authorkristenelizabeth's reviews
34 reviews

Philip's Rules by Golden Angel

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emotional funny lighthearted tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Philip's Rules is all about vibes. It's a historical romance and very heavy on the romance aspect. The plot isn't as in-depth, but it's because the book is mostly character driven. I knew what I was getting into when I started - purely romance and spice. The spicy scenes did what they needed - I loved them! All in all, this is a good romance if you're looking for something a little naughty!
Cursed King: Ringdweller Series #2 by Brady Hunsaker

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adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious sad tense 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? Yes

4.75

Wow! This book had me on my toes the entire time. The twists that kept coming - never expected them at all. The character development of Migo is so well done. I love that he's become more open minded to shamans following the first book (no spoilers don't worry!)

Katsi is still a bad ass and I love her. I cannot wait to see what happens in book 3 with her and her powers. I'm so nervous!

My favorite side characters had to be the twins, Emil and Rivar. Definitely a hoot and some much needed comedic relief at the right time.

Great read in an ever-evolving magic based world!
Scorned Prince by Brady Hunsaker

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adventurous emotional funny mysterious tense 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? Yes

4.5

I really enjoyed this book! This was a different take on the fantasy genre - the magic system is definitely unique and so is the setting. I really loved how the setting played into the plot and almost seemed like another character. Migo and Katsi are opposites but you know what they say....opposites attract! There were some moments that I'd wanted more drawn out, but overall this book is great. I love Hatan and his wisdom - we need him in the real world. I'm excited to continue the series and see where this goes!
The Longest Autumn by Amy Avery

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challenging dark emotional 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? Yes

4.0

This was a breath of fresh air in fantasy. I really enjoyed how the Gods are portrayed and how they interact with those of the faith. Tirne was a great protagonist (although I did question her motives plenty of times, iykyk) and the mystery surrounding the incident kept me guessing. It was only towards the end that I finally figured out what was going on and who caused all the problems. A great mystery laced with deceit - I thoroughly enjoyed the journey this book took me on! I wish there was a bit more lore in the book, but I can understand first person POV only provides so much without info-dumping.
The Lost Queen by Allan Frewin Jones

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

4.0

A great continuation of The Faerie Path series. This was definitely a bit faster pace-wise than the first book as it picks up from Tania and Edric coming back into the mortal world. I will say that the later half of the book is definitely more action packed than the first. I definitely enjoyed reading the escapes from the gray knights and how resourceful Tania becomes. I'll definitely be getting books 3 to 6 so I can read the entire series.
Onyx & Ivory by Mindee Arnett

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

5.0

Wow, this was a roller-coaster ride. I loved this story - especially as more questions kept coming. I definitely misinterpreted some characters and I'm glad I did. The journey this took me on - especially within the last hundred or so pages - was amazing. I loved the world building and the glimpses you got of how the kingdom of Rime worked from different perspectives. The magic system was interesting as well with the threat of dangerous creatures and even more dangerous people. I don't wanna give anything away at all - I can't wait to get the next book and follow Kate and Corwin's journey again!
Godkiller by Hannah Kaner

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adventurous dark emotional funny lighthearted mysterious sad tense 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? Yes

5.0

I was definitely not expecting the plot of this to play out the way it had. Godkiller sucked me in from the first sentence and kept me wanting more. It is filled with witty banter, flawed characters that may or may not be redeemable, and an interesting magic system full of twists and turns. I loved Kissen, Inara, and Elo's developed camaraderie throughout their journey. A must read if you want a fresh take in the fantasy genre!
An Extravagant Death by Charles Finch

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mysterious reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

This is definitely not my usual genre to read. While the premise was interesting, the story itself was very slow moving. I did like the investigation of the murder, but it took me days to actually get into reading this book. If you like a solid whodunit, this will be right up your alley. I had a couple theories towards the end of the book and was pleasantly surprised by the ending. It is a good book, just a bit too slow and a bit drawn out for my tastes. I believe it is part of a larger series as well - but it doesn't seem to be directly related to earlier books if that is the case.
The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent

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

4.5

This is a semi-rollercoaster of emotions within a vampire competition. I was a bit hesitant to read this at first, but it completely went beyond my expectations. I really enjoyed the banter between Raihn and Oraya - watching them become true allies in a competition designed for death was heartwarming. I would like to have seen more behind the lore of the world - I really enjoyed the interludes as they provided perspective into Vincent's decisions and Oraya's life in the Night Palace. This is gory and bloody at all the right times - just hold on to your hat for some unexpected twists! I'll definitely be picking up book 2 and any others within the universe.
Circe by Madeline Miller

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

4.5

This took me a long time to get into - it has a very slow start. Once there was drama and action, I really got into it. I loved the twist that Madeline Miller put into Circe's life and her struggles. Seeing her become someone other than broken was really refreshing. It was a nice take on an old Greek mythology tale. I do wish the start had been more interesting, but I think the rest of the novel makes up for that. Definitely a read for you if you like Greek mythology!