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521 reviews by:
quixoticreads
The Laughing Listener
March 2019
Format: Audiobook
Narrator: Laura Knight Keating
Length: 9 hours & 5 minutes
Story Rating: 3 Stars
Performance Rating: 3 Stars
Overall Rating: 3 Stars
*Blows out a long breath*
Okaaaaay… mixed feelings about this book, mixed feelings. On one hand, this was the most realistic book in the whole trilogy. These are real problems that teens face when they reach the end of high school and I thought Han did an amazing job portraying that. On the other hand, it just felt like something was missing?? There was just something about the ending that left me really unsatisfied and I can’t exactly pinpoint what it was...
You’d think Lara Jean and PK would have learned their lesson the last book about communication, but NO. It was so damn frustrating to read. I get where they’re coming from, but omg. TALKING IS A GOOD THING GUYS. Most of the book was just me wanting to reach through the pages and slap them both. And I guess I’m sort of happy with how the story turned out, but it felt kind of rushed??? It was like Jenny Han spent too much time drawing out the drama and then realized she needed to end it.
And ya’ll, I need to RANT for a sec.
What the hell was up with Peter’s dad situation?!? I’m so annoyed with that part of the story. When Lara Jean saw his dad at the lacrosse game and then made a big deal to Peter about inviting his dad to graduation, I thought it was going to be a big thing. My brain started preparing for a huge emotional dad subplot, but then NOTHING FREAKING HAPPENED. THERE IS NO RESOLUTION TO THAT PART OF THE STORY AT ALL. I guess if we’re going for realistic, it’s spot on. It’s not like family conflict like that ever gets tied off in a neat little bow in real life. But god, give us SOMETHING. His dad doesn’t show up to graduation, which really upsets Peter and it just gets brushed off as some family emergency. THAT’S IT. WE NEVER SEE THE GUY AGAIN. WHAT THE HELL??
Why is that part of the story at all if it’s not going to play a bigger role? You could completely delete it out and it would effect nothing. UGH.
FINAL WORD
Meh. I liked and disliked this book at the same time, which IS apparently possible. Part of me just wants to tell you to stop after book two, because honestly that would have been a better ending for me.
#1 ↦ [b:To All the Boys I've Loved Before|15749186|To All the Boys I've Loved Before (To All the Boys I've Loved Before, #1)|Jenny Han|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1372086100s/15749186.jpg|21442106] ↦ ✦✦✦✦✧
#2 ↦ [b:P.S. I Still Love You|20698530|P.S. I Still Love You (To All the Boys I've Loved Before, #2)|Jenny Han|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1422881430s/20698530.jpg|40018073] ↦ ✦✦✦✦✧
#3 ↦ Always and Forever Lara Jean ↦ ✦✦✦✧✧
The Laughing Listener
August 2018
Format: Paperback
Rating: 5 Stars
I’ve made the mistake of waiting too long to write this review. At first I just wanted time to process my feelings. Then life got in the way and now too much time has gone by. And I just don’t… know how… to review this rollercoaster????? I just… FEELINGS.
THE GOOD
Oh my god, where do I even begin?? By far the greatest book in the entire series so far. I’m overwhelmed by my love and don’t know how to get it all out. Aelin was a QUEEN in this, and not just literally. She was so strong and cunning and clever, I was in awe of her the entire time. This isn’t shocking because she’s always been amazing, but DAMN do I love her in this book. Sarah J. Maas always likes to keep little snippets of Aelin’s plans a secret until the last moment where we’re smacked in the face with a big reveal and I was LIVING for it. I love when Aelin explains her plans at the end and showcases what a badass she is.
And Aedion. Guys. GUYS. I LOVE AEDION. His reunion with Aelin was SO FREAKING ADORABLE and it was so great watching them reconnect after spending so many years apart. He has such a big heart, he’s like a big teddy bear and I just REALLY WANT TO GIVE HIM A HUG. There was some strong romantic tension happening between him and Lysandra and I am completely here for it. Such a freaking bad ass power couple.
Speaking of Lysandra, she completely snuck up on me. I really wanted to tear her eyes out during Assassin’s Blade and I was not pleased to see her when she rolled in. But man, was I proven wrong. She is SO COOL. I looooooove her! Her friendship with Aelin gave me all the best #GirlPower vibes and when she finally got her powers back, it was EPIC.
Then there’s Elide and Manon. Such an unlikely duo, but they somehow completely worked. For the first half of the book I really wanted to slap Manon because she makes some decisions that I DID NOT like. But after a heartbreaking reveal from Asterin (UGH!!! *Sobs*) she finally comes around and goes back to being the awesome badass I knew in the last book. Elide was a bit of mystery at first and I didn’t know how to feel about her, but once she teams up with Manon, the results are amazing. Her character arc is great and I’m excited to see what Elide’s role will become in the next novel.
Finally, there’s Rowan. Rowan my big fae warrior marshmallow. Is he the best or what?!?! UGH. His reunion with Aelin was AMAZING AND I’M SHIPPING THEM SO HARD. They were SO FREAKING CUTE TOGETHER I CAN’T STAND IT.
THE BAD
CHAOL ASSFALL. The freaking NERVE of this guy.
FINAL WORD
I LOVED THIS BOOK. BEST IN THE SERIES SO FAR. I’M IN LOVE. AHHHHHHHH!!!!
#0.5 ↦ [b:The Assassin's Blade|18243700|The Assassin's Blade (Throne of Glass, #0.1-0.5)|Sarah J. Maas|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1384362444s/18243700.jpg|25691778] ↦ ✦✦✦✦✧
#1 ↦ [b:Throne of Glass|7896527|Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass, #1)|Sarah J. Maas|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1495278054s/7896527.jpg|11138426] ↦ ✦✦✦✧✧
#2 ↦ [b:Crown of Midnight|17167166|Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass, #2)|Sarah J. Maas|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1391580481s/17167166.jpg|21581860] ↦ ✦✦✦✦✧
#3 ↦ [b:Heir of Fire|20613470|Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass, #3)|Sarah J. Maas|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1460846511s/20613470.jpg|25128502] ↦ ✦✦✦✦✦
#4 ↦ Queen of Shadows ↦ ✦✦✦✦✦
#5 ↦ [b:Empire of Storms|28260587|Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass, #5)|Sarah J. Maas|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1463107108s/28260587.jpg|25272004] ↦ ✦✦✦✦✦
#6 ↦ [b:Tower of Dawn|31450852|Tower of Dawn (Throne of Glass, #6)|Sarah J. Maas|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1497973101s/31450852.jpg|51681900] ↦ ✦✦✦✦✧
#7 ↦ [b:Kingdom of Ash|33590260|Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass, #7)|Sarah J. Maas|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1531922609s/33590260.jpg|25272014] ↦ ✦✦✦✦✦
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The Laughing Listener
Format: Audiobook
Narrator: Rebecca Soler
Length: 10 hours & 24 minutes
Story Rating: 5 Stars
Performance Rating: 4 Stars
Overall Rating: 5 Stars
THIS BOOK!! AHHHHHHHH!!! I LOVED IT SO MUCH IF YOU CAN’T TELL BY THE ALL-CAPS YELLING!! This is one of those rare occasions where the hype surrounding a book is completely justified (in my humble opinion) and I’m so excited I can join in the fangirling! If you’re looking for a coherent, thought-provoking review, that’s too bad because you won’t find it here. There’s just going to be lots and lots a flailing.
THE REHASH
Scarlett and her younger sister Tella have admired Caraval their whole lives and have longed to witness the show’s magic for themselves. For years Scarlett has written the mastermind behind it all, Legend, and recieved no answer. When they’re not dreaming of Caraval, Scarlett and Tella are being controlled and abused by their father. Several days before she’s suppose to marry a Duke and live a cushy, safe life with a man she’s never met, Scarlett writes one last letter. Much to her surprise, this one gets answered.
Legend has sent her three special tickets to the Caraval game and Scarlett can’t believe it. She immediately runs to tell her sister, only to find her canoodling with a sailor named Julian. To buy his silence, they offer him the third ticket and set off. On the way, Tella gets separated and Scarlett is convinced she’s gone ahead inisde Caraval without them. Once Julian and Scarlett reach the inside of Caraval, however, they realize that Tella isn’t just inside game, she IS the game. Everyone participating must gather clues to find the missing Tella and whoever finds her wins. Scarlett must be the one to win to reach her sister first and save her.
Remember, it’s only just a game. But the deeper Scarlett and Julian go, the more it doesn’t feel like just a game…
THE GOOD
THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD!!! I just finished listening to the audiobook last week and I’ve already bought a hard copy and plan on reading it again soon.
Going in I knew this novel was suppose to be a mind bender, but by the first few chapters I had everything mapped out. Every twist, every big reveal, every plot point—it was all up in my noggin and I sat back to enjoy the ride. HA! Stephanie Garber—a.k.a the evil genius—knew exactly what my expectations were going to be an used them against me. It was brilliant! Every damn time I thought I had it figured out, she would rip the rug out from under me. This book didn’t end the way I though it would at all and it was amazing!!
The world building in this was beautiful too! We don’t spend much time outside of Caraval, but I loved it once we see the inside. There were so many great magical shops and food and clothes! I mean, there was a fortune teller who used his tattoos to read Scarlett’s fortune. That’s so cool!!
And the ROMANCE!! *Sighs* Similar to Scarlett, I found myself falling hard for Julian despite my better judgement and now I’m happy to call him one of my fictional husbands. SWOON.
THE UGLY
The only remotely negative comment I have is that Tella kind of bothered me. I spent most of the book thinking she was the worst every time we see her. And even though “stuff” happens that proves she’s not, I still couldn’t shake the feeling. Something about Tella’s character bugged me. Really hoping I’m proven wrong in the next installment…
FINAL WORD
YES!! PLEASE GO PICK UP THIS BOOK RIGHT NOW! It’s such a fun read!!
The Laughing Listener
May 2019
*I was graciously given a free copy in exchange for an honest review*
Format: Hardcover
Overall Rating: 5 Stars
When I requested to review this book, I didn’t completely know what I was getting into. I saw “Anastasia retelling” and put my bookish blinders on against the rest. Now that I’ve read Romanov, it’s DEFINITELY not what I was expecting at all, but I mean that in the best way. This is no light-hearted princess fantasy. It’s an emotional, historically accurate story that just happens to have some magic in it. And I freaking LOVED EVERY SECOND.
In high school, I was in an advanced English class. Because of this, my guidance counselor thought it would be a great idea for me to enroll in advanced History as well. I thought this was a terrible plan because me and history don’t mix, but got talked into it anyway. Turns out I was right and barely scraped by that class with a D, BUT—we had a whole unit on the Grand Duchess Anastasia and the whole Romanov family. I completely forgot everything I learned the moment I stepped out the classroom door that year, but it didn’t take me long to remember when I started reading this. A few pages in, it all came flooding back and I knew this was going to be a rough ride. Spoiler alert: I was definitely not wrong.
This novel is so emotional and heavy, but I mean that as a compliment! From the very beginning I was taken on a journey and I couldn’t put this down. Even knowing the ending didn’t change how invested I was or quiet my urge to find out what happens. All of the characters are so rich and amazing. I really loved getting to know them all, especially the Romanov family. Their bond to one another was so lovely to watch and seeing those bonds last through such adversity was inspiring. I have to admit that Anastasia and Alexei were my favorite to watch, but they were all really special.
It was also so beautifully written??? I saved soooo many quotes reading this thing because Brandes is such a wonderful storyteller! And the way she seamless weaved magic into the story was PERFECT. This book is more historical fiction with some fantasy elements thrown in, but it was done so effortlessly that I almost believe this actually happened. That the Grand Duchess Anastasia was an aspiring spell master with a magical Matryoshka doll.
Lastly, I’d like to give Brandes a shout out for the romance between Zash and Nastya. It took a backseat to the plot and family relationships, which I really appreciated! Playing up the romance too much would have cheapened the message and I’m glad it was so subtle and elegant.
FINAL WORD
This book may be emotional, but it’s AMAZING and beautiful. If you’re a lover historical fiction and fantasy, then you should ABSOLUTELY read this. You won’t regret it!
The Laughing Listener
Format: EBook
*I was given this for free in exchange for an honest review*
Overall Rating: 5 Stars
Whoa. I’m just... That completely threw me off and I mean that as a compliment. Normally I’m not one for contemporary books. Living my own life can enough of a challenge, so I don’t want to read stories that will remind me of my current reality. I read books to escape. To fall into another world. As a result, I usually go into contemporaries already grumpy and looking for faults, but this one put me in my place. I thought I knew exactly where this story was going, but boy was I wrong.
THE GOOD
First of all, I absolutely LOVED THE WAY THIS WAS WRITTEN. Totally having a nerd moment over here because I thought the writing style was AMAZING and the formatting GENIUS. When looking at the story as a whole, it’s fairly unremarkable and straight forward. I’m going to be vague because the less you know going into this the better, but Ezell did a killer job of taking a small story and turning it into something exciting and dynamic. The main character Audrey wakes up the Sunday after losing her virginity to firefighters demanding she evacuate her home. There’s a wild fire coming fast and she needs to get the hell out of dodge. After the first chapter, two timelines emerge—one that follows Audrey on that terrible Sunday hour by hour and one of flashbacks that slowly reveal what’s been going on in her life for the past few months. They both build slowly until they meet at the climax for an explosive ending.
Okay, I’ll shut up and stop gushing. But seriously, IT’S AWESOME. Once I got a third of the way in, I couldn’t put this book down.
This also hit me on several different personal levels. I was born in California, lived in Los Angeles for three years after college graduation, and most of my extended family resides there. The setting and landscape was completely familiar to me in a déjà vu kind of way. Wild fires have been a real threat to some of my family in the past, so that definitely struck a chord. Plus, we’ve all been through one of those terrible life altering moments. The kind that changes the essence of who you are. Watching Audrey navigate her own life altering moment was completely relatable and my heart ached for her.
I also REALLY LOVED HAYDEN and I want one of my own. Just saying.
THE UGLY
The only sort-of negative comment I have is that I wish Audrey’s character had been a little more interesting and not so bland. To be fair, that IS one of the things she struggles with. This book is all about Audrey finding her “thing” (as she put it) and discovering who she is as a person. But next to her colorful sister and best friend, she seemed so grey and boring. It did make the story more relatable in that I could easily project myself onto her, but I wish there had just been a little more individuality there somehow.
FINAL WORD
This books was AMAZING and I loved it! Definitely recommend!
The Laughing Listener
Format: Ebook
Overall Rating: 3 Stars
PICTURE THIS. Me lazing on my couch procrastinating doing work by going through the hordes of junk emails that litter the inbox on my phone. I only keep a precious few, one of which is the Goodreads romance newsletter because I get a kick out of some of the titles they list on that thing each month. This one catches my eye because of the pretty (if not a tad dramatic) cover and once I read the description I download it IMMEDIATELY.
It sounds like the most ridiculous thing ever and I HAVE to know more. I mean, she falls for one of the four horsemen?? Wtf?!? HOW?!
I'm here to tell you that this surpassed my expectations because IT'S HILARIOUS, both intentionally and unintentionally. First of all, for all my friends who don't know (since I had to do a little Googling myself), this is about The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Four men on horseback sent to start the apocalypse with each one symbolizing a tragic end—Pestilence, War, Famine, and Death. Obviously this one is about Pestilence, the one who brings sickness and plague.
That's right, HOMEGIRL FALLS IN LOVE WITH THE PLAGUE. I can't stress enough how endlessly entertaining that was for me. SHE GETS IT ON WITH THE PLAGUE. And apparently the plague is a hottie. Who knew?
The great thing about this book is that it knows exactly how kooky it is and plays into that using Sara, the hilariously blunt, sarcastic narrator and protagonist. In between my bouts of hysterics over her FALLING IN LOVE WITH PLAGUE (SERIOUSLY), I had some genuine laughs over Sara's inner monologue. The combination made for a strangely pleasant reading experience.
Now I'm trapped waiting for the next one, which I HAVE to read because I'm SO CURIOUS. The next novel will be about the horseman War and I need to know how his power works. Does he start brawls wherever he goes?? When his love interest finally meets him, will they just get an overwhelming desire to punch him in the face??? When he walks into a room, do a million fights break out??? I'm picturing it a lot like that church scene in Kingsman where everyone just attacks each other.
THESE ARE THE QUESTIONS AND I NEED ANSWERS.
FINAL WORD
Despite the insane and amusing plot, I really liked the writing style of this!! I vote you read it for the entertainment value.
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