The Phoenix King: A Book Review

I first read this book when it was called The Boy with Fire, self published by Aparna Verma, and I loved it! You can read my original review here. Now, two years later, I've found that my reading tastes have changed a little, and I can't quite say I loved rereading this book.

I still loved the fire-bending, the politics, and Leo's perspective and villain origin story. Every time Leo's chapters came up, I was on the edge of my seat ready to watch his character development. However, Elena and Yassen seemed a little vanilla to me this time. We don't really know Yassen's past, Elena is the typical naive princess, and they both don't do much during the first half of the book. I also wanted to see a little more romantic development to believe in their relationship by the end. 

Overall, I still think it's an entertaining story and has a lot of potential to be a good series, but it didn't hold up for me over the years. Perhaps if it was changed to be YA it would do better. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 3
Character Development: 3
Overall: 3

Thank you, Orbit Books, for the arc! The Phoenix King will be released August 29, 2023.

Trigger/Content Warnings: fire wounds, battle violence and death, mass murder, electric shock torture, one vague open door

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!  

The Invisible Hour: A Book Review

There are three reasons why I wanted to read The Invisible Hour. One, the gorgeous cover. I love redheads on covers. Two, the cult vibes. Three, the ties to The Scarlet Letter, a classic I'm fascinated with. Unfortunately, this book was widely different than I thought it would be.

I think the book tried to be too many things at once: a cult thriller, but also women's fiction, but also a time-travel romance. It was too much in only 252 pages. Everything felt rushed, like this book could have been told in two well-developed books of their own (one book for the cult thriller and one for the time-travel romance). 

I'm also not the right audience. If I'd known there was time travel, I wouldn't have picked it up. Me and time travel don't get along. I was thrown for a loop when it happened, and it didn't fit the first half of the book. And I absolutely abhor the idea of how going back in time can alter the future and rewrite history. It gives me so much anxiety.

Anyways, all this to say that if this book focused on the mother/daughter relationships and stuck with the cult plot with mild ties to The Scarlet Letter, I would have loved it so much more. HOWEVER, I think this book does have a place with the right audience, because it does explore some wonderful themes, and its plot is truly unique. It just didn't work for me.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 2
Character Development: 2
Overall: 2

Thank you, Atria Books, for the arc! The Invisible Hour will be released August 15, 2023.

Trigger/Content Warnings: pregnancy, birth, abortion mentioned, cult community, abuse, stalking, death of a parent, closed door

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!  

One Kiss Alone: A Book Review

I'm convinced Nichole Van can do no wrong. Each one of her books is incredibly romantic but also deeply personal with her characters' growth. With each book I finish feeling incredibly satisfied and delighted. One Kiss Alone was no different!

The romance is absolutely adorable and gutting at the same time. I loved Ethan's Golden Retriever energy, but also his depth and kindness. He pairs perfectly with Allie, who has a dark past and uncertain future. I loved seeing their journey through enemies to friends to lovers. Their banter was fantastic.

What I also love about Nichole Van's books is that the plot is always original and fresh, leaving me to devour these books in one day. From the first page I was drawn in with the highway robbery, and the plot only thickened as the story went on. I'm always surprised at how well the characters communicate (miscommunication in regency is the worst, so I'm incredibly happy that this doesn't have a place in Van's books), and the relationships always seem real and genuine.

I will forever be a Nichole Van fan. She writes such atmospheric, heartfelt books that transport me right into Scotland and tug at my heartstrings with thrilling, delightful romance. She's incredible!

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 5
Character Development: 5
Overall: 5

Thank you, Nichole Van, for the arc!

Trigger/Content Warnings: robbery, mild violence, past recounting of prostitution and child abuse, drugging & kidnapping, gun violence, kisses

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!  

Her Radiant Curse: A Book Review

How cool that we get a prequel book for Six Crimson Cranes! This book was fascinating for that reason—to see Channi's journey and how she ends up as queen in Six Crimson Cranes. For the most part, I enjoy Elizabeth Lim's writing and her ability to write unique and interesting fairytale stories. And I was drawn into this story right away with the first chapter.

However, I felt the tension dissipate as Channi's journey went on. The plot felt oversimplified to me with rescuing her sister. And I'm not sure how I feel about the hint of a romance between a human and a dragon. There were some cool action fights though, and I love Channi's strength and confidence in her serpent face.

Overall, I think I expected more from this prequel, especially her relationship with Shiori's father prior to Six Crimson Cranes. But it still provided excellent backstory to Channi's curse and the lore of the world.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 3
Character Development: 3
Overall: 3

Thank you, Knopf Books for Young Readers and NetGalley, for the arc!

Trigger/Content Warnings: poisoning, snake bites, child abuse, monster/fighting violence and death

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!