literallysam's reviews
22 reviews
A Court of Frost and Starlight, by Sarah J. Maas
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
Obviously ACOFAS isn't anything like the 3 main novels before it. It's not as exciting and plot-heavy as the it's predecessors because IT'S A NOVELLA- It is lighthearted and has this festive vibe which I absolutely loved. 🩷 I wouldn't say that anything particularly important happens in this novella because it's mostly about everyone dealing with the aftermath of the events of ACOWAR and it was much needed after the emotional breakdown that ACOWAR caused.
The chapters switch POVs occasionally between Feyre, Rhys, Cass, and Mor. I just wish that Cass and Mor's pov were also in first-person like Rhys and Feyre's but it wasn't really an issue because the writing style was still perfect and I could understand their feelings just as well.
The best part of the novella were the sweet and domestic Feysand moments. We also did finally get the Cabin wall scene which is just- 😻🏹❤️🔥
Apart from Feysand, I loved how much time we got to spend with the other bat boys. With Cassian’s perspectives especially, we got to learn more about his respective history and how he healed from the war. It felt like this was written to be a legitimate “bridge” between the first trilogy to the next one and the next novel in the series which focuses on Cass and Nesta. I really would've liked to have Az, Elain & Lucien's POVs as well but oh well, they'll probably be getting their own book I assume!!
I wasn't expecting any part related to Tamlin especially in a novella this short. Even though he was a pr!ck in the previous books and still very much is I never thought I'd feel sorry for him. I couldn’t help being at least a little bit sad to see the state in which Rhys found him and how far he’d fallen. Despite everything, I can’t help but always feel that there's something interesting about his potential as a character. I actually hope that Mass will write more about him in the future books.
Even though it was too short, this novella is exactly what I hoped and dreamed it would be. Because at the end of the day, I got to read more than a hundred pages about my bat-boys and watch the Inner Circle interact, taunt, fuss, cry and laugh with each other, and that was all I ever needed ACOFAS to offer me. The snowball fight? OH MY HEART.🥵And the sauna scene? LMAO. It just felt SO GOOD to fall right back into the fairie worlf for a little bit longer.
The chapters switch POVs occasionally between Feyre, Rhys, Cass, and Mor. I just wish that Cass and Mor's pov were also in first-person like Rhys and Feyre's but it wasn't really an issue because the writing style was still perfect and I could understand their feelings just as well.
The best part of the novella were the sweet and domestic Feysand moments. We also did finally get the Cabin wall scene which is just- 😻🏹❤️🔥
Apart from Feysand, I loved how much time we got to spend with the other bat boys. With Cassian’s perspectives especially, we got to learn more about his respective history and how he healed from the war. It felt like this was written to be a legitimate “bridge” between the first trilogy to the next one and the next novel in the series which focuses on Cass and Nesta. I really would've liked to have Az, Elain & Lucien's POVs as well but oh well, they'll probably be getting their own book I assume!!
I wasn't expecting any part related to Tamlin especially in a novella this short. Even though he was a pr!ck in the previous books and still very much is I never thought I'd feel sorry for him. I couldn’t help being at least a little bit sad to see the state in which Rhys found him and how far he’d fallen. Despite everything, I can’t help but always feel that there's something interesting about his potential as a character. I actually hope that Mass will write more about him in the future books.
Even though it was too short, this novella is exactly what I hoped and dreamed it would be. Because at the end of the day, I got to read more than a hundred pages about my bat-boys and watch the Inner Circle interact, taunt, fuss, cry and laugh with each other, and that was all I ever needed ACOFAS to offer me. The snowball fight? OH MY HEART.🥵And the sauna scene? LMAO. It just felt SO GOOD to fall right back into the fairie worlf for a little bit longer.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Child abuse, Rape, Sexual content, Sexism, War, Death of parent, Death, and Domestic abuse
Book Lovers, by Emily Henry
funny
lighthearted
slow-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
3.0
I've seen this one alot on bookstagram and was so excited to read it but it turned out to be just an average cliche love story. Even though the title “Book Lovers" suggests that it's romance, Nora and Charlie's sparking romance is not the main plot of the book... honestly all I wanted was a nice brewing love story between two people who are enemies-turned-lovers, but it is mostly about two sisters who have major daddy issues. Wait lemme explain-
The prologue was just so soo good but then after that everything got so boring. After reading the prologue I thought that this book was going to be different from those cliche countryside romance ones but it was exactly that- Nora & her sissy Libby decide to go on a one-month trip to this small village. There Nora runs into Charle, and it turns out that he's from that small town and his mum runs the local bookstore (yes, another cliche). Though Nora & Charlie haven't gotten along, they're working together on a new manuscript and spend a lot of time in close proximity where the sexual tension builds. Things heat up quickly, but then it's interrupted and this "will they do it or not" energy persists and that's an aspect of the novel that seemed a bit of a stretch. Given how in sync & smart they both are, I had a hard time believing they couldn't figure out a way to be together while still supporting their family.
Now let's talk about the main plot.🤡
Nora's concern lies far more with Libby, who seems to be keeping a secret from her and Nora is hurt that Libby won't talk to her and determinedly tries to get Libby to open up. And even I was waiting for her to open up because I hated this super cringe character of her's and just wanted a little more depth. She's a grown ass adult and still acts like a fkn baby. She has like two breakdowns in the story and yet her character was never fleshed out to be even a little bit intresting. She's Nora's sister- that's all I could gather about her.
I loved Nora. She is stony, bitchy and rigid just like me; soulmates? The only character development I saw was Nora's. Charlie on the other hand was a nice guy but honestly I didn't really find him interesting after the prologue. All the sexual tension just fizzled out after that.
So overall, I don't recommend it.🙂
The prologue was just so soo good but then after that everything got so boring. After reading the prologue I thought that this book was going to be different from those cliche countryside romance ones but it was exactly that- Nora & her sissy Libby decide to go on a one-month trip to this small village. There Nora runs into Charle, and it turns out that he's from that small town and his mum runs the local bookstore (yes, another cliche). Though Nora & Charlie haven't gotten along, they're working together on a new manuscript and spend a lot of time in close proximity where the sexual tension builds. Things heat up quickly, but then it's interrupted and this "will they do it or not" energy persists and that's an aspect of the novel that seemed a bit of a stretch. Given how in sync & smart they both are, I had a hard time believing they couldn't figure out a way to be together while still supporting their family.
Now let's talk about the main plot.🤡
Nora's concern lies far more with Libby, who seems to be keeping a secret from her and Nora is hurt that Libby won't talk to her and determinedly tries to get Libby to open up. And even I was waiting for her to open up because I hated this super cringe character of her's and just wanted a little more depth. She's a grown ass adult and still acts like a fkn baby. She has like two breakdowns in the story and yet her character was never fleshed out to be even a little bit intresting. She's Nora's sister- that's all I could gather about her.
I loved Nora. She is stony, bitchy and rigid just like me; soulmates? The only character development I saw was Nora's. Charlie on the other hand was a nice guy but honestly I didn't really find him interesting after the prologue. All the sexual tension just fizzled out after that.
So overall, I don't recommend it.🙂
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy, Death of parent, Sexual content, Alcohol, Misogyny, and Toxic relationship
The Roommate, by Rosie Danan
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Body shaming, Car accident, and Sexism
A Court of Wings and Ruin, by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
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
5.0
THE REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS
While reading this- I was transported to Prythian where I followed Feyre and her friends as they worked to save the magical land that I too had come to love. And after I finished it, I was just left feeling like, life without these characters is not worth it.🥲
WHAT I LOVED-
After UTM, we don’t see all of the High Lords together until this book. We're thoroughly introduced with them and we learn about the tensions amongst the courts. We get to see how their relationship with the Night Court & the Inner Circle.
And let’s not forget the multiple romances in the book. Besides my will-always-be-favorite couple, Feysand❤️, there's a growing romance between Nesta & Cassian. There is also a potential love triangle among Elain, Lucien, & Az. Personally, I don't ship Elain with Az, but we'll see how it plays out in the next books.
The development of certain characters over the course of the story, is my another favorite aspect. Feyre becomes more stronger and self-possessed. Nesta becomes a bit more likable and makes up for her repulsive behavior in ACOTAR. Tamlin also manages to atone for some of his past behaviour. Although, he is still way far from full redemption. Now Elaine.. though I was really sick & tired of her until the very end- but what she did.. god, I didn't saw that coming. It's always the silent & shy ones LMAO.💀
I also liked how our sassy Az was the one to teach Feyre to fly. They were finally bonding and I absolutely loved getting to know Az better.
Also, this book brings Lucien's character back from depressing springtime. His character is redeemable and I felt kinda bad how his character went from snarky & clever to timid & hesitant in ACOTAR. Jurian's redemption arc was weird bullsh!t and I didn’t buy it.
The book is action-packed, full of twist & turns, romance & is a rollercoaster of emotions. Every chapter ends with a cliffhanger- Something is always happening or preparing to happen.
The battle scene was amazing, especially when the last group showed up- *sighs* I had no Idea that I'd be crying If certain characters died but then there I was crying my heart out when the Suriel & the Bone Carver died.😩😭💔
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE-
It had to end.😭😭😭😭
But In all seriousness though, there is not much wrong with this book. The only thing I think could've been better was ~Rhys's death~ God I hate even writing that..😩
No matter how much I FVCKING SOBBED MY EYES OUT over that scene, it still had more potential and could be used in a more better way. It just felt bleh how he was brought back to life within minutes.
ACOWAR is every bit as entertaining as its predecessors, which in this series, is no an easy feat. So yes, I absolutely love this book. I love you Sarah for introducing us to this court of Dreamers.💘
While reading this- I was transported to Prythian where I followed Feyre and her friends as they worked to save the magical land that I too had come to love. And after I finished it, I was just left feeling like, life without these characters is not worth it.🥲
WHAT I LOVED-
After UTM, we don’t see all of the High Lords together until this book. We're thoroughly introduced with them and we learn about the tensions amongst the courts. We get to see how their relationship with the Night Court & the Inner Circle.
And let’s not forget the multiple romances in the book. Besides my will-always-be-favorite couple, Feysand❤️, there's a growing romance between Nesta & Cassian. There is also a potential love triangle among Elain, Lucien, & Az. Personally, I don't ship Elain with Az, but we'll see how it plays out in the next books.
The development of certain characters over the course of the story, is my another favorite aspect. Feyre becomes more stronger and self-possessed. Nesta becomes a bit more likable and makes up for her repulsive behavior in ACOTAR. Tamlin also manages to atone for some of his past behaviour. Although, he is still way far from full redemption. Now Elaine.. though I was really sick & tired of her until the very end- but what she did.. god, I didn't saw that coming. It's always the silent & shy ones LMAO.💀
I also liked how our sassy Az was the one to teach Feyre to fly. They were finally bonding and I absolutely loved getting to know Az better.
Also, this book brings Lucien's character back from depressing springtime. His character is redeemable and I felt kinda bad how his character went from snarky & clever to timid & hesitant in ACOTAR. Jurian's redemption arc was weird bullsh!t and I didn’t buy it.
The book is action-packed, full of twist & turns, romance & is a rollercoaster of emotions. Every chapter ends with a cliffhanger- Something is always happening or preparing to happen.
The battle scene was amazing, especially when the last group showed up- *sighs* I had no Idea that I'd be crying If certain characters died but then there I was crying my heart out when the Suriel & the Bone Carver died.😩😭💔
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE-
It had to end.😭😭😭😭
But In all seriousness though, there is not much wrong with this book. The only thing I think could've been better was ~Rhys's death~ God I hate even writing that..😩
No matter how much I FVCKING SOBBED MY EYES OUT over that scene, it still had more potential and could be used in a more better way. It just felt bleh how he was brought back to life within minutes.
ACOWAR is every bit as entertaining as its predecessors, which in this series, is no an easy feat. So yes, I absolutely love this book. I love you Sarah for introducing us to this court of Dreamers.💘
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Violence, Slavery, Blood, Sexism, Death of parent, War, Torture, Death, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, and Sexual content
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Child abuse, and Confinement
The Silent Patient, by Alex Michaelides
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Let's start with the good stuff🫴🏼
The premise of this book is fantastic. I was engaged right away. For most thrillers, I think, the ending is the make it or break it aspect of the story, and the one in this book is pretty solid. The revelation in the end is really surprising, even if you guess the twist (I didn’t, but some might)
This book will undoubtedly make for a good thrilling movie if it's made. It's not an amazing book, but definitely a good one.
Now some criticisms🫴🏼
The flaws in this book are many, but they’re also pretty standard for this genre.
The author throws in so many red herrings and unnecessary small twists that the book begins to feel clumsy and many of these red herrings are left unresolved. And the most important point- Though the book is medium-paced, it takes too long to get into the flesh of the book. There are so many characters to be introduced and a whole lot of background story to go over before the main action starts to happen. But then it's bearable because it still keeps you intrigued while wanting to turn the page.
OVERALL- The Silent Patient nails the ending, and just for that reason alone I’m inclined to forgive all of its flaws. And I feel no shame in saying that after the plot twist or the big revelation- I was left feeling like "damn, I should have been able to guess this!”. I'd say Go For It.
The premise of this book is fantastic. I was engaged right away. For most thrillers, I think, the ending is the make it or break it aspect of the story, and the one in this book is pretty solid. The revelation in the end is really surprising, even if you guess the twist (I didn’t, but some might)
This book will undoubtedly make for a good thrilling movie if it's made. It's not an amazing book, but definitely a good one.
Now some criticisms🫴🏼
The flaws in this book are many, but they’re also pretty standard for this genre.
The author throws in so many red herrings and unnecessary small twists that the book begins to feel clumsy and many of these red herrings are left unresolved. And the most important point- Though the book is medium-paced, it takes too long to get into the flesh of the book. There are so many characters to be introduced and a whole lot of background story to go over before the main action starts to happen. But then it's bearable because it still keeps you intrigued while wanting to turn the page.
OVERALL- The Silent Patient nails the ending, and just for that reason alone I’m inclined to forgive all of its flaws. And I feel no shame in saying that after the plot twist or the big revelation- I was left feeling like "damn, I should have been able to guess this!”. I'd say Go For It.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Emotional abuse, Stalking, Suicide attempt, Alcohol, Death, Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Blood, Child abuse, Murder, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, Grief, Panic attacks/disorders, Addiction, Medical trauma, and Violence