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heartbrekker's Reviews (797)
This BOOK-
It truly was greater than words can ever describe.
I struggled badly through Windwitch, so initially leading up to this installment, I was indifferent. I didn’t think about it much. Though, slowly, Bloodwitch started to dig its claws into my head (in a good way). I saw incredible reviews, and I realized I wanted to see what all of this hype was about.
Well.
It’s real.
And deserved.
Every POV was marvelous, deep, and gritty.
Each lesson the characters learned brought me to tears, especially at the end.
And most importantly, Bloodwitch teaches us to become ourselves for ourselves. It’s a book about finding your purpose and your needs and your life.
For these characters.. I screamed, I cried, I raged, I laughed, and I damn well rejoiced. My hope feels like a palpable being while reading Bloodwitch. These characters certainly need all the help they can get, and I ache to lessen their burdens.
Aeduan and Iseult still reign as my two favorite POV’s, but all of them are top tier in terms of plot. Susan Dennard got the ball rolling in the first two books, but Bloodwitch is where everything is put into perspective, specifically for Aeduan cause it’s his book, which is another reason I adored it. He’s an enigma that slowly becomes unraveled as the book progresses.
Now I could go into all the technicals, but I think, for my review, that wouldn’t do it any justice. I just wanted to express my emotions, and I also want you to know that no matter what, you aren’t ready for this book. It’s a game changer.
And, of course, read Sightwitch before Bloodwitch.
It truly was greater than words can ever describe.
I struggled badly through Windwitch, so initially leading up to this installment, I was indifferent. I didn’t think about it much. Though, slowly, Bloodwitch started to dig its claws into my head (in a good way). I saw incredible reviews, and I realized I wanted to see what all of this hype was about.
Well.
It’s real.
And deserved.
Every POV was marvelous, deep, and gritty.
Each lesson the characters learned brought me to tears, especially at the end.
And most importantly, Bloodwitch teaches us to become ourselves for ourselves. It’s a book about finding your purpose and your needs and your life.
For these characters.. I screamed, I cried, I raged, I laughed, and I damn well rejoiced. My hope feels like a palpable being while reading Bloodwitch. These characters certainly need all the help they can get, and I ache to lessen their burdens.
Aeduan and Iseult still reign as my two favorite POV’s, but all of them are top tier in terms of plot. Susan Dennard got the ball rolling in the first two books, but Bloodwitch is where everything is put into perspective, specifically for Aeduan cause it’s his book, which is another reason I adored it. He’s an enigma that slowly becomes unraveled as the book progresses.
Now I could go into all the technicals, but I think, for my review, that wouldn’t do it any justice. I just wanted to express my emotions, and I also want you to know that no matter what, you aren’t ready for this book. It’s a game changer.
And, of course, read Sightwitch before Bloodwitch.
Wow.
Renegades was great.
Archenemies was AMAZING.
I’m a mix of many emotions right now. Marissa Meyer took this story and turned it on its head.. then smacked it across the room for added intensity. I did NOT see that ending coming, and now how am I supposed to wait for the third book?!
AGHH!
Archenemies basically picks right where Renegades left off, and immediately this story felt.. different. It felt grittier and darker and- bad. Of course the jokes and humor concealed these attributes, but with new characters and interactions, Nova and Adrian truly start to grow up, if that makes sense. They see how destructive and corrupted the world is. Marissa peels the tarp back for these characters. Brutally, if I'm again being honest. It's fantastic to read.
Nova and Adrian’s relationship is adorable, realistic, and downright swoon worthy. Their love is complex and fretful and filled with so much pain, especially after that ending.. Even after finishing, I’m STILL shaking my head in awe of this plot line.
Archenemies was easier and better to read than Renegades for me. You follow Meyer on your toes the entire time. The new characters and information given are intriguing but terrifying. I just want to squeeze Max into a bear hug of protection, and I want to smack Frostbite and her team constantly. The arcs from these characters even just couldn't have been more mind boggling!
Archenemies is truly one of the most complex YA stories I have ever read. Hands down.
So many new revelations that change so many things..
I cannot remember having such a wide variety of emotions upon finishing a novel. There’s pity/ empathy for bad characters, secondhand embarrassment because parents are embarrassing (DUH), and just the fact that we know information the characters don’t. The amount of times I closed the book to just FEEL.. is downright astonishing. It shows how intricate and powerful Meyer’s writing was, and I can safely say this is my favorite novel of hers.
I can’t really explain much else due to spoilers for the first book and this one. Just understand you’re going to be embarrassed, giddy, and tearful throughout this novel. The stakes just got higher, and my nerves are setting in for the long haul.
Thank you Macmillan for gifting me an ARC to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Renegades was great.
Archenemies was AMAZING.
I’m a mix of many emotions right now. Marissa Meyer took this story and turned it on its head.. then smacked it across the room for added intensity. I did NOT see that ending coming, and now how am I supposed to wait for the third book?!
AGHH!
Archenemies basically picks right where Renegades left off, and immediately this story felt.. different. It felt grittier and darker and- bad. Of course the jokes and humor concealed these attributes, but with new characters and interactions, Nova and Adrian truly start to grow up, if that makes sense. They see how destructive and corrupted the world is. Marissa peels the tarp back for these characters. Brutally, if I'm again being honest. It's fantastic to read.
Nova and Adrian’s relationship is adorable, realistic, and downright swoon worthy. Their love is complex and fretful and filled with so much pain, especially after that ending.. Even after finishing, I’m STILL shaking my head in awe of this plot line.
Archenemies was easier and better to read than Renegades for me. You follow Meyer on your toes the entire time. The new characters and information given are intriguing but terrifying. I just want to squeeze Max into a bear hug of protection, and I want to smack Frostbite and her team constantly. The arcs from these characters even just couldn't have been more mind boggling!
Archenemies is truly one of the most complex YA stories I have ever read. Hands down.
So many new revelations that change so many things..
I cannot remember having such a wide variety of emotions upon finishing a novel. There’s pity/ empathy for bad characters, secondhand embarrassment because parents are embarrassing (DUH), and just the fact that we know information the characters don’t. The amount of times I closed the book to just FEEL.. is downright astonishing. It shows how intricate and powerful Meyer’s writing was, and I can safely say this is my favorite novel of hers.
I can’t really explain much else due to spoilers for the first book and this one. Just understand you’re going to be embarrassed, giddy, and tearful throughout this novel. The stakes just got higher, and my nerves are setting in for the long haul.
Thank you Macmillan for gifting me an ARC to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
ARC gifted by Macmillan. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I loved and cherished this book. There’s incredible rep for gender fluidity, or at least in my opinion it felt powerful and real. Questions are asked and respect is given. We learn along with the characters about finding yourself, and I think that’s one of the best messages a book can give.
There’s four points of view, and I adored each and every one. Their voices were extremely distinct, and I’d find myself flipping back and forth between who was my favorite. Yearling and Roja really affected me because of their own experiences and the struggles they feel internally. I just- my heart felt akin to theirs in numerous situations. I love them and Blanca and Page so much.
Numerous lessons are learned throughout this tale, and I could honestly see this novel becoming a classic. It has those elements of fantasy/ a fairy tale, but it pulls away the screen to show the realities and cruelties of life. You flinch, tear up, scream for, and hug all these characters forevermore. They brought out some emotions I wasn’t expecting.
Lastly, the friendship between the boys and the love between the sisters was my favorite. The writing wove their story together seemlessly, and to see the intense love in those differing relationships was excellent. Roja and Blanca left me crying because their love is universal and pure for one another. Things get messy along the way, but in the end all there is is the knowledge that they cannot live without the other. Page’s love and support for Yearling also broke my heart because I saw my best friend and I in them. Page is the kinda friend you want by your side always, and I wish I could hug her endlessly for bringing strength to all the other characters. And confidence to be honest. She’s the glue truly.
If you read this book, please, do it just for the relationships because your heart will fill.
I loved and cherished this book. There’s incredible rep for gender fluidity, or at least in my opinion it felt powerful and real. Questions are asked and respect is given. We learn along with the characters about finding yourself, and I think that’s one of the best messages a book can give.
There’s four points of view, and I adored each and every one. Their voices were extremely distinct, and I’d find myself flipping back and forth between who was my favorite. Yearling and Roja really affected me because of their own experiences and the struggles they feel internally. I just- my heart felt akin to theirs in numerous situations. I love them and Blanca and Page so much.
Numerous lessons are learned throughout this tale, and I could honestly see this novel becoming a classic. It has those elements of fantasy/ a fairy tale, but it pulls away the screen to show the realities and cruelties of life. You flinch, tear up, scream for, and hug all these characters forevermore. They brought out some emotions I wasn’t expecting.
Lastly, the friendship between the boys and the love between the sisters was my favorite. The writing wove their story together seemlessly, and to see the intense love in those differing relationships was excellent. Roja and Blanca left me crying because their love is universal and pure for one another. Things get messy along the way, but in the end all there is is the knowledge that they cannot live without the other. Page’s love and support for Yearling also broke my heart because I saw my best friend and I in them. Page is the kinda friend you want by your side always, and I wish I could hug her endlessly for bringing strength to all the other characters. And confidence to be honest. She’s the glue truly.
If you read this book, please, do it just for the relationships because your heart will fill.
For starters I have FINALLY found a horror/ mystery/ suspense YA that gave me all the feels, and I cannot thank Claire enough for writing this story.
To start off the representation in this story blew me out of the water! There is an f&f relationship along with asexual representation, which are seen through the main characters *cue my excited/ happy scream*
My favorite character was Marion because of her personality and thoughts. She’s a very thoughtful and cautious person I’d say, but at the same time as the story progresses, you’re able to watch her grow as a person. She’s so selfless, and I loved watching her shift to putting her wants first (sometimes). Plus, she looks at the world so differently than the others.
Val was a shock to me. I didn’t expect her to take the path that she did, and I kinda wanted to cry every time she came on screen. Her story is so heartbreaking, and all I wanted to do was give her a hug. Even though at the same time I wanted to scream at her. She’s just really complex.
LASTLY ZOEY! This darling is hysterical with her jokes, and I found myself cackling whenever she showed her face. She’s been through so much just like Marion in the last few months, and her grieving and storyline were incredible to read. She was the most realistic character as well with her attitude towards the plot and again cue my cackling.
The horror aspect to this story was fabulous. There’s a mix of horror scenes you’ve seen before and new ones that’ll certainly scar you for life. I know many happened that left me shaken to my core.
Yes, I’m being very vague on purpose because of spoilers, but I want you to feel the full extent of.. emotions.. haha when you read this book. I just LOVED this story, and I hope you enjoy it to its full extent!
Claire you did it again! You fleshed out this story so well, and I’m so thankful I can recommend this story to anyone who loves horror/ suspense.
To start off the representation in this story blew me out of the water! There is an f&f relationship along with asexual representation, which are seen through the main characters *cue my excited/ happy scream*
My favorite character was Marion because of her personality and thoughts. She’s a very thoughtful and cautious person I’d say, but at the same time as the story progresses, you’re able to watch her grow as a person. She’s so selfless, and I loved watching her shift to putting her wants first (sometimes). Plus, she looks at the world so differently than the others.
Val was a shock to me. I didn’t expect her to take the path that she did, and I kinda wanted to cry every time she came on screen. Her story is so heartbreaking, and all I wanted to do was give her a hug. Even though at the same time I wanted to scream at her. She’s just really complex.
LASTLY ZOEY! This darling is hysterical with her jokes, and I found myself cackling whenever she showed her face. She’s been through so much just like Marion in the last few months, and her grieving and storyline were incredible to read. She was the most realistic character as well with her attitude towards the plot and again cue my cackling.
The horror aspect to this story was fabulous. There’s a mix of horror scenes you’ve seen before and new ones that’ll certainly scar you for life. I know many happened that left me shaken to my core.
Yes, I’m being very vague on purpose because of spoilers, but I want you to feel the full extent of.. emotions.. haha when you read this book. I just LOVED this story, and I hope you enjoy it to its full extent!
Claire you did it again! You fleshed out this story so well, and I’m so thankful I can recommend this story to anyone who loves horror/ suspense.
dark
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Mirage is one of the most unique political intrigue/ science fiction stories I’ve ever read. The main character Amani is taken from her home to be the body double for the heiress of the cruel conquerors who took control over Amani’s people. It is diverse with Moroccan culture mixed into this beautiful sci-fi world with near perfection. Daud’s world building was exquisitely detailed, and her own writing style mimicked a poetic tone like Amani’s own love for poetry.
Bigotry/ xenophobia is heavily present in the entire novel because the conquerors look down upon Amani’s people and their culture. It hurts to see Amani and others struggle against this deep rooted hatred/ supremacy, but Mirage is also a story of hope and resilience. No matter what happens, characters besides Amani even are still trying to fight for their freedom. Nobody has given up, and it makes me excited for the sequel.
In particular, Amani’s character growth astounded me. She grows into this newfound confidence as Maram in such a profound way. Obviously, Amani isn't the type to be cruel, but throughout the course of the novel, she chooses herself whenever possible and masterfully dances amongst other deadly politicans. People always forget the multiple faces within politics, but this story stripped that bare for the reader to view head on. It was especially fun to even see Amani experience the politics of her own people in high positions of power— since she understands their language. It was a detail that made this story even sweeter via politics. When Amani gets Maram to trust her— probably the biggest surprise anyone could ever do— I couldn't believe it. This experience could’ve broken her, but instead, she’s found the strength and courage to fight back in her own way and befriend the cruel princess in the process. It makes me wonder where the sequel is headed.
All the characters forge their own way through this terror, constantly encapsulating this empire. Idris tore my heart strings on multiple occasions while also being one of the few joyful moments within this book. Even Somaiya Daud made me pity Maram, which was partly the point, but I digress, I wanted to pull my hair out watching her turn her back on Amani. There's something so raw about being ~this close~ to change and then having it snuffed out like a lone, vulnerable candle. UGH!
Thanks Flatiron books for sending me an ARC to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Reread Note: Four years later, I am lowering my review by 0.75. I wish this novel had been longer and developed some of the relationships more before it concluded. The romance felt rushed at times, and I wish we could've gotten more scenes at these different locations in the galaxy. Everything just happens so fast that the reader hardly has time to flit to the next scene.
Bigotry/ xenophobia is heavily present in the entire novel because the conquerors look down upon Amani’s people and their culture. It hurts to see Amani and others struggle against this deep rooted hatred/ supremacy, but Mirage is also a story of hope and resilience. No matter what happens, characters besides Amani even are still trying to fight for their freedom. Nobody has given up, and it makes me excited for the sequel.
In particular, Amani’s character growth astounded me. She grows into this newfound confidence as Maram in such a profound way. Obviously, Amani isn't the type to be cruel, but throughout the course of the novel, she chooses herself whenever possible and masterfully dances amongst other deadly politicans. People always forget the multiple faces within politics, but this story stripped that bare for the reader to view head on. It was especially fun to even see Amani experience the politics of her own people in high positions of power— since she understands their language. It was a detail that made this story even sweeter via politics. When Amani gets Maram to trust her— probably the biggest surprise anyone could ever do— I couldn't believe it. This experience could’ve broken her, but instead, she’s found the strength and courage to fight back in her own way and befriend the cruel princess in the process. It makes me wonder where the sequel is headed.
All the characters forge their own way through this terror, constantly encapsulating this empire. Idris tore my heart strings on multiple occasions while also being one of the few joyful moments within this book. Even Somaiya Daud made me pity Maram, which was partly the point, but I digress, I wanted to pull my hair out watching her turn her back on Amani. There's something so raw about being ~this close~ to change and then having it snuffed out like a lone, vulnerable candle. UGH!
Thanks Flatiron books for sending me an ARC to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Reread Note: Four years later, I am lowering my review by 0.75. I wish this novel had been longer and developed some of the relationships more before it concluded. The romance felt rushed at times, and I wish we could've gotten more scenes at these different locations in the galaxy. Everything just happens so fast that the reader hardly has time to flit to the next scene.
[SPOILER FREE]
Ana. DI. Robb. Jax.
These characters have coveted my heart until the end of time.
Ashley is a prime example of an author who puts her characters through hell and back. I can't even list out all the times she made them suffer!
DI stole my heart the most in all honesty. Throughout the entire book I just kept feeing my heart melt whenever he was either with Ana or trying to help her in the best possible way. He reminds me so much of Iko, but I think that's because they're both androids- though he just is too precious for this world! I really just need to hug him right now, and also I need to have a conversation with Ashley about him because W.H.Y.
I'm trying very hard to not spoil you guys at all because all I want to do is rant about how amazing this story was, but I can't since that would involve spoilers.
Though I'll just say it now: I'd recommend you know nothing going into this book.
I mean the ultimate plot twist of the story happened, and I was left in a state somewhere between shock/ horror/ revulsion.
It has been so long since I've enjoyed a sci-fi book to this degree, and I can't thank Ashley Poston enough for that.
The character relationships are probably my favorite part besides the writing/ jokes. Jax's sass and jokes are the essence of this story as much as Ana and DI's friendship.
Then my heart has to go and burst because of that ending. I just HAVE to mention the ending because W.H.Y.
Heart of Iron is in my top three favorite books of the year, and I'm begging all of you to read it once it is released February 27, 2018. I certainly was not disappointed in the slightest by this beautiful, heart wrenching story, and I hope you guys are just as fascinated.
This squad of four took me on a journey I'll never gonna forget.
ALSO I NEED THE SEQUEL- ASHLEY I HAVE TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THAT ENDING.
MY. HEART. IS. IN. PIECES. ON. THE. GROUND.
Edit: Since it's been years and I haven't picked up the sequel (nor have any inkling), I'm going to lower this rating.
Ana. DI. Robb. Jax.
These characters have coveted my heart until the end of time.
Ashley is a prime example of an author who puts her characters through hell and back. I can't even list out all the times she made them suffer!
DI stole my heart the most in all honesty. Throughout the entire book I just kept feeing my heart melt whenever he was either with Ana or trying to help her in the best possible way. He reminds me so much of Iko, but I think that's because they're both androids- though he just is too precious for this world! I really just need to hug him right now, and also I need to have a conversation with Ashley about him because W.H.Y.
I'm trying very hard to not spoil you guys at all because all I want to do is rant about how amazing this story was, but I can't since that would involve spoilers.
Though I'll just say it now: I'd recommend you know nothing going into this book.
I mean the ultimate plot twist of the story happened, and I was left in a state somewhere between shock/ horror/ revulsion.
It has been so long since I've enjoyed a sci-fi book to this degree, and I can't thank Ashley Poston enough for that.
The character relationships are probably my favorite part besides the writing/ jokes. Jax's sass and jokes are the essence of this story as much as Ana and DI's friendship.
Then my heart has to go and burst because of that ending. I just HAVE to mention the ending because W.H.Y.
Heart of Iron is in my top three favorite books of the year, and I'm begging all of you to read it once it is released February 27, 2018. I certainly was not disappointed in the slightest by this beautiful, heart wrenching story, and I hope you guys are just as fascinated.
This squad of four took me on a journey I'll never gonna forget.
ALSO I NEED THE SEQUEL- ASHLEY I HAVE TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THAT ENDING.
MY. HEART. IS. IN. PIECES. ON. THE. GROUND.
Edit: Since it's been years and I haven't picked up the sequel (nor have any inkling), I'm going to lower this rating.
