librarianlayla's Reviews (954)

4.5/5 stars.

I did struggle with the beginning of this book, it felt like being dropped into a world that you should already be familiar with rather than a first book world. But as I got to grips with the terminology, the orders and the history, I became really engrossed in the story and the magic system.

The characters are well fleshed out with well rounded flaws and motivations. I enjoyed the twists and turns of the plot. The dark edge to the story was a constant companion.

Looking forward to what the next book will bring.

Creepy, fast paced and maddening.

I must admit that I spent the first half of this book just generally being angry, I found it difficult to relate to the main character and found her vain, fickle personality grating. But more so than that, the misogynistic, racist men that heavily detailed the book, infuriated me. Which I know is accurate and relevant to the time in which the book takes place, but as I was having trouble finding any redeeming quality in the main character, I was just overtly angry for the first half.

The story itself is very well written, keeping the reader on their toes. It is beautifully alliterative and paints a dark and morose setting. Which I adored, and I did, come the end, feel myself rooting for the characters. Hence my 4 star rating, it is a good book, I think I just found some of the characters too close to home and that grated on me personally - which has absolutely no reflection on the author's capacity to spin a spooky tale.

Overall a book that I think those who love dramatic heroines, creepy haunted mansions and historical science would appreciate.

A compelling cat and mouse mystery wrapped in a mathematical/geometric fantasy alternative world.

I was worried within the first few chapters that I wasn't going to enjoy the story as it's entire magic system is heavily based in maths/geometry but there is so much more to this story that that and I found it difficult to put down.

Slow to start with but filled with intrigue it really is a fantastic story and I cannot wait for the sequel.

This book, my heart, that cliffhanger.

I adored The Prison Healer and so couldn't wait to dive back into their world, and I was not disappointed.

Twists and turns, secrets around every corner and more of the budding romance whilst still not making it a main focus. I couldn't put this book down, it was magnificent.

The third one is too far away and I need it now!

4.5 stars.

Trigger warnings for - assault, sexual assault, torture, general gore, drug abuse, child abuse.

If you're looking for a book that makes you feel safe and comfortable, don't pick up a Kristoff solo book. They aren't here to make you feel good, they're just here to make you feel.

Dark, action packed and filled to the brim with dry wit and sarcasm this story is perfect for someone looking for a new vampire hit to add to to their collection. It brings in new and interesting lore that will herald a change in the way we think of vampires on the whole. I enjoyed the character development throughout, the twists and turns as well as the general banter.

The reason this didn't get a full 5 stars for me is that I would have preferred linear story telling, rather than back and forth. Whilst I appreciate there is a reason to it, I'm just built like the historian taking the tale - always wanting order. I also felt that there was a slight lack surrounding Astrid, I really wanted more scenes involving her so that there was more emotion as the story played out. If I didn't know that Jay could write complex and interesting female characters so well, I would have been niggled less by it. But I did want more.

I still greatly enjoyed the book, it met my dark souls needs, but most of Jay's books have left me sobbing, and this one only made me shed a few solitary tears. I came to have my heart destroyed - let's hope the sequel does just that.

I was sent an eARC of this graphic novel through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I adored this spooky graphic novel so much, it's perfect for the Halloween season. It gives us ghosts and ghouls and demons as well as great characters. I couldn't put it down and the artwork is fantastic!

Magical, heartfelt and beautiful.

It was a real struggle to put this book down, I felt so connected to Amari and the struggles she endures throughout this story. I adored her character and how she develops throughout.

For lovers of magic, mystery and stories of perseverance and hope - this one is for you.

3/3.5 stars.

This wasn't what I was expecting, I had really wanted a good Disney Villains story to get completely immersed in however I was left feeling a little ambivalent.

The juxtaposition of it being Disney but in the real world didn't really mesh for me, it didn't feel complete.

I enjoyed the murder mystery aspect but it was just a little lack luster with the characters and the world building. I wanted to feel more for the characters and the things at stake.

It does have some good nuggets in there but I'm just not sure it was for me.

3/3.5 stars.

Trigger warnings for rape, murder, body shaming and deep psychosis.

Although a well written, unnerving book - it's not really for me. I found that there was too much constant body shaming and found the book overall to be just terribly sad and uncomfortable. I wanted there to be more hope within the novel but the whole tone is morose.

However for those who love psychological thrillers that offer up an 'unhinged' female character and nauseating white middle class society interspersed with a mysterious air- this might be for you.

I adored this book, read it in one sitting, could not put it down.

To read another enby's experience and have it resonate so clearly with my own was validating.

Educational, thought provoking, witty and real. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone wanting to learn more about queer history, being non-binary and living ones authentic truth.