librarianlayla's Reviews (954)


Engaging, fast paced and relevant.

I really enjoyed the continuous level of intensity that this novel maintained, even during moments of quiet. And with the world in the chaos it currently is in, it has a very interesting perspective that I enjoyed journeying through. Looking forward to reading the sequel.

3.5/4 stars.

Sadly Girls of Storm and Shadow didn't light a fire in me as much as it's predecessor. I enjoyed getting back to the characters I'd fallen in love with, however I felt that the story just seemed rushed and more sloppy than the first. I'd loved the world that had been created and the characters, both good and bad, but I don't know, this was missing something. Like it's spark wasn't there. I'll still continue this trilogy when the third book is released, however I am disappointed that this didn't grip me as much.

Fast paced cat and mouse action, leaving the reader's heart torn and in disarray.

I cannot wait to see how this will all end.

Fans of any superhero, sci fi novels will love this series.

3.5/4 stars.

As someone who enjoys listening to classical music and is a huge fan of fantasy work, this story really appealed to me.

I wish that there had been more of the fantasy element, rather than the historical fiction. But I did enjoy the blend between reality and magic.

3.5/4 stars.

Be aware that if you are triggered at all by mention of sexual abuse, child abuse, and or torture - this is not for you.

Certainly a story relevant to current times with regards to racism, and a much needed narrative to be out in the world.

The main negative I had was that the main character was so dislikeable, and I could not root for her. Which made the story tedious to read at times, but the other characters were far more interesting and held more depth to them.

The latter half of the book really picked up and the murder mystery aspect of it really drew the reader in, the ending, whilst I imagine intended to be unexpected, was what I thought it should be.

Overall though, a powerful and impactful story highlighting privilege, abuse of power and it's lasting effects.

I received an eARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Rise of Zombert is a short, witty, heartfelt start to this series.

A fantastic entry way to spooky books for young readers. The characters are well thought out and interesting. The story is filled with mystery, intrigue as well as some important emotional development. I can't wait to find out more about Bert and how his story will pan out.

I received an eARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Raw, grim and dark.

This is a fantastic zombie horror graphic novel, that twists and turns through the perspective of a mentally ill girl stuck in the apocalypse. Fast paced and disturbing, a real page turner.

I am struggling to put into articulate, intelligent words how I felt about this. So.... AGGGGHHHHHHHHHHWOBDBSOANDOWKAKABSKDKFL

Darker and grittier than Wicked Saints, with so much heartache and betrayal interwoven with grief and suffering. I loved it so very very much.

If you crave sadness, here it is.

I received an eARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Unfortunately I didn't get on with this story. I found it so disjointed. It wasn't what I thought it was about at all. It had a diverse range of characters but the story itself was just all over the place.

Edit: As the author has now pointed out this is actually a sequel, which wasn't made clear by NetGalley when I applied to read it. So that will contribute to the story feeling a little odd. However, I stand by my opinion (just one lowly person's opinion), that it wasn't for me and I didn't get on with the writing style.

I received an excerpt eARC of this through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 out of 5.

I wasn't too sure what to expect from this, and I feel on the whole that I will probably pick this book up to find out what happens next. There were moments when it read quite immature, but there were moments, especially in the final chapter that was offered, Chapter 5, that really drew me in and made me fully invested.

I like the characters, the diversity of races. I feel that there is a lot of history and world building potential. And who doesn't love the prospect of a little bit of raunch?! The mystery and man hunt aspects also offer their own appeal. And if the story continues much in the same thread as Chapter 5, this could really be something great.