I randomly picked up the audiobook because it had no holds on Libby. The cover looked familiar but I didn’t know much about this book. Thanks to quickI randomly picked up the audiobook because it had no holds on Libby. The cover looked familiar but I didn’t know much about this book. Thanks to quick GR search, it sounded interesting enough. And it was.
I learned a lot through it about natives in the US and especially in Michigan as well as the local tribes and their customs and beliefs. The portrayal of the the discrimination against these communities (and especially women) was well portrayed.
However, the first half of the book had lots of info dump. The second part got better but I had the feeling that the author was trying to handle too many issues all at once and all in the second half. A lot of things were repeated such as Daunis’ mother character (very one dimensional, we only got to see more of her later on and it wasn’t for many pages), our main character scientific approach and logic (seriously too many times), the “golden boy” hype, not trusting this Jamie or maybee trusting him? I can go on and on. the mystery part also felt overdone.
I might write more later but in sum, no regrets reading this book, there is room for improvement but nonetheless, solid debut that tackles some important topics....more
Originally, I didn’t want to read this book. The premise sounded very familiar and the hype? Well, never trust the hype when it comes to NA + fantasy Originally, I didn’t want to read this book. The premise sounded very familiar and the hype? Well, never trust the hype when it comes to NA + fantasy stuff.
But.
Just like when it comes to almost every popular book out there, I caved. And I’m so glad I did.
I read the first 100 pages in one sitting. I randomly decided to read this book and then found myself unable to stop turning the page. I needed to know what’ll happen next… I also needed to sleep because I had to wake up early for work. But who cares about that when there’s this girl doing some dangerous things to be part of an “academy”? I can’t resist this trope.
And the book mostly didn’t slow down. It’s far from being perfect but it is so fun and hence my 4 stars rating.
I started this book with a lot of skepticism. In the past few years, I've read several NA fantasy novels that ended up being cheesy, boring, and meh aI started this book with a lot of skepticism. In the past few years, I've read several NA fantasy novels that ended up being cheesy, boring, and meh at best. this book was different. Once the trial started, I couldn't put the book down. I'll write a review later. Hopefully....more
Honestly, I don't know what to think about this book. While it's something I recognise as a good book, I expected to feel a lot more reading it. MaybeHonestly, I don't know what to think about this book. While it's something I recognise as a good book, I expected to feel a lot more reading it. Maybe the fact that I was listening to the audiobook affected my emotional involvement with the characters? I don't think so because it was narrated well.
I'll just compare the good and the meh/bad part.
Pros: I honestly enjoyed the writing style. It sets the story about. I'm not a gamer but I certainly liked reading a book about game making. The story also started pretty well and was gripped by the audiobook, wanting to listen to it whenever I had some free time (the feeling slowly evaporated when I reached the second half). Marx is cool. Decent side characters.
Cons: No connection to the main characters, I didn't care about them. The plot lacked focus and direction. Some things were overdone. Many said that the book could've been shorter and while I agree, listening to the audiobook I didn't mind. Only when Sadie and Sam became over 30 did the book stop feeling like a YA with adult characters.
The book could've been better for sure, I still enjoyed it and I can see why it became popular. I would even recommend it to certain readers. I will keep an eye out for Zevin's other books and check her previously published ones because she is a talented writer....more
My friend gifted me this book albeit she knows I am very picky in choosing my novels (especially fantasy). And she decided to get this one because it My friend gifted me this book albeit she knows I am very picky in choosing my novels (especially fantasy). And she decided to get this one because it was unknown (slim chance I’d read it already) and had a good rating (although we all know a good rating starts from 4.2) but I was still grateful for the gesture, I mean books are very close to my heart & all that. I tried to read the High Mountain Court with an open mind. Yeah sure I am up to a fantasy + smut book! (And I truly don’t mind those if well written every once in a while.)
But seriously, this book sucked. Adding the extra star because it is not the book’s fault that it landed in my lap.
In short? ACOTAR + TOG + FBAA mush that went wrong (style i repeat what i read without understanding the assignment, I am being harsh but it’s been a while since I read an almost rip off book).
Here's why this book is not the best: - before we given begin, look at the title. HOW UNREATIVE is that? I mean we've had our fair share of ACOTAR copy cats but guys we are in 2022 and we should find better titles. - the book started ok enough until we had INSTA LOVE. Come one. As if that's not enough, we had to suffer MATES. *shakes head violently.* - the romance was cringe. I couldn't feel the attraction. Also Hale. What kind name is that. So meh... - the plotline is predictable and slow paced. the big reveal can be seen from early on if you've read the books I mentioned before. Again. Not creative. - the side characters were ok, not much to say about those. - Remy isn't anything special for an MC. She's not bad but nothing stands out about her.
This book would've been fun if it was 2015. However, today, the stakes are higher because there are so many books out there and so many ideas that have been executed already. There is nothing wrong with inspiration but one has to stay unique. This book sadly was anything but.
At the very least, I realised I am in a reading place slump and not a book slump. I finished 250 pages in a day while I am back in my hometown. I also didn’t spend the whole day at home. But I can’t read for the life of me over 100 pages a day in the place where i moved to around a year ago. So weird....more
I probably need insulin after reading this book, this was way too sugar for me. I wanted to read some fun holidays rom-com and this audiobook had no hI probably need insulin after reading this book, this was way too sugar for me. I wanted to read some fun holidays rom-com and this audiobook had no holds on Libby. The idea behind a fake boyfriend + farm sounded like fun and it was at first. However, the story itself was too “sweet” to my taste. I am not a fan of romance in general. Hence, I only recommend it if you are, and not just looking for a fun holidays romance read....more
This book was a let down. I should’ve trusted the reviews.
I accidentally came across Tokyo Ever After> and when I read a bit about it, I decided to giThis book was a let down. I should’ve trusted the reviews.
I accidentally came across Tokyo Ever After> and when I read a bit about it, I decided to give it a shot. What drew me in was discovering Japan from the eyes of someone new to the culture. Unfortunately, it was instead a boring love story (as many reviews already mentioned) and I couldn't relate to Izumi at all. She's very mediocre for a main character. I might be too harsh but at the same time, I couldn't relate her (nor the teen me) in any way. She was true to herself, at least. I give her that....more
This book was one of those impulsive reads. It wasn't on my tbr but I wanted a cute UF maybe Ilona Andrew Styles and according to GR, people who enjoyThis book was one of those impulsive reads. It wasn't on my tbr but I wanted a cute UF maybe Ilona Andrew Styles and according to GR, people who enjoyed her books also enjoyed this book.
Unfortunately, the book was very boring and lacked a hot romance. I'm a sucker for slow burn but very little happens in this book. It was a struggle to finish.
I promised myself I won't read this book. Because I know very well by now that this won't be my cup of tea. Yet. I really wanted to read someDNF @ 50%
I promised myself I won't read this book. Because I know very well by now that this won't be my cup of tea. Yet. I really wanted to read some fantasy/romance with a hot love interest and a badass main character. While the start of the book wasn't bad, it started to get repetitive and boring. Eventually, I was no longer able to force myself to read it and gave up on it.
I rated it two stars for the benefit of the doubt + it wasn't terrible just not my thing....more
I am trying to find negative reviews for this book. It’s not easy. Have I read by mistake a draft? This book surely reads like one. A first try to wriI am trying to find negative reviews for this book. It’s not easy. Have I read by mistake a draft? This book surely reads like one. A first try to write a novel (and an unsuccessful one). How are we just ok with a love interest who will “claim” another person regardless of their consent? Someone who will conquer just for power? A MC who is supposed to be strong yet gets continuously mistreated? Even when people underestimate her and are proven wrong..
I was lured by the interesting premise and the first chapter was interesting. Until we got to meet Fallon and I was perplexed then. This is the beloved MC? I wanted to drop the book at 15% but I figured it would be unfair to rate it 1 star then. But now it’s well deserved.
What a waste of time. More thoughts to come. ...more
I’m honestly not sure how to rate this book, I enjoyed it but I was confused often since there was a lot if names - only to discover there’s a list ofI’m honestly not sure how to rate this book, I enjoyed it but I was confused often since there was a lot if names - only to discover there’s a list of characters at the end. I also think I’m reading to move on from this series? But we also met a bigger bad guy and the main mystery isn’t resolved yet. I would love to watch a tv serial honestly of the Inn & guest hosting. It would be fun to watch....more
I like to read a silly romance from time to time when I’m so done with heavy reads. And it was time yesterday to read something light, fun, and easy tI like to read a silly romance from time to time when I’m so done with heavy reads. And it was time yesterday to read something light, fun, and easy to fly through. So I went for recommendations to my dear friend, Fernanda, who recommended me several books and I eventually chose this one and it served its purpose! Sure I’m rating it 3 and not 4 because I had some issues with this book but I didn’t take them seriously while reading it. I have to mention them however in my review. Still, this was a very enjoyable romance to read if you’re not looking for a serious read but instead just relax, make 0 mental effort, and watch the romance.
3 1/2 I haven’t read the first installment in this series but it’s not necessary to read this book. It’s obvious who the lovers were since they make an appearance but since I’m not planning on reading book 1, I didn’t mind. It was also a fast read and I enjoyed the banter between the main characters. There was also a good tension build up but I have some reservations regarding the ending, it was kinda too cheesy. The epilogue sets up the stage for the next book in the series.
What's weird about this book is that the most of story takes place during only one day. We have some flashbacks, that served the story well, but other than the beginning and the end, the whole story takes place in the maze.
I have to mention first that the characters have known each other since kindergarten. They have a very long history but never got romantic (though the "beast" was always interested even if he didn't show it). It's more like their past was a built-up, romantically, to that day in the maze. While it doesn't feel like one day, I still think it all happened too fast. I wish the story and the final romance took place during a longer period of time.
Moreover, I am not a fan of soulmates. I don't believe in soulmates as nice as it sounds nor enjoy this trope in books. We had here "true love" which is equivalent to soulmate and while I was okay with it at first, it was repeated too often to my liking by the end of the book.
Another issue that prevented me from giving this book 4 stars is that the story because too much saccharine to my taste. While this is expected, faced with a romance that bloomed in one day... I couldn't stomach it.
These were minors things because I genuinely enjoyed reading this book. The banter was so fun to read and the sexual tension was sparking! I also like our main characters. Overall, it was an entertaining romance retelling and it was exactly what I needed. A book that requires zero effort to read + cute romance + likable characters, in other words, a book that doesn't take itself too seriously. While I won't be continuing with this series, I will look up Gannon's other books. I believe fans of romance retellings would enjoy this book!...more
I'm not a big fan of Maud as a character and wasn't planning on reading this book before I learned it's necessary for the series. I saw no ne2.5 stars
I'm not a big fan of Maud as a character and wasn't planning on reading this book before I learned it's necessary for the series. I saw no need to switch to Maud. The Innkeeper Chronicles are definitely my least favorite series by the Andrews (well not counting The Edge but the first two books of the latter were solid but they're not that related to each other since each book follows a different couple). I read that the Andrews want to write a Maud spin-off, I thought maybe in a novella format or so but certainly not as the 4th installment. I was expecting the worst and this book luckily, I wasn't as bad as I expected. But still one of the Andrews' weakest novels.
As usual, the book was easy to read and fast-paced, I wasn't bored reading it but I have several issues with Sweep of the Blade.
First Maud. SHE'S SUCH A MARIE SUE. She's perfect and skilled at everything. Negotiations, history, swordplay, politics, languages, and of course, she's a scholar. She always notices things no one else does (albeit they have much more experience in these things) and is quick to suggest strategies. She's basically a wiki at all species in the world and their clans' relations. In a way, she's good at everything. Better than most too. Welp, in some cases, everyone. C'MON.
I'm also not a fan of insta-love and we had barely any build-up here. Arland fell for her too fast. Speaking of Arland, he's a vampire but only in name. Why call his clans vampires if they have none of the vampires' traits.
I said in one of my previous reviews of this series that I'd love to see more of this world and I stand by my word. I just hope we see it through someone more interesting.
I did have a bit of fun reading this book but not the usual humor/witty comments/fun secondary characters type of Andrews book. The ending left me very much curious about what's going to happen next. I hope this book will be the last Maud book because I'm so over her perfection. She's not realistic at all.
What makes this book different from others in this genre is that Greek gods are basically narrating the events and discussing them. Lovely War followsWhat makes this book different from others in this genre is that Greek gods are basically narrating the events and discussing them. Lovely War follows the story of two couples during WWI. It's also very heavy on romance and less on the actual war (although we see it, of course, but mostly relating to the story of the couples and less like usual WWII books).
So let's get it out of the way. I expected this book to have romance but not that much... I really can no longer stand so much romance with love at first sight kind of books and that are not historical romance (and you know which ones we call them as such -even though this one is historical and romance but more like YA).
If you love romance and young adult and historical stories, then this book is for you. You definitely should give it a try. If you don't, then I don't recommend it at all.
I found the concept of Greek gods narrating the story cool but not enough to save the book especially since I thought they intervened too much, don't other people deserve the same special relationship? Also, there was no balance between the time each story got, we had two couples but only one got most of the spotlight. Why include two if we don't want to give them equal attention? The other couple was too important to be considered secondary set but also not important enough to be main characters.
As for the audiobook, it gets the green light from me! The voices of the gods were different and we had some music from time to time playing in a not annoying way in the background (for a short time).
The best part of the book was the audio, I recommend it if you want to read this book and it definitely helped me push through the book. By the end, I no longer cared about their story and God knows I should've dnf'ed it earlier (but I had no other audiobooks at the time so was stuck with it). While I knew this book isn't my usual cup of tea, I didn't expect to feel tired from all that romance listening to the audiobook. And while I cared about the characters at first, I couldn't gather enough energy in the second half to wonder what happens next.
Conclusion: only read this book if you love YA historicals with loooots of romance. Stay away from it otherwise....more
I don't have anything specific that I didn't like about this book but the story simply didn't pull me in. I didn't care about the characters. Also, thI don't have anything specific that I didn't like about this book but the story simply didn't pull me in. I didn't care about the characters. Also, the narrator sounded very weird imitating men's voices, wish she stayed more natural....more
I was not excited about The War of Two Queens . At all. I wanted to read this book however because I grew to care a lot about the characters in the prI was not excited about The War of Two Queens . At all. I wanted to read this book however because I grew to care a lot about the characters in the previous installments. Turns out, it is a complete mess.
I have so much to say about The War of Two Queens. I will give you a brief. But first, I shall describe this book in a few gifs. Also, spoilers will be hidden.
JLA writing this book; I have some cool idea. let's take it to the next level with the smut *proceeds to jump over 9532 levels* [image]
Awesome, now let's make the world history a bit more complex [image]
Perfect, the other books also lacked sex so you know it! [image]
Does it make sense? Does it even matter? [image]
Meanwhile, me: [image]
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bottom line >>> this book was a disaster; I was so bored reading it
In my previous reviews, I did a pros and cons review. However, I truly can't think of anything positive to say about this one. It wasn't even fun to read.
So here we go, the book is already 650+ pages so I'll try not to make this review too long.
I'll start by addressing the points I mentioned in my pre-review and evaluate if there were any changes regarding those matters.
Pre review Dear Jennifer,
I have gathered a few recommendations that many readers -who enjoyed book 1 and 2 but not 3- and I agree upon: - Please stop repeating the questions and the "incident/inappropriate" remarks, how sssssspecial Poppy is, stabbing comments, Poppy’s favorite book... SO MANY REMARKS OF THIS KIND. Especially "inappropriate, indecent, unseemly & co" Stabbing comments STILL HERE. That infamous book wasn't mentioned a lot but one is too many. Poppy is getting even more sssspecial and so are the comments about this.
- Let's also not make her overpowered? Thank you. IT GETS SO MUCH WORSE.
- There's no need to make things complex. We were enjoying the books as they were. It's obvious that this wasn't the intention (having an "advanced" world-building) in book 1. I'm not even going to assume I understand half of the things JLA made up in this book. She just tries too hard to make things more complex and man how annoying that became.
- Or even more importantly, let's cut the fillers. - Let's have some damn plot please in the middle of the book. - Having a 600 pages book does not make us want to read it more... we'd love fewer pages actually. It would've made the books much better. - Let's reduce Poppy's monologues I BEG YOU. I know them now by heart. I won't say monologues as much as necessary words. The book was 200 pages too long. This book was way too long. In tWoTQ more events occur compared to the previous installment but at the same time, so many filler scenes. So many scenes I could've completely done without.
- Even as a nonnative English speaker, I assure you, using lots of three dots (ellipsis) isn't a sign of good writing when used often. I believe the writing improved in this one.
These are a few tips from someone who was enjoying immensely the books in the past and wish to continue having a fun time with those lovable characters.
Yours Sincerely, Nic
Back to the review: I have been in what you call a "liking books" slump. I am reading but not really connecting with the books I pick up. I don't feel anything reading other than boredom sometimes. But not annoyance. And how annoyed I was when it came to some scenes in tWoTW.
I'll start by talking about the elephant in the room. Kieran. The development of this BS relation was completely unnecessary. I used to like Kieran but the turn the events took in this book was out of character and doesn't add up to what we've seen from the characters so far. I wanted him to have his own story without intermingling in every single aspect of his life with Poppy and Casteel. But no. It's too much to ask. He had to flirt with his imprisoned bestie's wife. Think "indecently" of her. It's just ew. Many already discussed this so I won't go further. What annoyed me the most is how this new role of Kieran affected the writing of Casteel.
Cas just wasn't the same in this book. It's like what made us love him in the previous books, his character, was overshadowed by Poppy's (he mostly thought about sleeping with her, loving her) and basically his worship of Poppy which is a true shame because he is so much better than that. The writing of his character lacked effort and was superficial. My favorite thing about the series is this couple and I said in an old review that I don't think I'll get tired from reading about them but I DID. Because everything is so repetitive and underwhelming at this point since I have read so many pages about them. And since the events are only "typical" and the sex "enough already". The depth of their relationship dimmed.
Instead, JLA tried to get him more and more smutty, dirty, touching upon untraditional sexual things in this genre, and it was soooo boring. And watching this made me cringe. We had way too many sex scenes at timings that made zero sense.
For instance, this affected a particular event and made me so annoyed. HOW can people who are rulers be so stupid... there were two instances that were worse than the rest (that I remember at least):
(view spoiler)[After freeing Cas, he basically recovered by having sex, and instead of escaping, Poppy and Casteel spent their time having sex instead of fleeing as far away as possible and then got caught, and their hosts were killed in the process. They didn't even think "hey why did we stay here".
The other thing that annoyed me is that towards the end, they went ahead and did the queen's bidding just because they didn't want Kieran to die, even if the cons killed many people. They did the whole joining thing just so he doesn't die. How the events unfolded at the end was very stupid.
I really can't believe how they risked endangering the whole world just to make sure 1000% that Kieran won't die. It honestly seems to me that they have done more harm than good so far by contributing, even if unwillingly/unknowingly to the comeback of this god (or something like that). (hide spoiler)]
Another thing that annoyed me is how overpowered is Poppy. I know I have mentioned this already but I need to stress how ridiculous all of this is. JUST SETTLE. Changing what she is in every book gets old and unimaginative very fast. The plot is just recycled in many aspects in tWoTQ.
Furthermore, I don't get the history thing. It truly seems to me just JLA is just making up stuff as she goes. Trying to add extra layers to her story so it's not just smut-why the books are selling (or so she thinks)- was so damn tiring because I DO NOT WANT TO READ THE HISTORY IN THE 4TH FUCKING BOOK. I am mentally prepared to read about the world's history in book 1 and even 2. Pay attention to any foreshadowing. But the freakin 4th? No. I am mentally too tired to keep up with things that aren't planned from the start. I have read enough books to spot the difference.
As for the secondary characters, I really couldn't bring myself to care about any of them. Maybe Malik but that's about it. The rest are just a blur because while JLA tried to make them relevant to the story, I simply couldn't stay focused when it came to their scenes.
Also, there was not much "War" going on. With such a title, I expected much more.
I can go on and on about some points but that's the gist of it. I didn't like this book at all and while I'll be reading the sequel, I am certainly not excited about it. I expected to at least have fun or get engaged in the story but nope. I was so bored instead and irritated regarding the way JLA handled some characters/scenes. It's a major disappointment and truly a sad thing because I always wanted more fantasy + a bit of smut books. But if I want to read fantasy where the main theme is the romance and the smut, there are better, shorter, and more straightforward books out there....more
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