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theblacklodgebookshelf's reviews
540 reviews
Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
adventurous
funny
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
4.0
I’ve had this book on my shelf for the longest time and I’ve finally got round to reading it. I’m a huge fan of the movie so I was a little worried that I wouldn’t like the book, but I found this really fun. There are a lot of differences between the two which actually breathed fresh life into the story for me.
4 stars
The Atlas Complex by Olivie Blake
The way that the climax to the experiment was arranged was masterful. I was on the literal edge of my seat, breath held, frozen still, couldn’t function until I had read it all. I loved the alternative ‘Six’ POV’s and I’m glad Libby & Belen got to see each other again. Tristan’s chapters (especially the repeated Scenario one) were also so much fun to read and I loved the dynamic between him and Callum.
challenging
emotional
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 was so interested to see how Blake would wrap this series up. I understand that it may divide some people with its ending, but I personally thought it was incredible.
The journey we have gone on with all of our MC’s has been phenomenal, I feel like I know them all intimately.
I have to also point out how much I enjoyed the structure of the book.
SPOILERS AHEAD
I’m so sad this is the end – I will be thinking about this series and these characters for a long while.
5 stars
The Atlas Paradox by Olivie Blake
challenging
emotional
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
4.0
A really solid sequel in what is shaping up to be my favourite dark academia series.
I loved all the character development (somehow I am warming up to Callum?!) as well as the exploration of our side characters (I love Gideon).
For all the answers we got we were left with more questions by the end of the book and I am so intrigued to see what our ‘six’ will do now.
4 stars
An Education in Malice by S.T. Gibson
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Thank you to NetGalley & Little Brown Book for a copy of an e-arc in exchange for an honest review
I was so hyped for this book. It had all of the elements involved that I would absolutely devour. Unfortunately this just didn’t live up to the highs that A Dowry of Blood gave me. I don’t know why, but the writing felt off.
It still had the lyricism and the creativity that of its predecessor, but where I think it lacked for me, was in the characters. It may have been a hindrance that I know and love Carmilla by Sheridan Le Fanu and had that in the back of my mind? But there was no tension. I like a bit of yearning in my gothic fantasy and there was none, in fact it felt very ‘insta-lovey’ with the enemies/rivals-to –lovers trope dissipating rather quickly.
So much could have been explored with Laura, Carmilla & Mrs D, but it all felt a bit rushed.
That being said, I did love the setting of a 1960’s all girls college and the cameo from a familiar character.
3 stars
The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is my first re-read of The Atlas Six since its initial independent release. I’m so glad I did because I had forgotten a lot that I think will prove important in the coming books as well take in the new expanded material that Blake added in the updated version.
I still really enjoyed the story and it has cemented the fact that Dark Academia is one of my absolute favourite sub-genres, particularly in fantasy.
This book will not be for everyone, it is dense in its prose and explorations into physics & psychology and the characters are not particularly likeable.
But what you will find is a book that makes you think and question your own morals, as well as immerse you into the complicated web that these characters now find themselves stuck in.
4 stars
Nobody's Darlin' by Sarah Blue
dark
emotional
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
4.5
A big thank you to the author and her PR/Marketing team for providing me with an e-arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I knew this book was for me when I saw the author drop the first teaser on her Instagram so I RAN when it was time to request an arc copy of this. Two things will guarantee a good time for me in a romance book – Omegaverse & Motorcycle Clubs.
I read this in one sitting, cover to cover and loved every second of it.
I have read almost everything this author has written (I think I have 2 left?) so I can confirm that this is the darkest book they have written so far – so please do check TW’s before starting.
Nobody’s Darlin’ centres on Lily (an omega) who is close to reaching her 21st birthday and the deadline her stepfather has set for her to be ready to move out and settle with a pack of ideally, his choosing. Having spent her life with the Dead Palms MC (her stepfather is the Prez) her parents want her to have the opportunity to get out of the compound and live the idyllic pampered omega life. But that’s the opposite of what Lily has in mind, and so does Axel – the clubs resident bad boy Beta who will go to any lengths to make her his.
There was so much angst and sexual tension in this book from the get go. The rapport Lily has with Axel especially in the beginning had me giggling & kicking my feet like an idiot. I was unprepared for how much I loved him compared to the other MMC’s!
The balance between plot and spice was perfect – nothing felt repetitive or gratuitous at all. The plot was engaging with some twists along the way as well as a sprinkle of humour and some fun cameos from characters in previous books.
Overall I absolutely loved it and would definitely recommend if you’ve read this author’s other works or if you love your romance with a gritty side.
4.5 stars
Wreck the Halls by Tessa Bailey
funny
lighthearted
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
3.0
I think if you go into this with low expectations and are happy to go along for the ride you’ll enjoy this.
I’ve found that this author can be very hit or miss for me now and this is a bit of a miss.
It started out so well, and I loved the whole documentary/reality show aspect of it. Melody was actually a really funny and charming FMC, unfortunately Beat the MMC (yes, that’s his name) was the character that I had a hard time with. I didn’t agree with a lot of his choices or actions and when you’re not rooting for the love interest it makes for a frustrating read.
3 stars
Faebound by Saara El-Arifi
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The first in a new trilogy which focuses on two elven sisters Yeeran & Lettle – captured and forced to live amongst the once thought to be extinct Fae.
As the opening book, I thought this was a fantastic introduction to our main troupe of characters as well the world and its lore/history. This is a solid foundation step into what I think will be a really promising fantasy series. I will say that this reads more ‘romantasy’ than high fantasy which some might not be expecting – but I had a great time with it.
My one main critique however was that the plot twists were very obvious. If you are an observant reader you’ll have them figured out hundreds of pages before their actual reveal, which was a little disappointing. But despite that it didn’t necessarily take away my enjoyment of the story.
I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next!
4 stars
Hoarded by the Dragon by Lillian Lark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I think this book has cemented the fact that this author is just not for me. This is my third book by them and whilst they are not bad books necessarily, I always find that they are just ‘ok’.
If you love the breeding kink or accidental pregnancy trope – you’ll eat this up.
3 stars
Godly Heathens by H.E. Edgmon
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Thank you to Netgalley and Daphne Press for a copy of this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
The first 30-40% had me hooked and I was really intrigued by the plot and the mystery surrounding everyone’s alt identities. But I’m not sure what happened in the last half? Maybe I wasn’t in the right mood, but I just felt a little disconnected from the story.
I enjoyed the characters and the focus on mental health, as well as the creepier, more supernatural elements of the book. I think what may have contributed to my issues was the volume of characters that were all introduced in a short amount of time; all with several names/identities which kind of spun my head around a little.
I think that the pacing could be improved, but overall a great start to a darker YA series.
3.5 stars