DB

3.5 actually. Sooo many povs lol

Like I already know this because I've read further in the series but why does every book need to end with Zoey getting super special marks

You don't NEED to be TOLD you're special every 5 pages!!

Absolutely let the forest in by reading this book

Andrew, Thomas, and Dove, Andrew's twin sister, were three main characters who all felt so real. I don't know how Drews did it but it worked so so well. The characters, along with the atmosphere of the setting, allowed me to feel as if I were right there along with them; going to school with them, battling the monsters in the forest with them. Even though Dove featured less than the boys you still got a feeling for her personality, how much she loved her brother, had a confusing relationship with Thomas. I loved how codependent the boys were. It made me think of The Wicker King by K. Ancrum – another book I loved. Andrew and Thomas wanted to be near each other, had to be near each other. Even if it sometimes seemed to be a bad thing, their relying on each other. That they both had this innate need to be near each other. I drank it all in so much.

Thomas with his “I hate everyone but you” attitude (a microtrope I do love). Andrew with his near-obsession with Thomas. Dove pulling away from her brother and Thomas even though she was close before. I couldn't pull myself away from any of it. I did think their school was a bit weird/unbelievable for not being more present in their lives. But also I'll choose to believe that either they had no idea how to deal with everything or the school was (dealing with it) and the characters just refused to listen. I think with another writer I would've gotten annoyed at how many times Andrew went on about Thomas, how almost all of his thoughts and (nearly) his whole world revolved around him; but I never got that with Drews. I think that spoke of how good their writing was.

The plot was interestingly weird and there was a definite focus on the characters rather than the plot. Even so, the plot was still excellent. it balanced whatever weird things were happening in the woods with their lives and glimpses into their schooling. Obviously the focus wasn't meant to be on their classes, it never was. Only what they were going through that day, how it made them feel. The book did something I love (specifically in horror movies) where things seem to be fine... until they aren't. Until odd things start happening, keep rising until they're so visible. It's one way to get me into a story and to keep me there.

The writing was so good. I easily fell into the world and the descriptions of Andrew's writing and Thomas's drawings were so well-written they came alive. Also the physical books have illustrations (I think maybe the normal ones not just special editions). Now I know what to look forward to for Drews' backlist books and their new releases (the cover for Hazelthorn just released and it is absolutely excellent). It's magical and stunning and I thoroughly recommend it to you all!

THAT ENDING??? I need the next book immediately I'm not even upset about the cliffhanger

Had such big high hopes for this one. The second half was a bit... Better than the first. Things just fell apart and idk

Finally I see why adult mysteries are good

I think this is probably my favourite out of the Reforged world (note they're standalone sequels but names/events are mentioned). Reforged a close second and Reborn, unfortunately, being third. Now, do I understand most of Haddon's world-building? Very much not, but I love it a lot. Plus I can tell that it's incredibly well-thought out and built up over the years. So I don't mind that I'm lost regarding the world-building at all.

Haddon always does such a good job with the characters and it just shone in this book. Saba and Zek were two great characters. I loved seeing them interact with each other and side characters. Even though we didn't get Zek's point of view, we were able to understand him through Saba's eyes. If you're looking for a slow burn, definitely come here because these two just made me want to push them together. I really liked how Zek's chronic leg pain and Saba's trans identity/body dysphoria are sort of linked? Or not really linked but it's both about not having the ideal body, not being what you see as the “ideal man” in this sense. And how you come to terms with the body you're given, learn to eventually love your body (which can be seen for just about any body type and experience, in my opinion). I commend Haddon for the chronic pain rep, which I enjoyed and thought was written well!

The plot and the world-building go so hand-in-hand together it's like they're stitched together. Both are done so well – which you can find in the previous books too. I love when fantasies are big and well-written and the world-building something so meaty you can easily sink your teeth into. There was a mystery subplot and I'm glad that I didn't solve the mystery before it was revealed – I was enjoying the book too much to focus on the mystery, I think

Like I get why Loren was here but also he's the worst.

Darius!! Finally!!

Also I realise why I don't like heath - he reminds me of Matt from the vampire diaries and Matt is 1) human 2) absolutely annoying

This is my favourite of Tuli's series (that I've read) and I think this book is my favourite of this series. It had everything I like in a book and especially in Tuli's books! She's fantastic with character building and building connections between those characters. I definitely don't mind reading longer series if this is how it goes! I love how I'm never bored in basically any moment in her books. I quickly like the characters, root for them early on, their villains are my villains. For me that's not only a sign of a good writer but a good reader! Tuli knows her work, uses her strengths to make a really good book and capture her readers' attention.

Obviously I can't really talk much about the plot because, well, it's the third book in a quartet so I'm a bit limited. What I can tell you is that it's a solid plot – I wasn't confused (which I'm always happy about) and also it worked so well with the characters and world-building. The plot flowed so well from the previous book and I can't wait for the fourth book! What I liked is that there was an extensive glossary so you could refer back to the various characters and places in the book. There's also a map on her website so clearly she knows how to treat her readers.

Like I've said so many times before, I absolutely loved the cast of characters in here. Rabin and Zarya have been so through much and they continued to go through a lot in this book; which I both hated and loved. I love angst, but at what cost, right? I love how they became closer in this book and there were so many scenes that had me grinning. Something I really liked was that Zarya still stands up for herself, makes Rabin know she won't just let him walk all over her. Which he absolutely loves, which is something I love. As much as I'd love for them to just not have to go through more battles and turmoil; they just do it so well! They work together fantastically and I like that they lean on each other. They aren't afraid to be weak.

Tuli is also really good with her side characters. Yasen is my absolute favourite and I love him ever so much. Yasen is a bigger side character, so he's seen a lot – and I love Tuli for that. I also love that she puts in so much work for all the other side characters too – which isn't something I can say for a lot of fantasy books! I actually tended to forget that the side characters in here are only side characters because they feel like main characters!

I really like the magic system in the book, it's a very interesting one and I like how Tuli wrote it and tied all the different knots together. It's neatly woven into the world-building and explained in a way that doesn't bother me, isn't too long – which, yet again, is not as common as I would like it (in fantasy books). I liked how the magic was also tied to power and not only freeing yourself but freeing others and the power that comes from that too.

Full review supposedly coming soon.

Thinking Kubica might not be an author for me lol. The way that Meghan was the main character and the whole book was from her first pov and YET AND YET she was so utterly boring.

I'll see which Kubica looks sorta the most interesting next but then I think that's the third strike. Gripping! Says the reviews, boring! Says I

Whyyyyyyy is everyone acting all “Oooh Loren has got the hots for you” HE'S AN ADULT

Also I was wrong, Darius only comes in Next book so I'm sad.

Also also... Why did Erin say a specific sentence that alluded to her being Black... When she's actually White? Just because you're the “twin” to a Black character doesn't MAKE you Black

I immediately felt for Abby because I am her, she is me. I’m really bad with posting to my Instagram and while she’s definitely better at posting than me and has way more followers; we feel exactly the same with posting. Anxious about if it’s a good angle, checking the stats/analytics constantly (I’m so bad), wondering if we’ll ever be good 😅. Honestly I think we can all relate to that so Voinson wrote that so well in Abby. Pretty sure I let out an “aww sweetie” every time Abby got really anxious over something.

I know Marie has a sister and the sister would also guest post on her (Marie’s) book blog and I love a good sibling relationship. Abby and Lizzie’s relationships was well-written and it felt real, which I always liked. Their relationship hits rocky waters throughout this book and it was good and felt real.

We see Abby’s social media journey when she’s already amassed quite a bit of followers and as she begins to rise (in followers) it starts to take a toll. She takes risks, isn’t herself, puts even more stress on her because she ‘has’ to gain a lot of followers. I liked that even though she had to go through that, it made her stronger in the end.

The supporting characters, even the one that I wanted to rip her hair out, came right off the page because of how well they were written. Every one felt real, like I could speak to them and their personalities all rounded out. The travel bits were good too! I loved reading about them and seeing Abby explore them all and see why she likes travelling so much.

Yes it's bad but I do like smth easy to just put on

Rtc but book - good. Should've gone with the ebook though

Stunning, beautiful, must readFor some reason I'd been putting this off. I can't explain or understand why because as soon as I started this I was invested. Ezra and Jonathan were two stunning main characters and I'm so glad we got to go on their journeys with them. I liked that both were doulas at two entirely different stages of life – Ezra being at birth and Jonathan being at death. It's interesting and can take a lot of avenues. Shelly Jay Shore did a good job with both of their jobs.

I highlighted so many quotes in my arc. There were so many good lines regarding grief and emotions. Growing up, finding yourself. I probably couldn't even find a favourite one because I love so many. The author really did a good job exploring and talking about grief. I really like it when the theme of grief is handled well – to me it shows the author is able to handle difficult themes/topics well. I liked the friendship group and the roles they played in both of their lives – how they all were friends so it wasn't awkward. It took me a while to like Ezra's family but once I really got into the book I liked them more.

The romance was just so sweet and I'm now following the author because I need to know when their next book will be out. I'm a full fan now, I want them to write a hundred more books. I found myself grinning a lot throughout this and their transition from friends to lovers was ever so sweet. I also liked that they were friends first before getting together – I think I'm starting to like friends to lovers more? I'm finding it's the writing and characters that definitely makes or breaks it (me liking the trope in a specific book). This book had that in spades.

So cute!

Stunning, my fave of the trilogy

Incredibly slow and didn't like what they did with the one character i.t.o a neurological disorder. Plus what was that ending ugh

I will admit, I had extremely high hopes for this one. Not that I didn't like it, but I was expecting much different things and unfortunately it didn't give me everything I wanted. The first half of the book took so long to get through and the second half I flew through. Not too happy when I do that although it can't really be helped. I've read and enjoyed another book that the audio narrator's done so I think for the next book (duology, ending next year), I'll reread this book in audio and keep with audio for the second book.

Elise and Layla were two compelling characters and I liked seeing their journeys. As for whom I liked more, that changed every now and then. Elise would do something I didn't like so Layla became my favourite. But then Layla betrayed me so back to Elise. The side characters were interesting but at times they seemed to fall a bit flat.

The plot was confusing at times and it didn't flow as easily as I'd like. Perhaps that's because this is Dennings' debut and maybe she'll improve as time goes by (I hope so). I'll piece together a plot happily but I like having some jigsaw pieces just fall into place without me putting them in there – if that makes sense. I could definitely see Dennings' passion for writing and for the genre and that was great to see. I always love reading vampire books because they're new every time! New meaning the lore, history, rules tend to change and I like that. I liked the history of the setting and felt she wrote well in that – it never seemed like we weren't in Jazz Age Harlem.

Really 2.5 but yk half stars. .5 because he sewed pockets into her dresses

Actual rating 4.5

This is super short at 82 pages but it packs quite a punch! I highlighted quite a couple of quotes in the book because I liked how it spoke of death. I liked that we got this pov – a cleaner who specifically cleans dead hoarders' houses. That even though we like to fill up our houses with everything we could ever want, but not need, it'll just... stay there in our house. Whatever you might have done in life, your possessions will merely be thrown away by a group of people who are paid to do so – which makes you just as ordinary as the next person. I liked that we were being told all of this sort of from a future perspective. Like we're looking back at the events to see how it all played out. Meet Paul before things happened to him, find out what kind of person he is.

Another thing I really liked was the writing. Spooky, atmospheric, chilled me right to the bone. Sometimes actions or feelings were being described and I sat there wide-eyed and grossed-out. That made me love the book even more. Busby did a great job at making me feel like I was there cleaning with Paul (and I didn't want to be). Even though this was a really quick read it made up for it in its strong writing and characters.

1.5 stars. Just.. why do we have that plot twist ugh

As I said earlier, this was quite an interesting read. For the most part, and just as I'd finished, I decided on 3 stars, maybe add on a .5 stars for the vampires. Now it's a solid 4 stars. Did I like the main characters? No, they're terrible. But they're meant to be terrible and they're written great (in that sense). If you like unlikeable characters I recommend this book!

It's not that I don't like unlikeable characters, I do, I also tend to get really annoyed with characters if they annoy me. I'm aware of how it doesn't make sense. For this book I liked the male main character (Susenyos) way more than the female one. Arguably, he's definitely the worst as he's a vampire and doesn't care about silly human things like morals and values. The female lead (Kidan) hated Susenyos for being a vampire and doing bad things but like you knew that? In this world vampires are extremely bad. They're not sparkly romantic ones like Twilight. They're terrible! But I did like that she herself felt connected to those dark areas of Susenyos and disliked herself for that. Somehow I think that made me like her more – like her disliking herself led to me liking her more.

I've said it before and I'll say it again – I love world-building. With paranormal creatures the lore is built into the world-building so it's technically more world-building, which is great for me. Plus the creature lore is almost always different every time. That was definitely the case here. Girma created new and really interesting vampires and explained their rules in different ways – through the classes, Kidan interacting with Susenyos, through her learning about her family's history. Made for quite an interesting reading experience.

I also liked the other characters we got to know to. I'll admit, I didn't like Slen as Kidan's friend but then I read her sporting a South African pin so I feel like I have to support (as a fellow South African). I'd probably say Taj (Susenyos's friend, another vampire) and GK, a student in Kidan's class were my favorites of the supporting characters. I will say that I didn't like June

I didn't pick up that this would be a series but I'm totally fine with that. I think my favourite part is when Rae made them believe AF stood for As Foretold. Think about it! If you were in a fantasy book and the villain who claims and then proves herself to be a seer tells you a certain phrase means something – you'd believe it! There's no Google to back it up. Which is why I think Rae was able to be successful here, why this bizzare plan worked. While there are obviously modern elements in the book, it's largely set in a world where there are things as seers and prophecies. So if she said something weird, she can just chalk it up to a prophecy! Normally I'd side-eye it and say “No, that absolutely cannot work” but Sarah Rees Brennan made it work in a way I really enjoyed.

I liked how we had a modern insight and character experience a fantasy heavy world. It was almost like we were speaking through her because I could see myself react like that in those situations. While I found myself not liking Rae in every scene, I grew to like her, her personality, personal growth throughout the book. She realized that the characters in the book were people instead of just fictional characters. She found strength in her that she likely didn't even know she had. I can't wait to see her journey in the next book, what Brennan has planned for her.

The secondary characters were so fun to read and get to know. I think my favourite would probably be Key – he was funny and even though he did annoy me for a good half of the book – he certainly made up for it by creeping into my heart and stabbing anyone who wanted to come close. Seeing the other secondary characters encounter and communicate with Rae was also quite fun. They either had no idea what to do with her or just did whatever she demanded them to do. Which Rae definitely enjoyed and utilised to her heart's content. I think next book she'd probably ask for more/make them do more because she has the experience now and knows they'll do what she says. I think I might be rooting for a villain arc for Rae here

Listen the AMOUNT of times I keep saying this as Frank and Twyla 😅. Even NOW I typed the title the other way around. I’ve only ever heard the name Twyla from Schitt’s Creek so I don’t know how common it is. I had hoped I would enjoy this as much as the first book so I’m glad to say that I totally did! It introduces new-to-us characters in a familiar world and brings new life to the world-building.

This, unlike its predecessor, isn’t so heavy on the world-building. Which is a feat considering there’s literally dragons 😂. I don’t know about you but when I see there’s dragons in a book I automatically think heavy world-building. Guessing Bannen thought we got enough of that in book 1 and dialed it back. It’s not even that this focuses more on the romance; it’s more character-driven than anything else. Twyla learns how to be more herself, put her first, what her dreams are in life. Plus she delves into new love – but clearly her journey and character growth is set ahead of romance.

I so loved Twyla and Frank as main characters! They show up for a scene in Hart and Mercy (which I didn’t even realise). Bannen does such a great job in letting you get to know them and their personalities before you’re even halfway through the book. Twyla shone in this book. Not to say that Frank didn’t have a great story, but the focus was more on her. Her journey, her story, dreams, wants, all that. I liked that what she wanted to be her own person, be more than a mom, grandmother, friend, Marshall. I loved watching her realise that she could do things for herself.

Frank is an absolute darling and he fit Twyla so well. Not only as a romantic interest (look it’s not a spoiler, it says so in the synopsis), but as a main character. Even though his journey isn’t as big or prominent as Twyla’s, he still develops quite a bit over the course of the book. Just like Twyla, he realises what he wants and tries to go for it. I’d definitely love to have Frank as a best friend/romantic partner.