bookishdaylight's reviews
286 reviews

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

4.0

It's a cute and emotional rom-com with a found-family aspect. I love the portrayal of the characters in this story, their dynamics, and how they communicate. A wholesome funny story with a great depiction of family hardships, healing, setting boundaries, honesty, and a lot of patience towards situations you'll have a hard time being patient with. 


P.S. I didn't realize that this is a companion series and I accidentally spoiled myself by reading the last book when I haven't even read the first book. I should've checked if this book had any connection with her other works. Oops, my bad...
At the end there was you by Wendy Heiss

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emotional funny hopeful sad tense fast-paced

4.0

 It is a short story and I thoroughly enjoyed this. 
Never A Hero by Vanessa Len

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adventurous emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

4.0

Full of mystery and intrigue, this plot never dulls my interest in the story. The characters, setting, and magic mystery are so interesting, the concept of traveling and the soulmate aspect captured my attention in a heartbeat. A fast-paced plot with many action-packed scenes can be confusing and forgettable but I was here for the characters to begin with.

It did lack the world-building and the magic system explanation though I can understand since the main character itself doesn't know. I did notice that the first book is much slower-paced than this one, this was all over the place and I did read the first book a while back, so I was confused half of the time because I couldn't remember the other characters.

The ending was a bit anti-climactic, I need a more tense, everything is falling apart scenario with the characters to let the readers know that everything is going wrong and this decision will change everything kind of thing. I still liked this and I'm still wondering the connection between Aaron and Joan from the true timeline if there's Nick and Joan. All in all, I need the third book.
Falling For Temptation by M.J. Hendrix

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hopeful tense fast-paced

3.0

It’s a cute story, main reason for reading this was because I wanted to read a book similar to archer’s voice. This was fine I guess. 
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

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adventurous challenging emotional tense medium-paced

5.0

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

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adventurous challenging emotional hopeful mysterious tense slow-paced

5.0

truly no words but I love this book and its characters and story.
Love Redesigned by Lauren Asher

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emotional funny medium-paced

3.5

 A wholesome read but after a few days, I literally forgot what happened in the book...
Fear the Drowning Deep by Sarah Glenn Marsh

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced

4.0

A dark thrilling tale of mysterious spooky creatures lurking at the sea that takes place in the 1913s. It is a story that involves the survival of the people on the island against mysterious forces. This concept of mythology is beautifully captured with the aspect of the story involving superstitions.

I was intrigued, enthralled, and entertained throughout the story. I liked this story's historical feel and truly enjoyed the concept of fear of the deep sea because I would be if it were dark and murky with mythological creatures in the ocean. I loved the family dynamics of Bridey which is full of fun, humor, and care. They were interesting characters in their relationship with one another. The visions of her mother are so interesting, I would've loved to learn more, but the realistic aspect of the unknown of those visions is on point since its setting is historical so I understand. The romance between Fynn and Bridey is heartwarming though the insta love is present and guessing on the time point maybe three to four months since the story takes place before and after summer.

All in all, I enjoyed this with its concept alone. I was captivated by the storyline of monsters lurking in the dark at sea. Tales like these are very interesting and entertaining.
A Far Wilder Magic by Allison Saft

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emotional mysterious tense slow-paced

4.0

It is a story that showcases a mystical slow-paced fantasy with the presence of political and religious beliefs. It is mostly focused on its dark atmospheric feel of alchemy and magic. It has this great balance between the plot, character dynamics, and the magical elements with a bit of intrigue.

A beautifully written story with its real depiction of the inner vulnerabilities and intimacy between the characters throughout the book. I was intrigued by the contrast between the narratives of the main characters and the kind of survival they had endured. The complexity of the deep-rooted hatred of the people and the actions both had to do to be invisible as well as be indifferent is so saddening.  I was rooting for them both to be well, safe, appreciated, and loved. 

Overall thoughts are that this proves YA Fantasy standalone can be greatly appreciated if done well and this was a cozy and comforting read.  I was fully emersed in the story itself and had a great time for the reason that I didn't want it to end. Sometimes standalones like these, I wished to be longer.
Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense slow-paced

4.75

 4.75 stars

“How I love to lose to you. How I love to read your words and hear the thoughts that sharpen your mind. And how I would love to be on my knees before you now, surrendering to you and you alone.”

 This was beautifully written with its creation of worldbuilding and hint of magic as well as the characters themselves. This was both hopeful and sad with so much longing, fear, passion, angst, and warmth between Iris and Roman. The tension and anticipation throughout the book kept me on edge. 

I would simply rate this book 5 stars for the characters. The plot on the other hand would be 3 stars in the sequel although I can understand why it is the way it is since it is ya, nevertheless, there were some plotholes throughout the novel that makes you question some scenes.

Dacre, the god who is the antagonist in the story is such an interesting villain. I've learned more about him than Enva wherein he was crafted as someone who was wronged then taking vengeance on Enva the goddess who is nonpresent in the story which I'm still confused about. I would've loved to learn more about the gods, their powers, and their characters.

I felt unmoved in the ending and it lacked the beautiful part where everything falls into place.
I understand that there are only two books since this is the sequel but I wished it was longer. There were so many elements that needed to be discovered and explained. The reason why the first book was amazing is because of the slow pace of the story wherein it truly dives into the characters and the story itself. This one is good but again, I wish it was longer or this could have been a trilogy.