she_who_reads_ya_books's reviews
359 reviews

Four Dead Queens by Astrid Scholte

mysterious slow-paced

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

3.0

I'm sure all of you have books where you read the synopsis and go, this sounds amazing! And then it sits on your shelf... forever (for context I have a hardcover of this book). Like its not the books fault or anything, but as a mood reader some books gets ignored. 

I've put off reading this a couple times, and I can understand why when I have fantasy ARCs to read, but my friend and I were speaking about how cool murder mysteries are when they are set in "fantasy settings" or otherworldly settings, so I decided to read this, and honestly it was really good!

Personally, I think I would've preferred this if it was adult and in the queen's POV. They were my favourite part of the book, their characters so well developed (more than the MC's in my opinion) and just in general made everything more enticing. It could've had more gooey details, focuses more on the queen's day to day lives, etc.. 

THE WORLDBUILDING. I am such a worldbuilding girlie (even though I avoid writing it myself until the last minute) but it was so unique. You could tell the author put a lot of thought into it, and that it was well developed. I wish we could've seen more of it, since it wasn't the main focus. Maybe spin off?

This book is really good plot wise. For me, I read A LOT and so sometimes I feel like I can predict things a million years away, BUT THE ENDING SHOCKED ME TO MY CORE. The twists were AMAZING and truly made the book. 

In my opinion, the romance was lacking, especially since the synopsis talked so highly of it. I thought it would be a main part, but there was barely any content with them, their conversations stale. I just didn't enjoy them, not because of the lack of chemistry, but because of the lack on description in their interactions. 

I also didn't love the main character, but I can live after the plot twist at the end hahaha.

REASONS TO READ: amazing plot line, queen's POV, shocking twists 

Signing off, your favourite bookworm, Tatiana

Of Cages and Crowns by Brianna Joy Crump

lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.0

3.5 Stars (enjoyment), 3 stars (objectively)

First of all, thank you to the publisher for sending me this! This in no way affects my review. 

I picked this up for a light read after reading a heavy setting focused fantasy novel, and I accidentally binged this in a day. It gave me selection x red queen vibes, but I've seen people saying they've gotten hunger games vibes as well!

I would like to first off the bat say this is not high fantasy in anyway. It's more of a regular fantasy novel, which I feel is important to say! It's very light and easy to read, so it's good for people who need a break from heavy content or are still learning English. 

Okay, now time for the review. I think because I had the right expectations going into this I enjoyed it more. It kind of reminds me of that dystopian era when selection came out. I just enjoyed the book and didn't think too much.

The problem is when I think too much. For example, the world is kind of empty to me and not explained well. I found I experienced white room syndrome a lot of the time, and for me I think I need really good settings to visualize everything in fantasy novels. Another thing that bothered me was the use of radio and camera's. When they first came in, I was surprised, because nothing had really mentioned their existence. I had a hard time determining how advanced they were etc. 

I really truly believe that the main character can really have good development in the sequel. For this book, I felt like her character was going good, but occasionally found that it jumped around a bit, almost changing personalities. 

I feel like this series has a lot of potential, so I'm hoping the next book gets even better, and hopefully, embraces the potential it has and doesn't follow a generic predictable plot. 

Signing off, your fav book reviewer Tatiana

When Night Breaks by Janella Angeles

dark mysterious tense slow-paced

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

3.0

I'm going to be 100% honest and say at the start of the book, I thought I wouldn't like it. I thought that nothing could compare to the first book, mostly because I didn't think the POVs would be as good. 

Can I tell you how wrong I was?

One thing I must say is that if you are a world building type of person, THIS SERIES IS FOR YOU. She literally writes worlds like we live in them, and you feel like you are apart of them.

As for the characters, I don't feel like they went in depth as the previous book, and did feel the ending was rushed, but I adored the world building so so much. 

I feel like this series would do really well with a spin off series. I think it's just so amazing that it needs more, and also I need my fav character to get his happy ending as well.

I would definitely check this series out! It's refreshing in the fantasy category. I do feel like this is more fantasy than book #1 for reference tho!

Signing off, your fav book reviewer Tatiana

Where Dreams Descend by Janella Angeles

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? It's complicated

4.25

4.5 Stars

Similar books: Caraval, Ace of Shades

This has been sitting on my shelf for over two years, staring at me, screaming at me to read it. There's always been something about this series that made me need to read it, and so I picked it up on a random summer day. 

My one regret is picking it up after the fandom has left.

This is phenomenally done. From the writing to the story building to just the setting. I don't think I've been pulled into a fantasy book like this in a long time.

I absolutely love the way she writes characters. They are so vibrant, so unique, so refreshing. They could never be considered copy and paste of any other character you've read about. They all have their own flaws and personalities that you feel like they are real. 

Jack is my FAVOURITE character (even after reading the sequel). He is just so complex and morally grey that I love him. 

This had a lot of mystery elements to it, so if you need a mystery fantasy read, this is for you!

This was just so well written. The only reason this isn't a five star is because I found it got slow sometimes, but that could also be me getting out of a reading slump so...

anyways GO READ THIS NOW

signing off, your fav book reviewer Tatiana

All's Fair in Love and War by Virginia Heath

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

When you can’t land a job… don’t worry it’s because that hot, single, good looking navy officer is just around the corner (as an employer of course)! 

First of all, thank you so much for the ARC! This in no way affects my review. 

Look at me writing a review after forever… and yes it’s for this amazing book. 

THIS IS A MULTIPLE POV BOOK WITH THE MALE LEADS POV AND IT MADE THE BOOK. 

When I first started it, I wasn’t sure how I would like it… and then HIS POV came. And omg the parallels!!! She’d be like he’s staring he must hate my hair and then he’d go she’s like a siren and be absolutely memorized by her hair. 

Also I am such a sucker for a good nanny trope… especially when the tension between the employer and the nanny >>>

One of my favourite (and only) historical romance reads ever!   

Foul Heart Huntsman by Chloe Gong

5.0

MISS CHLOE GONG YOU HAVE BROKEN MY HEART AND PUT IT BACK TOGETHER IN ONE BOOK

Winter is drawing thick in 1932 Shanghai, as is the ever-nearing threat of a Japanese invasion. Rosalind Lang has suffered the worst possible fate for a national spy: she's been exposed. With the media storm camped outside her apartment for the infamous Lady Fortune, she's barely left her bedroom in weeks, plotting her next course of action after Orion was taken and his memories of Rosalind wiped. Though their marriage might have been a sham, his absence hurts her more than any physical wound. She won't rest until she gets him back. 

But with her identity in the open, the task is near impossible. The only way to leave the city and rescue Orion is under the guise of a national tour. It's easy to convince her superiors that the countryside needs unity more than ever, and who better than an immortal girl to stir pride and strength into the people? When the tour goes wrong, however, everything Rosalind once knew is thrown up in the air. Taking refuge outside Shanghai, old ghosts come into the open and adversaries turn to allies. To save Orion, they must find a cure to his mother's traitorous invention and take this dangerous chemical weapon away from impending foreign invasion--but the clock is ticking, and if Rosalind fails, it's not only Orion she loses, but her nation itself.

I feel like this was the perfect adventure to end the series, but at the same time I NEED MORE. Like how can I leave them forever.

Chloe Gong is one of my favourite authors. LIKE OF ALL TIME. I can’t believe I get to meet her.

The book. THE BOOK. That’s what I need to talk about…

I personally liked the first book in the duology better, but I feel like the first book set up the second book really well. Everything got wrapped up in a little bow… but it’s almost like I didn’t want that??? Like I almost enjoyed the angst of our violent ends ending??? Who AM I?

The plot was super interesting. I really liked the twists and turns and how things connected back to the first book. I bet if I reread the first book I’d go like OMG NOW THAT MAKES SENSE. 

ALL MY SHIPS SAILED (expect one but it was never canon so that’s okay). The ending made me SO SO happyyyyyyy

ROSALIND: even tho she’s no longer undercover, she’s still AWESOME 

ORION: boy you might’ve lost your memories but it’s alright because your flirting skills >>>

Anyways I love Chloe gong and all her books so GO READ THEM

Thank you Simon and Schluster for the ARC! This in no way influenced my review. 

This Time It's Real by Ann Liang

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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? Yes

5.0

“I hope you remember to miss me when all this is over” 

 

When seventeen-year-old Eliza Lin’s essay about meeting the love of her life unexpectedly goes viral, her entire life changes overnight. Now she has the approval of her classmates at her new international school in Beijing, a career-launching internship opportunity at her favorite magazine…and a massive secret to keep. Eliza made her essay up. She’s never been in a relationship before, let alone in love. All good writing is lying, right? Desperate to hide the truth, Eliza strikes a deal with the famous actor in her class, the charming but aloof Caz Song. She’ll help him write his college applications if he poses as her boyfriend. Caz is a dream boyfriend -- he passes handwritten notes to her in class, makes her little sister laugh, and takes her out on motorcycle rides to the best snack stalls around the city. But when her relationship with Caz starts feeling a little too convincing, all of Eliza’s carefully laid plans are threatened. Can she still follow her dreams if it means breaking her own heart? 

 

This has my heart. My whole heart. That’s it. That’s the review… 

 

I’m joking! Don’t worry! I just love this book so much that I could list a million reasons for you to read it! 

 

Ann Laing never disappoints… she doesn’t even know HOW to disappoint! This hit so hard! 

 

The fake dating was spot on! I couldn’t have asked for anything better! 

 

I really connected with Eliza and letting people in. I personally suffer a lot with that, because I’m always scared I’m going to get hurt if I let people in, and I think the author really did a good job showing it. 

 

Can was super cute! Boyfriend material FOR REAL! 

 

Everything was perfect. Now go read the book hehe.

Lies We Sing to the Sea by Sarah Underwood

adventurous challenging dark emotional sad 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? It's complicated

4.25

“We are more than our actions, we are the way we love others, and the way they love us back.” 

 

Each spring, Ithaca condemns twelve maidens to the noose. This is the price vengeful Poseidon demands for the lives of Queen Penelope’s twelve maids, hanged and cast into the depths centuries ago. But when that fate comes for Leto, death is not what she thought it would be. Instead, she wakes on a mysterious island and meets a girl with green eyes and the power to command the sea. A girl named Melantho, who says one more death can stop a thousand. The prince of Ithaca must die—or the tides of fate will drown them all. 

 

This story was gorgeous. Everything about it — whether it be the characters, the plot, or the writing — I couldn’t have asked for anything more. 

 

I was unsure before reading this. Sometimes books based off of mythology can be slow, but the pacing was perfect. Everything was done perfectly, I honestly can’t believe this is Underwood’s debut. I’m really excited to see what else Underwood writes! 

 

The mythology was mixed in perfectly. The story felt like it was from the same time period, and for those not familiar, it was explained in great detail without feeling like it was too much. 

 

The characters were all complex, and all had their own distinct personalities. All of them had their flaws, and their flaws were what made them human. This made reading about the characters enjoyable. 

 

The ending was what sold me. It was one of the best endings I’ve ever read. I never considered it a possibility, and on top of that, it was just a beautiful end with no strings left behind, almost like letting the story rest in peace. 

 

Thank you to the publisher for sending this ARC to me. This review was in no way influenced by this.

Immortal Longings by Chloe Gong

adventurous challenging 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? No

5.0

“Calla Tuoleimi, princess of Er. She could do nothing on a throne, but she can do everything with a sword in her hand.” 

 

Every year, thousands in the kingdom of Talin will flock to its capital twin cities, San-Er, where the palace hosts a set of games. For those confident enough in their ability to jump between bodies, competitors across San-Er fight to the death to win unimaginable riches. 

Princess Calla Tuoleimi lurks in hiding. Five years ago, a massacre killed her parents and left the palace of Er empty…and she was the one who did it. Before King Kasa’s forces in San can catch her, she plans to finish the job and bring down the monarchy. Her reclusive uncle always greets the victor of the games, so if she wins, she gets her opportunity at last to kill him. Enter Anton Makusa, an exiled aristocrat. His childhood love has lain in a coma since they were both ousted from the palace, and he’s deep in debt trying to keep her alive. Thankfully, he’s one of the best jumpers in the kingdom, flitting from body to body at will. His last chance at saving her is entering the games and winning. Calla finds both an unexpected alliance with Anton and help from King Kasa’s adopted son, August, who wants to mend Talin’s ills. But the three of them have very different goals, even as Calla and Anton’s partnership spirals into something all-consuming. Before the games close, Calla must decide what she’s playing for—her lover or her kingdom. 

 

I just finished this… there are no words to describe this masterpiece. It was even more captivating than these violent delights, and that says a lot, especially if you know how much I love her last work. 

 

Chloe Gong has a way with words… anything she writes is beautiful and can not be described with any other words. She can write the most tragic things and make it beautiful. Her storytelling is a hidden gem only found every blue moon. 

 

Calla and Anton were more than 3D… they were 4D characters who felt truly real. I hope in the next book we can learn more about them, especially about Anton, since a lot of their back stories, ideas, values, etc. were shrouded in mystery till the end. Calla and Anton are so layered that you would have to read the book a thousand times to be able to understand them. 

 

The plot was perfect as usual, since These Violent Delights didn’t miss I knew this wouldn’t either. I’ve never read the Shakespeare play that this was inspired by, but I assure you, if I didn’t know Shakespeare was much older than Chloe Gong, I would say this was the original, always. Chloe Gong, even when she says something is inspired by another piece of work, makes you feel as if this was the original. Her storytelling and plot creation will always make your jaw drop. 

 

At times the plot was a bit tricky to follow, so if you’re not a fan of politics you might have to create a note with everything going on. By the time I was done though, everything added up, and I know when the sequel comes out everything will be easily understood. 

 

That cliffhanger! I won’t say anything, but the cliffhanger made my jaw drop. Let me say this, I am not ready to wait another year for the sequel. 

 

Chloe Gong stans UNITE! 

 

Thank you Simon and Schuster Canada for this review copy! My review was in no way influenced by the free copy. 

自称悪役令嬢な婚約者の観察記録。 1, Volume 1 by しき

funny inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

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

3.5

3.5 stars

super cute, loved that it was from the Prince's POV... and the fact that he has fallen HARD for her but I think I'm stopping here. It didn't really pull me in, and I was kinda bored. Cute concept tho! The female lead is kinda silly. Artwork is gorgeous. Might pick it back up in future!