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This was an informative and often times hard to read book.
I did feel like there was a lack of plot and the ending was very abrupt.
Full review to come!
I did feel like there was a lack of plot and the ending was very abrupt.
Full review to come!
ADDED TO THE LIST OF FAVS.
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P.S. I Like You is without a doubt, my favorite book of Kasie Wests’. I’ve already accepted I don’t think any of her other ones are going to come close. Moment of Truth is the closest I’ve read so far.
I connected a lot better with this MC, Hadley. I sometimes find Wests’s main characters to be way to naive and *high school* for me. Hadley, while definitely not perfect, was much easier to appreciate and enjoy as her character grew over the book. Her selfish, very competitive nature gave way to letting some walls down and understanding why she was struggling. Not to mention, Hadley’s best friend Amelia. I am always excited when I see a strong female friendship in a book. One that doesn’t need unnecessary drama. It was about being a good friend in tough times and lightening the mood when needed. Amelia brought that ten-fold.
There was yet again, another great bookish boy. Jackson Hall was utterly adorable. I looooved his personality, his go with the flow nature, and the deep heartache he felt for not knowing what he wants to do with his life (and I felt that because, dang, if we’re not the same person). The chemistry between Hadley and Jackson was cute. The best kind of high school rom-com. Not immediate attraction, but a gradual progression of just being there as a friend gave way to a dynamite ending.
This hit one some hard subjects, and I’m glad a resolution was made for Hadley’s parents. I can’t speak to that kind of pain, but letting grief take over is hard to recognize, and sometimes harder to overcome. As usual, Kasie West delivers an adorable story while hitting on some tougher subject matter.
Overall audience notes:
- Young adult contemporary romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Trigger warnings: loss of a loved one
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P.S. I Like You is without a doubt, my favorite book of Kasie Wests’. I’ve already accepted I don’t think any of her other ones are going to come close. Moment of Truth is the closest I’ve read so far.
I connected a lot better with this MC, Hadley. I sometimes find Wests’s main characters to be way to naive and *high school* for me. Hadley, while definitely not perfect, was much easier to appreciate and enjoy as her character grew over the book. Her selfish, very competitive nature gave way to letting some walls down and understanding why she was struggling. Not to mention, Hadley’s best friend Amelia. I am always excited when I see a strong female friendship in a book. One that doesn’t need unnecessary drama. It was about being a good friend in tough times and lightening the mood when needed. Amelia brought that ten-fold.
There was yet again, another great bookish boy. Jackson Hall was utterly adorable. I looooved his personality, his go with the flow nature, and the deep heartache he felt for not knowing what he wants to do with his life (and I felt that because, dang, if we’re not the same person). The chemistry between Hadley and Jackson was cute. The best kind of high school rom-com. Not immediate attraction, but a gradual progression of just being there as a friend gave way to a dynamite ending.
This hit one some hard subjects, and I’m glad a resolution was made for Hadley’s parents. I can’t speak to that kind of pain, but letting grief take over is hard to recognize, and sometimes harder to overcome. As usual, Kasie West delivers an adorable story while hitting on some tougher subject matter.
Overall audience notes:
- Young adult contemporary romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Trigger warnings: loss of a loved one
3.5 stars
UNIQUE SETTING.
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Okay, time to break the news.
This is not one of my favorite books by Sepetys. I’m still catching up on her backlist titles and was hoping this would be another hit, but was left wanting so much more.
I didn’t think the plot was big enough. It was mostly a focus on Josie trying to get into college (which isn’t the most exciting thing ever). Her life has a lot of craziness to it and while it bled over into her decisions and overall choices it was taken down by the LACK OF COMMUNICATION.
Oh goodness, drives me up a wall when everything could be easily fixed by a simple sentence. This was the case for Josie. I loved her tenacity, braveness, and desire to rise above what her mother has put her through. I wish she would have just told others about what was happening. By hiding it to further the story it made things drag out.
I also wish the romance would have been taken out too. Or had more added to it. There wasn’t much background on the two suitors and things would randomly happen between them without build-up. I was left desperately begging for more between them and wish there was more follow through.
I do love how easy Sepetys books are to read. They are quick, shorter chapters and make me want to read them. I love that this book is focused on 1950s New Orleans. Such a unique time period choice for historical fiction (which was an initial reason I wanted to read it). The flavors and history of the French Quarter really came alive through the writing.
Overall audience notes:
- Young adult historical fiction
- Language: a little
- Romance: some kisses
- Violence: murder, poison, physical, manipulation
UNIQUE SETTING.
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Okay, time to break the news.
This is not one of my favorite books by Sepetys. I’m still catching up on her backlist titles and was hoping this would be another hit, but was left wanting so much more.
I didn’t think the plot was big enough. It was mostly a focus on Josie trying to get into college (which isn’t the most exciting thing ever). Her life has a lot of craziness to it and while it bled over into her decisions and overall choices it was taken down by the LACK OF COMMUNICATION.
Oh goodness, drives me up a wall when everything could be easily fixed by a simple sentence. This was the case for Josie. I loved her tenacity, braveness, and desire to rise above what her mother has put her through. I wish she would have just told others about what was happening. By hiding it to further the story it made things drag out.
I also wish the romance would have been taken out too. Or had more added to it. There wasn’t much background on the two suitors and things would randomly happen between them without build-up. I was left desperately begging for more between them and wish there was more follow through.
I do love how easy Sepetys books are to read. They are quick, shorter chapters and make me want to read them. I love that this book is focused on 1950s New Orleans. Such a unique time period choice for historical fiction (which was an initial reason I wanted to read it). The flavors and history of the French Quarter really came alive through the writing.
Overall audience notes:
- Young adult historical fiction
- Language: a little
- Romance: some kisses
- Violence: murder, poison, physical, manipulation
4.5 stars
I LIKED THIS Y’ALL.
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I’m not a thriller person. Never have been. It takes some amazing reviews and friends saying how good one is for me to pick it up. This was the case for A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder. After so many saying how it blew their minds, I knew I had to read it. And I loved it! I also highly recommend the audio book. It was wonderfully put together.
Oh wow, this definitely kept me guessing. I spent most of my time trying to figure out who was the actual murder, if there was an actual murder, who was good, bad, all the things! I love how difficult it was to make heads or tails of any of the suspects. The number one thing I look for in a thriller is how easy it is for me to pick out the murderer. This was NOT the case here.
The only part I found kind of laughable was Pippa. Don’t get me wrong, I thought she was a fantastic main character. It was the fact that she at 17 (maybe 18?) was acting like a well-seasoned detective agent and I couldn’t help but roll my eyes sometimes. She was clearly way in over her head and doing more than I could reasonably believe. When I could look past that, the book was solid. Well written and put together in such a a way that you never want to stop reading.
I liked the small romance plot-line (we know I’m a sucker for these). It moved well alongside the original story. My heart ached for many of these characters and the awful situations they were put through. I liked the way the side characters played into this and the genuine work I could see from the author to craft a such a intricate web of lies and deceit, with plenty of WHAT moments.
If you’re even slightly interested in thrillers (aka me) definitely check this one out!
Overall audience notes:
- Young adult thriller
- Language: some strong
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: murder; see trigger warnings
- Trigger warnings: suicide (method explained), self-harm, murder, underage drug/alcohol use, drunk driving, hit and run, animal/pet death, rape (using rohypnols)
I LIKED THIS Y’ALL.
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I’m not a thriller person. Never have been. It takes some amazing reviews and friends saying how good one is for me to pick it up. This was the case for A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder. After so many saying how it blew their minds, I knew I had to read it. And I loved it! I also highly recommend the audio book. It was wonderfully put together.
Oh wow, this definitely kept me guessing. I spent most of my time trying to figure out who was the actual murder, if there was an actual murder, who was good, bad, all the things! I love how difficult it was to make heads or tails of any of the suspects. The number one thing I look for in a thriller is how easy it is for me to pick out the murderer. This was NOT the case here.
The only part I found kind of laughable was Pippa. Don’t get me wrong, I thought she was a fantastic main character. It was the fact that she at 17 (maybe 18?) was acting like a well-seasoned detective agent and I couldn’t help but roll my eyes sometimes. She was clearly way in over her head and doing more than I could reasonably believe. When I could look past that, the book was solid. Well written and put together in such a a way that you never want to stop reading.
I liked the small romance plot-line (we know I’m a sucker for these). It moved well alongside the original story. My heart ached for many of these characters and the awful situations they were put through. I liked the way the side characters played into this and the genuine work I could see from the author to craft a such a intricate web of lies and deceit, with plenty of WHAT moments.
If you’re even slightly interested in thrillers (aka me) definitely check this one out!
Overall audience notes:
- Young adult thriller
- Language: some strong
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: murder; see trigger warnings
- Trigger warnings: suicide (method explained), self-harm, murder, underage drug/alcohol use, drunk driving, hit and run, animal/pet death, rape (using rohypnols)
A great thriller. My favorite of Sager's.
Just creepy enough, didn't see all of the final reveals.
Full review to come!
Just creepy enough, didn't see all of the final reveals.
Full review to come!
2.5 stars
I FEEL LETDOWN.
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I’ve been a big fan of Christina Lauren as of late. I haven’t read all of their books, but most of their newer contemporaries. I was excited for this one, but I have been letdown. This was not a gem.
My biggest gripe was that the focus was way too much on Melissa and Rusty. So much so I feel like their arguing and battles between each other completely overshadowed the story about James and Carey. I felt like James and Carey were hardly even there!
The handful of times they were alone, I was loving those snippets. They were cute, I could feel the chemistry and vibe between them, and everything was fine and dandy. With the focus on other things it forced their relationship to appear fast and without much lead up. One scene we’re throwing out a bit of a frenemies vibe. Then we’re having a hot make-out in a pool, then sex, then break-up, then back together. It was disjointed and hardly gave me a chance to appreciate the stellar characters they were.
I really did enjoy Carey and James. I thought Carey was resilient, brilliant, and a genuinely nice person who wanted what was best for others (and sometimes forgot to think of herself). James was trying to overcome a poor situation, clearly handsome, and easy to talk to. They both worked really well together I loved their open and honest conversations.
I’m still here for reading Christina Lauren books. I know not every book by every author will always be a hit. I’m looking forward to what the plan on writing next.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary romance
- Language: some strong throughout
- Romance: kisses / make-outs; a few mild detailed love scenes
- Violence: arguing resulting in items being thrown at another person; an accidental fire
- Trigger warnings: a cheating spouse
I FEEL LETDOWN.
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I’ve been a big fan of Christina Lauren as of late. I haven’t read all of their books, but most of their newer contemporaries. I was excited for this one, but I have been letdown. This was not a gem.
My biggest gripe was that the focus was way too much on Melissa and Rusty. So much so I feel like their arguing and battles between each other completely overshadowed the story about James and Carey. I felt like James and Carey were hardly even there!
The handful of times they were alone, I was loving those snippets. They were cute, I could feel the chemistry and vibe between them, and everything was fine and dandy. With the focus on other things it forced their relationship to appear fast and without much lead up. One scene we’re throwing out a bit of a frenemies vibe. Then we’re having a hot make-out in a pool, then sex, then break-up, then back together. It was disjointed and hardly gave me a chance to appreciate the stellar characters they were.
I really did enjoy Carey and James. I thought Carey was resilient, brilliant, and a genuinely nice person who wanted what was best for others (and sometimes forgot to think of herself). James was trying to overcome a poor situation, clearly handsome, and easy to talk to. They both worked really well together I loved their open and honest conversations.
I’m still here for reading Christina Lauren books. I know not every book by every author will always be a hit. I’m looking forward to what the plan on writing next.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary romance
- Language: some strong throughout
- Romance: kisses / make-outs; a few mild detailed love scenes
- Violence: arguing resulting in items being thrown at another person; an accidental fire
- Trigger warnings: a cheating spouse
BEST ONE [YET].
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Ahhhhhh.
It’s official.
I’m involved.
Like, REAL involved in Claire and Jamie.
It’s fine. I’m fine. BUT CAN WE JUST GET SOME HAPPY MOMENTS FOR THEM? Goodness, my heart is in my throat every chapter wondering who’s jumping out next with a knife and a gun. Okay okay, I do admit there’s plenty of good moments too, but wow, do they live a life of danger.
I just loved how this story unfolded. I hated waiting for that reunion, but FLIPPIN’ LOVED how it went down. That’s how you reunite lost loves. Claire and Jamie treat each other with such love, respect, and fire. FIRE. I appreciate that there’s nothing held back. They have their conversations out there in the open, and come what may, they continue to love each other body and soul.
Not to mention that Jame purely angered MY soul with his shenanigans. Yes yes, explained away well, doesn’t mean I can’t have my feelings over it. I thought it was a good twist and definitely amped up the story as a whole. Also my sweet babe Fergus, all grown up! He’s one of my favorite side characters. Which makes me think that his ending is going to be make me sob, so let’s hope that doesn’t happen. I’ve got quite a few books to go.
With 870 pages, you’d think I’d have A LOOOOT to say. And I do, but I don’t. It’s one of those big books you sink into. Reading it takes as long as it does, but you’re not even noticing because the story has you wrapped up. That’s one of my favorite things about big sagas. I’m allowed to wholly immerse myself in the world and characters and feel the depth of the story.
Overall audience notes:
- Historical fiction romance
- Language: a little
- Romance: kisses / make-outs; a few love scenes ranging in detail from little to quite a bit
- Violence: poison, swords, pirate attacks, ship wrecks, physical, murder, knives
- Trigger warnings: sexual assault on a minor; sexual assault; intense depictions of slavery (specifically in the West Indies)
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Ahhhhhh.
It’s official.
I’m involved.
Like, REAL involved in Claire and Jamie.
It’s fine. I’m fine. BUT CAN WE JUST GET SOME HAPPY MOMENTS FOR THEM? Goodness, my heart is in my throat every chapter wondering who’s jumping out next with a knife and a gun. Okay okay, I do admit there’s plenty of good moments too, but wow, do they live a life of danger.
I just loved how this story unfolded. I hated waiting for that reunion, but FLIPPIN’ LOVED how it went down. That’s how you reunite lost loves. Claire and Jamie treat each other with such love, respect, and fire. FIRE. I appreciate that there’s nothing held back. They have their conversations out there in the open, and come what may, they continue to love each other body and soul.
Not to mention that Jame purely angered MY soul with his shenanigans. Yes yes, explained away well, doesn’t mean I can’t have my feelings over it. I thought it was a good twist and definitely amped up the story as a whole. Also my sweet babe Fergus, all grown up! He’s one of my favorite side characters. Which makes me think that his ending is going to be make me sob, so let’s hope that doesn’t happen. I’ve got quite a few books to go.
With 870 pages, you’d think I’d have A LOOOOT to say. And I do, but I don’t. It’s one of those big books you sink into. Reading it takes as long as it does, but you’re not even noticing because the story has you wrapped up. That’s one of my favorite things about big sagas. I’m allowed to wholly immerse myself in the world and characters and feel the depth of the story.
Overall audience notes:
- Historical fiction romance
- Language: a little
- Romance: kisses / make-outs; a few love scenes ranging in detail from little to quite a bit
- Violence: poison, swords, pirate attacks, ship wrecks, physical, murder, knives
- Trigger warnings: sexual assault on a minor; sexual assault; intense depictions of slavery (specifically in the West Indies)
3.5 stars
HAD POTENTIAL.
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I loved the concept of a lovers to enemies TO LOVERS again. Thought if it was written out well, we could have a smash-hit. Lots of good reviews convinced me to pick it up and I have been let down by my own interpretation.
One of my main issues is that 60% of the book is spent in the enemies stage. And not the joke-y, cute, steam-building enemies I’ve read, but actual enemies. I couldn’t believe they ever actually liked one another. Nicholas and Naomi were so mean to each other. It really rubbed me the wrong way and I had a hard time swinging back around to them working things out. Naomi was so adamant about leaving Nicholas that frankly, I was agreeing with her. I hit the point multiple times where I was like, sure dump him. Not a good sign.
I saw Nicholas trying so much more, and since we never got his POV that’s all i got from him. I did like his character and his efforts. I felt bad that he had to deal with the saltiness from Naomi. Most of these issues could have been easily solved with some honest conversations, not petty pranks.
There were definitely some sweet moments towards the end and I did like those. It ended on a good note and how I felt things should have wrapped up.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: kisses / make-outs; love scenes are little detailed
HAD POTENTIAL.
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I loved the concept of a lovers to enemies TO LOVERS again. Thought if it was written out well, we could have a smash-hit. Lots of good reviews convinced me to pick it up and I have been let down by my own interpretation.
One of my main issues is that 60% of the book is spent in the enemies stage. And not the joke-y, cute, steam-building enemies I’ve read, but actual enemies. I couldn’t believe they ever actually liked one another. Nicholas and Naomi were so mean to each other. It really rubbed me the wrong way and I had a hard time swinging back around to them working things out. Naomi was so adamant about leaving Nicholas that frankly, I was agreeing with her. I hit the point multiple times where I was like, sure dump him. Not a good sign.
I saw Nicholas trying so much more, and since we never got his POV that’s all i got from him. I did like his character and his efforts. I felt bad that he had to deal with the saltiness from Naomi. Most of these issues could have been easily solved with some honest conversations, not petty pranks.
There were definitely some sweet moments towards the end and I did like those. It ended on a good note and how I felt things should have wrapped up.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: kisses / make-outs; love scenes are little detailed
Reread May 2023: Physically reading this for the first time in years was a glorious adventure.
Reread April 2022: Rowan. That is all.
REREAD Sep 2020: I frankly don't know what number of re-read I'm on. This was the first audio book version though. Loved it. And as usual, LOVETHISBOOKSOMUCH. Even if the ending makes me want to scream every time.
Note: Review does contain spoilers. I have read this series 3 or 4 times. I have no chill over this series. This is a re-read I’m doing specifically before KoA comes out in October.
ROOOOOOOOWAN.
I am so team Rowan. TO WHATEVER END Y’ALL. I know some people have an issue with him being “ancient”. First off, you’re reading waaay to into the story about the ancient issue. He’s a Fae, he’s handsome, a warrior, etc. Let’s just let them love each other, kay? At least this wasn’t her first pick. An appreciate nod to SJM to give some other love interests (but, not in a love triangle way) before she meets the real one.
This book was a bit slower for me. I generally don’t like when the main character ends up in a totally different place for a book, but this one at least had more reasoning than some books I’ve read. We got a lot more history of Maeve, and the cadre (WHICH WE ALL KNOW PLAYS A BIG ROLE LATER).
Dorian and Sorscha, while cute, I found through this re-read, odd? It was kind of thrown in there for Dorian to have more of a presence throughout the book. I will say towards the end I started to see the point. He needed to break. Calaena never loved him in return so he wasn’t fully invested, but since Sorscha and Dorian loved each other it was horrid when she met the King.
And this is where we meet, Manon. I did not like her at first. I didn’t know where she was going with the story and how it was going to flow together. She was too random at first. By EoS, I definitely appreciate and love her witchy self. And I’m obsessed with Abraxos. Can I get a wyvern? I’m suuuper curious what happens in KoA with the Witch Kingdom in the Wastes. I hope a happy ending evolves there. I think she needs Aelin as much as Aelin needs her to accomplish this.
Language, but not in your face. No full love scenes, some late night thoughts about it though. Some kissing scenes and definitely violence.
Reread April 2022: Rowan. That is all.
REREAD Sep 2020: I frankly don't know what number of re-read I'm on. This was the first audio book version though. Loved it. And as usual, LOVETHISBOOKSOMUCH. Even if the ending makes me want to scream every time.
Note: Review does contain spoilers. I have read this series 3 or 4 times. I have no chill over this series. This is a re-read I’m doing specifically before KoA comes out in October.
ROOOOOOOOWAN.
I am so team Rowan. TO WHATEVER END Y’ALL. I know some people have an issue with him being “ancient”. First off, you’re reading waaay to into the story about the ancient issue. He’s a Fae, he’s handsome, a warrior, etc. Let’s just let them love each other, kay? At least this wasn’t her first pick. An appreciate nod to SJM to give some other love interests (but, not in a love triangle way) before she meets the real one.
This book was a bit slower for me. I generally don’t like when the main character ends up in a totally different place for a book, but this one at least had more reasoning than some books I’ve read. We got a lot more history of Maeve, and the cadre (WHICH WE ALL KNOW PLAYS A BIG ROLE LATER).
Dorian and Sorscha, while cute, I found through this re-read, odd? It was kind of thrown in there for Dorian to have more of a presence throughout the book. I will say towards the end I started to see the point. He needed to break. Calaena never loved him in return so he wasn’t fully invested, but since Sorscha and Dorian loved each other it was horrid when she met the King.
And this is where we meet, Manon. I did not like her at first. I didn’t know where she was going with the story and how it was going to flow together. She was too random at first. By EoS, I definitely appreciate and love her witchy self. And I’m obsessed with Abraxos. Can I get a wyvern? I’m suuuper curious what happens in KoA with the Witch Kingdom in the Wastes. I hope a happy ending evolves there. I think she needs Aelin as much as Aelin needs her to accomplish this.
Language, but not in your face. No full love scenes, some late night thoughts about it though. Some kissing scenes and definitely violence.
Thank you to Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for the e-ARC. All opinions are my own!
MY SOUL IS IN TORMENT.
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Why you may ask? Well because THAT ENDING HURT ME. It was exactly what the book called for though. Not really a cliffhanger, but feeling a desperate need to see how everything is resolved in the last book. Ohhhhh how I need the last book. If these first two books are any indication (The Gilded Wolves review here!), this finale will rock.
The ANGST I felt in this book for Laila and Severin was on another level. Oh em gee. It was the kinda of slow fire, second chance, enemies to lovers-ish vibe that I was ALL OVER. My cinnamon roll Severin who is struggling to work through some things has caused him to push people away. This hard outer shell only makes me love him more. Seeing his inner dialogue is wonderful. I love the rotating chapter POVs because I truly feel for all of these characters now. I want to be apart of this dysfunctional family too.
I liked the way the story moved. I felt there was a steady flow of action, then a lull, then back up again, all at the right times. I was never bored because things were constantly moving. If they weren’t solving a mystery, someone or another was having a tender moment. This gave me a lot of scenes that brought this installment home. The writing was beautiful with plenty of sentences I wanted to highlight and save for later.
The villains are pretty easy to spot, but are quirky and have many layers that I need to sift through. They were a bit creepy and kept me on my toes, especially in the last 20%. I flew through pages trying to figure out what was going to happen next. While my heart shattered at some point, the pieces were picked back up and put in a jar for further introspection. Everything in this book is a few shades darker. There is a lot of pain, inner turmoil, and I feel like I’m waiting on half the cast to apologize to the other half. It’s forming great characters arcs though and I am appreciating watching everyone grow.
Still, I have so many questions!! There is a vast amount of open-ended issues when it comes to everyone. Who is into who? Who is upset with who? Who is alive? Where is who? Why can who do this? I barely had questions answered before I thought of a thousand more. While sometimes too many unknowns can be a bother, I felt this really convinced me I want book three (which I don’t mind in the slightest). I think everything will be answered and while I have no idea how this well end, I am here for it all.
Overall audience notes:
- Young adult fantasy + historical fiction
- Language: some language
- Romance: a few kisses, make-outs, a no detailed quick fade to black, but mentioned love scene (appropriate for a true YA book)
- Violence: poison, animal attacks, magic, fire, knives, murder
- Trigger warnings: a person disguises themselves as someone else with intent to do sexual things, mentions of child abuse, drugging people without consent
MY SOUL IS IN TORMENT.
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Why you may ask? Well because THAT ENDING HURT ME. It was exactly what the book called for though. Not really a cliffhanger, but feeling a desperate need to see how everything is resolved in the last book. Ohhhhh how I need the last book. If these first two books are any indication (The Gilded Wolves review here!), this finale will rock.
The ANGST I felt in this book for Laila and Severin was on another level. Oh em gee. It was the kinda of slow fire, second chance, enemies to lovers-ish vibe that I was ALL OVER. My cinnamon roll Severin who is struggling to work through some things has caused him to push people away. This hard outer shell only makes me love him more. Seeing his inner dialogue is wonderful. I love the rotating chapter POVs because I truly feel for all of these characters now. I want to be apart of this dysfunctional family too.
I liked the way the story moved. I felt there was a steady flow of action, then a lull, then back up again, all at the right times. I was never bored because things were constantly moving. If they weren’t solving a mystery, someone or another was having a tender moment. This gave me a lot of scenes that brought this installment home. The writing was beautiful with plenty of sentences I wanted to highlight and save for later.
The villains are pretty easy to spot, but are quirky and have many layers that I need to sift through. They were a bit creepy and kept me on my toes, especially in the last 20%. I flew through pages trying to figure out what was going to happen next. While my heart shattered at some point, the pieces were picked back up and put in a jar for further introspection. Everything in this book is a few shades darker. There is a lot of pain, inner turmoil, and I feel like I’m waiting on half the cast to apologize to the other half. It’s forming great characters arcs though and I am appreciating watching everyone grow.
Still, I have so many questions!! There is a vast amount of open-ended issues when it comes to everyone. Who is into who? Who is upset with who? Who is alive? Where is who? Why can who do this? I barely had questions answered before I thought of a thousand more. While sometimes too many unknowns can be a bother, I felt this really convinced me I want book three (which I don’t mind in the slightest). I think everything will be answered and while I have no idea how this well end, I am here for it all.
Overall audience notes:
- Young adult fantasy + historical fiction
- Language: some language
- Romance: a few kisses, make-outs, a no detailed quick fade to black, but mentioned love scene (appropriate for a true YA book)
- Violence: poison, animal attacks, magic, fire, knives, murder
- Trigger warnings: a person disguises themselves as someone else with intent to do sexual things, mentions of child abuse, drugging people without consent