fullybookedpenguin's reviews
122 reviews

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

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

2.5

Okay, so my main dislike of the book is... Celaena Sardothien...i.e. our main character.
Celaena is one of the most self-contradicting, boastful, strangely stupid heroines I've ever had the pleasure? of reading.
The plot with the Wyrdmarks and competition was fun to try and figure out, though some of the characters roles were pretty easy to see through, and made Celaena's slow deductions almost painful.
I dislike the romance in this book as well, the trio of weird vibes and awkward flirtations was cringe to read, you can definitely tell the romance was written by a fifteen year old in my opinion, but take away that and I enjoyed both male leads, Dorian and Chaol. Sure both have their faults, but I think I appreciated their views and convictions more than our female lead.
The best character by far was the dog, Fleetfoot. Will continue reading the series for the doggo.

Tales from the Café by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

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Content Warnings

Minor: Cancer, Child death, Death, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, and Pregnancy

My Frosty fake Christmas date by Cassie Bowen

emotional funny medium-paced

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

2.0

When I tell you I was loving reading this book, I do not lie. The family dynamic around FMC, Julie, was so fun and her niece is adorably funny. They were doing silly goofy Christmas things too, which is an obvious must have in a romantic Christmas novel.
However... the last act conflict made me so angry and frustrated that it ruined the book for me. I hated it so much that when the HEA appeared it was like 'Ew'. Everyone but the niece and maybe the FMC (until she just took the trashy anger of every man and his dog. Have some fight my girl!) pissed me off.

Everyone just gets angry at our Julie and after dropping a whole heap of truth bombs on our bewildered FMC, Tucker (MMC) gives her half a second to respond to his love confession before storming off, and then Julies brother calls her cold, etc for not responding because she's flipping in shock. And then Julie does all the work of getting them together again. Not to mention the whole mother inviting the cheating exes and acting like everyone should just get over it and be buddy buddy despite the ex being a chronic liar and cruelest jerk alive.

The Mystery of the Disappearing Cat by Enid Blyton

adventurous lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Of Chaos and Cadence by Constance Lopez

adventurous hopeful

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

A Groom of One's Own by Emma St. Clair

lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.0

The Icebound Land by John Flanagan

adventurous emotional medium-paced

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

4.5

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Content Warnings

Minor: Drug use, Slavery, Torture, and Violence

Absolutely Not in Love by Jenny Proctor

lighthearted fast-paced

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

4.0

Just Don't Fall by Emma St. Clair

lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.5

Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross

adventurous emotional reflective medium-paced

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

3.75

I'm usually not a fan of the amnesia trope but fortunately with this book it was written in a way that didn't annoy me.
I also preferred Roman and Iris's relationship in this book.
The pacing was slightly off, I actually enjoyed it for 70% of the book but I felt the final 'battle' with Dacre was pretty lack lustre and the surrounding wrapping up fell flat.
Overall I enjoyed it more than Divine Rivals, but the last 30% definitely could have had more spark.