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lisashelves's Reviews (976)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5 stars
Crooked Kingdom is the sequel to Six of Crows. We follow the same crew where they left off at the end of Six of Crows. The crew most rescue Inej, get revenge and defeat the worse bad guys.
I absolutely loved the twisty and creative plot of this story. The scheming is even better than the first book! I love how small things at the beginning of the book all fell in place and were apparently part of the bigger plan. The schemes within schemes are just that I love in books because it keeps me on my toes reading. The stakes just kept getting bigger and it really felt like a rollercoaster reading the book.
The group dynamic and banter were seen more in this book. Whereas in the first book they tolerated each other and needed each other to survive, in this book they worked together not perse for their survival. I loved that development compared to the dynamic in the first. And Nina’s love for food in this book is just hands down amazing! Seriously it was built on Kaz’s scheming face and waffles.
There was a bit more romance in this book, but it still didn’t overshadow the whole plot and story. It was a nice breath of fresh air between all the action and fast paced scenes in. The characters that I was hoping would acts on their feelings did in their own ways. This made it all very realistic and really nice to read about.
I really loved how the theme of hope just stood out to me. I felt like all the characters were healing/learning from what happened to them in the past. They’re learning, coping and happy. It gave a really hopeful feeling which I really liked. The ending really felt like one the characters deserved. It was an ending that left me wanting more but knowing that it finished in exactly the right place. I hope to see more of them in King of Scars, I’m not really ready to say goodbye to the crew yet.
Overall, this book pulled me in just like the first and didn’t let go. An absolute rollercoaster and like jurda parem it leaves you wanting more after you’ve had a taste!
Crooked Kingdom is the sequel to Six of Crows. We follow the same crew where they left off at the end of Six of Crows. The crew most rescue Inej, get revenge and defeat the worse bad guys.
I absolutely loved the twisty and creative plot of this story. The scheming is even better than the first book! I love how small things at the beginning of the book all fell in place and were apparently part of the bigger plan. The schemes within schemes are just that I love in books because it keeps me on my toes reading. The stakes just kept getting bigger and it really felt like a rollercoaster reading the book.
The group dynamic and banter were seen more in this book. Whereas in the first book they tolerated each other and needed each other to survive, in this book they worked together not perse for their survival. I loved that development compared to the dynamic in the first. And Nina’s love for food in this book is just hands down amazing! Seriously it was built on Kaz’s scheming face and waffles.
There was a bit more romance in this book, but it still didn’t overshadow the whole plot and story. It was a nice breath of fresh air between all the action and fast paced scenes in. The characters that I was hoping would acts on their feelings did in their own ways. This made it all very realistic and really nice to read about.
Spoiler
Also I screamed when I read Sturmhond was in the building!! I love him!! Almost as much as I love Kaz!!I really loved how the theme of hope just stood out to me. I felt like all the characters were healing/learning from what happened to them in the past. They’re learning, coping and happy. It gave a really hopeful feeling which I really liked. The ending really felt like one the characters deserved. It was an ending that left me wanting more but knowing that it finished in exactly the right place. I hope to see more of them in King of Scars, I’m not really ready to say goodbye to the crew yet.
Overall, this book pulled me in just like the first and didn’t let go. An absolute rollercoaster and like jurda parem it leaves you wanting more after you’ve had a taste!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5 stars
In a court of silver flames, we follow Nesta in her journey towards self-development in the aftermath of the War with Hybern and all that happened.
I absolutely loved the character development and the journey we went on together with Nesta. The exploration into the impact of grief and fear on mental health was amazing to read. Sjm highlighted how unhealthy coping mechanisms and self-sabotage can become someone’s only defense when they are in pain, helping us understand Nesta better. Her journey was raw, relatable and beautiful to read. How she kept falling down and climbing back up was just very empowering to read.
Cassians patience and strength in this book was also just mind blowing, whatever happened he kept reaching out his hand. It was more evidence as to what a wonderful character he is. I was so happy we got to learn much more about him in this book! The relationship between him and Nesta is not only steamy smut but what was very appealing to me was the minor displays of affection and the respect they have for each other!
The new characters in the book were also just wonderful. Their friendship, the strength they show and fighting for themselves was just wonderful to read and I just kept smiling reading those scenes.
And honestly one of the most amazing developments in the whole book is just The House of Wind! The humor it brought was just really fresh between al the screaming and crying in from my part. And Helions entrance in the book is honestly everything!
The way of writing just made it very hard to put the book down. Especially towards the end where mid chapter the characters POV would chance at cliffhanger moments! It was frustrating to not immediately know how it would proceed, but that made continuing the book just that much easier. It was also really refreshing to see the Inner Circle, who we all know from previous book, in a slightly different light because we see them through the eyes of Nesta and Cassian.
This book had me laughing, crying and screaming multiple times throughout its chapters. It was just an amazing and very powerful read and it really set a standard for me for what the other books will bring, and I look forward to the day they’ll be on my shelves as well!
I also have a theory that the red star that shot through the sky was Aelin falling through Prythian.
In a court of silver flames, we follow Nesta in her journey towards self-development in the aftermath of the War with Hybern and all that happened.
I absolutely loved the character development and the journey we went on together with Nesta. The exploration into the impact of grief and fear on mental health was amazing to read. Sjm highlighted how unhealthy coping mechanisms and self-sabotage can become someone’s only defense when they are in pain, helping us understand Nesta better. Her journey was raw, relatable and beautiful to read. How she kept falling down and climbing back up was just very empowering to read.
Cassians patience and strength in this book was also just mind blowing, whatever happened he kept reaching out his hand. It was more evidence as to what a wonderful character he is. I was so happy we got to learn much more about him in this book! The relationship between him and Nesta is not only steamy smut but what was very appealing to me was the minor displays of affection and the respect they have for each other!
The new characters in the book were also just wonderful. Their friendship, the strength they show and fighting for themselves was just wonderful to read and I just kept smiling reading those scenes.
And honestly one of the most amazing developments in the whole book is just The House of Wind! The humor it brought was just really fresh between al the screaming and crying in from my part. And Helions entrance in the book is honestly everything!
The way of writing just made it very hard to put the book down. Especially towards the end where mid chapter the characters POV would chance at cliffhanger moments! It was frustrating to not immediately know how it would proceed, but that made continuing the book just that much easier. It was also really refreshing to see the Inner Circle, who we all know from previous book, in a slightly different light because we see them through the eyes of Nesta and Cassian.
This book had me laughing, crying and screaming multiple times throughout its chapters. It was just an amazing and very powerful read and it really set a standard for me for what the other books will bring, and I look forward to the day they’ll be on my shelves as well!
I also have a theory that the red star that shot through the sky was Aelin falling through Prythian.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 3 stars
The Gilded Ones is a fantasy story about a group of girls forced to join the emperor’s army when it’s discovered that forbidden magic blood flows through them. They'll have to rely on their unique powers and on each other to survive the dangers awaiting them.
I loved the topics the book dealt with, but I did find it to be lacking in some ways. The book was a fun and quick read, and it was quite fast paced. I absolutely love how women empowerment and girl friends are written in this book. No girl on girl hate or anything! Some heavy topics like race, patriarchy, sexism and feminism are also handled and executed very well.
The narrative seemed a bit inconsistent to me. There were some time jumps between chapters than weren’t all that smooth, but I do prefer that above filler events. Also, in towards the end we read how Deka had gotten her answers, but we didn’t read the scenes in which she got them. This felt a bit rushed and dismissive to me. I would’ve preferred to read those scenes.
Deka is likeable and her development is believable. I did find her a bit naïve to be honest. Whenever someone told her something or gave her an answer to her question, she immediately believed them to sometimes be proved wrong afterwards. I also felt like she forgot everything that happened to her in the beginning to easily. I’m glad her eyes were opened again to that later in the book. I also really enjoyed Britta’s character, although her speech sometimes was a bit harder and a tiny bit annoying to read.
The romance was too rushed. Yes, for the characters months has passed, but because of all the time jumps it didn’t feel like that. I didn’t feel the chemistry and it wasn’t really buildup since most of it progressed off page. The friendships between the girls were heartwarming and very positive. I loved how the girls were completely different but formed a strong bond.
Overall, the book is a very easy read, and I did enjoy it. I just don’t think it is a memorable book due to the executing. The first half of the book was a lot stronger that the second and I hope the second book in the series will be better.
The Gilded Ones is a fantasy story about a group of girls forced to join the emperor’s army when it’s discovered that forbidden magic blood flows through them. They'll have to rely on their unique powers and on each other to survive the dangers awaiting them.
I loved the topics the book dealt with, but I did find it to be lacking in some ways. The book was a fun and quick read, and it was quite fast paced. I absolutely love how women empowerment and girl friends are written in this book. No girl on girl hate or anything! Some heavy topics like race, patriarchy, sexism and feminism are also handled and executed very well.
The narrative seemed a bit inconsistent to me. There were some time jumps between chapters than weren’t all that smooth, but I do prefer that above filler events. Also, in towards the end we read how Deka had gotten her answers, but we didn’t read the scenes in which she got them. This felt a bit rushed and dismissive to me. I would’ve preferred to read those scenes.
Deka is likeable and her development is believable. I did find her a bit naïve to be honest. Whenever someone told her something or gave her an answer to her question, she immediately believed them to sometimes be proved wrong afterwards. I also felt like she forgot everything that happened to her in the beginning to easily. I’m glad her eyes were opened again to that later in the book. I also really enjoyed Britta’s character, although her speech sometimes was a bit harder and a tiny bit annoying to read.
The romance was too rushed. Yes, for the characters months has passed, but because of all the time jumps it didn’t feel like that. I didn’t feel the chemistry and it wasn’t really buildup since most of it progressed off page. The friendships between the girls were heartwarming and very positive. I loved how the girls were completely different but formed a strong bond.
Overall, the book is a very easy read, and I did enjoy it. I just don’t think it is a memorable book due to the executing. The first half of the book was a lot stronger that the second and I hope the second book in the series will be better.
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 4 stars
Nocturna is a book about the crown prince, who has been looking for a way to get his brother back. In doing so he comes across Fin, a face changing thief, who helps him.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was fun and a very easy read. A truly interesting world was painted, but I felt like the worldbuilding felt a bit short. I loved the way the Latin/South American culture shone through the pages. Also liked the Spanish words used, although I’ve read “maldito” one to many times.
The plot wasn’t really anything new, unique or interesting. I’ve seen multiple similar plots in other YA books, but because it’s still one of the few books about Latin inspired worlds I did enjoy it more.
The magic system used in the book is inventive, unique and really interesting to read. I liked the different types of magic. While using basic elements, there was a distinction to other types of magic I’ve read about. There was a bit of an ‘info dump’ at the beginning, but as the story progressed, I understood everything about the system.
I truly enjoyed reading about the main characters and how they’re complete opposites of each other. They bickered and were sarcastic, but still cared about each other as the story continued. Their partnership didn’t feel forced or tired. Maybe it would’ve been nice if they’d developed a bit more individually.
The story really felt finished to me, so I was quite intrigued when I read it was part of a series. Yes, some questions weren’t answered, but the story still felt complete to me.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and, although the story feels finished, I look forward to starting the second book.
Nocturna is a book about the crown prince, who has been looking for a way to get his brother back. In doing so he comes across Fin, a face changing thief, who helps him.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was fun and a very easy read. A truly interesting world was painted, but I felt like the worldbuilding felt a bit short. I loved the way the Latin/South American culture shone through the pages. Also liked the Spanish words used, although I’ve read “maldito” one to many times.
The plot wasn’t really anything new, unique or interesting. I’ve seen multiple similar plots in other YA books, but because it’s still one of the few books about Latin inspired worlds I did enjoy it more.
The magic system used in the book is inventive, unique and really interesting to read. I liked the different types of magic. While using basic elements, there was a distinction to other types of magic I’ve read about. There was a bit of an ‘info dump’ at the beginning, but as the story progressed, I understood everything about the system.
I truly enjoyed reading about the main characters and how they’re complete opposites of each other. They bickered and were sarcastic, but still cared about each other as the story continued. Their partnership didn’t feel forced or tired. Maybe it would’ve been nice if they’d developed a bit more individually.
The story really felt finished to me, so I was quite intrigued when I read it was part of a series. Yes, some questions weren’t answered, but the story still felt complete to me.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and, although the story feels finished, I look forward to starting the second book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 3 stars
Hall of Smoke is a Vikings inspired fantasy story set in a world where gods rule and directly influence their followers.
The book was well written and relies more on religion and gods and less on the fantasy tropes. It was nice that it was a bit different like that. The world was vividly described and it was easy to picture it all, the map at the beginning also helped with the layout.
Most of the book is about Hessa travelling from one location to another and meeting a lot of people on the way. We meet many people from other nations and worshippers of other gods. The way the relations between these different nations were created where really interesting to read.
Hessa was a fierce, head strong female with a strong sense of purpose but very vulnerable at the same time. I really enjoyed seeing her grow more into herself instead of blindly following what she was thought to do. The gods have very important roles in this book and are constantly present, which was interesting. The many character names where sometimes a bit confusing and I did confuse some characters for others.
I also appreciate how the focus was on Hessa’s journey. There wasn’t any romance in it and Hessa was depending and surviving by herself. She didn’t need a lover for that. I did get a bit of love interest vibes from one of the characters, but nothing happened.
The reason I can’t give the book more stars is because I couldn’t connect with the characters. I felt a bit like looking at the characters from far away instead of living with them. I was also surprised seeing the book will have a sequel. It felt like a solid stand alone and it also felt like the end of the story when the book ended.
Overall, it was a good debut but it didn’t really feel like anything special. I greatly enjoyed the world that was created, but didn’t really feel for the characters.
Hall of Smoke is a Vikings inspired fantasy story set in a world where gods rule and directly influence their followers.
The book was well written and relies more on religion and gods and less on the fantasy tropes. It was nice that it was a bit different like that. The world was vividly described and it was easy to picture it all, the map at the beginning also helped with the layout.
Most of the book is about Hessa travelling from one location to another and meeting a lot of people on the way. We meet many people from other nations and worshippers of other gods. The way the relations between these different nations were created where really interesting to read.
Hessa was a fierce, head strong female with a strong sense of purpose but very vulnerable at the same time. I really enjoyed seeing her grow more into herself instead of blindly following what she was thought to do. The gods have very important roles in this book and are constantly present, which was interesting. The many character names where sometimes a bit confusing and I did confuse some characters for others.
I also appreciate how the focus was on Hessa’s journey. There wasn’t any romance in it and Hessa was depending and surviving by herself. She didn’t need a lover for that. I did get a bit of love interest vibes from one of the characters, but nothing happened.
The reason I can’t give the book more stars is because I couldn’t connect with the characters. I felt a bit like looking at the characters from far away instead of living with them. I was also surprised seeing the book will have a sequel. It felt like a solid stand alone and it also felt like the end of the story when the book ended.
Overall, it was a good debut but it didn’t really feel like anything special. I greatly enjoyed the world that was created, but didn’t really feel for the characters.