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night0wl_23's reviews
133 reviews
Warrior of the Wild by Tricia Levenseller
adventurous
dark
funny
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? No
4.0
I have some mixed feelings about this book, overall I really enjoyed it, and I think my issues with it is mainly based on personal preference.
Tricia Levenseller’s world building and characters are amazing, the characters feel so real and the dialogue flows naturally. This book was no exception, but as a standalone it obviously had less time to develop.
I just wish we got to see a bit more of the wild. For example, the Ziken is said to be the biggest active threat to humans in the wild, but we only see them during the trial and when Raz meets Soren. After that they’re irrelevant, and the focus is on the monsters Raz and the boys have to face.
I struggled a bit at the beginning and end with Raz as a character, she was giving too much ‘not like other girls’. She loves her sisters so much, but we only hear about one of them a couple of times while she’s banished.
When she told Soren about her picking her trade, she was just a natural at it. An 8 year old, having shown no interest in an axe before, throwing her father’s axe AND hitting the target first try? An axe her older sisters couldn’t even pick up? That gives me such a massive ick. “Simply built different.”
Her being a ‘not like other girls’ girl makes perfect sense in universe, with her upbringing and everything, but I don’t think she moved on from that mentality by the end of the book. Which is disappointing.
The plot was predictable, I figured out the plot twists long before they were revealed, but I don’t think that’s negative, it’s just easy to pick up the hints.
Overall I liked the book, my problems with some of Raz’s characteristics is a personal preference. The ending was exactly what I had hoped for. I’m very happy that the people who wronged her faced consequences for their actions, and that they weren’t just forgiven cause Raz had to be ‘the bigger person’.
Tricia Levenseller’s world building and characters are amazing, the characters feel so real and the dialogue flows naturally. This book was no exception, but as a standalone it obviously had less time to develop.
I just wish we got to see a bit more of the wild. For example, the Ziken is said to be the biggest active threat to humans in the wild, but we only see them during the trial and when Raz meets Soren. After that they’re irrelevant, and the focus is on the monsters Raz and the boys have to face.
I struggled a bit at the beginning and end with Raz as a character, she was giving too much ‘not like other girls’. She loves her sisters so much, but we only hear about one of them a couple of times while she’s banished.
When she told Soren about her picking her trade, she was just a natural at it. An 8 year old, having shown no interest in an axe before, throwing her father’s axe AND hitting the target first try? An axe her older sisters couldn’t even pick up? That gives me such a massive ick. “Simply built different.”
Her being a ‘not like other girls’ girl makes perfect sense in universe, with her upbringing and everything, but I don’t think she moved on from that mentality by the end of the book. Which is disappointing.
The plot was predictable, I figured out the plot twists long before they were revealed, but I don’t think that’s negative, it’s just easy to pick up the hints.
Overall I liked the book, my problems with some of Raz’s characteristics is a personal preference. The ending was exactly what I had hoped for. I’m very happy that the people who wronged her faced consequences for their actions, and that they weren’t just forgiven cause Raz had to be ‘the bigger person’.
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.5
This book was so hard to read, for all the right reasons. It’s terrifying, thought provoking and a must read for anyone into dystopian fiction.
The inclusion of the historical notes at the ending really drove the story home. Knowing the entire book is a transcript of tapes ‘Offred’ made after she escaped, realising that we’ve read a historical document about early Gilead.
I realise that the whole interview can be read differently from person to person, and I read it as distasteful and disrespectful. At times it sounded like the guy was annoyed that Offred used fake names, annoyed that she didn’t talk enough about the rules, the living conditions and the commander (cause he’s obviously the only interesting person here /s).
It’s like this historian couldn’t understand that she wasn’t documenting for the future, for him specifically. He couldn’t imagine that she simply told her story, as she had lived it and experienced it - the things most important for her to tell and possibly leave behind.
It upset me, and that was definitely the point. A fitting ending to a terribly sad story. It really pushed me to think about everything I had read again.
The inclusion of the historical notes at the ending really drove the story home. Knowing the entire book is a transcript of tapes ‘Offred’ made after she escaped, realising that we’ve read a historical document about early Gilead.
I realise that the whole interview can be read differently from person to person, and I read it as distasteful and disrespectful. At times it sounded like the guy was annoyed that Offred used fake names, annoyed that she didn’t talk enough about the rules, the living conditions and the commander (cause he’s obviously the only interesting person here /s).
It’s like this historian couldn’t understand that she wasn’t documenting for the future, for him specifically. He couldn’t imagine that she simply told her story, as she had lived it and experienced it - the things most important for her to tell and possibly leave behind.
It upset me, and that was definitely the point. A fitting ending to a terribly sad story. It really pushed me to think about everything I had read again.
Warriors Graphic Novel: The Prophecies Begin #1 by Erin Hunter
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
tense
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? No
4.5
I absolutely adore this book series and I’m so excited to finally see it put into a visual medium!
The character designs and artstyle is simply amazing, and embodies the books perfectly.
The only thing that’s keeping this from being 5 stars is the exclusion of the gorge scene, which in my opinion is very important to Fireheart and Sandpaw’s relationship development. Her going from teasing him with Dustpaw to suddenly out of the blue being friendly just doesn’t work that well.
The character designs and artstyle is simply amazing, and embodies the books perfectly.
The only thing that’s keeping this from being 5 stars is the exclusion of the gorge scene, which in my opinion is very important to Fireheart and Sandpaw’s relationship development. Her going from teasing him with Dustpaw to suddenly out of the blue being friendly just doesn’t work that well.
Carmilla by J. Sheridan Le Fanu
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
I was very excited when I found this book at the bookstore and I’m happy to report that it didn’t disappoint!!
It’s exactly how I expected it to be for being 152 years old, a lot of focus on the setting while ignoring the main character a bit, but still being interesting and spooky. More queer than I had anticipated, which is always a bonus! (We love toxic sapphics in this household.)
The books stands great on its own, but I would love to see someone building onto this story in the future, give it more depth and really flesh out the characters and dynamics more. 150 pages isn’t a lot, and I think there’s even more potential here.
It’s exactly how I expected it to be for being 152 years old, a lot of focus on the setting while ignoring the main character a bit, but still being interesting and spooky. More queer than I had anticipated, which is always a bonus! (We love toxic sapphics in this household.)
The books stands great on its own, but I would love to see someone building onto this story in the future, give it more depth and really flesh out the characters and dynamics more. 150 pages isn’t a lot, and I think there’s even more potential here.
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
Did not finish book. Stopped at 25%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 25%.
Did not finish at 113 pages.
I just can’t get into it. I don’t like the main characters and the plot is moving too slow for me. A lot of info dumping and jumping between presence and past memories - it’s just not doing it for me.
I just can’t get into it. I don’t like the main characters and the plot is moving too slow for me. A lot of info dumping and jumping between presence and past memories - it’s just not doing it for me.
Vengeance of the Pirate Queen by Tricia Levenseller
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
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
4.5
I simply adore this series, and I’m blown away by this new adventure and new focus on Sorinda and Kearan!
Only thing keeping this book from being a 5 star is the slightly rushed ending. I wish we got 50 pages more where Sorinda actually warms up to and gets used to being in a relationship and allowing Kearan near her, instead of what felt like an instant switch.
Other than that the book was amazing.
I really hope we get to revisit this universe, possibly a book following Nirinda and Mandsey on their mission to find Draxten? I would love that.
Only thing keeping this book from being a 5 star is the slightly rushed ending. I wish we got 50 pages more where Sorinda actually warms up to and gets used to being in a relationship and allowing Kearan near her, instead of what felt like an instant switch.
Other than that the book was amazing.
I really hope we get to revisit this universe, possibly a book following Nirinda and Mandsey on their mission to find Draxten? I would love that.
Imagine Me by Tahereh Mafi
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
To start: I think having Kenji as a main character was amazing, 10/10, why didn’t this happen 5 books ago?
I actually enjoyed this book a lot more than the previous 5. Finally we’re getting some answers and world building, there is an actual plot outside of Juliette and Warner’s toxic romance, and because Juliette’s memories got wiped for 90% of the book she could actually be her own person outside of her relationships (even if that person was designed and manipulated by Anderson).
The whole thing with J finding Anderson attractive grossed me out, it didn’t contribute to the story at all. And it annoyed me that all Warner had to do to get her to remember him was hug and kiss her. She doesn’t remember anything, no names no faces, not even mentions of her past spark any recognition, but “the feeling of his body, perfectly against mine feels right, the warmth of his skin familiar” is what makes her remember? It’s just kinda mid, cheap, boring. Whatever.
Adding onto that, I get that she and Emmaline are like incredibly powerful and stuff, but simply being able to look at all the supreme commanders to kill them is a very cheap solution to a ‘battle’ that’s been hyped up for 5 books.
Another thing that bothered me about this book is Warner’s character. I used to like him, he used to be a morally grey character that did horrible things because he had to. But now? The second J was kidnapped he lost all his character development. Where did the boy who wanted to be better go?
He hates everyone, threatens to murder everyone all the time, and he’s just generally being an asshole to the people who want to help him. He and Kenji had finally started to become something resembling friends, just for it to be thrown out the window never to be seen again.
The epilogue is truly what brought this book from a 3 to a 2.5 star. After a series like this, I expect the epilogue to include at least some bits about the plans going forward, but no, this was just Warner being rude to service workers, insulting poor people (tf??), threatening to kill Kenji (J’s best friend!), and being incredibly controlling over what J should and shouldn’t do on her (their) wedding day. The man is a walking red flag, and I’m supposed to like him? Root for him and J? No thank you.
The plot point of Adam giving up his powers to the Reestablishment to protect James was glossed over so quickly. And in the epilogue he’s suddenly super happy about life? His character is changed yet again to fit the narrative.
The epilogue never even mentioned Nazeera and Kenji’s relationship, and I’m very disappointed. Nor did it mention how things are working out at the Sanctuary for Castle and his daughter Nouria. It never really mentioned anything about the actual aftermath and consequences of the fall of the Reestablishment for the world. Nothing about how the world is like now that Emmaline’s illusion is gone, no description of a hopeful ending or solution, because it was too busy repeating that Warner and J are getting married.
We just prevented the end of the fucking world, we just stopped the oppressive dictator military government, but the main characters getting married is obviously more important than anything else.
This series has a big problem of introducing too many characters and then never giving them a purpose. Yes, they’re the ‘friends’ of our main character Juliette (despite her never talking to them, ever) but outside of that they’re just names and vague personality traits used for mostly pointless dialogue and the occasional plot driving.
A massive ick I’ve had throughout reading this series is how Juliette never had any meaningful conversations or relationships with other women. The other women from Omega Point were all just quiet and in the shadows, and we never got to see her reconnect with Nazeera or the other supreme kids. It annoys me in a way I can’t really explain.
Overall, this book had more plot than the entire series combined, the lack of romance made it readable, but the ending was rushed and not really satisfying, lacking a lot of answers.
I didn’t like this series. This is not my cup of tea, and I’m so happy I’m done.
I actually enjoyed this book a lot more than the previous 5. Finally we’re getting some answers and world building, there is an actual plot outside of Juliette and Warner’s toxic romance, and because Juliette’s memories got wiped for 90% of the book she could actually be her own person outside of her relationships (even if that person was designed and manipulated by Anderson).
The whole thing with J finding Anderson attractive grossed me out, it didn’t contribute to the story at all. And it annoyed me that all Warner had to do to get her to remember him was hug and kiss her. She doesn’t remember anything, no names no faces, not even mentions of her past spark any recognition, but “the feeling of his body, perfectly against mine feels right, the warmth of his skin familiar” is what makes her remember? It’s just kinda mid, cheap, boring. Whatever.
Adding onto that, I get that she and Emmaline are like incredibly powerful and stuff, but simply being able to look at all the supreme commanders to kill them is a very cheap solution to a ‘battle’ that’s been hyped up for 5 books.
Another thing that bothered me about this book is Warner’s character. I used to like him, he used to be a morally grey character that did horrible things because he had to. But now? The second J was kidnapped he lost all his character development. Where did the boy who wanted to be better go?
He hates everyone, threatens to murder everyone all the time, and he’s just generally being an asshole to the people who want to help him. He and Kenji had finally started to become something resembling friends, just for it to be thrown out the window never to be seen again.
The epilogue is truly what brought this book from a 3 to a 2.5 star. After a series like this, I expect the epilogue to include at least some bits about the plans going forward, but no, this was just Warner being rude to service workers, insulting poor people (tf??), threatening to kill Kenji (J’s best friend!), and being incredibly controlling over what J should and shouldn’t do on her (their) wedding day. The man is a walking red flag, and I’m supposed to like him? Root for him and J? No thank you.
The plot point of Adam giving up his powers to the Reestablishment to protect James was glossed over so quickly. And in the epilogue he’s suddenly super happy about life? His character is changed yet again to fit the narrative.
The epilogue never even mentioned Nazeera and Kenji’s relationship, and I’m very disappointed. Nor did it mention how things are working out at the Sanctuary for Castle and his daughter Nouria. It never really mentioned anything about the actual aftermath and consequences of the fall of the Reestablishment for the world. Nothing about how the world is like now that Emmaline’s illusion is gone, no description of a hopeful ending or solution, because it was too busy repeating that Warner and J are getting married.
We just prevented the end of the fucking world, we just stopped the oppressive dictator military government, but the main characters getting married is obviously more important than anything else.
This series has a big problem of introducing too many characters and then never giving them a purpose. Yes, they’re the ‘friends’ of our main character Juliette (despite her never talking to them, ever) but outside of that they’re just names and vague personality traits used for mostly pointless dialogue and the occasional plot driving.
A massive ick I’ve had throughout reading this series is how Juliette never had any meaningful conversations or relationships with other women. The other women from Omega Point were all just quiet and in the shadows, and we never got to see her reconnect with Nazeera or the other supreme kids. It annoys me in a way I can’t really explain.
Overall, this book had more plot than the entire series combined, the lack of romance made it readable, but the ending was rushed and not really satisfying, lacking a lot of answers.
I didn’t like this series. This is not my cup of tea, and I’m so happy I’m done.
Defy Me by Tahereh Mafi
Like I’m so sorry but that sounds so stupid. “Her mind was simply strong enough to stop her brain from losing its memories” what? That’s such a dissatisfying explanation. I get that she’s strong and powerful, but it’s so cheap to use that as a reason.
The pacing is weird yet again. Somehow a lot happened in this book while nothing was happening at all, because it was mostly info dumping between page after page of J and Warner spiralling. Only good chapters were Kenji’s, but we only got those so we could see what he and Nazeera were up to.
Adding onto the pacing issue, the timeline was very confusing and difficult to follow. A lot that happened during the book was just told to us by the POV character long after it had happened, and I honestly don’t know why. It’s an odd choice to say the least.
Overall, my main issues are with the writing. The romance is starting to feel forced, and it’s still pausing the end of the world just so J and Warner can cuddle for a bit. The lack of world building and the pacing of the plot makes the story difficult to follow, and I’ve really struggled to understand the characters.
It’s kind of entertaining I guess, but mid and boring considering the context of “dystopian end of the world with a revolution to overthrow the dictator government”.
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I actually liked this book a bit more than the previous books in the series, but it’s still lacking in multiple ways.
The plot and world building is still all over the place, and while it got more focus than in previous books it’s a little bit too late. As a reader, being 5 books into a series and getting surprised at world building information I should’ve had ages ago is just annoying.
80% of the book is just fillers, a lot of it is just spiralling thoughts from J and Warner. The ‘action’ is over before it even starts most of the time, and these kids are carried by plot armour.
The plot and world building is still all over the place, and while it got more focus than in previous books it’s a little bit too late. As a reader, being 5 books into a series and getting surprised at world building information I should’ve had ages ago is just annoying.
80% of the book is just fillers, a lot of it is just spiralling thoughts from J and Warner. The ‘action’ is over before it even starts most of the time, and these kids are carried by plot armour.
Max and Evie - and even Anderson - tried to wipe Emmaline’s memory multiple times, but each time, Emmaline’s body prevailed. Her mind was so strong that she was able to convince her brain to reverse the chemistry meant to dissolve her memories.
Like I’m so sorry but that sounds so stupid. “Her mind was simply strong enough to stop her brain from losing its memories” what? That’s such a dissatisfying explanation. I get that she’s strong and powerful, but it’s so cheap to use that as a reason.
The pacing is weird yet again. Somehow a lot happened in this book while nothing was happening at all, because it was mostly info dumping between page after page of J and Warner spiralling. Only good chapters were Kenji’s, but we only got those so we could see what he and Nazeera were up to.
Adding onto the pacing issue, the timeline was very confusing and difficult to follow. A lot that happened during the book was just told to us by the POV character long after it had happened, and I honestly don’t know why. It’s an odd choice to say the least.
Overall, my main issues are with the writing. The romance is starting to feel forced, and it’s still pausing the end of the world just so J and Warner can cuddle for a bit. The lack of world building and the pacing of the plot makes the story difficult to follow, and I’ve really struggled to understand the characters.
It’s kind of entertaining I guess, but mid and boring considering the context of “dystopian end of the world with a revolution to overthrow the dictator government”.
Soloppgang by Erin Hunter
emotional
mysterious
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
3.5
(This review includes spoilers, read at your own discretion)
I have mixed feelings about this book. The first half was just about finding Sol and bribing him back to Thunderclan, with a little sprinkle of Jayfeather investigating who the threes parents might be.
Because of everything with Sol the first half was just incredibly slow, finding out who their parents are took so long, and all the consequences were crammed into the last 30 pages or so.
This isn’t the best book, but I enjoy the ending, I just wish it was given more time instead of being rushed :’)
I have mixed feelings about this book. The first half was just about finding Sol and bribing him back to Thunderclan, with a little sprinkle of Jayfeather investigating who the threes parents might be.
Because of everything with Sol the first half was just incredibly slow, finding out who their parents are took so long, and all the consequences were crammed into the last 30 pages or so.
This isn’t the best book, but I enjoy the ending, I just wish it was given more time instead of being rushed :’)
Lange skygger by Erin Hunter
dark
emotional
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? Yes
5.0
(This review includes spoilers, read at your own discretion)
So much happened in this book. The fake sign turned real sign, the green cough outbreak, Jaypaw meeting the ancient cats, the fire scene AND A MURDER!
While I’m sad Sol’s takeover of Shadowclan was so short, and I hope we’ll see him again, his parting words with Hollyleaf was chilling. “Are you sure you know who the three are?” HE KNOWS!! He must know! And now he’s putting doubt in Hollyleaf’s head, making her obsess over the warrior code, the one thing making her ‘special’, even more.
Jaypaw meeting the ancient cats as Jay’s Wing, sending them to the mountains to form the Tribe, Jaypaw starting the chain reaction that lead to this very moment IS SO COOL!! I can’t wait to see the ancient cats again.
Also a little side note on the ancient cats,I see you Dove’s Wing, I know who you are. The foreshadowing of Dovewing is fantastic.
The fire scene was simply amazing. Better than I remember, 10/10. Same with the aftermath, Lionblaze and Jayfeather trying to come to terms with it and figuring out what to do with Ashfur, meanwhile Hollyleaf is slowly losing her mind. The difference between the three, the two who know who they are and what makes them special, and Hollyleaf who just isn’t special is incredible.
How far is one cat willing to go to protect the code? And what if the code is broken no matter what you do? UGH, Hollyleaf my beloved you will always be special to me.
A couple of side notes:
- Heathertail is so based for letting Lionblaze get away with the catmint. “I fucking hate you, but my hatred is with you, not innocent sick cats.”
- Firestar staying with the sick cats even after he died and is no longer sick, just to take care of them is so heartwarming. THIS is what those nine lives are for, to protect and help his clan. We don’t have enough leaders actually risking their lives for their clan mates, even though they have 9 to take from.
- Silverstream watching over Millie from Starclan while she’s sick ))): Jaypaw telling Graystripe about it too, oh my heart
So much happened in this book. The fake sign turned real sign, the green cough outbreak, Jaypaw meeting the ancient cats, the fire scene AND A MURDER!
While I’m sad Sol’s takeover of Shadowclan was so short, and I hope we’ll see him again, his parting words with Hollyleaf was chilling. “Are you sure you know who the three are?” HE KNOWS!! He must know! And now he’s putting doubt in Hollyleaf’s head, making her obsess over the warrior code, the one thing making her ‘special’, even more.
Jaypaw meeting the ancient cats as Jay’s Wing, sending them to the mountains to form the Tribe, Jaypaw starting the chain reaction that lead to this very moment IS SO COOL!! I can’t wait to see the ancient cats again.
Also a little side note on the ancient cats,
The fire scene was simply amazing. Better than I remember, 10/10. Same with the aftermath, Lionblaze and Jayfeather trying to come to terms with it and figuring out what to do with Ashfur, meanwhile Hollyleaf is slowly losing her mind. The difference between the three, the two who know who they are and what makes them special, and Hollyleaf who just isn’t special is incredible.
How far is one cat willing to go to protect the code? And what if the code is broken no matter what you do? UGH, Hollyleaf my beloved you will always be special to me.
A couple of side notes:
- Heathertail is so based for letting Lionblaze get away with the catmint. “I fucking hate you, but my hatred is with you, not innocent sick cats.”
- Firestar staying with the sick cats even after he died and is no longer sick, just to take care of them is so heartwarming. THIS is what those nine lives are for, to protect and help his clan. We don’t have enough leaders actually risking their lives for their clan mates, even though they have 9 to take from.
- Silverstream watching over Millie from Starclan while she’s sick ))): Jaypaw telling Graystripe about it too, oh my heart