Lauren

HUGE thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me an e-arc of one of my most anticipated releases of 2022.

Violet Made of Thorns is a dark fairytale filled with court politics, deception, harrowing battles, and difficult choices. Violet is morally grey all the way. She's selfish, knows it, and doesn't shy away from it. As Seer, she finds herself a pawn of the king, telling prophecies to help shape his story and build his empire, but also to help her own selfish gain.

Taken away to court at a young age, Violet and the kingdom are battling with a wicked prophecy foretold by the previous Seer. This weaves in a tale of enemies to lovers.

I'm excited to see what happens in the next installment of the duology.

This story is perfect for fans of The Cruel Prince, Kingdom of the Wicked. I believe it is listed as YA, but does border NA d/t language. No explicit spicy scenes.

5/5

THIS is YA fantasy done right.

The ending caught me off guard, but I loved it. Can't wait to see what happens in book 2.

“Your eyes are wide open, but you see nothing.”

This book is... fucked up.

It's got gore, magic, feminism, adventure, murder.

The ending hurt me.

I don't really even know how to rate this because it was so good but also so... awful? But in a good way.

Despite bestie Destiny saying this one is slow and her least favorite...

5 stars.

I liked it better than the first one. Things start to come together. My prediction came to fruition. I enjoyed it!

Can't wait to see what happens next!

Also at this point I am still a Dorian stan and hate Chaol.

Solid start to a series. I apparently read this in college according to my now defunct Goodreads account but alas the beer made it too hazy.

The ending left a lot of questions for me. I am curious to see what happens next.

5 out of 5 stars for Gallant.

It does border on middle grade mixed with YA.

This is a story about Olivia, who is an orphan living at a girls boarding school. She is also mute. She can also see ghosts. She doesn't fit in with the other girls and longs to find a place in the world where she belongs. This is a story about discovering yourself, finding your place in the world, and finding your bravery.

Olivia gets a letter calling her away to Gallant, her family home. She meets a whole new cast of characters and her adventure starts.

I loved the way that Schwab captured the voice of a young girl in this novel. She captures the innocence while also showing the young girls growth throughout her journey.

Olivia is a clever, brave girl, and the conclusion of the novel was at both times heartbreaking and satisfying.

I highly recommend this novel.

Lyndall Clipstone wrote one of my favorite books of last year: Lakesedge. A stunning, atmospheric, gothic story about a townsgirl named Leta and the monster in the woods.

I was ecstatic when I was able to get an e-arc of Forestfall, my most anticipated sequel of THIS year. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me the chance to read this.

Forestfall picks up where Lakesedge left off, with Leta dealing with the decision/sacrifice she made to save those she loves and Rowan's grief over losing her. We get two POVs throughout this book from Leta and Rowan. Our supporting cast grows and new monsters/Gods get introduced to us, which I really enjoyed.

Leta is adjusting to her new live in the World Under and her the new dynamic in her relationship with the Lord Under. I really enjoyed seeing her relationship with the Lord Under grow and their dynamic shift as she comes to understand her feelings for him and his power. She continues to be the tough, headstrong, independent character she has been throughout Lakesedge, but we also see her struggle with the decision she's made and the ones she makes in this book to get back to her home.

I know he's the villain, but I love the Lord Under. He's such an interesting character and his dynamic with Leta I found charming.

Clipstone's rich, lush, atmospheric writing continues through this book as I hoped it would. It was overall a strong sequel and I look foward to seeing what else she writes.

Yep. Loved it. Dragons. Badass MC who has a panic attack? Here for it.

Thanks to NetGalley for the copy of this manga.

5 STAR READ.

I loved this manga. As someone who has spent a LOT of time playing WoW, I have definitely wondered what it would be like to be transported into that world and “play” from the inside.

This story follows Grevillea, as she wakes up and finds herself queen of the Arachnea. A faction from the game she has spent hundreds of hours playing.

She has to learn about the world first hand, and discover if she is truly in the game, or another world, or has gone mad. I loved the concept throughout the book of the hive mind.

This book does have violence and gore. I think the way it was incorporated was integral to the story and our protagonist brings in talks of ethics with each fight.

Can't wait to read the next volumes!

I loved Marcella's character. The book was good. Wasn't my favorite Schwab.

Oooof I had high hopes but it just wasn't for me. The ending twist was disappointing to me. I wanted it to be more slasher style I suppose. Oh well.

This. Is. So. Cute. And. Cozy.

I can't wait to see where the story goes.

Her cafe is a book lovers dream.

READ IT.

DNF at 60% because I didn't care what happened to the characters.

The female main character is sort of annoying. She keeps talking about how sexy the demon is and how she wants to have sex with him. It's like a poorly done enemies to lovers. Just wasn't invested in the characters at all.

Nailed it slam dunk perfect stunning I loved it

what in the hell....

Stunning. Gorgeous. Beautiful. Yes. Read it. Just do it.

And no. You don't HAVE to have read ANY classical vampire stuff prior.

3.5 stars. Cute book. Writing wasn't my typical style, but I liked the story.

Halfway and good bored oooops. BYebye.

If you like ACOTAR, this is a good read. It's more YA, but has the same feel. I look forward to the second book with the ending the way it was.

Beautiful stunning excellent Nessian content but the ending was rushed as all hell and that made me sad. Still 5 stars cuz Nesta is a bad bitch.

It was alright. I read it just so I could get to ACOSF. Coulda skipped it.

I genuinely cannot believe this is a debut. It is hauntingly beautiful. Very interesting magic system and world building. I am so sad I have to wait for the next one. Truly, gorgeous. Stunning. Perfection.

An excellent paranormal thriller. I really liked the authors writing, the pacing, the story. The twists were fantastic. I really cared about the characters. I've never actually enjoyed a book with two timelines before, and this was the first one I read where I wasn't bored with it. I will read the remainder of her works – great book!

Cute middle grade! I liked the writing. Story had lots of good lessons. Read it in a few hours. Good to pick up during spooky season!

Ooof another DNF. I made it halfway through. IDK I might try again at some point cuz I'm a little curious who is the murderer but I also sort of don't care so we will see.