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obscurepages's Reviews (410)
Why is Rowling so good with plots?!??! AAAAHHHHHH
This book was so, so good! The way J.K. Rowling weaves the plot is amazing. She leaves seemingly insignificant details (not just for the readers but for the characters as well) all throughout the story. And then as the climax builds up, you'll find that all those details are actually important and you'll be astounded just how all of it makes sense.
Also, Hagrid is so precious!!! Let that be known please.
This book was so, so good! The way J.K. Rowling weaves the plot is amazing. She leaves seemingly insignificant details (not just for the readers but for the characters as well) all throughout the story. And then as the climax builds up, you'll find that all those details are actually important and you'll be astounded just how all of it makes sense.
Also, Hagrid is so precious!!! Let that be known please.
Absolutely amazing! The plot thickens and we are really starting to see the bigger picture here. We start to see more of the connection between Harry and Voldemort, what he plans to do, what Dumbledore means to do, the ministry, everything. This book was also emotionally exhausting. It was a whirlwind of plot twists, teenage angst, and emotional stress.
I loved the characters as well, and they definitely made the story more exciting.
Ginny seems more mature and confident and fierce.
One of my favorites, Luna Lovegood, was introduced. It was annoying to see Hermione antagonize Luna in the earlier parts of the story, but I really can't blame her. Hermione relies on facts and information, while Luna is fond of the mysterious and the unknown. I definitely want to see more friendly interaction between the two in the future.
I also loved Fred and George here, of course! They're my favorites! I loved how their departure somehow united the students, professors, and Peeves on giving Umbridge hell. It was too funny, too brilliant!
Also, 15-year-old James and Sirius were jerks.
I loved the characters as well, and they definitely made the story more exciting.
Ginny seems more mature and confident and fierce.
One of my favorites, Luna Lovegood, was introduced. It was annoying to see Hermione antagonize Luna in the earlier parts of the story, but I really can't blame her. Hermione relies on facts and information, while Luna is fond of the mysterious and the unknown. I definitely want to see more friendly interaction between the two in the future.
I also loved Fred and George here, of course! They're my favorites! I loved how their departure somehow united the students, professors, and Peeves on giving Umbridge hell. It was too funny, too brilliant!
Also, 15-year-old James and Sirius were jerks.
THIS WAS A MASTERPIECE. A heartbreaking, masterfully-written MASTERPIECE.
I loved this book because we learned so much about Voldemort's past. We delved into his history and tried to understand his ways, his logic, his being. I applaud J.K. Rowling for really taking the time to go through everything and letting us know (and the characters) about this very important part.
The characters were great. I'm really starting to love Ginny and Slughorn is a nice addition to the story. (Well, he actually is a very important part of the story if we think about it.) We see Malfoy's struggle and his second thoughts, his fear, it was all so heartbreaking. Fleur and Bill were also funny (I love them), plus Tonks and Remus (AAAAAAHHHHH) The writing was also great! I loved how all of the details came together in the end. We see Harry as he think about Voldemort and what he needs to do, what he needs to accomplish. I also love how relationships were starting to develop here in this book. It was nice getting to read that because we see these characters growing and changing.
Also, can I just say...
ALBUS PERCIVAL WULFRIC BRIAN DUMBLEDORE
I loved this book because we learned so much about Voldemort's past. We delved into his history and tried to understand his ways, his logic, his being. I applaud J.K. Rowling for really taking the time to go through everything and letting us know (and the characters) about this very important part.
The characters were great. I'm really starting to love Ginny and Slughorn is a nice addition to the story. (Well, he actually is a very important part of the story if we think about it.) We see Malfoy's struggle and his second thoughts, his fear, it was all so heartbreaking. Fleur and Bill were also funny (I love them), plus Tonks and Remus (AAAAAAHHHHH) The writing was also great! I loved how all of the details came together in the end. We see Harry as he think about Voldemort and what he needs to do, what he needs to accomplish. I also love how relationships were starting to develop here in this book. It was nice getting to read that because we see these characters growing and changing.
Also, can I just say...
ALBUS PERCIVAL WULFRIC BRIAN DUMBLEDORE
I don't even have words for this book. Just a puddle of tears, and emotions. Maybe more tears.
This was so, so good! Goblet of Fire really was turning point of the series. The first three was fun and adventurous. But Goblet of Fire, though it was still fun and adventurous, was filled with (evil) plot, and drama, and traumatic events. This is where it gets real, this is where everything changes. I loved it.
Also, a few more thoughts: Cedric is an amazing character and he served better, Hermione really is the brightest witch of her age, Fred and George are too precious, and tHOSE DRAGONS AAAAHHHHHHH
This was so, so good! Goblet of Fire really was turning point of the series. The first three was fun and adventurous. But Goblet of Fire, though it was still fun and adventurous, was filled with (evil) plot, and drama, and traumatic events. This is where it gets real, this is where everything changes. I loved it.
Also, a few more thoughts: Cedric is an amazing character and he served better, Hermione really is the brightest witch of her age, Fred and George are too precious, and tHOSE DRAGONS AAAAHHHHHHH
(Review also posted on my blog.)
4.5 STARS | I have been rereading Harry Potter ever since the 1st of January, but a few days ago, I decided to a break before I started on Order of the Phoenix. And so, I got my hands on a Kindle edition of Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating!
I loved Christina Lauren's Autoboyography, and it's no surprise that I loved this book as well. It was hilarious, it was wholesome, it was cheesy, it was romantic, it was steamy, it was everything! This is exactly what I needed.
The writing
I absolutely adore Christina Lauren's writing. They have this writing style that just hooks you. It gets you invested with the characters and their lives, it makes you want more, it makes you feel things. It even made me feel like I was in love, and I'm not! That for me is just really amazing.
Just like in Autoboyography, I loved the frequent use of metaphors in this book. It managed to enhance the impact of a scene or the thoughts of a character to the reader. It also made it very relatable and enjoyable as I delved deeper into the characters and the story.
This is also my first Adult book from Christina Lauren, and I'm actually very impressed. It was steamy in the right parts, hilarious from the first page to the last, and so wholesome and relatable.
The characters
I loved the characters, of course! Hazel was quirky, outgoing, and different and the authors wrote her really well. Her character wasn't the type of character that tries too hard to say "Hey, I'm different!", and I really loved that. I also adored how open Hazel is when it comes to her sexual endeavors. She doesn't shy away from it, and she even called out Josh when he gave her a small look when she told him how many guys she has been with. She's confident about herself without ever being too prideful and too much. At the same time, she also knows that she has flaws and these flaws are the root of her insecurities.
I also loved Josh. I can definitely see the "blueprint-perfect" description that Hazel uses for him. He was also described as mellow (compared to Hazel) but he definitely wasn't boring. He was understanding, and mature, and outspoken. He wasn't afraid to convey his feelings and emotions (none of that toxic masculinity) and I really loved that about him.
The plot
The plot was good, and for the most parts I was really enjoying it. It had the right angst, the pining, the funny and quirky scenes, plus the hot and steamy ones. Everything was going good! However, that one plot twist near the end got me dumbfounded, and the ending was just too picture-perfect for me. So, although I liked the story, I wish the ending went down differently. I felt like it was just too easy and safe for me.(Or maybe I just got so used to epic plot twists from reading too much YA fantasy.)
4.5 stars for this lovely book! I definitely enjoyed reading this. I kept laughing the whole time, and I really recommend this to those who are having a book slump, those who wants an awesome, funny read, or those who want to try an Adult book.
4.5 STARS | I have been rereading Harry Potter ever since the 1st of January, but a few days ago, I decided to a break before I started on Order of the Phoenix. And so, I got my hands on a Kindle edition of Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating!
I loved Christina Lauren's Autoboyography, and it's no surprise that I loved this book as well. It was hilarious, it was wholesome, it was cheesy, it was romantic, it was steamy, it was everything! This is exactly what I needed.
The writing
I absolutely adore Christina Lauren's writing. They have this writing style that just hooks you. It gets you invested with the characters and their lives, it makes you want more, it makes you feel things. It even made me feel like I was in love, and I'm not! That for me is just really amazing.
Just like in Autoboyography, I loved the frequent use of metaphors in this book. It managed to enhance the impact of a scene or the thoughts of a character to the reader. It also made it very relatable and enjoyable as I delved deeper into the characters and the story.
This is also my first Adult book from Christina Lauren, and I'm actually very impressed. It was steamy in the right parts, hilarious from the first page to the last, and so wholesome and relatable.
The characters
I loved the characters, of course! Hazel was quirky, outgoing, and different and the authors wrote her really well. Her character wasn't the type of character that tries too hard to say "Hey, I'm different!", and I really loved that. I also adored how open Hazel is when it comes to her sexual endeavors. She doesn't shy away from it, and she even called out Josh when he gave her a small look when she told him how many guys she has been with. She's confident about herself without ever being too prideful and too much. At the same time, she also knows that she has flaws and these flaws are the root of her insecurities.
I also loved Josh. I can definitely see the "blueprint-perfect" description that Hazel uses for him. He was also described as mellow (compared to Hazel) but he definitely wasn't boring. He was understanding, and mature, and outspoken. He wasn't afraid to convey his feelings and emotions (none of that toxic masculinity) and I really loved that about him.
The plot
The plot was good, and for the most parts I was really enjoying it. It had the right angst, the pining, the funny and quirky scenes, plus the hot and steamy ones. Everything was going good! However, that one plot twist near the end got me dumbfounded, and the ending was just too picture-perfect for me. So, although I liked the story, I wish the ending went down differently. I felt like it was just too easy and safe for me.
4.5 stars for this lovely book! I definitely enjoyed reading this. I kept laughing the whole time, and I really recommend this to those who are having a book slump, those who wants an awesome, funny read, or those who want to try an Adult book.
Got a DRC of this book from Edelweiss! I saw the synopsis and I was really intrigued.
Reading this was frustrating for me. Don't get me wrong, I found the synopsis very interesting, and the story, despite being easy to predict, was also entertaining at the very least. What frustrated me is the execution of the story. The plot was all over the place and the writing style didn't communicate with me as a reader in any way. The characters were not gripping, they didn't pull the story forward for me. There were also scenes where the characters did things that are unrealistic and confusing, and I feel like the protagonist and the love interest didn't have any chemistry. I also think this book should come with certain trigger warnings for the readers.
In conclusion, I truly think the idea of this book had great potential. Unfortunately, the execution was lacking.
Reading this was frustrating for me. Don't get me wrong, I found the synopsis very interesting, and the story, despite being easy to predict, was also entertaining at the very least. What frustrated me is the execution of the story. The plot was all over the place and the writing style didn't communicate with me as a reader in any way. The characters were not gripping, they didn't pull the story forward for me. There were also scenes where the characters did things that are unrealistic and confusing, and I feel like the protagonist and the love interest didn't have any chemistry. I also think this book should come with certain trigger warnings for the readers.
In conclusion, I truly think the idea of this book had great potential. Unfortunately, the execution was lacking.
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(You can also find this review on my blog.)
The author sent me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The fictional fantasy world, royals, and magic really got me excited to delve into this one!
The writing
The writing was good. It was mysterious yet easy to follow. I actually figured out some of the plot twists before it was even revealed! I still enjoyed reading it though. It was simple, but it still keeps you at the edge of your seat, wondering what will happen next.
I liked that the questions and the mysteries presented in the first part of the book were answered towards the end. I was afraid that the author would leave me hanging, but no! She was able to clear up confusion and intrigue towards the end.
There were a lot of information and history about their world and the characters, too, so there were times when it felt like I was reading too much information. Apart from that, everything is good.
The characters
The characters were okay. Emry was passionate and determined about her beliefs and her vision to unite their divided country Enlennd. Her abilities are impressive, and dare I say, infinite. We see her powers and her abilities one by one throughout the book, and she doesn't seem to run out of it. It's impressive, yes, but I also find it odd. All of her abilities seem to make her strong and amazing. I wanted to see a flaw in her. Or maybe not even a flaw, just something that will tell me she's not good at everything or that she doesn't have the ability/power for anything.
I also liked Declan enough. He was a strong, brave soldier. He endured a lot of challenges and suffering and yet he is still devoted to the cause of The Mistress.
I liked the two protagonists but I feel like their chemistry lacked. Or maybe I just needed more interaction with them to see it completely. Either way, I liked them as two separate characters.
The plot
The plot was also good. Here we have a nation divided by cruel and unjust Royals and justice-seeking commoners known as Rioters. It was not too complicated but it was still enjoyable enough. I have to say though, there were moments when certain plot points and details were muddy, so there were times when I was a bit confused. Also, as I've said, I got to guess some of the plot twists and I was right at the end.
The world-building
The world-building is my favorite part in this book! The story is set in a world where people have different powers and abilities based on the colors of their eyes. There are ruby-colored eyes, teal-colored eyes, silver-colored eyes, pale blue, orange, and more! Plus the royalty was a good addition to the fantasy world-building. It was really intriguing and I wanted to know more as the world seems to be so rich.
The author sent me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The fictional fantasy world, royals, and magic really got me excited to delve into this one!
The writing
The writing was good. It was mysterious yet easy to follow. I actually figured out some of the plot twists before it was even revealed! I still enjoyed reading it though. It was simple, but it still keeps you at the edge of your seat, wondering what will happen next.
I liked that the questions and the mysteries presented in the first part of the book were answered towards the end. I was afraid that the author would leave me hanging, but no! She was able to clear up confusion and intrigue towards the end.
There were a lot of information and history about their world and the characters, too, so there were times when it felt like I was reading too much information. Apart from that, everything is good.
The characters
The characters were okay. Emry was passionate and determined about her beliefs and her vision to unite their divided country Enlennd. Her abilities are impressive, and dare I say, infinite. We see her powers and her abilities one by one throughout the book, and she doesn't seem to run out of it. It's impressive, yes, but I also find it odd. All of her abilities seem to make her strong and amazing. I wanted to see a flaw in her. Or maybe not even a flaw, just something that will tell me she's not good at everything or that she doesn't have the ability/power for anything.
I also liked Declan enough. He was a strong, brave soldier. He endured a lot of challenges and suffering and yet he is still devoted to the cause of The Mistress.
I liked the two protagonists but I feel like their chemistry lacked. Or maybe I just needed more interaction with them to see it completely. Either way, I liked them as two separate characters.
The plot
The plot was also good. Here we have a nation divided by cruel and unjust Royals and justice-seeking commoners known as Rioters. It was not too complicated but it was still enjoyable enough. I have to say though, there were moments when certain plot points and details were muddy, so there were times when I was a bit confused. Also, as I've said, I got to guess some of the plot twists and I was right at the end.
The world-building
The world-building is my favorite part in this book! The story is set in a world where people have different powers and abilities based on the colors of their eyes. There are ruby-colored eyes, teal-colored eyes, silver-colored eyes, pale blue, orange, and more! Plus the royalty was a good addition to the fantasy world-building. It was really intriguing and I wanted to know more as the world seems to be so rich.
AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH
That was such an epic conclusion to an epic journey! WOW. WOW. WOW. I loved the last few chapters particularly The Prince's Tale and King's Cross! In The Prince's Tale, we learn everything about Dumbledore's plans, we learn about Snape's backstory and his true loyalty. In King's Cross we get that closure between Harry and Dumbledore and that broke and filled up my heart at the same time. We also get to read about Dumbledore's point of view, his own faults and shortcomings, his flaws. That was such an awesome chapter indeed.
Anyway. I absolutely loved this. I have so much feels and emotions for this book, and so much love for this epic series.
That was such an epic conclusion to an epic journey! WOW. WOW. WOW. I loved the last few chapters particularly The Prince's Tale and King's Cross! In The Prince's Tale, we learn everything about Dumbledore's plans, we learn about Snape's backstory and his true loyalty. In King's Cross we get that closure between Harry and Dumbledore and that broke and filled up my heart at the same time. We also get to read about Dumbledore's point of view, his own faults and shortcomings, his flaws. That was such an awesome chapter indeed.
Anyway. I absolutely loved this. I have so much feels and emotions for this book, and so much love for this epic series.
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I'm about to reread the Grisha trilogy so I decided to read this prequel/Darkling origin story. It was nice. As usual, Leigh's writing is really good. And although I'm not a big fan of the Darkling, it was really nice to read about his story and his perspective, their struggles, and everything else.
I AM SO MAD AT MYSELF FOR NOT READING THIS SOONER.
This book has been sitting on my shelf unread for a couple of years now (YES YEARS, I KNOW I KNOW). I've read the first few chapters, I liked it, but that was it. Didn't have the time to finish it anymore.
BUT I FINALLY READ IT (finished last night) AND BOOYYYYY, IT WAS SO GOOD.
I am sucker for fantasy novels, so getting into this story, reading all about this new world, was so good! I wanted to know more about Ravka though, I felt like I didn't get much details about the place/country. But I did love reading all about the culture and the Grisha magic that surrounds Ravka.
I love the flow of story-telling that the author uses. Bardugo was able to pull me in using darkness/mystery that surrounds not just the fictional world, but the individual characters as well. Reading through Alina's perspective was also good. I was able to witness her journey as she is thrown upon a new world that seemed far away from what she has known. I was also able to witness how she tried to coped with her self-realizations as she discovered new people and her true power.
The plot was good as well! I knew I was right to be wary of the Darkling! I just really wasn't feeling his character. I wasn't buying the bad-guy-that's-actually-a-good-guy-when-you-get-to-know-him trope. Nope, just nope. Turns out he's actually the bad-guy-that's-really-a-legit-bad-guy. It's interesting enough that can keep you on the edge of your seat, waiting for the next thing to happen, and then take your breath away for a couple of moments.
All in all, this is 4.5 stars for me!
I'm so excited to read the rest of the series! I can already feel, that I'm going to love them as well!
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Thoughts on my second read:
I may have to lower my actual rating to somewhere between 3.5 or 4, but it was still a good read all the same!
I still adore the world-building, of course. Diving again into the Grishaverse? Wow.
I still adore the writing style, it was good but it could be better. Leigh's writing has greatly improved on the Six of Crows duology.
I still didn't fall for the Darkling's charms! Haha, sorry guys, I know a lot of fans adore him. He's a great villain, I recognize that and I applaud Leigh for writing an intriguing character.
And I still like Alina. I loved getting to know the story through her perspective (that much didn't change). But now, I realized I like her because I could relate to her. I could relate to her about feeling lonely and feeling alone, about feeling afraid of not doing good enough, about trying so hard to fit in somewhere or somehow, and trying to let go of unrequited love. These past few months I noticed some people don't like her all too much, but I do. I know she's not this amazing/mind-blowing character, but I could relate to her and I could empathize with her, and that's why I loved delving into the story through her eyes.
This book has been sitting on my shelf unread for a couple of years now (YES YEARS, I KNOW I KNOW). I've read the first few chapters, I liked it, but that was it. Didn't have the time to finish it anymore.
BUT I FINALLY READ IT (finished last night) AND BOOYYYYY, IT WAS SO GOOD.
"I stop struggling. A call rings through me. Something within me rises up to answer.
I can’t breathe. It’s like I’m kicking up from the bottom of a lake, about to break the surface, my lungs aching for air.
The woman in red watches me closely, her eyes narrowed.
I hear Mal’s voice through the library door. Alina, Alina.
I know then. I know that we are different from one another. Terribly, irrevocably different.
Alina. Alina!
I make my choice. I grab hold of the thing inside me and push it back down."
I am sucker for fantasy novels, so getting into this story, reading all about this new world, was so good! I wanted to know more about Ravka though, I felt like I didn't get much details about the place/country. But I did love reading all about the culture and the Grisha magic that surrounds Ravka.
I love the flow of story-telling that the author uses. Bardugo was able to pull me in using darkness/mystery that surrounds not just the fictional world, but the individual characters as well. Reading through Alina's perspective was also good. I was able to witness her journey as she is thrown upon a new world that seemed far away from what she has known. I was also able to witness how she tried to coped with her self-realizations as she discovered new people and her true power.
The plot was good as well!
All in all, this is 4.5 stars for me!
I'm so excited to read the rest of the series! I can already feel, that I'm going to love them as well!
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Thoughts on my second read:
I may have to lower my actual rating to somewhere between 3.5 or 4, but it was still a good read all the same!
I still adore the world-building, of course. Diving again into the Grishaverse? Wow.
I still adore the writing style, it was good but it could be better. Leigh's writing has greatly improved on the Six of Crows duology.
I still didn't fall for the Darkling's charms! Haha, sorry guys, I know a lot of fans adore him. He's a great villain, I recognize that and I applaud Leigh for writing an intriguing character.
And I still like Alina. I loved getting to know the story through her perspective (that much didn't change). But now, I realized I like her because I could relate to her. I could relate to her about feeling lonely and feeling alone, about feeling afraid of not doing good enough, about trying so hard to fit in somewhere or somehow, and trying to let go of unrequited love. These past few months I noticed some people don't like her all too much, but I do. I know she's not this amazing/mind-blowing character, but I could relate to her and I could empathize with her, and that's why I loved delving into the story through her eyes.