This series is an absolute trainwreck I cannot look away from.
I'll admit I enjoyed this more than the first book because I had less second hand embarThis series is an absolute trainwreck I cannot look away from.
I'll admit I enjoyed this more than the first book because I had less second hand embarrassment from Poppy, but only marginally. Technically, it's equally as poor - if not worse - because Poppy is still an idiot and the info dumping was something . . .
JLA: How much info dumping should I include? Her brain: Yes.
I was fed so much yet retained so little because literally pages upon pages of history behind the world is hurled at you with no breaks. All the"ascended" history made no sense in book 1 so now she just bombards you with everything she didn't mention before. . . in the most bland, monotone, repetitive way. This could've been at least 150 pages shorter if she cut out the useless details
So, this was terribly written but it was bad to the point where it's truly entertaining. To sum it up, I'll give it a 1.5/5 stars and I'd like to include some of Casteel's wise words:
"You can't spell dysfunctional without fun, now can you?"
(I guess I'll read book 3?)
Update (Jan 2022): I still feel that this series is shitty but a part of me still wants to finish it ...more
Mid. I see the appeal but maybe my expectations were too high (chandler ainsley I blame you).
I love some darker topics in fictional romance but this jMid. I see the appeal but maybe my expectations were too high (chandler ainsley I blame you).
I love some darker topics in fictional romance but this just fell flat. Misha's mysterious subplot was the best part since I couldn't care for the romance when the characters couldn't have a meaningful conversation without making out every five seconds....more
I think it's safe to say that out of the few books I've read from Briar U, Briar U falls short compared to the Off Campus series.
This wasn't bad, but I think it's safe to say that out of the few books I've read from Briar U, Briar U falls short compared to the Off Campus series.
This wasn't bad, but the plot was awfully similar to The Deal. Aside from the pairing of Hockey captain with girl who hates his guts, the relationship progression and the choice to include a "big reveal" of the girl's traumatic past were both there.
The characters and plot were on the blander-than-average side and most of their attraction mostly just felt physical until the final few pages. Entertaining but fairly mediocre when pitted against The Off Campus Series for sure....more
- endearing slowburn of enemies -> friends -> lovers - actual bonding between the main characters - central family dynamics - Latina MC (with some Spani- endearing slowburn of enemies -> friends -> lovers - actual bonding between the main characters - central family dynamics - Latina MC (with some Spanish sprinkled in)
(4.5/5) My heart? I was looking into some easy NA books and this is one of the few times a book had me genuinely smiling like an idiot.
The story follows 27-year-old soccer player Salomé (Sal) on her female soccer team. All is well until her retired soccer idol, inspiration, and celebrity crush (who also happens to be 13 years her senior), Reiner Kulti, becomes her team's assistant coach for the season.
We get realistic team and parent relationships, and the. best. slowburn. and I mean slowburn.
This was my first Zapata book and I'm definitely hooked. The story was dragging initially but the banter, unusual relationship that progressed into something more, Sal's fiery attitude, and her adorable fanboy father reeled me in.
The 13 year age gap didn't bother me as I thought it would, as it doesn't affect Sal and Kulti's relationship. If anything, the most "taboo" part about them being together is the fact that they're player and coach.
My two minor complaints are the slut-shaming (done in playful jealousy but was still a bit harsh) and how Sal's mysterious soccer playing brother was barely touched on after the first few pages.
*Context: Kulti almost ended her brother's soccer career by inflicting an injury because he was being a sore loser, which was one of the reasons why Sal was hesitant on befriending him.
I already knew Adrienne Young would provide beautiful imagery and simple yet eloquent prose. However, that’s where my praises end.
The characters werenI already knew Adrienne Young would provide beautiful imagery and simple yet eloquent prose. However, that’s where my praises end.
The characters weren’t as well developed as I’d hoped since most of the focus was on the conflict between clans. Then again, the story is very plot driven so take that as you wish.
The relationship was alright but it wasn’t as central as the synopsis implied, which wasn’t inherently bad. It just meant I went in expecting something and receiving something quite different.
The events felt very rushed towards the ladder half, especially the final few pages. The resolution should have been elaborated on over at least another chapter and/or there should’ve been an epilogue.
I didn’t necessarily dislike this and it was a breeze to get through (especially after finals), but it was lacking and very. . . lukewarm. Hence the 3 stars instead of 2. It definitely reads like a debut.
That being said, I truly enjoyed Young’s most recent work (Fable) so I think she’s definitely improved! For a YA fantasy romance, it’s honestly not half bad :)...more
I can't believe this spectacular series is over. I remember reading the first book and immediately being hooked. After a long wait, the finale has finI can't believe this spectacular series is over. I remember reading the first book and immediately being hooked. After a long wait, the finale has finally come to bring me some emotional resolve from the maelstrom shit storm that was A Reaper at the Gates.
I just have to talk about the main characters because WHEW my feelings on Helene and Laia took a full 180.
*(spoilers ahead)*
Helene. . . I FUCKING LOVE HER [image]
Contrary to the general consensus, I hated Helene. She condoned slavery and rape, ruined friendships and relationships because of her ego and jealousy and dedication to the Empire who didn't care about her. But she did undergo slow progression and realization of her mistakes, and I am fairly convinced that she has changed for the better.
I must say though, I was NOT expecting her ending. She and Musa? Odd but I'm here. for. it.
Although she was often driven by emotion and did some heinous things, I understood her motives. My one wish for her is I JUST WANT HER TO BE HAPPY WITH HARPER- IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK
Next up we have. . . . a disappointment! [image]
Laia, why are you so stupid? I never disliked Laia nor did I like her. She was just. . . there. But I've decided that I strongly am annoyed by her (I won't say dislike) because almost all of the group's mishaps could have been avoided if Laia wasn't so stubborn and impulsive. *sigh* at least she makes Elias happy.
Another thing that irks me is that Darin could've lived if he didn't run directly towards the Nightbringer to save Laia. Sir, he's the king of jinn. What did you think you were gonna do?
His death didn't have much of an impact since he isn't a primary character, but it was for the sole reason of killing off characters that weren't Laia or Elias- even though it would've made more sense for Harper and Elias to die.
Elias. I have and always will love Elias, and that's all I really need to say.
(please enjoy this amazing piece of fan art by @luminacrest on instagram because all Elias fan art is *chef's kiss*) [image]
Plot and Writing As for the plot, it was fairly fast-paced and action-packed. It wasn't astounding- I prefer the Reaper plot line- but it had a fitting ending and was still entertaining.
The writing was stunning, as always. My favorite quotes had to be from conversations between Elias and Laia.
"I wish I could live a thousand lives so I could fall in love with you a thousand times"
Elia, please stop. you're setting the bar too high. ugh.
And of course, the final words.
What a small thing it seems, to walk with the one you love. To look forward to a day with them. I marvel at the simplicity of this moment. And I thank the skies for the miracle of it.
Final Thoughts
Was this my favorite book in the whole series?
Eh. Torch and Ember are hard to beat. Reaper was stunning but I didn't like Helene then so my reading experience wasn't the best.
Do I love this series unconditionally because it got me back into reading, the brutality and angst are ~immaculate~, and Elias is my boy? Absolutely.
Sabaa Tahir, I just want to say that I hate you but also love you for making me cry. It was not pleasant but also pleasant....more
DNF @ 65% ** If you asked me to name the main conflict or plot, I wouldn't know what to say. The romance was boring and insta-lovey even though they diDNF @ 65% ** If you asked me to name the main conflict or plot, I wouldn't know what to say. The romance was boring and insta-lovey even though they didn't "get together" until halfway in the book? The characters were decent but nothing extraordinary. Nothing satisfying or captivating occurred, so I was bored out of my mind....more
The Kind Worth Killing is an unpredictable, twisty ride with such deranged yet memorable characters. There's One of the best thrillers I've ever read.
The Kind Worth Killing is an unpredictable, twisty ride with such deranged yet memorable characters. There's murder, secrets, (view spoiler)[cheating (hide spoiler)], and a hell of a lot of plot twists that I couldn't predict. The writing was accessible yet engaging, and the characters are written in such a way where you find yourself rooting for all of them to "win" to some extent.
There are alternating POV’s of the main characters, which adds lots of tension and mystery, especially since the POV's came up in a random order. And I must say, that ending was immaculate....more
All I have to say is. . . eat the rich (And Jules's broke ass because she was stupid and being broke was her only personality trait).All I have to say is. . . eat the rich (And Jules's broke ass because she was stupid and being broke was her only personality trait)....more
This book is a Walmart Version of Gone Girl. It was okay (initially, at least) yet highly predictable. I'm not a seasoned thriller reader but the plotThis book is a Walmart Version of Gone Girl. It was okay (initially, at least) yet highly predictable. I'm not a seasoned thriller reader but the plot twist- if you even deign to call it a "twist"- was unbelievably obvious.
I was promised a thrilling journey of a serial-killer couple, but instead I was just presented with their mundane lives, progressively unhealthy relationship, with a few murders spinkled here and there (<-- which is absolutely preposterous! I need more!). The book is misleading and the execution was mediocre. The side characters and murder victims were few and forgettable. With more developed side characters and mystery, this honestly would've been a superb story since the initial premise was quite intriguing. Squandered potential is one of my pet peeves. . .
Obviously, the husband and the wife were both shitty, psychotic people, but I gotta admit- Millicent was lowkey a badass, going around murdering people nonchalantly. Can't pass up credit where it's due. I didn't hate this book since it isn't necessarily problematic and the audiobook helped curve my boredom, but that doesn't mean it's good....more
This was essentially Guardians of the Galaxy + Ready Player One but YA and more gay. It’s jam packed with a ton of fun tropes and checked all my boxesThis was essentially Guardians of the Galaxy + Ready Player One but YA and more gay. It’s jam packed with a ton of fun tropes and checked all my boxes surprisingly ...more
this was such a fluffy, whimsical read that really cleansed my pallet.
it captures the tale of Cinderella faithfully, while also twisting the narrativthis was such a fluffy, whimsical read that really cleansed my pallet.
it captures the tale of Cinderella faithfully, while also twisting the narrative enough to keep me engaged. I particularly love how the focus was shifted from the romance to the court politics since it was intriguing, fitting to the setting, and didn't stray too far away from the original. i don't think i'll be picking up Lim's Spin the Dawn again though, since it's longer and it wasn't on the same level. but this was cute!
*listened via audiobook on the "libby" app*...more
(Reread 12/30/21): I LOVE IT EVEN MORE. I rarely ever reread but I needed to refresh my memory before diving into Cytonic. Now it’s exactly midnight a(Reread 12/30/21): I LOVE IT EVEN MORE. I rarely ever reread but I needed to refresh my memory before diving into Cytonic. Now it’s exactly midnight and I should probably sleep but since I have no self control, I’ll probably start rereading Starsight right now. I didn’t enjoy Starsight as much as Skyward, but I can’t wait to dive back in and see how my thoughts might change!
Also, I will most likely be back for another reread before book 4 comes out because my memory is worse than M-Bot’s and I just love this series so much so let’s just see how long this review gets by then lol.
FIRST READ: this was one of the BEST YA books I have ever read. It's also one of my first Sanderson reads, so it holds a special place in my heart.
Skyward is a fairly unique take on YA sci-fi that wasn't romance-centered and had a brazen protagonist that did not annoy me! Spensa's brashness was justified and surprisingly not irritating.
The plot and prose were straight forward (fitting for YA) but still kept me engaged, had fantastic pacing, and actually unpredictable plot twists. If you guessed it, please tell me your tricks.
I will say that this book will be hard to top but I'm sure Sanderson will make the third book even better since the second book was slightly underwhelming for me....more