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alishav's reviews
173 reviews
House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas
3.75
“Stars and planets and rainbow clouds of nebulas swirled around them, darkness cut with lightning brighter than the sun. Sun and moon held together in perfect balance, suspended in the same sky.”
Was it perfect? Absolutely not. Did I still eat it up? Of course I did.
While I will forever love these characters and the worlds SJM brings, there were some problems with this book that I wish would have been fixed in writing and editing process - some weird pacing issues, some characters not quite behaving like themselves, some relationships not getting the page time they deserved, other relationships feeling weird/different than where we left them, and a little too much happily ever after for the events unfolding (RIP MY HEART OUT A BIT SJM!).
Even with all of that, it was incredible to be back in this world and spending time with these characters. It is gonna be another long freaking wait.
Oh and Nesta is still a badass and I love her.
Along those same lines: “I’m sick and tired of people using girl as an insult.”
Was it perfect? Absolutely not. Did I still eat it up? Of course I did.
While I will forever love these characters and the worlds SJM brings, there were some problems with this book that I wish would have been fixed in writing and editing process - some weird pacing issues, some characters not quite behaving like themselves, some relationships not getting the page time they deserved, other relationships feeling weird/different than where we left them, and a little too much happily ever after for the events unfolding (RIP MY HEART OUT A BIT SJM!).
Even with all of that, it was incredible to be back in this world and spending time with these characters. It is gonna be another long freaking wait.
Oh and Nesta is still a badass and I love her.
Along those same lines: “I’m sick and tired of people using girl as an insult.”
The Empire of Gold by S.A. Chakraborty
I absolutely loved this trilogy! It was full of a perfect blend of high fantasy, political intrigue, complicated personal relationships, and lush world building. It swept me up on the wings of a shedu and never let me fall.
The Empire of Gold was a beautiful conclusion to this series - Nahri remained a strong, empowering FMC, Ali remained devoted to everything and everyone he loved yet still had great character development, and Dara’s story ended in a way that left me very satisfied.
Beautiful writing. Beautiful characters. Beautiful world. Read it!
adventurous
challenging
emotional
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? No
5.0
I do not believe ambitious men who say the only route to peace and prosperity lies in giving them more power – particularly when they do it with lands and people who are not theirs.
I absolutely loved this trilogy! It was full of a perfect blend of high fantasy, political intrigue, complicated personal relationships, and lush world building. It swept me up on the wings of a shedu and never let me fall.
The Empire of Gold was a beautiful conclusion to this series - Nahri remained a strong, empowering FMC, Ali remained devoted to everything and everyone he loved yet still had great character development, and Dara’s story ended in a way that left me very satisfied.
Beautiful writing. Beautiful characters. Beautiful world. Read it!
The Kingdom of Copper by S.A. Chakraborty
The Daevabad Trilogy is a vivid fantasy with political intrigue, a unique magic system, and a memorable cast of characters all while being infused with Islamic mythology and ancient Middle East inspiration. Chakraborty uses an action-packed plot not only to give readers things like betrayals, power struggles, and complex character/relationship development, but also to explore societal and political problems like racism, discrimination, and colonization. Highly recommend this series (so far) for (epic) fantasy lovers!
I can’t wait to dive into Book #3 to see how this trilogy wraps up! Listening via audiobook helped me with pronunciation and the narrator is fantastic. I could, however, see myself rereading in another format to appreciate the intricacies of this world even more.
Also, Nahri is such a badass female main character. I love her!!
adventurous
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? Yes
4.5
I’ve had enough of men hurting me because they were upset.
The Daevabad Trilogy is a vivid fantasy with political intrigue, a unique magic system, and a memorable cast of characters all while being infused with Islamic mythology and ancient Middle East inspiration. Chakraborty uses an action-packed plot not only to give readers things like betrayals, power struggles, and complex character/relationship development, but also to explore societal and political problems like racism, discrimination, and colonization. Highly recommend this series (so far) for (epic) fantasy lovers!
I can’t wait to dive into Book #3 to see how this trilogy wraps up! Listening via audiobook helped me with pronunciation and the narrator is fantastic. I could, however, see myself rereading in another format to appreciate the intricacies of this world even more.
Also, Nahri is such a badass female main character. I love her!!
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
WOW! This book was like eating an utterly addicting bowl of spicy gumbo and washing it down with an ice cold glass of sweet tea. It is an incredibly clever con artist story full of devious characters that you can’t help but love, a plot that keeps you hooked, a dash of Southern charm, and a resolution that blindsides you (or at least it did me).
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
There's an old saying: The first lie wins. It's not referring to the little white kind that tumble out with no thought; it refers to the big one. The one that changes the game. The one that is deliberate. The lie that sets the stage for everything that comes after it.
WOW! This book was like eating an utterly addicting bowl of spicy gumbo and washing it down with an ice cold glass of sweet tea. It is an incredibly clever con artist story full of devious characters that you can’t help but love, a plot that keeps you hooked, a dash of Southern charm, and a resolution that blindsides you (or at least it did me).
Sofi and the Bone Song by Adrienne Tooley
An easy-to-read, young adult fantasy with a rivals-to-lovers, grumpy-sunshine sapphic romance. But more than that, this book delves into what defines success and touched the heart of this forever recovering perfectionist, overachiever (and music lover). Sofi grapples with her future being upended time and time again as choices and discoveries challenge everything she knew about herself, her world, and her art. Lara and other lovable - and despicable - characters influence Sofi’s journey and help her uncover a new, healthier relationship with herself, her past, her music, and ultimately her future.
I really appreciated Tooley’s ability to weave a story together and immerse readers in an interesting world with a very cool magic system and fantastic characters.
I think there is a parallel that could be drawn between the themes in this book and the current dialogue about the use of AI in art… could be an interesting book club discussion.
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The things you love shouldn’t hurt you… You don’t have to hurt yourself to be worthy of pursuing your dream. You don’t have to deny pieces of yourself in order to be good.
An easy-to-read, young adult fantasy with a rivals-to-lovers, grumpy-sunshine sapphic romance. But more than that, this book delves into what defines success and touched the heart of this forever recovering perfectionist, overachiever (and music lover). Sofi grapples with her future being upended time and time again as choices and discoveries challenge everything she knew about herself, her world, and her art. Lara and other lovable - and despicable - characters influence Sofi’s journey and help her uncover a new, healthier relationship with herself, her past, her music, and ultimately her future.
I really appreciated Tooley’s ability to weave a story together and immerse readers in an interesting world with a very cool magic system and fantastic characters.
I think there is a parallel that could be drawn between the themes in this book and the current dialogue about the use of AI in art… could be an interesting book club discussion.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Death of parent
Minor: Suicide
Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross
I absolutely adored the Letters of Enchantment duology! Rebecca Ross’s writing is ethereal, enchanting, and utterly beautiful - I have so many passages marked that it was hard to pick a single quote for this review. I loved the entire cast of characters and their development through the second half of this story. The length felt perfect - for both books individually and the series as a duology. Divine Rivals and Ruthless Vows are the kind of books that can break a book slump, cure a book hangover, and otherwise just plunge you into a delightful, cannot put it down, fantasy-romance adventure.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
Some scars might fade in time, but others never would.
I absolutely adored the Letters of Enchantment duology! Rebecca Ross’s writing is ethereal, enchanting, and utterly beautiful - I have so many passages marked that it was hard to pick a single quote for this review. I loved the entire cast of characters and their development through the second half of this story. The length felt perfect - for both books individually and the series as a duology. Divine Rivals and Ruthless Vows are the kind of books that can break a book slump, cure a book hangover, and otherwise just plunge you into a delightful, cannot put it down, fantasy-romance adventure.
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
There was so much that I loved about this book - especially being a woman in STEM myself. I loved that a common theme in this book was women succeeding because they had support of other women (and vice versa - when women competed with one another in ugly ways, they both suffered). I loved that Elizabeth felt relatable. I absolutely LOVED LOVED LOVED Six-Thirty. My only qualm is that I often forgot (or perhaps couldn’t believe) that this book took place in the 1960s. Much of it felt like it was taking place much later, perhaps even present day. Regardless, loved it.
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
We can learn more, we can go further, but to accomplish this, we must throw open the doors. Too many brilliant minds are kept from scientific research thanks to ignorant biases like gender and race. It infuriates me and it should infuriate you. Science has big problems to solve: famine, disease, extinction. And those who purposefully close the door to others using self-serving, outdated cultural notions are not only dishonest, they're knowingly lazy.
There was so much that I loved about this book - especially being a woman in STEM myself. I loved that a common theme in this book was women succeeding because they had support of other women (and vice versa - when women competed with one another in ugly ways, they both suffered). I loved that Elizabeth felt relatable. I absolutely LOVED LOVED LOVED Six-Thirty. My only qualm is that I often forgot (or perhaps couldn’t believe) that this book took place in the 1960s. Much of it felt like it was taking place much later, perhaps even present day. Regardless, loved it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Death, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Car accident, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
Oh how I adored this book. It is a slow burn, enemies-to-lovers set in a world full of magical realism - complete with enchanted typewriters. The characters were relatable and lovable. The writing was captivating. I am so excited to see where the lore and the love goes in book 2 (and incredibly relieved that I don’t have to wait for the second book to be released!).
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
…sometimes strength isn't swords and steel and fire, as we are so often made to believe. Sometimes it's found in quiet, gentle places. The way you hold someone's hand as they grieve. The way you listen to others. The way you show up, day after day, even when you are weary or afraid or simply uncertain. That is strength, and I see it in you.
Oh how I adored this book. It is a slow burn, enemies-to-lovers set in a world full of magical realism - complete with enchanted typewriters. The characters were relatable and lovable. The writing was captivating. I am so excited to see where the lore and the love goes in book 2 (and incredibly relieved that I don’t have to wait for the second book to be released!).
A Prayer for the Crown-Shy by Becky Chambers
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
ADORE ADORE ADORE. I freaking love these little novellas. They’re a warm, cozy hug telling you that your are enough and that you’re doing enough as long as you appreciate yourself, the people around you, and the natural world you exist in - disguised as an adventuring robot and tea monk. These are book I can’t wait to loan out so that others can experience them, but that I also can’t wait to get back so that I can read them again.
The Atlas Paradox by Olivie Blake
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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? It's complicated
3.75
I really enjoyed this read, but (like The Atlas Six) for whatever reason it wasn’t a book I had to DEVOUR. While every book doesn’t need to be ferociously read, I always think this series should.
Anyways, this was an excellent continuation of the first book. It really felt like the same book just continued - same pacing, same tone, same structure. We had a few new side characters that played a larger role in this one and their perspectives help you understand the society more. Lots of great character development and the continuation of a magic system I love!
Anyways, this was an excellent continuation of the first book. It really felt like the same book just continued - same pacing, same tone, same structure. We had a few new side characters that played a larger role in this one and their perspectives help you understand the society more. Lots of great character development and the continuation of a magic system I love!