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608 reviews
The Queen & The King by Jeanette Rose, Alexis Rune
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Persephone has lost all memory of the strong powerful woman who she was. That doesn't mean that Hades will give up on her though. But with Demeter more powerful than ever and fate may be set on keeping them apart.
The writing style was pretty much the same throughout the entire series. It's fine but I think for this book it was kind of a let down especially with everything that happened in this book. Especially because there was a scene that I didn't think was taken seriously enough and was really brushed off. It just rubbed me wrong in certain scenes in this book. Another thing I didn't like was that there were parts of the book where the novella was reverenced like the order of reading. It wasn't bad, just weird.
Hades did grow in this book which I was a little surprised by because he hadn't really grown throughout the series but he did grow in this one. However, Persephone did not really grow in this book. She was really flat, even though she lost her memories. The other characters weren't truly talked about. Overall, most of the characters are flat in this story.
There were certain plot points within the book that I really didn't understand. They really didn't seem to have an affect within the overall plot of the book. I really didn't like how Persephone got her memories back, it just didn't make sense. Another thing that I didn't like was how Hermes was referenced in the first book then literally never spoken about again. I really enjoyed the fight scenes they were super interesting and I wish they were more of those scenes. However, I didn't super like the ending because it felt like just more of the same thing. Overall, this book seemed the most kind of disjointed.
The powers definitely made more sense in this book. I will just say that this doesn't feel like a finished series from what I read.
Overall, I really enjoyed this series. I'm excited to see what else this authors put out.
The writing style was pretty much the same throughout the entire series. It's fine but I think for this book it was kind of a let down especially with everything that happened in this book. Especially because there was a scene that I didn't think was taken seriously enough and was really brushed off. It just rubbed me wrong in certain scenes in this book. Another thing I didn't like was that there were parts of the book where the novella was reverenced like the order of reading. It wasn't bad, just weird.
Hades did grow in this book which I was a little surprised by because he hadn't really grown throughout the series but he did grow in this one. However, Persephone did not really grow in this book. She was really flat, even though she lost her memories. The other characters weren't truly talked about. Overall, most of the characters are flat in this story.
There were certain plot points within the book that I really didn't understand. They really didn't seem to have an affect within the overall plot of the book. I really didn't like how Persephone got her memories back, it just didn't make sense. Another thing that I didn't like was how Hermes was referenced in the first book then literally never spoken about again. I really enjoyed the fight scenes they were super interesting and I wish they were more of those scenes. However, I didn't super like the ending because it felt like just more of the same thing. Overall, this book seemed the most kind of disjointed.
The powers definitely made more sense in this book. I will just say that this doesn't feel like a finished series from what I read.
Overall, I really enjoyed this series. I'm excited to see what else this authors put out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Child abuse, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Violence, and Domestic abuse
The Mistress & The Renowned by Jeanette Rose, Alexis Rune
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Hades is missing after he sends Persephone to the Underworld. But everything is not what it seems in the Underworld. It's breaking apart at it's seams. Can Hades and Persphone's love save the Underworld?
The writing style is pretty similar to the first book. The writing is mature, though I think it's defiantly more mature than the first book in certain places. I really enjoyed the discussions about trauma that were talked about in the book. The sex scenes were defiantly more described than the first book.
In this book, we got a lot more depth to the two main characters. The trauma that they went through actually made them more respectful of themselves and each other. I really liked how it seemed like Hades was trying to let Persephone make her own decisions which shows real growth from his character in the first book. We really don't see much of other characters in this book so I can't say much about them.
I did think that the plot was kind of everywhere in this novel. I can't go into it much without spoiling it but it seemed like this book contained plot points for about two or three books all smooshed into one. I think if the book was longer or split up it would be much better but as it stands, it was a little confusing.
The powers were much more explained in this book. It made much more sense to me despite the fact that the castle seems like a living thing with no explanation. Other than that, the powers made much more sense. Especially with the back story that we get.
Though one thing I wasn't a huge fan of was the large chapters of italics. It was just slightly hard for me to read and my eyes kept glazing over. I don't think it was a bad thing, especially since most of those chapters seemed fairly short but just something to keep in mind.
Overall, I liked this book much better than the first one and I am excited to finish the trilogy.
The writing style is pretty similar to the first book. The writing is mature, though I think it's defiantly more mature than the first book in certain places. I really enjoyed the discussions about trauma that were talked about in the book. The sex scenes were defiantly more described than the first book.
In this book, we got a lot more depth to the two main characters. The trauma that they went through actually made them more respectful of themselves and each other. I really liked how it seemed like Hades was trying to let Persephone make her own decisions which shows real growth from his character in the first book. We really don't see much of other characters in this book so I can't say much about them.
I did think that the plot was kind of everywhere in this novel. I can't go into it much without spoiling it but it seemed like this book contained plot points for about two or three books all smooshed into one. I think if the book was longer or split up it would be much better but as it stands, it was a little confusing.
The powers were much more explained in this book. It made much more sense to me despite the fact that the castle seems like a living thing with no explanation. Other than that, the powers made much more sense. Especially with the back story that we get.
Though one thing I wasn't a huge fan of was the large chapters of italics. It was just slightly hard for me to read and my eyes kept glazing over. I don't think it was a bad thing, especially since most of those chapters seemed fairly short but just something to keep in mind.
Overall, I liked this book much better than the first one and I am excited to finish the trilogy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Sexual content
The Maiden & The Unseen by Jeanette Rose, Alexis Rune
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Hades is the CEO of a bank and Persephone is a social media manager who is new to earth. When Hades shuts down Persephone's funds the two gods lives intertwine in a way that neither of them ever expected. Will they become the best king and queen the underworld has ever seen or will they tear each other apart?
Firstly, the writing. It was pretty good. The writing seemed mature, fitting the themes of the story. The writing flowed really well, I didn't really get caught up on any parts. There are a couple of things that I thought were not described in enough detail. One of those things was that neither of the main characters were really described. Many of the side characters were but the main characters really weren't. If it weren't for the artwork included in the book, I wouldn't know what either of the main characters really look like. Another thing that I was a little disappointed by were the sex scenes. Really on the positions were described and their emotions. Nothing about their bodies were super described. It just felt like vague outlines of them.
Secondly, the characters. I thought that the characters were pretty well written. They each seemed to have their own personalities that were separate from their romantic interest. Although I didn't totally like how Hades treated Persephone in the bed room. It seemed very out of character for the both of them.
The plot was pretty good. It flowed extremely well and many decisions that the characters made, made sense with the characterization shown in the novel.
Onto the powers. I really didn't understand how their powers worked. There were definitely some parts of their powers that I understood but Hades did some things a couple of times that I didn't totally understand how he could do. Also they kept ripping the buttons off of shirts and then putting them back on. I'm not totally sure how the buttons were put back but alright. I suspended my disbelief for that one but it happened a lot. The curse that was mentioned also made me roll my eyes a little bit but it worked with the story.
Overall, it was pretty good despite being outside of my typical reading genre. If you love forbidden romance, office romance, fated mates, and sassy main characters, you'll love this book.
Firstly, the writing. It was pretty good. The writing seemed mature, fitting the themes of the story. The writing flowed really well, I didn't really get caught up on any parts. There are a couple of things that I thought were not described in enough detail. One of those things was that neither of the main characters were really described. Many of the side characters were but the main characters really weren't. If it weren't for the artwork included in the book, I wouldn't know what either of the main characters really look like. Another thing that I was a little disappointed by were the sex scenes. Really on the positions were described and their emotions. Nothing about their bodies were super described. It just felt like vague outlines of them.
Secondly, the characters. I thought that the characters were pretty well written. They each seemed to have their own personalities that were separate from their romantic interest. Although I didn't totally like how Hades treated Persephone in the bed room. It seemed very out of character for the both of them.
The plot was pretty good. It flowed extremely well and many decisions that the characters made, made sense with the characterization shown in the novel.
Onto the powers. I really didn't understand how their powers worked. There were definitely some parts of their powers that I understood but Hades did some things a couple of times that I didn't totally understand how he could do. Also they kept ripping the buttons off of shirts and then putting them back on. I'm not totally sure how the buttons were put back but alright. I suspended my disbelief for that one but it happened a lot. The curse that was mentioned also made me roll my eyes a little bit but it worked with the story.
Overall, it was pretty good despite being outside of my typical reading genre. If you love forbidden romance, office romance, fated mates, and sassy main characters, you'll love this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Vespertine by Margaret Rogerson
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Artemisia has been possessed before and it was not a pleasant experience. Now, after a hoard of spirts attacks her convent, Artemisia is possessed again. This time the spirit is much more powerful and its motives are hard to figure out. One thing that they both want is to stay alive so now they have to work together to stop the greatest evil since the Raven King.
The characters in this book were amazingly written. I really enjoyed how each character interacted with religion along with the world around them. Each character leapt of the page and now they have a special place in my heart.
The setting was super interesting. I wanted a little bit more because the world seemed so expansive with so many different places being talked about but I couldn't see how they connected. I think a map would have been super helpful to have. But the setting was described beautifully with amazing attention to detail.
The story was paced really well with all of the story beats falling where they should. The only issue that I think that I have is this book seems to have been written as a first book but I am unsure if the author is planning for there to be more books. There were some really important questions that were not answered and some wording in the end that made it seem as if the story was meant to be expanded. I would love to see more in this world but would have liked a little more closer.
Overall, really amazing book. Honestly it's one of the best books that I've read this year.
The characters in this book were amazingly written. I really enjoyed how each character interacted with religion along with the world around them. Each character leapt of the page and now they have a special place in my heart.
The setting was super interesting. I wanted a little bit more because the world seemed so expansive with so many different places being talked about but I couldn't see how they connected. I think a map would have been super helpful to have. But the setting was described beautifully with amazing attention to detail.
The story was paced really well with all of the story beats falling where they should. The only issue that I think that I have is this book seems to have been written as a first book but I am unsure if the author is planning for there to be more books. There were some really important questions that were not answered and some wording in the end that made it seem as if the story was meant to be expanded. I would love to see more in this world but would have liked a little more closer.
Overall, really amazing book. Honestly it's one of the best books that I've read this year.
The Dragonet Prophecy by Tui T. Sutherland
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
The dragonets of prophecy are tired of being hidden in a cave where they are ridiculed day after day by their three dragon keepers. But everything changes when a nightwing comes to see how the dragonets are doing only to find out that instead of the required skywing, a rainwing stands in its place. Now the dragonets have to fight to keep themselves and each other alive.
This was such an interesting book because the main characters are dragons but in this world there are still humans. So the perspective does take a little bit of time to get used to but once you do, this book is an adventure.
First the characters, I thought that the characters were very good, if slightly simply written. Their wants are very simple which makes sense because they are meant to be young. One thing that I wasn't totally sure about was how quickly the dragons age so it was hard to get a firm grasp on how mature the dragonets were supposed to be. The other dragons were really interestingly written and their characters were beautifully rendered.
Next, the setting. The setting is a little hard to talk about because we mostly stay in the same place for this book. However, I though it was beautifully written. The words that the author choose were well picked and descriptive. I'm curious to see how the rest of the places are described.
Finally, the plot. This book is really interesting to be a book designed for younger ages. There is a lot of violence within this book but it doesn't feel out of place. Every action that happens makes sense and the background is super interesting.
Overall, this book is super interesting and I'm excited to read the rest of the series.
This was such an interesting book because the main characters are dragons but in this world there are still humans. So the perspective does take a little bit of time to get used to but once you do, this book is an adventure.
First the characters, I thought that the characters were very good, if slightly simply written. Their wants are very simple which makes sense because they are meant to be young. One thing that I wasn't totally sure about was how quickly the dragons age so it was hard to get a firm grasp on how mature the dragonets were supposed to be. The other dragons were really interestingly written and their characters were beautifully rendered.
Next, the setting. The setting is a little hard to talk about because we mostly stay in the same place for this book. However, I though it was beautifully written. The words that the author choose were well picked and descriptive. I'm curious to see how the rest of the places are described.
Finally, the plot. This book is really interesting to be a book designed for younger ages. There is a lot of violence within this book but it doesn't feel out of place. Every action that happens makes sense and the background is super interesting.
Overall, this book is super interesting and I'm excited to read the rest of the series.
Murder Road by Simone St. James
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
April and Eddie are going on their honeymoon. At least they were before Eddie makes a wrong turn and they end up on Atticus Line in the middle of the night. Suddenly, they see a young woman on the side of the road. Picking her up may be the biggest mistake of their lives. Now April and Eddie are murder suspects. But something brought them to Coldlake Falls and that something doesn't want them to leave.
Overall, I thought that this thriller was really interesting. I enjoyed that the characters kept secrets from each other but it wasn't malicious. It was more because they were just people. I did think that the mystery was overall really interesting. However, I thought that the execution of the mystery didn't turn out the way that the author wanted it too. There were very little rules that were established and things just seemed to go right for April and Eddie. I didn't think that the killer's motivation was fully explained whatsoever. I'd say that the first 100 pages were really good then it just went down from there.
I am looking forward to reading more by this author though because the writing style was super good!
Overall, I thought that this thriller was really interesting. I enjoyed that the characters kept secrets from each other but it wasn't malicious. It was more because they were just people. I did think that the mystery was overall really interesting. However, I thought that the execution of the mystery didn't turn out the way that the author wanted it too. There were very little rules that were established and things just seemed to go right for April and Eddie. I didn't think that the killer's motivation was fully explained whatsoever. I'd say that the first 100 pages were really good then it just went down from there.
I am looking forward to reading more by this author though because the writing style was super good!
This Body's Not Big Enough for Both of Us by Edgar Cantero
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
Adrian and Zooey are twins who are a constant in each others lives. Literally. Adrian and Zooey inhabit a single body, one controlling the left side of the brain and the other controlling the right side of the brain. Now, days after being released from a mental institution, A.Z. is being asked to consult on a case. Though it seems simple at first, A.Z. is thrust headfirst into a mystery that even they might not be able to solve before it's too late.
This book was amazing! The characters were amazingly written. The dialogue was hilarious. The mystery was super interesting. Honestly, I ate this book up. It was seriously amazing and I would 100% recommend it. I really hope that this is the first in a series because I really want to see more of A.Z.
This book was amazing! The characters were amazingly written. The dialogue was hilarious. The mystery was super interesting. Honestly, I ate this book up. It was seriously amazing and I would 100% recommend it. I really hope that this is the first in a series because I really want to see more of A.Z.
None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.5
Most people have never met their birthday twin. Especially not one born on the same day, in the same year, and in the same hospital. But this coincidence that brings Alix and Josie together. Except that maybe Josie isn't all that she seems and Alix has invited her into her life.
I actually really hated this book. The characters were one-dimensional, the plot was weird, and the ending was terrible. I didn't care about any of the characters to be honest, except for the children and they really weren't a huge part of the story. The plot was mostly told instead of shown as this is a mixed media book where huge swaths of characterization are given to the reader through transcripts of podcasts. It was an interesting idea but there is almost no characterization outside of these large paragraphs of dialogue. I probably would have given this book a 2.5 or three stars instead of 1.5 if the last chapter hadn't been included. There is a big twist at the end that makes all of the characters unreliable narrators. Typically I really enjoy unreliable narrators but each narrator cannot be unreliable. The author also introduces doubt as to the truth but never clears it up. It was so confusing about what actually happened and what was a lie. It just seemed like this author was trying to combine several great ideas that just didn't go together.
I would give this one a pass.
I actually really hated this book. The characters were one-dimensional, the plot was weird, and the ending was terrible. I didn't care about any of the characters to be honest, except for the children and they really weren't a huge part of the story. The plot was mostly told instead of shown as this is a mixed media book where huge swaths of characterization are given to the reader through transcripts of podcasts. It was an interesting idea but there is almost no characterization outside of these large paragraphs of dialogue. I probably would have given this book a 2.5 or three stars instead of 1.5 if the last chapter hadn't been included. There is a big twist at the end that makes all of the characters unreliable narrators. Typically I really enjoy unreliable narrators but each narrator cannot be unreliable. The author also introduces doubt as to the truth but never clears it up. It was so confusing about what actually happened and what was a lie. It just seemed like this author was trying to combine several great ideas that just didn't go together.
I would give this one a pass.
Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor
adventurous
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
4.5
Strange is the name given to all orphans. But Lazlo is a little different than the other orphans. He is a dreamer. Sarai is also an orphan or at least her mother is dead and her father doesn't know that she is still alive. Now Lazlo and Sarai's paths are going to cross in the most heart wrenching way.
I really enjoyed the characters and their motivations. They were extremely diverse and well written. Though there were obviously characters who were wrong, I could understand all, or most, of the characters. The setting and the magic is super interesting as well.
The only thing that I really didn't totally enjoy was how quickly the romance occurred. It just felt a little rushed to me. There were definitely also loose threads at the end of the novel but the sort of makes sense since this is only the first book.
If you love fantasy and a sickly sweet romance, give this one a read.
I really enjoyed the characters and their motivations. They were extremely diverse and well written. Though there were obviously characters who were wrong, I could understand all, or most, of the characters. The setting and the magic is super interesting as well.
The only thing that I really didn't totally enjoy was how quickly the romance occurred. It just felt a little rushed to me. There were definitely also loose threads at the end of the novel but the sort of makes sense since this is only the first book.
If you love fantasy and a sickly sweet romance, give this one a read.
Juniper & Thorn by Ava Reid
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
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? Yes
5.0
Marlinchen has never disobeyed her father, has never left the house. That is until one night her two sisters convince her to go with them to the ballet where she sees Sevas and her whole life changes.
This is a book about grief, family, abuse, love, obsession, possessiveness, and control. Saying that, I would 100% look up the trigger warnings before reading this book because it is dark.
The characters in this book are beautifully written. I don't have the words to describe how much I love these characters. The only way that I could probably communicate it would be to have you read the book. The same with the setting. Honestly this book was just beautifully written and I think that everyone should read it.
This dark fractured fairytale with capture your heart and tear it to pieces. But check the trigger warnings first.
This is a book about grief, family, abuse, love, obsession, possessiveness, and control. Saying that, I would 100% look up the trigger warnings before reading this book because it is dark.
The characters in this book are beautifully written. I don't have the words to describe how much I love these characters. The only way that I could probably communicate it would be to have you read the book. The same with the setting. Honestly this book was just beautifully written and I think that everyone should read it.
This dark fractured fairytale with capture your heart and tear it to pieces. But check the trigger warnings first.