khartig's reviews
62 reviews

A Tribute of Fire by Sariah Wilson

adventurous hopeful informative inspiring slow-paced

3.5

I'm giving this a lower rating, I think for the writing style. It just didn't instantly hook me and felt some of it was overly detailed and didn't help move the story along. Also the world building at certain times could have been better. However, I did really enjoy the story! It has a likable FMC set out to try to save her dying nation, high risk and deadly stakes, a good group of supporting characters and interesting ancient mythology. I like that the main character isn't so mouthy and rude, she knows when to learn, grow and rely on other people. The slow slow burn romance is okay, its more believeable than some other stories I've read. Also, some of the twists I could see coming, others I was generally surprised at at the end. It ends on a good cliff hanger where I feel drawn to want to read the next book when it comes out.

What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez

adventurous challenging dark hopeful mysterious 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? It's complicated

4.5

Going into this I didn't realize how quickly I'd get swept up into this world of Egypt and magic. The writing is clever and beautifully detailed it was very easy to imagine the sites and smells that Inez did. I love the character development, each one felt strong and fully fleshed out. Also the little bit of witty banter and romance was great. The 2 twists at the end really threw me and made me love it even more. I didnt know there was going to be 2nd book so I thought it'd be wrapped up neatly and happy that it wasn't, if anything shocked! Definitely delivers on the adventure storytelling, plucky heroine, Egyptian lore and mystery plus a sprinkle of romance and family. 

Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli

fast-paced

3.0

I enjoyed the story and plot more than the characters. I think the blood witches is a neat concept and same as a vilgiante heiress. The writing wasnt bad and felt fresher than others. Just wish there was more substance to the characters. Also the love for Gideon was hard to feel. I didn't think they had anything in common not to mention very different life perspectives. The 2nd book is appealing but I'm not dying to know what happens next. 

The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden

dark mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot

4.25

Great thriller! Kept me guessing and the twists in it were really good. I liked all the characters and the setting being NYC. Also the reo POV kept it interesting.

The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love by India Holton

adventurous challenging funny lighthearted medium-paced

3.0

Very enjoyable and witty. I liked the plot, characters and overall story. Just took a little while to get used to the writing style. Its very posh old English, and sometimes a little slow from all the details but it was a good lighthearted read where you root for the characters falling in love.

The Wren in the Holly Library by K.A. Linde

adventurous informative mysterious medium-paced

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

4.0

Giving this a higher rating because do think the story and concept was interesting, it felt fresh and I loved the dystopian NYC. Also getting to learn about Celtic myths and other monsters was a good change up from only Fae. 

Character wise wish there was more on Gen and Ethan but maybe in the next book there will be. I liked Kirese, she was strong and not a whiny main character and I also liked Graves but wish saw more of him being a baddie. Lorcan was kinda a wash and again maybe more in the next book he'll be more interesting. Overall an enjoyable story, heist plot and mild romance to keep you engaged. 

The Fury by Alex Michaelides

slow-paced

2.5

It breaks me to rate this so low. I really love the The Silent Patient and thought The Maiden was okay. I think I'm just not a fan of how the book narration is told, its a mix of 1st person, unreliable and Omniscient where the main character Elliot talks at you. Overall felt slow, and boring at times and couldn't find myself connecting with the characters or the story. 

Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

adventurous funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

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

4.75

I'm very much infatuated with this group of characters and the continuation of their adventures together. The slow slow burn is brutal but its such a cozy read and quite enjoyable. I can't wait for the next! 

Quicksilver by Callie Hart

2.0

This just fell flat for me and had trouble getting through it. Its an interesting concept and magic world but the story didn't feel fully formed or the characters. The female MC felt dull and unoriginal and wasn't very believable for her to fall in love with the unoriginal mr shadow, dark and brooding. 

First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

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

5.0

I loved this! Such a fun read that felt like it was a movie. I enjoyed all the characters and backstory from each job. The little twists that showed her planning to out play Mr. Smith kept me guessing and rooting for her to win.