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828 reviews by:
olivialandryxo
Review also on Heir of Glitter.
SPOILER-FREE.
plot: 18/20
characters: 20/20
setting: 20/20
relationships: 20/20
twists: 14/20
92 out of 100
This was my first Kasie West book, and I wasn't disappointed. It was a quick, cute, and fun read. :D
First, I'll admit that the story was lacking a bit in places, and it definitely wasn't the most original. But in this case I can look past that, because I just loved it so much. Some contemporaries are just like that, and this is one of them. It also was partially original, though - yes, there are some tropes, but the major plot was unique. The story follows Lily as she tries to figure out the identity of the mysterious pen pal she acquired after absentmindedly writing lyrics on her desk in chemistry one day. Cool, right? I thought so, and the humor, among other things, definitely supported that. :)
Lily was an awesome lead. She was super quirky; buying and improving thrift store clothes, writing songs (with guitar too), and listening to indie bands. She was clearly an individual, and I loved that. She was also awkward in real life but collected and amusing in letters; very relatable, in my opinion. I also liked that she was never portrayed as perfect or trying to be as much. :)
All of the other characters were great, too: Lily's family, Isabel, Lucas, David, Cade. The only one I didn't like was Sasha, but you'd understand that if you've read it. Even she was well-written, though, so props to Kasie for that. ;)
This book, though it stayed in one town, took place in a variety of locations: high school, a few different homes, a stadium, a concert, a park, a golf course at a hotel, and probably more I can't think of. The modern setting meant not as much description was needed, so I was okay with lesser amounts. Regardless, I could easily imagine myself in Lily's (wildly awesome) shoes. ;)
I think the best part of this book was the relationships. Lily had a loud, very present family and loved them to pieces but valued peace and quiet. She had a supportive, amazing best friend named Isabel, and they told each other everything. Her gradual crush on and romance with her pen pal (I'll keep the identity secret so you can find out yourself) was very realistic and they were so cute once they got together. They're kind of contradictory, but they also are just perfect for one another. Pretend that makes sense. My point is, though, that I would love to have any of the relationships Lily does in this book, because they're all amazing. :D
If the plot lacks in some areas, the twists do as well. Normally this would be a big deal to me, but in this case it didn't bother me. There were a few small surprises sprinkled into the story, and of course, the biggest was the reveal of who Lily's pen pal was. I know a lot of people have probably guessed it, but I didn't. For me, it was kind of a shock. I also wasn't expecting that bit with *someone* at the very end of the story. So even though there was nothing mind-blowing, it was entertaining, and that's just as important. ;)
All in all, this book went beyond my expectations and is one of my new favorite contemporaries. I'll definitely have to check out Kasie's other work in the near future. :)
SPOILER-FREE.
plot: 18/20
characters: 20/20
setting: 20/20
relationships: 20/20
twists: 14/20
92 out of 100
This was my first Kasie West book, and I wasn't disappointed. It was a quick, cute, and fun read. :D
First, I'll admit that the story was lacking a bit in places, and it definitely wasn't the most original. But in this case I can look past that, because I just loved it so much. Some contemporaries are just like that, and this is one of them. It also was partially original, though - yes, there are some tropes, but the major plot was unique. The story follows Lily as she tries to figure out the identity of the mysterious pen pal she acquired after absentmindedly writing lyrics on her desk in chemistry one day. Cool, right? I thought so, and the humor, among other things, definitely supported that. :)
Lily was an awesome lead. She was super quirky; buying and improving thrift store clothes, writing songs (with guitar too), and listening to indie bands. She was clearly an individual, and I loved that. She was also awkward in real life but collected and amusing in letters; very relatable, in my opinion. I also liked that she was never portrayed as perfect or trying to be as much. :)
All of the other characters were great, too: Lily's family, Isabel, Lucas, David, Cade. The only one I didn't like was Sasha, but you'd understand that if you've read it. Even she was well-written, though, so props to Kasie for that. ;)
This book, though it stayed in one town, took place in a variety of locations: high school, a few different homes, a stadium, a concert, a park, a golf course at a hotel, and probably more I can't think of. The modern setting meant not as much description was needed, so I was okay with lesser amounts. Regardless, I could easily imagine myself in Lily's (wildly awesome) shoes. ;)
I think the best part of this book was the relationships. Lily had a loud, very present family and loved them to pieces but valued peace and quiet. She had a supportive, amazing best friend named Isabel, and they told each other everything. Her gradual crush on and romance with her pen pal (I'll keep the identity secret so you can find out yourself) was very realistic and they were so cute once they got together. They're kind of contradictory, but they also are just perfect for one another. Pretend that makes sense. My point is, though, that I would love to have any of the relationships Lily does in this book, because they're all amazing. :D
If the plot lacks in some areas, the twists do as well. Normally this would be a big deal to me, but in this case it didn't bother me. There were a few small surprises sprinkled into the story, and of course, the biggest was the reveal of who Lily's pen pal was. I know a lot of people have probably guessed it, but I didn't. For me, it was kind of a shock. I also wasn't expecting that bit with *someone* at the very end of the story. So even though there was nothing mind-blowing, it was entertaining, and that's just as important. ;)
All in all, this book went beyond my expectations and is one of my new favorite contemporaries. I'll definitely have to check out Kasie's other work in the near future. :)
Full review and more on Heir of Glitter.
This book had been on my TBR for a few months before I finally got it from the library, and I really should've read it sooner. It was absolutely amazing! The plot and the world are so unique, and everything about the kingdoms and the magic system was explained so clearly. I got attached to the characters and their journey almost instantly, and it was a wild ride. I loved Meira, how she was so complex and brave but still flawed and didn't care. Also, she fights with a chakram, which is so cool. I loved Mather and Theron too, and the love triangle was cute but not in your face. For the record, though, I'm totally Team Theron. ;) I'll be reading the sequel ASAP!
Meira is the queen of winter, and Mather was never the prince. When the locket broke, Meira became the conduit. The ending was so sweet with all of the surviving Winterians returning to Jannuari, but I don't trust it. There's two books left and Angra and the Decay mysteriously disappeared. I didn't see any of that coming, but I loved it all! I just hope Sara isn't too horribly brutal to these characters in the other two books. I just want Winter to be destroyed and Angra to die and everyone -- Mather, Sir, the other refugees, Nessa, her brothers, Theron, everyone I'm forgetting -- to be happy, and Meira and Theron to get married and ally Winter and Cordell. Happily ever afters all around! That doesn't happen in high fantasy, but a bookworm can dream...
This book had been on my TBR for a few months before I finally got it from the library, and I really should've read it sooner. It was absolutely amazing! The plot and the world are so unique, and everything about the kingdoms and the magic system was explained so clearly. I got attached to the characters and their journey almost instantly, and it was a wild ride. I loved Meira, how she was so complex and brave but still flawed and didn't care. Also, she fights with a chakram, which is so cool. I loved Mather and Theron too, and the love triangle was cute but not in your face. For the record, though, I'm totally Team Theron. ;) I'll be reading the sequel ASAP!
Full (spoiler-free) review and more on Heir of Glitter.
4.5 stars
This is What Happy Looks Like had flaws, but it was still a great fluffy read. I loved the uniqueness of the story and the realistic way the relationships were written, and I think I’ll be daydreaming about Henley for a while. If you’re looking for a simple, lighthearted read, definitely give this a try. I can’t wait to see what Jennifer E. Smith’s other contemporaries are like. :)
4.5 stars
This is What Happy Looks Like had flaws, but it was still a great fluffy read. I loved the uniqueness of the story and the realistic way the relationships were written, and I think I’ll be daydreaming about Henley for a while. If you’re looking for a simple, lighthearted read, definitely give this a try. I can’t wait to see what Jennifer E. Smith’s other contemporaries are like. :)
Full (spoiler-free) review and more on Heir of Glitter.
Die for Me was a fantastic paranormal romance story, and I loved it far more than I thought I would. This very well could be one of my favorite books of 2016. I loved the raw emotions the characters had, and the strong relationships, both familial and romantic. Not to mention, the descriptions of Paris will have me daydreaming for a long time to come. I can’t wait to get my hands on the sequel and continue on this fun French adventure! :)
I was so worried that Georgia would die! I'm so glad she didn't! And I never saw Lucien's involvement coming!
Die for Me was a fantastic paranormal romance story, and I loved it far more than I thought I would. This very well could be one of my favorite books of 2016. I loved the raw emotions the characters had, and the strong relationships, both familial and romantic. Not to mention, the descriptions of Paris will have me daydreaming for a long time to come. I can’t wait to get my hands on the sequel and continue on this fun French adventure! :)
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Full (spoiler-free) review and more on Heir of Gliter.
It might not seem like I enjoyed The Winner's Crime, but I did. It was a good sequel, just lacking in some areas when compared to its predecessor. Kestrel was still a fantastic lead, the world was still very intriguing, and the ending has me excited to see how the trilogy comes to a close. :)
Also, I didn't like Arin.
Seriously, General Trajan??? What kind of father are you??? Tattling on your daughter to your friend the emperor and doing nothing as she's taken north to a work camp??? Any respect I might've had for you = GONE. Also, the ending of this reminded me a lot of the ending of The Assassin's Blade.
It might not seem like I enjoyed The Winner's Crime, but I did. It was a good sequel, just lacking in some areas when compared to its predecessor. Kestrel was still a fantastic lead, the world was still very intriguing, and the ending has me excited to see how the trilogy comes to a close. :)
Full (spoiler-free) review and more on Heir of Glitter.
4.5
We Are Still Tornadoes was a quick, fun contemporary, though it did cover heavier topics. I liked almost everything about it. My big issue was Scott, though I was also the tiniest bit bothered by the lack of twists. A couple of things caught me off guard, but nothing truly surprised me… other than how much I enjoyed it. :)
4.5
We Are Still Tornadoes was a quick, fun contemporary, though it did cover heavier topics. I liked almost everything about it. My big issue was Scott, though I was also the tiniest bit bothered by the lack of twists. A couple of things caught me off guard, but nothing truly surprised me… other than how much I enjoyed it. :)
Full (spoiler-free) review and more on Heir of Glitter.
This story follows an overachieving girl with high hopes of getting into a top college as she recovers from a scandal with her ex-boyfriend. I enjoyed it, but was slightly disappointed. The Best Possible Answer was a quick, fun contemporary. I found it a bit cliché at times, yes, and I do think Viviana could’ve avoided the entire mess she got herself into, but it was still an enjoyable read. :)
This story follows an overachieving girl with high hopes of getting into a top college as she recovers from a scandal with her ex-boyfriend. I enjoyed it, but was slightly disappointed. The Best Possible Answer was a quick, fun contemporary. I found it a bit cliché at times, yes, and I do think Viviana could’ve avoided the entire mess she got herself into, but it was still an enjoyable read. :)
Full (spoiler-free) review and more on Heir of Glitter.
4.5 stars
I haven’t read a sci-fi book in a few months, and I went into this one hopeful after reading the synopsis. The Infinity of You & Me had a unique synopsis, strong lead, and amazing world-building. It was flawed, but exceeded my expectations, and I would definitely recommend picking it up when it comes out on the 8th. :)
I really liked that Sprowitz ended up being the one to kill Alex, but I have to admit, I thought it was somewhat anticlimactic.
4.5 stars
I haven’t read a sci-fi book in a few months, and I went into this one hopeful after reading the synopsis. The Infinity of You & Me had a unique synopsis, strong lead, and amazing world-building. It was flawed, but exceeded my expectations, and I would definitely recommend picking it up when it comes out on the 8th. :)
Full (spoiler-free) review and more on Heir of Glitter.
I'm 100% obsessed with this trilogy and I have no regrets. The entire cast of characters is lovable and complex, and both the Parisian setting and Kate and Vincent's romance give me figurative heart eyes. It wasn't a super intense read, but it was entertaining and super cute too. Plus the ending made up for that, because it was thrilling, unexpected, and heart-wrenching. I was left completely shocked and terrified for what the third book will bring, but hopeful for the best and wary of that hope. If you haven't picked these books up yet, I highly recommend you do! As long as romance doesn't make you cringe. :)
I cannot believe Violette was the traitor and I rarely say this but I hope she dies somehow. She was such a great friend to Kate and I had grown to really like her. But then she revealed her motives, nearly killed Georgia, and quite possibly killed Vincent. THAT IS NOT OKAY. But the ending has me hopeful? Vincent is the only one that calls Kate "mon ange" and the book ended with that phrase, so... hopefully he's alive and well? And will end the series that way?Along with Kate and Georgia and their grandparents and all the other revenants? And Papy will allow Kate to see Vincent again? It's unlikely that all of this will actually happen, but a girl can hope. LET A GIRL HOPE. Hahahah.
I'm 100% obsessed with this trilogy and I have no regrets. The entire cast of characters is lovable and complex, and both the Parisian setting and Kate and Vincent's romance give me figurative heart eyes. It wasn't a super intense read, but it was entertaining and super cute too. Plus the ending made up for that, because it was thrilling, unexpected, and heart-wrenching. I was left completely shocked and terrified for what the third book will bring, but hopeful for the best and wary of that hope. If you haven't picked these books up yet, I highly recommend you do! As long as romance doesn't make you cringe. :)
Full [spoiler-free] review and more on Heir of Glitter.
An beautiful, bittersweet finale. Kate and Vincent have, respectively, become two of my favorite characters, and together they make up one of my favorite fictional couples. This trilogy is definitely one of my all-time favorites, and each book is even better than the last! They're all entertaining, but the intensity builds with each one. I couldn't be more satisfied with the ending, and I absolutely loved the French culture and scenery these books contained. Easily my new favorite paranormal romance, or at least tied with Lux for the #1 spot! :)
Recommended for fans of Lux and/or The Dark Elements, both by Jennifer L. Armentrout! (Referring to the trilogy as a whole.)
I never thought Kate would become a bardia or end up being the Champion, even though I probably should've connected the dots. The final battle was epic! I'm glad Kate ended up becoming a revenant, though, because now she and Vincent can be together forever and that makes me so happy. Although I'm sad that Jean-Baptiste died, and I feel so bad for Gaspard. I also feel bad knowing that Kate will eventually watch her grandparents and Georgia die while she still lives. ALSO IS CHARLOTTE ALIVE? She wasn't mentioned in the memorial ceremony, but if there was any mention of her beyond when she got hit with the arrow I missed it. IS SHE HURT? IS SHE ALIVE? SHE BETTER BE. KATE NEEDS A REVENANT GIRL FRIEND. (As in friend that's a girl. I will forever ship her with Vincent, so...)
An beautiful, bittersweet finale. Kate and Vincent have, respectively, become two of my favorite characters, and together they make up one of my favorite fictional couples. This trilogy is definitely one of my all-time favorites, and each book is even better than the last! They're all entertaining, but the intensity builds with each one. I couldn't be more satisfied with the ending, and I absolutely loved the French culture and scenery these books contained. Easily my new favorite paranormal romance, or at least tied with Lux for the #1 spot! :)
Recommended for fans of Lux and/or The Dark Elements, both by Jennifer L. Armentrout! (Referring to the trilogy as a whole.)