annad318's reviews
28 reviews

Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I really enjoyed the sweet relationship between Sarai and Lazlo in this book. While my interest in the story waned a bit in the middle, the last 100 pages really picked up the pace! The more I think about the different elements of this book, the more I come to appreciate them.

I found it funny when Lazlo said rage didn't suit him (I feel the same way about myself), but you really see him lean into that emotion and develop some incredible confidence at the end all thanks to Sarai. They complement one another nicely.

I really appreciate the way the conflict between the citizens of Weep and the "Godspawns" is portrayed. I think both sides have valid arguments, and I found Minya to be a well-written antagonist. It made the book even more enjoyable.

Caraval by Stephanie Garber

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

I've been a fan of Once Upon a Broken Heart for a while, but I was hesitant to read this book. I'm not sure why...probably because Scarlett and Donatella's story wasn't compelling enough for me. However, I finally tried it and listened to the audiobook on Hoopla. The reader, Rebecca Soler, did a great job.

I really admire how Garber blends fantasy with reality in her stories. Although "UOABH" had its fair share of clichés and tropes, I still found them quite enjoyable. However, in this book, there weren't as many. I also appreciate how Garber portrays her female main characters. They're not flawless, but they're always relatable and endearing.

The memes about Scarlett mistaking every guy in a top hat for Legend are spot-on and really funny. I loved the mystery and suspense throughout the book. The part near the end where Scarlett and Tella desperately try to convince each other that they're not crazy was both frustrating and hilarious.

 Some of the challenges Scarlett faced due to the clues felt less important or high-stakes than they could have been. I think the scene where she drank the cider could have been better. Overall, this book is enjoyable, but it didn't fully immerse me. That might be due to listening to the audiobook; reading it might require more effort and feel more engaging. Like Lightlark, I'm not itching to dive into the second book, but I'm definitely intrigued by Donatella's story.

I found Scarlett and Julian to be a cute pairing. The flirting was there right away, so the book feels like a he-falls-first situation.

Lightlark by Alex Aster

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This book was good but not great. I may have DNF'd it had I not been listening to the audiobook. The audio allowed me to detach myself from the writing in a way (the first few chapters were a little corny). Unsurprisingly, the FMC is an earth-shatteringly beautiful girl and a skilled fighter with a taste for blades/daggers (yawn).

I am pretty tired of fantasy novels centered around trials; though the premise of the curses was interesting, I still couldn't bring myself to care that much about the different realms when the figureheads (besides Grim, Oro, and Isla) were just names without much personality. The plot dragged a bit until the last few chapters. Each of the trials/contests put on by kings and queens of the realms could have been better. All they did was hammer into the reader's mind that Isla is powerless--in case we forgot!--but manages to persevere despite it all. If I had to summarize what the audiobook felt like, it was practically hearing the words powerless, bond breaker, and heart on loop. I also noticed that every few paragraphs would recap what had just happened as if we needed a reminder.

I'm not a massive fan of the love triangle they've got going on. However, it was the one thing that kept me listening.

Grim with his dark and hungry love, and Oro with his sweet and attentive love. I struggled to focus during the last few chapters (like, who did what now?), but finding out Grim and Isla have a past was a flop. I hate that Isla has to work backward and relearn to love him or whatever. I was ok with them being together solely because he was the hot bad guy who got the girl because he could. Then the book takes a hard left turn and ends with her cuddling Oro on her balcony!? Meanwhile, Grim is who knows where after losing his girl and his dreams of immense power in one fell swoop.

I'm curious to read what happens in Nightbane based on a friend's commentary, but when a love triangle is all that carries a story, it's an empty feeling. 

Light Bringer by Pierce Brown

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective relaxing sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Consider me the 14th person Volga used that gauntlet on.

Dark Age by Pierce Brown

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious sad tense slow-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

4.5

This novel started strong, and I was coming off "Morning Star" with a lot of momentum. I didn't pause after finishing a book in this series; I just jumped into the next. I was thrilled to see a Virginia point of view. There was a lot of buzz around "Dune 2" when I started reading, and everyone was in love with Rebecca Ferguson. For me, Virginia was like my Rebecca - alluring and compelling in a mystical way. However, I reached a point where I was getting tired of the slow plot progression because this book is intense and lengthy. Although I always appreciated it, I craved something more snappy, witty, and quick. So, I stopped and read something else. Eventually, I returned with renewed energy and was thrilled to be back in this little universe. 

 
Random Notes/Standout Moments:

I was disappointed to find that the relationships between Darrow, Virginia, and Pax were not as close as I had hoped. There's a strong sense of distrust between Darrow and Virginia, which hurts, but plays out well. The ending showed great promise with Pax who comes to understand his father (thank you Ephraim). It tugged at the heart strings to hear Darrow share that he continues to fight in this war just so he can see the day when he can live a simple life, and make breakfast for his family. This mundane dream, compared to the lethal killer he must be, made for a deflating but powerful confession.

Pax holds a special place in my heart. As Virginia says, 'Pax is neither stupid nor helpless...he would scheme a way to help me as much as he could. I wonder if Pax realizes yet that I raised him to be as much an ally as a son, and if he understands my guilt over that.' Pax's character was a favorite of mine, and I can't wait to see what's in store for him.

This book is filled with Darrow's musings on the cause and consequences of his actions and the “necessity” and dangers of war. These moments serve as an essential build-up to the battle scenes, which I must say were insane! I'd argue that they were some of the best; everyone was an absolute animal, and I was locked in every time.

 

I loved all the characters in this book, so some deaths were incredibly heartbreaking. Before, I felt detached and could accept that characters had to die, but these were tough to see! Especially when not everyone died heroically--OUCH.

My sweet, sweet boy Alexander.

I was also sad to read how much Darrow missed Sevro (that man loves him), but his team of Alexander, Thraxa, and Rhonna was so fun to watch. I loved their dynamic. 

 

Lots of humorous moments where PB infused some graphic or uncouth humor, but I found it appropriate. I appreciate a bit of comedic relief and it adds a good shock value. 

 

I loved it overall.  However, with how many enemies and villains have amassed, this is going to be a huge mess. 😭

Draco Malfoy and the Mortifying Ordeal of Being in Love by isthisselfcare

adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

For non-book records, review text and ratings are hidden. Only mood, pace, and content warnings are visible.

Manacled by SenLinYu

dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

For non-book records, review text and ratings are hidden. Only mood, pace, and content warnings are visible.

Iron Gold by Pierce Brown

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

After finishing the Red Rising Trilogy, I did not know what would follow in Iron Gold and where the story would lead. The novel takes place ten years after the events of Morning Star, and we get to read the perspectives of not only Darrow but also Lyria, Ephraim, and Lysander. These characters have had a brutal decade to say the least. It was exciting to see how much the resident characters have grown, showcasing their fledging families and positions within the Republic. At times it was almost unsettling to see them so mature. It felt like it was just yesterday that they were rebellious youths with a dream.

It took some time for me to adjust to the new perspectives in this book. Mainly because all the characters despised the Reaper and/or The Sovereign and I had grown attached, borderline defensive, to the pair (By will or by force, I don't know. I’ve avoided judging characters too harshly for my own peace of mind and not overthinking everything). However, I soon realized that having diverse and dissenting opinions was beneficial, as they provided a fresh outlook on the story. Moreover, all of the characters' stories eventually intertwined, leading them to work together in some way or another—something I loved seeing unfold!

I really enjoy this series for what it is, so I haven't taken much time to dissect the “good” from the “bad.” Once I finish the series, I may be more critical, but for now, some quotes and comments that I highlighted! 😊

"In my youth, I was consumed with the fever of war. I don't feel that fever now. I only feel the cold weight of duty and the fear of what it will do to my family." 

This. This right here. Darrow is so determined to see this war through, so convinced that what lies at the end is the ideal society, a perfect world. However, even his best friend Sevro is sick of his obsession and accuses him of being too "drunk on his own myth". The Ash Lord calls him no more than a slave, bred to "toil, dig, and die for the good of humanity," mocking everything he has fought to achieve. All the while, Darrow is painfully aware of how destructive his actions can be and questions the morality of them  daily. He cries himself to sleep every night, feeling guilty about being an absent husband and father. As a reader, it was difficult to process these emotions with Darrow and watch as people sowed seeds of doubt that have already long been inside him. 

"It feels like the world is doing this to us. But is it the world, or is it me? The way I am built. A breaker, not a builder, after all."

"Amidst the bodies, Mustang looks a ghost of herself. Ten years of building and one night has broken it all." vs. "Ten years of brotherhood evaporate in a breath. We stare at one another and see strangers." INSANITY. THE PARALLELS.

I was deeply saddened by

Cassius's passing. I couldn't help but feel like his death was shrouded in secrecy and isolation. I wonder if Diomedes even bothered to retrieve his body for a proper burial (PLEASE tell me this is a plot twist and he isn't dead, I'm going to throw up). Reading about how he fought and defeated each of his opponents while defending his honor gave me goosebumps. Even while clinging to life, he never forgot to remind us that he is THE Cassius Bellona.

Volga's character tugged at my heartstrings. I wanted to protect her at all costs. 

Alexander and Apollonius were both hilarious characters. I missed the humor that was present in the previous books, and these two provided the much needed comedic relief (though there could have been more). 

Mustang's request for Lyria's forgiveness was a very moving scene that spoke volumes (to me). Do your Mus-THANG girl. 

I got chills reading the last page. Hail, Reaper, baby! Sorry, let me love him for as long as I can 🫶🫣Starting Dark Age asap.

Morning Star by Pierce Brown

4.25

Oh Lordy, what a whirlwind of events.

I had a hard time with the first part of this book. The characters seemed disconnected, and it made me uneasy. I understand that a year is a long time for characters to grow apart, but after the literary excellence that Brown showcased in Golden Son - ya’ll that is true literature! - and the time we invested in Darrow's growth and his friendships, it was challenging for me to adjust to everyone's changes. It was like hitting a reset button. 

Some beef: I found it hard to keep up with Darrow's inner turmoil throughout most of the book. One moment, he would be grieving his past and the people he had lost, and the next, he would transform into the brutal Reaper, ready to kill. It was like he couldn't decide which mood to stick with, even for a day. I understand that he was constantly being tested and his morals were being questioned, but it was hard to follow his ever-changing emotions.

Brown never ceased to amaze me with the twists and turns in this plot. Deceit, lies, tricks, and surprises were around every corner. The craziest thing is that I actually enjoyed it. Every new development was introduced so smoothly that I found myself on the edge of my seat (with excitement) as tensions rose and things started to go awry. I have to admit that none of the events in the book were predictable for me. Darrow always seemed to have a trick up his sleeve or was quick to improvise when things went wrong. I never would have guessed that

Cassius would redeem himself and experience such a sharp character arc. Frankly, his actions were quite weaselly all throughout this book.  When he shot Sevro and cut off Darrow's hand, I could barely look at him. Even after we figured out it was all a ploy. Unfortunately, I will need some time to love him again.

I absolutely adored the moments when Darrow expressed his love for his friends, especially Sevro and Ragnar. They shared the most touching exchanges, and seeing how Darrow finds solace and comfort in their friendship makes my heart ache. 😭💀. I also love the fact that they have a tradition of chatting on the comm before heading to battle. They may say the silliest things, but their goofy chatter always lightens the mood and never fails to make me cackle. Besties! 💖 

Overall, this was a thrilling installment in the Saga. It makes me sad to leave Book #2 even further behind, but I brace myself for the turbulent times ahead in Iron Gold's new Republic. Praying for my own well-being.

Golden Son by Pierce Brown

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Wow, my friends! I have to say that this book is really good (like this is where the hype starts to kick in). While I believe it deserves five stars, I'll wait until I finish the entire series before changing my rating. Golden Son far surpassed Red Rising in terms of writing and storytelling. The plot follows Darrow after the Institute trials, taking us on a thrilling and incredible journey filled with numerous plot twists and the introduction of several new (mostly lovable) characters.

I simply couldn't wait to dive into this book and get lost in its world every time I picked it up! It has everything a reader could ever want: adventure, intrigue, humor, love, and friendship. The best part? I found myself laughing constantly while reading it, and I mean that in the best way possible. Even in the most intense moments, the characters crack jokes, providing much-needed comic relief. The writing style reminds me of the humor and wit found in Guardians of the Galaxy. 

Honestly, I don't think I can adequately explain why this book is so incredible. There's just too much to unpack. Do yourself a favor and stick with the series. I guarantee you won't be disappointed. Alter the paradigm, y'all 🖖🤪

What about what I’ve seen? We’re down in the shit. We’re dying. And what are you doing? Philosophizing.

Updated to my review from 4.75 to 5 ⭐ after finishing Morning Star