wendeedeedee36's reviews
217 reviews

This story is REALLY good, especially when you consider the fact this is a debut novel for Rachel Harker. That fact alone is a little mind blowing to me. I really enjoyed the writing style and the characters. I love the fact that this is inspired by Norse mythology because it somehow jusy gives off the feeling of action…or something like that. I also love mythology retellings, so there is that. I knew pretty early on that I would like Revna. She’s tough and resilient, but she’s also vulnerable and flawed and scared which just makes her very real to me. She’s not a super human, just someone trying to survive and help others. The romantic tension is fantastic, and when that slow burn finally peaks it is well work the wait. The ending has me absolutely stressed and I am not sure how I am supposed to survive not having book 2 immediately. 
Overall, this is a VERY impressive debut and an amazing start to what should be a fantastic series! I think this would be a great read for fans of the Flesh and Fire series by JLA and The Shadow Bound Queen series by Eliza Raine. 

I think the premise of this book is very good, and I can’t even say anything is wrong with the writing. However, I didn’t get pulled in the way I usually am and had to rewind back a lot because my attention would drift. I was worried about half way through that I wouldn’t want to continue the series at all but I will say the last 25% or so got me intrigued enough to want to know what happens next. I think the two storylines are interesting and I want to see if/how they converge. I also have questions about the fire prince of course…and maybe a hint of a theory. 
The narration by Annalee Scott is really well done. I think she expresses emotions well and makes distinct voices for all the characters. All in all, it’s a good book and interesting start to the series. 

As always, reading The Raiders of the Arcana has given me a strong desire to watch The Mummy, read some Dan Brown books, and maybe plan a trip to Egypt (or anywhere with historical ruins really). Tomb of the Sun King once again follows Ellie and Adam as they attempt to thwart Mr. Jacobs and Professor Dawson from getting their hands on a powerful relic: in this case, the staff of Moses. However. This time we also get new POVs from Ellie’s brother, Neil, and her best friend, Constance. 
I always enjoy stories that play on lost artifacts or historical lore/theories (think Davinci Code) and this series is rapidly becoming a favorite for me. I love how much information we get in this series and the respect for culture Benson shows through her characters. The action is always intense, the surprises are fun, and the romantic tensions are delicious. I also like that we get the tiniest hint of background for Mr. Jacobs and am particularly interested in seeing how that plays out later. Of course, the final chapters have me eager for the next book and I cannot wait to see what happens in India!
Alex Picard once again knocks it out of the park with her narration. She finds a way to make each character have their own style and voice, she switches accents like it is nothing, and she knows how to make things sound dramatic. Simply fantastic. 

I blew through this book and cannot wait to get to the rest of the series. I really like the world building and I LOVE the Arthurian vibes…Especially once you toss in some fae action too. Morgan is a little frustrating for me because I would lose patience with her being timid and she is very naive, but I think that also leaves a lot of room for her character growth in the later books. There were certain twists I was able to predict, but specific one the end had more to it than I was expecting, and it definitely took me by surprise. I’m really looking forward to see how certain relationships develop moving forward as well as the stories of some of the supporting characters. 

Single Player was fun and quirky, but also touched on some deeper points. The first chapter had me thinking this might not be my cup of tea, but it grew on me and I ended up enjoying it way more than I expected to. The workplace romance, reluctant coworkers to lovers, opposites attract vibes were really fun. I liked that you saw Andy work through their trauma from their first job, and broke through their hard exterior to find someone who just wanted to be accepted. I also really liked how - despite how different they seem - Cat is similarly looking for someone to accept her true self. Bottling herself up to fit to the norm was tough, and it was refreshing when all her chaotic energy would burst out with Andy. I think the toxic environment in the gaming industry was also intriguing and something that doesn’t surprise me l, even though I had never really reflected into on it before now. 
Overall, I think this was a great mix of romcom and social observations and I enjoyed myself a lot. Natalie Naudus did a great job representing both characters and making the sound different and real. She conveys a lot of emotions and little sound effects that really brought the story to life. 

A Language of Dragons is an absolute masterpiece! It has magic and dragons, while also relating back to our own world history and our political/societal struggles. I really liked the steampunk aspect to the story, and the fantastical take on code breakers. It’s a complex story with a very heavy topics. I can honestly, say I feel a little wrecked after finishing the book, and I still loved it. 
The line between “you are what society forces you to be” and “you are responsible for your choices”  is such a thin one, and it is a crucial topic in A Language of Dragons. Vivian is definitely a flawed heroine and - for me at least - she was not very likable character for 95% of the story. She is a product of her society and the pressures it puts on children to excel on the test, no matter the cost. She’s done horrible things for the sake of her ambition as a result . However, I feel like she uses her “rottenness” as an excuse to continue being selfish, rather than doing what is right. She gets there in the end but she sure did cut it close to the wire. 
All in all, I highly recommend ALOD to everyone but caution the reader to know it is HEAVY and you don’t necessarily get a happy ending. Definitely read this if you are a fan of books like Bright Over Moon Haven

I’m so sad to have this series come to an end, and yet so very happy with everything about it. I loved Kat’s journey through the series and seeing her come to terms with the idea of LIVING rather than SURVIVING. I think the fact that the series basically comes full circle with Kat being a court spy was perfect. Bastian’s own trials to overcome the way he was groomed and gaslighted for almost 2 decades was also very poignant and well written. Their romance, devotion, and journey as a couple was so sweet, and deliciously spicy. Sager definitely made good on promises made earlier in the series and upped the 🥵 level in this book. The found family aspect of this series is a particular favorite of mine, and I’m now more determined than ever to read Sager’s other series about all of these wonderful characters. 

I always think I’m not a huge Sports Romance fan until I read one, and then I remember I’m wrong 😆 First of all, I LOVED the dynamic between Scottie and Nico! They’re arguing, enemies to allies to lovers vibes are perfection. I love Nico’s insulting nickname for Scottie, and I especially love that it ends up sticking in the end. 
Second. The redemption plot in this is amazing. I was genuinely invested in everything happening. 
Third, the spice was fantastic without it overwhelming the plot. Nico’s bedroom talk also had me 🥵
Finally, the narrators are wonderful! I have been a fan of Mary Jane Wells for a while from her historical romance narrations. She, as per usual, did a great job. i had not heard of Patrick Zeller before this but I can safely say I would pick to a book simply if he’s listed as the narrator. I love his voice and the way he brings the story to life.

I think it is probably an interesting story. The writing seemed to be good as well. I just couldn’t get into it for some reason.