amy_harboredinpages's reviews
1327 reviews

The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

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challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

An epic saga of historical fiction inspired by the building of the Kingsbridge Cathedral. This tale follows a builder who drems of building a beautiful Cathedral,  and the Prior who dreams of giving his flock such a place of worship and peace. But many would see this fail in order to hide a secret, or for their own gain in royal favors, and one who'll go to devastating lengths to save face after being spurned. Lovers torn apart by oaths sworn, and what I feel is a highly satisfying ending... 
The Exile by Ryan Cahill

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I was hoping to read more about these characters and know their back story. I was also hoping to find out how one of my favorite side characters knew Dayne! I wasn't disappointed and very satisfied. ... well, not completely because I really want book 4 as I am not ready to let this story go just yet.
Of War and Ruin by Ryan Cahill

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adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

The 3rd just keeps the momentum of the story going. I wish I had book 4 right now so that I could jump back into the world. One of the side characters we are introduced to in this book is now my favorite of all the sides. Cheeky saucy side characters that have me laughing out loud... Yes, thank you! A little comic relief in the dark moments is much appreciated. 👌 
Of Darkness and Light by Ryan Cahill

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful lighthearted mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I loved this from beginning to end... and now I want more... there was so much building onto the first book, taking us towards the next. I love thecbond Calen has with his dragon. I can't wait to read the next book!
A Drowned Kingdom by P.L. Stuart

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adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

As began my reading I found myself wanting to know how the kingdom drowned, and why so many were lost during this event. where would these survivors go, how would they rebuild... so many questions... as the book ended... who to trust... political/royal machinations... betrayal... more questions... I will just have yo puck ip book 2...
A Time of Courage by John Gwynne

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful lighthearted mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I loved the narration. I love every battle scene, and following each POV as they experienced them. A satisfying end, IMHO.  Loved my entire journey in the Banished Lands. Truth and Courage!
A Time of Blood by John Gwynne

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

here was everything to like... more carnage of battle, more battles, more heros in the making... and enemies to vanguish.... and oh my the twist at the end... oh yes more more more!
A Time of Dread by John Gwynne

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adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I was pleasantly surprised to find myself back in The Banished Lands 100 yrs after the final battle in Wrath, book 4 of The Faithful and The Fallen.  Evil afoot and dread creeping in... animal companions,  and a people who fight with honor... yes, yes, yes... OH, such edge of my seat hand to hand, blade to blade, combat!! I've cried more than once, and laughed just a little. I love these characters. Truth and Courage!
The Winter of the Witch by Katherine Arden

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful lighthearted mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Great conclusion to the trilogy. So happy to have saved this for a winter read. Very fitting for the season. I appreciated the historical events with a magical twist. Vasha learns some difficult lessons about choice, and the importance of people making their own in the end. I also cried a couple of times. I  would definitely recommend this trilogy.
Bring Me Your Midnight by Rachel Griffin

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adventurous emotional hopeful lighthearted mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Beautiful story. I loved the atmospheric writing. The descriptions of how the magic of nature felt was beautiful.