hollanddavis's Reviews (904)

I really enjoyed the world building in this book. Cassandra Clare definitely throws you in the deep end with all of the countries, charter families, and unfamiliar terms (i.e. ashkari, gematry, etc), but once you get a handle on all of the key terms everything falls into place eventually with repetition and context clues. 

The cultures felt complex and rich, and Clare does a good job of immersing the reader without spoon feeding you. 

The book still has some of the classic Cassandra Clare one liners, but generally I’d say the tone of the book is more serious than the shadowhunters were. That’s probably because Kel’s a less sarcastic MMC than Jace or Will. 

Memorable Quotes:

“Kel glanced down and took on a slightly greenish tinge.“I see you’re seasonings me like a chicken”
“The herbs will keep infection away. And don’t look”

“He thought again of Antonetta, all those years ago. She had not wept for lost toys, he thought. She had wept for all the ways things were going to change, that she did not want to change”

“Kel sighed. “I’d take your place in this, too, if I could.”
Connor leaned his head against Kel’s shoulder. His hair tickled the side of Kel’s neck; he was deadweight, like a sleeping child. “I know,” he said. “I know you would.”

The cover art for this book is phenomenal. Pair that with a book about a band of criminal women fighting back against a corrupt empire? Sign me up. I was so excited but, ultimately, it fell a little short. Listening to this as an audiobook may have been my downfall. There were so many characters introduced all at once that it was difficult to keep them straight until halfway through (so please learn from my mistake). Reading it and seeing the names may've helped in cementing who everyone was more quickly. 

I thought that the main character Lin Chong was difficult to root for because she was self-righteous and judgmental. I understand that some of that is because she's lived the majority of her life in a very black or white, right or wrong system, but it made connecting with the character difficult especially when she's compared to other side characters I found more compelling. 

The fights scenes were excellent and very interesting to listen to. Every time I thought I might have to call it quits, the fight scenes drew me back in. I don't regret reading, but I won't be preaching about this book from the pulpits.

First time reading Ashley Poston, and she didn’t disappoint! This was a super fun read with lovable main characters. Was it predictable? Yes, 100%. From a mile away. But I didn’t care because I was fully invested in Clementine and Iwan, and it was funny and well written.

Usually, I’m not time travel kinda person, but this was cozily written. Like About Time not Interstellar level of complex. 

Fav quotes: 

“The stranger threw up his arms. “I’m unarmed!”
“I’m not!” And I hit him with the pillow.”

“Pool boy or husband?”
“I’m not sure, what’re your credentials?”

“Fiona followed that up with, Okay maybe don’t text. IF YOU’RE THE MURDERER WE’RE COMING AFTER YOU BUDDY.
Drew added, YEAH GET FUCKED.”

“Go,” I said. “You’ll see me again.”
“Will I be as handsome as I am now? Balding? Oh, I really hope I’m not baldinG”

This was my first time reading Julie Anne Long, and she didn’t disappoint! May not recommend starting with the sixth book the series 🙈, but it was still a fun read and pretty easy to follow! There were obviously a few references to character and situations from previous books, but Long did a good job filling in the necessary details to new readers or people returning to the series that may need a refresher. I listened to the audiobook, and I finished it really quickly.

I personally love a good fake dating/forced proximity trope, and this one delivers. Two strangers who meet in an ally have to fake a marriage to share the last room available in the boarding house during a storm. No notes. Top notch. 

I was nervous Lorcan would be a real alpha, tough, no nonsense, “I know what’s best” kinda guy, but Long put my worries to rest in the first chapter when Lorcan sees the FMC, Daphne, escaping from a window and thinks:

 “The wildness in his soul could not help but admire the wily people of the world, the ones who tried and got away with audacious things. He was disinclined to judge. No one knew better than he did what desperation could inspire even a saintly person to do. He possessed a moral code, after a fashion, but his first instinct was always to help. At least the first time.”

And he just gets better from there. We love a MCC with healthy boundaries, active listening skills, a budget, and a willingness to compromise. 

I liked that Daphnes was 30 years old (sometimes it’s difficult reading romances about teenagers, so this was refreshing).

It’s always fun reading a fairytale retelling (even if it’s a loose retelling), and Julia Quinn is great at writing chemistry. Loved Sophie and Benedict at the beginning and at the end, but Benedict was thin ice for a while. 

Personally not a fan of the “I know what’s better for you than you do” kind of men, and I think Benedict takes it too far when blackmails Sophie after she turns down his offer. I get it, feelings were hurt, but it was a real 0-60 moment. 

Kudos (I guess?) becuase he does eventually see the error of his ways, but still…come on man. 

Violet Bridgerton: an icon, easily the best character. I’m taking no feedback. I know, I know, she blackmails Amarinta and that’s exactly what I just gave Benedict flack for, but it’s different. Maybe I’m a hypocrite, but I support women’s wrongs (plus she didn’t do it selfishly)

Sophie: no notes, you were great

“His emerald orbs gazed at her lithe body and admired her chestnut locks”
Is not a direct quote but it could be. This book has twice as many adjectives it needs and managed to cram in entire thesaurus.

I have so many questions. 
-She just gets over 20+ years of abuse overnight?
-And masters magic her first try?
-Why does he carry her everywhere?
-You expect me to believe these 30 year old soldiers played hide and seek? And had a “hands-in/team” moment?
-Why can’t you just call it hair? Why does it have to be locks? And why do you have to tell me it’s chestnut colored every time?
-Why the obsession with baked goods? To the point that she has to make a speech about it in court?
-They spent half the book having unprotected sex but neither of them want kids? Seriously?

And ethically should he even have a relationship with the girl so soon after everything she’s experienced? You’re literally the first people she meets after being chained to a wall in a cave for 21 years and you only wait like 3 weeks to make a move? I get it, you’re mates, blah blah blah, but you didn’t know it yet and you totally could’ve let her adjust to the outside world