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kaylierian's reviews
29 reviews
If You Could See the Sun by Ann Liang
emotional
inspiring
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
rep: chinese-american mc
romance: m/f
I don't think I've ever read a book this fast. One sitting. I am in awe.
I absolutely loved everything about this. Alice is fantastic and I adore her. Henry Li >>>>
Academic rivals to lovers is golden. Especially when this boy has been pining after her for years???? Yes. Henry Li, I love you. He is my downfall..
This book is SO much more than the romance though. Racism and classism are integral parts of the story. It's an important topic and Ann Liang delivers it so well. This book is incredibly important, I implore everyone to read this.
HENRY LI
romance: m/f
I don't think I've ever read a book this fast. One sitting. I am in awe.
I absolutely loved everything about this. Alice is fantastic and I adore her. Henry Li >>>>
Academic rivals to lovers is golden. Especially when this boy has been pining after her for years???? Yes. Henry Li, I love you. He is my downfall..
This book is SO much more than the romance though. Racism and classism are integral parts of the story. It's an important topic and Ann Liang delivers it so well. This book is incredibly important, I implore everyone to read this.
HENRY LI
In the Event of Love by Courtney Kae
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
rep: bi mc
romance: f/f
Think Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison but gay and that's this book. Yes it's cliche and unbearably cheesy but it's a fun time. The classic Hallmark "workaholic girl goes to a small town and finds love with that random lumberjack". Except this lumberjack is a tall, handsome woman. So basic but so enjoyable. It even has the classic third-act breakup over a topic that a simple conversation would fix.
Besides the miscommunication, this book was so cheesy it was honestly painful. I don't mind a little, but this was A LOT. I had to physically close the book, it was that bad. Everything else was great though! I really liked Morgan and Rachel and ADORED Morgan's relationship growth with her father. A big plus also was Ben and Morgan's bond too. I'm a sucker for close friend groups and this has it.
Highly recommend for a sweet, short, adorable sapphic romance
romance: f/f
Think Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison but gay and that's this book. Yes it's cliche and unbearably cheesy but it's a fun time. The classic Hallmark "workaholic girl goes to a small town and finds love with that random lumberjack". Except this lumberjack is a tall, handsome woman. So basic but so enjoyable. It even has the classic third-act breakup over a topic that a simple conversation would fix.
Besides the miscommunication, this book was so cheesy it was honestly painful. I don't mind a little, but this was A LOT. I had to physically close the book, it was that bad. Everything else was great though! I really liked Morgan and Rachel and ADORED Morgan's relationship growth with her father. A big plus also was Ben and Morgan's bond too. I'm a sucker for close friend groups and this has it.
Highly recommend for a sweet, short, adorable sapphic romance
The Dragon Republic by R.F. Kuang
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
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? Yes
4.0
flipping tables,,, i'll be a nezha defender for the rest of my days, i fear
It took me ages to get the courage to read this. I've been spoiled for the entire series and was blissfully believing that if I didn't read it, it didn't happen.
N E Z H A listen,, he's an idealist dumb-dumb who has no critical thinking skills but I love him. It's ridiculous. I love him but hate what he stands for. I hate what he represents. but .. but but but but but but,,, gonna crawl into a dark closet and cry.
rin nezha kitay ,,, my heart hurts, I'm sorry
rin's development though >>>>
It took me ages to get the courage to read this. I've been spoiled for the entire series and was blissfully believing that if I didn't read it, it didn't happen.
N E Z H A listen,, he's an idealist dumb-dumb who has no critical thinking skills but I love him. It's ridiculous. I love him but hate what he stands for. I hate what he represents. but .. but but but but but but,,, gonna crawl into a dark closet and cry.
rin nezha kitay ,,, my heart hurts, I'm sorry
rin's development though >>>>
Blood and Moonlight by Erin Beaty
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
romance: m/f
<b> 3.5 Stars </b>
Medieval fantasy with no misogyny >>>>
I've been debating between 3 and 4 stars, but 3.5 definitely fits.
If you liked "Stalking Jack the Ripper" by Kerri Maniscalco, you HAVE to read this. Think of that story but add moon magic. That's this book. In a good way!
Starting this book, I wasn't sure if I was in the mood for it. The beginning was so overwhelming but I'm glad I pushed through. I was pleasantly surprised!
I really loved the main character Catrin. She's brave, headstrong, basically the definition of girlboss. She's also genuine and isn't afraid to express her emotions. She carried this book.
The romance was adorable. Simon was mildly annoying at some points (major "pick me boy" energy here). Bro needs some therapy to take care of his self-deprecating attitude. But Catrin really does put him in his spot. Their chemistry jumped off the page and really made this book.
The actual mystery was interesting! I'm glad that the mystery wasn't obvious. All of this would've been great right? What makes this book special is the magic system. It wasn't crazy fleshed out but it will be in book two. Catrin is a werewolf without the wolf. Pretty iconic that the moon gives you enhanced senses.
I think this has gotten to the point of rambling. I enjoyed it,,, desperately wish I had book two.
<b> 3.5 Stars </b>
Medieval fantasy with no misogyny >>>>
I've been debating between 3 and 4 stars, but 3.5 definitely fits.
If you liked "Stalking Jack the Ripper" by Kerri Maniscalco, you HAVE to read this. Think of that story but add moon magic. That's this book. In a good way!
Starting this book, I wasn't sure if I was in the mood for it. The beginning was so overwhelming but I'm glad I pushed through. I was pleasantly surprised!
I really loved the main character Catrin. She's brave, headstrong, basically the definition of girlboss. She's also genuine and isn't afraid to express her emotions. She carried this book.
The romance was adorable. Simon was mildly annoying at some points (major "pick me boy" energy here). Bro needs some therapy to take care of his self-deprecating attitude. But Catrin really does put him in his spot. Their chemistry jumped off the page and really made this book.
The actual mystery was interesting! I'm glad that the mystery wasn't obvious. All of this would've been great right? What makes this book special is the magic system. It wasn't crazy fleshed out but it will be in book two. Catrin is a werewolf without the wolf. Pretty iconic that the moon gives you enhanced senses.
I think this has gotten to the point of rambling. I enjoyed it,,, desperately wish I had book two.
The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
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? Yes
4.5
rep: indigenous mexican-american lesbian mc
romance: f/f
Oh, this was great.
This story is incredibly raw and authentic. Yamilet is the most genuine main character I've read about. Her struggles and thoughts are so close to mine and seeing it in words on page was an experience.
You know what was also an experience? The last 100 ish pages. It was <I>painful</i>. Yamilet and Cesar's bond as siblings was by far the best part of the story. An actual realistic sibling relationship that isn't all sunshine and rainbows.
Another thing I enjoyed was Yamilet and Bo's relationship and how slow-building it was. I felt like I was holding my breath just waiting for them to kiss. It was great and torturous.
Such a beautiful, powerful story that definitely has reread potential.
romance: f/f
Oh, this was great.
This story is incredibly raw and authentic. Yamilet is the most genuine main character I've read about. Her struggles and thoughts are so close to mine and seeing it in words on page was an experience.
You know what was also an experience? The last 100 ish pages. It was <I>painful</i>. Yamilet and Cesar's bond as siblings was by far the best part of the story. An actual realistic sibling relationship that isn't all sunshine and rainbows.
Another thing I enjoyed was Yamilet and Bo's relationship and how slow-building it was. I felt like I was holding my breath just waiting for them to kiss. It was great and torturous.
Such a beautiful, powerful story that definitely has reread potential.
Count Your Lucky Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-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
5.0
rep: pansexual mc, bi mc
romance: f/f
Wow, I flew through this.
It's no secret that Alexandria Bellefleur is my romance author, and one of my favorite authors in general. This had everything I love:
Second chance sapphic romance? Yes.
Cats? Yes.
Grumpy x Sunshine? Yes.
Childhood best friends to lovers? Yes.
NO THIRD-ACT BREAKUP? YES
It's impossible for me to rank the books in this series. All of them are fantastic, I don't know which one I love more. Instant comfort reads. Margot and Olivia were great.
Have I mentioned that I love this?
Adore, adore, adore. First five-star read of 2023 too!!
romance: f/f
Wow, I flew through this.
It's no secret that Alexandria Bellefleur is my romance author, and one of my favorite authors in general. This had everything I love:
Second chance sapphic romance? Yes.
Cats? Yes.
Grumpy x Sunshine? Yes.
Childhood best friends to lovers? Yes.
NO THIRD-ACT BREAKUP? YES
It's impossible for me to rank the books in this series. All of them are fantastic, I don't know which one I love more. Instant comfort reads. Margot and Olivia were great.
Have I mentioned that I love this?
Adore, adore, adore. First five-star read of 2023 too!!
The Bone Spindle by Leslie Vedder
adventurous
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-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? No
3.5
rep: lesbian mc
romance: m/f & f/f
Sleeping Beauty retelling but the girl has to save the prince >>>
I really enjoyed this even though it took me a while to get through. The characters were interesting but not that complex. I loved Fi. Something about her just connected so well with me. And her relationship with Briar. Grumpy x Sunshine done SO WELL, I'm obsessed with them. Usually, I'm not a fan of insta-love but it worked with them... and not so well with Shane and Red.
Shane was the character I had a hard time connecting with. She held no depth at all and everything about her was surface level. This includes her relationship with Red. AND THEY ARE THE F/F COUPLE. You'd think I loved them but that wasn't the case. Everything with them was so off and insta-lovey. Though, I think their dynamic will grow more in the sequel, especially after that ending.
I really wish there was more development in the friendship between Fi and Shane. They didn't get along at all, and then they suddenly did. Also, the excessive use of the word partner was definitely getting to me.
The best part of this book is the ending. I want nothing more than to dive into book two, but I guess I can wait a couple more weeks...
Will be in Fi and Briar withdraw until then!
romance: m/f & f/f
Sleeping Beauty retelling but the girl has to save the prince >>>
I really enjoyed this even though it took me a while to get through. The characters were interesting but not that complex. I loved Fi. Something about her just connected so well with me. And her relationship with Briar. Grumpy x Sunshine done SO WELL, I'm obsessed with them. Usually, I'm not a fan of insta-love but it worked with them... and not so well with Shane and Red.
Shane was the character I had a hard time connecting with. She held no depth at all and everything about her was surface level. This includes her relationship with Red. AND THEY ARE THE F/F COUPLE. You'd think I loved them but that wasn't the case. Everything with them was so off and insta-lovey. Though, I think their dynamic will grow more in the sequel, especially after that ending.
I really wish there was more development in the friendship between Fi and Shane. They didn't get along at all, and then they suddenly did. Also, the excessive use of the word partner was definitely getting to me.
The best part of this book is the ending. I want nothing more than to dive into book two, but I guess I can wait a couple more weeks...
Will be in Fi and Briar withdraw until then!
Unseelie by Ivelisse Housman
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
rep: autistic main character
romance: m/f 'romance' (not explicitly shown but the potential and hints are there)
I made the mistake of thinking this was a standalone... It definitely is not!
I want more autistic main characters in fantasy. Something about someone who struggles with the same things I do wielding magic is so nice. And no one treats her differently because there is no stigmatism.
This is a character-driven story with a bunch of thieves/outcasts coming together (begrudgingly) to claim an object of power. Now the magic system wasn't really fleshed out so I had no idea why this thing is so important. But I just went along with it.
The characters:
Seelie: stubborn magic user, reluctant hero
Isolde: stabby stabby
Olani: quiet healer but will kill you
Raze: the love interest and... idk what else
I liked them all! But Raze's point in the story is very unclear to me. Maybe his character will be more fleshed out next book because right now he's here for comic relief/to get under Seelie's skin. Which I guess is essential for progressing the plot and development of Seelie. Anyways, it was fun to read about a ragtag group and the banter between the four of them. Seelie and Isolde are twins and their bond is a true sibling bond. They fight big fights, realistic sister fights. They butt heads but care for each other regardless.
The ending wrapped up rather quickly and with no explanation. At 95% I was full-on panicking because I thought this was a standalone and everything wasn't coming together. The next book should be just as fun!
P.S. I am in dire need of an Isolde point of view. Cause that girl is 100% in love with Olani.
romance: m/f 'romance' (not explicitly shown but the potential and hints are there)
I made the mistake of thinking this was a standalone... It definitely is not!
I want more autistic main characters in fantasy. Something about someone who struggles with the same things I do wielding magic is so nice. And no one treats her differently because there is no stigmatism.
This is a character-driven story with a bunch of thieves/outcasts coming together (begrudgingly) to claim an object of power. Now the magic system wasn't really fleshed out so I had no idea why this thing is so important. But I just went along with it.
The characters:
Seelie: stubborn magic user, reluctant hero
Isolde: stabby stabby
Olani: quiet healer but will kill you
Raze: the love interest and... idk what else
I liked them all! But Raze's point in the story is very unclear to me. Maybe his character will be more fleshed out next book because right now he's here for comic relief/to get under Seelie's skin. Which I guess is essential for progressing the plot and development of Seelie. Anyways, it was fun to read about a ragtag group and the banter between the four of them. Seelie and Isolde are twins and their bond is a true sibling bond. They fight big fights, realistic sister fights. They butt heads but care for each other regardless.
The ending wrapped up rather quickly and with no explanation. At 95% I was full-on panicking because I thought this was a standalone and everything wasn't coming together. The next book should be just as fun!
P.S. I am in dire need of an Isolde point of view. Cause that girl is 100% in love with Olani.
Defy by CS Doraga
adventurous
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.0
For fans of: Tamora Pierce and Mercedes Lackey
Now I want a talking dragon.
THIS book y'all... It was amazing. I haven't had this much fun reading a book in a while.
The nostalgia is real here. Reading Defy made me feel like I was 13 again reading classic fantasy. I didn't even care that the plot was predictable because I loved it so much. I honestly almost cried toward the end because I didn't want the story to end.
I adored the main character and seeing her grow. It is so refreshing to find a YA fantasy without romance and centered around the main character's development. No boy saves her and makes all her issues disappear, she tackles them herself. Well, she and her talking dragon friend. TALKING DRAGON FRIEND. What else could you ever need from a fantasy?? The bond between the main character and her dragon was perfect and just wholesome.
The perfect fantasy coming-of-age story. I am so glad I took a chance on this book, and I hope you do too!
advanced reader copy provided in exchange for an honest review
Now I want a talking dragon.
THIS book y'all... It was amazing. I haven't had this much fun reading a book in a while.
The nostalgia is real here. Reading Defy made me feel like I was 13 again reading classic fantasy. I didn't even care that the plot was predictable because I loved it so much. I honestly almost cried toward the end because I didn't want the story to end.
I adored the main character and seeing her grow. It is so refreshing to find a YA fantasy without romance and centered around the main character's development. No boy saves her and makes all her issues disappear, she tackles them herself. Well, she and her talking dragon friend. TALKING DRAGON FRIEND. What else could you ever need from a fantasy?? The bond between the main character and her dragon was perfect and just wholesome.
The perfect fantasy coming-of-age story. I am so glad I took a chance on this book, and I hope you do too!
advanced reader copy provided in exchange for an honest review
The City Beneath the Hidden Stars by Sonya Kudei
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.5
This was a struggle. Once again, I was pulled in by a pretty cover and let down.
The City Beneath the Hidden Stars had SO much potential. From being inspired by Coratin history/folklore to literal star people. As in the stars in the sky are actually magical human beings. This city in Croatia is the "bridge" between our world and the interstellar one. The concept is incredible. The follow-through was not.
Do you know how in English classes they push you to show not tell? This takes showing and telling to a whole other level. The excessive descriptions of the setting and rambling of the characters' thoughts made the book a slog to get through. I promise that the reader does not care about each of the pots in the stairwell.
The plot was genuinely interesting but didn't get going until 50% through the book. The first half seemed so pointless. So many side characters that had no relevance to the story and gaping plot holes. The book was messy and really could've used a nice comb-through by editors. Editing would've cut down on the rambling, making the story smoother.
The novel centers around 3 characters but honestly only one point of view was necessary, Leo's. Leo is one of the star people I mentioned beforehand and he is great. I didn't have any qualms with Stella's point of view even though it was hard to imagine her as eleven years old. However. Dario. I don't know what his point was. In the beginning, his chapters were the most entertaining but towards the end, he held no relevance at all. Other than just being naive.
All in all, after a good few rounds of editing this book could've been phenomenal. I loved the concept I just wish things were concise.
The City Beneath the Hidden Stars had SO much potential. From being inspired by Coratin history/folklore to literal star people. As in the stars in the sky are actually magical human beings. This city in Croatia is the "bridge" between our world and the interstellar one. The concept is incredible. The follow-through was not.
Do you know how in English classes they push you to show not tell? This takes showing and telling to a whole other level. The excessive descriptions of the setting and rambling of the characters' thoughts made the book a slog to get through. I promise that the reader does not care about each of the pots in the stairwell.
The plot was genuinely interesting but didn't get going until 50% through the book. The first half seemed so pointless. So many side characters that had no relevance to the story and gaping plot holes. The book was messy and really could've used a nice comb-through by editors. Editing would've cut down on the rambling, making the story smoother.
The novel centers around 3 characters but honestly only one point of view was necessary, Leo's. Leo is one of the star people I mentioned beforehand and he is great. I didn't have any qualms with Stella's point of view even though it was hard to imagine her as eleven years old. However. Dario. I don't know what his point was. In the beginning, his chapters were the most entertaining but towards the end, he held no relevance at all. Other than just being naive.
All in all, after a good few rounds of editing this book could've been phenomenal. I loved the concept I just wish things were concise.