librarianlayla's Reviews (954)

(I was sent an eARC through NetGalley for an honest review.)

I really wanted to fall in love with this story! It had so many elements that I love. Sadly I have to be able to connect to the characters and I didn't do that.

I couldn't help but draw similarities to Harry Potter, not only with regards to plot but minute details, such as the characters appearances and personalities. Which I think is why I found myself struggling to connect, because I struggled not to compare them to one another.

I wanted a little more from the characters, to bond them, as they honestly just fall into instant friendships to take on this epic quest. And I felt that the main character, Emma, from how her character was initially described, her upbringing ect she should have been a more level headed, cautious person. And not someone so easily trusting, or wanting to throw herself into friendships so fast. It just felt a little rushed and disjointed for me. I know that their age might play a factor in this, but I felt that more work could have been put into their relationships.

There was a big focus on potential romances, which I think for 12/13 it can be a big thing, but shouldn't be a main focus. And I think I would have enjoyed it more, had it focused on the platonic side and the sense of adventure and riddle solving.

I love the story idea, anything to do with mystery and castles and boarding school type scenarios always gets me. And I think the premise behind it, is really good.

3.5 out of 5 stars.

I expected more from this to be honest, I think the writing style didn't draw me in as much as I would have liked.

It's a bit like Hogwarts meets Death Note meets Jane Eyre. However it isn't as well written as I would have hoped for, and I had such high hopes for this.

I wanted to be swept away, and I was left not feeling too much either way about it to be honest.

'I am sorry about many things, but I am not sorry about this.'

What a heart wrenching end to a series I have loved from the very first page.

I cannot recommend The Bone Witch series enough, I have laughed, I have cringed, I have gasped, I have swooned and I have sobbed uncontrollably.

If you are a fan of dark, gothic tales with twists, turns and badass characters across gender and race. Stories that not only treasure romantic love but familial and platonic too. Rich world building and fanatical lore. Then this series is for you.

A magical fast paced fantasy that reminds me of the fantastic Redwall series I adored as a child!

The illustrations are stunning and this story is so beautifully told. The characters are so well written that you fall in love with them instantly. The sense of trust, loyalty and love is interwoven in every chapter.

I can't wait to read more when the next book is out later this year!

A fantastic insight into the mind of one of Britain's greatest neurosurgeons. Very difficult to put down.

I am not one for reading works of non-fiction, reading for me is an escape from the reality of life. However, a friend sent me this book, after she herself had read it and she said that it was fantastic.

I worried that I would perhaps not be clever enough to understand the majority of the book, however it is written in such a way, that you find yourself not only learning, but also understanding. A very human outlook on something that many of us view as a superhuman ability.

I would highly recommend this to anyone, who has ever had an interest in the medical profession. But also for those of us who would like to peek behind the curtain, and see the mind behind the mastery.

3.5/5 stars.

This book has a very slow start to it and I think the title may be deemed a little inaccurate to the story. This story is far more about a ruthless king and his families actions than it actually is about the smoke thieves. Although I will say that the thieves are my favourite characters by far.

It took me until almost half way through the book for me to actually enjoy it. But it really picked up in the latter half, and by the last quarter I didn't want to put it down. I'm unsure if I will pick up the sequel or not, I want to know what will happen to my favourite characters. However, this story, took so long to get underway, so I'm not sure if I will or not.

I did love the story premise though, I just feel that the writing style was what brought it down from a 4 star to a 3.5.

Lacking depth, but good for a quick read.

The story hops a little when it transitions from one character to another, so I feel that important details are overlooked or misplaced. I did however enjoy the general plot, I just felt that the characters could have been worked on a little bit more. I feel that they had great outlines, but needed more depth, something to really connect the reader to the characters.

I do enjoy a good 'who dunnit' story line, I just felt that I'd been more invested if the characters motives had been a little better fleshed out, and had a little more substance. Something for the reader to mull over, and be really wrapped up in the mystery solving.

A fantastic fantasy with witty, intelligent characters.

Secret societies, conflict, magic and falcons. So many wonderful ideas come together beautifully in this novel, I can't wait to read the sequel.

A bit of a slow start but that could have been my mood.

It really picked up after the first quarter and I adored the way the characters lives were interwoven, despite the vastness of the world and the differences between them.

A very unique story, filled with darkness and emotion. A true story for readers.

I also love the hidden message in the book, not sure if it's only in the physical versions, but I thought it was such a cool idea!

I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about this story, but I ended up quite liking it, despite myself.

Raw, emotional and filled with compassion.