measishouldbebooks's reviews
256 reviews

A Gathering of Shadows by V.E. Schwab

dark tense 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

3.0

This book felt vastly different from the first. Almost like it was the start of a completely different series. It was an average read, nothing exciting. 

Red Sister by Mark Lawrence
Did not finish book. Stopped at 11%.

I just couldn’t get into it. The writing felt dry. It wasn’t captivating. I even skipped to an action scene just to see if it would get better, but it still didn’t interest me. 

Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston
Did not finish book. Stopped at 33%.

I don’t know what it was about this book, but I just couldn’t get into it. I don’t do well with investigation storylines and I went into it not knowing that that’s what it was. 

A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab

adventurous challenging dark emotional inspiring tense fast-paced

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

5.0

This was a book I was never really interested in. I thought it was way too hyped up. But then, I decided to pick it up and I’m so glad I did. From the moment I opened it, I was hooked. It completely drew me in. I could envision every scene playing out like a movie in my head. I should have known I would love it as I’ve loved every V.E./Victoria Schwab book I’ve read so far. I just love her writing style and her characters. The stories she tells are so interesting.  The worlds in this story were intriguing and I loved that we got glimpses into most of them in this first instalment. I’m excited to see what happens next. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Self harm and Blood

Skyward by Brandon Sanderson

adventurous challenging emotional funny mysterious 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? It's complicated

5.0

I was blown away by this book. I cannot even put into words how much I loved it. The battle sequences, that ending. Everything was amazing. 

Salvation by Caryn Lix

adventurous emotional sad tense medium-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? Yes

3.0

I felt like this book was just another rehash of the first two. It followed the same formula as both of the previous books in the series and I just didn’t find it interesting. The “twists” weren’t really twists as they were exactly the same as the last two books. 
I will admit that I was sad when characters died though. 

Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor
Did not finish book. Stopped at 26%.

I was not enjoying this book at all. I struggled to get through it. I even got the audiobook to help me read it and even that didn’t work. I don’t like sequels  that deviate wildly from what the first book was about, and this was a completely different story. I couldn’t handle the lyrical writing style and descriptions because I ended up not knowing what was going on. I couldn’t tell you a single thing that happened during the 132 pages I read. I think I’m done with this series and will not be reading any more books by Laini Taylor. 

Furyborn by Claire Legrand

adventurous dark inspiring mysterious tense medium-paced

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

3.0

I found this book to be very average. It was an interesting concept, but it fell flat. The challenges Rielle undertook were ok.  The switch between Rielle and Eliana every chapter was a bit annoying as I would forget what had happened in their previous chapter. Overall, I did like this book, but not a lot. I’m interested to see what happened in order for us to get to the start of the book and that’s the only reason I’m continuing the series. 

The Kinder Poison by Natalie Mae

adventurous hopeful tense fast-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? Yes

4.0

I went into this book not knowing much about it besides the tag line, and I’m glad that’s all I knew. It’s beautifully written with a main character I couldn’t help but root for. She was strong, resourceful and compassionate. I loved the princes and the princess as well. I’m excited to see where the story goes in the sequel. 

Blood Song by Anthony Ryan
Did not finish book.

This book starts off with a man talking to his friends about how he attacked a woman. The writing style also did fit with me either. 

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Content Warnings

Minor: Rape