That ending rocked my world, it was something I was hoping would happen, but even when I was expecting it, I still ended up being surprised at how it That ending rocked my world, it was something I was hoping would happen, but even when I was expecting it, I still ended up being surprised at how it came about (thanks to that bonus content).
If I could be a fly on the wall (or better yet, Merri) right now...
Anyway, there are a few things I'd like to focus on, first and foremost, PUFFINS!!! That was the cutest thing everrrrr, now I need them to appear outside of a dream sequence, and for Asher to adopt one. I'm not asking for much, I swear. And the Operation Puffin scenes were brilliant, as always. PLEASE DON'T LET THIS BE IT, I NEED MORE TRANSMISSIONS LIKE I NEED AIR!!!
This leads me to the biggest crossover so far, with pretty much everybody from the past series meeting face to face. My life? Made.
What makes it even better is that we got to see my favourite book man, Nord, in there too. I missed him and Lina so much. That quote at the start about him being so hot he could melt the polar ice caps had me hollering. It's so true.
Next up Malice, who finally got his time to shine, and Grim, who delivered well beyond my wildest dreams. Horseman favorites list: secured. The hottest scenes in the book were theirs, hands down.
All four of them got a lot of relationship development, getting to an interesting (and logical) point, until one of them decided to open his big mouth...
I'm not that mad though!! Solely because of where the book ended, in any other timeline I'd be extremely upset. Like, you guys didn't see the signs? Not one of you? It took Merri pointing it out for y'all to put your thinking caps on? My word.
No wonder Luc is my fav, that man knows how to PLAN. I admire his commitment to fulfilling his destiny, honestly. I wish he had even more chapters. Mayhaps we'll get some more in book four, it would be the perfect time.
One character I also wish we got more of, is Andi. It makes sense why we didn't see her for most of the book, but I'm gonna need Merri to make things right between them STAT. If there's one thing she needs in her life right now, it's a ride-or-die best friend.
But yeah, I have never wanted to throw a bag of marbles on the floor and watch certain characters scramble as much as I have in that scene where Death said what he said. AND, he'd have to pick up all the marbles afterwards, that would teach him. Hmph.
The wait between books 2 and 3 was gonna end me, I was suffering. Please don't make us wait that long for book 4!!! Especially with that juicy cliffhanger you left us on, okay? Okay.
As for you, reading this review, don't ask any questions, just go get all the audiobooks and come back here when you're done. You haven't listened to a better cast in your life, they'll make the story feel so alive. Go do it now!!!
*Thank you to the authors for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*...more
“And I told you there is no after.” What he—they—were going through put an edge in his tone as well. Not a harsh one, no. But she knew Darien well eno“And I told you there is no after.” What he—they—were going through put an edge in his tone as well. Not a harsh one, no. But she knew Darien well enough to detect it. “You are my present, my future, and my eternity, Loren.”
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!! You have no idea how glad I am the cliffhanger this book ended with isn't as huge as the one in book three (view spoiler)[unless if giving the spider her freedom means Loren ends up in her place, in which case yes, it's a huge cliffhanger (hide spoiler)]. So many things were solved, and I feel content. That's not to say I'm not excited for the next one though, I just felt like this was a less-cruel place to leave us waiting on.
But most importantly (view spoiler)[THEY GOT MORTY BACK WE CHEER!!!! (hide spoiler)], I didn't think it would happen in this one, because we were down to the last 100 or so pages, but I'm so glad it did. I would've lost sleep over it if I had to wait any longer.
ALSO, you have no idea how happy I am that Loren and Darien made up and that (view spoiler)[all our beloved characters made it to the end in one piece. I don't want anyone to die (hide spoiler)].
Anyway, I love how none of these feel like filler books, no matter what's going on - it's always interesting. In this one we ended up with little groups of characters being separated, and having to rely on each other to survive, which allowed for greater character development than before.
There was even some relationship development between Roman and Shay (view spoiler)[I burst into tears when she told him she loved him (hide spoiler)], and Travis and Jewels, they're very dear to me. Max and Dallas didn't get to shine as much, but I figure they're already established so it's not a big deal. Plus a lot of Max's page time was taken up with his side quest.
We learned more about what's going on, but something I noticed is that Loren didn't really use much of her magic this time around, she definitely deserves the rest.
Meanwhile Darien...went above and beyond to keep everyone safe even at his own expense. That man will NOT stop until he saves the whole world.
Roark and Dean really grew on me, I know we just met the latter, but he left a good impression. And Roark really improved, but it's bugging me a little how (view spoiler)[Erasmus and Cyra, her actual parents, were barely mentioned and didn't even appear in the book.
And I get Roark raised her so he IS her dad too, but every time she interacted with him and called him dad, there wasn't a single thought spared to Erasmus. Personally, I think as soon as they learned the spell was broken they should've ran to get some answers. And I kinda don't like how Roark's so concerned about Loren, but is still cold to Dallas. (hide spoiler)]
Since I'm on a roll, (view spoiler)[it was incredibly convenient that Donovan didn't cause more trouble. His presence was looming in the background, and don't get me wrong, I LOVE that he didn't get Pax, and didn't hurt Roman (hide spoiler)] but I feel like SOMETHING should've happened.
It's all probably being saved for the next book, which I hope won't be the last one. I'm not sure if there's 5 books, maybe a 6th *and* a prequel, or if book 6 would be the prequel? Either way, I will be here waiting. I love these books so much....more
"Together, girl and dog walked below galaxies, on and on into the dark, until that blue tree was so far behind her that it no longer provided a source"Together, girl and dog walked below galaxies, on and on into the dark, until that blue tree was so far behind her that it no longer provided a source of light. It was just her, Singer, and the stars."
The second name of this book could be INTENSE, because there was not a single moment of peace!!! Not one!!! It had me in a constant chokehold. Even worse, my most hated trope came into play and I was in even more pain.
As if we haven't had enough angst in book two, Kayla Edwards upped it to the max in this installment. It took so long for Loren to (view spoiler)[wake up from her coma (hide spoiler)] and then when she did, (view spoiler)[the fucking amnesia trope hit, and I was not bloody ready, I hate that trope with my very being!!!!!!! Worst trope in existence (hide spoiler)]. AND THEN (view spoiler)[it took her almost the rest of the book to regain her memories and I'm glad she did, I'm happy happy happy, but I hate that she and Darien and everyone else had to go through that. At least I know it can't happen again in the same series (hide spoiler)].
On a lighter note, we got sooo many PoVs and another romance to follow, the world got expanded through a second city and a few other locations, we learned a lot about the Well and how it was created as well as more about Loren's origins and abilities, some stuff about the Elementals became clearer, and the whole found family was together in one room!!!
That's so huge honestly, I hate having to wait for everyone to gradually meet and do things together, and yes, they do split up, but I don't feel like I waited ages to see them all together, if that makes sense. And everyone was included, not just characters we've been with since the beginning, but ones we've been introduced to in this book as well.
Romance wise, there was less of it in one department (Loren and Darien), for reasons that will become clear when you read the book, so I felt just as starved as they did, until they were finally back together.
We got to see Roman and Shay falling in love to balance it, though I can't say those two were as compelling as the main couple. Max and Dallas & and the other side couples were better.
I think I would've enjoyed Roman and Shay more if (view spoiler)[Loren had woken up from her coma sooner and without amnesia, because I was so anxious about that and couldn't wait to go back to all PoVs that had to do with her (hide spoiler)].
But to circle back to Darien and Loren, the romantic scenes we did get were top tier. He really would do anything for her and (view spoiler)[him tying his life to hers is the most romantic thing to me (hide spoiler)].
The ending was a horrible, horrible cliffhanger, and the most important thing (view spoiler)[after Loren regaining her memories, that is (hide spoiler)] was left unsolved!! How could you do that to poor (view spoiler)[Morty (hide spoiler)]??? The whole (view spoiler)[familiar stealing (hide spoiler)] storyline is giving me so much anxiety, I don't want anything like that to happen again. (view spoiler)[THEY NEED TO GET HIM BACK RIGHT NOW!!!! (hide spoiler)]
LUCKILY book 4 is only 10ish days away...I WILL be counting!!...more
I'm going to need a hot minute to recover from this because WHAT THE HELL??? This was a whole roller-coaster of emotions that I fear I'm never coming I'm going to need a hot minute to recover from this because WHAT THE HELL??? This was a whole roller-coaster of emotions that I fear I'm never coming down from.
Most of the book was painful, I was suffering right along with Darien and Loren. Kayla Edwards did a good job of making those 2 weeks they were apart feel like ages. It HURT me when they were unable to communicate, because that's what they do best, as we've seen before.
The bulk of the action happened at the end, and I swear I was holding my breath during each scene, hoping everyone would make it out alive. It was incredibly intense.
We got some answers in this book, about Loren's magic and what's been going on, but there's still so many mysteries left to uncover.
We also got Max's PoV, I'm just as invested in his and Dallas's relationship as I am in Darien and Loren's. I like Sabrine and Logan too, and Blue and Dominic as well, I wish they got more page time.
I feel like ever since Sabrine was saved in the first book, she fell off the radar a lil bit, and it seems like she's taken to werewolf-ing like a duck to water, so having her PoV would be interesting.
Something I forgot to say in my review of the first book is that I really admire the author's ability to tie everything together. This whole world is very well thought out, and you can tell she didn't just come up with a plot point on the spot, I'm not seeing any holes.
Anyway, I'm glad book three is already out and book four is on the way, because I don't think I could wait a year to find out what happens next. ...more
I knew I'd love this when I opened the book and saw the different Darkslaying circles being explained, it's the kind of worldbuilding I like, and the I knew I'd love this when I opened the book and saw the different Darkslaying circles being explained, it's the kind of worldbuilding I like, and the story itself continued to blow me away at every turn.
For such a chonker, City of Gods and Monsters didn't feel long at all, it was hard to stop reading whenever I picked it up. The beginning pages hooked me, and I couldn't wait to see what would happen next.
I fell in love with the characters in no time (Darien sharing a birthday with yours truly had absolutely nothing to do with it, but it's an added bonus), and couldn't bear seeing any of them get hurt.
Which brings me to (view spoiler)[Singer who died and I cried like I was losing my own dog again...stop killing dogs in books dammit!!! Luckily, he was brought back, I'm glad Darien did it for her, but that doesn't erase the pain that was caused to ME specifically (hide spoiler)].
The romance being a slow burn made it so much better, I wouldn't have minded if it was even slower though, but I *APPRECIATE* the nuggets we got here, and the banter.
The mystery of why everyone was hunting Loren was so fun to discover. I did guess something related to it, but the rest of it I found out along with the characters, and I can't wait to see where the author takes it from here.
I was a bit worried the main plot wouldn't be wrapped up around page 600, and that we wouldn't get as many answers as we did, but the ending was satisfactory and made me cry.
It's safe to say I'm in love with this series, and I wouldn't have read it so soon if it wasn't for Britt who's been screaming about how good it is over on Twitter, and Selena Sandy who slid into my dms asking for a buddy read. So thank you to the both of you!!...more
“You don’t understand. A world without you in it is my hell. I would rather fall with you than live a million years without you.”
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THI“You don’t understand. A world without you in it is my hell. I would rather fall with you than live a million years without you.”
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THIS BOOK AND TO MEEEEE!!! We both came into the world on November 5th, so I couldn't pass up a chance to wish us both the happiest of birthdays. It's also very fitting that one of my ultimate fav series is ending on my birthday.
(We will ignore the fact that this was posted on the 6th, it was mostly ready on the 5th which is what counts ahem)
In the *FINAL* book in this epic series, Layla and her guys have to stop the world from ending once and for all, while everything is working against them. Will they make it out alive? Are more betrayals on the way? Will Ink finally say the three magic words? And what about the little life growing inside our favourite witch? All questions that will be answered when you read this lovely book.
I can't believe it's overrrrrrr. I'm literally sitting here, having followed this series since the start, and I don't know what to do with my life now that I have no more Coven of Desire books to look forward to.
Mint delivered on that ending though, we got to see everyone happy and thriving, the world changed for the better, AFTER putting us through a lot of stress, not being sure how things would go until the very last moment.
The most stressful part was Layla being held captive with her men unable to reach her. I kept rooting for a certain someone to save her, and wouldn't you know it...they did!!
I was mad at Daniel for a good chunk of the book, you know why. I forgive him now though, we're all good. That scene with him and Izzy at the end was so precious.
Speaking of precious...INK SAID I LOVE YOU, I REPEAT, HE SAID I LOVE YOU AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!! It only took him 10 books and a few novellas, but HE. SAID. IT. I'm so happy. I could flyyyy.
But anyway, I was truly convinced the world was gonna end for a good second there, and the way they all worked together to fix it was just *chef's kiss*. We got to see the results of their efforts months and years down the line, which is almost like we got a few different epilogues in one.
Ellen Mint is so creative, I love the world she created so so much, I want to live inside it. PLEASE LET ME IN, I WILL BRING BURGERS OF CHEESE!!!
And the way she can bring humour to even the direst of situations, makes this series extra unique.
I laughed and cried with these characters over the years, and my only hope is that CoD gets super popular so everyone else can find as much joy in this amazing series as I did.
Pleaseeeee go and start CoD by reading Ink, I promise you'll have a banger of a time (and fall in love with the most fabulous incubus known to any realm, don't say I didn't warn you!!).
Oh, I liked that little nod to the novella that started it all too, by the way. And everyone's costumes, especially little Izzy's, she's so real for that.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'll go drown my sorrows in a salad of various greens one would feed to a giraffe. Sniff sniff. I'm going to miss Layla, Ink, Cal, Daniel, Garavel, Raul and now Izzy so much. In a just world, there would be an infinite number of Coven of Desire books, but the good part is, I can reread them anytime I want.
*Thank you to the author and StoryOrigin for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*...more
EXCUSE ME, HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO BREATHE NOW?? So much stress in the second half, I fear I'll wake up fully gray tomorrow.
Death is the second to last EXCUSE ME, HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO BREATHE NOW?? So much stress in the second half, I fear I'll wake up fully gray tomorrow.
Death is the second to last book in this series, and it really packs a punch. Right from the start, Layla and her guys are battling creatures and trying to stop the apocalypse from happening, all while arguing with each other (so, business as usual, hah).
Layla is also dealing with losing her mother, but for real this time, and I FELT that sorrow as if it were my own. I want to give her a hug and tell her everything is going to be okay. BUT...IS IT??? IT BETTER BE, OR ELSE!!!!!!
There's this big thing that happened that made me want to throw my phone at the wall. After the last book, where things were finally looking up for this character...I'm sooooo sad. I just want to lay in my bed and cry.
Relating to that, WHY DON'T YOU TRUST ONE ANOTHER? HUH? HUH??? If I could yell at the guys right now I absolutely would. Because, you've been together for how many books now? And you still think one of you would sell the others (especially Layla) out???? No "brown sauce of deliciousness" for any of you. There.
(I had to add that line in somewhere, Ink always makes me laugh)
To lighten the mood a little, I also loved that taco scene, it was so random, but fitting in a tense moment, I couldn't help but laugh at it as well. Aaaand I want tacos now.
Anyway, I can't (well, I can, but I don't want to) believe I'm going to have to wait until the very last book to hear those three words from Ink. We nearly got it, and okay, it wasn't the best moment, but AGHHHH!!! Why must you torment me so???
I have no idea how everything is going to end, literally nobody is safe. Yes, I am slightly panicking, can you tell? I need everyone to make it out alive and I do mean EVERYONE. HINT. HINT. AHEM.
I need even the side characters to make it, I want them all to be one big, happy, dysfunctional family by the end of the series, okay?
Since it's ending on my birthday, I'm choosing to believe it'll all work out. Waving my magic want as we speak. Bibbidi bobbidi boo and all that jazz. Everyone lives, series over, me happy, goodbye.
*Thank you to the author and StoryOrigin for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*...more
"I looked up toward the heavens when it was over. "Why do you hate me?""
Same Rev, same.
I opened this book, and do you know what I was greeted with? C"I looked up toward the heavens when it was over. "Why do you hate me?""
Same Rev, same.
I opened this book, and do you know what I was greeted with? CITIZEN SOLDIER!!! Can we please take a moment to appreciate this dedication:
"To Jake Segura, lead singer of Citizen Soldier and kindred spirit in so many ways, for speaking truth to pain, making the world safer for the haunted and hurt, and healing with every word"
And THEN it was followed up with some song lyrics. This is my first time encountering Citizen Soldier in a book, but I know if this series had a playlist it would be epic. Like c'mon, Citizen Soldier has no bad songs (feel free to tell them I said that, Mr Sating).
Obviously, the continuation of Rev's story was awesome too. I had a hunch book three was coming soon, then I got the notification and immediately went to get it.
Rev's series & Zeke's series are soooo close to crossing over (well, technically they did a bit in this one) but I'm just dying to see both of them come face to face. Will the whole world implode? Possibly. Probably. Can't wait!!
I'm more on board with Alisha this time, but only because of Randee, otherwise Billee is still my number one choice for Rev!! Anyway, I think Angel's Fire had the most romance out of all the Zodiac and Rev books so far, and the way things are going I'm anticipating even more in the next one. Maybe that's what will finally sway me towards Alisha.
In terms of plot, Rev can't catch a break, and he has to fight another monster. Again. And fix all the Upperworld's messes. Again. No wonder he's so grouchy all the time, I would be too. JUSTICE FOR REV!!! GIVE HIM A VACATION!!!
I feel like I said this before at some point, but what I really love about this series is how angels and demons have their own way of speaking, swears etc, and I get reminded of that every time one of them opens their mouths. The demon ones are my favourite though, I said what I said.
*Thank you to BookSirens for providing me with an e-ARC for which I'm leaving a review voluntarily*...more
Guess who's back, back from the dead, Daniel's back, tell a friend!!!! YAY DANIEL IS CORPOREAL FINALLY, DO YOU KNOW HOW LONG I'VE BEEN WAITING TO SEE Guess who's back, back from the dead, Daniel's back, tell a friend!!!! YAY DANIEL IS CORPOREAL FINALLY, DO YOU KNOW HOW LONG I'VE BEEN WAITING TO SEE THAT??? MY WHOLE LIFE.
I love that his punk self can finally shine, I'm always campaigning for more alt characters. I feel like we're just getting to know the real him now that he's human again. And I'm gonna need him to write me a song too.
He got a lot of page time AS HE SHOULD!! Cal did too with the wedding and all, and we even got more of Raul which I'll never complain about. Garavel and Ink could've used a tiny bit more page time, but the latter had a valid excuse for being away so he's forgiven (and I could never be mad at Garavel of course).
The majority of the book was spent wedding planning and I felt that stress through the screen, it was as if I was planning my own wedding. The cake tasting let me know Garavel has the best pallete, because I too consider lemons abominations.
I saw the ending coming, though not before this book. It was mainly the emphasis Layla's mother put on the whole thing and I was like huh wouldn't it be funny if that happened, and then that wedding gift...and the final page...what terrific timing with the looming apocalypse, Layla and the guys can't catch a break.
But also, with that other event that happened in the end, it's kinda poetic. One light extinguishes another roars to life. I AM TRYING SO HARD TO BE VAGUE HERE, PLEASE READ THE BOOK SO I CAN TALK LIKE A NORMAL PERSON.
Speaking of endings, I'm not ready for the next book. I am but I'm not. I've been reading this series for as long as I've been reviewing books and I just want it to continue indefinitely. I can't say goodbye, I can't bear it.
Someone already said this, but I must echo the sentiment, PLEASE LET US GET THAT I LOVE YOU FROM INK IN THE FINAL BOOK I WILL NEVER ASK FOR ANYTHING AGAIN PLEASEEEEE I FEEL LIKE SCREAMING EVERY TIME HE COMES CLOSE BUT DOESN'T SAY IT, WHY DO YOU HURT ME LIKE THIS??? PLEASE.
If you've been on the fence about starting this series the best time to start it is now so we can suffer together as we wait for the next book. I promise you'll fall in love with Layla and her guys, they're all so unique, sweet and funny and in the case of one incubus a bit insane but we love him anyway.
P. S. Changing my mum's contact name from mothership to materfamilias!!
*Thank you to the author and StoryOrigin for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*...more
I ended up really liking this, which is no surprise since I loved The Midnight Bargain. But the ending...why is it giving If Supernatural was a book.
I ended up really liking this, which is no surprise since I loved The Midnight Bargain. But the ending...why is it giving (view spoiler)[Addie Larue (hide spoiler)] what the hell...It felt like all of that was for nothing.
Everything else was good though, starting with the writing style, then the characters, plot and worldbuilding. I wouldn't have minded if the worldbuilding was a bit heavier, to be honest, but since it's a novella, there was enough of it. The audiobook was nice too, but I think I should've read this myself, mayhaps upon reread I will....more
“Even when I tell you to run,” Death said in a hoarse voice, “even when I’m the worst version of myself, you always stay.” He leaned his hand on the p“Even when I tell you to run,” Death said in a hoarse voice, “even when I’m the worst version of myself, you always stay.” He leaned his hand on the pillar beside my head and lowered his forehead slowly to mine. “Nobody ever stays.”
Death is My Ride or Die is the second book in this lovely series, in which we learn more about Death's past and Faith's powers, watch them grow closer together, hang out with The Seven Deadly Sins and a hilarious warlock, and try to stop the bad guys from winning, easy peasy.
I appreciate how much of the book was spent on Death & the Seven training Faith to use her powers, it didn't feel like a sped up training montage, we were there with her every step of the way.
As the book goes on, Faith gets stronger and more confident in her abilities, which really shone during the ending chapters. That's my girl!!
I said before that I relate to Faith a lot, this was proven to me once again with this quote:
"I felt everything so intensely, so fully, and sometimes I couldn’t help but burst into tears."
Faith honey, I'm a huge crybaby too, it's okay. I often hated this part of me, and wished I didn't have to feel things so strongly because I'd often get hurt, so seeing a character struggling with the same thing as me for once, instead of being cool and untouchable is very refreshing.
We even got to see little cracks in Death's shell, progress!! He said something I didn't think we'd hear from him till like, book five, I was so surprised. Near the end though, so you'll have to wait and see.
I feel so bad for him too, because of everything he went through. I'm glad he has Faith to essentially bring him back to life, they're like two peas in a pod. I liveeee for their will-they-won't-they dynamic and their endless banter.
I also loved Death's little jealous episodes whenever Faith and Ace would be alone together, more of that please and thank you.
And Ace is still probably my favourite character, he can truly do no wrong. But wrong was done to him!!!!! Did I like (redacted) as a character? No, they were mean to Faith. But Ace cared about (redacted) so I didn't want to see them end up like that.
There was a lot of character development in this book overall, I'm impressed. Even the side characters felt fleshed out, and I had no trouble telling the Seven apart either.
I found myself getting strangely attached to Malphas this time around, who'd have thought? I need to know where his character is going to go in book three.
Plot wise, SO MUCH happened, it hardly feels like it all went down in the same book, AND YET?? But, it didn't feel heavy at all. I actually hope the next book is even longer and even more happens in it because I can't wait to explore more of this world.
The ending was a, wouldn't you know it, cliffhanger. It felt a lil bit abrupt with how it ended, so I'm currently still on the edge of my seat, wishing there were a few more pages left to be read.
Soooooo Miss Tonks, I'm gonna need Death is My Frenemy out in say...tomorrow? Does that sound good? PLEASE GIVE IT TO ME!
*Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*...more
WE ARE BACK WITH ANOTHER COVEN BOOK, and we are nearing the end of the series *sniff sniff*. I don't know what I'll do when this finishes for real, beWE ARE BACK WITH ANOTHER COVEN BOOK, and we are nearing the end of the series *sniff sniff*. I don't know what I'll do when this finishes for real, because I've been reading this since 2020. I know it's not thaaaat long, but still. I'm gonna miss everyone when it's done.
OK ENOUGH WITH THE SAD!!! We'll leave that for the next two books. Let's talk about the happy aka the fact that Stone is back and that Ink said something I've been waiting for him to say for 3 billion years AND IN GREEK NO LESS!!! MY HEART!!!!!!!
So first, Stone, we learn a lot about his background, but there are still unanswered questions lingering. Also I'm hoping we'll get to see his family (the one that he had a phone convo with, had to specify because of all the chaos).
He's not officially part of the Coven (yet), but methinks in the next book that will change. Does that mean he'll actually get along with everyone? Weeeeell...no. I was LIVING for how much Ink hated him.
I feel bad for him, because of the betrayal he faced from those who seemed closest to him. Poor Raul. I hope he gets revenge.
And Ink, he was going to say what he did earlier on in the book, I was on the edge of my seat, asking myself if this was really going to happen...and then the moment was interrupted and I wanted to scream because we were so close!!
We got it though, in the end. I couldn't be happier. Except now that he said it I'm gonna need him to keep saying it in books eight and nine, it's only right. But maybe in a different language each time, there's a thought.
(I humbly volunteer Serbian, ahem)
And yes, I know the books are already written, but I can dream.
Also I love the monster house, I hope we'll see it again. There's something so endearing about a house that keeps trying to kill you!
All in all this was a fun adventure through another realm, and I'm looking forward to the next one.
*Thank you to the author and StoryOrigin for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*...more
I feel like most people already read this on Wattpad and are now reading it for the second time, but this is my first time experiencing Death is My BFI feel like most people already read this on Wattpad and are now reading it for the second time, but this is my first time experiencing Death is My BFF in all its glory, and wow.
I had a feeling I'd like this, just based on the cover and blurb, but what was inside really blew me away.
The pacing is perfect, not too fast or too slow. You get to know the characters and care for them in a relatively short amount of time. Some characters *cough* Ace *cough* were just introduced on-page and I was ready to follow them to the ends of the Earth. Yup, it was like THAT.
The writing is addicting, if you want to read this in one go you absolutely can because it's so hard to stop. You'll be going "just one more chapter, ok one more" and suddenly you'll be 70% through. This book will not let you come up for air!!!! But in a good way.
I think the plot is creative, basically we have Faith who died when she was eight, and unknowingly sold her soul to the Grim Reaper in return for living ten more years. Now that the ten years are up, Death came to collect.
Of course, Death has to be irresistible. When he enters the scene, you know you're about to be smiling, giggling, kicking your feet in the air. I love him and I love Faith and I adore them together and I also can't wait until we get more of them in the next books.
The one thing I really love about Faith (other than how cool, brave, and smart she is) is that she's goth/alt AND a Christian!!! BECAUSE HELLO, THAT'S ME!!! Faith is Catholic and I'm Eastern Orthodox Christian, but I still relate to her a lot. I don't think I've ever seen someone write an alt Christian character (who doesn't start dressing "normal") before so extra cupcake points for that.
Faith discovers, during the course of the book, that her soul is special and draws dark creatures to it like moths to a flame. She also has powers!!! She doesn't understand them yet, so we also don't know what exactly it is that she can do, but I'm looking forward to finding out in the future.
Death is My BFF ends on a cruel cliffhanger. It's making me want to go to Wattpad to check out the rest of the story, but as I understand, it's all a bit different in the published versions? So it's probably wiser to wait until the next book gets published too.
BUT HOW LONG MUST I WAIT??? WAAAH.
This book strikes me as very re-readable, so I'll most likely reread it before the second book is out.
Special shoutout to the Batman scene, it's my favourite scene in the whole book.
*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*...more
Okay friends, remember what I said about Mr White last time around? I TAKE THAT BACK. I didn't see that coming, but I should've so now I'm pretending Okay friends, remember what I said about Mr White last time around? I TAKE THAT BACK. I didn't see that coming, but I should've so now I'm pretending I never said that. YOU SAW NOTHING.
So, this time Layla and the Coven are on their way to a cute little cabin that absolutely does not have a lake monster near by. The absolutely not lake monster is so adorable, I hope we'll see more of him.
With every book I keep falling in love with the characters more and more, I don't know what Ellen Mint puts in these but KEEP 'EM COMING.
Each Coven member is dealing with their own issues, but I think Ink's are my favourite. Because he's on the road to falling in love with Layla (he's already in love, but won't admit it), and he doesn't know how to process it. He's also doubting his place in the Coven.
DON'T WORRY INK, LAYLA WILL NEVER GET RID OF YOU!!! And even if she does I'll make her take you back.
By the way, the steamy scene between them at the beach is high up there with my favourite steamy scenes EVER, if not THE favourite. It was so good, and sweet and Ink's thoughts during that moment...yeah it's my fav.
We got PoVs from the whole Coven AND, a secret cameo at the end. I've been waiting for this character to pop up again and now I'm pretty sure they'll be back in full swing in the next book.
There was also a little surprise linked to one of Layla's friends, I loved that too.
Sooooo I can't wait for the next one, Ellen Mint please release it like yesterday thank you....more
"Yahweh has manifested a new behemoth. I've seen it in a cell phone video, and it's as ugly as the current music scene."
THAT LINE KILLED ME. I just kn"Yahweh has manifested a new behemoth. I've seen it in a cell phone video, and it's as ugly as the current music scene."
THAT LINE KILLED ME. I just know Mr. Rev and I would get along great.
He's still funny, and has been developing a good friendship with Billee. So good in fact, that I'm pretty sure they're going to be tied at the hip in future books.
We met Alisha in this one, I like her. BUT, because I'm not a fan of second chance romance I'd rather see Rev with Billee (if he does get with anyone that is).
YOU CAN'T CONVINCE ME THAT THERE'S NOTHING THERE AFTER THAT ENDING!!!!
Speaking of, I NOT prepared for what happened. And I'm glad it got resolved in this one because there's no way I would've survived until the third book. And I'm so so happy it was a good ending, Rev doesn't need any more loss in his life.
I am soooo excited to see the horsemen in action, I'm anticipating an epic battle (or four).
P. S. I cried.
*Thank you to BookSirens for providing me with an e-ARC for which I'm leaving a review voluntarily*...more
If you haven't read The Zodiac series then I suggest you do, not only because it's awesome and you'd be doing yourself a favour, but also because thisIf you haven't read The Zodiac series then I suggest you do, not only because it's awesome and you'd be doing yourself a favour, but also because this is a spinoff to that series.
You don't need to read that series to read this one though, if this one appeals to you more than go for it.
But there is a small spoiler that you might gloss over if you're not into the Zeke books, it's near the start of the book and reveals the twist that happened at the end of the seventh Zodiac book, so yeah, keep that in mind.
I also think it's better to read that series first for an intro to the world, because this is an expansion of it.
So, this time we're following an angel instead of a demon, and he's pretty cool. He doesn't act like your typical angel AND HE WEARS A LEATHER DUSTER!!! Most important fact, you're welcome.
He has a sidekick/familiar called Billee, she's not quite as cool as Rev, but I'm sure she'll grow into it.
Rev is also a multitasker extraordinaire, he's a Grim Reaper, occasional assassin, and he keeps an eye on...certain demons. He can do it all and he's good at his job(s).
He can be really caring too, even after living a very long life, and funny. I'm sure he has some stories to tell, and I'd be happy to listen to them all.
Also I really like that this book has a similar enough feel to the Zodiac books, but also feels different and like it's own thing. Can't wait to read more books in the world, in both Rev's and Zeke's perspectives.
*Thank you to BookSirens for providing me with an e-ARC for which I'm leaving a review voluntarily*...more
It's been more than a year since I last read this series, but for our beloved characters it's been only minutes since the ending of the last book. TheIt's been more than a year since I last read this series, but for our beloved characters it's been only minutes since the ending of the last book. They've been exiled, but haven't given up on their mission to take down the council and fight for what's right.
It's always so easy to get back into this world no matter how long it's been. Hopefully the wait for the next book won't be so long, especially because we finally got to Scorpio which is my sign. And we got to see her in this one too. GLAD SHE'S ON THE RIGHT SIDE.
What I really like about this series is that when characters learn something in the past books they don't just forget it in the next one, it gets used even as they learn new things. So it all ends up making sense.
The main mission in this one took a while to happen, so it doesn't have as much action as the other books, but it's still entertaining.
And dear ol' Lucifer helps out in that department, yes sir. I actually feel bad for the guy, which is not THAT strange when you think about how well Paul Sating writes his characters.
You know who else I feel bad for? RALREK! We *finally* learned what's been bugging him and that poor baby needs a hug. Also I'm I sensing something between him and Libra? Yes or yes?
Libra's super cool by the way, I hope he sticks around.
There was a huge twist at the end which only made me more excited for the next book. I guessed it would head in that direction a few chapters before it happened, but I assumed it would happen at the end of the series, not that soon.
For all I know it might start during the next book and finish during the last book? However it happens I can't wait to see it. Now that would be proper justice, after all the trio, and specifically Zeke, went through.
*Thank you to BookSirens for providing me with an e-ARC for which I'm leaving a review voluntarily*...more
UPDATE MAY 18TH 2025: I JUST MET JOHN GWYNNE EEEEEEP!!!! Extremely important information, he's working on a SLAVIC MYTHOLOGY project so he's basicallyUPDATE MAY 18TH 2025: I JUST MET JOHN GWYNNE EEEEEEP!!!! Extremely important information, he's working on a SLAVIC MYTHOLOGY project so he's basically writing that for me ahem ahem, his favourite Norse God is Týr, and I asked him if he also happens to like the band Týr (one of my faves) and he said yes so we are practically besties now, everyone be jealous.
PLEASE HE'S SO NICE, GO TO HIS BOOK SIGNINGS IF YOU GET THE CHANCE PLEASEEEE.
The Review:
It took me a hot minute to continue this series, not on purpose though, I should've done it soon after book one, but I didn't. In any case, I'm going to finish it this year, finally.
Even though I remembered the most important parts of the story (I read Malice almost three years ago), I still looked up the summary before starting this, which proved to be helpful, and I didn't have any trouble getting back into it.
Valor was just as amazing as Malice, I'm pretty sure the whole series is going to be banger after banger.
Everything I said about the first book still stands, Corban and Cywen are the most compelling characters (and they always will be), but I enjoyed the other PoVs just as much.
The emotional damage was ever present in this one too, especially at the end. I'm never ready and it hits me like a whirlwind. WHY JOHN GWYNNE WHY???
The world got expanded, the lore did too (yay prophecy!!), there was a lil romance added (can't say I like Coralen for Corban, but I don't mind Veradis for Cywen), the book was really hard to put down and I can't wait to see where it goes from here.
It's such a brilliant series, and Mr Gwynne's best. If you haven't read it by now, you really should.
Pre read:
John Gwynne is coming to my city this week for a book signing so I thought it was about time I continue this series <3...more
Malice took me by surprise. I previously read The Shadow of the Gods and The Hunger of the Gods and this book blMe: Emotional Damage? John Gwynne: YES!
Malice took me by surprise. I previously read The Shadow of the Gods and The Hunger of the Gods and this book blows both of those out of the water.
It's so hard to believe that this is not only a debut book, but the first written series, when compared to that other one. Because that other series feels like it should've been the debut one instead, but that's just my opinion.
From the beginning of the book, the Corban chapters gripped me and never stopped until the end. They were by far my favourite. There are several PoVs though, and that takes some getting used to, but eventually I got the swing of things. My advice is to pay attention to all of them, you never know when they'll pop up again.
And by pop up again I mean cross paths with Corban, who is, of course, the main attraction, the man, the myth, the legend. I LOVE CORBAN. I can't even find the words to explain how much, he's just great and I love following him and his friends around.
Corban also has animal companions which gave me Robin Hobb's Farseer Trilogy vibes. And another thing that gave me the same vibes, is Gar. He's a stablemaster (ha!) who trains Corban, and is kind of like a second father to him.
Gar also trains Corban's sister Cywen but in a different way, she helps out with the horses. We get her PoV too and it's my second favourite. She goes through so much in this book, almost as much as Corban. Something happens, but I hope that something is nothing and all will be well!!!
Storm, Shield and Buddai deserve their own mention, precious babies. THEY'RE THE BEST.
Nathair is another character I'm singling out, because even though he may or may not be the bad guy, I like him. He's kinda cool. Meical too, just without the bad part. We saw so little of him AND YET!!! I have a feeling he'll return in the sequel.
Malice was oddly easy to read and get into, so I'm amazed on all fronts. It's easily bingeable, you'll blink and suddenly be 200 pages in. BUT OH MY GOD, THE PAIN!!! I was not expecting to get so attached to this book or its characters, not at all.
So yes, some do die. But will I tell you who? NO. You'll have to suffer too, sorry.
I can't wait to continue this series, especially because of that cliffhanger ending.
P. S. There was a character named Goran. Just saying....more
Seconds after the events of the previous book, Ezekial finds himself at the mercy of the council once again. This time, they're accusing him of murderSeconds after the events of the previous book, Ezekial finds himself at the mercy of the council once again. This time, they're accusing him of murder and are making him fight a fellow demon to the death for a chance to gain his freedom back.
Does that sound fair? No, of course not, because our boy is innocent! JUSTICE FOR ZEKE! The council just keeps getting worse and worse and I can't wait until they meet their end (which might be sooner than we think yayyy).
The title of this book should be PAIN because there's so much of it. Why must poor Zeke suffer so?
Perhaps it's because of that pain and suffering, that this is one of my favourite books in the series.
It's soooo good. Everything is top notch, from the friendships with Bilba, Ralrek, Dialphio, Cassie and the Vigilantes, to the council's meddling in things they have no business meddling in, and the fighting scenes.
We also change locations several times, thanks to a very special demon who I'm so very proud of for achieving all that he did. He's so brave and the scenes with his father pre and during The Passage were really emotional. And yes, I cried.
Meanwhile, Ralrek still didn't open up about what's bugging him. SPILL YOU STUPID CINNAMON ROLL OR I'LL BE FORCED TO PRY IT OUT OF YOU. Hmph.
CASSIE AND ZEKE IS HAPPENING! Who knew I'd be freaking out over a cheek kiss but here we are. They're practically married already. I can hear the wedding bells.
While we're at things we can hear, who's that mysterious voice speaking to Zeke? Will we ever find out? I really want to know.
Bonus points for Azazel, friend or foe, I'm glad he's deciding to be helpful.
No more Zeke in 2021, my heart is sad :(
*Thank you to BookSirens for providing me with an e-ARC for which I'm leaving a review voluntarily*...more