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tierneymichele's reviews
68 reviews
The Scarlet Veil by Shelby Mahurin
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
4 stars because the story was riveting and although it took a few chapters to really get into it, it had me hooked. Missing 1 star because the main character is insufferable and it was a headache to be stuck following half of her absolutely moronic choices throughout the book. From start to finish it felt like she was given multiple options no matter what and she always chose the WORST one. On purpose. Because she thinks it proves something or that her stubbornness will win no matter what, which is ridiculous.
***The next part will contain small SPOILERS so don't continue from here if you have not read the book yet!
The worst part of that was everyone around her who just keeps praising her near the end for simply surviving through the outcome of her stupid choices.
***The next part will contain small SPOILERS so don't continue from here if you have not read the book yet!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Gore, Torture, Violence, Blood, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, and Sexual content
Minor: Self harm
Fall of Ruin and Wrath by Jennifer L. Armentrout
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, and War
Moderate: Torture, Blood, Vomit, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Drug use
The Hurricane Wars by Thea Guanzon
adventurous
tense
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
4.75
Only reason I took away 0.25 is because there are far too many instances of run-on sentences that are filled with adjectives describing something. At one point there were 9 lines of a paragraph that were all entirely 1 sentence, and over half of the words were just adjectives describing something. The meaning gets lost very quickly when you're not even able to remember how the sentence started or what is being described anymore.
I also personally had a hard time getting through the first couple chapters for the same reason; it was all descriptions, military lingo, and words that exist only in this world that didn't have sufficient context for me to understand. I've read books like this before and just assumed I would get more explanation later, but I will say most of the things I did 't understand in those chapters seemed mostly irrelevant by the time I got to the thick of the plot.
With that being said, I really did like the book a lot and am excited for the next one. I didn't realize until the end that it was Thea's very first book which is very impressive to me, and added to me keeping a higher rating. The slow burn really slow burned in this one, it was agonizing in the best way.
I also personally had a hard time getting through the first couple chapters for the same reason; it was all descriptions, military lingo, and words that exist only in this world that didn't have sufficient context for me to understand. I've read books like this before and just assumed I would get more explanation later, but I will say most of the things I did 't understand in those chapters seemed mostly irrelevant by the time I got to the thick of the plot.
With that being said, I really did like the book a lot and am excited for the next one. I didn't realize until the end that it was Thea's very first book which is very impressive to me, and added to me keeping a higher rating. The slow burn really slow burned in this one, it was agonizing in the best way.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War
Moderate: Death
Minor: Child abuse and Physical abuse
The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
While reading this book I kept telling everyone how it's the perfect book to curl up in a blanket and have tea or hot chocolate to read. It's so sweet and lovely. Then I read the acknowledgements and saw that the author intended exactly this kind of feeling. Wonderfully written book.
A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Short read but it makes for a great way to tie off the last book, going over the things the characters need to do in order to move on with their lives and start building peace in the world. I truly admire how Sarah J. Maas doesn't just end the series with a "happily ever after" just because the war ends- she's diving into more world building, world healing, and giving us a new perspective by giving us POVs from other main characters and their struggles. I truly feel like I'm a part of this world when I'm reading these books, and now that this one is finished, I plan to re-read the others.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Eating disorder and Panic attacks/disorders
A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This book gave me so much satisfaction- the plotting and revenge are beautiful to me, regardless of consequences. Another masterpiece.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gore, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Lesbophobia, and War
A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
My favorite book in the series- one I plan to re-read just for how much of the plot is explained within it, the wonder of it all, the character development. Absolutely beautifully written as always.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Blood, Vomit, Grief, and War
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This book- and entire series, are the best of every fantasy/romance series without the worst of it. The world-building is astoundingly detailed, without boring the reader with too much. I've found my new favorite series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Trafficking, Murder, and War
Moderate: Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Vomit
A Soul to Keep by Opal Reyne
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
adventurous
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0