beforethepagesgetcold's reviews
131 reviews

Starling House by Alix E. Harrow

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

I really liked this book in The end. The twists and turns were really fun and kept it interesting. I loved the gothic vibes and lore, once we learnt enough about it. Enjoyable read!
Phantasma by Kaylie Smith

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adventurous challenging dark emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I literally can't praise this book enough. I've enjoyed every second and the audio is just fantastic! 
Plot twists,  deadly trials and family secrets all clash with magic  forbidden romances and the paranormal. what is not to love!? 

I need to marinate on this a little, as I've just finished and have so many feelings 😂.

Just, if you're thinking about reading it, do it. it's so good, I definitely recommend this! I need more. 
Feather by Olivia Wildenstein

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful sad tense medium-paced
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.25

I didn't really know what to expect going into this. It is different from my ususal reads, but I enjoyed it!
I didn't see the plot going exactly where it went and how, but oh my god, the twists and the ending? I was speechless for a sec there. 

I really grew to love the characters, and have literally only marked down my stars for it, as at times I could've done with mor  plot but that is very much a me problem and not the books so don'  let that put you off. As I said it is different from what I'd usually read, so me yearnin  for more lore and background and world building is entirely a me a issue. There sis ome and it is well done and woven throughout the story well, I just wish there was more, and sooner. The steady drop feed does make it less cumbersome though so I can appreciate that 😊 
Bound & Tide by A.K. Caggiano

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-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 absolutely adore this book.

It is fantasy, it i  adventure, it is romcom, and it is personal growth, all rolled into one and it was just fantastic.

I loved seeing how the MMC Xander experiences growth throughout the story. He learns how to care and be cared for, to trust and share thoughts and feelings, and how to be brave and fight for what you love.
I love the FMC, Evangeline, and how she has Xander wrapped around her finger. 
The side characters are fleshed out and are very much a part of the main plot and I love that. The Urchins are lovely and I love how they make him realise he has feelings 😂  

I really do recommend this book highly if you're looking for a good time.
Tempting Auzed by Victoria Aveline

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adventurous emotional hopeful lighthearted

4.75

Saving Verakko by Victoria Aveline

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

I really loved one dark window, so was do excited to continue the story. 
This did not disappoint!! In fact, I perhaps even enjoyed this more,  as we learn a lot more about the characters in this book, and the trials they have to go through. There was more POVs and more action. I just loved every second of it 
A Crown of Ivy and Glass by Claire Legrand

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adventurous challenging emotional tense medium-paced
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

This book was so enjoyable!! It has all the feel good of a fantasy book, so cosy in thet sense, the familiarity and it leaning heavy on fantasy elements in the beginning and woven throughout. 
There are twists, turns, unique magic and transportation methods (no spoilers), twists, turns, mystery, curses, and a dash of romance.
What more could you want in a book? 
I really love the characters, and Gemma's (fmc) struggle with chronic pain, and ideation, are honestly so real. I instantly related and felt for her, throughout, while she is struggling with her body. But, she overcame it, and did what she had to, and I felt proud of her for that, and her new prayer.

The plot is interesting,  and I can't say I've read anything quote like it, which only added to the enjoyment 

In short, I recommend this book, for sure 😊
Prelude of Fire by Christine E. Schulze

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adventurous challenging emotional inspiring tense medium-paced
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

🔥 Perlude of Fire 🔥 

This amazing new addition to the world of YA high fantasy, written by the ever so lovely @christinee.schulze, is simply fantastic. This is the first book in a quartet, and I'm really excited to see where the rest of this story leads!

🔥 Spoiler free review 🔥 

The writing in this book is expertly done, it is so immersive, descriptive, and yet never overwhelming. 
The world is intricately crafted, and there are so many plot twists woven throughout the story, so many secrets to unravel, it is impossible to devour it all fast enough. Calling it a page turner just doesn't feel strong enough, like I just want to breathe the words in off the pages, float down into the world, and LIVE the story, somehow. 

Each of the characters in this story are so fully fleshed out, so uniquely individual, it is difficult not to love them as we get to know them. And we do *know* them, intrinsically, deeply, as we know a friend. Throughout the story, we get to experience their vulnerability,  their healing, their hope, all lending further to the immersive nature of the writing. 
It truly is all just so beautifully done.

One of my favourite tropes, as most probably know by now (perhaps), is found family, and the way it is executed in this book is nothing short of wonderful. It just gives you that cosy feel-good warm feeling, as every good example of it should accomplish (imo). 

The main character, Ashlai, will be sure to capture your heart, and never let it go. Her determination and strength throughout, as well as her growth and development, are handled so well, you honestly feel like you're learning alongside her, growing with her, and it makes the story all the more compelling.

Though the story starts a little slowly, it is gripping and works well for the events that take place and what the beginning of the book is building up to. Trust me, it makes sense, everything is portrayed perfectly. Fear not 😂

🔥 Perfect for people who love LoTR, Zelda, Quest and HP
Freeing Luka by Victoria Aveline

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.25

I'm really loving that witg each book, we get to know more and more of the world, the happenings, and the plot comes together. This series actually has a pretty good story line, the more that i  revealed, the more I am enjoying th  premise.

I also love how these are perfect pallete cleansing books, as while they have plot, and some darker themes such as alien abduction, the stories of each character we meet is so sweet and wholesome, the mmcs are so caring and lovely, and the fmcs become so happy and work to thei  strengths, and are saved from thei  abductors thus far and find happiness. It is nice for things to be resolves quickly, and not mega high stakes, and just cute for once. I'm so here for it!!