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pagepixie's reviews
167 reviews
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
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
5.0
This book is pure divine magic!
I love a soft, low fantasy where the magic is subtle and seems to creep along the lines of the world we know to make something powerfully compelling and surreal!
Divine Rivals drops you right into the magic, 1940-ish world that Iris Winnow is surviving in. There is little introduction or world building in the beginning as the reader is treated like someone who should know. While at first, this left me a little confused by the way the magic system worked and the history of the war between the gods, it also felt much more satisfying as the pieces finally began to come together.
I liked Iris from the very beginning. She seemed passionate and fierce and tangibly real on the page. It was clear she cared deeply about everything, her brother, her mother, her writing, the war, and Roman, even if she seemed to resist that heartfelt caring in the beginning.
I loved Roman and Iris’s dynamic from their first interaction on the page. Again, we joined their story a couple months into them knowing each other. Their professional rivalry had clearly already been blossoming into something more (albeit reluctantly) before the story started.
The romance is a preeclampsia part of this story, which is something I loved! It was beautiful to watch their feelings grow through words and face to face. I was totally enthralled by the sincere and tender way that Roman regarded Iris. Iris was able to encourage the gumption Roman has forgotten due to his past and his cloud of grief. And Roman I think also encouraged Iris to be more confident and fight for what she wanted, to believe she was worthy of love and joy.
They both helped each other grow so much!
Now, for that ending! The atmosphere of the war, traveling to the front lines and then the front lines coming to the characters, kept a nail biting high stakes plot to the story. My heart was pounding at times. The ending of this book swept me off my feet and I’m so glad I already have the second book at my finger tips!
I love a soft, low fantasy where the magic is subtle and seems to creep along the lines of the world we know to make something powerfully compelling and surreal!
Divine Rivals drops you right into the magic, 1940-ish world that Iris Winnow is surviving in. There is little introduction or world building in the beginning as the reader is treated like someone who should know. While at first, this left me a little confused by the way the magic system worked and the history of the war between the gods, it also felt much more satisfying as the pieces finally began to come together.
I liked Iris from the very beginning. She seemed passionate and fierce and tangibly real on the page. It was clear she cared deeply about everything, her brother, her mother, her writing, the war, and Roman, even if she seemed to resist that heartfelt caring in the beginning.
I loved Roman and Iris’s dynamic from their first interaction on the page. Again, we joined their story a couple months into them knowing each other. Their professional rivalry had clearly already been blossoming into something more (albeit reluctantly) before the story started.
The romance is a preeclampsia part of this story, which is something I loved! It was beautiful to watch their feelings grow through words and face to face. I was totally enthralled by the sincere and tender way that Roman regarded Iris. Iris was able to encourage the gumption Roman has forgotten due to his past and his cloud of grief. And Roman I think also encouraged Iris to be more confident and fight for what she wanted, to believe she was worthy of love and joy.
They both helped each other grow so much!
Now, for that ending! The atmosphere of the war, traveling to the front lines and then the front lines coming to the characters, kept a nail biting high stakes plot to the story. My heart was pounding at times. The ending of this book swept me off my feet and I’m so glad I already have the second book at my finger tips!
Mikko by Ella Maven
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I enjoyed this book.
I think it might be least favorite so far, but I still had fun with it.
I absolutely love seeing this spin off series, and watching these warriors come to terms with being worthy of love after all they have been through.
I also love when they all return to Corin and get to meet all our other beloved couples and the families there.
I think it might be least favorite so far, but I still had fun with it.
I absolutely love seeing this spin off series, and watching these warriors come to terms with being worthy of love after all they have been through.
I also love when they all return to Corin and get to meet all our other beloved couples and the families there.
Rexor by Ella Maven
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Omg the darkest of Ella’s books but maybe the best so far???
The Alien's Undoing by Ella Maven
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I really enjoyed Ward and Reba’s story a lot! I thought Reba was one of the most badass! That scene with the hummers was AMAZING!
The Alien's Escape by Ella Maven
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I loved this book lol
I think I like the first one a little bit more but I actually like Sax a little bit more than Daz! (Maybe)
I think I like the first one a little bit more but I actually like Sax a little bit more than Daz! (Maybe)
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Book Club Book !!
This was my first dip into a classic for a while and I have so many thoughts but I was not disappointed.
First I know this may be exposing my own ignorance (ironically lol) but I had no idea this book was dystopian. I had no idea what it was about at all besides “it’s about burning books” but honestly, it’s barely about that.
This could be interpreted as a story to proclaim the superiority and useful of books and those who read them and the uselessness and inferiority of television and those who do not read. HOWEVER, I think it’s much less specific than that. It’s merely about the idea of willful ignorance and what a whole society looks like when people choose to not know or question anything.
What would we look like if we ignored everything bad? It wouldn’t go away and we wouldn’t be happy.
This book feels like a skeleton. While the skeletal nature may leave you feeling unsatisfied I think that’s the beauty of it.
It’s huge metaphoric allegory. The characters aren’t truly characters as much as they are caricatures. And the setting is less of a specific city than any society that allows itself to become overrun with purposelessness in an effort to avoid individuals feeling inferior.
There is no world building, no real explanation because this could be any work, any place. Much of it was eerily familiar and I saw a lot of our modern society (2023) in its pages. It was spooky and ominous and a sense of doom hovered over me while I read.
There is so much you can dissect in this book, but I’ll settle for this.
Beaty and Montag represent the two options who have when faced with enlightenment to your ignorance. When you can no longer use your ignorance as a shield you can either choose to change or you can stay the same. I believe that Captain Beaty went through what Montag went through, but he decided to do nothing. When he sees Montag going down the same path he tries to convince him to settle like he did (and as he may have done with the other Firemen who were tempted) expect this time Montag could not settle and he decided to take the other path, the path of change.
Of course much of this review is my interpretation of the book, which I think is what’s so cool about it.
I’ll leave it with a comment on the actual writing. I think Bradbury’s writing style is captivating and beautiful. I could not put it down and devoured it in 3 hours.
This was my first dip into a classic for a while and I have so many thoughts but I was not disappointed.
First I know this may be exposing my own ignorance (ironically lol) but I had no idea this book was dystopian. I had no idea what it was about at all besides “it’s about burning books” but honestly, it’s barely about that.
This could be interpreted as a story to proclaim the superiority and useful of books and those who read them and the uselessness and inferiority of television and those who do not read. HOWEVER, I think it’s much less specific than that. It’s merely about the idea of willful ignorance and what a whole society looks like when people choose to not know or question anything.
What would we look like if we ignored everything bad? It wouldn’t go away and we wouldn’t be happy.
This book feels like a skeleton. While the skeletal nature may leave you feeling unsatisfied I think that’s the beauty of it.
It’s huge metaphoric allegory. The characters aren’t truly characters as much as they are caricatures. And the setting is less of a specific city than any society that allows itself to become overrun with purposelessness in an effort to avoid individuals feeling inferior.
There is no world building, no real explanation because this could be any work, any place. Much of it was eerily familiar and I saw a lot of our modern society (2023) in its pages. It was spooky and ominous and a sense of doom hovered over me while I read.
There is so much you can dissect in this book, but I’ll settle for this.
Beaty and Montag represent the two options who have when faced with enlightenment to your ignorance. When you can no longer use your ignorance as a shield you can either choose to change or you can stay the same. I believe that Captain Beaty went through what Montag went through, but he decided to do nothing. When he sees Montag going down the same path he tries to convince him to settle like he did (and as he may have done with the other Firemen who were tempted) expect this time Montag could not settle and he decided to take the other path, the path of change.
Of course much of this review is my interpretation of the book, which I think is what’s so cool about it.
I’ll leave it with a comment on the actual writing. I think Bradbury’s writing style is captivating and beautiful. I could not put it down and devoured it in 3 hours.
The Alien's Ransom by Ella Maven
adventurous
dark
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I think I have a good amount of experience in this genre now… best Alien Romance book I’ve read.
And I’ll tell you exactly why. Two main reasons:
1. Because the sexy alien, Dez. Usually these books Center around a “Primitive” and “primal” race of huge alien men who’s female counter parts have been wiped out. This usually results in the fmc being treated like a breeding machine. In this book the first half is all true. Except the emphasis is more so on the bond between the main couple, the soul mate bond. Dez treats Frankie as an equal who is capable and strong and intelligent from the beginning and he emphasizes that he does not desire her for her womb.
2. The second reason is Frankie. She’s a great fmc in this. One of thing that usually goes wrong is the balance between the fmc coming to terms with the fact that she’s on a different planet and there is no escape vs. totally falling prey to alien d*ck within 20 pages.
I think this book is a good balance between all of that. I actually swooned for Dax and I can’t wait to read the next book!
And I’ll tell you exactly why. Two main reasons:
1. Because the sexy alien, Dez. Usually these books Center around a “Primitive” and “primal” race of huge alien men who’s female counter parts have been wiped out. This usually results in the fmc being treated like a breeding machine. In this book the first half is all true. Except the emphasis is more so on the bond between the main couple, the soul mate bond. Dez treats Frankie as an equal who is capable and strong and intelligent from the beginning and he emphasizes that he does not desire her for her womb.
2. The second reason is Frankie. She’s a great fmc in this. One of thing that usually goes wrong is the balance between the fmc coming to terms with the fact that she’s on a different planet and there is no escape vs. totally falling prey to alien d*ck within 20 pages.
I think this book is a good balance between all of that. I actually swooned for Dax and I can’t wait to read the next book!
The Varkari: Capture by Iola Jones
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I originally read this book on wattpad years ago. I went to reread and saw it was published! So I purchased the Kindle version and devoured it.
I will say that Ellie was frustrating at times. Her determination to escape was admirable but also seemed to defy all logic and became increasingly annoying.
On the other hand, Rahz’s inability to understand Ellie’s attempts to explain consent and her fear of having children were equally frustrating.
I’m the end it was all chalked up to a difference in cultures. Honestly, I was just glad when they finally both got together!
Overall, the steamy scenes are actually great and there is enough conflict (I wouldn’t necessarily call it a plot) to keep it interesting!
I hope the author continues this series!
I will say that Ellie was frustrating at times. Her determination to escape was admirable but also seemed to defy all logic and became increasingly annoying.
On the other hand, Rahz’s inability to understand Ellie’s attempts to explain consent and her fear of having children were equally frustrating.
I’m the end it was all chalked up to a difference in cultures. Honestly, I was just glad when they finally both got together!
Overall, the steamy scenes are actually great and there is enough conflict (I wouldn’t necessarily call it a plot) to keep it interesting!
I hope the author continues this series!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Violence, Kidnapping, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Blood, Trafficking, and Abortion
Minor: Addiction, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Miscarriage, Sexism, Vomit, Trafficking, Cannibalism, Death of parent, and Gaslighting
King of Greed by Ana Huang
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
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? Yes
3.0
Ahhhh! Okay okay so I loved the second chance romance in this book!
We did not beat around the bush and jumped right into Dominic and Alessandra’s divorced. I was crying in the first 30 pages!
I will say, despite this book being short, it felt a bit boring in the middle. I didn’t feel like the plot and characters were as developed outside of the romance as Ana’s other books I’ve read so far.
I liked how the theme of Greed was brought into this one though. I felt like it was the most well played out for the sins so far!
I wish we’d had a bit more groveling and I wish we’d gotten a bit more personality out of Alessandra.
Still, I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for Sloane’s book! Although actually dying for Roman to have a book now! I need a high stakes plot like Twisted Love or Twisted Lies!
We did not beat around the bush and jumped right into Dominic and Alessandra’s divorced. I was crying in the first 30 pages!
I will say, despite this book being short, it felt a bit boring in the middle. I didn’t feel like the plot and characters were as developed outside of the romance as Ana’s other books I’ve read so far.
I liked how the theme of Greed was brought into this one though. I felt like it was the most well played out for the sins so far!
I wish we’d had a bit more groveling and I wish we’d gotten a bit more personality out of Alessandra.
Still, I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for Sloane’s book! Although actually dying for Roman to have a book now! I need a high stakes plot like Twisted Love or Twisted Lies!
King of Wrath by Ana Huang
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
4.0
I don’t know what is in Ana Huang’s books but it has me fully under the influence.
I’m doing this I never thought I would. Devouring her books left and right, rating them more than 3 stars despite them being guilty pleasures. Who am I??
Anyway, Dante and Vivian’s book was delicious. I’m personally not a fan of the arranged marriage trope and the last one I tried to read I DNFed at less than 20%. I’m also not a fan of the enemies to lovers trope in contemporary romance but there was just SOMETHING about this book that had me in a choke hold.
I loved the way both Dante and Vivian’s characters developed in this book. Vivian frustrated me with the way she let her parents walk all over, but I liked the way Dante called her out on it and the way eventually she came to shine on her own.
The family themes in this book almost had me in tears. It was nice to see some relatable family problems in this book. While I enjoyed the Twisted books, those men women went through things I simply could not relate to lmao! Murder parents, uncle kidnappings, fathers trying to murder them, etc.
Now for Dante. Ugh I read bad reviews before I read this book that said he was cheesy, an asshole, etc. While I can’t completely disagree, I still liked him a lot. Again, his character arc was great!
And the grovelinggggg ugh I love it.
So… what’s next? King of Pride?
I’m doing this I never thought I would. Devouring her books left and right, rating them more than 3 stars despite them being guilty pleasures. Who am I??
Anyway, Dante and Vivian’s book was delicious. I’m personally not a fan of the arranged marriage trope and the last one I tried to read I DNFed at less than 20%. I’m also not a fan of the enemies to lovers trope in contemporary romance but there was just SOMETHING about this book that had me in a choke hold.
I loved the way both Dante and Vivian’s characters developed in this book. Vivian frustrated me with the way she let her parents walk all over, but I liked the way Dante called her out on it and the way eventually she came to shine on her own.
The family themes in this book almost had me in tears. It was nice to see some relatable family problems in this book. While I enjoyed the Twisted books, those men women went through things I simply could not relate to lmao! Murder parents, uncle kidnappings, fathers trying to murder them, etc.
Now for Dante. Ugh I read bad reviews before I read this book that said he was cheesy, an asshole, etc. While I can’t completely disagree, I still liked him a lot. Again, his character arc was great!
And the grovelinggggg ugh I love it.
So… what’s next? King of Pride?