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keschneider's reviews
140 reviews
The Fragile Threads of Power by V.E. Schwab
adventurous
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
4.75
A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-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? It's complicated
4.0
God is there anything better than staying up until 12am finishing a great fantasy read? What a delight. I’ve been wanting to start this series for close to two years now, and the first book did not disappoint. I am excited to see where the story goes from here, now that the big baddies are …gone? Some of them for sure are. But others? Hmmmmmmmmmm methinks we may see them again. Onto the review—
Loved:
•I love my guy Kell and my girl Lilah. These are two strong leads, and yet not infallible. Their struggles and weaknesses were realistic, as were their strengths and triumphs. And don’t even get me started on their sparkling personalities. Kell had my heart from the get go. It took me a minute to warm up to Lilah but once I did I’m now convinced she is *perfect*
•I definitely feel like I am still learning about and getting used to the magic system, but it is super cool. Multiple worlds? Only Antari can travel between worlds? COOL. I want.
•I actually really loved and enjoyed all of the side-characters. I was worried when we kept getting POV’s in random people’s perspectives that I would find it annoying, but I really liked how it added dimension to the plot, and a closer look at the dark magic beneath the surface of the people it infected.
•I like how Kell and Lilah both were able to save and protect each other semi-equally. They both have their strengths and weaknesses and use them to protect each other.
Critiques:
•this took me a while to really get into, and I think it’s just because the start was pretty slow. While not atypical of a fantasy, it still is hard for me to get through that first 100 pages of world and character building, history, context, blah blah blah, and this book fell into that for sure. And at times it didn’t feel like world building or other context building, but just too long of an exposition. Still, I didn’t mind it too much, and I know to expect it usually of a fantasy so it was fine. Just not my favorite.
•I was still left with many questions about the magic system. What are the limits of a normal magic wielder? What are the limits of an Antari? Does magic sap energy or does it feed you energy? Is anyone more powerful than an Antari, or are they the most powerful? Some of these questions and more I have were partially answered, but I felt like I wasn’t truly grasping the way everything works yet. Hopefully clarity will come with the next few books.
All in all, a fun, dark, and interesting story. Excited to delve into the next one!
Loved:
•I love my guy Kell and my girl Lilah. These are two strong leads, and yet not infallible. Their struggles and weaknesses were realistic, as were their strengths and triumphs. And don’t even get me started on their sparkling personalities. Kell had my heart from the get go. It took me a minute to warm up to Lilah but once I did I’m now convinced she is *perfect*
•I definitely feel like I am still learning about and getting used to the magic system, but it is super cool. Multiple worlds? Only Antari can travel between worlds? COOL. I want.
•I actually really loved and enjoyed all of the side-characters. I was worried when we kept getting POV’s in random people’s perspectives that I would find it annoying, but I really liked how it added dimension to the plot, and a closer look at the dark magic beneath the surface of the people it infected.
•I like how Kell and Lilah both were able to save and protect each other semi-equally. They both have their strengths and weaknesses and use them to protect each other.
Critiques:
•this took me a while to really get into, and I think it’s just because the start was pretty slow. While not atypical of a fantasy, it still is hard for me to get through that first 100 pages of world and character building, history, context, blah blah blah, and this book fell into that for sure. And at times it didn’t feel like world building or other context building, but just too long of an exposition. Still, I didn’t mind it too much, and I know to expect it usually of a fantasy so it was fine. Just not my favorite.
•I was still left with many questions about the magic system. What are the limits of a normal magic wielder? What are the limits of an Antari? Does magic sap energy or does it feed you energy? Is anyone more powerful than an Antari, or are they the most powerful? Some of these questions and more I have were partially answered, but I felt like I wasn’t truly grasping the way everything works yet. Hopefully clarity will come with the next few books.
All in all, a fun, dark, and interesting story. Excited to delve into the next one!
A Soul of Ash and Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Solid read. Solid 3 stars. Enjoyable, but nothing ground breaking happened until the last chapter.
I think it was fun to get Cas's perspective on a lot of the events in FBAA, and also fill in some of the blanks for when he was plotting and meeting with descenters and such.
I did not like how little we get at the end of his *shift* what that MEANS and he doesn’t even get to TALK to Poppy because my girl has basically been asleep this entire book. I truly hope the next book blows my frickin pants off otherwise idk if I can continue with this series anymore. I want it to end on a high note and not keep going on forever until I end up hating it.
I think it was fun to get Cas's perspective on a lot of the events in FBAA, and also fill in some of the blanks for when he was plotting and meeting with descenters and such.
I did not like how little we get at the end of his *shift* what that MEANS and he doesn’t even get to TALK to Poppy because my girl has basically been asleep this entire book. I truly hope the next book blows my frickin pants off otherwise idk if I can continue with this series anymore. I want it to end on a high note and not keep going on forever until I end up hating it.
A Shadow in the Ember by Jennifer L. Armentrout
adventurous
slow-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? Yes
2.0
Mood after finishing this book: *Olivia Rodrigo enters, stage right, walks up to the microphone, and then scream sings "DO YOU GET DEJA VU" while breaking the mic stand over her leg, and then breathes fire*
Oh dear. Oh dear oh dear oh dear. What a blistering disappointment this was. Imagine my surprise too, after seeing it so highly rated on GR and storygraph. Did y'all read the same book?
I hold the original From Blood and Ash series close to my heart, as precious to me as a melted ice cream cone, or perhaps a mug with its handle broken off. It was a fun fantasy romance follow-up to ACOTAR, but I know it has its flaws. But I liked the characters and the story was interesting enough that it kept my attention, and the romance was great IMO (I know people have issues with Cas and things he did. Have we never heard of the concept of morally gray leading men in romance? I mean, c'mon, I eat that up, it's no surprise I loved Cas). We're gonna start with critiques on this one, because I am livid.
Critiques:
-Yeah okay I like the originals. Sue me. I didn't love the original series so much that I wanted to read it AGAIN in different packaging and characters. It is SO SIMILAR in almost EVERY WAY that I wanted to scream. The characters were the same. The romantic storyline was the same. The mystery was the same. The plot was the same. Only thing that was missing was a Kieran equivalent. I wish I were exaggerating, but literally so much of the original FBAA book is recycled in this one that I ended up what I can only call "hate reading" this story. Like I was determined to finish it but I gritted my teeth and grumbled the entire time. Just for that I almost gave this book ONE STAR. Something unheard of in my reading journey. I will explain the two stars later.
-The use of the "I have a question" line that Poppy always had in the original FBAA series in order to world build and info dump was incredibly painful in this story. I think I accepted it in the original series and liked how it fit Poppy's curious nature, but to COPY AND PASTE the EXACT same technique onto an entirely different character hundreds of years earlier as a world building/info dumping technique just felt plain lazy to me. It's not the worst way to world build or answer the readers' questions, but it feels like JLA relies way too heavily on it and can't seem to do it any other way. And part of me was like "hey, that's POPPY'S thing."
-This irked me in the original series too, but some of the modern language and expressions are just too much for me. Too out of place, too immature, too pop-culture. In a fantasy world, even in the context of fantasy romance, hearing characters say "damn straight" and "you're mouthy, aren't you?" and "they tend to get a bit bitey" just was a little too cringe-y. I had the same issue with Fourth Wing at times, though to a lesser extent (don't come for me, I rated that book 5 stars)
-I'M SORRY but we can NOT name a FANTASY WORLD after PASTA. I can't do it. I can't. I refuse. LASANIA people. As in, Lasagna. What in the world? And what made this worse was I was slapped in the face with this name OVER and OVER, multiple times EVERY chapter. I couldn't escape. I even tried pronouncing it differently in my head. La-sa-nee-ya. La-sa-nye-ya. Nothing helped. I was stuck imagining every character in this book living on a giant lasagna noodle. I may never recover from this alone. It felt personal by the end of the book. If I ever write a book I'm naming my fantasy world "Fettucine". But I'll spell it "Phaetutchine". Choke on that. Ridiculous.
-Insta-love did not hit in this. It rarely does for me, but especially in a recycled story that I've already read a better version of.
-This book was about nothing. When Sera finally gets taken to the Shadowlands or whatever, I was like finally after 250 pages of basically nothing, things are happening! But nope. Just more q&a's and inconsequential God/Primal drama. I mean Sera even discovers her gift is changing the same way as Poppy did. Honestly I was surprised Sera didn't have red hair like her too. And that her name wasn't just "Peppy" or "Poopy" or something like that.
-We don't learn one of the main characters' names until like 200 pages into the book. ???? I like mystery as much as the next gal, but homeboy was only referred to as "the god" for 30% of the story. No.
-Welcome to strong female character spends her whole life training to be an assassin and it ends up not mattering at all (again) because everyone she comes into contact with (read: all the MALES she comes in contact with) are still all stronger, faster, and older than her.
Loved (read: tolerated):
-SOME of the banter and flirting between Seraphina and Nyktos was fun and cute and enjoyable. But again, it was almost copy and pasted the SAME EXACT dynamic that Poppy and Casteel have in FBAA, and it just felt stolen.
-I liked how Nyktos was super powerful and terrifying
But y'all, I really think that's it for things I liked. This was rough.
"Why 2 stars then? Why not condemn it to be your first ever 1 star read?" you may be asking? Well, because there was still one corner of my brain, depraved and occupied by what is no doubt the equivalent of a dumpster fire, that enjoyed bits and pieces of the world, the romance, and the characters. Even though they all felt stolen/recycled. I get that this is in the same world as FBAA, but for it to feel SO SIMILAR, and SO MUCH of the major plot points and the characters' journeys to feel like a complete mirror image of the original series was still incredibly disappointing and not at all what I expected.
And so, because there's one self-destructive part of my brain with no standards and is easy to please that enjoyed the book, it keeps its stupid 2 stars. Barely. Against my better judgement.
Oh dear. Oh dear oh dear oh dear. What a blistering disappointment this was. Imagine my surprise too, after seeing it so highly rated on GR and storygraph. Did y'all read the same book?
I hold the original From Blood and Ash series close to my heart, as precious to me as a melted ice cream cone, or perhaps a mug with its handle broken off. It was a fun fantasy romance follow-up to ACOTAR, but I know it has its flaws. But I liked the characters and the story was interesting enough that it kept my attention, and the romance was great IMO (I know people have issues with Cas and things he did. Have we never heard of the concept of morally gray leading men in romance? I mean, c'mon, I eat that up, it's no surprise I loved Cas). We're gonna start with critiques on this one, because I am livid.
Critiques:
-Yeah okay I like the originals. Sue me. I didn't love the original series so much that I wanted to read it AGAIN in different packaging and characters. It is SO SIMILAR in almost EVERY WAY that I wanted to scream. The characters were the same. The romantic storyline was the same. The mystery was the same. The plot was the same. Only thing that was missing was a Kieran equivalent. I wish I were exaggerating, but literally so much of the original FBAA book is recycled in this one that I ended up what I can only call "hate reading" this story. Like I was determined to finish it but I gritted my teeth and grumbled the entire time. Just for that I almost gave this book ONE STAR. Something unheard of in my reading journey. I will explain the two stars later.
-The use of the "I have a question" line that Poppy always had in the original FBAA series in order to world build and info dump was incredibly painful in this story. I think I accepted it in the original series and liked how it fit Poppy's curious nature, but to COPY AND PASTE the EXACT same technique onto an entirely different character hundreds of years earlier as a world building/info dumping technique just felt plain lazy to me. It's not the worst way to world build or answer the readers' questions, but it feels like JLA relies way too heavily on it and can't seem to do it any other way. And part of me was like "hey, that's POPPY'S thing."
-This irked me in the original series too, but some of the modern language and expressions are just too much for me. Too out of place, too immature, too pop-culture. In a fantasy world, even in the context of fantasy romance, hearing characters say "damn straight" and "you're mouthy, aren't you?" and "they tend to get a bit bitey" just was a little too cringe-y. I had the same issue with Fourth Wing at times, though to a lesser extent (don't come for me, I rated that book 5 stars)
-I'M SORRY but we can NOT name a FANTASY WORLD after PASTA. I can't do it. I can't. I refuse. LASANIA people. As in, Lasagna. What in the world? And what made this worse was I was slapped in the face with this name OVER and OVER, multiple times EVERY chapter. I couldn't escape. I even tried pronouncing it differently in my head. La-sa-nee-ya. La-sa-nye-ya. Nothing helped. I was stuck imagining every character in this book living on a giant lasagna noodle. I may never recover from this alone. It felt personal by the end of the book. If I ever write a book I'm naming my fantasy world "Fettucine". But I'll spell it "Phaetutchine". Choke on that. Ridiculous.
-Insta-love did not hit in this. It rarely does for me, but especially in a recycled story that I've already read a better version of.
-This book was about nothing. When Sera finally gets taken to the Shadowlands or whatever, I was like finally after 250 pages of basically nothing, things are happening! But nope. Just more q&a's and inconsequential God/Primal drama. I mean Sera even discovers her gift is changing the same way as Poppy did. Honestly I was surprised Sera didn't have red hair like her too. And that her name wasn't just "Peppy" or "Poopy" or something like that.
-We don't learn one of the main characters' names until like 200 pages into the book. ???? I like mystery as much as the next gal, but homeboy was only referred to as "the god" for 30% of the story. No.
-Welcome to strong female character spends her whole life training to be an assassin and it ends up not mattering at all (again) because everyone she comes into contact with (read: all the MALES she comes in contact with) are still all stronger, faster, and older than her.
Loved (read: tolerated):
-SOME of the banter and flirting between Seraphina and Nyktos was fun and cute and enjoyable. But again, it was almost copy and pasted the SAME EXACT dynamic that Poppy and Casteel have in FBAA, and it just felt stolen.
-I liked how Nyktos was super powerful and terrifying
But y'all, I really think that's it for things I liked. This was rough.
"Why 2 stars then? Why not condemn it to be your first ever 1 star read?" you may be asking? Well, because there was still one corner of my brain, depraved and occupied by what is no doubt the equivalent of a dumpster fire, that enjoyed bits and pieces of the world, the romance, and the characters. Even though they all felt stolen/recycled. I get that this is in the same world as FBAA, but for it to feel SO SIMILAR, and SO MUCH of the major plot points and the characters' journeys to feel like a complete mirror image of the original series was still incredibly disappointing and not at all what I expected.
And so, because there's one self-destructive part of my brain with no standards and is easy to please that enjoyed the book, it keeps its stupid 2 stars. Barely. Against my better judgement.
Icebreaker by Hannah Grace
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
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? It's complicated
3.75
Hello my friends! Another day, another dark romance devoured. And boy was it dark, babes. But AMAZING.
This was not a novel for the faint of heart, but rather for one who can appreciate dark humor, a touch of gross-ness, and leave their morals behind. It is after all, a serial killer romance. Don’t go into this expecting to still like orzo pasta or ice cream. And please dear god check TW’s
Loved:
•the humor was so fun, and the SASS from both of our leads was exactly what I like.
•and at the same time, Sloane was such a shy awkward sweetie, while Rowan was an extroverted emo with a tragic past. Their dynamic together was so complementary it was beautiful.
•the way Rowan truly SEES Sloane was so beautiful too, like he truly understood her. When she first shows up at his restaurant and he has special instructions on how they should treat her? My heart melted. Guys he reserved a whole table for her, knowing exactly where she’d want to sit. Goals
•I loved the reverse grumpy sunshine. Or more like shy/reserved sunshine trope. I just love them.
•love that they both go feral for each other
•the heart attack? Iconic. No notes. Theater at its peak
•I love me some good mmc pining
•already obsessed with Lark
Critiques:
•I honestly don’t have too many criticisms. It was a fun time and it was a dark time.
•I think my main critique would be some of the grosser bits were a bit much for me, but I imagine that’s more of a me thing.
•I was a LITTLE bit bothered (read: a lot bit bothered) how they waited for one of their victims to get DONE with killing an innocent before moving to kill him. Like couldn’t they have tried to stop him and save the poor guy?!
This was not a novel for the faint of heart, but rather for one who can appreciate dark humor, a touch of gross-ness, and leave their morals behind. It is after all, a serial killer romance. Don’t go into this expecting to still like orzo pasta or ice cream. And please dear god check TW’s
Loved:
•the humor was so fun, and the SASS from both of our leads was exactly what I like.
•and at the same time, Sloane was such a shy awkward sweetie, while Rowan was an extroverted emo with a tragic past. Their dynamic together was so complementary it was beautiful.
•the way Rowan truly SEES Sloane was so beautiful too, like he truly understood her. When she first shows up at his restaurant and he has special instructions on how they should treat her? My heart melted. Guys he reserved a whole table for her, knowing exactly where she’d want to sit. Goals
•I loved the reverse grumpy sunshine. Or more like shy/reserved sunshine trope. I just love them.
•love that they both go feral for each other
•the heart attack? Iconic. No notes. Theater at its peak
•I love me some good mmc pining
•already obsessed with Lark
Critiques:
•I honestly don’t have too many criticisms. It was a fun time and it was a dark time.
•I think my main critique would be some of the grosser bits were a bit much for me, but I imagine that’s more of a me thing.
•I was a LITTLE bit bothered (read: a lot bit bothered) how they waited for one of their victims to get DONE with killing an innocent before moving to kill him. Like couldn’t they have tried to stop him and save the poor guy?!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, and Cannibalism
Inheritance by Christopher Paolini
adventurous
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Through my tears, I bring you, finally, my review of this never-ending book (she says affectionately). 4.5 stars
Loved:
-Eragon grows immensely throughout this book, both in his power and in his maturity. I loved how much he came to trust in himself and Saphira, in their abilities and in their wisdom. He truly seems to become a man by the end of the story, accepting of his flaws and knowing himself deeper than he ever has before (thus leading to the discovery of his true name).
-The way in which Eragon finally defeats Galbatorix is one that neither the characters nor the readers expect coming, and it was exciting and felt like... justice. When Galbatorix begs Eragon to end his torment and thus the all-consuming and devastating feelings of the generations of dragons and riders who were wronged by him, among others, and Eragon just goes... "No." Like so simple, so cold. It made me feel so proud of him! He did not resort to cruelty, or to blood, but rather to force Galbatorix to face the horror of his own decisions and his effect on others. Eragon forced EMPATHY onto Galbotorix, and it was the last thing literally anyone would have expected him to do, let alone for it to work.
-Roran is so badass in this, and every, book. While I can't imagine him as an "Earl" or whatever, I'm glad he survived and gets to move back to Palancar valley with his wife and baby. Good for him, he deserves every bit as much of praise and adoration for defeating Galbatorix's armies as Eragon deserves for defeating Galbatorix himself. G is just one man. Roran took on HUNDREDS and succeeded because of his strength and his cunning, not because of magic and a dragon. And his crazy. The man is a bit wack.
-Nasuada and Murtagh. Ugh I love them. If they don't get together in the next book, I won't be surprised, but I will be ENRAGED. Murtuada forever. They make so much more sense than Eragon and Arya ever did. Like yeah Nasuada is queen and Murtagh did a bunch of horrible things, but it's all water under the bridge you know. Let those two kids be happy. I demand it.
-When Nasuada is basically just f*cking around while Galbatorix is tormenting her and trying to unhinge her mind with visions? Iconic. I'm obsessed with her.
-I like that Eragon and Arya don't end up together. I honestly never saw them as compatible, for many of the reasons that Arya stated herself to him when he RELENTLESSLY pursued her. He is so young and she is old. Her life experience far outlives his own and they are too different. And he left Alagaesia anyways. It never would have worked. The only thing is that I am sad for Eragon being lonely, but he is young and stupid and obsessed, and I'm sure he will find someone else to love just as fiercely, someone who is more who he needs. If Murtagh wasn't in the picture, I would have loved to see him get together with Nasuada.
-When Eragon goes to see Brom's tomb, as his son. :') And it's the final time (we assume) that Eragon will be able to visit him. This is when the tears started to form.
-Part of me got annoyed with the super long, super drawn-out goodbye chapters, but most of me enjoyed them, because oftentimes that's what goodbyes are like. Procrastination abounds, everyone gets drunk, and no one actually wants to say goodbye or part ways. I only wish Eragon had found Murtagh or at least contacted him to let him know he was leaving. They are brothers after all.
-I also liked that the story didn't just immediately end or completely drop off after Galbatorix dies. Rarely do you kill a monarch and then everything is totally fine and all the world is at peace.
-Angela. Period.
Critiques:
-This is more a critique of the series overall, but I wish Galbotorix had been a more present and active threat/villain. Making Murtaugh and Thorn fill that role over and over again, while knowing they were not the real villains made much of their interactions with Eragon and Saphira, and the Varden, feel hollow. Inconsequential. And to have the final confrontation with Galbatorix and Shuikan end in only a few chapters... I don't know. He's built up as being such a powerful being, and Shruikan being utterly huge, crazy, and terrifying. And then it's just... over. It felt weird to me. Not the way in which G-man was defeated, but the swiftness of it. The only time Eragon faces Galbatorix directly and he defeats him first try? I would have liked to have seen at least one more battle, or a more drawn out/complex conflict. Then again, I suppose that is the point of Galbatorix's character, that he refused to come out and confront them directly so that he could just chill out while Murtagh and Thorn did all of the hard fighting.
-Orrin's character kind of did a 180 to me? Like all of a sudden he was super annoying, suspicious of everyone and demanding to be crowned King of, what, the whole world? Chill my dude. Play with your chemicals and whatever you did before you got so puffed up with self-importance and wine you became incredibly unpleasant to literally every character in this book.
-Birgit's "Blood Price" was so dramatic and stupid. She's annoying. We get it. The Ra'Zac ate your husband and you blame Roran for condemning him to that fate, even though that's ridiculously misplaced blame and a misguided desire for vengeance. Stupid. This is a Palancar Valley custom that I think should die. All it does is cause more harm.
-As awesome and badass as Angela is as a character, she also seems to be conveniently mysterious whenever the circumstances were dire. And never answers Eragon's questions, and by extension the readers' questions, concretely, if at all. The first few books of this were funny and hey I like a good sense of mystery, but after a while, I just wanted some damn answers from this lady.
-The length of this book is overwhelming. I feel like there were many things that could have been left out, or shortened, like some of the siege chapters. Even the chapters on Vroengard seemed a bit long to me, as fascinating as they were.
-Finally, the end. I understand it. I really do. It reflects much of what "the hero's journey" usually is, in a fantasy epic, as established by Tolkien. Frodo leaves middle earth, never to return due to wounds that cannot heal and trauma that will always be with him. Even though it's never explicitly said in this way, I feel Eragon leaves Alagaesia for many similar reasons. Yes he is leaving to safeguard the dragons and eldunari, but he also feels no purpose, no drive in Alagaesia anymore. As if he not only lost his Uncle and Father, but also his home, his country, and who he used to be. Many of the chapters following the final battle he expresses feeling empty, the same way Frodo did. My heart breaks for him, having to leave his remaining family, his friends, Arya, and Orik. I understand why the story ended the way it did, but I still wish it had ended differently. When Roran screams and cries as Eragon departs for the unknown I lost it. (on an unrelated note, I hate goodbyes) (his farewell to Angela sucked and I wish they had had one actual conversation ever)
This series is so nostalgic for me. I remember writing one that was basically the same but with a female dragon rider, because I was so inspired by it. I love the Eragon series, I always will. Here's hoping the TV series is something worth watching. I think it has the potential to be amazing.
I hope Eragon is happy, wherever he ended up.
Loved:
-Eragon grows immensely throughout this book, both in his power and in his maturity. I loved how much he came to trust in himself and Saphira, in their abilities and in their wisdom. He truly seems to become a man by the end of the story, accepting of his flaws and knowing himself deeper than he ever has before (thus leading to the discovery of his true name).
-The way in which Eragon finally defeats Galbatorix is one that neither the characters nor the readers expect coming, and it was exciting and felt like... justice. When Galbatorix begs Eragon to end his torment and thus the all-consuming and devastating feelings of the generations of dragons and riders who were wronged by him, among others, and Eragon just goes... "No." Like so simple, so cold. It made me feel so proud of him! He did not resort to cruelty, or to blood, but rather to force Galbatorix to face the horror of his own decisions and his effect on others. Eragon forced EMPATHY onto Galbotorix, and it was the last thing literally anyone would have expected him to do, let alone for it to work.
-Roran is so badass in this, and every, book. While I can't imagine him as an "Earl" or whatever, I'm glad he survived and gets to move back to Palancar valley with his wife and baby. Good for him, he deserves every bit as much of praise and adoration for defeating Galbatorix's armies as Eragon deserves for defeating Galbatorix himself. G is just one man. Roran took on HUNDREDS and succeeded because of his strength and his cunning, not because of magic and a dragon. And his crazy. The man is a bit wack.
-Nasuada and Murtagh. Ugh I love them. If they don't get together in the next book, I won't be surprised, but I will be ENRAGED. Murtuada forever. They make so much more sense than Eragon and Arya ever did. Like yeah Nasuada is queen and Murtagh did a bunch of horrible things, but it's all water under the bridge you know. Let those two kids be happy. I demand it.
-When Nasuada is basically just f*cking around while Galbatorix is tormenting her and trying to unhinge her mind with visions? Iconic. I'm obsessed with her.
-I like that Eragon and Arya don't end up together. I honestly never saw them as compatible, for many of the reasons that Arya stated herself to him when he RELENTLESSLY pursued her. He is so young and she is old. Her life experience far outlives his own and they are too different. And he left Alagaesia anyways. It never would have worked. The only thing is that I am sad for Eragon being lonely, but he is young and stupid and obsessed, and I'm sure he will find someone else to love just as fiercely, someone who is more who he needs. If Murtagh wasn't in the picture, I would have loved to see him get together with Nasuada.
-When Eragon goes to see Brom's tomb, as his son. :') And it's the final time (we assume) that Eragon will be able to visit him. This is when the tears started to form.
-Part of me got annoyed with the super long, super drawn-out goodbye chapters, but most of me enjoyed them, because oftentimes that's what goodbyes are like. Procrastination abounds, everyone gets drunk, and no one actually wants to say goodbye or part ways. I only wish Eragon had found Murtagh or at least contacted him to let him know he was leaving. They are brothers after all.
-I also liked that the story didn't just immediately end or completely drop off after Galbatorix dies. Rarely do you kill a monarch and then everything is totally fine and all the world is at peace.
-Angela. Period.
Critiques:
-This is more a critique of the series overall, but I wish Galbotorix had been a more present and active threat/villain. Making Murtaugh and Thorn fill that role over and over again, while knowing they were not the real villains made much of their interactions with Eragon and Saphira, and the Varden, feel hollow. Inconsequential. And to have the final confrontation with Galbatorix and Shuikan end in only a few chapters... I don't know. He's built up as being such a powerful being, and Shruikan being utterly huge, crazy, and terrifying. And then it's just... over. It felt weird to me. Not the way in which G-man was defeated, but the swiftness of it. The only time Eragon faces Galbatorix directly and he defeats him first try? I would have liked to have seen at least one more battle, or a more drawn out/complex conflict. Then again, I suppose that is the point of Galbatorix's character, that he refused to come out and confront them directly so that he could just chill out while Murtagh and Thorn did all of the hard fighting.
-Orrin's character kind of did a 180 to me? Like all of a sudden he was super annoying, suspicious of everyone and demanding to be crowned King of, what, the whole world? Chill my dude. Play with your chemicals and whatever you did before you got so puffed up with self-importance and wine you became incredibly unpleasant to literally every character in this book.
-Birgit's "Blood Price" was so dramatic and stupid. She's annoying. We get it. The Ra'Zac ate your husband and you blame Roran for condemning him to that fate, even though that's ridiculously misplaced blame and a misguided desire for vengeance. Stupid. This is a Palancar Valley custom that I think should die. All it does is cause more harm.
-As awesome and badass as Angela is as a character, she also seems to be conveniently mysterious whenever the circumstances were dire. And never answers Eragon's questions, and by extension the readers' questions, concretely, if at all. The first few books of this were funny and hey I like a good sense of mystery, but after a while, I just wanted some damn answers from this lady.
-The length of this book is overwhelming. I feel like there were many things that could have been left out, or shortened, like some of the siege chapters. Even the chapters on Vroengard seemed a bit long to me, as fascinating as they were.
-Finally, the end. I understand it. I really do. It reflects much of what "the hero's journey" usually is, in a fantasy epic, as established by Tolkien. Frodo leaves middle earth, never to return due to wounds that cannot heal and trauma that will always be with him. Even though it's never explicitly said in this way, I feel Eragon leaves Alagaesia for many similar reasons. Yes he is leaving to safeguard the dragons and eldunari, but he also feels no purpose, no drive in Alagaesia anymore. As if he not only lost his Uncle and Father, but also his home, his country, and who he used to be. Many of the chapters following the final battle he expresses feeling empty, the same way Frodo did. My heart breaks for him, having to leave his remaining family, his friends, Arya, and Orik. I understand why the story ended the way it did, but I still wish it had ended differently. When Roran screams and cries as Eragon departs for the unknown I lost it. (on an unrelated note, I hate goodbyes) (his farewell to Angela sucked and I wish they had had one actual conversation ever)
This series is so nostalgic for me. I remember writing one that was basically the same but with a female dragon rider, because I was so inspired by it. I love the Eragon series, I always will. Here's hoping the TV series is something worth watching. I think it has the potential to be amazing.
I hope Eragon is happy, wherever he ended up.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Torture and Violence
Cress by Marissa Meyer
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
SPOILERS.
I think in truth I would put this at a 3.8ish, but I'll round up!
500 pages of pure chaos, and... elements of Survivor? Welcome to the desert, population Cress and Thorne. Who somehow cheated death, btw.
I have lots to say. Let us begin.
Loved:
-CiNDeR. What can I say, I love a reluctant heroine who is also reluctant to accept her gifts, or use them in nefarious ways on evil people. I ate that up.
-CINDER. When she finally just frickin snaps and tortures Sybil into madness and then oops she throws herself off the roof? I'm sorry but that was kind of awesome, and terrifying and horrible... and awesome. Girl needs therapy and adult supervision but that was an epic way for Sybil to go. Bye Sybil, we all hated you. Even the Queen.
-The elements of the fairytale in this one for some reason just were so much more *chef's kiss* I love the Rapunzel story (Tangled anyone? Into the WOODS, anyone?) and when Thorne lost his eyesight it was heartbreaking and fit so well. He was trying to be all tough guy and nonchalant, but suddenly losing his eyesight was a major blow. Humbled him, I like to think. And forced him to depend more on Cress, which was better than her just swooning over him the whole time.
-When Cinder FINALLY tells Kai who she really is, it was SO BEAUTIFUL. I love them. It was LONG overdue, but I loved it and thought it was perfect. The way he immediately goes to comfort her when she's like "I'm so scared Kai. I'm scared I'll fail. Or worse, I'm scared I'll become like Levana" and he was RIGHT there IMMEDIATELY with "Girl, you'll never even be in the same LEAGUE as her evil-ness" (paraphrased). And she confesses to torturing Sybil and maybe enjoying it a teensy weensy bit, he isn't even phased lol
-I thought the Dr.'s end was well done. He is a very complex, morally gray character and seeing him taken down by the very disease that he spent over a decade trying to cure, but also over a decade of using it to find Princess Selene by killing hundreds of innocent Cyborgs in the process, was poetic I thought. And thank God this man has half a brain and TOLD them that the disease was biological warfare, instead of keeping everything secret like in the first book. I don't see how that's necessarily important, considering Earth and Luna were always going to be at war anyway, but I'm sure I will wisen up soon once I start the last book.
-Scarlet was gone, and we only had a few of her POV's. Loved that. :P
Critiques:
-I hate whenever we get Levana or Sybil's point of view chapters. To me, they served no real purpose and they're the bad guys and I don't care about them and I don't want to hear anything from their POV unless it's a big plot twist or showing more of their character or something. Reading chapters from a villain's POV should serve a purpose or at least add entertainment value. Those chapters did neither for me. Sorry
-While Kai fancies himself a true Nancy Drew, my guy sure is a dumbass. He couldn't put two and two together on hardly anything in this book. My thoughts and prayers are with the Commonwealth.
-Everyone was honestly really stupid in this book and making the worst decisions ever. Wolf ignoring Cinder's command to stay put so that he couldn't be controlled and thus turned into a LETHAL WEAPON against her and Scarlet? Naw. Dr. hears of new case of Letumosis mutating so that it infects Lunars? Well of course he's gotta check it out, he's a doctor, but couldn't he have worn ppe or something? C'mon. Cinder's original plan of interrupting the wedding and declaring herself princess of Luna and expecting everyone to just... be like "alright cool, I guess she's the princess of Luna, and the rightful Queen." Like???? This whole book was the epitome of "No thoughts, just vibes" from like every single character.
-Did we... did we WANT the whole Cress being Erland's daughter thing to be discoverable so early on? If not, yikes. If yes, well done, but perhaps a bit OVERDONE. By the time Dr. Erland "figures it out" it was already hammered into my brain so many times that it was Cress who was his "long-dead" "Crescent Moon" I actually kind of rolled my eyes at what should have been a heartbreaking moment and realization.
-Cress is sweet but her obsession with Thorne and just being in love with him immediately kinda gave me the ick, if they are endgame. And he's so much older than her isn't he? I forget now, but he's in his twenties I think and she's a teenager? Oof. A teenager who has only talked to one (HORRIBLE) person for seven years straight. Idk, maybe they're closer in age, like 18 and 21 or something like that. She just seems so young and naïve and I love their friendship but I'll need some more convincing on the romance, if that's what's to come.
-I've never been a huge fan of "let's wander around the desert/forest/mountains or whatever for several chapters and call it plot" thing. It wasn't TOO bad in this book, but by the 3rd or 4th chapter of it I was so over it.
-I don't really have much of an explanation for this one, but Iko finally getting an Escort droid body after so long of wanting one, and then it almost immediately getting annihilated made me mad. Like she's been through enough, why can't you just let her have this? *cries in android injustice*
All in all, I liked it, I live for the chaos. Oh to be 16 and saving the world(s)
I think in truth I would put this at a 3.8ish, but I'll round up!
500 pages of pure chaos, and... elements of Survivor? Welcome to the desert, population Cress and Thorne. Who somehow cheated death, btw.
I have lots to say. Let us begin.
Loved:
-CiNDeR. What can I say, I love a reluctant heroine who is also reluctant to accept her gifts, or use them in nefarious ways on evil people. I ate that up.
-CINDER. When she finally just frickin snaps and tortures Sybil into madness and then oops she throws herself off the roof? I'm sorry but that was kind of awesome, and terrifying and horrible... and awesome. Girl needs therapy and adult supervision but that was an epic way for Sybil to go. Bye Sybil, we all hated you. Even the Queen.
-The elements of the fairytale in this one for some reason just were so much more *chef's kiss* I love the Rapunzel story (Tangled anyone? Into the WOODS, anyone?) and when Thorne lost his eyesight it was heartbreaking and fit so well. He was trying to be all tough guy and nonchalant, but suddenly losing his eyesight was a major blow. Humbled him, I like to think. And forced him to depend more on Cress, which was better than her just swooning over him the whole time.
-When Cinder FINALLY tells Kai who she really is, it was SO BEAUTIFUL. I love them. It was LONG overdue, but I loved it and thought it was perfect. The way he immediately goes to comfort her when she's like "I'm so scared Kai. I'm scared I'll fail. Or worse, I'm scared I'll become like Levana" and he was RIGHT there IMMEDIATELY with "Girl, you'll never even be in the same LEAGUE as her evil-ness" (paraphrased). And she confesses to torturing Sybil and maybe enjoying it a teensy weensy bit, he isn't even phased lol
-I thought the Dr.'s end was well done. He is a very complex, morally gray character and seeing him taken down by the very disease that he spent over a decade trying to cure, but also over a decade of using it to find Princess Selene by killing hundreds of innocent Cyborgs in the process, was poetic I thought. And thank God this man has half a brain and TOLD them that the disease was biological warfare, instead of keeping everything secret like in the first book. I don't see how that's necessarily important, considering Earth and Luna were always going to be at war anyway, but I'm sure I will wisen up soon once I start the last book.
-Scarlet was gone, and we only had a few of her POV's. Loved that. :P
Critiques:
-I hate whenever we get Levana or Sybil's point of view chapters. To me, they served no real purpose and they're the bad guys and I don't care about them and I don't want to hear anything from their POV unless it's a big plot twist or showing more of their character or something. Reading chapters from a villain's POV should serve a purpose or at least add entertainment value. Those chapters did neither for me. Sorry
-While Kai fancies himself a true Nancy Drew, my guy sure is a dumbass. He couldn't put two and two together on hardly anything in this book. My thoughts and prayers are with the Commonwealth.
-Everyone was honestly really stupid in this book and making the worst decisions ever. Wolf ignoring Cinder's command to stay put so that he couldn't be controlled and thus turned into a LETHAL WEAPON against her and Scarlet? Naw. Dr. hears of new case of Letumosis mutating so that it infects Lunars? Well of course he's gotta check it out, he's a doctor, but couldn't he have worn ppe or something? C'mon. Cinder's original plan of interrupting the wedding and declaring herself princess of Luna and expecting everyone to just... be like "alright cool, I guess she's the princess of Luna, and the rightful Queen." Like???? This whole book was the epitome of "No thoughts, just vibes" from like every single character.
-Did we... did we WANT the whole Cress being Erland's daughter thing to be discoverable so early on? If not, yikes. If yes, well done, but perhaps a bit OVERDONE. By the time Dr. Erland "figures it out" it was already hammered into my brain so many times that it was Cress who was his "long-dead" "Crescent Moon" I actually kind of rolled my eyes at what should have been a heartbreaking moment and realization.
-Cress is sweet but her obsession with Thorne and just being in love with him immediately kinda gave me the ick, if they are endgame. And he's so much older than her isn't he? I forget now, but he's in his twenties I think and she's a teenager? Oof. A teenager who has only talked to one (HORRIBLE) person for seven years straight. Idk, maybe they're closer in age, like 18 and 21 or something like that. She just seems so young and naïve and I love their friendship but I'll need some more convincing on the romance, if that's what's to come.
-I've never been a huge fan of "let's wander around the desert/forest/mountains or whatever for several chapters and call it plot" thing. It wasn't TOO bad in this book, but by the 3rd or 4th chapter of it I was so over it.
-I don't really have much of an explanation for this one, but Iko finally getting an Escort droid body after so long of wanting one, and then it almost immediately getting annihilated made me mad. Like she's been through enough, why can't you just let her have this? *cries in android injustice*
All in all, I liked it, I live for the chaos. Oh to be 16 and saving the world(s)
Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Oh my, did I love this book. So fun, so silly, so heartfelt, so adorable. With plenty of mystery, adventures, and action as well.
Loved:
•the humor in the writing as well as the characters’ interactions. This book was very funny and made me laugh.
•Kingsley the frog. I would die for him. And when you learn a bit more about his backstory?! It was just a TINY sliver of info but I am already imagining him having a much larger role in the next book. I am manifesting it. Protect Kingsley.
•the mystery of who the traitor was was fun. I figured it out a little earlier than I wanted to, but it was still a great part of the plot.
•DUAL POV. Dual POV always feels like such a treat in a romance, because I LOVE getting to see how absolutely unhinged the villain is about his feelings for her. Such a silly little bean. He only spent like half a page trying to deny his feelings for her and then was like “alright FINE, I guess I’m obsessed with her.”
•Evie was such a fun and lovable heroine to follow as our main narrator for the majority of the story. I think many women can relate to the contradiction of wanting to be soft and feminine and kind, and also having a strong, ruthless side of them as well.
Critiques:
•Sometimes the way that information was written for the reader to learn about characters or the world seemed out of place. For example, long sentences and paragraphs of world building or character background were given in the middle of an important conversation, it made things feel a bit choppy at times. Didn’t bother me much, though.
•I hate cliffhangers, especially when the next book isn’t immediately available to me. I’m much too impatient. (That being said, I absolutely LOVED the ending. Minus the cliffhanger of course.)
•”he was never going to tell her”?!? That better be a mf lie, Hannah or so help me God I will light myself on fire
All in all, a delightful and funny debut novel from one of my favorite tiktokers!!!
Loved:
•the humor in the writing as well as the characters’ interactions. This book was very funny and made me laugh.
•Kingsley the frog. I would die for him. And when you learn a bit more about his backstory?! It was just a TINY sliver of info but I am already imagining him having a much larger role in the next book. I am manifesting it. Protect Kingsley.
•the mystery of who the traitor was was fun. I figured it out a little earlier than I wanted to, but it was still a great part of the plot.
•DUAL POV. Dual POV always feels like such a treat in a romance, because I LOVE getting to see how absolutely unhinged the villain is about his feelings for her. Such a silly little bean. He only spent like half a page trying to deny his feelings for her and then was like “alright FINE, I guess I’m obsessed with her.”
•Evie was such a fun and lovable heroine to follow as our main narrator for the majority of the story. I think many women can relate to the contradiction of wanting to be soft and feminine and kind, and also having a strong, ruthless side of them as well.
Critiques:
•Sometimes the way that information was written for the reader to learn about characters or the world seemed out of place. For example, long sentences and paragraphs of world building or character background were given in the middle of an important conversation, it made things feel a bit choppy at times. Didn’t bother me much, though.
•I hate cliffhangers, especially when the next book isn’t immediately available to me. I’m much too impatient. (That being said, I absolutely LOVED the ending. Minus the cliffhanger of course.)
•”he was never going to tell her”?!? That better be a mf lie, Hannah or so help me God I will light myself on fire
All in all, a delightful and funny debut novel from one of my favorite tiktokers!!!
Scarlet by Marissa Meyer
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
SPOILERS.
Loved:
•Bruh. This was action. Packed. I liked it a lot more than the first one.
•The stakes are higher.
•The mysteries are mysterious-er.
•Cinder is even more ruthless and badass (against her own conscience, here’s hoping she gets over that soon, I’m so ready for her to just GO. OFF.)
•Wolf is adorable and terrifying. My guy was so excited about fresh tomatoes. Also a little too excited about fighting people to the death. Eh, you win some you lose some. Nobody’s perfect.
•Thorne. My guy. Lovable doofus and convicted thief. Was absolutely convinced you were gonna die by the end of this book. So glad you’re still with us.
Critiques:
•Scarlett was annoying, both as a character and as a narrator. If I knew her in real life, I would avoid being around her at all cost.
•part of me liked the romance between Wolf and Scarlett, but a lot of it was cringey, I think probably because it in some ways leans a lot into the love at first sight trope. Not my fave.
•I reeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaalllllllllyyyyyyyt think Cinder could just send Kai a frickin message and be like “heyyyy, so I’m the princess. I didn’t know I was the princess, or even that I was Lunar, until like a week ago, so I’m sorry I didn’t tell you but I also didn’t know, so there’s no way I could have told you. Don’t marry the Queen. Let’s fight her together, side by side. Also, let’s bang. Hugs and kisses, Cinder. P.s. sorry I ruined your ball.” This miscommunication trope is SO grating. If he just knew then everything could come together so much faster.
Loved:
•Bruh. This was action. Packed. I liked it a lot more than the first one.
•The stakes are higher.
•The mysteries are mysterious-er.
•Cinder is even more ruthless and badass (against her own conscience, here’s hoping she gets over that soon, I’m so ready for her to just GO. OFF.)
•Wolf is adorable and terrifying. My guy was so excited about fresh tomatoes. Also a little too excited about fighting people to the death. Eh, you win some you lose some. Nobody’s perfect.
•Thorne. My guy. Lovable doofus and convicted thief. Was absolutely convinced you were gonna die by the end of this book. So glad you’re still with us.
Critiques:
•Scarlett was annoying, both as a character and as a narrator. If I knew her in real life, I would avoid being around her at all cost.
•part of me liked the romance between Wolf and Scarlett, but a lot of it was cringey, I think probably because it in some ways leans a lot into the love at first sight trope. Not my fave.
•I reeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaalllllllllyyyyyyyt think Cinder could just send Kai a frickin message and be like “heyyyy, so I’m the princess. I didn’t know I was the princess, or even that I was Lunar, until like a week ago, so I’m sorry I didn’t tell you but I also didn’t know, so there’s no way I could have told you. Don’t marry the Queen. Let’s fight her together, side by side. Also, let’s bang. Hugs and kisses, Cinder. P.s. sorry I ruined your ball.” This miscommunication trope is SO grating. If he just knew then everything could come together so much faster.