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bre_reads_and_reviews's reviews
7 reviews
A Soul to Keep by Opal Reyne
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Im just gonna start off with saying that I have a love/hate relationship with this book. It also has me contemplating in buying book 2 but I don't want to be disappointed. I was super excited to finally read this book but after several chapters my hopes for it went down the drain slowly. Throughout the entire book, even several times on one page there were grammar errors and words missing. And it wasn't just like a word being spelled differently, it was actually misspelled. And I get no one is perfect. Usually I'm fine with misspellings but it was so frequent that my brain was starting to focus on that instead of the book. It was also becoming repetitive and predictable. Especially with the word bowed. I saw like 4 times on one page. I think the only characters I liked in the book was Orpheus and the deer antlered Mavka. I just absolutely adored their personality. The way Orpheus would cover one eye when his eyes changed to pink!! And the way he acted throughout had me giggling and kicking my feet. And boy let me tell yall about the spice. It was 🥵🥵🥵. I also don't understand why people complain about how long the book is. I felt like I got to know more about the characters because of how descriptive it was. Yes it could have been shortened down just a little by getting rid of some of the repetitiveness but other than that it the perfect length. Overall I'm gonna give it 3 stars and 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 on the spice scale.
Storm of Olympus by Claire M. Andrews
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
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? Yes
5.0
⚠️⚠️possible spoilers⚠️⚠️
Ughhh my hearttt!!! What a roller-coaster of emotions this was. And the writing... absolutely phenomenal 👏, as always. I felt like I was there with the characters. The plot, the climax, the ending.... ughh just 🤌. Perfect, absolutely perfect!! This actually was a quite interesting read. Most mythology books I've read several main gods are favored and romanticized but throughout this one they were sort of shown how they probably truly acted during those times. And I actually liked that. I don't know how many times I've gasped throughout this book. First finding out that Norse mythology was added into the story, which I absolutely loved. Some others were how many secrets kept being revealed. And the biggest gasps i gusped was when a certain deaths happened toward the end. Some of them I literally went "aww noo" to others where I went "yes!! Absolutely deserved" but quickly was like please don't smite me gods 😂. I even cheered for Apollo and Hermes getting their Vengeance and justice. Not gonna lie I shed a few tears during the last couple of chapters. Super sad that the series has come to an end but I think the author did a superb job on properly ending it. Can't wait to read more of her books!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars!!
Ughhh my hearttt!!! What a roller-coaster of emotions this was. And the writing... absolutely phenomenal 👏, as always. I felt like I was there with the characters. The plot, the climax, the ending.... ughh just 🤌. Perfect, absolutely perfect!! This actually was a quite interesting read. Most mythology books I've read several main gods are favored and romanticized but throughout this one they were sort of shown how they probably truly acted during those times. And I actually liked that. I don't know how many times I've gasped throughout this book. First finding out that Norse mythology was added into the story, which I absolutely loved. Some others were how many secrets kept being revealed. And the biggest gasps i gusped was when a certain deaths happened toward the end. Some of them I literally went "aww noo" to others where I went "yes!! Absolutely deserved" but quickly was like please don't smite me gods 😂. I even cheered for Apollo and Hermes getting their Vengeance and justice. Not gonna lie I shed a few tears during the last couple of chapters. Super sad that the series has come to an end but I think the author did a superb job on properly ending it. Can't wait to read more of her books!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars!!
The Awakening by Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Book review time!!
Zodiac Academy: The Awakening by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti
Zodiac academy: The Awakening is a high Romantasy story about two twins who have their whole world turned upside down. Brought to another world and finding out that they are the long lost heirs to this world and that they are fae with magic, they must try and survive their first year and to also graduate the academy in order to claim their inheritance and their rightful throne. But things won't be that easy for them. They soon face the four other heirs who will make life a living hell for them. All four also have eyes on the throne and are determined to claim it and rule together. This means they will do anything to stop the twins from graduating.
Where to start with this book. First off, this book was very action packed. I swear the Vega twins could not catch a break. Almost every other chapter something was going wrong for them. There was also a lot of repetition throughout it. Shiver was one of the words that was almost on every other page. I'm fine with it being every now and then but there was a lot of unnecessary shivering going on. Not gonna lie professor Orion had me blushing whenever he showed up. One of my favorite quotes in the book that made me laugh out loud was "I shoved the cash into the back pocket of my pants, scooped up Pete's toothbrush and dunked it in the toilet bowl." This immediately hooked me and loved the sarcastic remarks and banter throughout the book. Some of the bullying got intense throught so forewarning there for anyone who has triggers for that kind of stuff. I'm kind of disappointed that there was no growth with the twins and their powers. They had such power and kept going on how they would learn to harness and wield their powers but they hardly even touched it. Hopefully there will be more of them and their powers in book two. I do love how much fantasy is in this and how descriptive it was. Overall it's gonna be a 3.5 for me. Hopefully book two will be better.
Zodiac Academy: The Awakening by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti
Zodiac academy: The Awakening is a high Romantasy story about two twins who have their whole world turned upside down. Brought to another world and finding out that they are the long lost heirs to this world and that they are fae with magic, they must try and survive their first year and to also graduate the academy in order to claim their inheritance and their rightful throne. But things won't be that easy for them. They soon face the four other heirs who will make life a living hell for them. All four also have eyes on the throne and are determined to claim it and rule together. This means they will do anything to stop the twins from graduating.
Where to start with this book. First off, this book was very action packed. I swear the Vega twins could not catch a break. Almost every other chapter something was going wrong for them. There was also a lot of repetition throughout it. Shiver was one of the words that was almost on every other page. I'm fine with it being every now and then but there was a lot of unnecessary shivering going on. Not gonna lie professor Orion had me blushing whenever he showed up. One of my favorite quotes in the book that made me laugh out loud was "I shoved the cash into the back pocket of my pants, scooped up Pete's toothbrush and dunked it in the toilet bowl." This immediately hooked me and loved the sarcastic remarks and banter throughout the book. Some of the bullying got intense throught so forewarning there for anyone who has triggers for that kind of stuff. I'm kind of disappointed that there was no growth with the twins and their powers. They had such power and kept going on how they would learn to harness and wield their powers but they hardly even touched it. Hopefully there will be more of them and their powers in book two. I do love how much fantasy is in this and how descriptive it was. Overall it's gonna be a 3.5 for me. Hopefully book two will be better.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Celaena Sardothien, an assassin who has been captured and sent to the Endovier Salt Mines, has found her chance to freedom. Summoned by the king to serve as his potential champion, Celaena must go through numerous trials, and must defeat 23 other champions who have been given the same chance as her. Freedom. Through the next several months Celaena has become friends with the The Captain of the Guard, The Crown Prince, and a princess from another country. And champions are starting to turn up dead and mutilated. Celaenas' fight for freedom has now turned into a fight for survival.
First off why haven't I started this series sooner!! This was such a fun and quick read. Not saying that the murdering part was fun!! It's a twist between fantasy and murder mystery. Loved the personality of some of the characters. I adored how flirtatious Dorian was. He made me smile while kicking my feet😂. Chaol on the other hand... his character started to get better towards the end. I hope to see more in the next book. Now for Celaena, I both loved and disliked her, at certain points. She can be such a badass but at the same time a little whiny when being told no. Same as Chaol, I hope to see more growth with her in the next book.
First off why haven't I started this series sooner!! This was such a fun and quick read. Not saying that the murdering part was fun!! It's a twist between fantasy and murder mystery. Loved the personality of some of the characters. I adored how flirtatious Dorian was. He made me smile while kicking my feet😂. Chaol on the other hand... his character started to get better towards the end. I hope to see more in the next book. Now for Celaena, I both loved and disliked her, at certain points. She can be such a badass but at the same time a little whiny when being told no. Same as Chaol, I hope to see more growth with her in the next book.
Critical Role: The Mighty Nein — The Nine Eyes of Lucien by Madeleine Roux
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This was by far one of the best books I've ever read. The writing was superb, and the character development of multiple characters was just *muah chefs kiss 🤌* I do have to say though the ending was trippy and confusing. So much was happening, that it got to the point where I lost focus, but other than that the book was fun to read. Also can we appreciate the cover of the book. Lucien is exactly how I pictured him throughout the book and he's also kind of... 😏. Anywaysss 😂 definitely recommend reading this!! The writing style and font is also super unique as well. I believe this book is about a DnD character that came from critical role. I'm not entirely sure though. Looks like I'm gonna be jumping down the rabbit hole for this.
The Illiad and The Odyssey by Homer
adventurous
emotional
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? No
5.0
The Illiad tells the tale of the ten year war in Troy and Achilles rage, and Odysseuss' harrowing journey back home.
Let's start this review off with how long this book took me read. I started this back on August 17th and I now just finished it. I will say I gave it ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars as it's Greek mythology and one of finest literature pieces out there. And I just absolutely loved it. Definitely was interesting to read as I read a dumb down and completely different version of this back in high school. Also I would like to say that we need to remake the movie Troy and actually add the gods into it. As they had a huge part in both stories. Just my personal opinion, don't come for me. I absolutely love the movie Troy (especially since it has Brad Pitt in it 😏.)
Let's start this review off with how long this book took me read. I started this back on August 17th and I now just finished it. I will say I gave it ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars as it's Greek mythology and one of finest literature pieces out there. And I just absolutely loved it. Definitely was interesting to read as I read a dumb down and completely different version of this back in high school. Also I would like to say that we need to remake the movie Troy and actually add the gods into it. As they had a huge part in both stories. Just my personal opinion, don't come for me. I absolutely love the movie Troy (especially since it has Brad Pitt in it 😏.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Violence, War, and Injury/Injury detail
A Wilderness of Stars by Shea Ernshaw
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Spotting Them in the sky, a once in a hundred-year event, something her ancestors have been waiting for decades, time has for Vega to finally leave the Valley—her home. For her to start her journey. But something grave is happening outside of the Valley, out of the boundaries of where safety is. People are becoming sick—loosing their eyesight and hearing and eventually their lives. Not only that but Vega has to worry about people discovering her tattoo— a constellation that signifies that she is the one— the last Astronomer and a cure for the sickness that is running rampant. Finding herself in a serious predicament, she is forced to run for her life and to try and escape. But not without the help of girl named Cricket, whos mission is to take her to a boy named Noah. On a quest to find a cure, all three flee across the hot plains, and snowy mountains with men at their heels, hunting them.
Ughh I have so many mixed feelings for this book. It started off so good but sorta of went down hill in my opinion. Things started becoming very repetitive, which I felt like took the plot away. I feel like every other page the main character Vega was to busy worring and feeling sorry for herself. I get the at the beginning why, but after that it's the same thing over and over. Which I feel like you lose the story line and the reader. And most of it was becoming predictable. Also the chapters were way to long. There were only 12 chapter but each chapter had up to almost 50 pages. And personally I like to plan out my chapters to read so I don't have to stop in the middle of one. There definitely could have been more chapters which I also think there could have been more to the story. Moving on to the parts I like best. I feel like this was a western sci fi book. If it is it definitely was a breath of fresh air. I liked the relationship that was building between Vega and Noah. It was a quick but I still liked it. I will say the ending broke my heart. Even though I predicted what was going to happen but Still! It was interesting reading blurbs of a past astronomer at the end of the chapters. Not gonna lie though I hope there is a book 2. The cliffhanger at the end made me sit up right in bed. And when I tell you I gasped!!
I'm gonna give it 2.5 stars. I was back and forth between a 3 and 2.
Ughh I have so many mixed feelings for this book. It started off so good but sorta of went down hill in my opinion. Things started becoming very repetitive, which I felt like took the plot away. I feel like every other page the main character Vega was to busy worring and feeling sorry for herself. I get the at the beginning why, but after that it's the same thing over and over. Which I feel like you lose the story line and the reader. And most of it was becoming predictable. Also the chapters were way to long. There were only 12 chapter but each chapter had up to almost 50 pages. And personally I like to plan out my chapters to read so I don't have to stop in the middle of one. There definitely could have been more chapters which I also think there could have been more to the story. Moving on to the parts I like best. I feel like this was a western sci fi book. If it is it definitely was a breath of fresh air. I liked the relationship that was building between Vega and Noah. It was a quick but I still liked it. I will say the ending broke my heart. Even though I predicted what was going to happen but Still! It was interesting reading blurbs of a past astronomer at the end of the chapters. Not gonna lie though I hope there is a book 2. The cliffhanger at the end made me sit up right in bed. And when I tell you I gasped!!
I'm gonna give it 2.5 stars. I was back and forth between a 3 and 2.
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