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cleolindbooks's reviews
185 reviews
A Betrayal of Storms: Realm of Fey by Ben Alderson
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Thank you so much to Angry Robots for the arc! I was given a physical copy for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I am a bit shocked, but I actually enjoyed that a lot more than I thought I was going to. I have previously read Ben Alderson’s book and It is very hit or miss for me. I found A Betrayal of Storms to be pretty entertaining and fun to read but there were a few things that I didn’t love.
✨the plot✨
Well, I have to admit the overall pot in world of this book are a bit general, I am 110% not mad at it. It is a Fae world with magic loosely connected to the different seasons/fae courts. There is a war brewing between fae and humans with Robin being the sole person able to delay it. Heavy chosen one vibes with a big dash of romance and a bit of intrigue.
Now, despite the story and world being nothing new, it was still very enjoyable book. I found myself liking the pacing, especially with how the romance proceeds. I do think there needs to be a bit more worldbuilding/explanation but overall the world wasn’t too complex, so it was easy to fill in some of the gaps. I wish we got a bit more explanation on the courts as I’m still confused which ones which. I do think the lack of information given about the hunters and the hand is more intentional as it reflects how little the characters know so I’m good with it as long as we get more info in the next books.
⚜️the characters⚜️
I really really liked Robin. He was just kind of funny and generally sassy and a bit witty. He takes these changes in stride and it’s a very refreshing main character for a fae fantasy story. While there’s obviously a learning curve and struggles that he face in regard to his heritage, his magic, and his court, he takes it in stride and utilizes his power and authority. he does not let people push him around and is fully capable of speaking up for himself. His characterization avoids a lot of standard tropes for this type of story and a very, very glad about that.
Erix is great and is such a good match to Robin. After reading the bonus chapter, I kind of wish this was dual POV because I love how entranced he is with Robin and getting to see how wonderful he thinks Robin is. I’ve been wanting a book where the characters get together and like stay together while supporting each other and working for their cause and this is looking like it is exactly what I wanted in that regard. Excited for the other books and I hope they don’t have any miscommunication or third act break ups.
Also not gonna lie, I was low-key kind of rooting for Tarron for a hot sec but I blame that because he’s just very suave and shiny.
🖤the spice and the romance🌶️
1/5 spice level
There were only two spicy scenes plus the bonus chapter which actually ended up being my favorite spicy scene. Being completely honest, I did not like the spicy scenes. I felt like they weren’t as well written and came across as very rushed. The spice felt like an afterthought and came off as a bit bland. For two characters who had such an instant connection, there was almost no passion or spark in the scenes.
The romance is a lot better than the spice in my opinion. While it is very quick with the characters instantly being drawn to one another, I didn’t mind it in this case. They were extremely well suited to one another and I actually thought it was a great change of pace from an all of the slow burn/enemies to lovers that I’ve been seeing lately. It wasn’t insta-love either. I think it was the perfect middle ground and was one of the best parts of the book.
Overall, well, this isn’t the most unique story I have ever read. I still really enjoyed it and will most likely be continuing with this series!
I am a bit shocked, but I actually enjoyed that a lot more than I thought I was going to. I have previously read Ben Alderson’s book and It is very hit or miss for me. I found A Betrayal of Storms to be pretty entertaining and fun to read but there were a few things that I didn’t love.
✨the plot✨
Well, I have to admit the overall pot in world of this book are a bit general, I am 110% not mad at it. It is a Fae world with magic loosely connected to the different seasons/fae courts. There is a war brewing between fae and humans with Robin being the sole person able to delay it. Heavy chosen one vibes with a big dash of romance and a bit of intrigue.
Now, despite the story and world being nothing new, it was still very enjoyable book. I found myself liking the pacing, especially with how the romance proceeds. I do think there needs to be a bit more worldbuilding/explanation but overall the world wasn’t too complex, so it was easy to fill in some of the gaps. I wish we got a bit more explanation on the courts as I’m still confused which ones which. I do think the lack of information given about the hunters and the hand is more intentional as it reflects how little the characters know so I’m good with it as long as we get more info in the next books.
⚜️the characters⚜️
I really really liked Robin. He was just kind of funny and generally sassy and a bit witty. He takes these changes in stride and it’s a very refreshing main character for a fae fantasy story. While there’s obviously a learning curve and struggles that he face in regard to his heritage, his magic, and his court, he takes it in stride and utilizes his power and authority. he does not let people push him around and is fully capable of speaking up for himself. His characterization avoids a lot of standard tropes for this type of story and a very, very glad about that.
Erix is great and is such a good match to Robin. After reading the bonus chapter, I kind of wish this was dual POV because I love how entranced he is with Robin and getting to see how wonderful he thinks Robin is. I’ve been wanting a book where the characters get together and like stay together while supporting each other and working for their cause and this is looking like it is exactly what I wanted in that regard. Excited for the other books and I hope they don’t have any miscommunication or third act break ups.
Also not gonna lie, I was low-key kind of rooting for Tarron for a hot sec but I blame that because he’s just very suave and shiny.
🖤the spice and the romance🌶️
1/5 spice level
There were only two spicy scenes plus the bonus chapter which actually ended up being my favorite spicy scene. Being completely honest, I did not like the spicy scenes. I felt like they weren’t as well written and came across as very rushed. The spice felt like an afterthought and came off as a bit bland. For two characters who had such an instant connection, there was almost no passion or spark in the scenes.
The romance is a lot better than the spice in my opinion. While it is very quick with the characters instantly being drawn to one another, I didn’t mind it in this case. They were extremely well suited to one another and I actually thought it was a great change of pace from an all of the slow burn/enemies to lovers that I’ve been seeing lately. It wasn’t insta-love either. I think it was the perfect middle ground and was one of the best parts of the book.
Overall, well, this isn’t the most unique story I have ever read. I still really enjoyed it and will most likely be continuing with this series!
Shoestring Theory by Mariana Costa
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Huge thanks to Angry Robots for the arc copy to read and review!
Now, this is an unbelievably unique and well-written story about love, betrayal, obsession, cowardice, and family. I REALLY enjoyed this story, but it is very different from the story I was expecting. I would NOT describe this as cozy or romantasy. This is a fascinatingly uncanny fantasy with a tragic and vividly gripping presence that is more similar to This is How You Lose The Time War than Legends and Lattes. From the start of the book, I was holding my breath over what would happen next.
✨the plot✨
One of the best things about this story is how the author manages to give so much to the reader without spoiling the ending. The book starts at the end of the story for Cryil; We know how their first lives ended up, but with so much missing. This book masterfully weaves the past and current lives to slowly and masterfully unfurl the mystery. I was disconcerted when starting the book over where the characters ended up in their first lives, but by the completion of the book, I was awed by the author's ability to create such an intricate and intriguing storyline. I don't believe I have ever read a book quite like this. The only comparison I can think of is Erin Morgenstern, and even that is slightly different.
✨the characters✨
Cyril is such an interesting main character because as much as you love him, I was also so frustrated by him. He is a regular person who makes mistakes and doesn't always see things clearly. Both Cryil and Eufrates are great examples of flawed main characters who still want to succeed and be happy despite all their major issues. Despite everything, they still loved each other even when it became twisted and hopeless, but the darkness was still shown as bad and not something that could be expected. There was no glorification of the twistedness but instead a deep yearning for the wholesome and pure love they once had. Cyril loved Eurfrates so much but still tried so hard to prevent the disaster of the world, even if it meant losing him. UGH, the development and twists throughout the story are just so good. also, both Tigras and Helene are such badass characters!
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, but it is definitely being mislabeled! This is a dramatic and thought-provoking fantasy with twists and turns. There are heavy themes of death, murder, abuse, and control. This is such a good book but I have to say I think the marketing is going to do it a huge disservice.
Now, this is an unbelievably unique and well-written story about love, betrayal, obsession, cowardice, and family. I REALLY enjoyed this story, but it is very different from the story I was expecting. I would NOT describe this as cozy or romantasy. This is a fascinatingly uncanny fantasy with a tragic and vividly gripping presence that is more similar to This is How You Lose The Time War than Legends and Lattes. From the start of the book, I was holding my breath over what would happen next.
✨the plot✨
One of the best things about this story is how the author manages to give so much to the reader without spoiling the ending. The book starts at the end of the story for Cryil; We know how their first lives ended up, but with so much missing. This book masterfully weaves the past and current lives to slowly and masterfully unfurl the mystery. I was disconcerted when starting the book over where the characters ended up in their first lives, but by the completion of the book, I was awed by the author's ability to create such an intricate and intriguing storyline. I don't believe I have ever read a book quite like this. The only comparison I can think of is Erin Morgenstern, and even that is slightly different.
✨the characters✨
Cyril is such an interesting main character because as much as you love him, I was also so frustrated by him. He is a regular person who makes mistakes and doesn't always see things clearly. Both Cryil and Eufrates are great examples of flawed main characters who still want to succeed and be happy despite all their major issues. Despite everything, they still loved each other even when it became twisted and hopeless, but the darkness was still shown as bad and not something that could be expected. There was no glorification of the twistedness but instead a deep yearning for the wholesome and pure love they once had. Cyril loved Eurfrates so much but still tried so hard to prevent the disaster of the world, even if it meant losing him. UGH, the development and twists throughout the story are just so good. also, both Tigras and Helene are such badass characters!
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, but it is definitely being mislabeled! This is a dramatic and thought-provoking fantasy with twists and turns. There are heavy themes of death, murder, abuse, and control. This is such a good book but I have to say I think the marketing is going to do it a huge disservice.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide, Blood, Murder, and War
Minor: Body horror and Panic attacks/disorders
Immortal Dark by Tigest Girma
Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown Young Readers for the e-arc!
It's an absolute masterpiece. Dark, dramatic, seductive, and violent! This is one of the best vampire books I have ever read. In this book we follow Kidan as she infiltrates a vampire school in order to find her missing sister. Her only lead is the vampire Susenyos who is as tempting for her as he is dangerous. Their violent tempers clash as both try to master the house and each other. This book really dives into humanity and the idea of falsely perceiving goodness and evilness.
This is is a textbook example of what I want when I say I want dark academia. The story is violent, cruel, and beautiful, with seams of humanity, death, and loss masterfully woven through. Kidan is willing to do anything and everything; she truly is a vengeful and ruthless woman, and I adore her for that. Her journey throughout the story is seeped in cruelty, anger, and temptation. Every twist and decision leaves you needing to know what she's going to do next. But she's not only that. She is narrow-minded and ruthless to a violent extreme, but she is also human and damaged. One of the things I love about her character is that it shows both sides of her humanity. The book shows that she is willing to do anything to protect those she deems worthy, but its impact on her soul is still there. NOW FOR THE TENSION. THE CONNECTION. THE HATRED BETWEEN HER AND SUSENYOS. This is enemies to reluctant allies to enemies to back to allies to lovers to back to enemies and so on. Their relationship is everything. They are so drawn to each other because of how well they mirror each other's brutality, savagery, and desire. this book also brings so much emotion with the conclusion. I did guest from the very beginning that June left voluntarily but the way that it unfolded was just so good I'm not even mad about it. After everything Kidan did to save June and June just leaving her sister in the dark like that was unbelievably cruel. She even knew that her sister thought she was getting abducted and basically just went well but I hope she forgets about me.
Overall I did really enjoy the plot! There were some twists that I didn't expect, and there were some that I totally guessed, but it was a solid mix of both. There were some plot holes or plot issues but generally, I enjoyed the story. Mainly it was some things that were said to be an issue, either not really an issue or things made into an issue seemingly for a reason. The ones that really stood out to me is when a constantly kept saying that only one person could pass but then they all did as well as why the two people who literally just killed GK would then immediately agree like 10 minutes later to bring him back as a vampire after murdering him.
It's an absolute masterpiece. Dark, dramatic, seductive, and violent! This is one of the best vampire books I have ever read. In this book we follow Kidan as she infiltrates a vampire school in order to find her missing sister. Her only lead is the vampire Susenyos who is as tempting for her as he is dangerous. Their violent tempers clash as both try to master the house and each other. This book really dives into humanity and the idea of falsely perceiving goodness and evilness.
This is is a textbook example of what I want when I say I want dark academia. The story is violent, cruel, and beautiful, with seams of humanity, death, and loss masterfully woven through. Kidan is willing to do anything and everything; she truly is a vengeful and ruthless woman, and I adore her for that. Her journey throughout the story is seeped in cruelty, anger, and temptation. Every twist and decision leaves you needing to know what she's going to do next. But she's not only that. She is narrow-minded and ruthless to a violent extreme, but she is also human and damaged. One of the things I love about her character is that it shows both sides of her humanity. The book shows that she is willing to do anything to protect those she deems worthy, but its impact on her soul is still there. NOW FOR THE TENSION. THE CONNECTION. THE HATRED BETWEEN HER AND SUSENYOS. This is enemies to reluctant allies to enemies to back to allies to lovers to back to enemies and so on. Their relationship is everything. They are so drawn to each other because of how well they mirror each other's brutality, savagery, and desire.
Overall I did really enjoy the plot! There were some twists that I didn't expect, and there were some that I totally guessed, but it was a solid mix of both. There were some plot holes or plot issues but generally, I enjoyed the story. Mainly it was some things that were said to be an issue, either not really an issue or things made into an issue seemingly for a reason.
The City in Glass by Nghi Vo
dark
emotional
fast-paced
4.0
Thank you so much for the advanced readers copy! I received a copy to read and review, but all opinions and thoughts are my own🖤
What is it love and hate the cycle of death and resurrection? Can destruction itself ever be loved?
Beautiful, tragic, and soul wrenching. This was the first book I have read by Nghi Vo and I am stunned by the beauty and pain woven throughout the story. She manages to capture the unknowable grief only an immortal and unknowable being could possibly feel.
This book is in love story not only between an Angel and a demon, but between a demon and her city. As the city is destroyed and reborn and destroyed and reborn, with the reader, see the cycle that time has. That the growth transformation and death are all a part of the world regardless of the grief and pain it inspires.
This is unbelievably beautifully written book, but I’m not gonna lie, I don’t think I’m smart enough to understand the ending. I was utterly captivated from the moment I started this book. The prose is eloquent and poetic. The characters are both somehow human and other worldly. I felt so much of humanity reflected in them while also seen this unknowable pain.
What is it love and hate the cycle of death and resurrection? Can destruction itself ever be loved?
Beautiful, tragic, and soul wrenching. This was the first book I have read by Nghi Vo and I am stunned by the beauty and pain woven throughout the story. She manages to capture the unknowable grief only an immortal and unknowable being could possibly feel.
This book is in love story not only between an Angel and a demon, but between a demon and her city. As the city is destroyed and reborn and destroyed and reborn, with the reader, see the cycle that time has. That the growth transformation and death are all a part of the world regardless of the grief and pain it inspires.
This is unbelievably beautifully written book, but I’m not gonna lie, I don’t think I’m smart enough to understand the ending. I was utterly captivated from the moment I started this book. The prose is eloquent and poetic. The characters are both somehow human and other worldly. I felt so much of humanity reflected in them while also seen this unknowable pain.
The Fury of the Gods by John Gwynne
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
A humongous thank you to Orbit for the early copy!
Now, that is how to conclude a series! The Bloodsworn saga, from the start, has been an absolutely fantastic series filled with unbelievably well-written and developed characters, gripping and epic battles, and harrowing tales of loss and revenge. I am honestly sad the series is ending because it was that good.
the ending
The conclusion itself was written very well! The collision between the dragon, the rat, and the wolf was just as monumental and destructive as expected. Just like the second book, the pacing of this book was much better than that of the first book. Each book in the series gets better with its conclusions and battles. I was fully expecting one type of ending for the story, and at every turn, the author surprised me. Even in sections where I was 110% confident I guessed what happened, there would be some unexpected twist or element that I could've never predicted.
the characters
I am very sad that the tales of Varg, Elvar, and Orka are concluded! Overall, I think this book does a tremendous job of staying true to the character's desires and intentions that were set very early in the story. We still get to see the growth and development of these beloved characters while they also stay true to what they wanted from the very beginning. I can't even think of a single plot point or revenge line that wasn't concluded. Almost every character got the revenge, growth, and conclusion I hoped for.
That being said, I do wish we got to see a bit more of Elvira's growth. Throughout all of the books, I felt like her character had so much unrealized potential and depth that we only get to see a very small amount of. I loved the direction of her story and could see exactly what the author was trying to accomplish. However I do think we just needed a bit more on page transition for her. She was the only character I felt didn't get enough of that focus, so I didn't write this book 5 stars. I adore the book but with Elvar being such pivotal character whose narrative we explore from the beginning, her character felt the most rushed. She ended up where I wanted and expected, but that in between needed a bit more.I am so sad about Elvar and Enair! I love these characters, but I am so glad that they got the development and story that I wanted from them. The whole book I was hoping that Elvar would get that evolution she needed in order to free the thralls and I'm very excited that we got to see that before she died.
Now, that is how to conclude a series! The Bloodsworn saga, from the start, has been an absolutely fantastic series filled with unbelievably well-written and developed characters, gripping and epic battles, and harrowing tales of loss and revenge. I am honestly sad the series is ending because it was that good.
the ending
The conclusion itself was written very well! The collision between the dragon, the rat, and the wolf was just as monumental and destructive as expected. Just like the second book, the pacing of this book was much better than that of the first book. Each book in the series gets better with its conclusions and battles. I was fully expecting one type of ending for the story, and at every turn, the author surprised me. Even in sections where I was 110% confident I guessed what happened, there would be some unexpected twist or element that I could've never predicted.
the characters
I am very sad that the tales of Varg, Elvar, and Orka are concluded! Overall, I think this book does a tremendous job of staying true to the character's desires and intentions that were set very early in the story. We still get to see the growth and development of these beloved characters while they also stay true to what they wanted from the very beginning. I can't even think of a single plot point or revenge line that wasn't concluded. Almost every character got the revenge, growth, and conclusion I hoped for.
That being said, I do wish we got to see a bit more of Elvira's growth. Throughout all of the books, I felt like her character had so much unrealized potential and depth that we only get to see a very small amount of. I loved the direction of her story and could see exactly what the author was trying to accomplish. However I do think we just needed a bit more on page transition for her. She was the only character I felt didn't get enough of that focus, so I didn't write this book 5 stars. I adore the book but with Elvar being such pivotal character whose narrative we explore from the beginning, her character felt the most rushed. She ended up where I wanted and expected, but that in between needed a bit more.
The Hunger of the Gods by John Gwynne
4.25
This book made the series worth reading. The pacing is a lot better than the first book with the action starting up a lot sooner and being a bit more consistently spaced. I need to know what happens next and I cannot wait to start the next book.
Varg and Orka are my favorites and if anything happens to them I will be so sad. Same with Einar! I am getting very attached to these characters
Varg and Orka are my favorites and if anything happens to them I will be so sad. Same with Einar! I am getting very attached to these characters
The Storm of Echoes: Book Four of the Mirror Visitor Quartet by Christelle Dabos
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
5.0
I don’t think a book has ever impacted me as much as this book it. Never have I finished a book being so stunned, not only by the unequivocal excellence while also searching for more but knowing I will never find it. The bittersweet and heart wrenching ending is unfathomable.
This ending stayed true to everything these characters believed in.
This ending stayed true to everything these characters believed in.