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kassielovestoread's reviews
393 reviews
The Six Deaths of the Saint by Alix E. Harrow
dark
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I don’t have the proper words to describe what a journey this novella was. From the first sentence onward, I was hooked! This story invoked so many emotions from me, I can hardly believe it was told in 30 pages. This could’ve easily been a fantastic concept for a full fledged fantasy series, but it was just as impactful as is! I think if you wanted to read this, just go in blind- you’ll thank yourself for it!
While this book was very much a fantasy novel, I took soooooo much more from it and applied it to so many situations in modern day. “Is it worth it?” Wow. Such a simple statement and it has quite literally changed my life.
I hope the rest of the short stories in this series are just as good!! If not, I'm totally okay with this being the shining star of the group. I will definitely make time to read more by this author in the future!
Persephone by Lev Grossman
2.5
The novella itself was fine, I just wasn't particularly interested/invested in the plot or characters. I can see why it'd be a great story for everyone else though!
The Garden by Tomi Adeyemi
2.5
While the writing style was lovely and I did enjoy the poetry, this novella fell flat for me. I think the execution was not the best because the concept was a little too out there for me. Lęina has a journal and a map to the place her mom dreamt of going and then just, goes? That's the entire plot. If there was a bigger message, theme, or simile, I definitely missed it.
I'm still interested to read the rest- I've heard nothing but great things about the other short stories so I'm curious to see for myself!
I'm still interested to read the rest- I've heard nothing but great things about the other short stories so I'm curious to see for myself!
Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Törzs
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-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? No
5.0
Now this was a damn good book! The premise, the beginning of this book, and the entire execution was so artfully done. I was immediately immersed into the complicated (and yet, easy to follow!) magic system that has to be one of my favorites to date. I will always have a special love for book related magic systems, but combined with blood magic? Yeah, I was completely invested in this story!
Everything about this novel was so interesting and inviting and mysterious. I had no trouble losing myself to this book for 2, 3 hours each night.
I'm very sad this book is over! I can already feel the beginnings of a book hangover if I don't immediately jump into my next read, LOL! On the plus side, this author has a new fan! If they have any backlogs, best believe I will get to acquiring them. I would definitely recommend this to all- there's truly something in this standalone for everyone!
Everything about this novel was so interesting and inviting and mysterious. I had no trouble losing myself to this book for 2, 3 hours each night.
I'm very sad this book is over! I can already feel the beginnings of a book hangover if I don't immediately jump into my next read, LOL! On the plus side, this author has a new fan! If they have any backlogs, best believe I will get to acquiring them. I would definitely recommend this to all- there's truly something in this standalone for everyone!
Vampires of El Norte by Isabel Cañas
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-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
Life got in the way and interrupted my reading sessions Vampires of El Norte, but I finally finished today and I ran straight to my storygraph to immediately write this review. I loved this book!! It was so immersive and compelling, I thought about this book constantly, even on the days I couldn't read. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel!
I was really excited for this book because a lot of people speak high praises of Vampires of El Norte and even consider it to be a superior book to The Hacienda. And I have to agree! The romance in this book was breathtakingly tender and beautiful. After a miscommunication and a tragic incident, Nestor leaves his home and doesn't return for nearly a decade. Nestor and Nena meet again as adults, having lived very different lives and facing opposing futures. You throw in the looming threat of the Yanqui's infiltrating deeper into Mexico and the terrifying supernatural forces threatening Nena and her community, and you've got one hell of a story.
The main plot was, of course, the romance between Nestor and Nena; but there's honestly something for everyone in this novel. Horror, historical fiction, suspense...etc. I think if you haven't read anything from this author before, start with this novel as opposed to The Hacienda. Both were great, but there's just something about this story that hooks you in!
I was really excited for this book because a lot of people speak high praises of Vampires of El Norte and even consider it to be a superior book to The Hacienda. And I have to agree! The romance in this book was breathtakingly tender and beautiful. After a miscommunication and a tragic incident, Nestor leaves his home and doesn't return for nearly a decade. Nestor and Nena meet again as adults, having lived very different lives and facing opposing futures. You throw in the looming threat of the Yanqui's infiltrating deeper into Mexico and the terrifying supernatural forces threatening Nena and her community, and you've got one hell of a story.
The main plot was, of course, the romance between Nestor and Nena; but there's honestly something for everyone in this novel. Horror, historical fiction, suspense...etc. I think if you haven't read anything from this author before, start with this novel as opposed to The Hacienda. Both were great, but there's just something about this story that hooks you in!
Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Fangirl Down is officially my favorite book written by Tessa Bailey! Possibly my favorite rom-com ever, if I'm being so real! How did Tessa make golf so sexy and dare I say...entertaining!?? This book had so many literal laugh out loud moments paired with the most heart-wrenching, delicate scenes between the MC's. It's what made the characters so damn lovable and realistic and just down right enjoyable to read about. The spicy scenes were off the charts hot; I mean seriously, I needed several breaks after them because, whew! I also loved the beautifully tender epilogue and the bonus epilogue that came with this edition. It's all fluff and perfect happy endings and it just satisfied so much of the story for me.
I had such a joy reading this book, I can't wait for the Au Pair Affair!!
PS. If you watched Friday Night Lights and fell in love with Tim Riggins...read this book ASAP!! So much of Wells reminds me of Tim!
I had such a joy reading this book, I can't wait for the Au Pair Affair!!
PS. If you watched Friday Night Lights and fell in love with Tim Riggins...read this book ASAP!! So much of Wells reminds me of Tim!
Heart of the Sun Warrior by Sue Lynn Tan
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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'm telling you right now: that ending saved this ENTIRE series for me. When I read *that* scene, I clutched my book in utter horror; the tears streaming so much that I couldn't even read the damn book with how distorted my vision became. I was heartbroken! I felt so scammed and robbed of the ideal ending! BUT!!! The ending saved it. Wenzhi was aways my number one and I held on to the faith that the author had a plan for him and Xingyin. I mean, everything that he spoke of to Xingyin was sooooooo swoon-worthy. He never held back for her, he championed day and night for her forgiveness (though I folded instantly- like a blanket). He loved her unconditionally and in a way Liwei could never do. Her enemies were his, her pain was his, and her joy he reveled in. When he died, I swear to God a piece of my soul fractured off. I was so depressed reading that ending. I thought, whats the freaking point?! I'm so glad I held on to the very end! My heart is restored! I feel such lighthearted, giddy joy LOL, all from a fictional story no less!
I wish I had more to say! I'm too high from the joy of that ending, LOL! Pick this series up if you're in the mood for the perfect romance fantasy that will break you apart and gently put you back together. I have nothing but good things to say about this series :)))
I wish I had more to say! I'm too high from the joy of that ending, LOL! Pick this series up if you're in the mood for the perfect romance fantasy that will break you apart and gently put you back together. I have nothing but good things to say about this series :)))
Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan
adventurous
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I have so much I want to say about this book! I mean this in the best way possible, this book felt like a fever dream. Such an enchanting tale with evocative descriptions that painted the most realistic picture in my head. Reading this book was so entertaining for that exact reason! It was not a perfect, 5 star read for me, but it came pretty damn close.
Xingyin is our main character and she is basically thrust into the society of cruel immortals when we meet her. She had one goal and it remained unchanged throughout the vast twists and turns this story took: to save her mother from eternal imprisonment. I respected Xingyin so much! She was fearless, but not in the arrogant way some fantasy mc's can be. Rather, Xingyin embraces the certainty of torture or death constantly. She does not take her actions and potential consequences lightly; she exercises so much thought and care into what she does. She was full of empathy and trust and kindness despite the horrid manners of others. She was a worthy mc to read and I'm excited to read book two!
Let's talk about that love triangle, though.This is a less of a point redacted against this book or author and more against the trope itself. Love triangles are just the worst. It's always clear that the author has a favorite, and even though I knew better, I still found myself rooting for Wenzhi. I'll be completely honest, I don't really love Liwei. He is used to bowing under his parents combined mights to do as they please, even if it directly contradicts what he wants to do. I understand parental abuse and duty and all that, I really do. But I kept asking myself why Xingyin is so hellbent on this guy when he won't stand up for the life he deserves to have?? It broke my heart to see her abused by his parent's cruelty, and I kept hoping Liwei would prove himself a good suitor and finally stand up for her! (To be fair, this does happen at the very end...) That's why I loved Wenzhi more- he offered her the world and an equal place by his side. So what if he lied a little about his background?? So did she, and yet he forgave her nonetheless! I think Xingyin was too harsh on Wenzhi and too forgiving for Liwei. The heart wants what it wants, I suppose. I just want Liwei to be worthy of Xingyin. She risks herself for him constantly, I want him to reciprocate that energy!
Overall, I enjoyed this book!! It does have a long page count, and I sometimes questioned where the story was headed with every task Xingyin undertook. I trusted the process and it paid off! I will definitely read book two and the novella that was just released.
Xingyin is our main character and she is basically thrust into the society of cruel immortals when we meet her. She had one goal and it remained unchanged throughout the vast twists and turns this story took: to save her mother from eternal imprisonment. I respected Xingyin so much! She was fearless, but not in the arrogant way some fantasy mc's can be. Rather, Xingyin embraces the certainty of torture or death constantly. She does not take her actions and potential consequences lightly; she exercises so much thought and care into what she does. She was full of empathy and trust and kindness despite the horrid manners of others. She was a worthy mc to read and I'm excited to read book two!
Let's talk about that love triangle, though.
Overall, I enjoyed this book!! It does have a long page count, and I sometimes questioned where the story was headed with every task Xingyin undertook. I trusted the process and it paid off! I will definitely read book two and the novella that was just released.
Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
OKAY, I've officially joined the Abby Jimenez hype train! This book was sooooooo good!! I went to bed thinking about this story and woke up to the intense need to pick up the book and read again. There was just something about it, I can't quite put my finger on it! At a glance, it's not anything new or special in terms of romance novels. It's the typical big city x small town trope you're likely to pick up in any contemporary romance. I was attached to the mc's and their complicated families and friendships. I credit the author for this because not only did I understand the MC's plights and struggles, but I also empathized with it to a significant degree. I shared their triumphs and their heartaches and I felt so absorbed in their emotions, it really was like I transported myself into their perspectives.
I will say that what stopped me from giving this book 5 stars was that I did feel that the author dragged on Alexis' plot just a little too long for my liking. It was really, really frustrating to read about the abuse she would continue to endure from her ex and her parents. After a certain point, enough had to be enough! And ofc Alexis comes to that realization eventually, which makes for a very satisfying happily ever after.
Definitely read the trigger warnings before picking this one up! I cried a fair share amount of times while reading it; the ending was super sweet and wrapped up the whole book quite nicely. I can't wait to read Bri's story!!
I will say that what stopped me from giving this book 5 stars was that I did feel that the author dragged on Alexis' plot just a little too long for my liking. It was really, really frustrating to read about the abuse she would continue to endure from her ex and her parents. After a certain point, enough had to be enough! And ofc Alexis comes to that realization eventually, which makes for a very satisfying happily ever after.
Definitely read the trigger warnings before picking this one up! I cried a fair share amount of times while reading it; the ending was super sweet and wrapped up the whole book quite nicely. I can't wait to read Bri's story!!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, and Toxic friendship
One for My Enemy by Olivie Blake
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I'll admit, I was super reluctant to start a book by Olivie Blake because the hype surrounding her novels has always been loud and I was just terrified it wouldn't live up to my expectations. I finally caved and I'm so glad One for My Enemy was the first book I started with.
Blake's writing style was monumentally whimsical and incredibly immersive, I often forgot I was only reading a book! This author has a talent for making every statement uttered by a character or the narrator feel like there's much more to it than face value. I fell so hard for these tragedy inclined, deeply flawed, easily loved, cast of characters (well...most of them). This is a Romeo and Juliet retelling, but Olivie Blake takes this classic trope and turns into something remarkably hers, apart from Shakespeare's original story. There were a lot of gasps and tears throughout this story, this I came to expect. But the swooning?? The absolute heart-wrenching, beautiful moments between these love interests?? THAT, I did not see coming. There is something so profound about an author's ability to make insta-love sound anything other than cringe or forced. I adored this story!! I don't think I'll be able to forget about book for a while (nor would I want too, tbh!).
PS. If you can, grab the Barnes and Noble Exclusive Edition for the character endpapers and bonus story. It was completely worth it!
Blake's writing style was monumentally whimsical and incredibly immersive, I often forgot I was only reading a book! This author has a talent for making every statement uttered by a character or the narrator feel like there's much more to it than face value. I fell so hard for these tragedy inclined, deeply flawed, easily loved, cast of characters (well...most of them). This is a Romeo and Juliet retelling, but Olivie Blake takes this classic trope and turns into something remarkably hers, apart from Shakespeare's original story. There were a lot of gasps and tears throughout this story, this I came to expect. But the swooning?? The absolute heart-wrenching, beautiful moments between these love interests?? THAT, I did not see coming. There is something so profound about an author's ability to make insta-love sound anything other than cringe or forced. I adored this story!! I don't think I'll be able to forget about book for a while (nor would I want too, tbh!).
PS. If you can, grab the Barnes and Noble Exclusive Edition for the character endpapers and bonus story. It was completely worth it!