paulaks's reviews
164 reviews

Nachdem ich den ersten Teil schon fantastisch fand, hat mich der zweite Teil von Enaiats Geschichte auch überzeugen können. Das Buch erinnert mich daran, warum ich lese. Sich durch tolles Geschichten erzählen in eine komplett andere Situation zu denken und Empathie dafür empfinden zu können ist so wichtig. Und so schön. Zwar ist das Buch nicht nur schön, sondern auch traurig, macht wütend, belehrt und bringt mich zum Lachen. Beide Biographien haben einen große Wirkung hinterlassen, deshalb die 5 Sterne Bewertung (keinesfalls eine Wertung der Geschichte, denn ich kann kein Leben basierend auf Texte bewerten).

I read this play for school in the original (older) German language which made this a not so enjoyable experience. 
First of, I understand what Lessing was trying to do. The motives and themes are clear and everything revolves around it. Sometimes it feels inauthentic because of that. The charactes and situations felt forced just to get the wanted result. Besides that, most of the characters were stereotypical and one-dimensional. Except maybe Daja and the monk. I really gravitated towards them since there actions were surprising and left room for interpretation. They weren't perfect. I also liked Al-Hafi, he was the needed comedic relief even though I think Lessung didn't intend to. It cracked me up how he appeared two times and was missed the complete second half. *Random dialogue* oh, where is Al-Hafi? That's the randomness I like. The end was fine, everything felt wrapped up, no complaints. 
However: If you think that this play is still important (message wise or for basic reading) and you want people to read it, preferably GET it, you might need to give it a more modern translation. Please. I understand the importance of the original, that's why people study German literature. But for a student and normal reader it would be much more accessible if you give it a new edition. I'm talking accessibility here, reading this is not accessible at all. I had to look up words and read into some history afterwards. That's my take. I'm open for discussion and might change my view but after my first read that's all you get. 2.5 stars.

That's THAT romantasy! If you're looking for one, there you go. 
Enjoyable characters and a romance plot which becomes more of the focus during the second half. I have to give it to Carissa how every single character just feels so complex and three dimensional. She doesn't hand you out a cliché paired with a trope-y romance. You really have to figure them out.
To the fantasy: this should have been five stars and it's my fault. PLEASE use the glossary. I beg you. The world *technically* is interesting and deep but for a romantasy she really picked out a harder system. I was confused, to say the least. But it's my fault. When I saw the glossary at the end after finishing the book I could cry. That's peak dumbness. 
However, I think during some parts of the competition there could have been more description when it comes to where we are. To give you an example, the contestants spawn somewhere, there are evil creatures, they fight and over. WHERE ARE THEY? What's going?! That's where I missed some writing which you could cut during other chapters that tend to be a bit too descriptive.

To conclude, read it. Use the glossary and you should have a fun experience - keeping in mind it's a romantasy, so it might suffer from trying both.

Great, enjoyable summer read!! The atmosphere is amazing and really draws you in. Additionally, the characters are likeable and, more importantly, relatable. Flawed and dishonest, yes miscommunication will occur. I didn't mind and actually liked that because it made them much more human. The flashbacks scences are adorable and match the teenage spirit so well. Their awkward meet up included - that's on being a teenager. Sam and Percy are just adorable. 
The ending was fine but felt a bit rushed. I would have liked some more time at the end. Besides that, I'd definitely recommend this for a light summer read. 

The deserving finale and a showstopping ending. 
Every single storyline and character came together for this last book which honestly was genius!
The ending was really satisfying, even though it took 1100 pages (german edition) to get there. That is my only critique (but I am trying to be honest to myself): It is too long. It took me 2 month alone to read this and many reading slumps to get over. It needs an editor. 600 pages. Max. 
However, the character development and action scence were captivating. The nerves and excitment all building towards the climax aka the last 100 pages. After so long, the characters feel so near and real, it was almost hard to "say goodbye". But I did, I am done and feel utterly refreshed. Ready for a much needed palette cleanser. Here some optional spoiler thoughts:

The 13 sacrificing themselves?! Jaw dropped. Lives changed. Most important death besides Nehemia and Gavriel. Aedion did not knew how greatful he should be for Gavriel. Maeve´s death felt really irrelevant though, took me a bit to realise "oh, so they killed her". Yrene, the power woman we neede. Love her so much. Same with the underrated Evangeline. I don´t know why but she was just a badass. Justice for Manon, after her friends died, her ending could not match my expectations to see her happy with her crew. To all the fae that survived, we thank you for your service even though them being bound to Aelin left a bad taste after the whole thing with Maeve. The ending was destined for our FMC, so no critique. Honorable mentions: Ansel, the silent assassin and Rolfe. Did not expect me to ever say that.

SJM at her peak. Yes, it's still too long so that's why I'm gonna keep this review short.
Tower of Dawn delivered. It's so brilliantly crafted introducing you to a complete new set of politics, culture and characters. A lot of new characters. Nevertheless, every single one of them felt real. 
Chaol is probably the most complex one out of them all. Neither lovable nor hate able. He is aware of his flaws and tries to deal with them. Most importantly, he feels human. Especially his relationship struggles with Nesryn and Yrene are emotional and touching. 
Tower of Dawn gave us a story. Beginning to end. In this endless cycle of this series it was rewarding reading a book which reminds you of a standalone. 

Compared to its partner (during the necessary tandem read) Empire of storms it's clearly not as action packed but filled with more touching and adventures scenes. Every time I was reading the Empire of Storms chapters something in my brain wanted me to switch back to ToD which says it all.

A big book deserves a big review so get ready...
I read this as a tandem read with Tower of Dawn like it was recommended. This was a great experience, however I quickly started to drag the moments I had to switch back to Empire of Storms. Let´s cover those reasons:
EoS is just way too long, chaotic and overly detailed. An emotional mess. Reading this took forever which turned into a reading slump into an unmotivated reader. It ´s hard to pinpoint on why I felt that way but I believe the characters started to annoy me since some of them felt really one dimensional. However, I want complexity and internal struggles. Some characters showcased that but let´s look at them individually. **minor spoilers** 
Aelin: flat. Like a piece of paper. I get that she is supposed to be that bad bitch but SJM is - not the character she tried to built.
Rowan: flat as well. Aelin spreads like a sickness. I like him but couldn´t care less.
Manon: BIG slay. The internal struggles and power moments?! Love her.
Dorian: Golden retriever trying to be a black cat. He deserved some more individual time but now acts as a love interest *sigh*
Lysandra: slay. Would like to see her more independent but she carried.
Aedion: Fine.
Gavriel and Fenrys: interesting, i guess
Elide: well, she´s here as well.
And a big handful of other characters. In case you read this review at the beginning of your ToG journey: start a character sheet. I wished I had one.

Even though I was bored sometimes, I still wanted to know where everything leads. I just spend too much time and energy into this universe to quit, so I pushed through and it paid off reading the end. 

The EoS finale: Bravo. That´s the SJM I met. Everything and everyone tied into this massive, insane and brutal finale. If I just rated the end: 5 stars. She has this ability to easily tie plots back together and because of that all of the books before feel powerful since they have a purpose. Not gonna lie, I did not shed a tear but I sat speechless on the sofa while my mum questioned her daughter. Smiling and shaking my head I applaud to the author. The cleverness and emotional writing is astounding. Finally, I want to applaud myself for pushing through. In case you question why I even read it: Tower of Dawn on the other hand was fantastic (suprisingly).

This novella showed true and slow character development. Rather pleasant than entertaining to read. It's just okay overall. But some things need to be said:
- Lily going to therapy was NEEDED. Everybody say "thank you Rose"
- let's say interesting spicy scenes 
- a bit too much Lily time that can feel annoying some parts but intimate on others
- the Ryke × Daisy situation is worrisome. I don't know what you need to take to find this cute but building a relationship between a 16 and 22 year old is risky. To say the least
- Daisy is such an fascinating character ngl but the eating disorder situation made me uncomfortable as well as her "friend" group 
- Connor. WHERE WAS HE. I need the daily dose of the confident smart douchebag

-> I need to give heads up to the authors, very courageous to publish a novella that focuses on needed but maybe dragging development.

Purely subjective but this book was SO GOOD. I needed this rollercoaster and it hit home way too hard. Is this a romance? Not really rather following characters. Is this accurate representation? I don't know about the addiction part but dealing with mental illness and how dynamics change was WAY too accurate. Lily and Lo have my heart and felt really realistic. The problems they face and behaviour just made sense. Besides, the side-characters are pretty interesting and add to the story. 
Yes, it's character based and probably over dramatic but if you like the characters the ending will have you in a chokeholed (at least I was lol). Not overthinking this review but straight off the bat and influenced by the emotional ending it's five stars.

Queen of Shadows is hands down the best one in the series so far! The character development and the plot lines connecting was beautifully and lightly done. It's action-packed while also focusing on the relationships and dynamics. On top of that you are still learning and getting new information revealed.  Brilliantly done BUT I hesitate giving it 5 stars.

It's just too long. While reading the middle it felt like I was in a reading slump but with the reading. It needs some cuts and help with the pace. This experience does impact my rating, maybe in the future looking back I will be nicer but know I remember how hard it was to get through a few chapters. Overall, 4.5 stars! Would recommend.