Grace
I enjoyed this book a lot! even more than crowns of Nyaxia, I'd put this book leveled with Six Scorched Roses also by Carissa Broadbent, which is one of my favorite books ever read. Definitely a good read, with a nice world-building, character development and an intriguing politics system. The magic system still is a bit confusing to me, maybe because it wasn't shown, just kind of explained in the beginning, but ok... I hope with the reading of the next two books I'll get to understand it better.
This book does have some triggers to keep in mind:
- Slavery
- Physical violence
- Child abduction
- Murder described graphically
- Mention of sexual assault/trafficking
- Blood
- War
Carissa writes very beautifully and, to my taste, with respect and justice about these topics that are not easy to put in any book nor any context, but it is also important to mention so you enjoy your reading instead of being stressed or triggered.
I enjoyed this book a lot! even more than crowns of Nyaxia, I'd put this book leveled with Six Scorched Roses also by Carissa Broadbent, which is one of my favorite books ever read. Definitely a good read, with a nice world-building, character development and an intriguing politics system. The magic system still is a bit confusing to me, maybe because it wasn't shown, just kind of explained in the beginning, but ok... I hope with the reading of the next two books I'll get to understand it better.
This book does have some triggers to keep in mind:
- Slavery
- Physical violence
- Child abduction
- Murder described graphically
- Mention of sexual assault/trafficking
- Blood
- War
Carissa writes very beautifully and, to my taste, with respect and justice about these topics that are not easy to put in any book nor any context, but it is also important to mention so you enjoy your reading instead of being stressed or triggered.
This is book 2 in a series, but I had no idea until way in the book. I like that you can read this book as a standalone as well.
The story follows Wyatt, a thriller author that is highly self-confident and is sense of humor is tremendous; and Aubree, the town's grump who had a difficult childhood that shaped her insecurities and low self-worth. It all starts with Wyatt needing to marry right away - after he is left practically at the altar - due to a legal requirement in his grandfather's will to inherit his cabain. It specifically stated that it would go to the first of his grandchild that got married and Wyatt is willing to take marriage as a business transaction to keep the cabain from his cousin Wallace. So he comes up with a plan with the help of his friend Lauren, and the best option is Aubree, a girl who shares the ownership of a farm that was owned by Aubree's late sister Cassidy and her husband (and Wyatt's brother) Clarke who also passed a few years ago.
The banter between both characters is great, it's got the Grumpy-sunshine trope but reversed (she is the grumpy and he is the sunshine), it is a "rivals to lovers" with forced proximity situation where they need to work together to get what they each want with all their heart, but will end up getting what they both needed the most in an unexpected turn of events.
The plot is hilarious and very enjoyable, and I especially LOVED Ethel. I can picture her pretty clearly as the annoying-former-Broadway-performer-turned-into-town's-inn-owner-and-main-source-of-gossip pretty well. And all her scenes are killingly funny.
If you read the first book, you'll have recurring cast bc it is the love story between Hattie (Aubree's younger sister) and Hayes, and they play a big part in the plot for this book as well. If you're like me and didn't read that book that's fine as well because this book gives context where is needed about events in the previous book so it reads as a standalone if you're only interested in Aubree and Wyatt's storyline.
So my rating is 3.75 stars mainly due to the following points:
- I would have liked more conflict between Wyatt and Wallace, it was sold as a big issue all the way through but once it was presented it didn't feel as huge as it could have been, same with Cadance
- I see where Aubree and Wyatt's insecurities come from, but everyone knows what happens when two people do not talk to each other, and having feelings for each other but not opening to each other when it is evident for everyone and also they are to marry became a bit eye-rolling for me but that is just personal opinion because I really become annoyed when people do not communicate... the writing was great, though
-There's a point in which there are sex scenes, but like one after another after another, and I do enjoy good spice but these were very repetitive and the pacing became odd. Suddenly I felt like it became THE focal point when the focal point should have been how Aubree was starting to gain confidence and feel seen, worthy of love, and experience new things in her life that she never thought existed. So I kind of got lost between all that overly explicit spice scenes that to me didn't add much to the story
All in all, I had a lot of huge laughs, some deep moments and I felt related in many ways to multiple characters. To me it was very enjoyable and has become one of my cozy reads now.
This is book 2 in a series, but I had no idea until way in the book. I like that you can read this book as a standalone as well.
The story follows Wyatt, a thriller author that is highly self-confident and is sense of humor is tremendous; and Aubree, the town's grump who had a difficult childhood that shaped her insecurities and low self-worth. It all starts with Wyatt needing to marry right away - after he is left practically at the altar - due to a legal requirement in his grandfather's will to inherit his cabain. It specifically stated that it would go to the first of his grandchild that got married and Wyatt is willing to take marriage as a business transaction to keep the cabain from his cousin Wallace. So he comes up with a plan with the help of his friend Lauren, and the best option is Aubree, a girl who shares the ownership of a farm that was owned by Aubree's late sister Cassidy and her husband (and Wyatt's brother) Clarke who also passed a few years ago.
The banter between both characters is great, it's got the Grumpy-sunshine trope but reversed (she is the grumpy and he is the sunshine), it is a "rivals to lovers" with forced proximity situation where they need to work together to get what they each want with all their heart, but will end up getting what they both needed the most in an unexpected turn of events.
The plot is hilarious and very enjoyable, and I especially LOVED Ethel. I can picture her pretty clearly as the annoying-former-Broadway-performer-turned-into-town's-inn-owner-and-main-source-of-gossip pretty well. And all her scenes are killingly funny.
If you read the first book, you'll have recurring cast bc it is the love story between Hattie (Aubree's younger sister) and Hayes, and they play a big part in the plot for this book as well. If you're like me and didn't read that book that's fine as well because this book gives context where is needed about events in the previous book so it reads as a standalone if you're only interested in Aubree and Wyatt's storyline.
So my rating is 3.75 stars mainly due to the following points:
- I would have liked more conflict between Wyatt and Wallace, it was sold as a big issue all the way through but once it was presented it didn't feel as huge as it could have been, same with Cadance
- I see where Aubree and Wyatt's insecurities come from, but everyone knows what happens when two people do not talk to each other, and having feelings for each other but not opening to each other when it is evident for everyone and also they are to marry became a bit eye-rolling for me but that is just personal opinion because I really become annoyed when people do not communicate... the writing was great, though
-There's a point in which there are sex scenes, but like one after another after another, and I do enjoy good spice but these were very repetitive and the pacing became odd. Suddenly I felt like it became THE focal point when the focal point should have been how Aubree was starting to gain confidence and feel seen, worthy of love, and experience new things in her life that she never thought existed. So I kind of got lost between all that overly explicit spice scenes that to me didn't add much to the story
All in all, I had a lot of huge laughs, some deep moments and I felt related in many ways to multiple characters. To me it was very enjoyable and has become one of my cozy reads now.
This is book 2 in a series, but I had no idea until way in the book. I like that you can read this book as a standalone as well.
The story follows Wyatt, a thriller author that is highly self-confident and is sense of humor is tremendous; and Aubree, the town's grump who had a difficult childhood that shaped her insecurities and low self-worth. It all starts with Wyatt needing to marry right away - after he is left practically at the altar - due to a legal requirement in his grandfather's will to inherit his cabain. It specifically stated that it would go to the first of his grandchild that got married and Wyatt is willing to take marriage as a business transaction to keep the cabain from his cousin Wallace. So he comes up with a plan with the help of his friend Lauren, and the best option is Aubree, a girl who shares the ownership of a farm that was owned by Aubree's late sister Cassidy and her husband (and Wyatt's brother) Clarke who also passed a few years ago.
The banter between both characters is great, it's got the Grumpy-sunshine trope but reversed (she is the grumpy and he is the sunshine), it is a "rivals to lovers" with forced proximity situation where they need to work together to get what they each want with all their heart, but will end up getting what they both needed the most in an unexpected turn of events.
The plot is hilarious and very enjoyable, and I especially LOVED Ethel. I can picture her pretty clearly as the annoying-former-Broadway-performer-turned-into-town's-inn-owner-and-main-source-of-gossip pretty well. And all her scenes are killingly funny.
If you read the first book, you'll have recurring cast bc it is the love story between Hattie (Aubree's younger sister) and Hayes, and they play a big part in the plot for this book as well. If you're like me and didn't read that book that's fine as well because this book gives context where is needed about events in the previous book so it reads as a standalone if you're only interested in Aubree and Wyatt's storyline.
So my rating is 3.75 stars mainly due to the following points:
- I would have liked more conflict between Wyatt and Wallace, it was sold as a big issue all the way through but once it was presented it didn't feel as huge as it could have been, same with Cadance
- I see where Aubree and Wyatt's insecurities come from, but everyone knows what happens when two people do not talk to each other, and having feelings for each other but not opening to each other when it is evident for everyone and also they are to marry became a bit eye-rolling for me but that is just personal opinion because I really become annoyed when people do not communicate... the writing was great, though
-There's a point in which there are sex scenes, but like one after another after another, and I do enjoy good spice but these were very repetitive and the pacing became odd. Suddenly I felt like it became THE focal point when the focal point should have been how Aubree was starting to gain confidence and feel seen, worthy of love, and experience new things in her life that she never thought existed. So I kind of got lost between all that overly explicit spice scenes that to me didn't add much to the story
All in all, I had a lot of huge laughs, some deep moments and I felt related in many ways to multiple characters. To me it was very enjoyable and has become one of my cozy reads now.
This is book 2 in a series, but I had no idea until way in the book. I like that you can read this book as a standalone as well.
The story follows Wyatt, a thriller author that is highly self-confident and is sense of humor is tremendous; and Aubree, the town's grump who had a difficult childhood that shaped her insecurities and low self-worth. It all starts with Wyatt needing to marry right away - after he is left practically at the altar - due to a legal requirement in his grandfather's will to inherit his cabain. It specifically stated that it would go to the first of his grandchild that got married and Wyatt is willing to take marriage as a business transaction to keep the cabain from his cousin Wallace. So he comes up with a plan with the help of his friend Lauren, and the best option is Aubree, a girl who shares the ownership of a farm that was owned by Aubree's late sister Cassidy and her husband (and Wyatt's brother) Clarke who also passed a few years ago.
The banter between both characters is great, it's got the Grumpy-sunshine trope but reversed (she is the grumpy and he is the sunshine), it is a "rivals to lovers" with forced proximity situation where they need to work together to get what they each want with all their heart, but will end up getting what they both needed the most in an unexpected turn of events.
The plot is hilarious and very enjoyable, and I especially LOVED Ethel. I can picture her pretty clearly as the annoying-former-Broadway-performer-turned-into-town's-inn-owner-and-main-source-of-gossip pretty well. And all her scenes are killingly funny.
If you read the first book, you'll have recurring cast bc it is the love story between Hattie (Aubree's younger sister) and Hayes, and they play a big part in the plot for this book as well. If you're like me and didn't read that book that's fine as well because this book gives context where is needed about events in the previous book so it reads as a standalone if you're only interested in Aubree and Wyatt's storyline.
So my rating is 3.75 stars mainly due to the following points:
- I would have liked more conflict between Wyatt and Wallace, it was sold as a big issue all the way through but once it was presented it didn't feel as huge as it could have been, same with Cadance
- I see where Aubree and Wyatt's insecurities come from, but everyone knows what happens when two people do not talk to each other, and having feelings for each other but not opening to each other when it is evident for everyone and also they are to marry became a bit eye-rolling for me but that is just personal opinion because I really become annoyed when people do not communicate... the writing was great, though
-There's a point in which there are sex scenes, but like one after another after another, and I do enjoy good spice but these were very repetitive and the pacing became odd. Suddenly I felt like it became THE focal point when the focal point should have been how Aubree was starting to gain confidence and feel seen, worthy of love, and experience new things in her life that she never thought existed. So I kind of got lost between all that overly explicit spice scenes that to me didn't add much to the story
All in all, I had a lot of huge laughs, some deep moments and I felt related in many ways to multiple characters. To me it was very enjoyable and has become one of my cozy reads now.
I am so heartbroken right now...
I liked how it felt like real life, with its nuances... it shows how people come in and out of our lives as we grow and there's even a quote stating that you don't need to have a fight with your childhood best friend to stop being best friends, sometimes you just grow apart. In this case that turning point in Finn and Autumn's frienship is talked about through both POVs so I really appreciated that, since the book is all narrated through Autumn's POV it is natural to take her side of the story as the fact of what happened and when Finny exposed his side of things it felt all the most relatable because that's real life: we remember things one way and others may do so way different, that's when misunderstandings happen.
It became apparent pretty early on that depression and toxic relationships was going to be the theme of the book, and man ... Jamie is a walking red flag, I just wanted Finn to step in for Autumn bc I thought she wasn't going to do it herself, I'm glad they didn't end up together.
I think depression was handled well, and then again, the person usually doesn't know they are depressed or deny it altogether as Autumn did throughout the book, even her thoughts and actions after Finny's passing make it evident for the reader that she is indeed depressed, and for her it isn't something to be concerned about, it's just a natural course to follow... to me that's what makes depression very scary for the family more than to the person who suffers it.
The ending just had me sobbing, at first I thought it was very hurried but thinking better about it I think it is not about giving a happy ending, the heartache is more intense just because we feel they didn't get to live their love as they were meant to, but there's a little piece of Finn left in this world as a sign of hope for Autumn and The Mothers, a reason to live and love again.
Solid 5 star for me, I don't know if I'll ever get over this book. 💔
I am so heartbroken right now...
I liked how it felt like real life, with its nuances... it shows how people come in and out of our lives as we grow and there's even a quote stating that you don't need to have a fight with your childhood best friend to stop being best friends, sometimes you just grow apart. In this case that turning point in Finn and Autumn's frienship is talked about through both POVs so I really appreciated that, since the book is all narrated through Autumn's POV it is natural to take her side of the story as the fact of what happened and when Finny exposed his side of things it felt all the most relatable because that's real life: we remember things one way and others may do so way different, that's when misunderstandings happen.
It became apparent pretty early on that depression and toxic relationships was going to be the theme of the book, and man ... Jamie is a walking red flag, I just wanted Finn to step in for Autumn bc I thought she wasn't going to do it herself, I'm glad they didn't end up together.
I think depression was handled well, and then again, the person usually doesn't know they are depressed or deny it altogether as Autumn did throughout the book, even her thoughts and actions after Finny's passing make it evident for the reader that she is indeed depressed, and for her it isn't something to be concerned about, it's just a natural course to follow... to me that's what makes depression very scary for the family more than to the person who suffers it.
The ending just had me sobbing, at first I thought it was very hurried but thinking better about it I think it is not about giving a happy ending, the heartache is more intense just because we feel they didn't get to live their love as they were meant to, but there's a little piece of Finn left in this world as a sign of hope for Autumn and The Mothers, a reason to live and love again.
Solid 5 star for me, I don't know if I'll ever get over this book. 💔
Rating: 3.75 stars
The book is written with interlapping stories in the past and the MCs present, both written in chronological order but there's one chapter in the past followed by one chapter in the present and so on. The story follows Macy, a pediatric resident in the Bay Area with a past that is too painful to face, leaving some chapters still open that affect her present. She then sees Elliot, her best friend from her teenage years and the guy who broke her heart. Everything starts to change as old wounds are open, Macy starts to question her currently relationship, and advancing in parallel with her past you get to understand what happened that got her where she is.
Things I liked:
-Love is beautifully developed in the book, from the first interaction all the way through, some things may seem cringy but when one is a teenager you get to have that kind of conversation and find it natural because you are exploring your body. As an adult I didn't enjoy it as much but I understand how it plays in the story.
-I enjoyed pretty much the second half of the book, when Macy starts to take accountability in her current relationship and owns her part in her ghosting to Elliot
-I liked the healthy talks that were held: Macy's dad for one, how he managed being a widowed father and Macy's issues (I dropped my jaw when he managed THE talk every parent fears when their child reaches an age to appropriately address sexuality and safe sex). Also Macy and Sean's mature talk about their dynamics and how it would work when married, it was a nice chapter.
Things I didn't enjoy as much:
-Macy is the main character so both past and present are told exclusively from her point of view, in the end it works but it would have been so interesting to have at least some chapters from Elliot's POV as well, and the rest of the friends would be interesting as well, they are talked about throughout the book but some thoughts would be interesting to hear as they come and not filtered by Macy's POV.
-The first half made me think about DNF it, Macy felt very immature for her age, and like it was so annoying every time she expressed her confussion after seeing Elliot for a couple of seconds, and afterwards she felt like a teenager going to a Justin Bieber concert, and she was 28...... so I really disliked the start. Fortunately after the chapter where she talks with Sean about her final realization that they are not even compatible I think she suddenly matured.
-Linked to the last point, Elliot also seemed so cringy. Like why leave your girlfriend of (not sure if they lasted 1 or 5 years) just bc her saw Macy... huge red flag more than romance there. At least Macy's reason felt more reasonable because at first I thought she was being a dick but then it made sense with Sean being so not in sync with her so... it made sense for the breakup, but Elliot??? Nah...
-I would've liked a faster pacing in the first half, it took me almost 170 pages to stop considering DNF it
All in all I'm glad I didn't quit it, to me it got better past that half mark, and it all was worth it in the end. I got nice parenting advise, had a couple of good laughs, and cried so hard in the last 20 pages or so... which in the end made up for the bullets I didn't enjoy as much.
Rating: 3.75 stars
The book is written with interlapping stories in the past and the MCs present, both written in chronological order but there's one chapter in the past followed by one chapter in the present and so on. The story follows Macy, a pediatric resident in the Bay Area with a past that is too painful to face, leaving some chapters still open that affect her present. She then sees Elliot, her best friend from her teenage years and the guy who broke her heart. Everything starts to change as old wounds are open, Macy starts to question her currently relationship, and advancing in parallel with her past you get to understand what happened that got her where she is.
Things I liked:
-Love is beautifully developed in the book, from the first interaction all the way through, some things may seem cringy but when one is a teenager you get to have that kind of conversation and find it natural because you are exploring your body. As an adult I didn't enjoy it as much but I understand how it plays in the story.
-I enjoyed pretty much the second half of the book, when Macy starts to take accountability in her current relationship and owns her part in her ghosting to Elliot
-I liked the healthy talks that were held: Macy's dad for one, how he managed being a widowed father and Macy's issues (I dropped my jaw when he managed THE talk every parent fears when their child reaches an age to appropriately address sexuality and safe sex). Also Macy and Sean's mature talk about their dynamics and how it would work when married, it was a nice chapter.
Things I didn't enjoy as much:
-Macy is the main character so both past and present are told exclusively from her point of view, in the end it works but it would have been so interesting to have at least some chapters from Elliot's POV as well, and the rest of the friends would be interesting as well, they are talked about throughout the book but some thoughts would be interesting to hear as they come and not filtered by Macy's POV.
-The first half made me think about DNF it, Macy felt very immature for her age, and like it was so annoying every time she expressed her confussion after seeing Elliot for a couple of seconds, and afterwards she felt like a teenager going to a Justin Bieber concert, and she was 28...... so I really disliked the start. Fortunately after the chapter where she talks with Sean about her final realization that they are not even compatible I think she suddenly matured.
-Linked to the last point, Elliot also seemed so cringy. Like why leave your girlfriend of (not sure if they lasted 1 or 5 years) just bc her saw Macy... huge red flag more than romance there. At least Macy's reason felt more reasonable because at first I thought she was being a dick but then it made sense with Sean being so not in sync with her so... it made sense for the breakup, but Elliot??? Nah...
-I would've liked a faster pacing in the first half, it took me almost 170 pages to stop considering DNF it
All in all I'm glad I didn't quit it, to me it got better past that half mark, and it all was worth it in the end. I got nice parenting advise, had a couple of good laughs, and cried so hard in the last 20 pages or so... which in the end made up for the bullets I didn't enjoy as much.
3.75 stars
This book is everything, it talks about life, youth, a relationship between a son and his mother, a husband and a wife that don't meet eye to eye in many things, friends, mom friends, and also how deeply rooted beliefs shape an entire community, how paradigms can be broken, and how every decision affects other people.
I think the book brought so many important topics, specially sexism and politics, and it touches a few fragile fibers in me... like I cried so hard around 45% in, because I too have a son and can connect with Misaki and Mamoru's relationship so it hurts deep inside me I still am not recovered.
The author also writes an exquisite world and even though she uses uncommon words so casually into the writting it didn't disrupt my understanding, actually it made it more inmersive and interesting. I saw the glossary and man it is huge, so at first I found it a bit overwhelming but decided to give it a go without fully understanding the concepts and it turned out amazing!
I also liked having both Mamoru and Misaki's POV, and some of Takeru as well, but specially Mamoru so you know what happens when he's with Kwang, and when he's in the front line, and Misaki is a badass mom. I liked the way she was written with careful details, you can truly understand how she feels when being a trained warrior and then becoming first a housewife and then a mother... how she constantly faces insults from her father in law, indifference from her husband even when she needs him the most, the hurt after she miscarried, natural feelings when you give birth (people tell you that it is love at first sight , but it isn't always the case and for women who don't feel that way they think there's something wrong with them when it's not), her motherly instinct to protect her children... she is the GOAT!
I think the book is amazing, I really enjoyed it to the point I feel devastated. My only note is the last chapter, I think after 50% it was natural to write the aftermath and I appreciate there was great character development after the climax, it was so worth it to keep reading up until the last chapter which to me didn't fit anywhere nor provided anything useful to the story. To me it was more about catching up and giving a bit of info dump on Misaki's classmates but I really didn't care that much about them to have about 30+ pages on them. It would have worked better to leave it out and the ending would have made sense. I just think about it as the "gossip chapter" which is sad for a book like this with so much depth in other matters.
Maybe an epilogue with the youngest Matsuda would have been amazing, I'd connect it with the next book (I know the author froze the Theonite series but it could be a nice closing, having it as self conclusive but leaving a small window in case she wanted to continue in the future)
I hope you find my review useful and remember to be mindful of people because we all have different abilities and ways of thinking.
3.75 stars
This book is everything, it talks about life, youth, a relationship between a son and his mother, a husband and a wife that don't meet eye to eye in many things, friends, mom friends, and also how deeply rooted beliefs shape an entire community, how paradigms can be broken, and how every decision affects other people.
I think the book brought so many important topics, specially sexism and politics, and it touches a few fragile fibers in me... like I cried so hard around 45% in, because I too have a son and can connect with Misaki and Mamoru's relationship so it hurts deep inside me I still am not recovered.
The author also writes an exquisite world and even though she uses uncommon words so casually into the writting it didn't disrupt my understanding, actually it made it more inmersive and interesting. I saw the glossary and man it is huge, so at first I found it a bit overwhelming but decided to give it a go without fully understanding the concepts and it turned out amazing!
I also liked having both Mamoru and Misaki's POV, and some of Takeru as well, but specially Mamoru so you know what happens when he's with Kwang, and when he's in the front line, and Misaki is a badass mom. I liked the way she was written with careful details, you can truly understand how she feels when being a trained warrior and then becoming first a housewife and then a mother... how she constantly faces insults from her father in law, indifference from her husband even when she needs him the most, the hurt after she miscarried, natural feelings when you give birth (people tell you that it is love at first sight , but it isn't always the case and for women who don't feel that way they think there's something wrong with them when it's not), her motherly instinct to protect her children... she is the GOAT!
I think the book is amazing, I really enjoyed it to the point I feel devastated. My only note is the last chapter, I think after 50% it was natural to write the aftermath and I appreciate there was great character development after the climax, it was so worth it to keep reading up until the last chapter which to me didn't fit anywhere nor provided anything useful to the story. To me it was more about catching up and giving a bit of info dump on Misaki's classmates but I really didn't care that much about them to have about 30+ pages on them. It would have worked better to leave it out and the ending would have made sense. I just think about it as the "gossip chapter" which is sad for a book like this with so much depth in other matters.
Maybe an epilogue with the youngest Matsuda would have been amazing, I'd connect it with the next book (I know the author froze the Theonite series but it could be a nice closing, having it as self conclusive but leaving a small window in case she wanted to continue in the future)
I hope you find my review useful and remember to be mindful of people because we all have different abilities and ways of thinking.
The 5th book in the series, which leaves me so much to think about in terms of how to review this. I felt it a bit disconnected from the main trilogy because it switches FMC altogether, even if they are related and happens chronologically after the events in ACOWAR and ACOFAS, they change entirely the main characters, shifting focus to Nesta and Cassian. This by itself would have been better as a standalone with ACOFAS included, or even as bonus material, or dividing both making one longer and the other shorter from what they ended up being, to make a Nesta Duology. That to me makes more sense, but it was marketed and published as part of the ACOTAR series instead... if I were to rate it solely as the ending of the series (so far) to me it would've been a ⭐️⭐️⭐️ due to the disconnection and change of focus. But I believe there are series with better books than others so I choose to rate as standalone and taking some context of the past books. So here I go:
My complaint in past books, especially the so popular ACOMAF, is that they are unnecessarily long, full of info dump and very unrealistic scenes with the excuse of adding smut, prioritizing it over a good story or character development (which Feyre lacked, she still feels very plain, the same Feyre that went hunting in ACOTAR tbh), but I think in this book SJM got a great editor because I feel the history, context and explanations are well blended into the dialogues and inner monologues, without becoming something boring or overwhelming.
In terms of depth and story, I actually liked it, very much, because we know a very mean and nasty Nesta and get to see her growth and development throughout the 750 pages. SJM I think mirrored what she wanted to show in Feyre's training with Cass and Az in ACOMAF but in ACOSF she delivered it well for Nesta. It shows a self-awareness evolution, development of friendships through a common goal to overcome their pain, and their journey to change the rules in a male-dominant world. Nesta realizes what she does is wrong and she always has, but the thing in this book is that she allows herself to open up and change that, to allow herself to love and feel loved, to feel worthy of that love regardless of what happened in the past, and to forgive and be forgiven.
That to me is a very important message, no matter who you are, you can relate to some of that healing journey, which wasn't something I caught on the past books.
I still don't like Nesta, her story as to why she was mean and hated Feyre so bad when she should have been grateful doesn't add up, nor why is she so excessively OVERprotective of Elain (Feyre too, like I was confused as to which sister was the youngest right from the start of ACOTAR bc Elain seemed to be an 8yo in need of that protection), and it is just so unrealistic to me, Nesta making decisions on her own, or having attitudes like "wanting to stand up so Cassian doesn't humiliate himself in front of other males when having her training, but her body wouldn't respond" (complete BS tbh), how Feyre's problem resolves so quickly or how Briallyn is suddenly not a threat anymore... and those are also the elements I decided it wasn't a 5star for me, it doesn't feel as organic even though there are some emotional scenes that had me in big fat tears it doesn't outweight some nonsenses.
The fact that Cassian and Nesta are mates also ruined it for me, it was a bit forced and even when it explains why Cassian is overly understanding with Nesta's bs (similar as Lucien's pleading to Elain) it takes away Cassian's free will, like he tells Nesta about her BS but keeps coming back to her when it is a clearly toxic environment. At some parts he wants to let go of her but at others it's like he's obliged to stay so maybe the mate part was an afterthought, but I would have liked it to be natural, maybe the mating bond forming throughout the time and not as immediate as they said as a retcon (i.e. she was so cold not even a mating bond could go through her but after her development that ice started melting, allowing a bond to create)
To wrap up: it isn't a bad book, I would have enjoyed it more as a standalone, and with some depth in the resolutions of the threats, but I still enjoyed it more for the message it gives and the development it shows. Easily my favorite in the series tied with ACOWAR or ACOSAF (depending on the mood)
The 5th book in the series, which leaves me so much to think about in terms of how to review this. I felt it a bit disconnected from the main trilogy because it switches FMC altogether, even if they are related and happens chronologically after the events in ACOWAR and ACOFAS, they change entirely the main characters, shifting focus to Nesta and Cassian. This by itself would have been better as a standalone with ACOFAS included, or even as bonus material, or dividing both making one longer and the other shorter from what they ended up being, to make a Nesta Duology. That to me makes more sense, but it was marketed and published as part of the ACOTAR series instead... if I were to rate it solely as the ending of the series (so far) to me it would've been a ⭐️⭐️⭐️ due to the disconnection and change of focus. But I believe there are series with better books than others so I choose to rate as standalone and taking some context of the past books. So here I go:
My complaint in past books, especially the so popular ACOMAF, is that they are unnecessarily long, full of info dump and very unrealistic scenes with the excuse of adding smut, prioritizing it over a good story or character development (which Feyre lacked, she still feels very plain, the same Feyre that went hunting in ACOTAR tbh), but I think in this book SJM got a great editor because I feel the history, context and explanations are well blended into the dialogues and inner monologues, without becoming something boring or overwhelming.
In terms of depth and story, I actually liked it, very much, because we know a very mean and nasty Nesta and get to see her growth and development throughout the 750 pages. SJM I think mirrored what she wanted to show in Feyre's training with Cass and Az in ACOMAF but in ACOSF she delivered it well for Nesta. It shows a self-awareness evolution, development of friendships through a common goal to overcome their pain, and their journey to change the rules in a male-dominant world. Nesta realizes what she does is wrong and she always has, but the thing in this book is that she allows herself to open up and change that, to allow herself to love and feel loved, to feel worthy of that love regardless of what happened in the past, and to forgive and be forgiven.
That to me is a very important message, no matter who you are, you can relate to some of that healing journey, which wasn't something I caught on the past books.
I still don't like Nesta, her story as to why she was mean and hated Feyre so bad when she should have been grateful doesn't add up, nor why is she so excessively OVERprotective of Elain (Feyre too, like I was confused as to which sister was the youngest right from the start of ACOTAR bc Elain seemed to be an 8yo in need of that protection), and it is just so unrealistic to me, Nesta making decisions on her own, or having attitudes like "wanting to stand up so Cassian doesn't humiliate himself in front of other males when having her training, but her body wouldn't respond" (complete BS tbh), how Feyre's problem resolves so quickly or how Briallyn is suddenly not a threat anymore... and those are also the elements I decided it wasn't a 5star for me, it doesn't feel as organic even though there are some emotional scenes that had me in big fat tears it doesn't outweight some nonsenses.
The fact that Cassian and Nesta are mates also ruined it for me, it was a bit forced and even when it explains why Cassian is overly understanding with Nesta's bs (similar as Lucien's pleading to Elain) it takes away Cassian's free will, like he tells Nesta about her BS but keeps coming back to her when it is a clearly toxic environment. At some parts he wants to let go of her but at others it's like he's obliged to stay so maybe the mate part was an afterthought, but I would have liked it to be natural, maybe the mating bond forming throughout the time and not as immediate as they said as a retcon (i.e. she was so cold not even a mating bond could go through her but after her development that ice started melting, allowing a bond to create)
To wrap up: it isn't a bad book, I would have enjoyed it more as a standalone, and with some depth in the resolutions of the threats, but I still enjoyed it more for the message it gives and the development it shows. Easily my favorite in the series tied with ACOWAR or ACOSAF (depending on the mood)
Added to listOwnedwith 31 books.
This story has me so emotional right now... I knew I was going to end up heartbroken but not like this... it touched so many fibers in me that I just can't...
It is beautifully written, and the freedom and wilderness of Faina made this all the more enjoyable and hurtful at the same time. And as a mother I do feel very close to Mabel so this hits hard...
The story has a lot of nuances, and I did have a great time reading it, I just didn't want it to end!
I don't know how I'll recover from this, I just want to think of this as a life-changing journey. It leaves some questions in the end, though, worth discussing in a book club, but as an individual it leaves me thinking and I haven't decided whether I want that or not.
My only observation is regarding the editing, I don't know if it is only in the Kindle version or it's also in the printed edition, but it was a bit hard to understand when the dialogues happened because they were written within the narrative.
This story has me so emotional right now... I knew I was going to end up heartbroken but not like this... it touched so many fibers in me that I just can't...
It is beautifully written, and the freedom and wilderness of Faina made this all the more enjoyable and hurtful at the same time. And as a mother I do feel very close to Mabel so this hits hard...
The story has a lot of nuances, and I did have a great time reading it, I just didn't want it to end!
I don't know how I'll recover from this, I just want to think of this as a life-changing journey. It leaves some questions in the end, though, worth discussing in a book club, but as an individual it leaves me thinking and I haven't decided whether I want that or not.
My only observation is regarding the editing, I don't know if it is only in the Kindle version or it's also in the printed edition, but it was a bit hard to understand when the dialogues happened because they were written within the narrative.
Lies That Bind
This book starts right were it left on book 1, and amazingly the author provides a recap with the main points to keep in mind so you don't have to re-read before book 2. The story is well-paced and the world-building improved. It comes with a map so you can situate each country.
I really enjoyed this book, the dynamics and Aisling's transformation into an empress is well described, you do feel part of that journey in which she grows into a powerful woman that questions the way things have always been done and actually wants to challenge and transform them so everyone gets peace.
There are a few annoying matters, though, she becomes very repetitive in terms of revenge, betrayal, and stubborness... in the end I just couldn't with her, she became enraged and wouldn't listen, she automatically assumed the worst (just as Kohen predicted), and in at least two occasions she gets so impulsive that makes me question the growth she had acquired throughout both books. I hope in book 3 her character is written more consistently because she is totally awesome, she is the leader everyone would like to have as a ruler.
This book starts right were it left on book 1, and amazingly the author provides a recap with the main points to keep in mind so you don't have to re-read before book 2. The story is well-paced and the world-building improved. It comes with a map so you can situate each country.
I really enjoyed this book, the dynamics and Aisling's transformation into an empress is well described, you do feel part of that journey in which she grows into a powerful woman that questions the way things have always been done and actually wants to challenge and transform them so everyone gets peace.
There are a few annoying matters, though, she becomes very repetitive in terms of revenge, betrayal, and stubborness... in the end I just couldn't with her, she became enraged and wouldn't listen, she automatically assumed the worst (just as Kohen predicted), and in at least two occasions she gets so impulsive that makes me question the growth she had acquired throughout both books. I hope in book 3 her character is written more consistently because she is totally awesome, she is the leader everyone would like to have as a ruler.
I think is a classic, it is beautifully written and the story, as simple as it is, is moving. The detail I liked the most is the reference of the green light, it is effortless ICONIC.
I think I am in the age of truly understanding and valuing the message told in this book, it talks about making your dreams come true, Gatsby worked hard to get there, only his means weren't honest and that's when he lost everything he truly cared for... the shallow things won't follow us to the grave, only the most important ones: love, friendship, people we left a positive mark on.
You see, Gatsby had his house filled with people every night attending his parties, but Nick struggled to find people willing to attend Jay's funeral in the end, and that tells us that you can be surrounded by people but that doesn't make you less lonely.
I watched the movie a long time ago and don't remember much of it except for the green light and the final scene. I will have to re-watch it and have a more solid opinion on whether the movie did justice to the book or not, as well as if they kept some details in the book that are more of a performance and less of quotes.
I enjoyed the book, it is fast-paced, nostalgic at times and I think it is the first book I've read that is written by a man that has romance in it, of course the genre is tragedy but still... it brings a nice POV.
I think is a classic, it is beautifully written and the story, as simple as it is, is moving. The detail I liked the most is the reference of the green light, it is effortless ICONIC.
I think I am in the age of truly understanding and valuing the message told in this book, it talks about making your dreams come true, Gatsby worked hard to get there, only his means weren't honest and that's when he lost everything he truly cared for... the shallow things won't follow us to the grave, only the most important ones: love, friendship, people we left a positive mark on.
You see, Gatsby had his house filled with people every night attending his parties, but Nick struggled to find people willing to attend Jay's funeral in the end, and that tells us that you can be surrounded by people but that doesn't make you less lonely.
I watched the movie a long time ago and don't remember much of it except for the green light and the final scene. I will have to re-watch it and have a more solid opinion on whether the movie did justice to the book or not, as well as if they kept some details in the book that are more of a performance and less of quotes.
I enjoyed the book, it is fast-paced, nostalgic at times and I think it is the first book I've read that is written by a man that has romance in it, of course the genre is tragedy but still... it brings a nice POV.
