ok all having mysterious backgrounds. Louis is contradictory wanting one min to leave his whole family and head to Disney then the next would do anything for them. It didn't make much sense to me.
This story was much more different from the other King books I read. It didn't have the child molestation (finally) or enraged disgusting dialog (except for once) or racist comments. Still sexist as ever though. Every women is not over weight or heavy or big boned nope she is just straight up fat. Even giving me a complex.
Dragged around at the halfway point till the end. My favorite King book yet but still got loaded down with too much detail. I thought the ending was well done. Still not a King fan but I cannot deny the fact that he knows exactly how to chip away at me....more
Well that is three for three for R. Lee Smith. I have yet to find a book from her that I didn't enjoy. My guilty pleasures iBeautiful guilty pleasure
Well that is three for three for R. Lee Smith. I have yet to find a book from her that I didn't enjoy. My guilty pleasures if you will. The very beginning of this book was quite vague but since I knew the author I also knew it wouldn't last. She has a way with details and amazing character arcs. I quickly became immersed in the plot.
Lan of course as with all of the female main characters this author portrays is amazing and self sufficient. I enjoyed her quick tounge and brass nature. Azrael's character conflicted me immensely. The world is not as black and white as people believe. In a normal lifespan you are subject to certain flaws and realities. But what if you lived forever? If every look or touched you recieved was full of hate and disgust? For all these things I could not fault him for his reasonings. When you look at a tyrant or a monster to them their thoughts are pure and sound. There is truth behind the madness.
Really let yourself consider the possibilities. If humans were gone tomorrow the world would not suffer in the slightest. It would take millennia but even so the planet would repair itself, become greater than it once was. We are a plague and destroy everything we touch. So from that prospective is Azrael's way so unthinkably wrong? The best stories are the ones that shatters your perspective and pieces it back together again.
R. Lee Smith's words have a way of eating at you and conflicting your emotions. I could never get a good grip on what was right and wrong. Yes Azrael killed. Does it count against him if he was provoked? I personally could forgive him of all his faults. The world is cruel and his life long. He wanted to make it a better place even if it meant destroying humanity. Also the humans needed someone to blame for their actions and who better than a unholy monster. He didn't deserve it. I understand now that's what I have always loved about Smith's books. She teaches you to look beyond the differences of others. You may see a monster, a creature, but you forget the soul beneath. It only takes one act of kindness. Do not presume to now when you dare not look behind the mask.
The writing was very atmospheric to me. It always felt as though the world was at an end and so many details that the story played out before my eyes. It did seem long at times but I enjoyed it all the same. I was unsure how much more my heart could break in this book. I became so invested in the characters I was physically depressed at times. Just couldn't stop reading though. The writer makes everything so real it hurts.
I won't lie, the covers of Smith's books are nothing great to look at. I wonder if it is a test of sorts to see beyond the exterior. Well I have passed and came out better for it. As always I have enjoyed her writing and will continue till she has nothing left to give.
While this rating I rather low I did enjoy this book. Mercy was a fun protagonist. She wasn't beholden to anyone even in a room full of domina3.5 star
While this rating I rather low I did enjoy this book. Mercy was a fun protagonist. She wasn't beholden to anyone even in a room full of dominant males. She was funny and quick witted and the logical puns seemed to never end. And although Mercy was a boss in the fighting ring she also had limitations and knew them well, so I respected that.
The plot was interesting even though it was slow I could tell that in later books this story could open up into something really amazing. The first one just didn't quite make the mark for me. While some of the characters were complex others seemed to blended together. Again the plot was so slow at times I often zoned out unless someone I like entered the room. And this might be girlish of me but I did wish the romance had picked more.
The plot though interesting didn't feel nailed down and definitely could have been beefed up. The last few chapters kind of came to a jumbled end as well. A lot of things just felt unresolved even after they came to a close. For instance like were another author would sit on something and let it stew Briggs seemed to move on rather quickly. Still I enjoyed the characters and learning about the rules of the world Brigg's has built....more
Well while I enjoyed the continuation of the characters the story at first seemed strange and crazy as always but by the end of the book it was like nWell while I enjoyed the continuation of the characters the story at first seemed strange and crazy as always but by the end of the book it was like nothing had ever mattered. They could have literally stayed home as David explained in the last chapter. I enjoyed the first book immensely, the second one a little less, and the third even more so. The ending just flattened out I was waiting for this big reveal or twist to save the book and it never came. Just disappointed....more
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