bellebookcorner's reviews
1251 reviews

Scythe and Pen by A.C. Hobbs

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dark mysterious tense 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

4.5

Calling all dark fantasy lovers—you need to grab this book asap!

Especially if you love:

• Enemies to brothers
• Slow-burn romance
• Heists and political intrigue
• Angels and demons
• Hades/Persephone vibes

There’s a lot going on in this story from the murder mystery to vampires-human political intrigue and gangsters.

Numerous dark secrets and hidden agendas make it difficult to know which character to trust as I read this story.

The book is divided into four parts.

The first part felt slightly slow due to the introduction of characters and the world-building, but things started to get a lot more interesting by the second part. By the third and fourth part I couldn’t put my Kindle down!

The characters are complex and well-developed.

Gabriella's character development is particularly striking, as she undergoes significant changes after what she learned and went through.

I was also deeply invested in Hades, who remains a dark enigma with uncertain motives. Despite his ambiguity, I absolutely adore the brother-friend complex relationship between Hades and Demetrius throughout the story!

The romance wasn’t the centre of the plot but added a great touch. Seeing the forbidden romance between a politician and an assassin, as well as the enemies-to-lovers romance between the mafia boss and a journalist, was intriguing.

I’m looking forward to see more of them in the next book!

Overall, this is a remarkably well-written story with a massive cliff-hanger ending and a gripping storyline. Such a page turner!

I’m definitely keeping an eye out for the sequel once it comes out!

Thank you to Book of Matches Media and the author for giving me an e-ARC of the book and for having me on this book tour. I’m leaving this review voluntarily!

Content Warnings

The Academy of the Dead by Vermilion H. Baine

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense 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

Academy of the Dead is the 2nd book in the the Haunted Creatures, Haunted Places series but don’t worry-it can be read as a standalone.

I didn’t read the 1st book and I completely enjoy the whole story without feeling like I missed anything!

The delicious tension of academic rivals turning to a burning and swoony romance, combined with dark family secrets kept my eyes glued to my kindle, making this one so hard to put down!

Maddox and Atticus have a complex love-hate relationship, it was fascinating to see how their relationship developed as the story progressed.

I adore the slow-burn chemistry between them. They clearly had history and something happened that left me dying to know what Atticus was hiding from Maddox.

The unique, dark and enchanting world-building complete with fey, necromancers and the green witches was captivating.

I absolutely loved Maddox’s big family-they’re chaotic behaviour really livened up the story. I admired the love they have for each other, seeing as they never treat Maddox differently for being a necromancer in the family.

The last few pages are quite intense as dark secrets were revealed and the stakes got higher,

I was on the edge of my seat the whole time wondering the fate of Maddox and Atticus.

Overall, this is such a page turner!

A very well-written story - I’m definitely coming back for more of this series!

If you’re looking for a dark romantasy with gothic vibes, academic rivals to lovers, spicy slow burn romance, dark secrets and a redemption arc then this book is perfect for you!

⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: Friendship breakup, lying, familial betrayal, complicated and toxic sibling relationship, funerals, loss of family member, eldest son trauma, alcohol use, grave-digging, hellraising, dark magic, necromancy, toxic family, violence, swordplay, open door romance, light and consensual breath play, possession, exorcisms, body horror, insect horror.

Thank you to Book of Matches Media and the author for giving me an e-ARC of the book and for having me on this book tour. I’m leaving this review voluntarily!

Content Warnings

A Crane Among Wolves by June Hur

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adventurous challenging dark emotional inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and it definitely won’t be the last.

The intriguing storyline, combine with great writing style, vivid setting, and loveable characters, kept me flipping the pages for more!

The plot was easy to follow despite a lot of things going on like saving Iseul’s sister, the murder mystery investigation as well as defeating the tyrant king.

However, I found the timing of the big reveal for the murder mystery slightly odd.

Initially, I found Iseul slightly annoying due to her spoiled behavior, but as the story progressed and she faced the harsh realities of her world, Iseul grew on me.

I’m a huge fan of found family trope and I loved seeing Iseul find hers with Yul and Wonsik!

The romance as a subplot added a nice touch to the story, seeing Daehyun and Iseul, who are opposites, find comfort in one another throughout the story.

The author successfully played with my feelings over and over again; with so many deaths throughout the story I kept wondering about the fate of these two….

Overall, this is a beautifully well-written story which offers insight to the Korean history.

The last few chapters are quite intense and very emotional keeping me on the edge of my seat.

If you’re looking for a historical fiction with political intrigue, found family and light-hearted romance then grab this one!

Thank you to TBR and Beyond Tour, Netgalley, author and the publisher for sending me an e-arc of the book. I’m leaving this review voluntarily!

Content Warnings

What the Wife Knew: A Novel by Darby Kane

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dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.0

Well, the ending of this book had me laughing with the lies and how manipulative most of the characters are!

I was hooked right from the beginning with the dark secrets, blackmailing, threats, and the investigation.

Even though the pace turned slow in the middle part of the story, things got a lot more interesting once the secrets started unraveling one by one.

The last few chapters were quite intense as all the truths finally came to light with the secrets Addison, Kathryn, and Richmond had been hiding throughout the story. Some twists I could guess, but a few managed to surprise me near the ending!

Overall, it was an entertaining read with an easy-to-read writing style, short chapters, and unexpected twists. Putting my Kindle down was the last thing I wanted to do. I’m looking forward to reading more books from this author in the future!

Thank you to Thriller Book Lovers Tour, authors and publishers for sending me an e-arc of the book. I’m leaving this review voluntarily!

Content Warnings

Queen of Ever by Lorelei Johnson, Hailey Jade

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adventurous challenging mysterious tense 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? It's complicated

4.0

Hidden power, court intrigue, a rebellion and spicy swoony romance kept me interested from the beginning until the end.

Queen of Ever started right after the ending of the previous book with that massive blow of betrayal to our FMC, Imogen.

Told in multiple POVs, we get a new set of characters and a new area to explore such as The Seelie Kingdom.

The first half part is slightly slower but things gets a lot more interesting in the second half part where the rebel group was introduced.

As for the romance, I really like seeing Imogen and Tarian interaction throughout the story as they clear out the misunderstanding and finally stand together.

It also comes with a bonus of seeing Tarian grovel his way back to earn Imogen’s forgiveness and trust which lead to some spicy times!

The last few chapters were very intense with shocking plot twist, show of power, and a large-scale war between the high and lesser fae.

Although some things felt like already resolved, the epilogue seems to say otherwise so I’ll be looking forward to see where the story will go in the third book.

Thank you to RR Book Tour and the authors for giving me an e-ARC of the book and for having me on this book tour. I’m leaving this review voluntarily!

Content Warnings

Wish by Sara Flanagan

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challenging dark emotional mysterious tense 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

Wish is a dark fantasy romance so I would advise checking out the trigger warnings before diving into this one cause some parts may be sensitive to some readers.

Told in multiple POVs and dual timeline, we follow our FMC – Mora is a cursed to be a genie in a flask for centuries.

If you're looking for a female-rage kinda of story, you won't be disappointed with Mora!

Mora is not the kind-hearted heroine, she’s been through so much she’s turned into a monster just to survive. I felt so bad for her but also admire her strength and determination to seek her freedom and revenge.

I also like seeing Mora and Zadriel’s relationship grows from resentment to something more as sparks flew between them and bond them together.

I absolutely love the way they comfort each other and helping each other move on past the traumas caused by the same villain.

Love the great writing style and how it delivers each emotions Mora was feeling very well that I felt the rage and hatred she felt towards the villain. I was as furious as her whenever I read the flashback timeline! I hate the villain, he’s a despicable human being!!

Overall, this is a very well written book and a fantastic start for a fantasy series!

Well, Mora’s journey is far from over and I’m really looking forward to see what happens next after that cliff-hanger ending!

Thank you to Book of Matches Media and the author for giving me an e-ARC of the book and for having me on this book tour. I’m leaving this review voluntarily!

⚠️ 𝐓𝐖:

• Graphic Violence, Torture and Murder (on page)
• Trauma, Anxiety, Depression and PTSD
• Suicidal Ideation
• Sexual Assault (Fade to black - this trauma deeply affects the main character and we see the effects throughout the story)
• Abortion
• Depictions of Sexual, Physical and Emotional Abuse
• Child Abduction and Child Abuse (abduction is explained by the chatacter as an adult when they share their story, the abuse is shown in a short character flashback, 1 scene)
• Graphic Sexual Content
• Graphic Language

Content Warnings

Creatures of Chaos by Julie Hall

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adventurous challenging funny inspiring lighthearted mysterious tense 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 love this book!

I was hooked right from the beginning with the idea of several supernatural beings fighting in a deadly competition. Plus a cast of loveable characters and great writing style just made it even more impossible to put down!

A world full of supernatural beings like fae, vampires and shifters but our FMC, Locklyn turns out to be the magicless one…

It wasn’t easy for her but I really do admire her for being strong in other ways despite not having magic.

I really like watching her grow throughout the story as she passed each trials and finally realizing her self-worth.

As for the romance, there’s a bit of a love triangle happening here. Locklyn was torn between the 'best friend' or the new 'mysterious guy' in town.

The best friend really annoyed me at times even though he’s sweet, but I’m rooting for her to go to the mysterious ones… He has his own secrets though and I’m excited to know what he’s hiding in the next book!

This book is very action-packed as each trials gets even more dangerous than the previous ones which really kept me at the edge of my seat!

The last trial really surprised me with that twist and HUGE CLIFF-HANGER….!!

Overall, this is a very well-written book and a great start for a series that’ll make you crave for more by the end of it!

I’m REALLY looking forward to read the next book, because I need answers!!!

Thank you to Book of Matches Media and the author for giving me an e-ARC of the book and for having me on this book tour. I’m leaving this review voluntarily!

Legend of the White Snake by Sher Lee

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted 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

Another awesome book by Sher Lee!

I recommend this one if you like to read YA Chinese mythology retelling with beautiful chemistry and strong friendship!

Told in dual POV from our main characters – Zhen and Xian, we venture into this epic storyline about true love, forgiveness, friendship and family that comes with great world building.

I was mesmerized by the world building as well as getting to know some of the Chinese culture throughout this story.

I really like seeing Zhen and Xian interaction as the story goes by as well as the other secondary characters especially Qing and Feng!

Qing was a funny and fearless viper, I absolutely adore her!

However, the pacing was slightly rushed near the ending but there’s a couple of unexpected twists thrown there that really surprised me.

The only thing that I wish for this book is the length of this book. I wished it was a little longer or made into a duology to give room for the character’s feelings to develop and explore more about the world building.

Overall, this was a highly enjoyable standalone for me. It’s sweet and warm but heart-breaking at the same time.

I’m really looking forward to read more books by this author in the future!

⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: Torture, animal cruelty, animal death, death, brief mention of sexual harassment

I received an advanced review copy for free through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher!

Content Warnings

Januaries: Stories of Love, Magic & Betrayal by Olivie Blake

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adventurous dark mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? N/A
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

Januaries has 12 different stories inside divided by four seasons, Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.

I don’t know how to review this book, I have mixed feelings for each story.
I find some of the stories quite interesting
Some are too short that I wished they are developed into a full length novel instead
Some are very thought-provoking
But some are also confusing and too long….

Out of 12 stories, there are only a few that I like such as The Wished Bridge, The Animation Games, To Make a Man, Chaos Theory, The Audit

⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: Death, violence, sexual content, grief, mental illness

I received an advanced review copy for free through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher!

Content Warnings

Storm of Ink and Blood by Nisha J. Tuli

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adventurous emotional mysterious tense 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

4.0

Storm of Ink and Blood continue right after the ending of the previous book, Rabin’s betrayal toward Zarya drove her and Yasen to her mother's kingdom and find themselves joining a secret rebellion.

Not as action-packed as the previous book, but there’s a lot of things going on as the story delves more into the political state of the kingdom and focuses more on Zarya herself which comes with a new set characters and a new place to explore.

Zarya has to explore more about her forbidden magic and how to control it. We also get to see her thoughts about the prophecy that's meant to be about her while nursing her broken heart from Rabin’s betrayal…

Despite all that hardship, I'm so glad to know she has Yasen – the perfect supportive best friend anyone can ask for to be with her.

As for the romance, I love watching Rabin grovel his way through Zarya’s heart to earn her trust again. I adore the spark between them – the intense, complicated, burning connection between them is just perfect!

Overall, this is a well-written story with epic world building and wonderful characters.

The storyline is a bit complicated but it's still enjoyable to read.

I’m excited to know what happens next after that ending, I’m very curious to know what role Zarya’s father will play in the next book…..

I received an advanced review copy for free from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily!

Content Warnings

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bellebookcorner's reviews 1251 reviews

bellebookcorner's reviews
1251 reviews