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The Cruel Prince
The Cruel Prince
Holly Black | 2018 | Fiction & Poetry, Romance, Young Adult (YA)
9
8.4 (36 Ratings)
Book Rating
Holly Black is amazing
This book follows the story of Jude a mortal girl who was raised in the world of the fae. Jude is a morally grey character. This makes the story more interesting because her actions are not easy to predict. It was a nice change from the typical YA hero who always does what is right. My one complaint is that the book did start off a little slow, but by the end I couldn't put it down. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series, and I hope they don't disappoint.
  
This Savage Song (Monsters of Verity, #1)
This Savage Song (Monsters of Verity, #1)
V.E. Schwab | 2016 | Fiction & Poetry
7
8.0 (9 Ratings)
Book Rating
I pick this book just after finishing “Shades of Magic” trilogy. I wanted to read more V.E Schwab and I like the premises of the story.

Things I like:
- The main idea of the book. Violence creates real and deadly monsters. I thought the was very unique.
-The idea of killing using something as beautiful as music create a beautiful was conflicted
-August is such a complex character. Was born from the worst act of violence, he very own nature is to kill humans that have committed crimes but his heart he just wants to be normal.
- How morally grey the whole story was and how it makes you reflect on how people think and act and how sometimes people do bad things for good reason and if they should or not being all punished in the same way.
- The relation between the two main characters. Their relationship grew in a nice and mature way.
-It does reflect some issue that we have in our society.

Things I didn’t like:
- Cliche school scene. Our two protagonists are teenagers and the beginning of the book start with a loot of overused scene.
  
Ghosts of Winter (Grey Areas #2)
Ghosts of Winter (Grey Areas #2)
Brad Carl | 2015 | Crime, Romance, Thriller
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Following his flight from Gable, Iowa after getting inadvertently involved in a drug war, Barrett Grayson is determined to stay on the run from the FBI. However some bad news from home makes him re-evaluate his actions. Back in Gable the fallout from the fateful night of Chum's party continues with the local police and DEA determined to track down the missing drugs and the cartel prepared to stop at nothing to get hold of them instead. Meanwhile Claire can't shake thoughts of 'Henry Fields' from her head.

The first book in this sage was good; this second is even better. Carl is a very talented author who can move seamlessly between emotional and romantic to crime drama without missing a beat. As with the first book, despite a large cast of characters each one is depicted with incredible realism.

The thrust of the saga is that black and white don't exist, that everyone has shades of grey and has to make decisions which may be compromising or morally questionable, and that is brought into sharp relief here with what would normally be 'good guys' and 'bad guys' both blurring a lot of lines and meeting in the middle.

Despite being the second in a sequence of four books this does have its own plot which moves to a satisfying conclusion but obviously leaves all the main players in place for the next book. Anyone who picks this up and reads it will not be disappointed.
  
The Secrets of Jane (Improper Bastards #1)
The Secrets of Jane (Improper Bastards #1)
Charlotte Mallory | 2023 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
THE SECRETS OF JANE is the first book in The Improper Bastards series and, if you're a fan of #Dark #Fantasy #Romance, then this is just the book for you.

Both the FMC and MMC are what you might call morally grey! Jane is certainly one to attack first and think later. Soren is more the one with the plan. That is, unless you touch something (or someone!) that belongs to him, and then all bets are off.

I loved Jane's history here and, whilst I don't fully understand the fuss, I'm looking forward to reading the next book to get the answers to my oh-so-many questions. The thing is, even with questions, I still enjoyed every single moment.

Not only do the supporting characters do their jobs incredibly well, but I'm also invested in them too. I'd Bones and Kathleen to have their story told. Anya, too. And Tempest. And… you get the idea. This is a world I'd love to return to and see just where the author takes me.

With an ending that will definitely leave you wanting more, I have no hesitation in HIGHLY recommending this book, and I can't wait until early 2024 to read the sequel!

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 2, 2023
  
40x40

Merissa (13931 KP) rated Toxic B!tch in Books

Sep 10, 2025  
Toxic B!tch
Toxic B!tch
Cassie Lein | 2025 | Contemporary, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
TOXIC B!TCH is a standalone featuring a morally grey FEMALE character! Yep, you heard me. How many male characters have I read? This is the only one I can think of where it's the female, and let me tell you... I loved it!

Malik is such a teddy bear - sweet and naive, yet very conscious of his weight. As far as Indigo is concerned, he is everything she never knew she needed, and she is VERY protective of him. Although, to be fair, her idea of protection are slightly different to mine! 😆 I didn't cry about what happened though. Malik didn't deserve the treatment he received from someone else.

I thought this was brilliantly written - dark, deadly, delightfully crazy, and yet a body positive story too. The one thing I absolutely adored was the interplay between Indigo and Malik - even before he found out all about her. She is feisty and sassy, with no filter, and he is there for it. He loves that she doesn't play games, and she is just what he needs too.

Another hit by this author that I read in one sitting because I simply couldn't put it down. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.

** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 10, 2025