3 stars / 3 spicy peppers
House of Flame and Shadows offers an entertaining ACOTAR cross-over with standout moments involving Nesta and Azriel. However, the plot suffers from abrupt character developments, unresolved storylines, and an unsatisfying ending. The central characters, Bryce and Hunt, lack depth in their relationship, and the overall narrative leans heavily into chaotic and less convincing elements.
2.5 stars / 3 spicy peppers
Honestly, I read House of Sky and Breath back in March and the only thing I remember from it are two things: 1) the major character plot twist, and 2) that it was dreadfully boring and long. I seriously cannot recall what happened in this book without looking up a summary, it was that mediocre.
However, through my years of writing reviews, I have discovered that the second book in the trilogy is usually a bridge to the final book. Meaning it is the weakest link in the series due to it linking the first and third book, and building up to the grand finale. So, this book fits the memo, but it still doesn’t mean I drug my feet to get through it.
4 stars / 3 spicy peppers
House of Earth and Blood, otherwise known as Crescent City, takes place in a modern city infused with magic and mystical beings. We follow Bryce as she uncovers the mystery behind her best friend’s death. This adventure is full of plot twists, sarcasm, and rebellion.
This book is not like Sarah J Maas’s other books. The world is bigger, more complex, and mature.
5 stars / 2 spicy peppers
An imaginative, fantasy, and fae-fueled retelling of Cinderella that will have you swooning. Tessonja Odette’s Heart of the Raven Prince is magical and full of twists and turns. While it follows the premise of Cinderella closely, this story also has its own history, its own characters, and its own voice.
Hearth of the Raven is a refreshing and whimsical read.
3.5 stars / 4 spicy peppers
Take The Hunger Games and make it vampires with more gore.
At least for half the premise of the book. The other half is filled with turbulent familial relationships, rebellion, and hidden motives.
4 stars / 3 spicy peppers
This spectacular series about a silly romance has finally come to a dramatic end. The twists and turns, the romance, the prose, all of it was amazing (well for the most part).
Eclipse of the Crown is definitely weaker all around than the previous 2. Between the pacing and whiplash events, the book drug your around until the characters somehow ended up in the right spot.
Regardless, the ending was still heartbreaking and wonderful.
4.5 stars / 3 spicy peppers
The Umbra King is about vengeance and retribution. Rory wants revenge for her sister who was killed. To what lengths will she go to exact that revenge? And at what cost to herself?
2 stars / 5 spicy peppers
I probably should have read the synopsis of this book first. But, then again, I never read the backs of books. There was also so much hype around this book that I had to read it for myself.
3 stars / 2 spicy peppers
Elise Kova has finally released the third installment to her Married to Magic series: A Duel with the Vampire Lord!
Floraine is the forge maiden of her village, Hunter’s Hamlet. Her role is vital in smithing and creating silver weapons for the hunters to fight the vampires that attack them every full moon.
Ruvan is the current vampire lord that is searching for the curse anchor to free his people.
Fate has it that these two collide. They help each other uncover the shocking and sad truth of the curse. All the while falling in love with each other.
1.5 stars / 2 spicy peppers
Veins of Magic is the predecessor to Heart of the Fae. The story picks up where the first one left off: Sorcha in the human world caring for her family and Eamonn fighting his way to the throne.
In a book where actions don’t have consequences, you can rest assured that all with work out for the beloved pair as they fight their way to a more…
Red's Bookish Boones