Anita
I think what kept me hooked when reading this was because of the unique layout - it's portrayed like a project, with recorded findings, interviews and informative snippets from articles/newspaper clippings/etc.
Pip is clearly an overachiever, with hopes of standing out from the rest of the crowd by basing her final project on something outside the box. With her can-do attitude, she manages to navigate her academic and social life with ease. It seems that she's easy to like, but sometimes puts her nose in places where others would rather she didn't.
The plot is pretty interesting, with some red herrings thrown in (I'm looking at you, HH). I found myself investigating the murder along with Pip, almost like I had some sort of stake in it. There was an obvious interest blooming between herself and Ravi, but it didn't take anything away from the main focus of the story.
Overall, a great read.
06/10/24 I didn't hate it, but I started to dislike Mara towards the end.
31/10/24 Like a lot of other reviews, I was looking forward to Mara's story because she was such a firecracker in the first book. However, the more I read, the more I hated her character - she was by no means a perfect character, in fact I love flawed characters, but her mindset was so selfish and centred entirely upon herself, even though she had opened herself and promised she would be inclusive of Jonas' feelings and their relationship. If Jonas did anything wrong, it would be to let himself be treated the way that he did, despite how emotionally open and transparent he was.
Now I understand that a romance book isn't a romance book without a HEA, but this is one book where I would have happily accepted that despite what they felt for each other, they went their separate ways. With so little of the book left, it seems like it was going to steer towards this direction, yet it didn't, and I almost disliked myself for feeling so flabbergasted by how it ended.
It was a little disappointing to say the least, most of it being acceptable with promise of a character revelation, but we were hit-and-run with the last chapters after being so invested.
Ann Liang's writing beautifully reflects the immense journey of a deep undercover mission, with its outcome being a life or death for the people of its nation. This is not a simple love story, but one that revolves around lies, manipulation and betrayal.
Xishi is a commoner but with immense beauty. With this beauty, she becomes a pawn in a dangerous game of deceit. Her character is pretty straightforward - for the sake of her family and the greater good of her nation, she will use her wiles and beauty to distract and manipulate, alongside her dearest and feisty friend, Zhengdan. She has flaws and isn't perfect, yet she cannot let this reflect on the surface.
The intense yearning between Xishi and Fanli was almost torturous, a forbidden love between the two with no expectations it will ever come to fruition. The relationship with Fuchai was also complicated, and I wish his character was developed more, despite his place in actual history.
A short but concise retelling of the Legend of Xishi, one of the Four Beauties of Ancient China. Beauty can be underestimated, and in this instance it was used to its fullest.
Compared to the previous, there were higher stakes in this book and less of the cosy element, however I thoroughly enjoyed it as much as the first.
Our beloved Ambrose has been taken by the darkside of the Scar, demanding from him something that no one has ever managed to brew before. Eli is besides himself, as seen by some of his rash actions which causes setbacks, and while Dawn is also fretting about her bestie she manages to find love along the way.
The plot was a great middle ground between the last book and what I expect will be happening in the sequel. Eli grows immensely in this book, his hotheadedness causing some problems, which allows him to grow and apply it to his new profession as an adventurer. Ambrose's relationship with Nat, an orphan who has been disappointed many times in her short life so far, is wholesome to read despite the situation that they're in.
The ending was as happy as it could be, with sprinklings of the groundwork laid for the following book. While I am a little concerned for their wellbeing, knowing what the Aphosians are like, hopefully it'll be addressed later because I'm sure it's not the last we've seen of them.
I needed a cosy, light-hearted read, and I'm glad that I opted for A Rival Most Vial because it ticked all the boxes.
This was a low stake, low drama read; there was potion brewing and an adorable slow burn romance (seriously slow - our couple did not kiss until 71% into the book, I noted it down because it had me kicking my legs in giddiness). It also touches upon the more mundane parts of a fantasy world - what the merchants are up to when the adventurers are doing their monster-slaying.
Following a more typical guideline, our two lovers start off as enemies (both potioneers), who are forced to work together, which in turn leads them to grow closer in the process. The light drama comes from lack of communication, understandable from the past revealed, and an unexpected incident causes all the feelings and words to explode, but it works reasonably well.
I look forward to meeting with our beloved Dudes Who Brew in future books!
This sequel reintroduced loved characters Kianthe and Rayna, as well as adding a new enemies-to-lover pair, Bobbie and Serina.
While advertised as a cosy sequel, I would have said this was a more light-hearted fantasy, since there wasn't any time compared to the first book for our characters to sit down and even have a cup of tea. There were higher stakes than before, and despite there being cosy elements (crocheting mainly), it did not give enough to warrant it being a strict cosy fantasy.
Also, I did enjoy the storyline between our new pair, however I felt like the entire dragon plot line should have had its own book for focus rather being sharing the limelight with another storyline. The love story between Bobbie/Serina should have had their own POVs more than others, since I didn't feel very invested with their romance seen through others eyes.
I will still read book 3, since I am emotionally invested in this series, but I am unsure what direction it will next take in terms of cosy.
A slow-paced yet good story, building off of an interestingly new magic system called Stitchbinding. I enjoyed learning about this new magic system immensely, with the different weaves and what power they could bring forth. Because of the entire weaving behind it, it was a little difficult to imagine sometimes, yet the author did the best they could.
The beginning felt quite abrupt, with us being thrown right in the thick of it and our character almost setting off as soon as possible across time within the initial few chapters. Keeping in mind her young age, it is clear she is flawed and makes mistakes, despite wanting to try her best. Her relationship with the love interest is enjoyable to watch develop, despite their differences.
While this book is part of a series, there wasn't an open ending, which I was grateful for after all the obscure TO BE CONTINUED in other books.
A solid debut book, with an introduction into a strongly built world and intriguing magic system.
While it starts off a bit slower than expected, setting up as much as it can before the events take place, this book has some amazingly written scenes in it that left me unable to put it down. There was some struggle in keeping up with the different POVs, but it ended up showing a lot of characters and their viewpoint, some of which I wish we explored more into.
Definite recommendation to try and read a little into the different factions/races/etc. first, using the sections towards the end if you find it difficult to keep up with the amount of information that we end up exploring.
Looking forward to the next book!
A decent follow on from the previous book, with more details revolving around the different political dynamics that the higher levels go through.
Our team wants to enter the Tower soon, which means that preparations must begin. While there are some high stakes involved, ultimately it's another progression book that develops our already beloved characters, both skillwise and character wise. Max is still coping with the dark side of this power, and he finally enters a relationship with Tanila after a bit of push and pull.
Hoping the threat that was introduced in the initial books comes back in Book Four, since there wasn't any mention of them despite it being such a big part of the start.
A decent sequel, following on quite recently from the ending of the first.
Utilising the same POV system as the first, with it following locations rather than specific people, the different view points all mesh together very well, with a few happening at the same time for us to see the different understandings and perspectives of characters not up to date with the most recent information.
Compared to the last, this one felt more like a deeper delve into specific factions and characters - we have Eckra and the Black Cloaks, with their mysterious powers. We meet those thrown into Buduwai and the secrets of what's actually happening there. We dive more into Frieda, a pitiful character through and through.
All the set up is leading towards an eventual big blowout, which I hope to read more of in the next book.
A decent sequel, focusing on the more character development rather than plot side of things.
While this wasn't an enjoyable as the first book, it was nice to read about the growing bonds within the party. The progression they're making towards being able to hit the Towers, as well as the help they provide Max in order to ensure he doesn't get consumed by his skill is fun to read.
It's interesting to see Max develop as a character. He is clearly young and flawed, combined with an OP skill means he will make mistakes and be overconfident. There are attempts to show how he tries to get through this, showing us he's not just all brawn but has brains too with his meticulous note-taking and investigations into dungeons, but inevitably I fear that he will bite off more than he can chew.
Looking forward to reading Book Three.
My first venture into LitRPG and this hasn't been a disappointment.
I'm intrigued with our main character, who has obviously been made bald to give him a sort of selling point to stand out from our generic main leads. However, the reason given is legitimate (but it seems like he could just...cut and dye it instead?). His skills are interesting, one being his dream skill and the other an unknown, but watching him grow and discover what this extra skill actually is is something I look forward to unravelling in the series.
My first read with KJ Charles, and definitely not the last. This was an enjoyable, well-written novel with a run-of-the-mill plot.
Our characters and their interactions were what kept this book together, providing a very pleasant read. The ending between Marianne and Giles was realistic to say the least - though KJ Charles provided a bit of a window of opportunity to Giles for the off-screen future. Things may have fell into place a little bit too nicely in the end, but it was a wholesome ending.
An enjoyable, guilty-pleasure romance read, for cleansing between bulkier books.
While not all parts of the story felt believable, did they add to the events of the plot. The characters involved are fun to read, with their own quirks and interests.
The age gap between our love interests seem a little larger than I'd usually read, but it didn't feel too forced or unbelievable. Our FMC is plus-sized, and our MMC adores her and her body wholeheartedly from the beginning. It's gratifying to not see size being used as a plot point, but as representation.
The writing does leave a little wanting sometimes, especially during the spicy scenes but I enjoyed their gradual attraction growing into love.
The initial few chapters were slow, a lot of setup towards the juicy bits of the book. However, when it did finally get interesting with the plot, it felt a little sudden and unexpected. The idea was there, but the execution wasn't as well done as it possibly could be, which was unfortunate because I really learnt a lot about insects and vultures.
I also wasn't too big a fan of the bracketed thoughts/inserts of Sam. They kind of broke the flow of the book a bit, like it was her recounting something that happened rather than it happening presently for her.
Nevertheless, it was an overall enjoyable story, but it did take some time to get into.
Another well-written book by Shusterman, filled with the angst and worries that any teenager would feel under the same circumstances.
We are reunited with new and old friends. In particular, I was saddened to see reference to someone from the novella between the first and second book. Yet, it was inevitable, as I doubt Shusterman would have stressed the importance of a particular part without it being brought back into the series.
There was a lot of character development in this book. With Connor, we see his turmoil at being responsible for all the kids who he wants to keep alive. His relationship with Risa is clearly strained, whether it be due to what happened at Happy Jacks or the burden of being the top dog at base. Lev is trying to grow up as well as he can, but it's difficult when his parents reject him and the ones he loves most are horrifically endangered with him. And Risa wants to help, but is limited in what she could do after losing usage of her legs.
Cam...where do I even...I'm sorry for how he came into existence, but I cannot fault him for wanting to make the most of what he now has. He didn't ask for life, and definitely not in the way it happened. Without the reality check from Risa, it would have been horrible to see him brainwashed by the Proactive Citizenry. I definitely look forward to seeing what impact he has in the series.
Overall, a great read. A dark read with a slight touch of realism.
This was a deliciously written book with an intricate plot and a badass female main character.
While our lead does have a tragic past (which we will hopefully go into more in the future books), it's left her a realist with strong perseverance. She's good at her job, and people know that. She has her underground connections, friends that she'd protect to the end of days and I think she might even fancy her most recent target...
It was enjoyable watching the relationship between Piper and Alec develop, with their initial meeting not under the best circumstances. As Alec sees more of the side that Piper tries to keep away from her job, it's clear that a new impression is being formed, for both of them.
Alas, the ending left me with more questions that necessary. I hope they'll get answered in the next book.
I don't often read romantasy books, preferring fantasy over the romance aspect, but this book gave me everything that I could possibly want for a book in its genre; an arranged marriage despite a potential love triangle, a hidden identity (both known and unknown) and hinted soul mates with confirmation towards the end due to them both being Dragons/dragon shifters.
The initial half of the story gave me massive Under the Oak Tree / Marriage of Convenience vibes, with the demand of a princess as a reward for massive war deeds, and the medieval time period it seems to be set in. I also must admit I saw a pretty big spoiler for this book, but it didn't take away from the experience and actually had me seeing signs right from the very beginning. Not only that, but I didn't expect this book to focus so much more on the fantasy aspect and experiences Tamsyn went through over the steamy scenes that romantasies are usually more known for, but I thoroughly enjoyed it all.
Despite all the above, I was not prepared for the ending at all. It definitely left me wanting, and I will be eagerly awaiting the sequel because there are just too many unanswered questions.
A great short story settled between the time Lev parts with CyFi and reunites with Connor/Risa.
It's interesting to see how the Native Americans have chosen a path separate to the rest of the world, choosing to adapt with animal parts rather than unwilling children.
Like many others, it definitely felt too short. I hope to see Wil mentioned in the future books.
It's almost frightening that I'm reading this at a time where it isn't impossible for a future in the far off to happen along these lines. Like The Handmaid's Tale, it expands from a long time persisting issue, pushing human morals and creating a solution for the issue, which is ridding the world of abortion but also of unruly, unwanted children.
Schusterman has this way of writing which makes it difficult to put down. The chapters and done bite size, leaving you reading more and more before you finally discover you're at the end. These kids are people you could have, will have and may well know in the future - if society took a wrong turn then it could become a horror reality like what Schusterman has created.
The one scene of unwinding has definitely made me think. It's always been a tiny thought that comes out now and then, what makes a human alive, but the scene will stick with me.
The ending wasn't too great, but it has opened the story up for the sequels, which I'll have to read.
12/07/24 - i am suffering
19/07/24 - OK, I've processed enough to finally piece together my thoughts for this book because W O W I was taken on a journey. Normally when I read a sequel, I don't hold my breath since I don't expect as much from it, but this book gave me everything I needed. Amazing fight scenes, details that I didn't even realise I needed, lovable characters with their own personalities and growth and actual meaning to plot moments.
Kiersten and A.J. have not held back on account of their readers feelings and emotions in this book. As soon as we pick up right where City of Mages left off, our characters are toiling through one issue after another. Why did you kill Lili? Why did you make us love her, give her so much hope, only to remind us that (like reality) things can come when you least expect it? And Beno, oh poor sweet Beno, who couldn't bear to be in a world without his sister, and now she'll have to survive without him.
While Alara was my favourite out of the two from Book One, I have to admit that I really enjoyed the character development and growth from Quenti in this one. I'd found her to be a bit of a naive character from the first book, despite her background. But after her interactions and chapters in this book, I can see that she's a victim of circumstance and upbringing. Her father was a real piece of work, and I doubt it'll be the last we see of him.
I really enjoyed this sequel, and I did not expect for it to end, so we'll need a third book! I am a mixed bag of feelings with this because I want more, but now I have to wait...
Rating: 3.5
This cosy sequel seemed to have a bit of an identity crisis - it wanted a bit of a KAZAM with the dragon plot but then some romance but with the juggle to focus both they just ended up with the introduction then straight to the end, with no middling build-up. I would have preferred a focus on one or the other, since it would then allow some sort of main plot.
Nevertheless, I did enjoy meeting the beloved characters from the first book, as well as the cute but definitely background character Badgers.
A cute, cosy read that's perfect for enjoyers of curling up by a fireplace with a light read.
Our main character constantly reminds us that she is flawed, being a magicless human and orphaned years ago by an unfortunate accident. However, it takes her time to realise that she has two loving dads just next door to her, which she discovers after embarking on an impromptu trip, meeting new folks and friends and even a dashing Elf.
While I enjoyed the baking aspect of it, the drama of it all with Theo's mum, I felt like the fated mates trope was really forced in this book and didn't really add any value. I would have preferred to see a slow burn romance blossom between our lovers without the mate aspect.