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abbyreads23's reviews
19 reviews
Eragon by Christopher Paolini
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I can’t believe I’d never even HEARD of Eragon until a couple of months ago (this review is being written 12/5/2024) and I picked up the book but opted for the audiobook.
If you like dragons and adventure, with an obvious dash of romance to come, mystery, magic, and darker challenges ahead— this is the book for you.
You’ve got elves, humans, dwarves, and other types of beings in this world to explore and get to know.
I am not normally one to give books a 5 star but Eragon deserves it.
It’s well written both in prose but story-telling, and world building.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Other note: the narrator, Gerald, did a great job! Very easy to listen to.
If you like dragons and adventure, with an obvious dash of romance to come, mystery, magic, and darker challenges ahead— this is the book for you.
You’ve got elves, humans, dwarves, and other types of beings in this world to explore and get to know.
I am not normally one to give books a 5 star but Eragon deserves it.
It’s well written both in prose but story-telling, and world building.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Other note: the narrator, Gerald, did a great job! Very easy to listen to.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Violence, and War
Manacled by SenLinYu
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
For non-book records, review text and ratings are hidden. Only mood, pace, and content warnings are visible.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Death, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gore, Hate crime, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Kidnapping, Medical trauma, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Suicide attempt
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Low-fantasy with solid storytelling, it’s fun and on the high side of medium-paced. It makes for a quick, fun, and adventurous read.
The PROSE— wow. Rebecca has a way with words. This immediately caught my eye and I was highlighting sections of the book constantly because it was so beautifully written.
The main character is realistic, she’s vulnerable yet brave. She has weaknesses and strengths, both which are seen in this book. She is not a damsel in distress but there are times when she needs a hero, and I think that makes for good diversity.
World building is basically N/A as there isn’t much to be said since it takes place on earth but there’s some fantasy and magical aspects to the book. As an avid fantasy reader, it was very easy to understand but I think this book makes for a great introduction to some magical aspects for new fantasy readers.
The plot is good, there’s some mystery on what these fighting deities are going to do and very little is still known about them. While the characters face realistic challenges and real consequences!! Little to no plot armor.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, it’s been a while since I’ve read a book so well put together and to the point. There’s hardly any fluff, the author works to get you hooked into the story and attached to the characters.
Half point off becauseI felt like the whole enemies to lover aspect was slightly rushed and Iris kind of suddenly realizing she was in love took me back a little bit.
Roman was perfect. He always loved Iris.
But Iris kind of hating him but not— I don’t know, it was a little confusing lol
The PROSE— wow. Rebecca has a way with words. This immediately caught my eye and I was highlighting sections of the book constantly because it was so beautifully written.
The main character is realistic, she’s vulnerable yet brave. She has weaknesses and strengths, both which are seen in this book. She is not a damsel in distress but there are times when she needs a hero, and I think that makes for good diversity.
World building is basically N/A as there isn’t much to be said since it takes place on earth but there’s some fantasy and magical aspects to the book. As an avid fantasy reader, it was very easy to understand but I think this book makes for a great introduction to some magical aspects for new fantasy readers.
The plot is good, there’s some mystery on what these fighting deities are going to do and very little is still known about them. While the characters face realistic challenges and real consequences!! Little to no plot armor.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, it’s been a while since I’ve read a book so well put together and to the point. There’s hardly any fluff, the author works to get you hooked into the story and attached to the characters.
Half point off because
Roman was perfect. He always loved Iris.
But Iris kind of hating him but not— I don’t know, it was a little confusing lol
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcoholism, Child death, Death, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, War, and Injury/Injury detail
House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I had a hard time rating this book, are these my favorite characters in the SJM universe? No. Do I still love Hunt and Bryce? YES. Were they redundant? Also yes lol
This book has a large focus on character development, some better than otherslike Lidia’s storyline, seeing her in true light, and finding out about her sons. Her and Ruhn carried this book!!
There were characters whose storylines are unfinished, which makes me think SJM has another installment in mind as she’s usually good about wrapping up loose ends by the end of a book.
There was some plot protection that was just a bit too ✨convenient✨
🌙A parasite nobody has known about for 15,000 years and an antidote created in a few hours that restores magical abilities instantly
🌙The Under King dies because Ithan suddenly has convenient ice powers and Hypaxia just kinda whacks him with a stick and shatters lmao
& some others but those two were interesting.
Overall, the book still kept me intrigued and I enjoyed it. Not my favorite series by Sarah but still good.
It’s a classic SJM book, lots and lots of build up with the last 100 pages body slamming you lol
It’s worth the read, the whole series is! It’s witty, emotional, fun, and there are surprises and cool world building that I really enjoyed. Just don’t take things too seriously lol
This book has a large focus on character development, some better than others
There were characters whose storylines are unfinished, which makes me think SJM has another installment in mind as she’s usually good about wrapping up loose ends by the end of a book.
There was some plot protection that was just a bit too ✨convenient✨
& some others but those two were interesting.
Overall, the book still kept me intrigued and I enjoyed it. Not my favorite series by Sarah but still good.
It’s a classic SJM book, lots and lots of build up with the last 100 pages body slamming you lol
It’s worth the read, the whole series is! It’s witty, emotional, fun, and there are surprises and cool world building that I really enjoyed. Just don’t take things too seriously lol
Content Warnings
Minor: Death and Sexual content
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
It’s a good story but the execution of it is not the best, the first half of the book focuses so much on miscommunication that it becomes redundant and annoying. Secrets are good when they are built into the plot to retain mystery in the story, not when two characters are behaving like teenagers.
World building was strong and it’s got great aspects of fantasy that I love but character development was weak, and major plot points fell short of my expectations.
The ending could have been a perfect cliffhanger but it was ruined with the last chapter😐
It’s 3 stars because I like it but I do not love it. If Rebecca had waited 6 more months to curate the story, we could’ve had gold on our hands!!
Fourth Wing was a 4 star read.
I am disappointed Iron Flame wasn’t at least the same.
World building was strong and it’s got great aspects of fantasy that I love but character development was weak, and major plot points fell short of my expectations.
The ending could have been a perfect cliffhanger but it was ruined with the last chapter😐
It’s 3 stars because I like it but I do not love it. If Rebecca had waited 6 more months to curate the story, we could’ve had gold on our hands!!
Fourth Wing was a 4 star read.
I am disappointed Iron Flame wasn’t at least the same.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Death, Torture, Violence, Murder, and War
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
*NO spoilers*
The first 100 pages of this book were annoying to say the least. I didn’t find the main character very likable, the development was sloppy, and I was constantly rolling my eyes at some of the actions of the main character because it wasn’t cohesive with the book at all. With that said… after the dragons got involved, the book took an exponential jump in plot and character development. I ALMOST DNF’d this book and I’m glad I didn’t.
I understand the hype around the book, it’s got a good story going and I really hope the second book keeps me hooked the last 400 some pages did. Overall, I recommend it and am planning on picking up the second book very soon.
If you like fantasy, dragons, and magic (but not faerie’s) then this is your book!
The first 100 pages of this book were annoying to say the least. I didn’t find the main character very likable, the development was sloppy, and I was constantly rolling my eyes at some of the actions of the main character because it wasn’t cohesive with the book at all. With that said… after the dragons got involved, the book took an exponential jump in plot and character development. I ALMOST DNF’d this book and I’m glad I didn’t.
I understand the hype around the book, it’s got a good story going and I really hope the second book keeps me hooked the last 400 some pages did. Overall, I recommend it and am planning on picking up the second book very soon.
If you like fantasy, dragons, and magic (but not faerie’s) then this is your book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing
Moderate: Animal death, Death, and Sexual content
Minor: War
Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I think to give Queen of Shadows anything less than 5 stars would be a cardinal sin. Maybe that’s dramatic, I don’t care. The development of the overall story and characters is incredibly gripping, I don’t know how many time I was physically tensed up or tearing up over something I was reading. It’s touching, it’s hopeful, it’s also dark, sad, and makes you wonder how Aelin and her court are going to make it out of the mess. Let’s take a moment and appreciate Manon’s character development and the introduction of Elide, which I am very eager to see what their stories hold in the next few books.
I have read TOG in the “Romantic” way.
Going onto Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn as a tandem read.
I do believe, so far, that Queen of Shadows has been my favorite book though.
I have read TOG in the “Romantic” way.
Going onto Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn as a tandem read.
I do believe, so far, that Queen of Shadows has been my favorite book though.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
Moderate: Death, Gore, and War
Minor: Miscarriage, Sexual assault, Slavery, Torture, and Vomit
The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I read AB after Heir of Fire, it was certainly reflective to read it this way since it’s a prequel to Throne of Glass.
I enjoyed it and it was nice seeing Celaena before she got to the glass castle and the backstory of her and Sam’s romance. This book helped fill in a lot of gaps on where Celaena adopted certain practices, also shedding light on how she’s always operated.
I sobbed at one point, which the previous books didn’t make me cry lol so I liked that, you know it’s good when you can personally feel a characters pain.
It’s a solid 4.5 stars, I really enjoyed it and can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
I enjoyed it and it was nice seeing Celaena before she got to the glass castle and the backstory of her and Sam’s romance. This book helped fill in a lot of gaps on where Celaena adopted certain practices, also shedding light on how she’s always operated.
I sobbed at one point, which the previous books didn’t make me cry lol so I liked that, you know it’s good when you can personally feel a characters pain.
It’s a solid 4.5 stars, I really enjoyed it and can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Torture, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Slavery, Toxic relationship, and Vomit
Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Tell a friend, to tell a friend, that Aelin is BAAACK. I loved this book, the character development was probably the strongest in this book than in the previous two. It really picks up in excitement and plot from Throne of Glass and Crown of Midnight, if you have read those 2, you NEED to read this.
Content Warnings
Minor: Slavery and War
Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved the continuation of the Throne of Glass series, this book was just a deepening of an already deep story.
Learning more about Caelena, Chaol, Dorian, and Nehemia, there was so much to take in, I found the character development to be strong. I was so genuinely scared sometimes when reading I had to set the book down lol
The plot continued to thicken as well in a medium-paced way, there’s a bit of lax when it comes to building up the “love triangle” and then adding to the mystery. The ending surprised me, I really didn’t see it coming but I’m kinda dull and don’t try to figure books out cause I like the surprise.
10/10 read. Would recommend. You’ll love it.
Learning more about Caelena, Chaol, Dorian, and Nehemia, there was so much to take in, I found the character development to be strong. I was so genuinely scared sometimes when reading I had to set the book down lol
The plot continued to thicken as well in a medium-paced way, there’s a bit of lax when it comes to building up the “love triangle” and then adding to the mystery. The ending surprised me, I really didn’t see it coming but I’m kinda dull and don’t try to figure books out cause I like the surprise.
10/10 read. Would recommend. You’ll love it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gore and Murder