cyrille6k's reviews
647 reviews

Lost in Babylon by Peter Lerangis

4.0

Lost in Babylon is a thrilling sequel to Colossus Rising, continuing the adventures of the four heroes as they embark on a dangerous journey to ancient Babylon. The story picks up where the previous book left off, with the characters facing the urgent need to find a cure for their G7W affliction.

The introduction of time travel adds a new dimension to the series, allowing for exciting and unexpected plot twists. The characters' interactions with Dariah, a knowledgeable guide, and the opposing forces seeking to obtain the loculi create a sense of urgency and danger.

The exploration of trust and loyalty is a central theme, as the characters question the motives of those around them. Jack's search for his unique talent adds a layer of personal intrigue to the story.

With its fast-paced action, intriguing characters, and unexpected twists, Lost in Babylon is a captivating read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The cliffhanger ending will leave readers eager for the next installment in the series.

The Colossus Rises by Peter Lerangis

4.0

The Colossus Rises is a delightful and entertaining read that offers a fun and lighthearted escape. While it may not require deep thought, it's a thoroughly enjoyable story that will keep you engaged from beginning to end.

Tempestuous by Lesley Livingston

4.0

This book concludes with a satisfying and charming finale. Fans of Shakespeare will appreciate the clever references and allusions woven throughout the series.

The author's ability to blend classic Shakespearean elements with a modern fantasy setting is impressive. 

Darklight by Lesley Livingston

4.0

Darklight continues the enchanting world of Wondrous Strange, offering a thrilling and immersive fantasy experience.The series' strong character development remains a highlight, with each page revealing more about the fascinating world of faeries. 

Lesley's vivid descriptions of the faerie realm create a visually stunning and immersive experience. The characters,particularly Kelley and Sonny, are complex and engaging, making it easy to connect with their journey. 

The unexpected twists and turns keep the story fresh and exciting, preventing readers from anticipating the plot. If you're a fan of beautifully written YA fantasy, Darklight is a must-read. Don't miss out on this captivating sequel. 

Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston

4.0

Wondrous Strange is a captivating and original fantasy novel that will leave you enchanted. The characters are unforgettable, the plot is intricate, and the writing is exceptional. 

Kelley, the protagonist, is a refreshing departure from the typical damsel-in-distress trope. She's strong, independent, and unafraid to speak her mind. Her interactions with Sonny, the charming and protective faerie, are a highlight of the story. 

The novel's exploration of the fairy world is both imaginative and thought-provoking. The author's ability to blend fantasy elements with a modern setting is impressive. 

If you're looking for a captivating and original fantasy read, Wondrous Strange is a must-read. It's a testament to the author's talent and a reminder of the enduring power of storytelling. 

The Cursed by Harper L. Woods

3.0

The Cursed picks up where The Coven left off, but unfortunately fails to capitalize on the promise of the first book. While Willow's journey of self-discovery is a central theme, the execution feels rushed and incomplete. 

The novel lacks clarity in terms of Willow's powers, the coven's dynamics, Gray's role as an archdemon, and the nature of their relationship. The focus on Willow's internal thoughts and the explicit scenes, while enjoyable, overshadow the development of the broader story. 

The pacing is uneven, with sudden plot twists that often feel forced and unexplained. The lack of clarity regarding timelines and events creates confusion and diminishes the overall impact of the story. 

While I appreciate the author's efforts to explore themes of love, power, and self-discovery, The Cursed falls short of its potential. The rushed narrative and lack of depth in character development make it a disappointing sequel to The Coven. 

A Kiss in Time by Alex Flinn

3.0

While A Kiss in Time is a modern retelling of Sleeping Beauty, it fails to capture the magic and charm of the original tale.The world-building is inconsistent, the characters are unlikable, and the plot is contrived. 

Flinn's previous work, Beastly, demonstrated her ability to seamlessly blend classic fairy tale elements with a contemporary setting. Unfortunately, A Kiss in Time falls short in this regard. The story's inconsistencies and lack of believability detract from the overall enjoyment. 

The characters are particularly disappointing. Talia is a spoiled and unlikable protagonist, while Jack is shallow and self-centered. The supporting characters are equally one-dimensional, lacking depth and nuance. 

The forced and contrived ending feels rushed and unsatisfying. It's clear that Flinn put less effort into this novel compared to her previous work. While I'm a fan of Flinn's writing, I'm disappointed with A Kiss in Time and would caution readers to approach it with caution. 

Beastly by Alex Flinn

4.0

Beastly is a captivating retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast tale, set in a modern-day context. Kyle Kingsbury, a spoiled and arrogant young man, is transformed into a beast as punishment for his cruelty. 

The novel explores themes of redemption, self-discovery, and the true meaning of beauty. Kyle's journey of transformation is both relatable and inspiring, as he learns to appreciate the value of inner qualities over superficial appearances. 

The supporting characters, including the blind tutor and housekeeper, provide valuable guidance and friendship. The novel's exploration of societal beauty standards and the power of true love is thought-provoking and relevant. 

While the story may occasionally veer into cheesiness, the overall message is powerful and uplifting. Beastly is a heartwarming and enjoyable read that will resonate with readers of all ages. 

Cloaked by Alex Flinn

4.0

Cloaked is a delightful and whimsical fairy tale retelling that offers a refreshing take on a classic genre. While it may not be groundbreaking in terms of plot or character development, it's a charming and entertaining read that's perfect for those looking for a lighthearted escape. 

The protagonist, Johnny, is a lovable and relatable character with a unique perspective on the world. His self-deprecating humor and innocent nature add a touch of charm to the story. The author's ability to incorporate familiar fairy tale elements in unexpected ways is both clever and entertaining. 

If you're looking for a fun and lighthearted read that doesn't require deep analysis or complex plotlines, Cloaked is a perfect choice. Just relax, enjoy the ride, and let yourself be swept away by the magic of this charming fairy tale retelling. 

We Are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies by Matthew Tysz

3.0

While We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies initially promised a captivating adventure, the execution ultimately fell short. The lack of a clear plot and underdeveloped characters hindered my enjoyment of the story.

The novel's pacing is slow, and the inclusion of unnecessary elements, such as sexual jokes and themes, felt out of place and detracted from the overall narrative. The world-building and magic system were intriguing, but they were overshadowed by the weak plot and character development.

I found myself struggling to connect with the characters and understand their motivations. The inclusion of certain elements, such as the revelation about Eldus's son, felt forced and contrived.

While there were moments of intrigue, they were overshadowed by the overall weaknesses of the story. I would recommend this book to older readers due to its mature content. However, I caution readers who have experienced sexual trauma to proceed with caution due to the potentially triggering content.

Overall, We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies is a disappointing read that fails to live up to its potential. While there are glimpses of a good story, the execution is flawed, and the conclusion is unsatisfying.