Read it again because I just bought the second one, and it‘s been so long since I‘ve read it! You know those books that you use as your example when you search for what to read next? “What should I read next if I liked…?” This book was that for me. I actually only ever read it because someone gave it to me in a book exchange in my early days of Litsy, and I‘m so grateful. High fantasy with technology twists, excellent characters, adventure… 9/10

Cute and easy mystery in a bookstore in the Scottish highlands— what‘s not to love? Will you be shocked and staying up until 2:00 AM to learn what happens next? No. But will you be engaged enough with a cozy mystery that spirits you away to a romanticized version of bookshops and Scotland? Yes. 7/10

Only read the third one because my library had it on audiobook. Naive characters fall for evil characters and ignore all the red flags. The Church is corrupt, gods are vindictive, humans are foolish, and the fate of the world is on 4 young adult‘s shoulders. 5/10

Read the second one because I just wanted to know how it ended. But guess what? Girls still love the bad boys, boys are still @ssholes, patriotism is the basis of all these bad things, and young powerful teens should still have supervision. I know there‘s a third, but I think I‘ll just read an overview of it so I can find out how it ends without having to continue. 5.5/10

First read of the year, and it was fine. I appreciated the setting and the various types of magic, but it felt very similar to books like the Red Queen series but not as good. Easy read and enjoyable enough that I‘m reading the second to see how it ends. 6/10

So good. I read it slowly to savor the end of this series. What a series. That world building- supreme. The character development- relatable. The ability to make being on a ship on the water for 3/4 of a book constantly interesting- perfection. And this finale had a great ending, giving hope without providing a fairytale ending. Seriously, if you haven‘t read this series yet, you‘re missing out. 10/10

What a sweet read. I loved this. It was easy, the characters were likable and realistic, it had lots of cooking, and some great female friendships. Story of 4 women competing to be on a cooking radio show in WWII. An excellent beach read. 9/10
TW: domestic violence

23 years. Ms. Britain has been out here stringing us along for 23 long years. I did like this one a lot more than her last couple in the series. It moved quicker. It felt a bit more “Green Rider-ish”— chases on horseback through the woods, training on the castle grounds. It did, however, leave a LOT of questions left unanswered. So my question to Ms. Britain is, “How many more books?” Because I want a resolution for my girl Karigan. 8.5/10

Sorry these reviews have been sh*t— it‘s been too long since I read them!
I liked this book. It did a good job wrapping everything up, but it didn‘t have that too perfect fairly tale ending either. Long story short, the series was an easy and entertaining read. 8/10

Probably my least fav out of the series, but of course, still good and worth it. Cerulia had a lot of healing to do here (hence the title), so it made this read a bit slower. Glad that it kept following Thelan because he is my one true love. 7/10

This was my favorite out of all 4 books. I loved the Princella discovering herself as a young woman and a leader, experiencing love and loss and war and everything else. I love Thelan— my favorite character of all time. 9/10

I got sucked into this story really quickly. I felt for the vulnerable queen that didn‘t feel like she had the power her title called for, the young girl hiding in plain site. A matriarchal state vs. a theocracy. Slight magic. Lots of adventures: on the sea, in the woods, in a palace… definitely a good read! 8/10

Oh, Firebrand. Why did she write you? Arguably the weirdest of all in the series so far. Why would Karigan be sent out when she is barely healed? Wtf is an ice elemental doing here? The one bright spot is Enver— I love him and want him to be so happy. Zachary is on my last nerve. My guy, you have children on the way, what are you thinking?? Disappointed a little bit in Karigan too, but 90% is on our boy Zach. 7.5/10

I was thrilled when I saw there was a sequel to the Kingdom of Liars (but of course, the third one isn‘t even out yet— why do I keep doing this?)! Finished it waaay too quickly. I did like the first one better, naturally, but this one tied many of the strings up that were left before. I‘m here for the “catastrophic love” conundrum and the extra magic that shows up. 8/10

Took a break from the WOT series. I was in a slump because that‘s ALL I‘d been reading for months, so I just wasn‘t reading. Chose this on a whim and loved it. A little Red Queen series with the magic/skills, but includes an interesting exchange because all magic comes with a price. I liked the characters, even though Michael is far too concerned about his legacy (but they admit that). Good read if you‘re a classic YA fantasy fan. 9/10

Everyone is having a rough go of it. Rand is getting more and more questionable in his choices, and poor Perrin has his own new side quest. I did like the story alignment for Morgase and her group. 8.5/10

Why do I save these up and then review them all at once? Why do I do this to myself?
Obviously a continuance on all of the previous storylines, but my favorite ones to follow in this book were Egwene & Suian (love them as a duo) and the Bowl of the Winds quest. Always happy when Nynaeve has limited a limited role. 🙃 8/10

Perrin is back, and his wife is awful to him and I wish he had someone nicer. He deserves better. Also, what is potentially an unpopular opinion: Nynaeve is the worst character, and she's definitely a republican. Everyone else has made some growth, even if very small, except for Nynaeve. I'm so tired of any of her sections. If I had a physical book, I would skim her sections. She does not deserve Lan. 7/10

This one didn‘t hit it for me. It was good, don‘t get me wrong. But it wasn‘t my favorite one. The number of instances in which women “sniff” when they have any sort of emotion— did I miss something? Should I be sniffing more? Or Nynaeve tugging on her braid? I liked Mat being in this more, but I missed Perrin— he‘s still the best. 7.5/10

Catching up on all my book reviews— bear with me.
I LOVE the Aiel, I LOVE Aviendha, I love the wise ones… I loved this book. This might be my second favorite of the series so far (how can you not love the first one the most? It‘s the start of the adventure!) Rand is getting more and more angsty, and I‘m tired of everyone dumping on Moiraine, but that‘s nothing new. 9/10

The weirdest of the whole series, by far, but I love Cade, so it was worth it. There‘s some time travel sh*t to the Industrial Revolution era, Karigan gets a new beau, and then, surprise, she time travels some more. 7/10
(Read in January of this year but forgot to post 🙃)

Going back through my books to write up my finalized list, and I guess I missed this one. Reading back through the description because I had no memory of it whatsoever— turns out that I read it, but it was not noteworthy enough! I remember some of it now, and I didn‘t dislike it, but I didn‘t like it enough to read the next book in the series. So, maybe 6.5/10 I guess?

Not the best book in the series, but I do appreciate Blackveil— its mysteries, monsters, and chaos. I love Yates. so I‘m glad we got some more time with him this book. The whole thing with King Zachary is a bit weird, but politics are always that way I guess. Definitely keep reading if you‘ve made it this far— it gets better again as we go along. 7/10

Best book of the series so far! Not a lot of Rand in it, but I was okay with it because he was also starting to annoy me. Loved that the women got some more “screen time.” My main favorite character is Verin (obviously), but I still love Perrin. I can‘t get over how much some people keep hating/distrusting others that have done nothing but help them (lookin at you, Nynaeve RE: Moiraine). Hopefully people continue to get smarter! 9.5/10

My partner and I went on a roadtrip this month, so we had to pick out a book. We never like the same books— ever. But he picked this out, and we both ended up liking it. It moves rather slowly; we both decided that it could‘ve been a few hours shorter with no loss of content, but it was still unique and interesting. Girl makes a deal with the devil and then of course has to live with the consequences. 7/10

Liked this book better than the first, I think, which is unusual! It broke off in its own direction, away from some of the similarities I noticed to other fantasy books, and it went far more in-depth for the characters. I love Perrin and am constantly annoyed by Mat. 9/10

Jumping on the bandwagon LATE, I know, but here I am anyway. Had a friend recommend this to me when I was in a reading rut, and it was great because there are so many books!! I read this before watching the show, which is fun— glad to be able to critique the show better lol
Good world building, powerful women, dynamic characters (a little too similar to LOTR maybe??)— what‘s not to like?! 9/10

Very typical— sequels are never better than the first, and this one fell right in line with the rest. Same ole, same ole. Except for I didn‘t realize there was a THIRD BOOK!! Why did none of y‘all tell me?! And it‘s not even out yet! Oh well, it wasn‘t terrible. 5/10

Look, I‘m all for YA, but this was YA to the extreme. Clever plot, fun/interesting mysteries to solve, etc. but the angst was through the roof. I‘m going to read the next one because at this point I just want to know how it ends, but I‘m not happy about it! 😂 6/10

Hahaha this is why I read the reviews first! Mostly just for entertainment.

Picture is of a review on Audible that gives one out of five stars and is titled, “Lipstick on a Pig”.

Just finished this this morning, and now I am sad! I‘ve been in this world for 5 books now, and I can‘t believe it‘s over. I‘ve decided that I really like Mary E. Pearson‘s writing! A good conclusion to this trilogy, and honestly, there was no other way it could end. So it was a little predictable, but also it did what it had to do. Will likely become a series that fits into my regular rotation of rereads! 8/10

The second in the trilogy— I bought more credits in Audible (even though I had credits coming in like 1.5 weeks) because I just couldn‘t wait! This was a little more “she‘s not like other girls,” but it was manageable because at lest it wasn‘t coming from Lia. Love the political back and forth, that the love triangle is all stuck together in a weird situation, how Lia is rising up to her destiny— it was all good! 8/10

Yay! I found more by Mary Pearson, and yes, they are in the same world as the duology I just finished! This one is set before the others, and a little part of me wishes that I had read these first, but it is also fun to hear names I‘m already familiar with, and I know “how it ends” on a very small scale— getting to see their origin stories. 9/10

Finished up the second book so quickly. I loved all of the characters, and I loved how this ended. Some excellent anti-colonizer narratives too. I found more books by this author in what seems to be the same world, so I‘ll definitely be reading those. 9.5/10

Wow, I breezed right through this book. An excellent combination of enemies, lovers, following your heart vs. following duty— lots of action, adventure, love, and shock. It reminded me a bit of “An Ember in the Ashes” meets the “Crown of Midnight” (except this was way better than the latter). Definitely give it a read if you‘re into high fantasy adventure w/ some romance (nothing too raunchy). 9.5/10

Still slowly trudging my way through this series. I was delayed by a very busy work trip, but I‘m back on track and halfway through the fourth book. Again, always happy to come back to this series, and it‘s been such a long time since I‘ve read it that I‘m almost surprised at some of the events taking place! 8/10

I decided I should give this a go since it is spooky season, and it was fine. I was intrigued, and I of course wanted to know how things ended, but there wasn‘t a lot of “mystery” about it— I‘m notoriously bad at predicting, and I got most of this quickly. It wasn‘t too scary or bloody or gory, which is my requirement in a mystery novel, but there were some trigger warnings (see below). 6.5/10

TW: rape, domestic violence, child rape, child abuse…

I have been impatiently waiting for this book to drop, and I consumed it the second it did. I hardly ever enjoy sequels as much, but this was just lovely, as was expected. If you haven‘t read the Thursday Murder Club yet, go back and give it a try, then come read this one too. I know that I‘m biased (because apparently I wish that I was British), but it‘s just so lovely and wholesome and perfect, like the Great British Baking Show in a book! 10/10

You know when you‘re in a reading rut, and you can‘t pick a new one or even decide what sounds interesting? I find that, when I‘m in that rut, I always come back to reading my favorites. This is one of those series. Of course I already know what happens, and of course it‘s not the same as something new, but it‘s comforting— like reconnecting with old friends. Just finished this series again, and success! I‘m out of my rut! 10/10

This is my favorite type of mystery book. A modern Agatha Christie. Not bloody/gory, not too many jump scenes or scary/wild villains, just a mystery about when things go wrong in a group of friend over NYE… and someone ends up dead. 😉 I couldn‘t predict the killer, but I also am notoriously bad at predictions!
8/10 will definitely keep reading this author

I ended up loving this book. What seemed to start off like a slow-paced young relationship in a sleepy town turned into a magical circus adventure in Paris. I liked the idea of where this circus originated (seemed very original to me), and I thoroughly enjoyed every part of the book. I did not guess the twist at the end until about 1 chapter before it was revealed. 9/10

Zooming through it because I preordered the 7th book, and it should be on my doorstep in a couple short weeks! Only got 4 more to get through before it arrives 🥴 Team Alton for life!
10/10

I‘m rereading this series again BECAUSE THE SEVENTH BOOK COMES OUT THIS MONTH. I started this in middle school, y‘all (for reference, I‘m almost 30). It has been a whole-ass commitment to follow along, and you know I have a rule about not starting a series unless all the books are out (probably because of this one)! I‘ve reread it many times because it‘s so comforting and familiar, much like HP. Read it. 10/10

Been in a bit of a reading rut lately, and there‘s nothing that I love more than a book about books. This took that even further as a book about words. A feminist work, it goes through the life of a woman who works on the Oxford dictionary and realizes that the views and understanding of words by women is not captured in it, so she takes matters into her own hand. Loved all the strong female characters, and the authors note was great! 8/10

I tried y‘all, I really did. It took me SO long to read this because I just couldn‘t get into it! My partner (who never reads fiction) got this and loved it, so I read it for him. And his whole family also loved it. And it‘s won a bunch of awards! What‘s wrong with me?! I had a difficult time keeping up with the disjointed writing style, and the author over explained when I didn‘t want it and didn‘t explain enough when I needed it. 5/10

Wow. I always struggle with the books that come later in a series, but this did not disappoint. I still think this series might be one of my favorites to date. It‘s just so original, has likable characters that are still human and flawed, dragons, pirates, talking birds, revolting caste systems— it‘s brilliant. Already preordered the third book that comes out in September! 10/10

My partner and I do not read the same kind of books (because he‘s boring and only likes nonfiction) but we both listened to this together as we moved across the country, and we both thoroughly enjoyed it. Had modern Agatha Christie vibes! It kept us alert on our drive and interested enough that we finished it too soon and then had to find another book! A good, not all blood and gore mystery book. TW: some suicide talk 9/10

It was okay. Original? Steamy? Adventurous? Kinda.
It was like Twilight but adults. I really liked the premise and the settings, but I was disappointed with how the story moved forward. I also got real tired of certain people *ahem* having to be carried by other certain people *ahem*. My girl doesn‘t even walk by herself for half the book I swear. Some weird toxic masculinity stuff described as “vampire behavior”— overall, just ok. 6/10

Moving from Philly to San Diego this summer, and we‘re out West this week to try to figure out some housing. What better way to get to know my new city than by finding good places to read. 📚📚

Finished this book pretty quickly just so I could be done with it. There was no other way it could possibly end, and it followed a very predictable plot line throughout. Wish they were making a show about the Six of Crows instead, but oh well.
I‘d compare this to a more angsty/annoying Red Queen series. 6/10