beccaannekent's reviews
561 reviews

Hallowpeen by Holly Wilde

funny mysterious reflective fast-paced

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

2.5

I’ve read some weird shit in my time, but this might just top the lot.

Completely batshit crazy, how the author rammed in 3 POVs in a novella I’ll never know.

Halloween Mating by Kyra Keys

funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

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

4.0

Short and sweet. One I picked up as part of a Halloween Novella read, but really it’s more alien than Halloween.

Mary I: Queen of Sorrows by Alison Weir

emotional reflective sad slow-paced

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

3.5

The third and final instalment of the Tudor Rose trilogy brings us to Mary I. If I’m entirely honest, probably one of my least liked Tudor Monarchs, as her short 5 years on the throne was always shortened to Lady Jane Grey / Philip of Spain / Tragic non-pregnancies / Death. 

It was enjoyable to read a more detailed viewpoint of her childhood and how much her father’s actions would have affected her (obviously as a fictional take, but nonetheless interesting). However, one area of this book that could have been improved is also her childhood years. It did seem to drag, however this may have been my own personal issue as I did want to get to the adult Mary, and her problems with her siblings and personal life. 

History is generally written by the victors, and of course these were also men. So Mary has never been written favourably. “Bloody Mary” is seen within this book, signing many documents for the punishment of heretics. Despite this, Alison Weir’s choice to name the book “Queen of Sorrows” certainly feels more apt. A princess, then a bastard and then a Queen, there were not many enjoyable times in Mary’s life and even though this book is a work of fiction, it certainly has made me critique Mary much less and empathise much more. 

Goldfinch by Raven Kennedy

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious reflective 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? Yes

4.5

Sobbed.

Loved it. 

Devastated it’s over. 

Rhapsodic by Laura Thalassa

adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

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

3.5

Age difference gave me the ick, yet I still absolutely inhaled this. 

I dunno what Thalassa puts in her books, but it’s addictive. The same happened with the Four Horsemen series!

A very interesting end with an intriguing enemy that id like to know more about so I shall be reading book 2!  

The Romanov Oracle by Molly Tullis

adventurous dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

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

2.75

Sadly, not Molly’s finest work. I understand it is an alt universe Romanov retelling, but there were too many inconsistencies. It also felt insta-love like rather than enemies to lovers. 

Also, not quite sure I can picture Rasputin and Anastasia together because in my head all I could see were the animated movie versions and I got the ick. 

The Blood Moon Matron by C.L. Rose

adventurous emotional mysterious reflective 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? Yes

2.5

When I chose to request this I was hoping for a forbidden romance / enemies to lovers contemporary paranormal romance book, which is certainly what was portrayed within the synopsis. Unfortunately, this isn’t quite what was advertised leaving me disappointed.

Firstly, the writing style is quite disjointed. We leap from one thing to the next, with no context or flow. This is especially obvious in the time jumps, particularly during Nickolas and Lucy’s relationship. We suddenly lose months of them dating, when it was earlier explained that Lucy was worried her father would be moving them again any day now. I feel like the author needs to establish exactly how urgent the move around Lucy’s family does regularly is. At the beginning, it is portrayed that Lucy will be jumping from one place to the next every few months, at the maximum a year. But we remain within London for the first 50% of the novel. If I’m honest, I think moving about where Nickolas has to find her would have been more interesting, and given an overall better pace to the book. 

Secondly, the pregnancy trope is sprung quickly and unexpectedly on the reader. Nowhere in the synopsis does it state that there will be an non-consensual breeding attempt and then, later, an actual pregnancy which is quickly followed by abortion discussions and almost a preachy tone given regarding the characters opinions on abortions. This entire section was giving me Twilight Edward vs Bella wanting to keep the baby vibes and, sadly, I was not enjoying it. 

If I’m honest, a lot of this book did feel like it was influenced by pop-culture vampires. Nickolas reminded me of The Originals, and his Noble Family indeed gave the same vibe as this. You could also compare them to the Volturi in Twilight, particularly regarding the relationship with the wolves and the pregnancy trope. 

In my personal opinion, if this book was more fleshed out, particularly around the history of the vampires, the wolves and the warlock/witches the story would have so much more to give! There is a lot of promise here, especially if the story steps away from the pop-culture vampire references and is more clear within the synopsis for readers to know what they’re stepping into when picking up this book. 

Most definitely leaning more towards a YA/NA audience, I think this book would be fantastic for those who are fans of Twilight, True Blood, The Originals and The Vampire Diaries etc. 

Although this book wasn’t necessarily my preference, I do encourage others to read and explore this authors world for themselves, as I think it absolutely will cater for the right audience! 

I want to thank NetGalley, Cranthorpe Millner Publishers and C. L. Rose for the opportunity to read this as an ARC. The review is my own opinion and I have given this freely. 

Hades by Carly Spade

adventurous funny mysterious medium-paced

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

2.5

Turns out I don’t like a Hades retelling when Persephone isn’t in it. This was very meh. 

2.5/5.

A Dark and Drowning Tide by Allison Saft

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious reflective 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

4.5

My god it has been a long, long time since I have read a book that captured folklore, fantasy and fairytales like this one has. 

A Dark and Drowning Tide combines the darkness of A Brothers Grimm Fairytales with the whimsical and alluring style of Lewis or Tolkien (and as a huge Tolkien Fan, I do not say this lightly). 

Setting out on an expedition, we follow an intrepid group of individuals, each with their own unique talents, as they attempt to find the source of magic within their lands, whilst solving a murder along the way. Our FMC, Lorelei, must work with her rival, Sylvia to ensure the project goes ahead as planned and confirm who killed their mentor before it is too late. 

The writing style was so utterly captivating and gorgeous, weaving so many different folklores and stories together I was enraptured from the very start. I must admit, I was not aware of any German Fairytales or creatures before delving into this book, and I did have Google on hand to ensure I was able to keep up with each one introduced, but this absolutely only enhanced my experience. 

However, the thing that absolutely makes this book is the stunning enemies/rivals to lovers romance that entwines throughout the story. These two had me giggling and kicking my feet from just them holding hands! Note: this is a fade to black series, ensuring that it remains within the YA genre. This does not, in my opinion, take anything away from this romance. 

I want to thank NetGalley, Daphne Press and Allison Saft for the opportunity to read this as an ARC. The review is my own opinion and I have given this freely. 

The Women of the Cousins' War: The Real White Queen and Her Rivals by Philippa Gregory, Michael Jones, David Baldwin

informative reflective fast-paced

3.0

This book covers a brief, but interesting history of three women in the “Cousins War” (later known as the War of the Roses”. Jacquetta of Luxembourg, Lady Rivers. Elizabeth Woodville, Queen of Edward IV and Margaret Beaufort, mother to Henry VII. All three played significant roles in this time period’s history, but until recent times have been briefly mentioned due to their sex. 

As this is co-authored by three people, each covering the history of one of the subjects, then you can separate this book into three parts.

The introduction, and Jacquetta’s story is given by Philippa Gregory. Who is known for her fictional and almost fantasy based historical novels rather than factual. I must admit, the fictional novels are a guilty pleasure of mine, even though when I read them I know there is limited accurate historical information throughout. I take them as they are. 

Unfortunately, although Jacquetta’s story is the least known to me and the one I was most excited to learn more about, Philippa’s non-fictional writing is not as immersive as her fictional. I was bored, particularly in the lengthy introduction, and couldn’t wait to move on. 

David Baldwin and Michael Jones’ takes on Elizabeth and Margaret were much more interesting. I was sad that Jones skipped quickly over the Battle of Bosworth with Margaret (potentially due to lack of accounts?), I can’t imagine what her thought processes were knowing her only son was either going to emerge victorious as a King of England or die trying. 

Overall, a short but interesting book which would be perfect for anyone beginning to dip their toes into this time period, particularly the Wars of the Roses. I am glad that finally women in history are being brought to the forefront and we can learn more about their impact on such historical events.