shaimanshamoon's reviews
10 reviews

If Cats Disappeared from the World by Genki Kawamura

5.0

A Winter's Promise by Christelle Dabos

challenging dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A Winter's Promise is an enchanting start to The Mirror Visitor Quartet, filled with rich world-building, political intrigue, and a unique magic system. The protagonist, Ophelia, a quiet woman who can read objects and travel through mirrors, is forced into an arranged marriage with the cold and mysterious Thorn. As she navigates the treacherous court of the Pole, the plot unfolds with slow-burning tension, uncovering secrets and hidden agendas.

The intricate universe of floating arks is vividly imagined, and the magic system feels fresh and essential to the story. Ophelia's character development, from shy and awkward to resilient, is a highlight, while Thorn's layers unravel slowly. The pacing is deliberate, and while some may find the action lacking, the novel's focus on political maneuvering and suspense is rewarding.

Though the relationship between Ophelia and Thorn

develops at a glacial pace (wish they'd fall in love!), their

dynamic adds depth. Thorn's frequent scoffing, like the "he growled" in some
books is funny to me

Overall, A Winter's Promise is a beautifully crafted fantasy that will captivate patient readers.

Rating: 4/5

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Content Warnings

Minor: Addiction, Alcoholism, Bullying, Child death, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Miscarriage, Rape, Suicide, Violence, Police brutality, Death of parent, Murder, Sexual harassment, and Classism

The Sandman: Act I by Neil Gaiman, Dirk Maggs

3.0

Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

adventurous funny lighthearted tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

The book is very very different from the Ghibli Studio Movie. The twists and turns are more and loved it.

The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern

adventurous mysterious 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? Yes

5.0

I love every moment of this book. The ending was satisfying as well, but I wished the story continued more.

The Martian by Andy Weir

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Starting the year with a banger

A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny 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

3.5

Man... the ending was just, surprising. At first, I was not too fond of the book, it was slow-paced and I struggled a bit with the genre, as it was my first time reading a dark academia book. But after the first half of the book, I got used to everything and everyone. The main character went through character development and a bunch of things happened within a timeframe that I'm still struggling to understand. And the ending... OMG. That was the most unexpected ending I have experienced. I think that's what you call a cliffhanger. The book was 2/5 stars in the first half but the second half made up for it and I gave it 3.5/5 stars at the end. 

Good book, very much recommend it if you want to read a dark academia book. It has a little sprinkle of romance in it to make life a little exciting. 

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Content Warnings

I loved El's and Orion's little romance and was very surprised when her mother mentioned staying away from him, and the freaking book ended there 😭😭😭😭 like I want answers to why she said that 😭😭 why mother whyy

Sword of Destiny by Andrzej Sapkowski

adventurous emotional sad medium-paced

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

3.75

I liked all the chapters except one. There were moments when I hated the book ( more like a person ) and when my heart was aching because of what happened. The ending was quite excellent ( one of the chapter endings was also a total banger ).  A good read.

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Content Warnings

Bro, I hated Yennefer on the Shard of Ice chapter. She had the "audacity" to cheat with Geralt with another and keep both men in the dark. I wish that Geralt went out with Essi in a little sacrifice chapter. I mean she was perfect. I don't care about Yennefer and Geralt being Destined. Essi loved him more than Yennefer, and not only that, she died at the end of the chapter after 4 years from a decease. if that does not give anyone side character vibes, I don't know what will.

The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski

3.0

It's a collection of short stories that the main character goes through. This is a nice way to write a story. It's almost like little arcs within the book like in the series ( on Netflix ). Unfortunately, I watched it on Netflix already, so I know most of the things which happen in the series. Still, a nice read.

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

5.0

I'm very proud that I finally read The Hobbit. This book didn't have any moment that made me bored while reading it. 5 star is very much deserved indeed.