Ria
Actual rating 2.5 ⭐.
I wanted so much to like this book, and it definitely drew me in, but wow my stomach could not take it and it was definitely not to my taste. It was also a bit confusing and jumped around a lot so that I had a hard time following the story. I'm sad I didn't like this and I definitely recommend if you are faint of heart or easily squeamish not to read this book.
Dnf'ing this. It had a strong first chapter then it progressed into the territory of “we want you to spy on this person because REASONS” and I have a strong idea of where this is going. After checking out the other reviewers, I'm thinking I'm correct about my suspicions and this is a tired, overdone plot. Strong writing and decent characters, but come on. I also grew bored by about 40% of the way through. Which isn't a good sign. Too bad. That opening chapter had given me such high hopes for a good five star read. 3.5 ⭐.
Artwork nice but I hadn't realized that this was a novel in verse and I actively dislike those. I'm extremely picky in what poetry I do like (Robert Burns, Dylan Thomas, Emily Dickenson) and while this wasn't bad it just wasn't to my taste. It was short, however and with lovely artwork. So I'm giving this a solid 3 ⭐.
As it's a reimagining of Antigone, I have no reference and I had to do some research on it before reading this short novella. While it's well written, it was also rather confusing. I managed to read it but I may need to read the originals first before rereading this. I'm giving this 3 ⭐. It had a few good lines and interested me even if I was completely lost. Definitely recommend for those that actually know what the story is with Antigone.
A Phantom of the Opera retelling set in a communist world? Neat! However, there was a lot in here that kinda sank the book from five stars to a solid 4 ⭐ rating. Lots I liked and I'm glad to see a retelling from a classic that isn't super overdone. Phantom is one of my absolute favorite classics. And this has a vengeful ghost element which made it far more interesting! I'm torn about reading book two however if it's as harsh about blatant sexual assault again. Because wow some of that really was hard to read so I've left triggers for those that need it.
TW for hefty amounts of sexual assault, abuse, starvation, and death of a loved one.
After a reread and a few negative takes seen, I've found myself less enthusiastic about this series. While I appreciate the authors take, and over time it evolves into a fun ya fantasy to poke fun at and enjoy the characters trials and tribulations, I've pretty much dnf'd this series. My personal opinion is that for a teenager this series is pretty good. But as an adult, I don't have the same feelings. 3.5 ⭐.
Actual rating 3.5 ⭐. This was good but I'm personally not a fan of alternating character chapters. That being said the author did a great job making an atmospheric feel for this book. Though it slowed in the center, the story overall wasn't bad. I'm definitely interested in checking out the authors backlog.
I have some mixed feelings about this one. While it was decently handled, a forty+ year old man falling and marrying an 18+ year old girl makes me wary. The romance however was believable and certainly for the time period such was quite common. This is my first story from this author and she's been on my radar a while. I'm glad I finally tried her out. And I definitely enjoyed the camera/photography elements in here also. 3.5 ⭐ rounded up.
