I don't know if it's because I had already DNF'd this one before or just the mood I'm in. But, this was such a long audiobook for the stereotypical power grab, a small town would try to have if they were shut off from the rest of the world. You follow a few main characters, as well as a few side characters within this book/audiobook. This being said, with the audiobook alone, I had a hard time keeping up with each character. I honestly zoned out so many times listening to the audiobook, but I used a credit on Libro - so I mustered through it. I feel like 20-30% could have been cut from this, especially the scene with Sammy, like wtf was that. You could have done so many things to show how crummy and crooked the towns people were and you chose that? Both Big Jim, JR, and all his minions are absolute menaces to society. King does know how to write characters that you'll hate to the bone, I'll give him that. Also, why did it take over 10-15% of the book for them to come to the conclusion that a dome was above their head? Overall, I just did not vibe with this read.

I don't know who I'd recommend this to honestly. It's over 1000 pages and over 30 hours of audio, so if you like long books, go for it? I personally didn't like this King book, but you may!! Just be aware of the content warnings. Maybe, this would be for those who like the show? I personally haven't watched it, but I feel like I would enjoy it more as a show rather than the book. It probably cut out a lot of things lol

CW: rape, sexual harassment, sexual assault, violence, murder, drug addiction, drugs (this is a list off the top of my head)

Covers Chapters 1-4

I actually really liked this volume. I think the only thing that put me off was the slice of life feel it had in the first two chapters, but chapters 3 & 4 made up for it!! I love how Sebastian is literally the perfect butler, also I can see why there are many fans of this man lol I love the art style, especially in the darker scenes of this volume. <3

This was a solid debut and prequel to a series.

The dialogue of the Detectives Khlid, Sam, and Chapman felt like an episode of Law & Order; it felt like a close-knit squad that has its issues. Chapman had qualities that reminded me of Sherlock - a wild, stubborn, and genius detective that gets to the bottom of the truth at the detriment of others lol Then add in beings that are above the law. So many influences in one novella!!

I think if you like the banter between detectives in Law & Order, with a great detective that finds the truth regardless of others safety and higher ups full of secrets and lies, you'll like this novella.

Covers Chapters 5-9

What is a fantasy set in Victorian London without an obligatory Jack the Ripper Arc lol With Sebastian's secret out the bag from last volume, I look forward to the darker scenes of this manga!! Again, I absolutely love the art style and I like the goofiness mixed in with the serious. It's done well.

I enjoyed this half of the duology a lot more than the first to be honest!!

It wraps up the plot that was started from the first book while following Orlana and Darius the Silent. Both raised on hatred, they are set out on a journey to destroy Darius's father's army before they arrive at Inoras. Orlana has always wanted revenge for her mother's death 800 years ago and was raised and disciplined as a warrior. Darius is a mysterious fae with many secrets and a prophecy laid out by his mother - along with the rest of his brothers.

This was good slow-burn, enemies to lovers with fae, elves, djinn, humans and other magical beings. There's a lot more battles scenes in this half of the story since you see from Orlana's POV. You also have some steam sprinkled throughout and banter between the characters. I also liked that you get to see the ending for everyone involved in the first book as well!! I just wish there was an epilogue that showed a few years down the line of the aftermath.

Disclosure: I received Embers and Ash through BookSirens and I'm voluntarily leaving this review.

This art reference book definitely helps get the fundamentals of mapping out the face using the structure of the bones as well as using muscles for different facial expressions. It gives you examples for men, women, children and hands. I’ll definitely flip through this every once in a while for practice but skip the long chapters of non useful paragraphs.

If you’re looking to draw more realistic portraits and hands, this book will for sure help you. If you want a more simplified look, then it will at least give you the fundamentals of mapping out the face and hands.

Frost Mate is a dual POV, steamy novella, inspired by Krampus.

For a 120 page book, it was put together well and kept me entertained the whole time. I appreciated that it took a minute before the steam appeared. It was sort of awkward that Zira enjoyed killing the changelings a little too much. But, the chemistry between her and Korreth was cute and I liked the banter between the characters. It was cute reading Korreth, Zira, and Aeryx's hide and seek game and how they all blend together well. I guess my only real complaint was that I wished Zira and Korreth's time in the cave wasn't as rushed. But, it is a novella so I can't complain that much when the rest was great otherwise lol

If you like the sound of mate bonds, demons, & mutual pining - try this steamy novella out.

Disclosure: I received an ARC of Frost Mate through BookSirens and I'm voluntarily leaving this review.

"His single-minded purpose. His unending fury."

I'm sure if you've been friends with me for a while, one of my favorite aspects of Stephen King's writing is his way of depicting a person just going absolutely bat-sh*t crazy. Christine is no different. I listened to the audiobook version of Christine and listening to the narrator changing voices for Arnie was one hell of a trip, going from a nerdy, meek sounding kid to a maniacal, gruff old man.

The book follows Arnie Cunningham as his obsession for his car, Christine continues to grow. Everyone around him, including: Dennis Guilder, Leigh Cabot and their parents watch as Arnie turns into somebody unrecognizable.

As with all Stephen King books, sometimes the build up is slow.. but it really picks up after that build up and never really stops until the end. I'd recommend it for anybody that is a fan of the classic movie, Stephen King fans, and fans of the thought of a car having supernatural abilities lol

Covers Chapters 5-8

I see the theme of possibly getting the Philosopher’s Stone and the not actually getting it will be reoccurring a lot lol This volume was definitely more action packed and had some dark themes. Poor Nina

Covers Chapters 1-4

Another classic I can say I’ve finally started reading ❤️ The concept of equal exchange is a heavy focus given the brother’s past. I’m excited to see where this goes since I haven’t really watched the anime. Also, I like how the true seven deadly sins are represented as villains in here lol I can’t wait to see the other 5 to show up at some point