magicalshelves's reviews
586 reviews

Phantasma by Kaylie Smith

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dark medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I enjoyed the first half of this book, especially when Ophelia explored the Pantasma mansion, encountered demons and ghosts, and competed in the trials. The book's first half was very addicting and atmospheric, and I enjoyed the creepy encounters in the house. However, the second half of the book was very lackluster and it became very apparent that Ophelia sucks at investigating. She barely did anything to uncover Blackwell's secret and the answers were mostly handed to her. The trials also seemed to be pushed to the side in favor of sex scenes. I understand that graphic sex scenes come hand in hand with romantasy titles, but I would have liked more focus on the plot and puzzles. The ending was also very, very rushed and unsatisfying.
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The Haunting of Ashburn House by Darcy Coates

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dark mysterious medium-paced

3.0

Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted sad 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

Not filled with quite the same magic as the first but still heartwarming.
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted 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

Heartwarming and cozy, a perfect story overall. 
The Ghostkeeper by Johanna Taylor

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dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

A gorgeous and emotional graphic novel. 
Empire of the Damned by Jay Kristoff

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adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Parts of this were just slooooow. And the finale was both interesting and disappointing at the same time.
Light Bringer by Pierce Brown

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adventurous 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? It's complicated

5.0

I’m glad my tears sustain you Pierce Brown, cause they definitely don’t sustain me.
Lore Olympus: Volume Six by Rachel Smythe

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medium-paced

4.0

A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal

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mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

The characters are one-dimensional and the heist story is not interesting enough to improve the book's rating. 
DnDoggos: Get the Party Started by Scout Underhill

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adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

Very cute, a great book for kids or adults that are interested in Dungeons and Dragons.