crownedaimee's reviews
385 reviews

Why does it have to end of a cliffhanger every time? I need the third book in my hands right now!

So after reading Fourth Wing, this book was one of my most anticipated realeases of the year and I felt a little disappointed. I was really torn with what to rate this book because I was actually struggling to get through it and was beginning to lost motivation to continue. I'm usually a fast reader but my god, this made me feel like such a slow reader. The first book had me hooked instantly but this one? I wasn't hooked until the last 200 pages. My head felt like it was on overload with all the information. It did not need to be as long as it did. A lot of it felt like filler and could've been cut down. 

Fourth Wing was so action packed and this was much slower plot wise, it almost like there was really much in terms of plot going on. 

     this will contain spoilers so read at your own risk.

I freaking love Tairn and Andarna so much, I will never stop wishing that they were my dragons. I love the relationship that the dragons have with their riders, especially with the way that Tairn and Andarna protect Violet please, it had me squealing. 

I was really looking forward to get more scenes with Xaden and Violet but for one he wasn't in it as much as I would've liked then when he was in it, they were constantly fighting like hello? what happened to them being a couple that was always supporting each other. I also felt like Violet's character development took a step back and this book kinda ruined her character. 

Rhiannon deserves all the love. She was constantly supported Violet even when she was determined to keep her friends away. And Dain?? At least he's not as bad as thought, let's just hope that he can continue to be good and helpful. I can't wait to see more of Aaric! I'm hoping that he gets a bigger role within in the next books. 

Also how is Jack alive? Like seriously? I would've much preferred Liam back alive, I'm still hoping that there could be some chance he can come back. Honestly get my some rider whose signet can bring someone back to life please. 

Though I am kinda worried how this is going to go on for another three books. If this one felt like a filler then would the next one be the same? I just hope that it doesn't drag out too much.

Acting Rating: 3.5 Stars

Vengeance of the Pirate Queen is the third book and standalone spin off of Daughter of the Pirate King. The story follows Sorinda Veshtas who is a skilled assassin who works for the pirate queen Alosa. Sorinda is used to hiding in the shadows so when her next task is a recuse mission and not a kill order, she is quite surprised. But things take a worst turn when her crew and her infuriating helmsman, Kearan, accidentally awaken the King of the Undersea. 

I loved the original Daughter of the Pirate duology and was surprised to hear there was going to be a third book. However, I think there was just something lacking in this book and I can't figure it out. I do think this was a tad unnecessary. But I'm still a bit torn on how I want to rate this book. 

The pacing was off for me. The first half of the book had a slow start with not a lot happening, only having a few bits of action here and there. Whereas the second half was where it began to pick up. It was definitely a lot more interesting and what most likely is causing a divide between my rating overall. I also think that the ending was a little rushed, like the villain was killed a little too quick for my liking. 

Roslyn was the star of the show and I'm so glad that we got to read more of her. She is such a smart and sassy character and if we ever get to another book then I would love for it to center around an older Roslyn. 

I was so excited to read about a pirate assassin because honestly, who can resist that? But I struggling to connect with Sorinda a little. And I felt like her relationship with Kearan was lacking a little in chemistry. There was no sort of build up to their relationship, only seeing glimpses of Kearan liking Sorinda. 

I do think if you love the original duology and are looking for a quick read this is a book to pick up. 

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a ARC in exchange for a honest review.

Disclaimer: This review is based solely on the sample so I won't be able to give a complete review. My opinions is subject to change when I read the full book. 

I was so excited to be given the chance to read a sample of this book. As much as I love the Shadowhunter universe, I couldn't wait for Cassandra Clare to write a book separate from that world. While the start of the book was a little slow in my opinion, it does slowly begin to pick up the pace towards the end of the sample. 

So far I would have to say that Kel is my favourite character at the moment, but I'm looking forward to reading more about Conor and Lin. The world building is intense and intricate, however at times it can be quite excessive and it felt like there was a lot of information thrown in all at once. 

This sample has definitely peaked my interest and I'm looking forward to picking this book up and reading more. 

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a ARC in exchange for a honest review.

This book had a lot of potential and while I really wanted to like this but I was struggling so much. The first half of the book they were at war and it seemed like such a info dump. Then the next half of the book was just dedicated to the relationship between the two main characters. I couldn't even begin to tell you anything that happened, I often found myself skimming the pages and wanting to dnf this book but I pushed through in hopes that somewhere this book was going to get better. 

I couldn't warm to the characters at all! When requesting this book, I hadn't realised this was originally a Reylo fanfiction. If knowing this and if you have read the fanfiction then you would have a idea of the characters already but if you don't then be prepared. We was thrown straight into the deep end, expecting to know all about these characters and their backstories from the start. More time should've been taken to flesh out the characters and give the readers something to actually like them. I would've liked to have a character development but they are exactly as they were in the beginning: flat and lacking any sort of personality. 

The world building is non existent and at times felt confusing. Why did they called it the Hurricane Wars? I could not tell you for the life of me. The story didn't progress anywhere, after the focus shifted, it seemed like almost everything else was forgotten, especially the side characters. They were there and gone within a blink of eye. Trust me, you won't get attached. The book did not flow at all and the pacing was completely off. And the ending? It didn't have any sort of climax, it just... ended. 

This book was marketed as enemies to lovers, and while they do try to kill each other on their first encounter, it just felt like insta lust after that. Similarly, this book feels very YA, until the last explict scene at the end which just felt out of place. The spice could've easier been left until the next book, it just felt weird. 

I know that there will be people who will eat this up but sadly I'm just not one of those people. I don't think I could really think of anything that I practically enjoyed, which sounds harsh I know.  

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a ARC in exchange for a honest review.

Elizabeth Lim has honestly become an auto buy author for me because she has such a beautiful voice when she writes. I loved Six Crimson Cranes so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book and let me say that this book did not disappoint.

Her Radiant Curse follows the story of Channi, after her dying mother gives birth to her sister, Vanna, her father leaves her as a sacrifice to the demon witch in order to save his wife. However, after Channi is bitten by a snake, the demon witch curses her with the face of a serpent. But as her sister is due to turn 17, Channi must do anything she can to protect her sister from the suitors that her father is trying to seek her off too, as well as the demon witch who who stop at nothing to kill Vanna.

Sometimes a prequel can feel unnecessary, especially when you already know the ending but this more about the journey that Channi takes to become that person we know all too well in Six Crimson Cranes, And even though I knew how the book was going to end, I was still rooting for Channi and Vanna. Their family bond is so well written, you could feel the love between the two and how it persevered throughout their lives, You also become to appreciate more of Channi’s character so much more. You can understand why she became the character she did within Six Crimson Cranes.

The world building is absolutely top tier, one that Elizabeth Lim never fails at. It makes me more and more excited to finally get round to reading ‘The Blood of Stars’ duology. You can’t help but be drawn in from the start.

The only issue I had was trying to visualise what Hokzuh looked like based on his descriptions, But that can easily be fixed by looking at some fan art. I would absolutely recommend to anyone who loves

Thank you to NetGalley for proving me with a ARC in exchange for a honest review.

Powerless takes place in the kingdom of Illya where The Plague raged and killed thousands, separating the kingdom into The Elites who have magical powers and the Ordinary who are powerless, often banished or killed on detection unless they manage to avoid it by faking Elite powers like Paedyn Gray. Paedyn's secret is safe until she unknowingly saves the life of Prince Kai and finds herself nominated for the Purging Trials.

I don't mind our main character Paedyn. She's cunning, smart and funny, but I think she has room to develop more. We know she's powerless but surely she's got to have some other weakness. I would've liked to have seen the darker side of Kai more. We're constantly told that he is a monster and a killer but the first time we see him with a chance to prove this, his first target is a child who he of course lets go. Kitt however! I love how he's not like every other YA next heir to the throne who is supposed to be cold and calculating. He longs to be a successful king like his father, but at the same time he wants to be able to live his own life.

However, the tension between Paedyn and Kai's brother Kitt though. I want more of them two. I loved Paedyn and Kai together but in my opinion, I feel like Paedyn and Kitt could serve the enemies to lovers trope much more. Like her using him to get information, the betrayal? I need more! Book two better give me them. Don't get me wrong, I do like Paedyn and Kai together but I felt like their 'enemies to lovers' story was more insta-attraction with tons of flirty banter. They are constantly flirting, like what actually makes them enemies, aside from her being an ordinary and him being an elite? I was wanting more angst between them.

As much as I enjoyed the book, there is a lot of similarities to The Hunger Games and Red Queen. I would've loved to have seen more of the world building as well including the backstory of how everything broke out. Additionally, why is everyone so strong? Surely the elites would have some form of weakness due to their powers? It would prove that they're not all gods.

While the book is fast paced and easy to follow, there is a lot of repeated phrases and full of figurative language and metaphors. I understand that this is Lauren Robert's first book but there is a few things to improve on which I'm sure we will see within in the second book. Here's to hoping that she breaks away from the copy and paste of other ya fantasy plots for the second book.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for a honest review.

I've never read any military romances before so I didn't know what to expect going into this but I was pleasantly surprised.

In The Likely Event follows Nate and Izzy who first meet as passengers on a flight and become linked when they survive an intense plane crash into the Missouri River. From that day forward, they feel a pull towards each other. But Nate is whisked off to basic training and Izzy can't remember his name. However, fate steps in once again and they soon run into other. But with busy lives, different dreams and a misunderstanding years later, their bond is severed. Three years later, they find each other face to face in Afghanistan and Nate refuses to put her safety in anyone's hands once he is assigned to his protection.

While their timing is always off, I loved to see their relationship grow throughout the years and even hurt at times. The chapters rotate between characters and past/present but don't let that put you off. And I loved the angsty boyfriend vibes that Nate gave off. However, one thing that I did annoy me was that it did repetitive at times and how comfortable Izzy seemed at times being in a war zone.

But that twist at the end? I didn't see that coming.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for a honest review.

If you like small town romances with a why choose romance then this is the book for you.

The Fae of the Fjord is the first book in The Nordic Fae series and is an urban fantasy that features three main characters. The story follows witty, troublemaker Lennie who happens to miss her cruise ship to the next port of call after she catches a weird flash in the woods. While having to remain in the small town, she soon learns that there is more than what meets the eye.

All three main characters have distinctive personalities. You have our sassy, adventurous female Lennie then our goofy and down-to-earth Espen and our completely opposite Øyvin who is definitely a lot more grumpy than he is sunshine. I love the banter and the wit between the three of them and can't wait to see what happens next with them.

I think Elle does an amazing job of integrating a hidden Fae world within a modern-day setting but I do however wish we got to see more of the lore around the fae and the powers that come with them. But with the direction that the series is heading in, I can tell that we will be seeing a lot of that within the next book.

Thank you to Elle for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

If you were obsessed with the music video when you were younger then this is definitely for you.

Girls Like Girls is a coming of age story, telling a story about finding love and acceptance. It follows Coley as she tries to come to terms with her mother’s death and live with her dad in Oregon who she barely knows. There, she meets Sonya and her friends and thus starting the beginning of Coley’s feelings.

Being set in 2006, Hayley Kiyoko does an amazing job of portraying life in small town America with the two main characters battling homophobia and internalised homophobia. It was such an easy novel to read and I really enjoyed the writing style and multi media. Coley and Sonya are in no way perfect, at times I felt like Sonya was a little too mean and constantly putting Coley down, even when Coley just wanted to get to know her but you can tell she was clearly struggling.

Fans of other YA and LGBTG+ fiction will love this book and I am definitely here for more lesbian and wlw representation.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Modern Girl’s Guide to Magic follows Aria who is a powerful witch with little to no control of her power. She left her small hometown in Charming Cove behind years ago and moved into big city life. But with her magical failures following her with every step, she is soon called back home to save her family shop when the owner of a magical enchanted garden in Aria’s hometown wants to retire.

If you’re looking for a cosy, witchy romance book with a low stakes plot, this is definitely for you. However, if you expect this to be enemies to lovers and have spice, leave that idea behind. It’s more of a one side enemies to lovers story and Aria pretty much ends up changing her mind and ends up liking him a couple of chapters in anyways and that “spice” scene is VERY mild.

This book definitely started off strong but felt a little bit weak towards the end. There wasn’t much conflict happening so when there was something, it got solved rather quickly. Furthermore, for a book that has a dual POV, there was very few Callan chapters. I felt like it would’ve been better to have the book marketed more towards Young Adult rather than Adult as it reads more like a YA book, but that’s just my opinion.

However, I enjoyed reading about the magic and felt like it was different compared to other magical elements that I tend to gravitate towards. And Catrina!! I love her character and would love to see her have a spin off book so I read all about her being the smartest witch because let’s face it. She could be more powerful than Aria and Callan because of her brains.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.