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ellenisntcool's reviews
532 reviews
The Lantern of Lost Memories by Sanaka Hiiragi
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This was such a beautiful story! I’m hoping there will be more so I can learn about Hirasaka and meet more characters who are making their way through the afterlife, as it was quite touching and I loved how it came full circle at the end!
The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This was probably my new favourite murder mystery novel! I enjoyed how it was set in a fantasy world with a whole magic system and such, and the writing was humorous and extremely enjoyable!
I’m super excited to read the sequel, as I want to learn more about Ana and experience more of this world!
I’m super excited to read the sequel, as I want to learn more about Ana and experience more of this world!
Belladonna by Adalyn Grace
adventurous
dark
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? No
4.0
This was better than I imagined! We started off with a very strong prologue and an introduction to Signa, who is a decent character but I’m intrigued to see if she grows in the next few books.
Death, however? Fucking great. He’s a great character who I want to see more of, because he’s really cool and mysterious!
Small spoiler warning here!
my only issue was him being Sylas, as I honestly didn’t want the hassle of a love triangle, and it did feel weird to lie like that as I didn’t feel the chemistry there! Only with Death! So just don’t lie?? Lmao
Spoiler end!
Anyway, overall a good read! Will pick up the sequel when I see it!
Death, however? Fucking great. He’s a great character who I want to see more of, because he’s really cool and mysterious!
Small spoiler warning here!
Spoiler end!
Anyway, overall a good read! Will pick up the sequel when I see it!
Dawnshard by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
mysterious
fast-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
This was amazing set up for rhythm of war! I’m super excited to see what happens now, I also loved the disability rep (I am disabled so bonus points) and I loved the characters!!
Carmilla by J. Sheridan Le Fanu
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was very sapphic, and very good!! I think we need more lesbian vampires in literature
One Piece, Vol. 2: Buggy the Clown by Eiichiro Oda
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-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? No
5.0
One Piece, Vol. 1: Romance Dawn by Eiichiro Oda
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-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? No
5.0
I may officially have a new obsession.
Oathbringer Part Two by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
emotional
slow-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? No
5.0
This is so so so good, granted I’m also weary of what’s going to happen because this is one of my favourite series and the next book is a full 1200 pages
Heavenly Tyrant by Xiran Jay Zhao
adventurous
dark
emotional
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
This was a good sequel but not without its flaws unfortunately.
I enjoyed the action and relationship building, but then the last 100 pages were confusing and a bit problematic.
To start, I’m confused on why we destroyed Yizhi’s character and then switched it to oh he was doing the right thing all along!! It’s too late, you now made me deeply uncomfortable with how he violated Zeitian’s trust with her body which Qin Zheng also did by doing surgery on her feet to fix her disability (which now writing it down, as someone who’s disabled that’s actually quite fucked up), but I was rooting for a somewhat forbidden romance between Yizhi and Zeitian but it got destroyed.
Also, I thought we’d be saving Shimin but well, no he’s gone. He was only there to build up Zeitian’s character but it no longer felt emotionally charged because the whole Heavenly Court was confusing and weird and I was angry at Yizhi the whole time so I wasn’t rooting for the three to reunite and then it didn’t matter anyway!! Cause Shimin is dead and gone and Yizhi is a fucking dick so the relationship is dead!
I’m conflicted when it comes to Qin Zheng. Because he was stuck in a fake quarantine we didn’t see him do much aside from threaten Zeitian and be an Emperor. Then when they have sex (which is more graphic for YA) it didn’t feel like she was actually giving consent it felt like coercion so he could get what he wants. His entire character felt a bit wasted, but now he’s the villain I suppose after Zeitian stabbed him??
I don’t know I’ll still read book 3 when it releases but so far this wasn’t the strongest end to a story and the cliffhanger was okay. I do think if I didn’t re-read iron widow beforehand I would be rating it higher.
I enjoyed the action and relationship building, but then the last 100 pages were confusing and a bit problematic.
Also, I thought we’d be saving Shimin but well, no he’s gone. He was only there to build up Zeitian’s character but it no longer felt emotionally charged because the whole Heavenly Court was confusing and weird and I was angry at Yizhi the whole time so I wasn’t rooting for the three to reunite and then it didn’t matter anyway!! Cause Shimin is dead and gone and Yizhi is a fucking dick so the relationship is dead!
I’m conflicted when it comes to Qin Zheng. Because he was stuck in a fake quarantine we didn’t see him do much aside from threaten Zeitian and be an Emperor. Then when they have sex (which is more graphic for YA) it didn’t feel like she was actually giving consent it felt like coercion so he could get what he wants. His entire character felt a bit wasted, but now he’s the villain I suppose after Zeitian stabbed him??
I don’t know I’ll still read book 3 when it releases but so far this wasn’t the strongest end to a story and the cliffhanger was okay. I do think if I didn’t re-read iron widow beforehand I would be rating it higher.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Genocide, Misogyny, Sexism, Murder, and War
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Violence, Medical content, and Pregnancy
Minor: Confinement, Torture, Police brutality, Grief, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
Camp Damascus by Chuck Tingle
dark
emotional
tense
fast-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 listened to this entire book in essentially one sitting, only stopping when talking to people.
I of course know of our pal Chuck Tingle and the books that he typically writes, holy shit am I now an even bigger fan after this one. Definitely in my favourites list now and eventually would love to re-read, or re-listen! As the audiobook was so fucking good.
I of course know of our pal Chuck Tingle and the books that he typically writes, holy shit am I now an even bigger fan after this one. Definitely in my favourites list now and eventually would love to re-read, or re-listen! As the audiobook was so fucking good.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Homophobia, Religious bigotry, and Lesbophobia
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Car accident, and Fire/Fire injury