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pagepixie's reviews
167 reviews
White Horse Black Nights by Evie Marceau
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A Snow White retelling with a Lady Godiva spin to it.
I really liked this book. I was honestly shocked at how much of the story and growth we witnessed with characters in only about 400 pages. Sometimes I feel like emotions form too quickly in romance books that it’s hard to believe and enjoy it but that was not the case here.
I actually thought the pacing was spectacular. It was fast paced but not too busy. And while some moments had me cringing I enjoyed it overall.
I’m the beginning I really did not like Wolf. He was giving major asshole vibes that did not suit my tastes but somewhere around 30% in I started to lean into him a little more and by the end, I really enjoyed his character.
I also really enjoyed Sabine as a female lead. I thought she was an interesting mix of softness and kindness while also being ruthless when the time called for it. Despite having no fighting skills of her own, she used her brains and magic to try and one up those around her. I think with the way this plot line went, she has so much potential to grow into an even more fascinating and complex character.
Throughout the whole book I was very eager to meet Rian. And interestingly enough, I’m also very excited at the potential of his character as well. It’s clear to me he is a morally grey character with some abi guilty to him. It seems like he cares about Basten as a brotherly figure, or simply a kind of kindred spirit. Despite their different backgrounds they both grew up alone in their own ways. I’m interested to see how his character interacts with Sabine and the path he takes in the next book.
Overall, I enjoyed the romance, the plot, and I’m excited for the next book!
Spice wise, there are a few open door scenes. I’d give it a 3/5 maybe.
However, I would check trigger warnings for this book before reading.
I really liked this book. I was honestly shocked at how much of the story and growth we witnessed with characters in only about 400 pages. Sometimes I feel like emotions form too quickly in romance books that it’s hard to believe and enjoy it but that was not the case here.
I actually thought the pacing was spectacular. It was fast paced but not too busy. And while some moments had me cringing I enjoyed it overall.
I’m the beginning I really did not like Wolf. He was giving major asshole vibes that did not suit my tastes but somewhere around 30% in I started to lean into him a little more and by the end, I really enjoyed his character.
I also really enjoyed Sabine as a female lead. I thought she was an interesting mix of softness and kindness while also being ruthless when the time called for it. Despite having no fighting skills of her own, she used her brains and magic to try and one up those around her. I think with the way this plot line went, she has so much potential to grow into an even more fascinating and complex character.
Throughout the whole book I was very eager to meet Rian. And interestingly enough, I’m also very excited at the potential of his character as well. It’s clear to me he is a morally grey character with some abi guilty to him. It seems like he cares about Basten as a brotherly figure, or simply a kind of kindred spirit. Despite their different backgrounds they both grew up alone in their own ways. I’m interested to see how his character interacts with Sabine and the path he takes in the next book.
Overall, I enjoyed the romance, the plot, and I’m excited for the next book!
Spice wise, there are a few open door scenes. I’d give it a 3/5 maybe.
However, I would check trigger warnings for this book before reading.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny
Moderate: Animal death, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Violence, Murder, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Torture, Kidnapping, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
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? It's complicated
5.0
Here I am, coming back to write a thoughtful review for this 5 star read.
This is a cozy fairytale romance set in a magical regency England. Perfect for anyone’s summery, Bridgerton era.
Firstly, I found it to be beautifully written. It flowed so well, created beautiful imagery, and conveyed emotions with ease and tenderness.
I really loved our main characters. The FMC’s inability to feel “instant emotions” such as embarrassment and fear could have potentially made her difficult to connect to, but I found it to be the opposite! Overall, the characters grew in depth so smoothly it was like watching the sun set.
The romance was wholesome and charming, but one of my favorite parts was that this book also touched on real issues of the era and flaws of humanity.
Finally, the Fearie Realm is much more traditional than what is found in many popular fantasy romances. It reminded me of The Hazel Wood and Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries.
I totally recommend this book!
This is a cozy fairytale romance set in a magical regency England. Perfect for anyone’s summery, Bridgerton era.
Firstly, I found it to be beautifully written. It flowed so well, created beautiful imagery, and conveyed emotions with ease and tenderness.
I really loved our main characters. The FMC’s inability to feel “instant emotions” such as embarrassment and fear could have potentially made her difficult to connect to, but I found it to be the opposite! Overall, the characters grew in depth so smoothly it was like watching the sun set.
The romance was wholesome and charming, but one of my favorite parts was that this book also touched on real issues of the era and flaws of humanity.
Finally, the Fearie Realm is much more traditional than what is found in many popular fantasy romances. It reminded me of The Hazel Wood and Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries.
I totally recommend this book!
Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
It’s not that I didn’t like this book at the end of the day. It’s just that for there wasn’t necessarily anything to like about it. I commend the author for sitting down and writing a book because that’s something amazing in itself.
However, the plot, romance, and writing style just felt like bare bones. It seemed like when you’re jotting down a scene really quickly to get it out of your head but then you forget to go back and add any depth or details later. There was a LOT of telling and not a lot of showing.
For example, instead of the FMC describing her best friend and friendship, she simply said: Teddy is my best friend. Over and over. Like yeah. I can get that from context clues I don’t need to me reminded verbatim every time she’s on the page.
Basically, everything could have been expanded upon. The plot, the characters, the back story, the romance. Everything felt half done. Unfinished. Nothing surprised me. Even little things that I hoped would be foreshadowing of something to come like Emmy being reminded to always shut the front door, or her relationship with the riding industry, or her ex-boyfriend who she left in Chicago at the drop of a hat and we can sentence saying he was mildly controlling, none of this came to to any fruition or had any significance.
I’m the end. It was fine. I’m sure other people can enjoy it and I wish the author the best of luck with her future books! There is definitely potential.
However, the plot, romance, and writing style just felt like bare bones. It seemed like when you’re jotting down a scene really quickly to get it out of your head but then you forget to go back and add any depth or details later. There was a LOT of telling and not a lot of showing.
For example, instead of the FMC describing her best friend and friendship, she simply said: Teddy is my best friend. Over and over. Like yeah. I can get that from context clues I don’t need to me reminded verbatim every time she’s on the page.
Basically, everything could have been expanded upon. The plot, the characters, the back story, the romance. Everything felt half done. Unfinished. Nothing surprised me. Even little things that I hoped would be foreshadowing of something to come like Emmy being reminded to always shut the front door, or her relationship with the riding industry, or her ex-boyfriend who she left in Chicago at the drop of a hat and we can sentence saying he was mildly controlling, none of this came to to any fruition or had any significance.
I’m the end. It was fine. I’m sure other people can enjoy it and I wish the author the best of luck with her future books! There is definitely potential.
Bonded by Thorns by Elizabeth Helen
adventurous
funny
mysterious
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 stayed up will 4 am on a Tuesday to finish this.
Forged by Malice by Elizabeth Helen
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I won’t lie. This book disappointed me.
I didn’t enjoy it like I did the other two. It was much darker and sadder that the others. At the end of the second book I was left with a feeling of contentment and suspense. I felt like we had so much growth for the characters and the mate bonds.
At the end of this book we are worse than we’ve ever been. I felt there was character regression for almost everyone individually but also as a team.
I was destroyed and annoyed and angry for the last 30% of this book. I was disappointed by Rose and found her to make a lot of dumb mistakes. Can’t blame her too much before everyone made dumb mistakes (looking at you Ez).
Normally I would be more understanding, but I also was not surprised by any of these “twists” either. Wrenley was right about one thing, it is a ignorance contest between this group in this book.
Honestly. It was good. I think I’ll like this better maybe once I read the next book.
I didn’t enjoy it like I did the other two. It was much darker and sadder that the others. At the end of the second book I was left with a feeling of contentment and suspense. I felt like we had so much growth for the characters and the mate bonds.
At the end of this book we are worse than we’ve ever been. I felt there was character regression for almost everyone individually but also as a team.
I was destroyed and annoyed and angry for the last 30% of this book. I was disappointed by Rose and found her to make a lot of dumb mistakes. Can’t blame her too much before everyone made dumb mistakes (looking at you Ez).
Normally I would be more understanding, but I also was not surprised by any of these “twists” either. Wrenley was right about one thing, it is a ignorance contest between this group in this book.
Honestly. It was good. I think I’ll like this better maybe once I read the next book.
Woven by Gold by Elizabeth Helen
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
fast-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
4.75
I’m obesessssedddddd
Okay I’m here to fully review.
I liked book one. I read it in one day. Stayed up till 4 am to finish it. Yeah it was great.
BOOK TWO is what has me in an absolute chokehold. We see such great wold building in this book as we dive into the Autumn Court.
In this book we really focus on Farron’s character and his relationship with Rosalina. This was such an adorable connection. I was worried Farron’s flaw “cowardice” would be an ick for me. But it’s NOT. It’s handled so well. His character development is AMAZING.
Then we have his relationship with Daytonales (my absolute favorite character btw). Honestly most of the steamy scenes in the first two books stem from these two characters. Dear gosh though, I ship them so hard.
I really loved the battle scenes and action moments. We got to visit the Below. YES THE BELOW AND CASPIAN. I can’t wait to see how his character grows.
I wasn’t really surprised by any plot twists. But I could not put this book down. There was must be crack in the pages. Or the men.
I can tell that despite all the heat and spice, these relationships are honestly slow burn. Or just straight up teases. I LOVE IT.
Prince Rankings so far:
1. Dayton
2. Farron’s
3. Ez
4. Caspian.
5. Kel
Okay I’m here to fully review.
I liked book one. I read it in one day. Stayed up till 4 am to finish it. Yeah it was great.
BOOK TWO is what has me in an absolute chokehold. We see such great wold building in this book as we dive into the Autumn Court.
In this book we really focus on Farron’s character and his relationship with Rosalina. This was such an adorable connection. I was worried Farron’s flaw “cowardice” would be an ick for me. But it’s NOT. It’s handled so well. His character development is AMAZING.
Then we have his relationship with Daytonales (my absolute favorite character btw). Honestly most of the steamy scenes in the first two books stem from these two characters. Dear gosh though, I ship them so hard.
I really loved the battle scenes and action moments. We got to visit the Below. YES THE BELOW AND CASPIAN. I can’t wait to see how his character grows.
I wasn’t really surprised by any plot twists. But I could not put this book down. There was must be crack in the pages. Or the men.
I can tell that despite all the heat and spice, these relationships are honestly slow burn. Or just straight up teases. I LOVE IT.
Prince Rankings so far:
1. Dayton
2. Farron’s
3. Ez
4. Caspian.
5. Kel
A Promise of Peridot by Kate Golden
Okay this book completely blew me away. I love when the second book exceeds the first book and all my expectations.
I absolutely loved the depth of emotions in this book. The way the Arwen was left numb in her grief for her mother’s death, her own life, the death of her own identity as she knew it, and at the death she caused with her incomprehensible power! The only reason I’m holding back that quarter of a star is because I think there was SO MUCH potential in this that could have been expanded upon. I really wanted a conversation or monologue where Arwen really dissected her own brain and heart and feelings with someone.
Otherwise I had everything I wanted. This book was very fast paced. I loved the way the plot progressed here, the journey everyone took in the hunt for the blade. So many life or death moments!
THEN we have the pining, love confessions, and SPICE that has been building up since book one! AHHH EXPECTATIONS EXCEEDED HERE. Kane, my love, I love you with all my heart. His character developed so much more in this book.
The side characters, Mark, Griffen, and Fredrick were great. Our ragtag team. I hope we see more of Fredrick in book three. I’d like to see him team up to avenger Arwen with Kane. Although, if he’s still looking for love I’m singleeee.
Wrapped up some loose ends from book one (Halden) and opened some new ones (Amelia? The Scarlet Queen? The crow? The seers father? The seers deal?? KANES REVENGE).
AND THAT ENDING?! Forget that Arwen should not have tried to do this while he was in dragon form (although does she have her own wings???) I WAS STILL SHOOK!
Gimme me more gimme more, gimme gimme more. As Brittany would say.
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-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
4.75
Okay this book completely blew me away. I love when the second book exceeds the first book and all my expectations.
I absolutely loved the depth of emotions in this book. The way the Arwen was left numb in her grief for her mother’s death, her own life, the death of her own identity as she knew it, and at the death she caused with her incomprehensible power! The only reason I’m holding back that quarter of a star is because I think there was SO MUCH potential in this that could have been expanded upon. I really wanted a conversation or monologue where Arwen really dissected her own brain and heart and feelings with someone.
Otherwise I had everything I wanted. This book was very fast paced. I loved the way the plot progressed here, the journey everyone took in the hunt for the blade. So many life or death moments!
THEN we have the pining, love confessions, and SPICE that has been building up since book one! AHHH EXPECTATIONS EXCEEDED HERE. Kane, my love, I love you with all my heart. His character developed so much more in this book.
The side characters, Mark, Griffen, and Fredrick were great. Our ragtag team. I hope we see more of Fredrick in book three. I’d like to see him team up to avenger Arwen with Kane. Although, if he’s still looking for love I’m singleeee.
Wrapped up some loose ends from book one (Halden) and opened some new ones (Amelia? The Scarlet Queen? The crow? The seers father? The seers deal?? KANES REVENGE).
AND THAT ENDING?! Forget that Arwen should not have tried to do this while he was in dragon form (although does she have her own wings???) I WAS STILL SHOOK!
Gimme me more gimme more, gimme gimme more. As Brittany would say.
Powerless by Lauren Roberts
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-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
4.25
Oh man, I have so much to say.
First off, I really liked this book. It made me feel so many things. The slow burn was absolutely torture. The action is absolutely heart pounding. The betrayal… well I’m raging.
Our main character Paedyn and the trial aspect aspect had be constantly thinking of the Hunger Games. And while I know many books claim to be similar to that absolute master piece this felt the most similar to me (at least as a fantasy genre). The trials were the best parts for me. I live for the fighting in fantasy!
The the other aspect is the romance. We have a bit of a love triangle here that I was not expecting, although it’s pretty obvious who the main couple is. Despite this, I low key loved the triangle. Simply because I loved all the characters in and it made sense to me that both boys would feel attracted to her based on their dynamic. Was I frustrated by the end? Absolutely! Because this is such a slow burn we don’t get a kiss, a confession, or ANYTHING! I’m crushed!
The reason I can’t give this book five stars though is because of Paedyn. Goodness gracious girl what we’re you doing in the end? She joins the Resistance with no questions asked. No real desire to understand what her father was doing but is willing to betray both boys she cares for “for her people”. Okay, I can get behind it. Sure. But THEN when all hell breaks loose, she just runs? To who? To where? To what? Her fight with the King was just… ugh like what? How did she even manage that?
And now we have two boys feeling utterly betrayed. One who loved a monster and one who is one. I’m scared to see if Kitt goes down a very dark path because of all this which would be very disappointing because it’s hard for me to connect or feel any sympathy for a character that feels “betrayed” by a member of a group of people you are committing genocide against. My hope is that Kitt and Kai can change the fate of this Kingdom and their people once they understand what’s going on.
I the ending left me furious. In a good way I think. Loves it but hated it! Ahhh!
First off, I really liked this book. It made me feel so many things. The slow burn was absolutely torture. The action is absolutely heart pounding. The betrayal… well I’m raging.
Our main character Paedyn and the trial aspect aspect had be constantly thinking of the Hunger Games. And while I know many books claim to be similar to that absolute master piece this felt the most similar to me (at least as a fantasy genre). The trials were the best parts for me. I live for the fighting in fantasy!
The the other aspect is the romance. We have a bit of a love triangle here that I was not expecting, although it’s pretty obvious who the main couple is. Despite this, I low key loved the triangle. Simply because I loved all the characters in and it made sense to me that both boys would feel attracted to her based on their dynamic. Was I frustrated by the end? Absolutely! Because this is such a slow burn we don’t get a kiss, a confession, or ANYTHING! I’m crushed!
And now we have two boys feeling utterly betrayed. One who loved a monster and one who is one. I’m scared to see if Kitt goes down a very dark path because of all this which would be very disappointing because it’s hard for me to connect or feel any sympathy for a character that feels “betrayed” by a member of a group of people you are committing genocide against. My hope is that Kitt and Kai can change the fate of this Kingdom and their people once they understand what’s going on.
I the ending left me furious. In a good way I think. Loves it but hated it! Ahhh!
Fate & Furies by Helen Scheuerer
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
4.75
Wow wow wow!
I can’t remember the last time, if ever, I read a series and enjoyed each book equally! All three books in this series have been amazing so far. I’ve devoured them! And still starving for more!
I’m this book we follow Thea on a whole new arc. Tracking down Wilder in the beginning was so painful. To see who she has become and what she had suppressed of herself. I was devastated thinking she has regressed! But during that time our Thea grew so much stronger too!
Her real stop ship with Wilder took a complicated turn obviously. My one wish is that we had a longer, deeper conversation about what happened between the two of them. But honestly, I’m just obsessed.
I loved the addition of the new characters in this book. I see our found family growing! Ahhh!
SPOILER:
The Great Rite was epic. I doubted whether this challenge could live up to the hype it was built up to in the book. But I was satisfied. Actually, I cried! Watching Thea face, accept, and fight for herself and her loved ones was amazing.
I can’t wait to see the evil in this world defeated!
And of course, I don’t know how I’ll survive that ending! How can I wait for book 4?!
All I can say is, book 4 better be 1000 pages because I don’t want this to end!
I can’t remember the last time, if ever, I read a series and enjoyed each book equally! All three books in this series have been amazing so far. I’ve devoured them! And still starving for more!
I’m this book we follow Thea on a whole new arc. Tracking down Wilder in the beginning was so painful. To see who she has become and what she had suppressed of herself. I was devastated thinking she has regressed! But during that time our Thea grew so much stronger too!
Her real stop ship with Wilder took a complicated turn obviously. My one wish is that we had a longer, deeper conversation about what happened between the two of them. But honestly, I’m just obsessed.
I loved the addition of the new characters in this book. I see our found family growing! Ahhh!
SPOILER:
The Great Rite was epic. I doubted whether this challenge could live up to the hype it was built up to in the book. But I was satisfied. Actually, I cried! Watching Thea face, accept, and fight for herself and her loved ones was amazing.
I can’t wait to see the evil in this world defeated!
And of course, I don’t know how I’ll survive that ending! How can I wait for book 4?!
All I can say is, book 4 better be 1000 pages because I don’t want this to end!
Vows & Ruins by Helen Scheuerer
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Destroyed.
I was not ready for book two.
I loved book one. It’s was an immediate 5 stars for me. Book two was amazing as well and I’m so HAPPY about that because I KNOW this series is going to be an all time faveoite.
YES following that ending we have a lot of explaining to do and A LOT TO FIX HERE PLEASE I NEED PEOPLE TO FIX THIS.
okay this review is chaos but so is my mind!
Need book three to keep SAIN
I was not ready for book two.
I loved book one. It’s was an immediate 5 stars for me. Book two was amazing as well and I’m so HAPPY about that because I KNOW this series is going to be an all time faveoite.
YES following that ending we have a lot of explaining to do and A LOT TO FIX HERE PLEASE I NEED PEOPLE TO FIX THIS.
okay this review is chaos but so is my mind!
Need book three to keep SAIN