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3.5 stars
INTERESTING.
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Since this series was originally three books and was expanded to six books, you can definitely see where this second half takes off in a whole new direction. It’s taken me a bit to get into it because of the switch, but they’re still enjoyable nonetheless.
I love the writing style for these. The point-of-view changes often giving me lots of insight to the large cast of characters. I appreciate this because of how many they’re. It always takes me a chapter or two to remember exactly who’s who again.
The title is in no way misleading. I’m frankly not sure who’s actually dead or alive at this point. This crew went on a serious adventure and I loved exploring the new worlds and layouts. The growth and development of this cast was also superb. I like seeing them in contrasting elements. This is obviously a very character driven story. The plot still moves well and plenty happens, but it’s about them and where this story will eventually lead.
It’s a satisfying and quick read. I’m excited to read the last book in this series soon.
Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy
- Language: very little, light
- Romance: kiss
- Violence: battles/war, physical altercations, swords/arrows, magic, dragons, murder
INTERESTING.
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Since this series was originally three books and was expanded to six books, you can definitely see where this second half takes off in a whole new direction. It’s taken me a bit to get into it because of the switch, but they’re still enjoyable nonetheless.
I love the writing style for these. The point-of-view changes often giving me lots of insight to the large cast of characters. I appreciate this because of how many they’re. It always takes me a chapter or two to remember exactly who’s who again.
The title is in no way misleading. I’m frankly not sure who’s actually dead or alive at this point. This crew went on a serious adventure and I loved exploring the new worlds and layouts. The growth and development of this cast was also superb. I like seeing them in contrasting elements. This is obviously a very character driven story. The plot still moves well and plenty happens, but it’s about them and where this story will eventually lead.
It’s a satisfying and quick read. I’m excited to read the last book in this series soon.
Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy
- Language: very little, light
- Romance: kiss
- Violence: battles/war, physical altercations, swords/arrows, magic, dragons, murder
THAT WAS DIFFERENT.
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I don’t read synopsis when I’m immersed in a series. I’m always way too nervous that something will be spoiled. Even though this was unique to the entire series, you could still tell something was off. And figuring out what exactly happened was part of the fun.
The events did sadden me a bit because I thought things were going in a different direction, but yet I feel like things really fit too. If you think about Wanda’s entire story, it was only going to lead here. That’s what made sense. I wish the first section of this book didn’t last as long so maybe there would have been more to the second part, but it was a unique mystery regardless.
I am so curious on how the LAST (yes I am almost to the last book) will go. Like I mentioned just previously, I think this ending was fitting so now I’m all for the last happy ever after conclusion. At least, that’s what I hope I’m getting.
Overall audience notes:
- Paranormal Cozy Mystery
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: murder, kidnapping
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I don’t read synopsis when I’m immersed in a series. I’m always way too nervous that something will be spoiled. Even though this was unique to the entire series, you could still tell something was off. And figuring out what exactly happened was part of the fun.
The events did sadden me a bit because I thought things were going in a different direction, but yet I feel like things really fit too. If you think about Wanda’s entire story, it was only going to lead here. That’s what made sense. I wish the first section of this book didn’t last as long so maybe there would have been more to the second part, but it was a unique mystery regardless.
I am so curious on how the LAST (yes I am almost to the last book) will go. Like I mentioned just previously, I think this ending was fitting so now I’m all for the last happy ever after conclusion. At least, that’s what I hope I’m getting.
Overall audience notes:
- Paranormal Cozy Mystery
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: murder, kidnapping
UH OH.
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First two books I could have easily handed out more than 5 stars.
This one? 3 stars. And it was fine, kinda read.
I am still really into Poppy and Cas. They’re a great team, they do have chemistry and seem to work together well. I love Kieran and the rest of the wolven crew. All good things.
Nowwwww, where my issues lie.
I started noticing the flaws my friends who have read (and didn’t love) these books have mentioned. One of them being the repetitive nature of literally everything. Poppy’s inner monologue goes on and on and on and one point until I’m exhausted by her thoughts. And if you thought ACOSF had too many random sex scenes, then definitely don’t read this because I thought all of the sex was so RANDOM. Like run off in a corner, do it, then come back and keep going. I don’t know. It felt really forced and really didn’t love that.
My last big issue was that I felt like NOTHIGN HAPPENED. There was high action right from the start then high action right at the end. Between there wasn’t a lot of anything.
Okay okay, one more: WHY WERE NORMAL MONTHS USED? Poppy and Cas’s birthdays are apparently in April in December…in a made up fantasy world. That took me out of the book so fast, I’m clearly still bothered by this ridiculous notion.
Maybe if these books were a lot shorter they would seem like they were holding more substance. I’m still planning on reading the next one. I’m invested enough to continue, but I have some expectations for how it goes down. The ending was pretty predictable and left me wanting more. I’m curious how this is supposed to go on for 3/4 more books?
I’m hopeful. Some middle books are on the lower end of a rating for me. I loooove Cas the most. And as long as things work out there I think there’s an upward trend in sight.
Overall audience notes:
- NA Fantasy romance
- Language: strong
- Romance: kisses to multiple open door scenes
- Violence: murder, physical altercations, pretty gory/bloody
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First two books I could have easily handed out more than 5 stars.
This one? 3 stars. And it was fine, kinda read.
I am still really into Poppy and Cas. They’re a great team, they do have chemistry and seem to work together well. I love Kieran and the rest of the wolven crew. All good things.
Nowwwww, where my issues lie.
I started noticing the flaws my friends who have read (and didn’t love) these books have mentioned. One of them being the repetitive nature of literally everything. Poppy’s inner monologue goes on and on and on and one point until I’m exhausted by her thoughts. And if you thought ACOSF had too many random sex scenes, then definitely don’t read this because I thought all of the sex was so RANDOM. Like run off in a corner, do it, then come back and keep going. I don’t know. It felt really forced and really didn’t love that.
My last big issue was that I felt like NOTHIGN HAPPENED. There was high action right from the start then high action right at the end. Between there wasn’t a lot of anything.
Okay okay, one more: WHY WERE NORMAL MONTHS USED? Poppy and Cas’s birthdays are apparently in April in December…in a made up fantasy world. That took me out of the book so fast, I’m clearly still bothered by this ridiculous notion.
Maybe if these books were a lot shorter they would seem like they were holding more substance. I’m still planning on reading the next one. I’m invested enough to continue, but I have some expectations for how it goes down. The ending was pretty predictable and left me wanting more. I’m curious how this is supposed to go on for 3/4 more books?
I’m hopeful. Some middle books are on the lower end of a rating for me. I loooove Cas the most. And as long as things work out there I think there’s an upward trend in sight.
Overall audience notes:
- NA Fantasy romance
- Language: strong
- Romance: kisses to multiple open door scenes
- Violence: murder, physical altercations, pretty gory/bloody
WONDERFUL YA.
Another gem in the young adult genre y’all. And the audio book was really great!! If you’re interested in that format, would highly recommend.
There was such a sweet love story between Bao and Lin. I love how perfectly cute it was for YA, but also had deeper levels that connected back to so much more. There’s not really angst involved, it’s just two people who have a bit of a Romeo & Juliet situation happening. It was romantic watching them on dates and reconnecting.
I really like the conversations that were interspersed throughout. One was the pressure of parent expectations vs. what Bao and Lin both wanted to do with their lives post high school. There were many relatable discussions and things I connected to myself from that time in my life. I also liked the exchanges about racism. I felt my understanding became another step better because this book was yes, light-hearted, but also covered important and relevant topics.
The amount of food discussed will have you salivating. I loooove a good foody book and all of the Vietnamese dishes sounded absolutely amazing and I hope to try some one day. I love the way culture was expressed and the story-telling surrounding it all.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Contemporary romance
- Language: a little
- Romance: kisses
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of a loved one, racism and microaggressions
SUPER SWEET.
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And laugh out loud.
This was a charming and quick contemporary romance. I’ve really enjoyed Summer Dowell’s books and this is no exception. I’m excited to get more romances from this cast because I adored Hope and Dean.
I saw a lot of growth with Hope. Learning to handle her need for perfection in a more realistic way really resonated with me. I thought she had a great dynamic and I absolutely love her cake decorator career.
Combine Hope with Dean and I thought they were just precious. It was kind of fun to have this “perfect” relationship happen for most of the book, just waiting for the other shoe to drop. I actually burst out laughing (and in shock) when the reveal was announced. I like the way it was handled and that the drama didn’t drag out.
This was a delightful read that will put a smile on your face. Can’t wait to read more!
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
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And laugh out loud.
This was a charming and quick contemporary romance. I’ve really enjoyed Summer Dowell’s books and this is no exception. I’m excited to get more romances from this cast because I adored Hope and Dean.
I saw a lot of growth with Hope. Learning to handle her need for perfection in a more realistic way really resonated with me. I thought she had a great dynamic and I absolutely love her cake decorator career.
Combine Hope with Dean and I thought they were just precious. It was kind of fun to have this “perfect” relationship happen for most of the book, just waiting for the other shoe to drop. I actually burst out laughing (and in shock) when the reveal was announced. I like the way it was handled and that the drama didn’t drag out.
This was a delightful read that will put a smile on your face. Can’t wait to read more!
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
This was fine.
But took some random turns and felt unfinished.
Full review to come!
But took some random turns and felt unfinished.
Full review to come!
YAY FOR FAKE DATING.
This was a charming read!! With one of my favorite tropes: fake dating/fake fiance I was charmed from the beginning. I listened to it on audio too and really enjoyed that format.
I don’t think this was anything ground-breaking in the contemporary romance department but I found it an easy, entertaining read that flew by. I had a hard time putting it down and found myself smitten with Liam. His antics had me bursting out with laughter (especially playing with a sword, NOT a euphemism haha). I loved his story and learning everything about him and his family. His connection with Daisy was instantaneous and the fire was immediately lit again. I adored the banter and romance between them.
What I did not love were the very cringey love scenes. Something about the dialogue and the way it was written did not mesh well with me. It was like the initial banter and flow went out the door to try and add steam when I think it could have been directed in a better manner.
I also haaaated the conflict/resolution. It was roll my eyes, bad Hallmark movie worthy. I couldn’t believe how Liam handled it and everything that went along just to stretch out the story. I wish something else would have been used to further the plot rather than this gross miscommunication.
I love that Daisy was an engineer and found her niche among her friends and her job. It was an aspect I always appreciate in a story. It was nice to get both points-of-view between Liam and Daisy to get the full scoop from both sides.
Overall audiece notes:
- Contemporary romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: kisses to open door scenes
- Violence: motorcycle crash
- Trigger/Content Warnings: domestic abuse (off-screen), parent abandonment
A YA FANTASY BOOK.
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A simple tagline for my main thought throughout this book. It was neither good nor bad. I just felt it was very typical for young adult fantasy. And since I’ve read a lot of them, I didn’t experience anything new.
Not to mention, my ship doesn’t seem to be sailing like I planned and that is always a let down. Especially because, another love triangle? YUP. Not even one I can get behind. One second they were sitting there talking, the next kissing out of nowhere. Ah, I’m so for the other guy.
I did like Anthia as the main character. The clear depiction of grief and depression resonated with me and while I didn’t always love how it was addressed, I overall thought it was well written in these regards.
The writing is engaging as well and I did read it very quickly. It is extremely trope-y and you’ll notice multiple of them. I’m not sure how much happened here because it mostly focused on this one crow, and that was it. In addition to the handful of things I didn’t love, I would have appreciated some more side character back story to help bring this book to life.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Fantasy
- Language: very little, light
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: murder, fires, magic, physical altercations, swords/arrows
- Trigger/Content Warnings: PTSD, depression, grief
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A simple tagline for my main thought throughout this book. It was neither good nor bad. I just felt it was very typical for young adult fantasy. And since I’ve read a lot of them, I didn’t experience anything new.
Not to mention, my ship doesn’t seem to be sailing like I planned and that is always a let down. Especially because, another love triangle? YUP. Not even one I can get behind. One second they were sitting there talking, the next kissing out of nowhere. Ah, I’m so for the other guy.
I did like Anthia as the main character. The clear depiction of grief and depression resonated with me and while I didn’t always love how it was addressed, I overall thought it was well written in these regards.
The writing is engaging as well and I did read it very quickly. It is extremely trope-y and you’ll notice multiple of them. I’m not sure how much happened here because it mostly focused on this one crow, and that was it. In addition to the handful of things I didn’t love, I would have appreciated some more side character back story to help bring this book to life.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Fantasy
- Language: very little, light
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: murder, fires, magic, physical altercations, swords/arrows
- Trigger/Content Warnings: PTSD, depression, grief
A FITTING ENDING.
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Y’all. I did it.
I read this entire series during the fall season and it fit perfectly. In addition to the book review I want to add a touch of a series review too. I just loved these characters, how within the murder mystery of each installment there were bigger pieces being moved. The sweet romance and friendships. Cute talking animals, a great setting. I can’t wait to read Albright’s other series because this is definitely a favorite. I rarely stick with and read all the books in a series in such a short time period, these continually kept me entertained.
Now to the book, I love how this ending worked out. It was fitting and gave a certain character the redemption arc I needed to see for them. The mystery had me guessing the entire way through with its twists and turns. It flew by so quickly and I’m sad it’s over!
I love Wanda. I love Max. I love Dizzy, Melissa, Wanda’s family and coven, Finn, and oh my goodness everyone. These characters continue to do what they do best and make this series what it is. A hidden gem that I will definitely continue to recommend if you’re looking for a cozy paranormal mystery.
Overall audience notes:
- Paranormal cozy mystery
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: murder
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
Y’all. I did it.
I read this entire series during the fall season and it fit perfectly. In addition to the book review I want to add a touch of a series review too. I just loved these characters, how within the murder mystery of each installment there were bigger pieces being moved. The sweet romance and friendships. Cute talking animals, a great setting. I can’t wait to read Albright’s other series because this is definitely a favorite. I rarely stick with and read all the books in a series in such a short time period, these continually kept me entertained.
Now to the book, I love how this ending worked out. It was fitting and gave a certain character the redemption arc I needed to see for them. The mystery had me guessing the entire way through with its twists and turns. It flew by so quickly and I’m sad it’s over!
I love Wanda. I love Max. I love Dizzy, Melissa, Wanda’s family and coven, Finn, and oh my goodness everyone. These characters continue to do what they do best and make this series what it is. A hidden gem that I will definitely continue to recommend if you’re looking for a cozy paranormal mystery.
Overall audience notes:
- Paranormal cozy mystery
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: murder