I'm still waiting for the vampires to show up, to be honest. I loved learning more about Victoria's origins though.I'm still waiting for the vampires to show up, to be honest. I loved learning more about Victoria's origins though....more
I love how Victoria is like "I heard/saw something" and everyone else is like "oh no, you must be sick/you must've imagined it", every single time.
LiI love how Victoria is like "I heard/saw something" and everyone else is like "oh no, you must be sick/you must've imagined it", every single time.
Like, you guys live in a spooky, potentially haunted mansion, maybe something *IS* actually going on? Just a thought. And after the events of book one too, have they learned nothing...
Anyway, this one didn't have the same feel as the first one, many of the characters were "away" doing things, and it does feel like there's a certain formula the author is following (at least up to this point), but I still enjoyed it on audio....more
I've never seen the TV show, but I figured I'd give the books a read since they seemed right up my alley. Now that I've finished the first, I'm absoluI've never seen the TV show, but I figured I'd give the books a read since they seemed right up my alley. Now that I've finished the first, I'm absolutely reading the other 31 books too.
The spooky gothic atmosphere was on point, as soon as it started, I felt as if I was in a Vincent Price movie. The audiobook was definitely the way to go, because of the music, and narrator.
The mystery was intriguing, I like that some of it was solved, but not the whole thing, so you do have to continue reading to find out the truth along with Victoria.
Romance wise, there were a few choices that I found to be more interesting than Ernest, but I'm not the main character sooo...we'll see how all of that develops later on.
I loved the use of colours and the art style, as well as the fairytale vibes near the end, but everything else wasn't anything spectacular. I'm actualI loved the use of colours and the art style, as well as the fairytale vibes near the end, but everything else wasn't anything spectacular. I'm actually a bit disappointed that I didn't like it more. I would read something by this author again though, because it seems like this was a one off. ...more
(view spoiler)[Raoul (hide spoiler)] pissed me off so much from the beginning, I found him incredibly annoying and I DID NOT want to see him have a happy ending.
Ok, that's a bit harsh, lemme rephrase. I would be okay with him having a happy ending, just not with Christine, there we go.
So, this was extremely readable, once I got into it (it took a few chapters), it didn't even feel like a classic in the way some others do. Maybe it's due to the translation, which was excellent, or the book itself, either way, it was hard to put down.
It's a bit odd I never picked it up until now, and the only reason why I did so is because I'm seeing the musical live for the first time this week. That was the push I needed to finally read it, I'm glad I did, even though I'll always be mad at the ending, hah.
I also haven't seen the movie(s), I'll probably try to see at least one before the musical, but yeah I literally went into this blind, knowing only minimal info and a few stills I've seen from the 2004 movie, that's it.
Now can we talk about how I imagined the Phantom based on how he's described here vs how he looks in the movie stills? Because I imagined a living skeleton with shiny eyes, and that's...not the case in the movie I'm assuming?
Either way, I loved the mystery aspect, the YEARNING (we all know from who), the setting, I'd absolutely read this again, maybe in English next time.
Omggggg, I'm??? Molly Likovich keeps amazing me with every book of hers I read, and this one is definitely among my favourites. Two escaped mental patOmggggg, I'm??? Molly Likovich keeps amazing me with every book of hers I read, and this one is definitely among my favourites. Two escaped mental patients finding each other and falling in love? Yes please.
It's so much more than that though, we get to see what life was like for Jay inside a mental hospital (as horrible as you can imagine), her struggles with degenerative disc disease and fybromyalgia, Laurie's secretive past and how far he will go to protect Jay, and a bunch of classic lit references to keep a smile on your face in between all the sad bits.
I wish it was longer because I fell in love with the characters, but it felt like a complete story at the same time. I did panic a bit at like 95%, how everything would be wrapped up or if we'd need a sequel (I would not complain if we got one), but it all ended on a positive note. Phew.
This was a really personal book for the author, and it shows. I could relate to a lot of it as well, so big hugs for anyone else who sees themselves in this book, we got this, we'll be okay....more
I'm always seated for sapphic vampires! And, I guess, Dracula retellings too, after this.
Lucy Undying was a read I thought I'd need a bit longer to geI'm always seated for sapphic vampires! And, I guess, Dracula retellings too, after this.
Lucy Undying was a read I thought I'd need a bit longer to get through, because the pacing seemed so slow, but I literally read 70% of it in one day because I couldn't stop reading, so how slow was it really? I can't say. What I can say though, is that this story gripped me, and kept me hanging on every single word.
I feel like most people probably found Lucy's chapters more interesting, but for me, Iris was the character I kept wanting to go back to every time I was reading about Lucy, or the secret third PoV.
That's not to say I disliked Lucy, I still found her history entertaining, and I liked the romance between her and Iris. I could feel the longing through the pages, and kept wishing for them to finally be happy.
My favourite thing about this book, is the never-ending number of twists. We get the majority of them in the second half, which is, no surprise, the half I enjoyed reading the most.
I saw only a few coming, but when Iris started putting things together in her head (and with all those pages), I was in shock. And then I kept getting surprised all the way until the end.
The gothic atmosphere was on point, I enjoyed the writing style as well. This is actually my very first book by Kiersten White, even though I've had her books on my tbr for years. Now I know I'll probably like the others too.
The plot is very well crafted (if a bit unbelievable at times), but I do think it's stretched out more than it should be. Especially in the first half where we didn't get as much action as the second.
Aside from that, I don't really have any other negatives. It was such a fun read, and I'd love to have a sequel of some sort, because there's definitely more story to tell.
*Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*...more
Another amazing book by Jen Williams!! I honestly love everything she puts out and this book is no different. I can't even tell you if I'm a bigger faAnother amazing book by Jen Williams!! I honestly love everything she puts out and this book is no different. I can't even tell you if I'm a bigger fan of her fantasies or her thrillers, they're all equally entertaining.
Here we follow Ashley, who, after being the sole survivor of a tragic event during her childhood, became a famous (scam) psychic. She used to see spirits that she called The Heedful Ones leading up to said event, then they disappeared for eighteen years. But now they're back, just as a bunch of kids are turning up dead. Coincidence? You'll have to read to find out.
I loved the premise so much, and the fact that Ashley actually found a body, the police were all like "MA'AM HOW???". That was probably my favourite chapter, it was so well written. The whole book is, but yeah, that one was extra spooky.
We have a dual timeline going on, the present one and the 2004 one where the "event" occurred. I'm trying really hard to not mention what happened because it was so fun learning about it bit by bit. I couldn't wait to get to the past chapters to get some more crumbs.
The present chapters were interesting too, we not only got to see how a lot of fake psychics make their money, but also Ashley's family drama, her attempts to solve the murders, dealing with seeing the Heedful Ones again, and falling for Freddie.
The inclusion of romance isn't something I was expecting, but I don't mind it. Freddie seems very nice and like the exact kind of person Ashley needs to help her get away from her controlling family. I don't understand why he did what he did at 87% instead of defending Ashley, but well...nobody is perfect.
The romance also isn't distracting, it's very minimal, and the two spend most of the book as friends. I think they make a good team when it comes to investigating.
I did see the ending coming, something about the villain(s) just screamed they were in on it. And I liked the supernatural element to it all. If you ask me, every thriller ought to have a dash of paranormal.
The atmosphere was on point, as expected. There's a haunted mountain, a big spooky house where the tragedy happened, and the Heedful Ones are weird enough on their own. What's not to like?
I feel as if this book passed by in a flash, but I can also see why someone might feel it's a bit slow at the start. It takes a while for the story to get going, but I was instantly hooked, just like I am every time when it comes to this author. I can't wait for her next thrilling read, I hope we won't have to wait too long for it.
*Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*...more
“I realized that it wasn’t you who scared me the most,” he whispered finally against my lips, looking at me through his lashes. “What scared me is wha“I realized that it wasn’t you who scared me the most,” he whispered finally against my lips, looking at me through his lashes. “What scared me is what would happen to me without you.”
Always seated for a congregation of Slavic characters!! We have Alina, Jacek (we don't even meet him, but listen, the name counts), Viktor, Boris, Nikolai aaaaand Luka. I wasn't actually expecting to get that many, even though I knew the main character's name from before I started reading, but I'm really happy.
So, I really enjoyed this book, but my God..THAT ENDING!!! I feel as if my whole soul has been ripped out of my body.
At the start the author tells us that basically these characters are not good, and to not expect them to be, but not gonna lie, I was still shocked when that really turned out to be the case. I was just vibing until those final few chapters and then I was like oh...OH.
There was a scene that was harder to read, and I'm sure there's a reason why it was included, so make sure to check the TWs at the start!! For me though it wasn't just that scene, but how a certain characters reacted to it, or rather their lack of reaction.
There better be some serious grovelling on their part in the next book because as is I'm not forgiving them, nope nope nope.
Other than that, it was pretty smooth sailing.
The story was interesting and reminded me a bit of The Lost Apothecary at the start, but better and darker. I loved seeing Alina mixing potions and testing them on unsuspecting evil men, AS SHE SHOULD!!!
We got both her PoV and that of Silas, I couldn't really tell you which one I liked better because they were both well written and funny too. Though I think Silas had the best/funniest lines overall, most of my highlights are just him being hilarious.
I loved how easily he got attached to Alina...like a leech (HA!), or a lost puppy. He just would not leave her alone and it was very endearing. I lived for his appearances and missed him when he wasn't there.
Their romance wasn't very healthy, but healthy is not what I was looking for when I picked this up so!! Romantic though, it sure was. I loved them together.
I also liked the side characters, and the proper gothic vibes. I even liked the (actual) ending, despite the cliffhanger. I think that was the best possible outcome and I'm excited to see where the story will go from here.
For a debut, this was great. I have no doubts that book two will hit 5 stars. Now if only it was already out. Cryyyyyy.
*Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*...more
Third book syndrome isn't a thing, but I'm making it a thing, because this was nowhere close to the same level as The Shepherd King duology. I WOULD gThird book syndrome isn't a thing, but I'm making it a thing, because this was nowhere close to the same level as The Shepherd King duology. I WOULD give it a reread, however, but not as an audiobook.
Gillig's writing style is so confusing on audio, half the time I was lost as to what was going on, and the other half wasn't as interesting as the premise promised it would be.
At the start I was reminded of Sisters of Sword and Shadow which had similar vibes (and lady knights), but that soon faded as this book became...I don't know what to call it.
The previous duology felt so unique, but this book felt like your average run of the mill romantasy, nothing unique about it. It's almost hard to believe the same author wrote both. I'm getting the impression that Gillig had to put this out fast and that's why it's like that.
The characters weren't as likable as Elspeth and Ravyn, but at least we had a funny gargoyle to spice things up. Said gargoyle was the best and most developed character in the whole book, I wish I was kidding.
I do like Rory, and more than I do Sybil, but that's because of the way he was described. Sybil meanwhile was a little boring, nothing drastic, but she was.
The romance was okay, the tension was there, the payoff minimal (only a few pages), I could root for it.
The pacing was slowwww, too slow in parts, and barely anything happened. But I am intrigued enough to continue. I'm sure people will love this one as much as the first duology, it just didn't click with me. ...more
Thought I was gonna spend 4ish days reading this but the book had other plans. I started it last night, finished it today so less than 24h all togetheThought I was gonna spend 4ish days reading this but the book had other plans. I started it last night, finished it today so less than 24h all together. It's just as fun and fast paced as the first and so easy to get lost in. But! Yes, there is a but, I still liked book one better.
Just because I personally didn't care much about Elm's PoV, and felt like that was such an odd choice to make in a sequel that was supposed to be all about the iconic Elspeth/Nightmare duo. And we did get to see them too, but not enough if you ask me!!!
Similarly, Ravyn deserved better. His romance with Elspeth was in part the reason I enjoyed book one as much as I did, it made me so giddy. Elm and Ione on the other hand...did we really need a whole book of them? A novella maybe. Hell, a side book too why not? But a main series sequel? No.
Elm & Ione's storyline almost felt like it was happening in a completely different world? I really really didn't like it. Or maybe I just resent them because they took away valuable page time that could've been spent on Ravyn and Elspeth reuniting, who's to say for sure.
My favourite relationship in this (other than the one we were robbed of, ahem) is Elspeth's with the Nightmare. It made this duology worth reading for me. It was so sweet, and sad at the end, I wish it could've ended differently for them. And I also wish Elspeth got more say/PoVs, but then the book would have to be rewritten (which I'm not against, for the record).
The book also felt rushed, I didn't notice any typos that I've seen people mentioning since I listened to the audio version, but that feeling was definitely there. I don't know if it's because of contract time crunches or what, but I wouldn't have minded a longer wait to get a more fleshed out sequel.
As far as the rating goes, I gave the first book 4 stars, but mentioned it could've been a 5 had I read it myself, this one...I will still round it up to 4, but it's closer to a 3.5. I'm hoping we'll get more stories in this world someday, and if not I'm still excited for whatever this author has coming next....more
I will always support this author from the bottom of my heart, but this one didn't work for me as much as some of her other books.
Pike felt very simiI will always support this author from the bottom of my heart, but this one didn't work for me as much as some of her other books.
Pike felt very similar to Twin Flame except the latter did what it was trying to do much better.
One of the issues I had was that (view spoiler)[I am not a huge fan of anal, if we're being honest I hate reading it, but usually if it's present in books it's only in one scene so I can skim through it, but here in almost every scene when they had sex it was anal...and she was a virgin...it just really hindered my enjoyment and I couldn't properly connect to them because of that (hide spoiler)].
I am still looking toward to Quinn's book though, her story could be interesting....more
“There’s nothing wrong with you,” he whispered assuringly, and then he gently pressed his lips to my throat in a soft kiss. “And if we’re corrupted, I“There’s nothing wrong with you,” he whispered assuringly, and then he gently pressed his lips to my throat in a soft kiss. “And if we’re corrupted, I’d rather it be with you than anyone else, because you’re my twin flame, Violet. Our souls are kindred and if we’re meant to burn in hell together, I’ll do it holding your hand.”
This was completely effed up, Violet & Christian's whole family has more than one screw lose so it's no wonder how they ended up the way they did. And actually I think the author did a really good job showing that without glorifying it.
The atmosphere was perfectly spooky, I loved the descriptions of the weather and the old Victorian house and I love how much personality the characters had for such a short read.
I do have one complaint though and that's a dog dying, which is not that odd considering everything else going on, but I prefer not to read about that so I'm mentioning it for those who also feel the same way.
Once again I wish this was longer, because I'm really starting to fall in love with the author's storytelling and novellas aren't enough!!...more
As a Serb, I found this delightful. I could even believe it actually happened back in the 1700s, the mentality was captured perfectly. Also, for anyonAs a Serb, I found this delightful. I could even believe it actually happened back in the 1700s, the mentality was captured perfectly. Also, for anyone who doesn't already know, the word vampire (vampir) came from Serbian, so y'all are welcome....more
“Plus, gators have souls. Dear Maman taught us that.”
GA LA FA, GA LA FA!!!
I've been reading a lot of Halloween novellas recently, some good, some bad“Plus, gators have souls. Dear Maman taught us that.”
GA LA FA, GA LA FA!!!
I've been reading a lot of Halloween novellas recently, some good, some bad, some just okay, but this one? It blew all of them right out of the water.
I thought I was in for an average read, BUT BOY WAS I WRONG. It was clear from the start that a lot of thought was put into the setting, plot and characters. They felt well-developed, especially for such a short read.
The revenge trope, which is one of my favourites, is ever so present in this. Not only do Vi's brothers get revenge for their sister, but Harper Leigh gets revenge on her cheating boyfriend too, what's not to love?
There's also a pet gator called Gumbo and people who seemingly disappear into thin air. There's something spooky going on, I can't wait to find out what.
Now that cliffhanger ending...masterfully done. I'm already suffering. WHEN'S THE NEXT BOOK COMING Y'ALL??? I know that this one practically just came out, but still. Can't leave is hanging like that, it's cruel.
The paperback is going on my wishlist immediately, this is going to be one of my favourite series for sure.
P. S. Do check the content warnings, it gets dark!!...more
Ok well...this book was/is in a monthly book box I'm subscribed to, and I'm glad I skipped it. I had a feeling it would just be average and for me it Ok well...this book was/is in a monthly book box I'm subscribed to, and I'm glad I skipped it. I had a feeling it would just be average and for me it was. Maybe I would've felt differently if I read it myself instead of listened to it, but as is I'm not impressed.
There was barely any plot, which sometimes works sometimes it doesn't, I couldn't get attached to the characters, or the romance so what was left was basically just the atmosphere and the writing. I liked the writing, but the atmosphere was barely there, it tried though.
On top, Arthur sounded like he was a billion years old (might be due to the narrator) so I was imagining a full-fledged grandpa or middle aged man and...yeah. Somehow the book felt almost YA, which is normally a good thing for me, but I don't think that's what the author was aiming for here.
If you happen to like Sorcery of Thorns or The Invisible Life of Addie Larue you might have better luck with this than I did....more
I liked the first half more than the second, it was engaging and interesting, I even thought it would be a five star read. But as it went on, my interI liked the first half more than the second, it was engaging and interesting, I even thought it would be a five star read. But as it went on, my interest in how the story would end diminished.
There's nothing specific wrong with it, it might just be me, so please give this book a chance if you wanted to. But what bugged me was how repetitive it was getting, and how the pace slowed down in the second half.
What I liked was the setting, I think that was very well done and the monstrous things as well. I will always support women's rights and wrongs!!! Also we love a good villain PoV.
If there is a sequel in the future I'm not sure if I'll read it. Maybe? I could see it happening, the found family is cute and I wouldn't mind seeing more of them.
I, a South Slavic person from the Balkans, am always craving fantasy/gothic/horror books written by actual Slavic authors and I finally got that here,I, a South Slavic person from the Balkans, am always craving fantasy/gothic/horror books written by actual Slavic authors and I finally got that here, please put your hands together for a round of applause!!!
So imagine my delight when I not only got the arc, but also opened it to see titles like Gospa, Gospodar, Knez and Vlastelin inside. It might not mean much to a non-Slavic reader, but I got an extra kick out of it every time someone's title was used, because it worked so well.
Morana was the main featured Goddess here, but I loved seeing other Slavic Gods and Goddesses get a mention (or appearance) too. And I also loved how well the elements they control were used in the story.
Said story was extremely captivating, like a fairytale. In part this is due to the beautiful writing which made me feel like I was sitting down in front of a warm fire, listening to someone spin a tale from long ago.
There's three PoVs in the story, each interesting in their own way. Ida's ended up being my favourite, despite Elisya's starting off as such (I know!). Because I felt like Ida was the most interesting of the three, and I desperately wanted her to be the one to survive the night.
Elisya changed as the story went on, I wanted her to live out her main character dreams, but sadly it was not meant to be. I somehow thought she'd change for the better though, not worse.
Telani got the least amount of chapters, especially during the second half, and I wasn't sure what to make of him until the very end where I started to like him. So I wish his time to shine came a bit sooner, because he's a pretty cool character.
I also liked Tinka, Orsiana and Prince Amron.
I DID NOT like Volk, but with a name like that he deserves a special mention. I was just waiting for him to turn into a werewolf and devour everything and everyone in sight...which isn't too far from the truth.
Him being who he was, and performing that wedding ceremony was so funny to me, but in a dark way. Like yeah obviously there's no one else in an enchanted castle deep in the sentient woods who could do it, but still!
I *think* this is a standalone, but I'd love a sequel or novella where we follow the characters who survived, even the side ones, because there's a lot more story to tell.
I'd recommend this to anyone who likes their fantasy a bit darker, or more on the gothic side with a pinch of horror, and particularly to other Slavic readers because this is a story that was written for us.
That's not to say you shouldn't give it a chance if you're not Slavic, please, PLEASE do, I'm just saying that I think it hits harder when you already know the mythology and Gods, grew up with them etc. There's little things here and there you'll catch while reading that will feel like coming home.
P. S. Pay attention to the years in each chapter, they're important!!
*Huge thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*...more
Did I get the cards? No. Did I get the worldbuilding? No. Did I have fun? Yes!! I blame the first two on the audiobook, I'm sure I would've understoodDid I get the cards? No. Did I get the worldbuilding? No. Did I have fun? Yes!! I blame the first two on the audiobook, I'm sure I would've understood better if I'd read it myself or had the ebook/physical to follow along with so I'm expecting this to be better upon reread.
I thought this would take me longer to get through to be honest, so I'm pleasantly surprised that I finished it this fast. I probably would've finished the whole thing yesterday if some unrelated things hadn't happened. But yeah, it was interesting from the beginning and very bingeable.
I liked the characters and the romance, as well as all the rhymes, they made the book for me and I can't wait to see more of them.
The ending was amazing, it made me consider giving this 5 stars, but ultimately I'm settling on 4 because I can always rate it up the next time I read it if I really do end up loving it that much.
Also, I have no idea if this is YA or adult? Google says adult but people on Goodreads are shelving it as YA and the Amazon categories are also YA, plus it felt very YA (a good thing when it comes to me) so I'm putting it on my YA shelf too.
It won't be my turn to borrow the audiobook of the sequel for a few more weeks, but I really wish I could jump in immediately, I feel like this is one of those stories where you should read the books back to back instead of taking breaks in between but oh well....more
Sirens that actually eat people? Don't mind if I do.
Aglasia is a solitary siren who's set in her ways. She never visits the same hunting spots twice, Sirens that actually eat people? Don't mind if I do.
Aglasia is a solitary siren who's set in her ways. She never visits the same hunting spots twice, and only eats those men who deserve it. Things start to change when another siren by the name of Rossa appears in her life out of nowhere.
The two strike up a friendship, which soon turns into a quest to turn a man into one of them. What could possibly go wrong?
This was really really good. Mermaids/sirens aren't my favourite supernatural creatures to read about, but I enjoyed the way they were written here.
The writing is beautiful and transported me straight into the world. I loved the plot/story too, it's unique and I don't remember seeing anything similar before.
The friendship between Aglasia and Rossa was the highlight of the book, their bickering was cute, even though Aglasia's side of it could annoy me at times.
Speaking of Aglasia, she was harder to like at the start and it took me almost the whole book to warm up to her. She'd call Rossa a child while behaving like one herself. By the end she does some growing, so hopefully in the second book (THERE BETTER BE A SECOND BOOK!!!) I'll fully like her.
Rossa was like a ray of sunshine, so you could say she and Aglasia have a grumpy sunshine dynamic, but platonically.
Hunter...I like him and his casual acceptance of all things supernatural, but the poor boy needs more confidence. His romance with Aglasia is sweet, hopefully down the line there'll be more fluff and less angst.
WHAT ELSE CAN I SAY WITHOUT SPOILING ANYTHING? Hmm...Well, you're just going to have to trust me and read this book when it's out, because it's worth it. BUT BEWARE, THERE IS A CLIFFHANGER. Or not a cliffhanger per se, because something does get wrapped up, but this isn't the full story (once again, I'm asking for a sequel).
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to take a(n imaginary) dip into the sea and grow a siren tail. Byeee.
*Thank you to the author for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*...more