This story hooked me from the very beginning. Naomi and two friends survive a terrible ordeal in the woods. Characters keep getting introduced, intrigThis story hooked me from the very beginning. Naomi and two friends survive a terrible ordeal in the woods. Characters keep getting introduced, intrigue increases, and the mystery continues to build. I thought it was a great piece of storytelling.
I will say a few things were obvious but there were way too many twists to guess the ending. The idea of eyewitness testimonies was interesting. I just wasn't totally on the edge of my seat throughout the book. Also, the comparative descriptions got old as the story progressed. But all in all the plot didn't drag and the ending took me by surprise....more
Im having a really hard time believing this is a debut novel. 10 out of 10. I honestly went into The Road of Bones without researching anything first.Im having a really hard time believing this is a debut novel. 10 out of 10. I honestly went into The Road of Bones without researching anything first. Sometimes I think it fun to go in completely blind. So while this story gives you plenty of surprises I was lucky enough to get some extras.
Immediately I was drawn into the characters and the world. Just from the first chapter, I knew I would love it. We follow Silla and her long and arduous journey north with a band of Viking warriors and the best part is you get to be with them through all of it. There is found family, good-natured heckling, and yes even dumb boy fights.
The Road of Bones is not like other books. Magic doesn't show up when in need. Bad things do happen. You can't predict what will be next. Even the romance is not in typical fashion. I enjoyed how diverse the characters were even their personalities. So it was easy to tell them apart. The romance was burning hot but also a slow sizzle. If you think that is impossible think again.
Seriously, I got so deep into this book that I would glare at people for talking too loud or get up and leave. I just wasn't ready for the gravity of this story and I wanted to keep it all to myself. So many feels and the twist all caught me off guard. This book broke me in the best ways. There were also beautiful character arcs and world-building. So I'm here, I'm ready for the rest of the series.... like I need it now....more
Do yourself a favor and don't read the summary. I was heavily surprised by all that unfolded. A little mystery makes the story much more enjoyable. IfDo yourself a favor and don't read the summary. I was heavily surprised by all that unfolded. A little mystery makes the story much more enjoyable. If you already did don't fret this book has many more twists and turns.
I have decided I will read anything Ella Fields writes even if it turns out to be a fantasy cookbook. The Wolf and the Wildflower can be read as a standalone but I would not suggest it. There are spoilers here and Savage and the Swan is a tiny bit better in my opinion. I was shocked at how strong the romance started and that I liked it. I am very big on slow burn but this is a special case. Like I said I did not read the summary and was very shocked at what I discovered.
Just in the first few chapters, I felt so much hurt and longing. Like I knew these characters already. They were a part of me and instead of waiting for them to get together, I was waiting for the inevitable end. Reminded me of Helena of Troy in a way and broke my heart.
Aster was very strong-willed and capable. Scythe also strong in general but they shared something broken. Like they knew of each other's hurts and tried to soothe them without words. They secluded themselves from the rest of the world where it was safe and warm. I could have stayed there forever with them.
But as soon as the world found them out the plot twist began. And oh what a twist they were. I can never get over how this author was able to grip my heart and squeeze. I hate and love the feeling and the fact that not many authors can do that I am in awe of Ella Field's power over me. This book was just as gorgeous as the first. Like I said I will read anything Ella puts out and I hope they all break my heart as thoroughly as these do.
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At the door, Aster stopped me with a tinkling laugh and tucked my tunic back into my pants. I might have left it that way—might often leave many parts of myself disheveled—just to have her fuss over me. If she’d figured that out, then she didn’t seem to mind....more
The premise of this story was mysterious yet epic. We begin with a group of people far from home and one of them is dead. Then the story rewinds. ThisThe premise of this story was mysterious yet epic. We begin with a group of people far from home and one of them is dead. Then the story rewinds. This drew me in completely and I didn't know how or when we would arrive back to this mess. I would suggest going in blind here and reading no further.
It's strange to say that this had the makings of a self-published book. Let me explain. There was an unpredictability about the plot and also no info dumping which left plenty of mystery about the world and magic. It felt very untouched by other hands and I enjoyed the quality quite a bit.
Ren was enjoyable to follow. A lower class citizen with photographic memory and street smarts. And while people laughed at her know-it-all-attitude they started appreciating it when lives were at stake. While the side characters could have been more flushed out it didn't bother me. They all seem to be a set up for something bigger.
Fast pace, dark, adventurous, with a complex magic system and a great twist. Loved the world-building and all the limitations and rules on magic. The cover is pretty epic as well which gives more meaning after the story is read.
-----Quotes-----
She’d have been more impressed, but her mother had always taught her that it was easy for someone to live out the first few days of an apology. The true test was whether or not they held their course when the sting of correction faded. How quickly would they revert to who they really were?...more
The premise of The Silent Patient hooked me from the start. I had to know the secrets of this book. A woman seemingly in love with her husband ties hiThe premise of The Silent Patient hooked me from the start. I had to know the secrets of this book. A woman seemingly in love with her husband ties him up and shoots him five times. Then for many years afterwards doesn't speak a single word. Well done Alex Michael Michaelides, you have my attention.
This story was packed with anticipation, twist and turns. It never bogged down always flipping from past to present. Which usually bothers me but worked so well here. There were so many red herrings I almost gave up guessing. And it stayed a mystery until the very end.
I enjoyed the intrigue of Alicia. She had that draw to her. Seemingly intelligent and aware yet crazy and uncontrollable. You can see why Theo the psychotherapist wanted to help her. Almost as if the broken seek the broken. This was very well done in my opinion and I wonder how it would transfer to the big screen....more
My second book from Lucy Foley. I will say neither one knocked my socks off but Lucy seems to be a consistent writer. She gives me Agatha Ch3.75 star.
My second book from Lucy Foley. I will say neither one knocked my socks off but Lucy seems to be a consistent writer. She gives me Agatha Christie vibes.
Still this was a fun easy read. Endlessly trying to figure out the killer and the motives. Great plot twist. Not a complete page turner but interesting all the same. Great atmosphere. Everyone within reach in an old apartment building. Not much suspense. Unreliable narrators which is always fun and twisted....more
This plot was pretty understandable after just finishing a different book about altered memories. While Alice's were not necessarily changed they wereThis plot was pretty understandable after just finishing a different book about altered memories. While Alice's were not necessarily changed they were taken away from her. It's a very interesting circumstance. Imagine yourself ten years ago. Likely you wouldn't think you have change much but to a fresh ten year younger you the change is drastic.
Whether you like it or not memories and experiences shape who you are. So it was very gripping, reading about Alice and her situation. Even though I enjoyed the story it did bog down at times. It felt like the author made Alice ignorant to keep mystery alive. She didn't want to know what was right there in front of her face.
Still the family dynamics and the overall character arc was very well displayed. There was also a great message about infertility and the hardships of raising a family. The ending was appreciated as well and made the story feel complete....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
The Caraval series reminded me of Six of Crows for the fact that it never broke stride and always stressing me out. Also I came to a realization whileThe Caraval series reminded me of Six of Crows for the fact that it never broke stride and always stressing me out. Also I came to a realization while reading that I like these books because things happen that do not progress the protagonist. Tella will sacrifice a part of herself and it will come to nothing. It makes the tale almost tangible.
The papier-mâché zoo, I have to say, was one of the most magical things I have ever read about. Though I wish it would have been more remarked upon. And like the others, the story made me second guess myself at every turn. I didn't know who to trust, where to go to. It was devilishly clever.
Thank goodness this story was less repetitive than the rest since it had multiple povs. Which I quite enjoyed by the way. The first time I recognized this strategy for writers was when I read Throne of Glass. Maas slowly brought new people. At first you would be furious someone else had to share the spotlight then before you know it you made a perfect little space in your heart for them too.
I got lost in this trilogy. One moment my fingertips would burn as I held the book to tightly, next I would loosen my grip out of grief. The most famous words ever said after finishing a good series "My life is over".
"If there had been a clock in the room, it would have stopped. Occasionally, there are minutes that get extra seconds. Moments so precious the universe stretches to make additional room for them, and this was one of them. People don’t get pauses like these very often. Some people never receive them at all."...more
Legendary is infuriatingly contradictory on purpose and I like it. The game had an easy way of tricking you. "This game is different, all is real" butLegendary is infuriatingly contradictory on purpose and I like it. The game had an easy way of tricking you. "This game is different, all is real" but what about the last game? "Don't get caught up in the game, don't go too far". Everytime I think of the answer the book mimics my thoughts making me second guess myself.
Strange to say this book was too detailed. Instead of happenings I was learning about every dress Tella puts on or about everything in a ornate castle that is obviously grand and ornate. It started to get crowded with all the images in my head instead of the story progressing. I really just wanted to learn more about Scarlet and J but even so I started enjoying Tella's story too.
Again with the repetitive thoughts. The characters went over and over the rules of the game or what they would have to do to win. I think with a little less thoughts and embellishments this could have been a five star book.
Even so I loved the world, the characters, the mystery and most of all the game....more
This book caught me unawares. I am not usually one for the Middle Eastern genre but this Persian rendition has converted me. I will say ther4.5 star.
This book caught me unawares. I am not usually one for the Middle Eastern genre but this Persian rendition has converted me. I will say there didn't seem to be much world-building in the beginning but the author did tack it on later though more like an afterthought. And unfortunately, I am a cartographer at heart so the lack of a map physically hurt me.
The main character Alizeh was very relatable. It was a pleasure following her. She was capable and overpowered but never abused her strength. Alizeh was so selfless and compassionate which made Kamran even more ashamed for suspecting her. A powerhouse letting others beat her down because of her humility. And the crafty fight scene had me falling in love even more. Still, she gave them a choice even if the answer was always the same.
The only thing keeping this from a five-star for me was the dragging of the plot. Still, it was interesting enough I never faltered in my reading. And also the two main characters grew on me as I went. The plot twist. Yaaaaaaas! That's all I'm saying. So even though the pacing was at a snail's pace I thought it brilliant how the plot twists were revealed after each build-up.
The relationship gave me Pride and Prejudice energy. I very much enjoyed the slow-burn forbidden love. Always been a fan favorite. So a warning before you go. If you do start this story and fall in love as I did, beware of the screaming, cursing cliffhanger at the end. I was unfortunate enough to read this the year it was released so I will be staring blankly at a wall to cope with the trauma inflicted on me.
P.S. Look up the illumicrate exclusive edition and prepare to be jealous. One of the most gorgeous editions I have seen and those sprayed edges though.
**One of my favorite scenes. I had to capture it:
Indeed, the prince felt so much in that very moment he found he could not move -- dared not move. If he allowed himself to shift even an iota he thought he might crack, and if he cracked he thought he might set fire to the world. He opened his eyes. A single pink leaf fell slowly, spinning as it drifted from a nearby tree, landing on Kamran's nose. He plucked the leaf from his face, spun it around by the stem. Madness prompted him to laugh.
-----Quotes-----
"They laughed in her face every time."
What a fascinating creature she was, to be so bold as to offer him his life in exchange for information. What worlds he might be inspired to give up, he wondered, in the pursuit of knowing more of her mind....more
I have to give props to Stephanie Garber. This is one of those stories that when given a chance, turns into something wholly unexpected. Even reading I have to give props to Stephanie Garber. This is one of those stories that when given a chance, turns into something wholly unexpected. Even reading the synopsis I thought to myself, another YA with a rubbish front and center romance with no plot. It was exciting to be proven wrong.
Caraval was mysterious, whimsical, and dark. Not going to lie I got Labyrinth vibes but instead of a hot Goblin King there was a disguised and cunning Legend to find and subdue. The thought gave me chills. "Remember it's only a game..."
Now for the plot. Normally my mind always races ahead to ruin plot twist for me. Even so, I could not figure out where this was going. Stephanie put grade A level Alice and Wonderland type nonsense in here and I was all for it.
Weirdly enough I enjoyed Scarlett's chromesthesia. Not often do characters have any type of medical conditions and I think it's beautiful with an author creates characters that are more accessible.
The rules of the game had me reeling and changing my contemplations every other chapter. It drove me crazing but in a good way. And the only downside I had was how repetitive Scarlets thoughts were....more
So I read Colleen Hoover's Ugly Love didn't love it but something about her writing made me want to give it another shot. My likewise group suggested So I read Colleen Hoover's Ugly Love didn't love it but something about her writing made me want to give it another shot. My likewise group suggested this. Found it in a Littlefreelibrary, had to be fate. All I can say is WT-ACTUAL-F.
I'm not going to go into great detail about this story. It needs to be experienced first hand. Honest to God didn't even know it was a thriller until my skin started crawling part way thru. I got Rebecca vibes with a side of A Simple Favor. That's all I'm gonna say.
"Darkness ahead" these words sent chills up my spine, chills..... while I was IN A HOTTUB! Colleen Hoover had me as paranoid as the protagonist. *Eyebrow raise* every chapter WTACTUALF! And at the end my mind melted. Bravo. *applause*...more
So many twist. I'm not ashamed to say that with Adams prosopagnosia or face blindness, I thought I knew exactly what was I was in for. It never erks mSo many twist. I'm not ashamed to say that with Adams prosopagnosia or face blindness, I thought I knew exactly what was I was in for. It never erks me to be wrong. Honestly I take it in stride and compliment the author for achieving what many aspire to.
The atmosphere was quite nice. I got that secluded, sinister, Shining feel. For a start there is much tension between the couple as they head on vacation. You are given a sense that both are up to something. All have secrets. The Narrator is unreliable. Slow to start but caution, watch out twist and turns up ahead.
As I read the author threw curve ball one after another keeping me hooked. All the characters were flawed it was hard to know who to root for. And THIS TITLE THOUGH! The ending left me stunned....more
Intrigued from the very beginning. Wow what a rollercoaster ride. I can safely say I didn't see anything in this book coming. Just imagine if you coulIntrigued from the very beginning. Wow what a rollercoaster ride. I can safely say I didn't see anything in this book coming. Just imagine if you could find your soul mate with DNA swab and $10. Could you predict how secure you would feel but also how easy it could ruin the lives of others.
In this story you receive five very different points of views. Every one of them a world wind of crazy. I swear my jaw dropped each chapter. At first it seems perfect until you start to think about the consequence. I'm telling you if Black Mirror doesn't pick this up they are missing out.
Warning though. It was almost like a reality TV show. Once the getting got good they switched to another perspective. So you will be forced to continue reading with lack of sleep. Though I listen to the audio book which felt a lot like cheating. So there's a tip for ya. Oh and the ending.....mind blown....more
Not going to lie I pretty much guessed this from the beginning. There were several indicators throughout the story. Still for some reason I co3.5 star
Not going to lie I pretty much guessed this from the beginning. There were several indicators throughout the story. Still for some reason I couldn't put it down. Maybe it was the psychological thrill pushing me forward. Or possibly I just wanted to be proven right in the end. Either way I enjoyed the story and the explanation was very interesting. Not much more I can say about this without giving something away....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
The Name of the Wind, Interview with a Vampire, Game of Thrones, and The Witcher have a glorious baby and this is it. My second seires from Jay KristoThe Name of the Wind, Interview with a Vampire, Game of Thrones, and The Witcher have a glorious baby and this is it. My second seires from Jay Kristoff and I was instantly blown away. He is vastly descriptive, writes wonderfully complex characters who will stay with you, and fight scenes that make you want to jump in the pages and stab someone just to be apart of the action.... no...just me.....ah well. Yeah I know this is a long book but still the history, diverse characters, and world is so rich you forget yourself while reading.
Again Kristoff can write a character, I mean, dang, so good. Gabriel is a real bastard but the kind of bastard you hate yourself to love. I couldn't get enough of him. The story starts with Gabriel being interviewed and then he pretty much stumbles back and forth in the timeline because he bloody well feels like it. Still it was easy to keep up, though I did have to write down names to keep them straight because there were quite a few. But this is the part were I praise Kristoff again because it wasn't overwhelming and there was no section put aside for info dumping. Thank you!
The story never dragged for me but like The Name of the Wind you are given many endings and are desperate to hear the events leading to them. If you are just here for the fight scenes don't worry, they definitely pick up halfway through. Gabriel was a worthy leader. The kind that makes you swell with pride. Not quite a Darrow O'Lykos but maybe an older jerk of a brother haha. And I so much enjoyed the side characters as well with a couple of twist thrown in. Brilliant.
My only negative would be that a few things were not explained well. Like how the vampire shift was done. Why is it only men are born? Why do Vampires not like rivers? I will say it was a big book and maybe I missed it. Still it didn't ruin my enjoyment, it was just an afterthought.
I squinted at the curls atop the man's head. "I think your cats dead."
"You weep like a child over a dead horse but shoot and innocent in the back and leave God fearing men to be slaughtered like fowlbloods. What kind of hero are you?" Gabriel laughed shaking his head. "Who the f--k told you I was a hero?"
"Oh blessed face f--kery"
"Here's a truth about sword fighting Cold Blood. Even if your bad at it, when the person your fighting doesn't have one, your still going to be pretty good."...more
What is it about a remote island and a murder that intrigues me so? Not going to lie I got some Agatha Christie vibes here. The atmosphere an3.75 star
What is it about a remote island and a murder that intrigues me so? Not going to lie I got some Agatha Christie vibes here. The atmosphere and all the players. Everyone suspicious, everyone had a motive. Hell even the wedding cake sounded gruesome.
There was a sinister dark atmosphere with paranormal attributes. Several twist. The characters were engrossing. Though maybe it was all a little too convenient. I never got bored the story being fast pace. Still nothing stood out to me. The ending wasn't the "Oh my God" shock I was looking for, though I couldn't guess who done it.
Even so I enjoyed it. All the characters had good backstories but like I said they were all too conveniently thrown together. The story seemed to sit on only one person's shoulders. The ending almost needed more of a prologue to wrap things up a bit more neatly. Felt a little unfinished by the end....more
Mostly I write reviews for myself to come back on and relive my experience. But in this instance I don't want to share. Why? Because the narrator ask Mostly I write reviews for myself to come back on and relive my experience. But in this instance I don't want to share. Why? Because the narrator ask me not too. That's one of the reasons I enjoyed this so much. I felt included, even relied upon as Griz took his journey. He needed someone to talk to and I was it.
This story effected my mentality so much I had to put it down every so often for a break. Bad weather rolled in at the time I was reading and stayed for weeks I couldn't handle the bleakness multiplied. Not that all of it was that way. There was adventure and even companionship. It was the foreshadowing that did it for me.
Usually I don't like things spoiled but even in my current state of gloom it excited me and heightening my senses, making me peek around corners as I read. There was also good world building and the author even narrated the story which is always preferred as long as they know their stuff. And Fletcher knew it well, I was very impressed not knowing he narrated until I started this review.
So at the end of the world with limited paper in Griz possession every word, every person, and everything felt important. This tale was simplistic in nature but I felt more because of it. Do you remember the first time you tasted a peach? I doubt it but at the end of all things, firsts, are rare and explosive....more
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