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bookrecsbyjess's reviews
934 reviews
Shield of the Mighty by Connilyn Cossette
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for the ARC and finished copy of Shield of the Mighty by Connilyn Cossette. All opinions are my own.
Last year, I read the first book in this series called Voice of the Ancient. I really enjoyed that book and was excited to be back in that world. Shield of the Mighty far exceeded my expectations. It was just so good that I didn’t want to put it down!
This biblical fiction story has so many great aspects to it including romance, a surprising plot, a focus on family, and spiritual growth. I loved this book from start to finish, and I was surprised by so much of the plot, and I loved the characters so much that I kept wanting to pick this book back up. I can’t wait to see where this story goes in the future.
One of my favorite parts about this book was the romance. While the first book in this series had romance, I feel like it was a bit more of the focus in this story. I loved Zevi and Yochana and their many interactions. While Zevi wasn’t justified in his actions early on, I liked that he learned from those mistakes and that Yochana was such a forgiving person. I think that they both suited each other so well and really brought out the best in each other.
Besides the romance, both main characters grew so much as people. It was beautiful to see how they grew spiritually and how they allowed themselves to learn from their mistakes and not stay set in their old beliefs. They both had past trauma to deal with, and I liked seeing them be vulnerable with each other and the people around them.
The plot in this story was so exciting and had so many unexpected twists and turns. There was a moment in particular that I gasped out loud because I was so shocked. The unexpectedness of a lot of the plot made this story so exciting, and it kept my interest the whole time.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone (even if you aren’t a Christian) because the story is just so unique and interesting. I can’t wait to see what happens next for these characters!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Kidnapping, Murder, and War
The Enemy by Sarah Adams
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
When the Day Comes by Gabrielle Meyer
Did not finish book. Stopped at 45%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 45%.
I’m just not in the right headspace for this book right now.
Beneath These Cursed Stars by Lexi Ryan
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Thank you to Harper Teen for the ARC of Beneath These Cursed Stars by Lexi Ryan. All opinions are my own.
Before reading this book, I read both These Hollow Vows and These Twisted Bonds and loved both of them. I was so excited to read this first book in this spin-off series, and it did not disappoint!
If you haven’t read the These Hollow Vows duology, I would recommend reading them first because a lot of the world building takes place in those books, and this book takes place after those two books.
Unlike the other books in this world, Beneath These Cursed Stars mainly follows two points of view and an additional POV at the end of the book. I really liked reading from all the different perspectives, and I enjoyed the romances of each main character.
The first POV in the story is Jasalyn, Brie’s sister. She is living as a scared princess by day and a maiden of death by night. When the opportunity arises to team up with Kendrick, a man she met when imprisoned by Mordeus, she decides to take it. In order to be able to leave without Brie knowing, she agrees to allow Felicity, a shapeshifter, to take her place. Thinking she’s Jasalyn, Brie sends Felicity to go stay with King Misha in his court, where she gets to know him while trying prevent the fated prophecy about herself from coming true.
I loved both Jasalyn and Felicity as main characters, and I enjoyed the romances between them and their respective love interests. There were a lot of cute moments that made me smile.
The plot of this book was so fun, and the story ended in a way that makes me want the next book immediately. I hope that I don’t have to wait too long for it!
I listened to the audiobook for this book and really enjoyed the narrators. I thought they did such a great job, and I liked how both main characters had different narrators.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this book!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gore, Sexual content, Torture, and Murder
The Match by Sarah Adams
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing and Medical content
Minor: Sexual content
The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan
Did not finish book. Stopped at 36%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 36%.
I think I’m just too old to enjoy reading this for a first time now.
Under the Surface by Diana Urban
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Thank you to PRH Audio for the ALC and Penguin Teen for the ARC and finished copy of Under the Surface by Diana Urban. All opinions are my own.
Under the Surface is not something I would typically read because I tend to avoid most thrillers. However, the synopsis really intrigued me, so I decided to give it a try. I am so glad that I did!
This book sucked me in from the very beginning. I loved how the author used dual points of view to tell the story because it really added to the tension. Ruby’s point of view was filled with not only the issues surrounding the four students trapped in the catacombs, but she was also dealing with friendships and her feelings towards Sean. In Sean’s point of view, I loved getting to see how much he cared for Ruby as well as how he was able to put clues together and get past his need to follow rules in order to try to find Ruby.
The author did a great job describing the catacombs so that I was able to easily picture them as I listened to the story. They felt so lifelike, and the descriptions added to the intensity of the book.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Rebecca Soler (one of my favorite audiobook narrators) and Max Meyers (a new to me narrator). This format of the book was excellent! The narrators really added to the pacing and emotions of the story. I’d definitely recommend this format!
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone, whether you usually read thrillers or not. Since it’s a young adult thriller, the gore and creepiness is there without being too much for someone like me that gets scared easily. It also would be great for teens that are interested in this genre because it’s age appropriate and deals with some of the social issues that they might be facing.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Cursing, Death, Gore, Blood, and Murder