annad318's reviews
28 reviews

Red Rising by Pierce Brown

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

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

4.0

I've spent the last few months reading books by women with female protagonists, so I feel like I had to recalibrate my brain to give this book a fair review. Overall, a promising story with interesting characters. 

WRITING STYLE

• I found the book's writing style to be simple and straightforward. Unlike most fantasy and science fiction books that use complex sentence structures and detailed descriptions, the author adopts a matter-of-fact tone. The author conveys the main character's thoughts, feelings, and sensory perceptions without much embellishment. Although this approach may seem basic at times, I found it more accessible and comprehensible to read.

CHARACTERS AND PLOT

• Darrow's story is as intricate as those of popular figures, such as Rick Grimes and Uhtred of Bebbanburg. Much like Rick Grimes, he is an exceptional leader who evolves and matures over time. And, similar to Uhtred, he strives to find a balance between his personal sense of justice and the expectations of those around him (Ares, The Society, friends, etc.) I found Darrow's journey at the Institute to be quite enjoyable, and by the end of the book, I felt that he resembled Uhtred in many ways.

• This book was a real gem! The author struck a perfect balance between world-building and politics to keep me hooked from start to finish. I was invested in the stories of all the well-developed characters, including Cassius, Sevro, Fitchner, Roque, and Pax. The plot was full of surprises and twists that had me on the edge of my seat, even during the slower parts. 

In short, if you're a fan of The Last Kingdom (TV) series, you might enjoy this book. Looking forward to what these freaks get up to next.

Powerless by Lauren Roberts
Did not finish book. Stopped at 4%.

I know it's not fair to quit at 4%, but I could tell right away that this series wasn't for me. The writing is straightforward, and the characters' quirky tone didn't quite win me over. The premise is nothing new or exciting - Plague, Purge, Ordinaries, Elites - it's been done before, and I'm not a fan. I mean, when I read the words "purple force field," I couldn't help but roll my eyes. The magic just wasn't doing it for me. And when I found out there was going to be a trial in this book, I was less than thrilled. I mean, come on, that's such an overdone trope. Thinking back on the few pages I read, it reminded me of Serpent and The Wings of Night, which wasn't a good thing.

Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross

adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced

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

3.75

I knew this book had potential within the first few pages because of its well-written prose. Ross really knows how to paint a picture with words, it feels effortless.

PLOT

• I enjoyed the premise of a young woman with solid aspirations and strong family values who has a competitive but flirty relationship with her cantankerous (lol) co-worker. The setting of a newspaper office (with the backdrop of war) was fresh and fun (IMO, I don't read many office romances). I even liked
  how Iris left her job to be a war correspondent
  , as she demonstrated the ability to adapt and overcome hardship.  

• However, there were other elements to the plot that failed to entertain me, such as the rich guy/poor girl trope. I hate seeing FMCs constantly losing in this way—aka character building through trauma such as
  poverty, alcoholism, and death
  . I will admit that the delivery of her
  mother's death
  was quite powerful and successfully propelled the story forward. Made me think, “Oh, this author does not play around.” 

ROMANCE

• I found that the romantic relationship between Roman and Iris developed rather quickly but still felt organic
  until they married. Yes, Roman joining Iris on the front lines was a bit of a jumpscare, but it was expected. Their marriage, however, was not. I did not find marriage conducive to the plot, going from flirty to “I can't live without you” in a matter of pages. Transitioning from friends/enemies to lovers is an art form, and the shift was too sudden. Roman saving Iris from a literal grenade gave more than that wedding ceremony ever could. After all that grown-up acting on the battlefield, I was suddenly reminded that they are only 18/19 years old (babies!).

ENDING

• Although the ending of this book was not entirely predictable (at least not to me), it fits the genre. It actually reminded me of Fourth Wing, which I thought ended on a fun but unnecessary cliffhanger. I believe Ross could have neatly wrapped this up in one longer novel. I fear the plot will drag on in the next book, with enough twists and turns to satiate us until Iris and Roman’s
  eventual reunion
  , but not much more than that. I find the characters here lack the depth/substance I need to want to read a second book. 

The Mortal Instruments, the Complete Collection: City of Bones; City of Ashes; City of Glass; City of Fallen Angels; City of Lost Souls; City of Heave by Cassandra Clare

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective tense 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? Yes

5.0

Every few years, I feel a pull from the universe to revisit the Mortal Instruments series. While I never resist this urge, I’d never missed these characters as much as I did this time around.

For some unnecessary context, I considered this particular series my personal "Roman Empire" for quite some time. However, everything changed when I stumbled upon the TOG series late last year, and it completely flipped my world around. Currently, both series hold a very special place in my heart, and I must admit that I'm overly biased towards them. Just to be clear, the series is not without its flaws, but I prefer to view it through rose-colored glasses that I cannot seem to take off. 

The first three books in this series are so familiar and comforting to me that I can replay the entire plot in my head for fun. However, my memory of Books 4-6 was hazy. 

That being said, I believe City of Lost Souls is the best book of the second half of the series, maybe even the entire series. I cannot express in words how important Not Jace is to me. It's truly remarkable how he manages to be the ultimate loverboy, even when he is under demonic influence. Jace's self-torment, which spans all six books, can be challenging to get through because it's unfair to see him be so unforgiving of himself. He is but a boy navigating his complicated emotions in an even more complex world. Watching him come into his own is awesome.

Clary's growth in CofLs was truly remarkable! She was bold, clever, and her greatness seemed to soar to new heights. She could be impulsive at times, but in a good way, and you could see how people began to love her for it rather than resent her. The novel had many memorable moments, such as the iconic fight scene in the antique shop in Prague, which showcased her skills as a Shadowhunter. There was also the underground club scene where her interactions with Jace were steamy, and her one-on-one encounter with Sebastian was both eerie and enlightening. The pacing of the novel was excellent, and things really started to heat up when

Clary betrayed Jace for wanting to surrender himself to the Clave. This was followed by the epic showdown between Sebastian and Clary, just before the Infernal Cup ceremony, and then the climactic moment when Clary unleashed Glorious on Jace. It was an absolute rush!

I barely remembered City of Heavenly Fire, so it was like a first-time read. Arguably, it read a little slow at times, with some parts feeling like filler, but it was definitely their greatest adventure yet. It was no surprise that Jace was still incredibly selfless and self-destructive. To see Sebastian so down bad for Clary was somewhat incomprehensible to me. I think his jealousy and obsession with his sister was a weak plot point. Simon established himself as the star of this series. He is practically Jace in a different font, and he doesn’t even know it. Despite his continued sense of otherness, Simon was loyal to his friends, sacrificing his life (multiple times) without hesitation to save them. I would erect a statue in his honor if I could. 

I have yet to read any of Cassandra Clares' other works because when I first read TMI sometime in 2016, I was narrow-minded and too obsessed with these characters. City of Heavenly Fire solidified my intrigue about the Blackthorns and Carstairs, so I'll indulge in the other series soon! 

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

adventurous emotional funny hopeful mysterious tense 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? It's complicated

4.25

Friends, this book blew my expectations out of the water! After trial and error with a few other romance-fantasy novels, Mrs. Yarros hit the mark! Well-developed characters and an engaging storyline for the female main character that was not wholly dependent on the male main character! Seriously, that is all I ever ask for—Xaden and Violet are indeed a compatible pair.

I knocked off a few points because I'm tired of the cliches that are back scars and telepathy in this genre, but I guess I must get used to it. Also, I'm not sensitive to curse words, but the use of the f-word should be more strategic. I don't feel like it ever modernized the text; it just made it cringey. 

Seeing the relationship blossom between dragons and riders was a real treat. The dragons have so much personality, and it shows how the author took her time to develop each character in this book, not leaving anyone as secondary to the storyline of Xaden and Violet. 

Of course, there's a palpable emotional shift that occurs when

Xaden and Violet finally get together. It changes the narrative a lot, but I'm glad the author held out as long as she did and how she navigated the aftermath because it gave them time to test the strength of their relationship without eclipsing Violet’s continued growth. Sometimes, these books can grow stale once characters solidify their sexual attraction, and we lose sight of the female main characters' individuality, but not here! 🫶

I will stress that Violet’s character remains pretty consistent throughout the book. Whatever is thrown at her, she is still the same woman deep down. I'm not saying she doesn't develop and grow; what impresses me is that she doesn't completely lose all her brain cells/morals because of the male main character. I've seen that happen before, and this is not the case for which I applaud the author. It makes it really easy to like, even love, Violet’s character. 

The ending of this book leaves you on a fun cliffhanger. Although it may be unnecessary. I would have preferred this as a standalone, but the characters have enough substance for a second book.

I’ll also note that Xaden is a 23-year-old Pisces…I fear I ate that up! Hey twin 😍

A Shadow in the Ember by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Did not finish book. Stopped at 73%.

Hey ya’ll, am I being too difficult? Where is the plot?

I'm struggling to understand the FMC who, despite been dealt the absolute worst cards in life, manages to persevere, and then is reduced to someone so whiny and temperamental the minute she's under the ward of a man. I get it, she absolutely deserves her freedom and shouldn't be forced to endure another type of imprisonment (emotional or physical), but please consider the circumstances! She’s arguably in a very dangerous place with people she does not know who possess powers beyond her imagination. I'm sorry but I tired quickly of her complaining about being locked in her room all the time. You're a mortal in a world of gods! I'm not saying the main character should have no personality and submit to the man, but have some logic, some critical thinking skills. She's an amazing fighter with a wit and grit, why does that just disappear sometimes!? Maybe I am being a hater, but I don't care to finish this series. 

In other words, locking the headstrong girl in her bedroom for her own safety should not be part of the plot for any book. 

Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score

funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I found the book uninteresting and predictable, so I won't continue with the series. While the characters are likable, their personalities are heavily exaggerated. 

A Dawn of Onyx by Kate Golden

Honestly, I waited for this book to get good, but it never got there. What’s missing is the plot. The long wait for something of substance to eventually come around is disheartening. So there's a war between kingdoms, but it's waged under pretenses and nuances that the main female character can't possibly understand (according to all the people in her life). Well…ok…but try me. Let’s pretend I can handle it because I don't want to be left in the dark with her! I'm tired! It feels like the author is baiting you with bits of information like fae, witches, amulets, and lying kings, but it's not enticing. It's just drawn out.

I did not find the relationship between Arwen and Kane all that exciting or believable. Their first interaction is kind of fun, but I quickly tired of Arwen’s internal dialogue—angered by the cruel king who has torn her from her family, but also so incredibly hot it begs her to ask the question, “who needs family anyway!?”. I wish the author gave this girl some substance, like come on, she’s got light leaking out her finger, “like juice from a lemon.” 💀 This is not enemies to lovers at all, in my opinion. Kane is quickly enamored by Arwen, and it's blatantly obvious. I thought there'd be more tension and discreteness, but it’s so obvious he favours her, like he’s letting her talk war strategies in the council meetings on day 3 of knowing her. Arwen, you can think whatever you want of him, but that man is not your enemy when he immediately treats you like an equal. Kane’s “cruel king” persona is literally non-existent.

The author really lost me when Arwen

suddenly found the courage and skill to take on not one but two chimeras and then risk her life saving them both while the clock ticked to get her mother’s life-saving antidote. What was the logic in any of that? And immediately after she takes down a wolf? I'm assuming it's her Fae abilities or whatever, but the author said, “walk with me,” and I simply couldn't.

I knew this book wouldn't give when

Halden was reintroduced into the narrative. It’s obvious how little effort the author put into his character so that, as readers, we could abandon him and accept Arwen and Kane as end game. That is fine, but don’t just reduce him to nothing with no personality. Make me believe Halden is the wrong guy, not just because Kane doesn't like him. I also have an issue with Griffin and/or Barney having no personality.

In the end, nothing about this book was believable. Will pass on the rest. 

A Curse for True Love by Stephanie Garber

adventurous emotional funny hopeful mysterious fast-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? Yes

4.25

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: the dialogue in this series is so good (to me)! Some parts were silly and made me laugh out loud, but I truly enjoyed it. The author really cranked up the humor this time around.

This series is so easy to read I was sad to see how quickly I got to the end. Admittedly, it often felt like things were moving too fast, and characters outside of Evangeline and Jacks didn't get enough time to develop, but once again, this is a whimsical story about curses, true love, and happily ever afters. This is their story, so I will enjoy it for what it is.

I did not care for the different POVs in this book, mainly because of how

unlikeable Garber made Apollo. His perspective was nothing insightful or fruitful except to learn how ridiculous his logic and reasoning were. However, I guess we learned something from his demise.

I also quickly tired of the plots to

kill Evangeline because of Apollo and his skeptical royal council. To do it three times and rely on those attempts to progress the plot was like, okay, here we go, where’s Jacks to save her? Because he was there every time. I'm glad the author made a joke out of it though; it was funny for Jacks to confront Eva like, “Again? Someone tried to kill you…again?!”

I definitely enjoyed my time with these characters and this world—a fun read. 

The Ballad of Never After by Stephanie Garber

adventurous emotional funny hopeful mysterious tense fast-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? Yes

4.25

Continuously impressed by how likable this series is!

The dialogue is very well written, and despite how silly the plot can be at times, the characters bring a sense of maturity to the conversations that makes everything feel real and believable. There’s also a great sense of humor.

Evangeline is an exceptional female main character and she really sells this series for me. Her logic and reasoning is pretty sound, and she stays true to herself throughout. Whenever she makes a mistake, it’s not out of recklessness or a lack of critical thinking skills. For example, when

Luc invites her to Lala’s engagement party, Evangeline could and should have gone with Luc to make Jacks jealous—I was so there for the drama—but she doesn’t!

She impressed me a lot throughout this book. Loved to see Jacks and Evangeline’s relationship blossom as well. I liked the constant references to the intensity of his stare or the sound of his heart to communicate their mutual attraction. Nice use of show don’t tell, which was pleasant to read.

Not that I care much for her character, but where’s Marisol disappeared to? And Tiberius? On to the next book!