bookchainedsoul's reviews
94 reviews
The Stardust Thief by Chelsea Abdullah
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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
The Stardust Thief was a brilliant read with most of my favourite things. This book felt instantly familiar with elements of the story burrowed/inspired by (at least seemingly to me) by 1001 Nights and Aladdin, and I’m sure other Arabian Nights tales. I loved the inclusion of these tales I adore in a book that I found to be so original and completely unpredictable.
The setting of this book was so immersive. The world building was beautifully done with cities I could picture vividly and that I fell in love with. The magic system was dark and sad but also so interesting conceptually. I absolutely adored every element of this world that I can see so much potential in and cannot wait for it to be further explored in the rest of the series.
The characters are brilliant. They differ enough that they each had distinguishable personalities, back stories (all of which were tragic), and a good amount of character development. I hope to see the relationships between the ifrits (jinn kings) further explored in the next book as that was a dynamic that really caught my attention. The growth in the relationships between the main characters was wonderfully shown. I’m especially excited to get more Loulie and Qadir scenes. I honestly don’t care which direction their relationship goes in as long as they still have their bond because it was a relationship I loved reading.
I also found the antagonists to be very well written and revealed. I can actually understand the motivations of every single antagonist and sympathise or hate them appropriately based on what is revealed. I think the set up in this book should lead to an epic downfall at the end of the series which I cannot wait to read!
I absolutely recommend this book. It has great characters, unpredictable plot twists, and a beautiful world. Now I just have to wait god knows how long for the next book!
The setting of this book was so immersive. The world building was beautifully done with cities I could picture vividly and that I fell in love with. The magic system was dark and sad but also so interesting conceptually. I absolutely adored every element of this world that I can see so much potential in and cannot wait for it to be further explored in the rest of the series.
The characters are brilliant. They differ enough that they each had distinguishable personalities, back stories (all of which were tragic), and a good amount of character development. I hope to see the relationships between the ifrits (jinn kings) further explored in the next book as that was a dynamic that really caught my attention. The growth in the relationships between the main characters was wonderfully shown. I’m especially excited to get more Loulie and Qadir scenes. I honestly don’t care which direction their relationship goes in as long as they still have their bond because it was a relationship I loved reading.
I also found the antagonists to be very well written and revealed. I can actually understand the motivations of every single antagonist and sympathise or hate them appropriately based on what is revealed. I think the set up in this book should lead to an epic downfall at the end of the series which I cannot wait to read!
I absolutely recommend this book. It has great characters, unpredictable plot twists, and a beautiful world. Now I just have to wait god knows how long for the next book!
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I really enjoyed this book but I wouldn’t say I loved it. Based on the foundations I think I’m going to absolutely adore the series, but this book just isn’t likely to be my favourite.
Throne of Glass throws you into this supposedly ‘to the death’ competition between highly skilled criminals for the chance of becoming the King’s Champion (assassin). I enjoyed the competitions we do get to read, and I loved some of the competitors and their dynamics. However, there was not as much blood shed or as much focus on the competition as I was expecting. There were frequently sentences like ‘another three days of training and a challenge had passed already’ and it’s not elaborated on any further. If you’re not picking this up for nitty gritty combat, then this won’t be a problem at all, as the rest of the plot is also definitely worth the read, I just personally would have preferred a longer book that focused on both the competition and the numerous side plots. That being said, from the beginnings of the magic system being created, I am so excited for the rest of the series where that can be further explored. While I wouldn’t say it’s a particularly original magic or political system, I think this one has been set up with a lot of depth and cleverly enough to be interesting none the less. (I have faith in SJM’s ability to make me love this world after the huge leap up from ACOTAR to ACOMAF - I will never judge her series based on the first book because of that alone)
I think Celaena is a brilliant character. I think I am somewhat biased towards her as I did read Assassin’s Blade before reading this, where a lot more is revealed about her and I find her to be far more likeable, but I still found her bitchyness combined with her clear moral compass an interesting character dynamic in this book.
I absolutely adore Dorian. I found him charming and interesting and I’m excited to see how his character develops through the series. I’m glad he and Celaena have agreed to be friends because I perceived their dynamic as one of partners and allies, not lovers. (Sorry for the minor spoiler there.)
I didn’t love Chaol as much, and I definitely don’t like the hints at romance between him and Celaena. I don’t care if he’s occasionally nice to her and thinks she’s pretty, he doesn’t respect her and he doesn’t even try to understand her point of view, so I have a lack of interest in him as a romantic lead (though I have a looming feeling he will be).
Overall, I think it’s a really strong start to the series with an interesting (though slightly undertold) plot and great characters. I’m excited for the rest of the series and so far I definitely recommend!
Throne of Glass throws you into this supposedly ‘to the death’ competition between highly skilled criminals for the chance of becoming the King’s Champion (assassin). I enjoyed the competitions we do get to read, and I loved some of the competitors and their dynamics. However, there was not as much blood shed or as much focus on the competition as I was expecting. There were frequently sentences like ‘another three days of training and a challenge had passed already’ and it’s not elaborated on any further. If you’re not picking this up for nitty gritty combat, then this won’t be a problem at all, as the rest of the plot is also definitely worth the read, I just personally would have preferred a longer book that focused on both the competition and the numerous side plots. That being said, from the beginnings of the magic system being created, I am so excited for the rest of the series where that can be further explored. While I wouldn’t say it’s a particularly original magic or political system, I think this one has been set up with a lot of depth and cleverly enough to be interesting none the less. (I have faith in SJM’s ability to make me love this world after the huge leap up from ACOTAR to ACOMAF - I will never judge her series based on the first book because of that alone)
I think Celaena is a brilliant character. I think I am somewhat biased towards her as I did read Assassin’s Blade before reading this, where a lot more is revealed about her and I find her to be far more likeable, but I still found her bitchyness combined with her clear moral compass an interesting character dynamic in this book.
I absolutely adore Dorian. I found him charming and interesting and I’m excited to see how his character develops through the series. I’m glad he and Celaena have agreed to be friends because I perceived their dynamic as one of partners and allies, not lovers. (Sorry for the minor spoiler there.)
I didn’t love Chaol as much, and I definitely don’t like the hints at romance between him and Celaena. I don’t care if he’s occasionally nice to her and thinks she’s pretty, he doesn’t respect her and he doesn’t even try to understand her point of view, so I have a lack of interest in him as a romantic lead (though I have a looming feeling he will be).
Overall, I think it’s a really strong start to the series with an interesting (though slightly undertold) plot and great characters. I’m excited for the rest of the series and so far I definitely recommend!
City of Glass by Cassandra Clare
adventurous
emotional
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? No
5.0
I think this book is a fantastic wrap up to the first half of the mortal instruments series.
This book provides a much deeper look into the characters almost everyone is already in love with by the time they get to this book. I think the character development, and the depth of the world building takes a very noticeable step up in this book. Rather than the confines of the New York Institute we are introduced to the incredible world of Idris which comes with a lot more lore, political development, and a greater understanding of the inner workings of the shadowhunter world outside the Lightwood family. I love the world expansion in this book and the love it gave me for the whole idea of shadowhunters rather than just the characters I had already grown to love. I genuinely believe that the rest of the books in the shadowhunter chronicles would not have been possible, or at least not nearly as good, without the foundations of the world set up by this book.
I also really enjoyed the introduction of new characters and how they shifted dynamics among the main characters. Sebastian is a brilliant character with a great deal of depth and intrigue provided much quicker than with the other main characters earlier in the series.
The main characters also gain a lot in the complexity of their relationships throughout this book which was a massive highlight as the development makes this world even more engrossing.
In summary, definitely read this series if you haven’t. The third book is a great foundation for the entire franchise. The world is fantastic, the characters are loveable, the relationships are investment-worthy, and the books really just pull you in. Of course, I have a deep childhood love for this series so I’m extremely biased, but I still absolutely recommend!
This book provides a much deeper look into the characters almost everyone is already in love with by the time they get to this book. I think the character development, and the depth of the world building takes a very noticeable step up in this book. Rather than the confines of the New York Institute we are introduced to the incredible world of Idris which comes with a lot more lore, political development, and a greater understanding of the inner workings of the shadowhunter world outside the Lightwood family. I love the world expansion in this book and the love it gave me for the whole idea of shadowhunters rather than just the characters I had already grown to love. I genuinely believe that the rest of the books in the shadowhunter chronicles would not have been possible, or at least not nearly as good, without the foundations of the world set up by this book.
I also really enjoyed the introduction of new characters and how they shifted dynamics among the main characters. Sebastian is a brilliant character with a great deal of depth and intrigue provided much quicker than with the other main characters earlier in the series.
The main characters also gain a lot in the complexity of their relationships throughout this book which was a massive highlight as the development makes this world even more engrossing.
In summary, definitely read this series if you haven’t. The third book is a great foundation for the entire franchise. The world is fantastic, the characters are loveable, the relationships are investment-worthy, and the books really just pull you in. Of course, I have a deep childhood love for this series so I’m extremely biased, but I still absolutely recommend!
City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I love this world and these characters so much. I think this book is a good in-between book. There is action and character development and a good buildup to the third book. While this instalment is personally my least favourite in the series, I think it still has a lot of merits and is worth the read to get to the third book if nothing else. I find this book to be somewhat slow at times (comparative to the other books in the series) with a lot of chapters that just feel unnecessary (good to read if you love the characters and just want character story and development though!). Overall I still enjoyed this book and managed to whizz through the whole thing in one sitting, so for any fantasy reader that hasn’t already read this entire series - I definitely recommend!
I will always recommend this series as a whole so it is very difficult for me to write the review for this book alone (as I have loved the entire franchise for years) but either way, this book is worth the read just for the sake of getting to read the series as a whole.
I will always recommend this series as a whole so it is very difficult for me to write the review for this book alone (as I have loved the entire franchise for years) but either way, this book is worth the read just for the sake of getting to read the series as a whole.
If This Gets Out by Sophie Gonzales, Cale Dietrich
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This books is cute and a fun read. It is very reminiscent of the fanfiction written about a certain ship that rhymes with Barry in both content and just vibes. I enjoyed reading it. I think the characters are pretty good and I became decently invested in their fates by the end. I think for those like myself who have enjoyed a good fanfic at some point in their lives, this will be a great read.
However, I must say that in some regards it was slightly disappointing. I felt that a lot of issues addressed had a lack of depth and used more as a device to drive the plot rather than being plots within themselves. Also, there was a complete lack of showing not telling. There were long paragraphs just thrown in at random points describing the wants and preferences of the characters in detail without them really needing to be there. The writing style wasn’t for me as I found it too simplistic but I can see how a slightly younger reader (about 14-15) might really enjoy the elements I disliked.
Overall, I’d recommend reading this book if this is a concept you like or if you just want a easy read that still has some realistic representations of people and their struggles rather than a really depressing and thought provoking book. The romance is cute and if that’s what you’re here for, give this a read.
However, I must say that in some regards it was slightly disappointing. I felt that a lot of issues addressed had a lack of depth and used more as a device to drive the plot rather than being plots within themselves. Also, there was a complete lack of showing not telling. There were long paragraphs just thrown in at random points describing the wants and preferences of the characters in detail without them really needing to be there. The writing style wasn’t for me as I found it too simplistic but I can see how a slightly younger reader (about 14-15) might really enjoy the elements I disliked.
Overall, I’d recommend reading this book if this is a concept you like or if you just want a easy read that still has some realistic representations of people and their struggles rather than a really depressing and thought provoking book. The romance is cute and if that’s what you’re here for, give this a read.
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
adventurous
funny
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 would like to start this review by stating that it is incredibly biased and probably too high (I think I would rate it 4 stars if I read it for the first time now) but these books made me fall in love with fantasy and with reading again when I was about 10/11. I have decided to reread, to see if they stand up to how brilliant they are in my mind, and this book did not disappoint me.
I adore Cassandra Clare’s world. I usually don’t enjoy fantasy set in a modern setting but this series has a grip on my heart in large part because it’s one of the few times I’ve read an urban fantasy and gone ‘holy shit this is so cool and the world is so well developed’. I love this universe. I think, especially for slightly younger ya readers (13/14) this world is expansive and developed while still being simple to understand and love.
I also adore all the popular fantasy species in one universe. You usually get vampires and werewolves together but I like seeing demons and angels mixed with vampires and werewolves and fairies and wizards. I think it gives space to easily read dynamics we are all familiar with while also introducing some awesome relationships and original political tension that I think is introduced well and slowly enough to make sense. This is better shown as the books go on and more of that world is revealed, but I think City of Bones gives a expert introduction.
I think Clare’s real talent lies in her characters and the relationships she writes between them. She creates likeable, interesting and diverse characters so that you don’t get bored and grow to absolutely adore them and deeply root for them.
Again, I am aware of how biased this review is, so take what I’ve said with a grain of salt. But that does not massively take away from how good I truly believe this world and these books to be. Definitely worth the read - especially for those newly into fantasy.
I adore Cassandra Clare’s world. I usually don’t enjoy fantasy set in a modern setting but this series has a grip on my heart in large part because it’s one of the few times I’ve read an urban fantasy and gone ‘holy shit this is so cool and the world is so well developed’. I love this universe. I think, especially for slightly younger ya readers (13/14) this world is expansive and developed while still being simple to understand and love.
I also adore all the popular fantasy species in one universe. You usually get vampires and werewolves together but I like seeing demons and angels mixed with vampires and werewolves and fairies and wizards. I think it gives space to easily read dynamics we are all familiar with while also introducing some awesome relationships and original political tension that I think is introduced well and slowly enough to make sense. This is better shown as the books go on and more of that world is revealed, but I think City of Bones gives a expert introduction.
I think Clare’s real talent lies in her characters and the relationships she writes between them. She creates likeable, interesting and diverse characters so that you don’t get bored and grow to absolutely adore them and deeply root for them.
Again, I am aware of how biased this review is, so take what I’ve said with a grain of salt. But that does not massively take away from how good I truly believe this world and these books to be. Definitely worth the read - especially for those newly into fantasy.
A Broken Betrothal by Rose Pearson
2.0
This is cute and good for what it is (that being a short, time-filler romance) but many parts just seemed exaggerated and completely unrealistic, mainly towards the end. When everyone was speaking in long paragraphs it felt like how everyone used to write speech in creative writing at 13/14 before learning how to make a conversation flow better and show, not tell, in their writing.
Also, for a regency romance, it felt like the actual romance part took a backseat. In the second half the story mainly focused on who was trying to ruin Leicestershire, not the relationship developing, but somehow they fall in love in the space of two weeks even though the only things they talk about are the mystery and how rude they have been to each other. I appreciated the added plot line but I felt the focus was misplaced.
That being said, it was a fun little read to fill a couple hours and I want to read the next in the series as my next short read, so it’s not bad at all.
Also, for a regency romance, it felt like the actual romance part took a backseat. In the second half the story mainly focused on who was trying to ruin Leicestershire, not the relationship developing, but somehow they fall in love in the space of two weeks even though the only things they talk about are the mystery and how rude they have been to each other. I appreciated the added plot line but I felt the focus was misplaced.
That being said, it was a fun little read to fill a couple hours and I want to read the next in the series as my next short read, so it’s not bad at all.
All the Young Dudes: Christmas Compilation by MsKingBean89
For non-book records, review text and ratings are hidden. Only mood, pace, and content warnings are visible.
Opal by Maggie Stiefvater
5.0
This novella is such a beautiful perspective on Ronan and Adam and their lives.
Opal is childlike but also quite wise, in her own dream-object way. She knows Ronan, but she doesn’t know his world. Her confusion at the world is so innocent and actually rather relatable. Her frustration at rules that mean nothing to her made complete sense to me. Her curiosity about not only the world around her but ‘animal’ (human) emotion/relationships was fascinating and, at least for me, completely understandable.
I love reading the perspective of children or child-like characters so this was right down my street.
It’s written beautifully, in a way that made me laugh and then made my heart ache.
For anyone that has just finished the Raven Cycle and aching for just a little more - read this!
Opal is childlike but also quite wise, in her own dream-object way. She knows Ronan, but she doesn’t know his world. Her confusion at the world is so innocent and actually rather relatable. Her frustration at rules that mean nothing to her made complete sense to me. Her curiosity about not only the world around her but ‘animal’ (human) emotion/relationships was fascinating and, at least for me, completely understandable.
I love reading the perspective of children or child-like characters so this was right down my street.
It’s written beautifully, in a way that made me laugh and then made my heart ache.
For anyone that has just finished the Raven Cycle and aching for just a little more - read this!
Beneath the Sugar Sky by Seanan McGuire
4.0
There were two sides of this for me. The first was the plot itself, which was good but not spectacular. The second was the background - the world building, the concept and the characters - which I found spectacular.
The whole candy land reminded me of a short story I had to write in English when I was about 8 years old. I wrote pages and pages about men made of brownies and babies that looked like lollipops. Listening to the description of Whimsy made me rather sentimental and brought me right back to my childhood mentality which was drenched in wonder. I found it completely magical and it was a fantastic experience. I suppose this might be an effect slightly unique to me as I do have a childhood connection, but I struggle to believe that anyone wouldn’t be reminded of silly childhood fantasies when reading this book.
Then there is the general concept of these children lost in the world they were born in. As someone that was wonderfully weird and believed wholeheartedly in magic throughout my childhood, I related hard to some of these characters. Some sentences brought me close to tears through empathy for these children who feel so unattached and distant from the world, something that is so well described in this book. Not to mention the strange solidarity they find within one another even though they can’t really understand one another from being so different but having the same experience.
The only thing that held this back from five stars for me was that the hoping between worlds so easily completely contradicts and undermines the experiences of the children in the first two books. They sacrifice and suffer to open these doors, but now there are magic beads? I understand they came from a different world, but it just didn’t feel right to me.
Overall, an enchanting, sentimental read. I highly recommend this series for that feeling of magic found in Narnia or Wonderland.
The whole candy land reminded me of a short story I had to write in English when I was about 8 years old. I wrote pages and pages about men made of brownies and babies that looked like lollipops. Listening to the description of Whimsy made me rather sentimental and brought me right back to my childhood mentality which was drenched in wonder. I found it completely magical and it was a fantastic experience. I suppose this might be an effect slightly unique to me as I do have a childhood connection, but I struggle to believe that anyone wouldn’t be reminded of silly childhood fantasies when reading this book.
Then there is the general concept of these children lost in the world they were born in. As someone that was wonderfully weird and believed wholeheartedly in magic throughout my childhood, I related hard to some of these characters. Some sentences brought me close to tears through empathy for these children who feel so unattached and distant from the world, something that is so well described in this book. Not to mention the strange solidarity they find within one another even though they can’t really understand one another from being so different but having the same experience.
The only thing that held this back from five stars for me was that the hoping between worlds so easily completely contradicts and undermines the experiences of the children in the first two books. They sacrifice and suffer to open these doors, but now there are magic beads? I understand they came from a different world, but it just didn’t feel right to me.
Overall, an enchanting, sentimental read. I highly recommend this series for that feeling of magic found in Narnia or Wonderland.