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yazthebookish's reviews
1017 reviews
Verity by Colleen Hoover
4.0
The story was suspenseful and gripping,I was pulled into it right from the beginning.
What I enjoyed about Verity the most is the 1st person POV correlating between Lowen and Verity
Moving back and forth with two polar povs weaved the story into a cluster of emotional turmoil, plot-twists and pure insanity.
The slow-burn romance between Lowen and Jeremy was neat. However, I was plagued with Jeremy’s perfect husband image that I was kept on edge about his true intentions towards Lowen, awaiting Jeremy to remove his loving husband mask which, he somehow does towards the end. But not as twisted or dark as I thought he would be.
Verity. Is. A. Psychopath.
Period.
None of the characters were perfect, even perfect and loving hubbie Jeremy, and I loved that. Every character had to face difficult choices and reveal the darkest versions of themselves.
The plot progressed on a decent pace, despite the events taking place mainly at the Crawford’s home, the suspense kept me engaged.
The conclusion of the story has left me with more questions and the letters had me rethink everything I have read from the very first page.
Is Verity innocent or is this a ploy from a mentally deranged author and murderer, to mess with Lowen.
What I enjoyed about Verity the most is the 1st person POV correlating between Lowen and Verity
Moving back and forth with two polar povs weaved the story into a cluster of emotional turmoil, plot-twists and pure insanity.
The slow-burn romance between Lowen and Jeremy was neat. However, I was plagued with Jeremy’s perfect husband image that I was kept on edge about his true intentions towards Lowen, awaiting Jeremy to remove his loving husband mask which, he somehow does towards the end. But not as twisted or dark as I thought he would be.
Verity. Is. A. Psychopath.
Period.
None of the characters were perfect, even perfect and loving hubbie Jeremy, and I loved that. Every character had to face difficult choices and reveal the darkest versions of themselves.
The plot progressed on a decent pace, despite the events taking place mainly at the Crawford’s home, the suspense kept me engaged.
The conclusion of the story has left me with more questions and the letters had me rethink everything I have read from the very first page.
Is Verity innocent or is this a ploy from a mentally deranged author and murderer, to mess with Lowen.
Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover
4.0
4 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Colleen knows how to pull at my heart strings and tear them apart. This by all means not a tragic story. It’s a love story of love itself, the Beautiful side of it and the ugly side of it.
I was immediately immersed into the book as I always do with Colleen’s books since her writing flows easy and she grips you by the first few pages.
I liked the main characters Tate and Miles and the secondary character: Cap, Corbin and Ian. I only wish we could’ve had more interactions with the other characters but it doesn’t bother me much.
The Romance okay wow. It was off the roof. I mean there were many intimate moments between them and it makes sense since their arrangement first was for them to hook up only, although they’re immensely attracted to one another. Of course intimacy leads to other feelings sprouting and it threatens the rules set by Miles for Tate to stick by when they first agreed to this arrangement:
1. Never ask about the past
2. Don’t expect a future
The romance is steamy and gets better and better by every page. Their emotions are too entangled yet Tate struggles with breaking through the adamant wall Miles has built around his heart.
I have to say there isn’t much to the plot and it is kind of predictable which is why it did not mess up my emotions as much as I thought it would. I wish we could’ve explored out of the premises of their apartments more often but again it didn’t bother me that much because I was invested in Tate and Miles’ relationship.
If you’re looking for a light romance book that is solely focused on a steamy romance between a couple, this is it!
Colleen knows how to pull at my heart strings and tear them apart. This by all means not a tragic story. It’s a love story of love itself, the Beautiful side of it and the ugly side of it.
I was immediately immersed into the book as I always do with Colleen’s books since her writing flows easy and she grips you by the first few pages.
I liked the main characters Tate and Miles and the secondary character: Cap, Corbin and Ian. I only wish we could’ve had more interactions with the other characters but it doesn’t bother me much.
The Romance okay wow. It was off the roof. I mean there were many intimate moments between them and it makes sense since their arrangement first was for them to hook up only, although they’re immensely attracted to one another. Of course intimacy leads to other feelings sprouting and it threatens the rules set by Miles for Tate to stick by when they first agreed to this arrangement:
1. Never ask about the past
2. Don’t expect a future
The romance is steamy and gets better and better by every page. Their emotions are too entangled yet Tate struggles with breaking through the adamant wall Miles has built around his heart.
I have to say there isn’t much to the plot and it is kind of predictable which is why it did not mess up my emotions as much as I thought it would. I wish we could’ve explored out of the premises of their apartments more often but again it didn’t bother me that much because I was invested in Tate and Miles’ relationship.
If you’re looking for a light romance book that is solely focused on a steamy romance between a couple, this is it!
Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo
4.0
4 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
”Crows remember human faces. They remember the people who feed them, who are kind to them. And the people who wrong them too.”
I’m glad that this sequel is more action-packed and engaging than its predecessor.
• The writing is still not it for me, Leigh Bardugo’s writing style just doesn’t click for me for some reason; not saying that she’s a bad writer but the writing just doesn’t flow easily for me.
• The sequel gave the characters a little more depth that made them more likable to me. Nina Zenik is the star of this duology and I like Kaz Brekker a little bit better since he seems less bland in this one but I still don’t understand the hype about him because he still doesn’t stand out to me. I felt all the other characters got their own moment of spotlight this time. Also, their bond felt more real this time and I did enjoy some of their interactions. There’s a certain beloved character that makes an appearance in this that it made me grin like an idiot because I did miss that character. There were scenes that really tugged are my heart strings and that made me realize that I did form some sort of a connection with some of the characters.
• There were many moments were I felt a disconnection with the plot. I had to pause a few times to try and pinpoint what the plot is there were times were I felt everything is disjointed and it did not progress smoothly.
• I wish Grisha Magic had a stronger presence since this is one of the most unique magic systems I read about.
I did enjoy this better than the first book but I seem to be in the minority of those that do not love this duology. I still think many readers would have a far more enjoyable experience with it than I did.
”Crows remember human faces. They remember the people who feed them, who are kind to them. And the people who wrong them too.”
I’m glad that this sequel is more action-packed and engaging than its predecessor.
• The writing is still not it for me, Leigh Bardugo’s writing style just doesn’t click for me for some reason; not saying that she’s a bad writer but the writing just doesn’t flow easily for me.
• The sequel gave the characters a little more depth that made them more likable to me. Nina Zenik is the star of this duology and I like Kaz Brekker a little bit better since he seems less bland in this one but I still don’t understand the hype about him because he still doesn’t stand out to me. I felt all the other characters got their own moment of spotlight this time. Also, their bond felt more real this time and I did enjoy some of their interactions. There’s a certain beloved character that makes an appearance in this that it made me grin like an idiot because I did miss that character. There were scenes that really tugged are my heart strings and that made me realize that I did form some sort of a connection with some of the characters.
• There were many moments were I felt a disconnection with the plot. I had to pause a few times to try and pinpoint what the plot is there were times were I felt everything is disjointed and it did not progress smoothly.
• I wish Grisha Magic had a stronger presence since this is one of the most unique magic systems I read about.
I did enjoy this better than the first book but I seem to be in the minority of those that do not love this duology. I still think many readers would have a far more enjoyable experience with it than I did.
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
4.0
4 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Little Life has to be one of the most depressing books I have ever read. I will not go into details with this review because I am emotionally wrecked after finishing it. However, I will write down what trigger warnings this book contains because they are MAJOR and this isn’t a book I would recommend to any readers.
Trigger Warnings: graphic self-harm, physical and emotional abuse, pedophilia, rape, suicide. < if you feel even a fragment of discomfort regarding these I urge you that you should not pick up this book.
My experience with this book has been very emotional and at times devastating. For a certain character, his life has been molded by his childhood trauma that follow him like a shadow for much of his life. I cannot think of the suffering he went through without my heart crying for him.
Minor spoilers:
The representation of a person with a mental illness and disability was impressively realistic. I felt the helplessness he had felt about himself. I was so frustrated that I couldn’t reach out to him and tell him “You are good! You deserve better! It’s not your fault!” and give him a tight hug. The fact that someone lives each day thinking they deserve the worst for simply existing, for others, evil people, to embed the idea that he is disgusting, he is sick, he is nothing. I’m even on the verge of crying again writing this. He’s been subjected to abuse no child should had ever gone through, and because of it he is willing to accept any sign of affection no matter the cost even if it meant he would compromise himself. How precious it meant for him to hold on to even a fragment of affection and safety that in fact was anything but affection and safety but the true forms of those two were so foreign to him that he could not distinguish.
It tears me apart knowing that although this is fiction yet it does not steer far away from reality. These kind of experiences happen. Those kind of horrible people exist. Such stories are never told or worse, might never be believed.
It was a devastating yet an impactful read for me. I don’t think this is a read I’ll ever forget because it is important for me. I dove into this knowing what awaited me, yet I was still caught off guard by so many things.
Hanya Yanagihara is no doubt a brilliant writer. But I have to address a few issues I found: First, it felt to me that the book dragged on, it didn’t necessarily have to be a 700+ book and it would have served its purpose. Second, I struggled with recognizing the voices of the characters in each chapter within the first 200 pages, it was Jude and it shifts to Willem, and then to Harold or someone else, it got me confused and irritated.
A Little Life has to be one of the most depressing books I have ever read. I will not go into details with this review because I am emotionally wrecked after finishing it. However, I will write down what trigger warnings this book contains because they are MAJOR and this isn’t a book I would recommend to any readers.
Trigger Warnings: graphic self-harm, physical and emotional abuse, pedophilia, rape, suicide. < if you feel even a fragment of discomfort regarding these I urge you that you should not pick up this book.
My experience with this book has been very emotional and at times devastating. For a certain character, his life has been molded by his childhood trauma that follow him like a shadow for much of his life. I cannot think of the suffering he went through without my heart crying for him.
Minor spoilers:
The representation of a person with a mental illness and disability was impressively realistic. I felt the helplessness he had felt about himself. I was so frustrated that I couldn’t reach out to him and tell him “You are good! You deserve better! It’s not your fault!” and give him a tight hug. The fact that someone lives each day thinking they deserve the worst for simply existing, for others, evil people, to embed the idea that he is disgusting, he is sick, he is nothing. I’m even on the verge of crying again writing this. He’s been subjected to abuse no child should had ever gone through, and because of it he is willing to accept any sign of affection no matter the cost even if it meant he would compromise himself. How precious it meant for him to hold on to even a fragment of affection and safety that in fact was anything but affection and safety but the true forms of those two were so foreign to him that he could not distinguish.
It tears me apart knowing that although this is fiction yet it does not steer far away from reality. These kind of experiences happen. Those kind of horrible people exist. Such stories are never told or worse, might never be believed.
It was a devastating yet an impactful read for me. I don’t think this is a read I’ll ever forget because it is important for me. I dove into this knowing what awaited me, yet I was still caught off guard by so many things.
Hanya Yanagihara is no doubt a brilliant writer. But I have to address a few issues I found: First, it felt to me that the book dragged on, it didn’t necessarily have to be a 700+ book and it would have served its purpose. Second, I struggled with recognizing the voices of the characters in each chapter within the first 200 pages, it was Jude and it shifts to Willem, and then to Harold or someone else, it got me confused and irritated.
Ashes in the Wind by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss
4.0
4 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ashes in the Wind was a pleasant surprise! It got my heart fluttering and pounding with its extremely slow-burn romance and in agitation of unforeseen circumstances
I was spellbound by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss’s fluid writing. I was wholly immersed in what I consider to be a heavy romance book without it being a daunting experience because the writing alone just flows beautifully.
The romance was a chaotic whirlwind! The blazing chemistry between Alaina and Cole, because I would not describe in any other way, engulfed me. The slow-burn was truly excruciating because trust me when I say it. was. SLOW. Yet, it was rewarding once they sheathed their claws and their hearts began to soften for one another. Though I have to say I enjoyed their banter and teasing, but half of the time I found it to be vexing because it burst my lovey-dovey bubbles whenever there was a perfect romantic moment, they managed to ruin it somehow. As for the characters themselves, I really liked Alaina but she played with my nerves a lot. As for Cole, I had mixed feelings about him, I liked him in the first quarter of the book, began to have very mixed feelings about him by the end of Part 1 but I grew to like him more in Part 2.
As for the plot, I would say it was a bumpy ride. Unlike other romances, this one has a more serious tone to it and the circumstances do not get easier for the characters although I felt like there were events that were a little too convenient for the characters. It was probably 30% to 50% through the story that I felt it’s becoming a little flat and the pacing did not help but it managed to keep me interested for the other half of the book which I believe has the best bits.
Despite the few points I wasn’t happy about, I would recommend this book but keep in mind that it’s roughly around 600 pages and it’s a heavy read in terms of the story. I promise you if you love slow-burn romances, this will satisfy your craving for a true slow-burn.
Ashes in the Wind was a pleasant surprise! It got my heart fluttering and pounding with its extremely slow-burn romance and in agitation of unforeseen circumstances
I was spellbound by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss’s fluid writing. I was wholly immersed in what I consider to be a heavy romance book without it being a daunting experience because the writing alone just flows beautifully.
The romance was a chaotic whirlwind! The blazing chemistry between Alaina and Cole, because I would not describe in any other way, engulfed me. The slow-burn was truly excruciating because trust me when I say it. was. SLOW. Yet, it was rewarding once they sheathed their claws and their hearts began to soften for one another. Though I have to say I enjoyed their banter and teasing, but half of the time I found it to be vexing because it burst my lovey-dovey bubbles whenever there was a perfect romantic moment, they managed to ruin it somehow. As for the characters themselves, I really liked Alaina but she played with my nerves a lot. As for Cole, I had mixed feelings about him, I liked him in the first quarter of the book, began to have very mixed feelings about him by the end of Part 1 but I grew to like him more in Part 2.
As for the plot, I would say it was a bumpy ride. Unlike other romances, this one has a more serious tone to it and the circumstances do not get easier for the characters although I felt like there were events that were a little too convenient for the characters. It was probably 30% to 50% through the story that I felt it’s becoming a little flat and the pacing did not help but it managed to keep me interested for the other half of the book which I believe has the best bits.
Despite the few points I wasn’t happy about, I would recommend this book but keep in mind that it’s roughly around 600 pages and it’s a heavy read in terms of the story. I promise you if you love slow-burn romances, this will satisfy your craving for a true slow-burn.
The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna
4.0
4 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
”The way I see it, we all have a choice right now. Are we girls, or are we demons? Are we going to die, or are we going to survive?”
The Gilded Ones is an impressive debut of a YA fantasy book that sends an empowering message not only to girls and women but basically to everyone who loves to experience empowerment.
I delved into this with the expectation that it will likely follow the typical YA pattern that most debuts follow these days; but it was a pleasant surprise to find that this book was entertaining and inspiring since the author was keen on showcasing the resilience in these girls whom are forced to live through a cruel world.
This stems from the author’s personal life and upbringing as a young girl growing up in Sierra Leone where the Patriarchal system thrives. Even after moving to the States, the author found that Patriarchy continues to be this domineering force. That’s the reason why I felt connected not only to the heroine but also to the author.
Now, let’s talk about the book in detail
We are introduced to Deka, a sixteen year old village girl about to go through Ritual of Purity. This purpose of this ritual is to deem whether the girl’s blood is impure or not; if her blood runs red, she is pure and fit for marriage. If her blood is found it be impure, she then faces execution or as it called the Death Mandate. Deka learned to live with the villagers’ scrutiny for not only the fact that her mother is an outsider, Deka’s dark skin marks her inferiority. Despite their cruelty, Deka hopes to pass the ritual so she gains their acceptance. However, things do not go as expected.
”Blessed are the meek and subservient, the humble and true daughters of man, for they are unsullied in the face of the Infinite Father.”
This sentence alone is very degrading as it hints at only those women whom are obedient and humble are found to be worthy of the god’s blessings. Deka’s blood spills, and it radiates in gold. She is deemed as impure and is subjected to all kinds of executions, and this is where the book gets a bit violent and graphic.
She then is offered a choice by a mysterious woman: submit to her fate or join a new regiment of the Emperor’s army of Alakis; impure girls and descendants of the Gilded Ones. The Gilded Ones, a name that gives the impression of a group of unique individuals adorned in gold and held in high esteem. But in reality, the girls are descendants of demons with abilities that makes them a lethal weapon against the Deathshrieks. What earns them this name is the demonic blood flowing through them, Golden blood.
Deka is then thrust into a world unknown to her, wrenched from everything she ever knew. Though her loneliness does not linger, she soon meet a group of girls like her, outcasts with powers who become her sisters in arms and blood. The girls as part of the Emperor’s army begin to navigate through this blood-drenched world of monsters and magic.
The diverse cast in this book were wonderful, starting with the main heroine Deka. I experienced Deka’s growth throughout the entirety of the book, going from a timid village girl to a confident and strong heroine. It was very inspiring to see Deka’s resilience against all that would’ve broken her. Also, her friendship with the other characters was so sweet especially her interactions with Britta and Keita. White Hands is probably the most intriguing character, I always felt torn between liking her and despising her but the mystery around her is what makes her such a compelling character. I liked that most of the characters came from different background it’s evident from their appearances and accents. There is a little spark of romance, but I’m very pleased to see that it did not overtake the most important theme this book has: friendship.
The world-building was well-done, the descriptions the author offers helps in creating the imagery for each scene. The world also has a unique lore that is truly captivating.
The plot and the pacing were in sync and the author’s writing is easy to follow.
I only have two issues with this book:
1. The magic system is intriguing but I feel like it wasn’t fleshed out well? I still don’t have a solid understanding of how magic works in this world. The main focus was on Deka’s power but I wanted to see more of the other Alakis’ powers.
2. The Time-skips watered down my excitement to see the girls in action. Months pass during the girls’ training and I was robbed of the excitement to see the girls’ progress towards becoming warriors.
This is a book I would definitely recommend, it offers an exciting reading experience with a wonderful Black heroine.
”The way I see it, we all have a choice right now. Are we girls, or are we demons? Are we going to die, or are we going to survive?”
The Gilded Ones is an impressive debut of a YA fantasy book that sends an empowering message not only to girls and women but basically to everyone who loves to experience empowerment.
I delved into this with the expectation that it will likely follow the typical YA pattern that most debuts follow these days; but it was a pleasant surprise to find that this book was entertaining and inspiring since the author was keen on showcasing the resilience in these girls whom are forced to live through a cruel world.
This stems from the author’s personal life and upbringing as a young girl growing up in Sierra Leone where the Patriarchal system thrives. Even after moving to the States, the author found that Patriarchy continues to be this domineering force. That’s the reason why I felt connected not only to the heroine but also to the author.
Now, let’s talk about the book in detail
We are introduced to Deka, a sixteen year old village girl about to go through Ritual of Purity. This purpose of this ritual is to deem whether the girl’s blood is impure or not; if her blood runs red, she is pure and fit for marriage. If her blood is found it be impure, she then faces execution or as it called the Death Mandate. Deka learned to live with the villagers’ scrutiny for not only the fact that her mother is an outsider, Deka’s dark skin marks her inferiority. Despite their cruelty, Deka hopes to pass the ritual so she gains their acceptance. However, things do not go as expected.
”Blessed are the meek and subservient, the humble and true daughters of man, for they are unsullied in the face of the Infinite Father.”
This sentence alone is very degrading as it hints at only those women whom are obedient and humble are found to be worthy of the god’s blessings. Deka’s blood spills, and it radiates in gold. She is deemed as impure and is subjected to all kinds of executions, and this is where the book gets a bit violent and graphic.
She then is offered a choice by a mysterious woman: submit to her fate or join a new regiment of the Emperor’s army of Alakis; impure girls and descendants of the Gilded Ones. The Gilded Ones, a name that gives the impression of a group of unique individuals adorned in gold and held in high esteem. But in reality, the girls are descendants of demons with abilities that makes them a lethal weapon against the Deathshrieks. What earns them this name is the demonic blood flowing through them, Golden blood.
Deka is then thrust into a world unknown to her, wrenched from everything she ever knew. Though her loneliness does not linger, she soon meet a group of girls like her, outcasts with powers who become her sisters in arms and blood. The girls as part of the Emperor’s army begin to navigate through this blood-drenched world of monsters and magic.
The diverse cast in this book were wonderful, starting with the main heroine Deka. I experienced Deka’s growth throughout the entirety of the book, going from a timid village girl to a confident and strong heroine. It was very inspiring to see Deka’s resilience against all that would’ve broken her. Also, her friendship with the other characters was so sweet especially her interactions with Britta and Keita. White Hands is probably the most intriguing character, I always felt torn between liking her and despising her but the mystery around her is what makes her such a compelling character. I liked that most of the characters came from different background it’s evident from their appearances and accents. There is a little spark of romance, but I’m very pleased to see that it did not overtake the most important theme this book has: friendship.
The world-building was well-done, the descriptions the author offers helps in creating the imagery for each scene. The world also has a unique lore that is truly captivating.
The plot and the pacing were in sync and the author’s writing is easy to follow.
I only have two issues with this book:
1. The magic system is intriguing but I feel like it wasn’t fleshed out well? I still don’t have a solid understanding of how magic works in this world. The main focus was on Deka’s power but I wanted to see more of the other Alakis’ powers.
2. The Time-skips watered down my excitement to see the girls in action. Months pass during the girls’ training and I was robbed of the excitement to see the girls’ progress towards becoming warriors.
This is a book I would definitely recommend, it offers an exciting reading experience with a wonderful Black heroine.