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The Poppy War (The Poppy War #1)
The Poppy War (The Poppy War #1)
R.F. Kuang | 2018 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
9.3 (6 Ratings)
Book Rating
Have you ever read a book that is so good you don't know what to say about it? It's taken me almost two weeks to even attempt this review because I just don't know what to write. The Poppy War is your typical story of downtrodden, disadvantaged girl testing into the highest school in the land and gaining the opportunities and privileges that come with that, but then the book takes a sharp twist into war. Rin doesn't exactly get the most typical of educations, even before war breaks out. And when war breaks out, the school is disbanded, the students getting flung all over the land to where the government thinks they will help the most. For Rin, that's joining The Cike. The Bizarre Children. The division of people who can do....things. Things the rest of the military isn't comfortable with. The Cike can call on the powers of gods, and doing so makes them not-quite-untouchables. Rin, who was never short on resentment before this, grows ever more resentful.

Rin is an interesting character; she's been hard done by, yes, but she makes decisions that only make things harder on herself. So I feel for her a little, but at the same time, girl. Check yourself. What's been done to you doesn't justify what you plan to do to others. I am hoping she comes to see that in the next book, because her rage and need for vengeance definitely gets the best of her in this one.

The Poppy War is an excellently written blend of military fantasy, epic fantasy, and coming-of-age novel. Unlike some books, where the military aspect far overshadows the characters, leaving them flat, Poppy War doesn't ignore the characters to focus on the bigger picture. It's a very good mix of both close-up focus on characters, fights, battles, and zoomed-out strategy and war. It's probably the best military fantasy I've read, and the Asian aspect of it makes it even better. So much military fantasy is western European, or Steampunk, or both. I've been finding more and more Asian and African fantasy, and I am SO HERE FOR IT. I need to try to find more South American fantasy. I know it's out there.

I will definitely be watching for the next book in this series, because it's awesome.

You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.com
  
40x40

Ross (3284 KP) Oct 10, 2018

Great review. I have heard good things about this, and it has just leapt up my pile.

Talented (Talented Saga, #1)
Talented (Talented Saga, #1)
Sophie Davis | 2012 | Dystopia, Young Adult (YA)
8
9.0 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
3.5 stars.

*I received this copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
 
Yet again I was drawn to the cover. Then I checked out the synopsis and I thought, “This should be good!” So I requested to read it and got the go ahead several days ago.
 
I’ll admit it took me a good 20%-25% to really get into it, mainly because of all the description and back story that was thrown in, but once that was out of the way I got quite into it.
 
Character wise, I have to admit that for the first 40% or so that Talia annoyed me. She seemed rather whiney and didn’t like it when Donovan or others didn’t go along with what she wanted to happen. At the same time Donovan seemed off, himself, though the reason behind that soon came to light. One person I did like was Erik, one third of Talia’s Hunter team. I liked him from the start but there was one scene; one lovely scene involving him and Talia after a mission that made me almost fall for him. It was so sweet. Then there’s Henri, the last member, and leader of their team. He seemed like a pretty great guy, taking care of them on missions and making sure they were up to scratch with their mental and physical abilities.
 
The world building was pretty good, with lots of detail to help you picture it in your head.
I was waiting for Natalia’s showdown with Ian Crane for most of the book, since that was what the synopsis mentioned, and it was mentioned in the last 30%, though the mission itself actually started with about 15% of the book to go.
 
As usual, I choose books for the romance aspect and I wasn’t disappointed. The thing between Talia and Erik was really good when it got going.
 
Overall, I liked this but the information overload at the beginning and the annoying character traits knocked it down half a star for me. A good first book into the series, though. I’m not in any hurry to continue the series but I may read the second book at some point.
  
    Cullen IELTS 7+

    Cullen IELTS 7+

    Education and Games

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    This app will help you to: increase your vocabulary for the IELTS writing and speaking tests; learn...

Shadow Seer (Blood Shadows #2)
Shadow Seer (Blood Shadows #2)
Jennie Lynn Roberts | 2022 | Paranormal, Romance
10
10.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
SHADOW SEER is the second book in the Blood Shadows trilogy and although it is sort of standalone - in that it is Zach and Emma's story - it is better to read in sequence so you get the big picture. As for Zach and Emma, they were childhood friends who were separated by sad circumstances. Zach sets out to find her, not knowing what he will find. Is Emma innocent or is she involved with her father's wrongdoings?

Oh, man. She's only gone and done it again! Jennie Lynn Roberts is an outstanding author, in my humble opinion. I haven't read a bad book of hers yet and doubt I ever will. Although not fantasy per se, this is an amazing story. It changes the way you look at shadows, that's for sure. They sound so beautiful, I wish I could see them for myself!

There is so much intrigue here. So many machinations, people being played like puppets, and others fighting the good fight. It is intricate, leading you along through a maze of words as you try to work out what the final objective is.

Zach and Emma are just as perfect together as Kay and Ethan are. Zach acts like a first-class jerk at one point though, and I was glad Emma was so strong. She stood by her convictions, even though she wanted Zach at her side, and he had faltered. With the others by her side, I think Emma is going to grow into a force to be reckoned with, and I can't wait to see her develop in James' story. (Or, at least, I hope!)

And speaking of James, he's gone from a character I didn't much like, to one who is breaking my heart as he tries to the do right thing. Read these two books and you'll see what I mean.

No mid-trilogy slump for this series, oh no. Instead, it's a nail-biting, gripping story that will keep you turning the pages and definitely leave you wanting more. 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
 
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
  
Intelligence Check (Dungeons and Dating #3)
Intelligence Check (Dungeons and Dating #3)
Katherine McIntyre | 2022 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
my fav of the three!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is book 3 in the Dungeons and Dating series. While it can totally be read as a stand-alone, I really think you should read books one and 2 first. It will give you a better, bigger picture of this group of co-workers and friends but also because I said to! Bloody good books, both of them!

Mason and Hunter work at the game cafe, and have crushed on each other for a long time. There are so many miscommunicated moments between these two, it made for painful reading!

Hunter likes how Mason makes him feel, but knows someone like Mase won't ever want him. Mase, in turn, can't understand why Hunter pushed them away a year ago. When Hunter tells them WHY? Oh, I fell in love with Hunter, just a little bit more. Mase too, when they finally let Hunter in.

These two are perfect for each other, but neither thinks they are good enough for the other. Once they actually talk, things become clearer as to why they both think that.

It's not as steamy as the other two books, I thought, but it is HEAVY on the emotions. I loved that Hunter makes a point to ask Mase about their preferences, what they like to do in the smexy department, given that Mase is non-binary. I will admit it took a little getting used to the they/their/them pronouns, but it soon faded to the background. I hated what happened to Mason's sister and how that all came out. And then what happened to Hunter when he was young, you could see why Mason pushed Hunter away for a time.

The others pop up, and I again implore Ms McIntyre to write a story for Jasper! He's starting to hurt, a little, that his friends are pairing up and he can't find his person. You feel for Kelly here. But I think there is a whole LOT we don't know about her relationship with Nat. There are clues, if you know what to look for, that things weren't as clear cut as they seemed. That all comes out in the next book, though.

I loved this book, more so than books 1 and 2 and I loved them too!

5 full and shiny stars

*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
Bad Rebound (Billionaire's Club: Bad Brothers #1)
Bad Rebound (Billionaire's Club: Bad Brothers #1)
Elise Faber | 2022 | Contemporary, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Who doesn't love a perfectly flawed hero?
BAD REBOUND is the first book in the Billionaire's Club: Bad Brothers series. We met Theresa in Bad Best Friend and it is now time for her own story. Rafe and Cora are on hand to help and to provide insight into how Theresa works. This is a good thing because Jeremy doesn't actually know her that well, even after all this time. He likes what he sees, but he doesn't see the whole picture; choosing to be blind to the things he doesn't want to acknowledge.

Jeremy is the perfect flawed hero. He will do anything for anyone and thinks 100% he is doing the right thing, showing them how much he cares. He is also human and makes mistakes. Sometimes those mistakes are smothering the person he is trying to care for. Luckily for him, he had Theresa, his mum, and Melody to set him straight and make him take a good long look at himself. What makes him even better is he acknowledges how he went wrong and tries to correct himself.

Theresa - now here's a heroine that is harder to like. I get her back story, I do, but I was so glad when her mum shot her down. She never asked if it was the life her mum wanted, she just assumed, and we all know how that works out. To me, she was so condescending about anyone's dreams if they differed from her own. Her behaviour, although explained, left a lot to be desired in places. I still liked her though. I just thought she needed knocking down a peg or two as she was so quick to point out Jeremy's faults without looking at her own.

I loved this book and can't wait for the series to continue. I need Melody and Asher's story!!! I know it's going to tear me apart before it gets to the HEA and that's absolutely fine by me! A great start to a new series and definitely 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
  
Judging Duke (Liverpool Boys #4)
Judging Duke (Liverpool Boys #4)
Alex J Adams | 2024 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Well done, Alex, seriously well done.
Independent reviewer for BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is book 4 in the Liverpool Boys series. I STRONGLY recommend you read the previous three books before this one. It will give you a better picture of this group of men, and how they came to be in Liverpool and be friends. This *CAN* be read as a stand alone book, but I personally think you would get more out of it, if you read the others first.

I *AGAIN* quote my review for Ziggy : Well done, Alex, seriously well done.

Ziggy and Beau are dark, very dark reads and Liam's was a much lighter one. This book sits somewhere between them.

There are dark moments: what happened to Duke when he left for Liverpool wasn't easy reading. But I LOVED that we were kept waiting for the full story! You try to piece the clues together, and I got them wrong, and I thoroughly lost it for Duke when he tells Simon what happened. I cried, a lot, for Duke and I really didn't think I was going to for a time. I cried for the others too, so it was only fair!

Simon hasn't had a good time: slipping into porn wasn't his plan, but his brother, Robbie, needed the care only that sort of money could give him. The hatred he carries for Duke, after Robbie's accident was jumping off the page, but he does get over it, in spectacular fashion!

I loved that they talked, you know? Really talked about things and once the air was cleared, they jumped into a relationship that no one saw coming.

I loved that we were able to catch up with Ziggy and Mark; Beau and Kwan also take part here and while Liam and John are mentioned, they don't take part here.

A very fitting end, that sees all 4 boys happy and settled and so much in the love they never thought possible, given their histories.

I can't quite say Ms Adams saved the best for last, cos Ziggy will forever hold that spot but it's a close run thing!

Be mindful of the triggers.

5 full and shiny stars, but wish I could give more!

*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
If You Dare (The Lightkeepers, #2)
If You Dare (The Lightkeepers, #2)
Erica Spindler | 2017 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Thriller
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Fabulous Stars.
<a href="http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/rosella1974/media/one-way-or-an-author-review_zpsphyl14uy.png.html"; target="_blank"><img src="http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah5/rosella1974/one-way-or-an-author-review_zpsphyl14uy.png~original"; border="0" alt=" photo one-way-or-an-author-review_zpsphyl14uy.png"/></a>

Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.beckiebookworm.com

I didn't realise If You Dare (The Lightkeepers #2) By Erica Splinder was the second book in this series.
It probably would have been better to read book one first despite this "If You Dare" was very easy to interpret and told the back-story of this series splendidly.
Now You could technically read this as a standalone, but my recommendation would be start at the very beginning, it's a very good place to start usually ha ha.
<a href="http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/rosella1974/media/images%203_zps3qrbdz7u.jpg.html"; target="_blank"><img src="http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah5/rosella1974/images%203_zps3qrbdz7u.jpg~original"; border="0" alt=" photo images 3_zps3qrbdz7u.jpg"/></a>
Now after playing some catch up I quickly fell into the story of dark and light bearers and the age old battle of good versus evil.
<a href="http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/rosella1974/media/Starved-Rock_zpse4w1zaf3.jpg.html"; target="_blank"><img src="http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah5/rosella1974/Starved-Rock_zpse4w1zaf3.jpg~original"; border="0" alt=" photo Starved-Rock_zpse4w1zaf3.jpg"/></a>
Erica Spindler has really managed to create a vivid world that was so easy to get absorbed into, immersing myself fully into this other domain.
The book picks up where the previous one leaves us.
we have Our two detectives, Mikki, who has recovered from her injuries but is feeling that a lot is being kept from her, she feels on the outside partially, out in the cold, but not understanding exactly why.
Then there's her partner Zach who is half/ half lighter but is much more in the picture regarding information sharing and has been ordered to keep stum. keeping his partner in the dark is something he struggles with as well as certain feelings towards Mikki he so shouldn't be entertaining.
There's also Angel eighteen and struggling with her independence and Mikki's set boundaries, A Rebellious teenager in love for the first time with the mysterious Seth who comes with a very creepy but rich uncle.
This whole story is a puzzle with the pieces just waiting to be slotted together and everybody has a part to play in the bigger picture.
There are so many interesting and diverse secondary character's in this tale as well as the three main players Mikki, Zach and Angel. I love that we get to crawl inside this trios heads seeing different interpretations of events as they unfolded.
All the characters here were fleshed out well and the story just flowed for me effortlessly, keeping my attention throughout.
I found reading If You Dare an enjoyable experience and I would be happy to recommend it to others, my only advice would be Start at book one first before proceeding to the Finish line makes things a whole lot easier overall.
<a href="http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/rosella1974/media/start-and-finish_zpsnsodo1jc.jpg.html"; target="_blank"><img src="http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah5/rosella1974/start-and-finish_zpsnsodo1jc.jpg~original"; border="0" alt=" photo start-and-finish_zpsnsodo1jc.jpg"/></a>
Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an arc of If You Dare, this is my own honest and unbiased opinion.

Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.beckiebookworm.com/
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/