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olivialandryxo's reviews
810 reviews
King of Sloth by Ana Huang
My Ana Huang holy trinity, which finally exists after this book: King of Pride, King of Sloth, Twisted Lies 💜💙💚
I’m not gonna reread, I’m not gonna reread, I’m not gonna reread……
Representation:
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book met and exceeded every single one of my expectations. Sloane and Xavier were delightful from the very first page, and got progressively more adorable. I’m gonna be thinking about these two for days. 💙💙 (It doesn’t hurt that they give off MAJOR Sydrian vibes, aka one of my absolute favorite fictional couples.)
The only thing that could’ve made this book better was a Kai and Isa wedding. IT WAS THE ONE THING I WANTED, ANA.
Okay, but seriously. We’ve seen Viv and Dante get married, Alé and Dom get divorced and remarried, but Kai and Isa’s wedding is off-page?? And we find out in the epilogue that said wedding was only weeks after this book’s main story ends?? RUDE. And, to top it off, we don’t even get to see Xavi and Sloane engaged. I feel denied!!! 🥲🥲
On another note, I won’t lie—I’m skeptical about the next book. I don’t know either Vuk or Ayana enough to care about them, and I feel like Vuk is such a strange choice for a lead. I knew we’d have to leave the squad eventually, given how long the series is going to be, but I just. I don’t know. I’m gonna need some convincing on this one.
One more thing. At the very end, Xavi mentions Alex discovered the saboteur’s identity but wouldn’t share it, and all we got was it’s someone from a mercenary group that’s targeting the wealthy. I’d bet my nonexistent money that it’s Roman, and we haven’t seen the last of him yet. 👀
Updated series ranking:
Updated series ranking:
- King of Pride (forever my babies)
- King of Sloth (my new babies)
- King of Greed (good but not as good)
- King of Wrath (suck it Dante)
My Ana Huang holy trinity, which finally exists after this book: King of Pride, King of Sloth, Twisted Lies 💜💙💚
Representation:
- Colombian protagonist and side characters
- Chinese side characters (one is half-Filipina)
- demisexual Brazilian side character
- side character with CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Death, Infidelity, Sexual content, and Death of parent
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, and Alcohol
Sexual content is explicit but wholly consensual. One character’s father was previously diagnosed with cancer and dies from it on-page. Both characters lost their mothers previously as well, one to a house fire and one (I believe) to an equestrian accident. Both characters dealt with emotional abuse throughout and beyond childhood, and one had a long-term partner cheat on them.
Midnight Ruin by Katee Robert
dark
emotional
hopeful
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’ve been desperately waiting for this book ever since Eurydice and Charon showed up at the house party in Radiant Sin, and it did not disappoint!! No criticisms, no complaints, these three are perfect and I adore them!!! 💜🖤💙
And to say the plot thickens would be an understatement… this book had me STRESSED. I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: I can’t even begin to imagine the state of everything by the time the series is over, and that terrifies me.
I’m so glad Hades said ENOUGH and closed off the lower city. I can’t have anything happening to him, Persephone or their lil babies. BUT WHY didn’t y’all bring in a few more people first?? I get that Callisto couldn’t have come, and Demeter probably wouldn’t have, but what about Psyche and Eros?? Or Apollo and Cassandra, for Orpheus’s sake?? THEY NEED TO BE SAFE TOO.
And speaking of, I don’t know what Callisto is up to, but I don’t like it. My current theory is that she’s helping Circe and Minos somehow?? My first thought was maybe she was the benefactor, but now I’m just wondering if she’s willing to be an agent from the inside. She would be all too happy to watch Olympus burn, and if she agreed to help, she could probably negotiate safety for her family…
Representation:
And to say the plot thickens would be an understatement… this book had me STRESSED. I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: I can’t even begin to imagine the state of everything by the time the series is over, and that terrifies me.
And speaking of, I don’t know what Callisto is up to, but I don’t like it. My current theory is that she’s helping Circe and Minos somehow?? My first thought was maybe she was the benefactor, but now I’m just wondering if she’s willing to be an agent from the inside. She would be all too happy to watch Olympus burn, and if she agreed to help, she could probably negotiate safety for her family…
Representation:
- three bi/pansexual polyamorous protagonists (includes a Black woman and a Swedish-Korean man)
- MMF main throuple
- sapphic side couple
- various POC, queer and/or fat side characters (includes sapphic, bisexual & pansexual rep, nonbinary rep/use of neopronouns, as well as Black, Korean & South Asian rep)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Gun violence, Violence, Blood, Murder, and Pregnancy
Minor: Abortion
Sexual content is explicit but entirely consensual. One side character is pregnant, another gets an off-page abortion. Murder is discussed but doesn’t occur on-page. Everything else is most prominent in the final third of the book, alongside an explosion and some severe injuries.
Twisted Lies by Ana Huang
And so did the letters. Good grief. Those were a sucker punch to the gut.
I have to give Christian genuine kudos for respecting Stella’s boundaries after the breakup. He left her alone in every sense of the phrase, wrote about his feelings, even managed to turn the whole thing into a semi-romantic gesture in the end… I think that’s the most mature way a guy in this series has ever handled a relationship crisis.
(Yes, I’m looking at you, Alex.)
Also, on a less-than-impressed note, the fact that Stella was about to die and her ~big realization~ was that Christian would never drug or kidnap her like Julian did and so he’s The One… are you kidding me??? Girlie, that’s the absolute bare minimum in a relationship. The bar is so low, it’s underground. Sigh.
Final series ranking:
Representation:
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I love Stella and Christian. I love them so much. But I hate what Christian did; it’s creepy as hell. I hate the whole act three breakup, and honestly, most of the very end of the book. It felt like Ana was trying to do too much, trying to turn a romance into a thriller, and it ruined the vibe of what otherwise would’ve been a perfect book.
I mean that, too. I was having such a blast from the very first page, and up till all of that crap started, I was convinced I had finally found another Ana book I loved as much as King of Pride.
I mean that, too. I was having such a blast from the very first page, and up till all of that crap started, I was convinced I had finally found another Ana book I loved as much as King of Pride.
Way to burst that bubble, Harper.
But, I’ll admit, the scenes with the whole crew were highly entertaining, and all of the epilogue and bonus scene stuff was absolutely adorable. As is the fact that he calls her Butterfly. That got me in the feels every time, without fail. 💚
(Yes, I’m looking at you, Alex.)
Also, on a less-than-impressed note, the fact that Stella was about to die and her ~big realization~ was that Christian would never drug or kidnap her like Julian did and so he’s The One… are you kidding me??? Girlie, that’s the absolute bare minimum in a relationship. The bar is so low, it’s underground. Sigh.
Final series ranking:
- Twisted Lies (despite everything)
- Twisted Love/Twisted Hate
- Twisted Games
Representation:
- multiracial protagonist with anxiety (Japanese, Black & Puerto Rican)
- fat side character
- Chinese-American side characters
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, and Stalking
Moderate: Death, Gun violence, Torture, Kidnapping, and Murder
Minor: Suicide
Sexual content is explicit but consensual. One protagonist has a stalker that sends her ominous notes and candid photos of herself, even breaks into her apartment at one point while she’s out. It’s the cause of at least one panic attack, that I can recall. Kidnapping and gun violence are also related to the stalker, contained specifically in the last quarter of the book, as are the rest of the tags in the moderate category. It’s also mentioned a few times that one protagonist’s mother previously took her life in a particularly violent way.
Twisted Hate by Ana Huang
Representation:
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The biggest plot twist is that Alex is my favorite of the guys in this series so far. And that he continues to grow on me. I’m having a hard time wrapping my head around it.
Overall, this was fun. I’d say it’s tied with Love for my favorite so far. I like Jules more than Ava, but Alex more than Josh. I think J+J’s relationship arc is more realistic, but A+A’s dynamic is more entertaining.
The best part, though, hands down, was seeing the stage set for the next book, which is unabashedly the reason I’ve read the others. Christian is so whipped already and it’s delightful. ( ͡❛ ͜ʖ ͡❛)
Current series ranking:
Overall, this was fun. I’d say it’s tied with Love for my favorite so far. I like Jules more than Ava, but Alex more than Josh. I think J+J’s relationship arc is more realistic, but A+A’s dynamic is more entertaining.
The best part, though, hands down, was seeing the stage set for the next book, which is unabashedly the reason I’ve read the others. Christian is so whipped already and it’s delightful. ( ͡❛ ͜ʖ ͡❛)
Current series ranking:
- Twisted Love/Twisted Hate
- Twisted Games
Representation:
- fat protagonist
- Chinese-American protagonist & side character
- multiracial side character (Japanese, Black & Puerto Rican)
- lesbian side character
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Medical content, and Death of parent
Minor: Drug abuse, Car accident, and Fire/Fire injury
Sexual content is explicit but always consensual. Sexual harassment is of one protagonist by a side character, in the form of using a sex tape as blackmail. There are mentions of death, near-death situations and child abuse from the protagonists’ pasts, and of blood and various injuries due to one of them working as an ER doctor. Things tagged minor are the methods of various deaths mentioned over the course of the book. It’s also mentioned that a side character was almost drowned as a child.
Twisted Games by Ana Huang
Representation:
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I didn’t think I’d find an Ana book that I disliked more than King of Wrath, but sadly, I did. And I really am sad about it, because through the entire first half, I was having such a blast with this book. I thought it would end up a favorite alongside King of Pride. But Rhys’ possessive temper tantrums got really old really fast, and then I was decidedly not having a blast.
It also doesn’t help that, the more I think about it, the more I realize that Bridget and Rhys have absolutely nothing to base a relationship on. All they ever do is screw around. Ana’s other couples have foundations upon which their relationships are built, but these two are just lust. Their story is just smut. Like if you took the vibes of Princess Diaries 2, combined with the vibes of Red White and Royal Blue, but replaced 90% of the plots with (rather repetitive) smut.
And damn, is it disappointing.
Extra half star for the first half, though, because it was fun while it lasted. And the teasing glimpses of future couples have made the rest (nearly) worth it.
Current series ranking:
It also doesn’t help that, the more I think about it, the more I realize that Bridget and Rhys have absolutely nothing to base a relationship on. All they ever do is screw around. Ana’s other couples have foundations upon which their relationships are built, but these two are just lust. Their story is just smut. Like if you took the vibes of Princess Diaries 2, combined with the vibes of Red White and Royal Blue, but replaced 90% of the plots with (rather repetitive) smut.
And damn, is it disappointing.
Extra half star for the first half, though, because it was fun while it lasted. And the teasing glimpses of future couples have made the rest (nearly) worth it.
Current series ranking:
- Twisted Love (I’m shocked too)
- Twisted Games (I’m sad)
Representation:
- Chinese-American side characters
- fat side character
- multiracial side character (Japanese, Black & Puerto Rican)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Gun violence and Medical content
Minor: Child abuse, Death, Drug abuse, Car accident, Death of parent, and War
Sexual content is frequent and explicit but always consensual. There’s one scene early on of a near mass shooting, but the shooter is stopped. There are a few scenes in a hospital due to one protagonist’s grandfather having a heart condition, but he does pull through each time. Everything tagged minor refers to past events, including one protagonist losing a parent to childbirth and a parent to a car accident, and the other protagonist losing a parent to drug overdose. There are also brief mentions of war scenes due to one protagonist being an ex-Navy SEAL.
Twisted Love by Ana Huang
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Did Ana get déjà vu while writing King of Wrath? Because, having read that first, I got it in spades reading this. Alex and Dante are damn near the same person, though Alex is—thankfully—more tolerable overall. I can even begrudgingly admit that I like him, and that he and Ava are cute together.
Representation:
Representation:
- Chinese-American protagonist & side characters
- fat side character
- multiracial side character (Japanese, Black & Puerto Rican)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Child death, Suicide, and Death of parent
Sexual content is explicit but always consensual. A few scenes include varying degrees of violence, and one includes a gun, in which two characters are killed. One protagonist has PTSD that manifests in the form of nightmares and panic attacks. There are also mentions of attempted murder, a parent committing suicide, and a family being murdered, with one flashback late in the book detailing the latter scenario.
Lavender House by Lev AC Rosen
challenging
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Though this was a good book, one I did enjoy reading, it’s also one that seems weaker as I continue to think about it. What made for an intriguing premise was, unfortunately, a rather anticlimactic story. There was a whole lot of talking about not a lot of doing, and come the end of the book, the explanations for everything felt flimsy. Maybe it’s on me for wanting a thriller from what’s clearly a mystery, but I feel like mysteries should still have some elements of drama and intensity. I didn’t get that here.
I did like the characters, though, and there’s just… There’s something uniquely compelling to me, as a queer person, about queer historical fiction. No matter how difficult it can be to read, to see the horrifying ways our predecessors were treated and the heartbreaking lengths they had to go to for their own safety, there’s something to be said about seeing that we’ve always been here, and we’ve always persisted. That’s what these characters do, too—persist.
So, yeah. Some things worked for me in this book, others didn’t, but overall, I did like it, and I do want to read the second book. I want to see more of Andy and the Lavender House family, and hopefully, I’ll really like it.
Representation:
So, yeah. Some things worked for me in this book, others didn’t, but overall, I did like it, and I do want to read the second book. I want to see more of Andy and the Lavender House family, and hopefully, I’ll really like it.
Representation:
- gay protagonist
- Mexican lesbian side character
- bisexual Jewish side character
- sapphic side characters
- achillean side characters (one is also Filipino)
- sapphic side couples (f/f)
- achillean side couple (m/m)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, and Police brutality
Moderate: Death and Murder
Minor: Confinement and Religious bigotry
All things tagged graphic are explicitly on-page, in the form of various homophobic slurs, the protagonist being severely beaten for being queer, and the protagonist thinking numerous times about a suicide plan. He never does follow through, but it’s there all the same. Things tagged minor are in relation to a side character’s backstory, briefly mentioned in one chapter near the end of the book.
King of Greed by Ana Huang
Representation:
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I was promised a grovel book, but all I got was a man throwing a fit because he was forced to face the consequences of his own actions.
Honestly, I feel like Ále and Dom need some time apart—for real, without him “coincidentally” ending up in the same place as her—and both individual and couples therapy to really make their relationship work again. She might’ve learned to put herself first, to stand up for what she wants and needs, but he needs to learn to respect boundaries.
They were divorced for three, maybe four months before starting over, but how much of that time did she really have to herself? He kept sending her messages and gifts, refused to just leave her alone if they wound up in the same public place, and literally followed her to Brazil. Bro went from ignoring her for the better part of a decade to damn near stalking her. That’s a lot of things, but it sure as hell isn’t romantic.
And that reminds me.
“‘I would stalk you if it meant you’d talk to me again.’
‘How romantic.’
‘I’m past romantic, Alessandra. I’m desperate.’”
He’s acting like a child that forgot about their favorite toy and is now throwing a fit because said toy was donated. As if it’s not his own damn fault that he’s in this situation. And it’s aggravating as hell.
All of that aside, there’s something to be said about the fact I read this in a day. I don’t know the last time I did that, or even came close. It might have problems, but damn if it’s not an entertaining read despite them. I’m still cackling about the library scene.
(Although I won’t lie, I’m INCREDIBLY SALTY that there were two weddings in this book and neither of them were for Kai and Isa. They’re the stars of this show and they deserve better.)
Current ranking of the series:
Honestly, I feel like Ále and Dom need some time apart—for real, without him “coincidentally” ending up in the same place as her—and both individual and couples therapy to really make their relationship work again. She might’ve learned to put herself first, to stand up for what she wants and needs, but he needs to learn to respect boundaries.
And that reminds me.
“‘I would stalk you if it meant you’d talk to me again.’
‘How romantic.’
‘I’m past romantic, Alessandra. I’m desperate.’”
He’s acting like a child that forgot about their favorite toy and is now throwing a fit because said toy was donated. As if it’s not his own damn fault that he’s in this situation. And it’s aggravating as hell.
All of that aside, there’s something to be said about the fact I read this in a day. I don’t know the last time I did that, or even came close. It might have problems, but damn if it’s not an entertaining read despite them. I’m still cackling about the library scene.
(Although I won’t lie, I’m INCREDIBLY SALTY that there were two weddings in this book and neither of them were for Kai and Isa. They’re the stars of this show and they deserve better.)
Current ranking of the series:
- King of Pride (reigns supreme)
- King of Greed (is still good)
- King of Wrath (go to hell Dante)
Representation:
- demisexual Brazilian protagonist
- dyslexic protagonist
- dyslexic Brazilian side character
- Filipina-Chinese side character
- Chinese side characters
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Sexual content, and Abandonment
Moderate: Death, Gun violence, Violence, and Blood
All sexual content is explicit but consensual. One protagonist dealt with abuse and abandonment as a child; it’s mentioned semi-frequently on-page. There are a couple of physical altercations, one involving a gun, but no fatal injuries; none of it occurs between the two protagonists. There’s one unrelated death on-page, but it’s only a guest at an event the main characters attend.
The Fae Keeper by H.E. Edgmon
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
The best sequel—and conclusion—that H.E. Edgmon possibly could’ve given us.
While the whole book was entertaining, the second half was especially thrilling, with many a revelation and plot twist keeping me on my toes. I love that the final showdown included a handful of chapters narrated by various side characters, thus giving us more insight into all that occurred. It really rounded things out, allowing for more detail without risk of the conflict being stretched on for too long. And the ending itself was lovely, so hopeful and honestly just perfect. ❤️
(My potential new ship—Briar/[A Newly Single Side Character]—might not have sailed, and I can see why, but I feel like it could still happen at some point in the future… Here’s to hoping.)
Also, I just want to say that I listened to this duology on audio, and I’m convinced I enjoyed the story more for it. Dani Martineck is a seriously talented narrator, and they did an incredible job with these books. While Wyatt’s chaotic gay inner monologue is hilarious in every format, this one absolutely takes the cake. I’ve never reached the end of an audiobook and wanted more, from it specifically, until now. If I reread, I’m coming back to the audiobooks; if you can get your hands on them, I highly recommend doing so; and if Dani has done any other books, I’m about to go look for them.
Representation:
While the whole book was entertaining, the second half was especially thrilling, with many a revelation and plot twist keeping me on my toes. I love that the final showdown included a handful of chapters narrated by various side characters, thus giving us more insight into all that occurred. It really rounded things out, allowing for more detail without risk of the conflict being stretched on for too long. And the ending itself was lovely, so hopeful and honestly just perfect. ❤️
(My potential new ship—Briar/[A Newly Single Side Character]—might not have sailed, and I can see why, but I feel like it could still happen at some point in the future… Here’s to hoping.)
Also, I just want to say that I listened to this duology on audio, and I’m convinced I enjoyed the story more for it. Dani Martineck is a seriously talented narrator, and they did an incredible job with these books. While Wyatt’s chaotic gay inner monologue is hilarious in every format, this one absolutely takes the cake. I’ve never reached the end of an audiobook and wanted more, from it specifically, until now. If I reread, I’m coming back to the audiobooks; if you can get your hands on them, I highly recommend doing so; and if Dani has done any other books, I’m about to go look for them.
Representation:
- gay trans (FTM) protagonist
- Black queer demisexual love interest
- fat indigenous biromantic asexual side character
- nonbinary lesbian side character (they/them)
- various queer side characters & side characters of color (includes a Black character that uses a wheelchair)
- achillean couple (m/m)
- MMF side throuple
- minor sapphic side couple (f/f)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Animal death, Racism, Transphobia, and Vomit
Minor: Sexual assault, Cannibalism, and Sexual harassment
All things tagged graphic are explicitly on-page, especially in the second half of the book. Most of the rest—excluding animal death and vomit—are only discussed, in varying capacities. Sexual harassment is in regards to a minor, sexual assault to an adult, though none is on-page. Some cannibalism is done by a side character, though again, none is on-page. Racism and transphobia are also discussed, as is gender dysphoria, but the first two are always challenged.
Washed Up (With A Kraken) by L.E. Eldridge
lighthearted
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? No
3.5
Not gonna lie, I picked this up because the cover had me thinking it was sapphic, and I’m a little disappointed it isn’t. That’s not anything against the book, of course. That’s a me thing.
One thing I will hold against the book, though, is the way the nonbinary protagonist was written. In their very first conversation, Jorah tells Quinn their pronouns are they/them. Why, then, are there instances later on in the book where Quinn thinks of them using he/him pronouns? I’ve never read a book where the author misgenders their own character. It’s clumsy, it’s gross, and it makes the whole thing feel like an afterthought.
Also, I don’t love the fact that Quinn was so horny for tentacles, she just gave up on her lifelong dream. We hear over and over about how hard she worked to get where she is, and then. Tentacles. That’s it. That’s the tweet.
The smut was good, though. Even better than Snowed Inn (With a Demon). And, if I suspend my disbelief, Quinn and Jorah are quite cute. So there’s that.
Representation:
One thing I will hold against the book, though, is the way the nonbinary protagonist was written. In their very first conversation, Jorah tells Quinn their pronouns are they/them. Why, then, are there instances later on in the book where Quinn thinks of them using he/him pronouns? I’ve never read a book where the author misgenders their own character. It’s clumsy, it’s gross, and it makes the whole thing feel like an afterthought.
Also, I don’t love the fact that Quinn was so horny for tentacles, she just gave up on her lifelong dream. We hear over and over about how hard she worked to get where she is, and then. Tentacles. That’s it. That’s the tweet.
The smut was good, though. Even better than Snowed Inn (With a Demon). And, if I suspend my disbelief, Quinn and Jorah are quite cute. So there’s that.
Representation:
- fat protagonist
- nonbinary protagonist (they/them) (supposedly) (The Demon’s Bargain by Katee Robert did it exponentially better)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
All sex scenes are consensual.