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themoonwholistens's Reviews (698)
[[full review will be up on my blog as per usual. but i wanted to put that here too because this review is a mess because i was a total mess when i wrote it.]]
UPDATE (5/10/18):
After further consideration I had to lower the rating of this book to a 4.5/5 because there are a lot of things I wish were explained further, especially for a fantasy book. I blame all the other fantasy books I've read who have raised the bar :')
It was still really good and I would super recommend this. I wish we had more books like this <3
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I was going to give this 4 stars. . . but then I don't think I would ever forgive myself.
I don't know where to start.
At first this just seemed to be some dark little-mermaid retelling. But then it became more than that ?!?!
Gosh, the story telling was so enchanting and dark at the same time. It got a bit startled at first because of some of the gruesome details but then at the same time it got me dreaming of the things that could be in a world of sirens. I'm so speechless because this is one of those books that isn't perfect but YOU JUST NEED TO GIVE 5 STARS. I do not want to raise anyone's expectations but this just really blew me away.
I also achieved some realisations here between Lira and Elian's dynamic (LOVE them btw). These two are already so beautiful as individuals but put them together and they can change the world. A prince of the land and the princess of the ocean. This is exactly like the little mermaid story that we never had. It also came to me that one of the reasons they understand each other so much is that they KNOW the weight that comes with being royalty. It was mentioned numerous times in the book and when you think about it, who else can really understand a prince of land that belongs in the ocean than the princess of the ocean? And who else to understand a princess who only wants to please her mother than the prince who's father has never understand his need to belong in the ocean.
Speaking of which, I love both of their characters because they were both shown as fierce characters, the fiercest of each of their own kinds even. But even thought they were presented as such, it was also written out how they have their own weaknesses, and how they aren't invincible. As this is a fantasy book, I expected a bit more show of their magic though. But anyhow, I melted with their romance and their dynamic. UGH! I want a prince.
I am saying again that there are some more things that I wanted to see in this story, since I have very high standards when it comes to fantasy, but then this is written as a standalone and is not a series which I already appreciate on its own. So I am not complaining that much with the lack of some details. The world building is already great as it is.
Okay here we go: the main reason I gave this story 5 stars is actually because of the world it conjured up in my head and the way that it was not exactly one vibe the whole book. It was pretty diverse when it comes to the mood of the story that one description is not enough. It is not just dark, not just romantic, not just fantasy. It's all three with a twist. Which was amazing. It shows true loyalty and friendship, how it cannot just be taken with magic. It can make you feel that dreamy, floating, kind of love. This review is a bit messed up due to me just finishing this book as I type this down. IT MAKES YOU FEEL WHAT IT WANTS YOU TO FEEL.
This is literally the break down of how I would describe what the book was talking about in different parts and what it made me feel (this is in the order of how you read it):
PHASE 1: Dark, Mysterious, What does it mean to be royalty
I was like, if this is suppose to be some kind of little mermaid retelling, is it suppose to be so dark? there were so many discussions about our two main characters on the demands of royalty and price that has to be paid to rule a kingdom. This was just an essential part of the book for me because it showed that even our all powerful, fierce MCs have just as much on their shoulders, more, as the other characters.
PHASE 2: Magic, Family, Friendship, Family
This was very different from the first part and I was thrown off at first. In the end I embraced it and, oh, IT WAS BEAUTIFUL. This was the lighter side of the book but it still created just as much as impact. The fact that these four topics were very evident throughout the whole of the book but focused more on the middle. . . it was a very right choice for the author to pace the book like this.
PHASE 3: the Dream of what could be
I was shookt when they started mentioning about dreams and dreaming of what the world could be. I never expected the book to go down that path because it started pretty dark. But wow did it give the book the balance it needed to earn the 5 stars that so many readers have been praising it with.
I needed to do that short list because I think it is one of the most accurate ways I could have expressed just how much my feelings for this book changed as i went on reading. I wanna keep this dream and fantasy of a story. It was romantic just as it was magical just as it was dark. It really is perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Sarah J. Maas. This book could have been told in a trilogy of some sort if the author wanted it to last that long, but it was perfect as a single story and I am happy that the she did not drag it because if it were to have been longer than a single book, I'm afraid that it might be pushing the story.
Thank you for getting this far into my review. The meaning of this book grows more for me each second it stays with me from the moment I finished reading it.
UPDATE (5/10/18):
After further consideration I had to lower the rating of this book to a 4.5/5 because there are a lot of things I wish were explained further, especially for a fantasy book. I blame all the other fantasy books I've read who have raised the bar :')
It was still really good and I would super recommend this. I wish we had more books like this <3
---
I was going to give this 4 stars. . . but then I don't think I would ever forgive myself.
"Homes are hard to find."
I don't know where to start.
At first this just seemed to be some dark little-mermaid retelling. But then it became more than that ?!?!
Gosh, the story telling was so enchanting and dark at the same time. It got a bit startled at first because of some of the gruesome details but then at the same time it got me dreaming of the things that could be in a world of sirens. I'm so speechless because this is one of those books that isn't perfect but YOU JUST NEED TO GIVE 5 STARS. I do not want to raise anyone's expectations but this just really blew me away.
I also achieved some realisations here between Lira and Elian's dynamic (LOVE them btw). These two are already so beautiful as individuals but put them together and they can change the world. A prince of the land and the princess of the ocean. This is exactly like the little mermaid story that we never had. It also came to me that one of the reasons they understand each other so much is that they KNOW the weight that comes with being royalty. It was mentioned numerous times in the book and when you think about it, who else can really understand a prince of land that belongs in the ocean than the princess of the ocean? And who else to understand a princess who only wants to please her mother than the prince who's father has never understand his need to belong in the ocean.
Speaking of which, I love both of their characters because they were both shown as fierce characters, the fiercest of each of their own kinds even. But even thought they were presented as such, it was also written out how they have their own weaknesses, and how they aren't invincible. As this is a fantasy book, I expected a bit more show of their magic though. But anyhow, I melted with their romance and their dynamic. UGH! I want a prince.
"Everything is murkier now. And Elian made it that way in a single second.
In an action as easy as breathing: He smiled."
I am saying again that there are some more things that I wanted to see in this story, since I have very high standards when it comes to fantasy, but then this is written as a standalone and is not a series which I already appreciate on its own. So I am not complaining that much with the lack of some details. The world building is already great as it is.
Okay here we go: the main reason I gave this story 5 stars is actually because of the world it conjured up in my head and the way that it was not exactly one vibe the whole book. It was pretty diverse when it comes to the mood of the story that one description is not enough. It is not just dark, not just romantic, not just fantasy. It's all three with a twist. Which was amazing. It shows true loyalty and friendship, how it cannot just be taken with magic. It can make you feel that dreamy, floating, kind of love. This review is a bit messed up due to me just finishing this book as I type this down. IT MAKES YOU FEEL WHAT IT WANTS YOU TO FEEL.
“In my heart, I’m as wild as the ocean that raised me.”
This is literally the break down of how I would describe what the book was talking about in different parts and what it made me feel (this is in the order of how you read it):
PHASE 1: Dark, Mysterious, What does it mean to be royalty
I was like, if this is suppose to be some kind of little mermaid retelling, is it suppose to be so dark? there were so many discussions about our two main characters on the demands of royalty and price that has to be paid to rule a kingdom. This was just an essential part of the book for me because it showed that even our all powerful, fierce MCs have just as much on their shoulders, more, as the other characters.
PHASE 2: Magic, Family, Friendship, Family
This was very different from the first part and I was thrown off at first. In the end I embraced it and, oh, IT WAS BEAUTIFUL. This was the lighter side of the book but it still created just as much as impact. The fact that these four topics were very evident throughout the whole of the book but focused more on the middle. . . it was a very right choice for the author to pace the book like this.
PHASE 3: the Dream of what could be
I was shookt when they started mentioning about dreams and dreaming of what the world could be. I never expected the book to go down that path because it started pretty dark. But wow did it give the book the balance it needed to earn the 5 stars that so many readers have been praising it with.
I needed to do that short list because I think it is one of the most accurate ways I could have expressed just how much my feelings for this book changed as i went on reading. I wanna keep this dream and fantasy of a story. It was romantic just as it was magical just as it was dark. It really is perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Sarah J. Maas. This book could have been told in a trilogy of some sort if the author wanted it to last that long, but it was perfect as a single story and I am happy that the she did not drag it because if it were to have been longer than a single book, I'm afraid that it might be pushing the story.
Thank you for getting this far into my review. The meaning of this book grows more for me each second it stays with me from the moment I finished reading it.
UPDATE: 8/21/20
Planning a series re-read in october :> (if anyone wants to buddy read hit me up!)
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UPDATE: 6/17/19
I just opened this book and read nearly 1/4 of it in one sitting even though I was just meaning to look at it. UGH I remembered why I love this series. This is due for a full re-read soon.
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Another underestimated and unappreciated book.
Planning a series re-read in october :> (if anyone wants to buddy read hit me up!)
---------------------------------------
UPDATE: 6/17/19
I just opened this book and read nearly 1/4 of it in one sitting even though I was just meaning to look at it. UGH I remembered why I love this series. This is due for a full re-read soon.
---------------------------------------
Another underestimated and unappreciated book.
I find it rare that marketing comparisons on books are actually accurate but “phantom of the opera” x “moulin rouge” really is a good way to describe the overall tone of this book. And as a major fan of those two for both their classic stories and musical goodness, I am ecstatic to report that this did somewhat live up to the vibe that I was expecting, my problem was just that the plot and characters weren't interesting enough to hold my attention.
I did have some mixed feelings starting this because of the number of mixed reviews I came across but it was a pleasant read. It's just unfortunate that I didn't really care for most of the characters (that wasn't the mc) and their relationships, which I find important for a story focused on romance. Nevertheless, it does feature a strong female lead that grew into herself and was a very unique voice.
Kalia is that snarky and sarcastic MC that is quite popular in YA so if you are looking for more of that in a ~not fae~ setting, here you go!
It started off endearing and intriguing but the plot never really sunk in for me. I did like how being a magician and possessing magic is a normal phenomenon in this world. And how the issue was between those who acquired magic in their life and those who were born with it. It was an interesting conversation and kept this book from getting a lower rating from me.
You’re basically thrown into the world with little build up from there so I would not recommend this if you’re looking for in-depth world-building.
If you’re looking for that tall, dark, and handsome male mc that’s always brooding somewhere, you’ll find that here together with the magical carnival vibes. If you liked the concept of Caraval and The Night Circus, together with the mysteries, but you didn’t enjoy the execution, perhaps try this. This felt more magical to me personally as it takes you straight into the world. But I'm not sure I liked any of those enough to fully recommend them either.
I really liked the tone that the writing brought to life. It’s mysterious and adventurous, while still being magical. Even though the characters and the plot were not for me.
↣ It does takes time for the mystery aspect to take part in the plot but if you’re looking for the type of light fantasy filled with drama then you can try this out. ↢
— overall thoughts: 3.0 —
⇢ trigger warnings database//
-----------------
PRE READ:
moulin rouge + phantom of the opera ?? I AM SOLD!!!!
the musical person in me is craving
I did have some mixed feelings starting this because of the number of mixed reviews I came across but it was a pleasant read. It's just unfortunate that I didn't really care for most of the characters (that wasn't the mc) and their relationships, which I find important for a story focused on romance. Nevertheless, it does feature a strong female lead that grew into herself and was a very unique voice.
Kalia is that snarky and sarcastic MC that is quite popular in YA so if you are looking for more of that in a ~not fae~ setting, here you go!
It started off endearing and intriguing but the plot never really sunk in for me. I did like how being a magician and possessing magic is a normal phenomenon in this world. And how the issue was between those who acquired magic in their life and those who were born with it. It was an interesting conversation and kept this book from getting a lower rating from me.
You’re basically thrown into the world with little build up from there so I would not recommend this if you’re looking for in-depth world-building.
If you’re looking for that tall, dark, and handsome male mc that’s always brooding somewhere, you’ll find that here together with the magical carnival vibes. If you liked the concept of Caraval and The Night Circus, together with the mysteries, but you didn’t enjoy the execution, perhaps try this. This felt more magical to me personally as it takes you straight into the world. But I'm not sure I liked any of those enough to fully recommend them either.
I really liked the tone that the writing brought to life. It’s mysterious and adventurous, while still being magical. Even though the characters and the plot were not for me.
↣ It does takes time for the mystery aspect to take part in the plot but if you’re looking for the type of light fantasy filled with drama then you can try this out. ↢
“Make no mistake, I know I don't have to prove a single thing to them. What matters most is what I prove to myself. Giving up would be an insult to everything I know I'm capable of. And I've already come this far.”
— overall thoughts: 3.0 —
⇢ trigger warnings database//
-----------------
PRE READ:
moulin rouge + phantom of the opera ?? I AM SOLD!!!!
the musical person in me is craving
4.0 (i love some of the stories but the plot of some were just kinda boring)
The first and the last short story really takes home the crown from me. This cast will be the end of me
1. Cast Long Shadows: ★★★★★(5.0)
i cried over that one Jem and Will moment... and i'm not ashamed of it
2. Every Exquisite Thing: ★★★☆☆(3.5)
Anna Lightwood rights
3. Learn About Loss: ★★★★☆(3.75)
4. A Deeper Love: ★★★★☆(3.75)
5. The Wicked Ones: ★★★☆☆(3.25)
6. Son of the Dawn: ★★★★☆(4.0)
i love emotions
7. The Land I Lost: ★★★★☆(3.75)
that was cute as heck
8. Through Blood, Through Fire: ★★★☆☆(3.0)
9. The Lost World: ★★★★☆(4.0)
give me The Wicked Powers right now pls T_T
10. Forever Fallen: ★★★★★(4.5)
----------------------
me the majority of this book:
The first and the last short story really takes home the crown from me. This cast will be the end of me
"The story that I love you, It has no end."
1. Cast Long Shadows: ★★★★★(5.0)
i cried over that one Jem and Will moment... and i'm not ashamed of it
2. Every Exquisite Thing: ★★★☆☆(3.5)
Anna Lightwood rights
3. Learn About Loss: ★★★★☆(3.75)
4. A Deeper Love: ★★★★☆(3.75)
5. The Wicked Ones: ★★★☆☆(3.25)
6. Son of the Dawn: ★★★★☆(4.0)
i love emotions
7. The Land I Lost: ★★★★☆(3.75)
that was cute as heck
8. Through Blood, Through Fire: ★★★☆☆(3.0)
9. The Lost World: ★★★★☆(4.0)
give me The Wicked Powers right now pls T_T
10. Forever Fallen: ★★★★★(4.5)
----------------------
me the majority of this book:
OHMYGOD I ACTUALLY ENDED UP SCREAMING AT THE END!!! MOST INTENSE SCENES I HAVE EVER READ.
every time I read a Backman book, it makes me appreciate the people around me so much more.
The title explains what this book is about and it is exactly that, a dad telling his son… things about the world. That really is it. There is no better way to say it.
So I understand that maybe other people were expecting something else and that’s why they didn’t enjoy it as much. But it was exactly what I wanted from this book and I loved it. Given that I read this on a whim.
I’m going to reiterate something in a previous Backman review when I said that an underlying theme in all of his books is simply “we’re all just trying our best” as human beings and this book is no exception. I don’t read many nonfiction books but when I do, this is the kind that I liked. This really had the author bearing his soul in the pages for all of us to consume.
I felt like I was peeking into someone’s life but at the same time find myself being able to relate to almost every single little thing. Because I find that something we almost always forget as children is that: our parents just want what’s best for us. It’s a fairly easy thing to understand but we usually don’t know how much that goes into the little things. I found myself looking back at almost every single little thing that my own parents have ever done for me.
Everything felt so real and raw, while touching your heart, that you probably would have found me smiling while crying. As someone who is extremely close to their parents, especially my own dad, I cannot imagine how someone could have managed to get through this book without shedding a tear or at least smiling.
Other than that it discusses masculinity, toxic masculinity, family, relationships, parenthood,… a lot as you may have expected (or not).
Once again, extremely well done and at this rate, I am going to run out of Backman books to read. I guess that’s what rereading is for.
↣ When you’re in the mood to… feel your feelings while having fun at it, read a Backman book and we can wallow in our softheartedness together. It’s also a quick read so why not? ↢
The title explains what this book is about and it is exactly that, a dad telling his son… things about the world. That really is it. There is no better way to say it.
So I understand that maybe other people were expecting something else and that’s why they didn’t enjoy it as much. But it was exactly what I wanted from this book and I loved it. Given that I read this on a whim.
I’m going to reiterate something in a previous Backman review when I said that an underlying theme in all of his books is simply “we’re all just trying our best” as human beings and this book is no exception. I don’t read many nonfiction books but when I do, this is the kind that I liked. This really had the author bearing his soul in the pages for all of us to consume.
I felt like I was peeking into someone’s life but at the same time find myself being able to relate to almost every single little thing. Because I find that something we almost always forget as children is that: our parents just want what’s best for us. It’s a fairly easy thing to understand but we usually don’t know how much that goes into the little things. I found myself looking back at almost every single little thing that my own parents have ever done for me.
Everything felt so real and raw, while touching your heart, that you probably would have found me smiling while crying. As someone who is extremely close to their parents, especially my own dad, I cannot imagine how someone could have managed to get through this book without shedding a tear or at least smiling.
Other than that it discusses masculinity, toxic masculinity, family, relationships, parenthood,… a lot as you may have expected (or not).
Once again, extremely well done and at this rate, I am going to run out of Backman books to read. I guess that’s what rereading is for.
“I just want you to know that I love you. Once you’re older, you’ll realize that I made an endless line of mistakes during your childhood. I know that. I’ve resigned myself to it. But I just want you to know that I did my very, very best.”
↣ When you’re in the mood to… feel your feelings while having fun at it, read a Backman book and we can wallow in our softheartedness together. It’s also a quick read so why not? ↢
FORMAT READ: Hardback, eBook, & Audiobook (Recommended)
✧ THIS IS MY READING RUSH BOOK #3 ✧
/ read a book you meant to read last year
(didn't finish this during reading rush whoops)
✧ THIS IS MY READING RUSH BOOK #3 ✧
/ read a book you meant to read last year
(didn't finish this during reading rush whoops)
It was okay and I found it entertaining. I liked how we finally got more of a look of how Magnus is with the other warlocks and gave more of Magnus' history since we haven't really gotten a lot of that before.
I really liked Jesse Williams narration as well. Their voice is exactly what I would imagine Magnus' voice to sound like <3
COFFEE SHOP JAZZ AMBIENCE ROOM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0_ejQQcrwI&t=10474s
---
I'm so excited to get back into this world
also I just started the audiobook but I already love the voice actor's voice
1. What Really Happened in Peru - ★★★☆☆
2. The Runaway Queen - ★★☆☆☆
3. Vampires, Scones, and Edmund Herondale - ★★★★★
4. The Midnight Heir - ★★★★★
5. The Rise of the Hotel Dumort - ★★☆☆☆
6. Saving Raphael Santiago - ★★★★☆
7. The Fall of the Hotel Dumort - ★★★★☆
8. What To Buy the Shadowhunter Who Has Everything - ★★★★☆
9. The Last Stand of the New York Institute - ★★★★★
10. The Course of True Love [and First Dates] - ★★★★★
11. The Voicemail of Magnus Bane - ★★★☆☆
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I really liked Jesse Williams narration as well. Their voice is exactly what I would imagine Magnus' voice to sound like <3
COFFEE SHOP JAZZ AMBIENCE ROOM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0_ejQQcrwI&t=10474s
---
I'm so excited to get back into this world
also I just started the audiobook but I already love the voice actor's voice
1. What Really Happened in Peru - ★★★☆☆
2. The Runaway Queen - ★★☆☆☆
3. Vampires, Scones, and Edmund Herondale - ★★★★★
4. The Midnight Heir - ★★★★★
5. The Rise of the Hotel Dumort - ★★☆☆☆
6. Saving Raphael Santiago - ★★★★☆
7. The Fall of the Hotel Dumort - ★★★★☆
8. What To Buy the Shadowhunter Who Has Everything - ★★★★☆
9. The Last Stand of the New York Institute - ★★★★★
10. The Course of True Love [and First Dates] - ★★★★★
11. The Voicemail of Magnus Bane - ★★★☆☆
⟹ BLOG | SUPPORT ME ON KO-FI | BOOKSIRENS ⟸