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| 178,222
| May 12, 2015
| Oct 01, 2016
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it was amazing
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I finally get why so many people love this series. I gobbled this book up in a way that I haven't sped through a YA fantasy in avery long time.The p
I finally get why so many people love this series. I gobbled this book up in a way that I haven't sped through a YA fantasy in avery long time.The pacing, the plot, the writing,THE CHARACTERS— so fucking great. “In my life, the one thing I have learned above all is that no individual can reach the height of their potential without the love of others.” Just as I was about to start this book, I read the blurb (which is a rarity for me, because I distrust blurbs) it said this was inspired by the 1001 Arabian Nights stories andI got so freaking excitedbecause ever since I was a kid I've always loved those stories. The land of Khorasan has a boy king who has been on a murderous spree of late. Khalid Ibn al-Rashid marries a girl every night and by dawn has her executed for no reason. Shahrzad is not going to let him continue ruining families by killing their daughters. She volunteers to be his bride. But unlike those who came before her she is not going to die and she's going to make him pay. I really love a badass female character. And I don't mean thebeat-everyone-who-gets-in-her-waykind but the one who doesn't back down, doesn't let people walk over her and is willing to do anything for those she cares about — Shahrzad was that. The way Shahrzad is torn between knowing that Khalid is a murderer and caring for him had me not wanting to put this book down. At first it annoyed me when the chapters would switch to a different place, because I wanted to know more about Khalid and his secrets. My two favourite characters were Despina, Shahrzad's handmaiden, and Jalal, Khalid's cousin. Both of them were so funny but good friends to both Khalid and Shahrzad. I can't wait to read more about those two. I don't know if I like Tariq much. I usually like love-triangles as long as I love both the love interests as much as the MC. But from the beginning I've been Team Khalid™ and Tariq doesn't matter to me. But who knows? My feelings might change in the next book, which I amdesperateto get to because of that damn cliffhanger. “Some things exist in our lives for but a brief moment. And we must let them go on to light another sky.” ________ My reviews for: 0.25.The Moth and the Flame 0.5.The Crown and the Arrow 1.5The Mirror and the Maze 2.The Rose and the Dagger ...more |
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Oct 22, 2021
Apr 08, 2019
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Apr 20, 2019
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Jan 22, 2020
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| 3.73
| 96,588
| Dec 04, 2018
| Dec 04, 2018
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really liked it
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Sometimes, the thing we want is right in front of us, and we’re the last ones to see it.
I finished this book in the same fashion I finish all of C Sometimes, the thing we want is right in front of us, and we’re the last ones to see it. I finished this book in the same fashion I finish all of Christina Lauren's standalone rom/coms -with a goofy smile on my face, a mile wide. Millie and her four guy friends find themselves in the predicament of needing a date for a work event. All five of them decide to try out online dating (with some disastrous results). But one night Millie and her best friend Reid have a half night stand. After, they make a mutual decision to move forward with the online dating and staying best friends is the best option. But can they go back to who they were before? This is a first for me reading a rom/com where the male love interest is open with his emotions and the female is the closed off one. I liked the switch. Reid and Millie's interactions were just so sweet. They obviously always meant more than friends to each other even though they weren't aware of it. I wasn't comfortable with the catfishing but I did enjoy how Millie was able to share more of herself freely with Reid via the app. To be honest I fell in love with the whole group. Especially Ed. I am hopeful that Christina Lauren decides to write about this group again, because I need more! ...more |
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not set
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Jan 22, 2020
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| 3.85
| 51,695
| Jan 05, 2016
| Jan 05, 2016
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really liked it
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Guide to the Witchlands Series • The first thing you need to know about this series is that although it is YA, Dennard set out to write it like an adul Guide to the Witchlands Series • The first thing you need to know about this series is that although it is YA, Dennard set out to write it like an adult fantasy series where things such as the magical system and the politics of the land is not explained but revealed as you go along. • So though the plot will seem messy at first, believe me it's not. Unlike some fantasy authors who write one book and then after decide to write a sequel, Dennard planned for 5/6 books. She had already outlined the plots and she purposefully wrote the first few books with little hints and twists that we would not pick up on until we were further in. • To be honest I think most YA fantasy readers have gotten lazy. All I see is complaints of a book being too slow in the beginning and confusion. It's like no one has patience for world building these days. • The MC's are a bit older, about 18-20 y/o. • Each book features alternating POV's of about four characters, though with each book another gets added on. All our MC's have their own stories and sometimes their paths are in different directions. Every book focuses more on a specific character and their history as well as their character growth. • This series puts a huge focus on friendship. And though there is romance it is not overwhelming the main plot. I feel like many other books, in the YA fantasy genre, lean too heavily on romance to drive the story and it's so refreshing to read a series that I am so engrossed in the action, magic, mystery and politics that I do not even mind. Make no mistake - I love me some romance and I certainly have my own Witchlands ships. • This is definitely the type of book you'd need to take notes of while reading. I certainly did and I still feel like I didn't take enough. There are so many reveals and things connecting it blows me away everytime. I will definitely reread these books before another one releases just to have everything fresh in my head. Anyway this series is awesome, different and deserves more hype. __ M Y R E V I E W If you wanted to, Safiya, you could bend and shape the world. Where the heck has this series been hiding from me? That's the only excuse I have as to why this book has not been in my hands sooner. This story follows two best friends, Safiya and Iseult. Safiya is a Truthwitch and being one means she can tell lies from truth. It is an advantage that many people would kill to get their hands on. Iseult is a Threadwitch. Which means she can see emotions in colour. And she can see the threads that bind people. They are as different as night and day, each with their own unique witchery abilities. When the wrong people somehow find out about Safiya's abilities she and Iseult find themselves at the centre of a multi-nation witchhunt. What came as a pleasant surprise is that this book does not just follow Safi and Iseult. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Prince Merik and Aeduan POV's as well. What did I love about this book? The Plot Though the plot at first seemed straight forward it became clear, the further I read, that there was more than meets the eye. I enjoyed the element of mystery as well as the fast pacing; plot twists and surprises which were equally great. The World In the beginning it was a bit confusing to keep track of the different Witch types. We are sort of thrown into this world with little to no explanation. But I found myself not minding at all. It was interesting to figure things out as I went along. The Chatacters Sometimes a book can have an amazingly unique plot but then I don't connect with the characters and that honestly just spoils the entire experience.That was not the case here. It took no time for these characters to become dear to me. Each vastly different and from various backgrounds. Safiya Safi's personality reminded me a bit of Calaena Sardothian (Throne of Glass, Sarah J Maas). Wreckless, arrogant and kick ass —I LOVED IT. It is more common in books for male characters to have these traits and it makes me so happy when it's switched. Iseult Iseult is the calm to Safi's storm. She always has her back. With your right hand, give a person what he expects—and with your left hand, cut his purse.Safi always played the distracting right hand—and she was good at it—while Iseult lurked in the shadows, ready to claim whatever purse needed cutting. Her background and past was very interesting. And her powers are still baffling (but amazing). Merik I wasMerik besottedfrom the get go. I admired his determination to help his country despite his family not believing that he could. And also his loyalty to his crew as well as his love for his Threadbother. Aeduan Aeduan grew on me. So even though he is technically the bad guy hunting them down, I still like him? Damn it, I love a good bad guy; ) I rated this 4 stars but I really might come back and rate it 5! That's how much I enjoyed this. This is set out to be a 5 book series which has me seriously excited! Qustions; theories etc.: (view spoiler)[• I still don't get why everyone hates the Nomatsi. Like what did they do to deserve all the hate? • I need to know more about Aeduan's past. Is he also Nomatsi? Or is he Arthunian? • what was Corlants deal with wanting Iseult dead? • the last few chapters with Merik and Kullen made me cry like a baby. My heart aches for Merik and for Rybar. Where did she run off to? • the twist involving Leopold was so brilliantly unexpected! I did not see that coming at all!! I for sure thought he was on his uncle's side. But it's good to know he did care about her enough to protect her as much as he could. Though I still am unsure where his loyalties lie. • I suspect both Leopold and Ryber of being witches. It would be awesome if they were though I wonder which kinds. • I know this is probably too soonbut I 100% ship Iseult and Aeduan(hide spoiler)] ...more |
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1
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Jan 20, 2019
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Feb 05, 2019
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Jan 22, 2020
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Kindle Edition
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| B07NKMZVCT
| 3.88
| 117,096
| Nov 05, 2019
| Nov 05, 2019
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it was amazing
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Second chance romance and a book club for guys who are trying to repair their relationships by reading romance novels ‹-- that alone made me read this
Second chance romance and a book club for guys who are trying to repair their relationships by reading romance novels ‹-- that alone made me read this book
...more
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Sep 27, 2019
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Mar 02, 2020
Sep 29, 2019
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Jan 21, 2020
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| 1619634449
| 9781619634442
| 1619634449
| 4.19
| 2,779,150
| May 05, 2015
| May 05, 2015
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really liked it
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“Be glad of your human heart, Feyre. Pity those who don’t feel anything at all.”
What is this book about? Feyre is the only one keeping her family f “Be glad of your human heart, Feyre. Pity those who don’t feel anything at all.” What is this book about? Feyre is the only one keeping her family from starvation. On a particularly desperate day when Feyre is out hunting deer she comes upon a giant wolf. A wolf thatmightbe a faerie. And as one does when one is faced with a huge-ass wolf — she shoots it. It turns out the wolfwasin fact a faerie and there is a great price to pay: a life for a life. She has the choice between death or living out the rest of her life in the dreaded faerie realm called Prythian. Re-Read If you haven't read this book I don't want to give too much away. As is customary withBeauty and the Beastretellings — there is a beast and there is a curse and the beauty falls for the beast. I think you guys know by now my love forBeauty and the Beastretellings. This was the first one I read and it's still a favourite. It's amazing how much you can forget about a book. I loved it the first time and I'm so happy that I still loved it now that I know what's to come in the next books. I was worried that events that occurred in ACOMAF and ACOWAR (if you know, you know ...more |
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2
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Jun 26, 2019
Mar 08, 2017
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Jun 29, 2019
Mar 11, 2017
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Jan 20, 2020
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Hardcover
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| 1681195089
| 9781681195087
| 1681195089
| 3.97
| 162,549
| Jan 29, 2019
| Jan 29, 2019
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really liked it
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I already knew that Brigid Kemmerer was a queen of YA contemporary. But Ididn't knowshe's alsoa queen of YA fantasy.And boy was this sublime. I wil I already knew that Brigid Kemmerer was a queen of YA contemporary. But Ididn't knowshe's alsoa queen of YA fantasy.And boy was this sublime. I will admit that I was hesitant at first about reading this. Some authors are only good at a certain genre and when they decide to branch out, the results are disastrous. Phew! So glad that wasn't the case here. This beauty and the beast retelling was different and unique but still stuck to the original plot as well. I did not expect this to feature our world as well as a fantasy one, but that's because I don't read blurbs properly (oops). Our female MC, Harper, is from Washington DC. Her mother is dying from cancer and her brother is doing his best to deal with the debt and danger their dad left before he took off. In an attempt to help a girl from an ‘attacker’, Harper is thrown into another universe. Emberfall. Crown Prince Rhen was cursed by an enchantress to live in a time loop of a repeating season. At the beginning of the season he is expected to find a girl (with the help of his trusty commander, Grey, aka my bae) and if he does not manage to get her to fall in love with him, he transforms into a creature. A monster that kills everyone in it's path, including those he loves. When the season ends, time resets itself, but those the monster kills do not come back. Over and over and over the seasons reset. I really loved Harper's character. She was ferocious. Cerebral palsy and all. Her bravery and compassion and the way she took no shit from Rhen gave me life. They believe her limp is the result of a war injury, but Harper is quick to correct them. “I was born this way,” she’ll snap, “and I’m going to die this way, so teach me to work around it.” It took me a while to warm up to Rhen because even when reading his POV Rhen is very closed off. Having to repeat the season hundreds of times has made him harden his heart to hope. But the more I read about him the more he crept up on me. And the banter between him and Harper wasthe best. It was beautiful to watch Rhen and his Head Commander's friendship blossom. Grey is so loyal it baffled me. “I do not deserve your loyalty, Grey.” I could wax poetic about Grey. He is without a doubt my favourite character in this book. Maybe I just have a thing for grumpy guards(*cough*Chaol Westfall*cough*).Who knows? So even though, at first, this story seemed pretty straight forward: Find girl. Fall in love. Defeat evil enchantress. Everyone lives happily ever after. The end. That is not what happened. There were subplots and twists thatI did not see coming AT ALL. The ending blew my brains.It left me satisfied butdesperatefor more. To those who've read it:you know what I'm talking about; ) _____ My reviews for: Book 2:A Heart so Fierce and Broken Book 3:Untitled ...more |
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1
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Mar 03, 2019
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Mar 05, 2019
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Jan 20, 2020
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| B079SXYFDT
| 4.27
| 16,881
| Mar 06, 2018
| Mar 08, 2018
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it was amazing
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“We all push sometimes, just to make sure someone is on the other side, pushing back.”
Rev is introduced in Letters to The Lost as Declan's best f “We all push sometimes, just to make sure someone is on the other side, pushing back.” Rev is introduced in Letters to The Lost as Declan's best friend. I appreciate that he gets his own book and that we learn more about his story. Of course, his friendship with Declan remains a prominent feature, which I love because their friendship is so wholesome. Emma was also an interesting character. The troll issue was really scary but a very real thing that women face on the internet. I sympathised with her but there were times that her reactions and actions frustrated me. I had to constantly remind myself that she is a 17 year old girl and being stubborn comes with the territory. I enjoyed the conversations between Emma and Rev, and how they bonded over their secrets. Their interactions were really cute. Matthew was a new fave! He added another layer to the story and I hope the author decides to write a book about him. This book really messed me up and i am still in awe of Brigid Kemmerer and her ability to write such a flawless YA contemporary. ...more |
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Apr 08, 2023
Jun 19, 2019
Aug 07, 2018
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Apr 13, 2023
Jun 24, 2019
Aug 08, 2018
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Jan 20, 2020
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Kindle Edition
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| B06X9HMKN2
| 4.32
| 47,308
| Apr 04, 2017
| Apr 06, 2017
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it was amazing
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“Am I stronger than you thought I was?” “You’re exactly as strong as I thought you were.” YA at its best. I gobbled this book up in one night, I ju “Am I stronger than you thought I was?” “You’re exactly as strong as I thought you were.” YA at its best. I gobbled this book up in one night, I just couldn't get enough. Everything about this book was just perfection. And it really made me realize that you really have no idea what someone else is going through. This is a story about two broken people who help each other heal through a written correspondence. Juliet and Declan writing to one another about their grief brought me to tears quite a few times. It was awesome that they were there for one another without really knowing eachother. One aspect of the book I LOVed was Declan and Rev's friendship. I am a major fan of guy best friendships. Declan and Rev were no exception to that. They'd been best friends since kids and know everything about eachother, they're practically brothers. They're both outcasts with little to no experience with girls which I found refreshing and adorable. ‘One who has unreliable friends may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.’ If I could, I'd dive into this book and give all these characters a hug. I can't wait to re-read More than we can tell! ...more |
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3
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Apr 06, 2023
Jun 17, 2019
Aug 06, 2018
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Apr 08, 2023
Jun 18, 2019
Aug 06, 2018
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Jan 20, 2020
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Kindle Edition
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| 1526605333
| 9781526605337
| B07PG7J64X
| 4.03
| 15,581
| Jun 25, 2019
| Jun 27, 2019
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really liked it
| “I’m not lost. I want to do the right thing.” My “I’m not lost. I want to do the right thing.” My love for Brigid Kemmerer grows and grows with every book of hers that I read. Her books are addictive and her characters are precious ✨ This book was basically like a modern day retelling ofRobin Hood.A big theme of this story was‘what is right and wrong’.And it was something that I haven't read about for a long time in YA. “You don’t get to decide who deserves to have what.” When your dad stole half the towns investment money and everyone thinks you were in on it — no one really wants anything to do with you. No longer the High School Golden Boy, Rob is reminded everyday of the crimes of his father and is hated for it. Maegan is the daughter of a cop. Half the school hatesherfor getting caught cheating on the SATs and forcing everyone else in the room to rewrite. Maegan and Rob make an unlikely pair.The daughter of a cop and the son of a criminal.And they meet via a favourite classic YA trope — the teacher pairs them together for a project. As is common with Kemmerer's other YA contemporaries this story also focused on characters who are misjudged. You don't ever truly know what's going on in someone else's life. I love how reading her books remind me of that. “Other people don’t have the challenges we have, Owen. But that doesn’t mean they don’t have their own.” I kept thinking to myself how would I have treated someone like Rob if all I knew were rumours? I'd like to think I wouldn't have jumped to conclusions or have been as horrible as some of the people at Rob's school. I really really liked Maegan and Rob. The growth of the friendship was beautiful. They reminded me of Declan and Julliet inLetters to the Lost.I kind of wish these characters were friends with that crew, they'd get along splendidly (I'm hinting here Brigid!). The other characters were so lovable. I absolutely adored Owen and am so glad BK added some sisterly bonds in this story. Sam became a favourite and I even came to tolerate Connor. Two things I really admire about BK is her ability to write about broken/lonely people and also male friendships. I just wish she would put a bit more effort into creating better female friendships rep. I went into this book expecting to love it and well, I was not disappointed. I buddy read this withmy fellow Kemmerer crack addict ...more |
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2
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May 15, 2023
Jul 07, 2019
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May 17, 2023
Jul 08, 2019
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Jan 20, 2020
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Kindle Edition
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| 3.89
| 67,611
| Jan 07, 2020
| Jan 07, 2020
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really liked it
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If you're wonderingwhat my heart felt like immediately after I finished this — the title of this book should be able to provide some insight. [image] If you're wonderingwhat my heart felt like immediately after I finished this — the title of this book should be able to provide some insight. [image] ⚠ If youhave notreadA Curse so Dark and Lonely(book #1) then DO NOT read this review ⚠ “Since you made me realize that I am no longer a weapon to be wielded by another.” The curse might be broken but Emberfall is still on the verge of collapse. Rumours about the true heir are circulating and the people are starting to question Rhen's authority. But as we know, Rhen has had bad and traumatic experiences related to magic in the past, and so he expends all his resources to root out the rumoured heir and magesmith. Neither Harper nor Rhen know that Grey and the heir are one and the same. And both are desperate to find their beloved friend. Grey has no intention of taking his place as King. On the run and in hiding, he is more than happy to live a simple life. But with Rhen's hunt growing more extreme, he knows that it is only a matter of time before he is found. “You trusted me once. What have I done to lose it?” Lia Mara, daughter of Queen Karis Luran wishes for peace between Syhl Shallow and Emberfall. Lia Mara is different from her cruel and calculating mother and sister. She is seen as weaker for being compassionate and in her mother's eyes, that weakness is what makes her unfit to be queen. And so the title of heir is handed to her younger sister instead. But even though Lia Mara knows she'll never be queen, she is still determined to find a violence-free solution for both kingdoms. “[...] I had forgotten that your people may be our enemies, but they are still people.” [image] At the beginning of this year I readA Curse so Dark and Lonelyand fell in love with this world and it's characters. As we all had prayed for - this book is in Grey's POV (whoop!!) with the alternating POV of Lia Mara. The pacing and writing was fantastic. Getting to know more about the characters we already know was so interesting and fun, as well as meeting new ones who became very dear to me by the end. I really liked Lia Mara, much more than I expected. She was so genuine and I admired her tenacity. She is badass in an unexpected way. She is filled with doubt and does not have good self-esteem, but seeing her grow throughout the book, filled me with such pride. Although Lia Mara definitely does envy her sister, Nolla Verin, and knows that her sister can be cruel, we are constantly reminded how much she cares for and loves her sister and vice versa. I really appreciated that. It was refreshing having two sisters who are vastly different NOT hating each other. I loved seeing their love for one another, even if Nolla Verin is a horrible brat for most of the book. I spent so long hoping to be named heir, to be able to provide a better life for my people, and Mother handed it to Nolla Verin. Grey seems to be the opposite. He does not want the Crown, though it seems destined to fall squarely into his lap. InA Curse so Dark and LonelyGrey was my favourite character, my love for him has just grown and grown. Grey's character development was so good. We really get to see his growth from being a commander sworn to a prince — to becoming his own person who no longer takes orders but gives them and finally accepting who he was destined to be. In every review I write about a Kemmerer book, I always mention the authors brilliant skill in writing good friendships. This book was no exception. I had never really paid much attention to Jacob in book one, but I loved how he and Grey become closer in this book and seeing their friendship bloom. *sniffs* It was just so damn beautiful. All I'm going to say about the new otp is that: Grey and Lia Mara work so well together, I cannot deal with their brand of cuteness. Their personalities compliment each other and I'm very much jealous of Lia Mara. Something happens in this book that I'm sure is going to cause much uproar amongst readers. I personally thought it was brilliantly done and that the author took a huge risk. *rubs hands together* I'm really excited to see how everyone is going to react to it. I tried not to give too much away in this review. And you're probably wondering why I haven't mentioned Harper or really spoken much about Rhen. Well, my dear friend, there is some information that I do not have the privilege to disclose at the moment. Let's just say this book ended in way that has left me desperate for the next book.D E S P E R A T E. « ARC received from Bloomsbury YA via edelweiss in exchange for an honest review » ‹ quotes are subject to change after publication › •Release date: 7 January 2020• _____ My reviews for: Book 1:A Curse so Dark and Lonely Book 3:Untitled ...more |
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1
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Jul 23, 2019
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Aug 15, 2019
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Jan 20, 2020
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Hardcover
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| 4.58
| 3,324,751
| Jul 16, 2005
| Dec 08, 2015
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it was amazing
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“It is the unknown we fear when we look upon death and darkness, nothing more.”
Voldemort is out in the open. No longer trying to hide his return, “It is the unknown we fear when we look upon death and darkness, nothing more.” Voldemort is out in the open. No longer trying to hide his return, he and his Death Eaters are committing atrocities left, right and centre. Once again the magical community is under threat from his tyranny and so they have to unite if there is any hope of defeating him. Harry wants to fight as well, but as he is still a student he is limited in what he can do. But with the help of Professor Dumbledore he can learn all about the man who now calls himself Lord Voldemort. Learning about his past means learning his weaknesses. A rumour has been circulating through the masses. That Harry will be the one to kill Voldemort in the end. Well, the rumours aren't wrong. Neither can live while the other survives [image] This story is much slower paced than the others but I still enjoyed every moment. Even though they are in danger now that Voldemort and Co. are killing openly — we get to see normal life at Hogwarts for Harry. And honestly I could read another 600 page book about normal everyday Hogwarts life. The atmosphere of this book is very different fromOrder of the Phoenix.Harry is more at ease now that the wizarding community believes him. I mean yes, there were still some terrible things going on, but things are now sort of calm at Hogwarts. The humour in this book is so great. From Slughorn, Lavender Brown and Cormac Mclaggen — this book is seriously entertaining every time. “Let us step into the night and pursue that flighty temptress, adventure.” Harry's lessons with Dumbledore were from my favourite scenes. And I think that's what makes the last few chapters completely GUT WRENCHING. Fun fact: this book is the first one that ever made me cry. I vividly remember 13 year old me crying into my pillow at 2 AM. ...more |
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1
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Dec 20, 2019
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Dec 28, 2019
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Dec 20, 2019
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Kindle Edition
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| 4.50
| 3,434,399
| Jun 21, 2003
| 2015
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it was amazing
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“Things we lose have a way of coming back to us in the end, if not always in the way we expect.”
It's been a long and hot summer and Harry is anxio “Things we lose have a way of coming back to us in the end, if not always in the way we expect.” It's been a long and hot summer and Harry is anxious to know what Voldemort has been up to now that he is in full power. Back at Hogwarts Harry is not a favourite person as everyone believes him to be a liar. But as least he has the support of his good friends, Ron and Hermione. [image] The Ministry of Magic has taken it upon themselves to make sure Harry and Dumbledore don't spread more ‘lies’ about the return of Voldemort. And so the students of Hogwarts are forced to be taught by Professor Umbridge. A ministry official who refuses to teach them how to properly defend themselves and has authority to interfere in the way things are run at Hogwarts. Harry and a few fellow students decide to take their education into their own hands. The first time I read this book I didn't think much of it. But then (during a summer holiday where it was the only book I had with me) I read it multiple times after that and quickly started to see its brilliance. I think this book is underrated. I know many people hate this one because of Harry's outbursts and moods. I however thought Order of the Phoenix was one of the bestbecauseof those reasons. It would have been unrealistic if Harry was normal after his experience in the graveyard and after Cedric's death. And also people tend to complain that YA characters are unrealistic but then are irritated when they're moody. Make up your minds! My favourite scenes were the ones spent in the Room of Requirement. I just loved everything about the DA. I think Harry would be an amazing Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Umbridge will always be that one character I hate above everyone else. She is the most despicable person and I hate her even more than Voldemort. “Is it true that you shouted at Professor Umbridge?" Just the thought of the end of this book fills me with sadness. Poor Harry just can't catch a break. Throughout this whole book he has to deal with people treating him like crap and being told he is a liar and an attention seeker. And then on top of that(view spoiler)[he loses his only parent figure.(hide spoiler)] [image] This book was probably one of the first times I'd read about mental illness, as I was 12/13 when I read it. Don't know how Harry deals with everything, I'd probably be crying in a corner. • Buddy read withYou-Know-Who• ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Dec 04, 2019
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Dec 19, 2019
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Dec 04, 2019
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Kindle Edition
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| 0062998404
| 9780062998408
| 0062998404
| 4.12
| 50,754
| Aug 28, 2006
| Apr 27, 2021
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it was amazing
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This book really came at me unexpectedly. Going into this, I did not know that these characters and their stories would stick with me for days, weeks,
This book really came at me unexpectedly. Going into this, I did not know that these characters and their stories would stick with me for days, weeks, after. Immediately after finishing this book, I felt like starting it all over again. I thinkJellicoe Roadis best read if you jump into it blindly. So I'll try not to give too much away in this review. “These people have history and I crave history. I crave someone knowing me so well that they can tell what I'm thinking.” Since the age of eleven Taylor Markham has been at boarding school. At seventeen she is now the chosen leader of her school's underground activities and is in charge of how they proceed in the annual territory wars against the townies and visiting cadets. Taylor's past is filled with abandonment, grief and pain. When her caretaker at school, Hannah, the only adult she trusts, leaves unexpectedly Taylor has a need to know where Hannah could be and in doing so also finds out other unexpected truths. I know many people did not enjoy this book because of the writing style and the confusion of the first half. It's definitely not everyone's cup of tea.But for me, it was perfection. Yes it was confusing but I love figuring things out. We got passages set in the past, which didn't follow a proper time line. The mystery of not knowing what was going on or how things connected added to my enjoyment. Ineededto know how everything fit. “As I walk back to the school on my own, I realise I'm crying. So I go back to the stories I've read about the five and I try to make sense of their lives because in making sense of theirs, I may understand mine.” I really loved the setting. I have never read a book set in Australia before and it was super interesting to read about. This was set around Christmas time which is the summer holidays in Australia. I could totally relate to that as I too live in the southern hemisphere. I am surprised by how quickly I became attached to the characters. Those in the past and present. I wanted them to be happy, to confront their fears and to be together. “Because people with that much spirit frighten the hell out of me. They make me want to be a better person when I know it's not possible.” The side characters were so well fleshed out. And I was just as invested in their stories as I was in Taylor's. Their character growth and development and their own struggles was so beautiful to read. Watching them become more to one another brought me such joy. “But grief makes a monster out of us sometimes... and sometimes you say and do things to the people you love that you can't forgive yourself for.” This is a book that I will reread again and again andknowthat eveytime it will still impact me as it did the first time I read it. I think what also added to my experience was that I read this with a group of besties. We'd text eachother our thoughts and laugh about how much this book was making us cry. I had the best time reading this. A thousand thanks to Fares for suggesting we read one of his favourite books. It has become one of mine as well ...more |
Notes are private!
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4
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Dec 05, 2023
Dec 06, 2022
Dec 10, 2021
Dec 03, 2019
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Dec 10, 2023
Dec 15, 2022
Dec 20, 2021
Dec 17, 2019
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Dec 02, 2019
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Paperback
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| B0192CTMUU
| 4.57
| 3,759,573
| Jul 08, 2000
| Dec 08, 2015
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it was amazing
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“We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided.”
The summer is dragging and Harry can't wait to join the Weasleys and Hermione “We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided.” The summer is dragging and Harry can't wait to join the Weasleys and Hermione at The Burrow and go with them to the International Quidditch Cup final. It's Harry's fourth year atHogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry.This year will be different to the previous ones, for Hogwarts will be hosting theTriwizard Tournament,a competition which hasn't been hosted for a century. A contest involving two other international magical schools and three dangerous tasks, only students of age are allowed to compete in. [image] Harry is looking forward to watching the games and supporting whoever the Hogwarts champion is. What Harry doesn't expect is finding himself entangled in these dangerous events. [image] For me this is where the story really picks up. The games, as well as the dark atmosphere make this book so compelling. You can't help but want to know what happens next and how Harry decides to face all the challenges that come at him. “If you want to know what a man's like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals.” The introduction of foreign wizards/witches in this book sets this one apart from the others. I absolutely loved seeing how different they are to the usual British magical community. And the rivalry that is usually present at Hogwarts between the Houses is amped-up. [image] I really felt for Harry. He faces hate from the other students for something he had no control over as well as being shunned by one of his best friends. I don't know how he deals with everything honestly. “It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be.” Our trio are growing up. I loved those scenes with Harry and Ron struggling to communicate with girls ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Nov 23, 2019
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Dec 03, 2019
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Nov 23, 2019
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Kindle Edition
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| 0062872869
| 9780062872869
| 3.63
| 76,162
| Jan 14, 2020
| Jan 14, 2020
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liked it
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This is a spin-off ofFix Her Up,which was a book I dnf-ed. I liked that this book was about a couple already married for several years who are tryin This is a spin-off ofFix Her Up,which was a book I dnf-ed. I liked that this book was about a couple already married for several years who are trying to repair their relationship. I think we need more books like it in New Adult romance. It was interesting seeing them try to fix what was once whole. As it is a second chance romance, it had sad parts but it had very funny parts as well. The male mc in this book was really cute sometimes, but then there were moments he behaved like a complete caveman and it ruined it for me. What I can definitely say is that our main characters are very different to the ones inFix Her Up.And we get lots of cameos from the previous book. Yes, this review is ridiculously short. Sorry. « ARC received from publishers via edelweiss in exchange for an honest review » ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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not set
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not set
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Nov 16, 2019
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ebook
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| 4.58
| 4,268,759
| Jul 08, 1999
| Dec 08, 2015
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liked it
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“Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”
[image] Harry is in his third year atHogwarts “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” [image] Harry is in his third year atHogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardryand although it's great to be back, everyone in the magical world is on edge. [image] An escaped mass murderer, Sirius Black, is on the loose and it turns out Harry has cause to worry that he might be Black's next target. [image] “What you fear most of all is —fear. Very wise...” I found it highly entertaining how obviously teenage our trio were in this book. The arguing, mood swings and first crushes were so on point. I'm glad this is the last of the middle grade books in this series and that from book 4 we move into YA. JKR really knew how to set the spooky vibes and the unsettling atmosphere. This book did have a little of the investigation element that the other books have but not as great as it is in rest. I forgot so much about this book in particular. I did not remember how much slower paced and lacking The first 3/4 were so slow and while I still love every bit of it I needed more to happen. “I knew I could do it all this time,” said Harry, “Because I'd already done it... does that make sense?” [image] Buddy read withFares!! ______ My reviews for: 1:Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone 2:Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets 4:Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Nov 15, 2019
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Nov 21, 2019
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Nov 15, 2019
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Kindle Edition
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| 4.43
| 3,998,062
| Jul 02, 1998
| Dec 08, 2015
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it was amazing
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“You will also find that help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it.”
[image] Summer with the Dursleys has been excruciating. Cu “You will also find that help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it.” [image] Summer with the Dursleys has been excruciating. Cut-off from the magical world, Harry is alone. He is more than excited to return to his favourite place in the world, Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry, but receives the strangest warning from a house elf. He tells him that Hogwarts will be a dangerous place for Harry to be this year. [image] But Harry doesn't want to stay with the Dursleys all year. So with the help of Ron and a flying car, Harry is off to his second year despite the spooky warning he received. The year starts off normally, though when Harry begins to hear voices that no one else seems to hear and it becomes unsafe for students in the castle for fear of attack, he realizes that he should have taken that warning more seriously. Strange and dangerous things are indeed walking the halls of Hogwarts. “It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” It's clear that there is an improvement in JKR's writing. What thePhilosopher's Stonelacked, this book had. The side characters are more fleshed out and we get to explore new parts of Hogwarts! I loved the ‘new’ characters introduced, like Dobby, Lockhart and Moaning Myrtle. [image] Lockhart was obviously very annoying sometimes but he brought a great element of humour that the story needed. The mystery aspect of each of these books will always be a favourite, even if I already know what's going to happen. It'sthe small details of everyday life at Hogwarts that makes this world seem so vividly real to me.I love finding all the Easter eggs that will come into play in the later books. It's so amazing how something as inconsequential as a wardrobe has its own significance that you'll only pick up on further down the road. This re-read was the best idea and I'm having an awesome time slowly convincingFares(who I'm buddy reading with) that this is an epic series. [image] ______ My reviews for: 1:Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone 3:Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban 4:Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Nov 11, 2019
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Nov 14, 2019
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Nov 11, 2019
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Kindle Edition
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| B019PIOJYU
| 4.47
| 10,223,741
| Jun 26, 1997
| Dec 08, 2015
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it was amazing
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“It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.”
This book was as enchanting as it was to 11 year old me when my sister putHarry Potter and “It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.” This book was as enchanting as it was to 11 year old me when my sister putHarry Potter and the Philosophers Stonein my hands and told me I simplyhave toread this series. Harry Potter meant so much to me as a kid as it did to millions of others. It was a magical world I could fall into and experience Harry's amazing adventures with him. I read them over and over and it took me many years to finally come out of my Harry Potter bubble and realize that thereareother books for me to read and love as well. I haven't done a reread since I was 16 so it has been 7 years since I've read any of the HP books. I'm sure you all know how this story goesbut bare with me as this will officially be the first time I review this book. [image] Harry Potter lives with his horrible aunt, uncle and cousin (the Dursleys). Forced to sleep in the small room under the staircase, he is reminded everyday of his life that he is nothing more than an ordinary boy and an inconvenience. No matter what the Dursleys say, strange and inexplicable things always seem to happen to and around Harry. [image] And though his uncle and aunt try to stop events from unfolding, one day a giant stranger arrives at their door to finally tell Harry the truth about who he really is and to invite him to attend the prestigious, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. [image] But even in the magical world Harry is not ordinary. He is the boy who lived. The boy who the dark sorcerer, Lord Voldemort, failed to kill and who's impossible survival caused Voldemort to vanish. [image] Life at Hogwarts is great, Harry has finally found a place he belongs. But his wonderful life at Hogwarts is disrupted when Harry and friends, Ron and Hermione, stumble upon clues to strange happenings that they simply cannot ignore. Something important is being kept safe at Hogwarts, but our trio know that it won't be safe for long and take it upon themselves to investigate and stop it from falling into evil hands. [image] I was a bit surprised by how short the chapters are and how fast the plot moved. As a kid it seemed so much longer, but I should have expected that now that I am a faster reader. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Nov 04, 2019
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Nov 11, 2019
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Oct 29, 2019
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Kindle Edition
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| 3.88
| 11,652
| Sep 27, 2010
| May 2013
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liked it
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‘Hope is terrifying, Viola,’ he said. ‘No one wants to admit it, but it is.’ I'm intruiged. Hope the rest of the series is good. ‘Hope is terrifying, Viola,’ he said. ‘No one wants to admit it, but it is.’ I'm intruiged. Hope the rest of the series is good. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jan 18, 2019
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Jan 18, 2019
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Oct 15, 2019
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ebook
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| 1250200350
| 9781250200358
| 1250200350
| 3.94
| 49,209
| Apr 02, 2019
| Apr 02, 2019
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really liked it
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Such is my desire to replace the memories of the girl he used to know with the woman I’ve become.
Annika and Jonathan's story starts in 1991 where Such is my desire to replace the memories of the girl he used to know with the woman I’ve become. Annika and Jonathan's story starts in 1991 where they meet at a chess club in college. At first Annika is determined to stay closed off as she has social anxiety, but slowly she and Jonathan become friends and then more... The two become inseparable and they plan a future together. But sometimes plans don't always work out. Ten years later they bump into eachother and Annika hopes this is her chance to repair what happened with Jonathan, to show him that she is not the girl he used to know. We get POV from both Annika and Jonathan but Annika's POV mostly. The chapters would sometimes be set in the past, where we get to learn more about how they met, and then other chapters would be set in the present (ten years later), where they are reconnecting. I thought the story was more about Annika and the problems she faces in the past. Her character development was really great and I loved her growth over the years. Jonathan was such a sweetheart and especially more so once you know that he was mostly unaware of Annika's exact condition. “It’s like everyone around you has a copy of the script of life, but no one gave it to you so you have to go in blind and hope you can muddle your way through. And you’ll be wrong most of the time.” The first 3/4 of this book was amazing. The writing was good and the plot was slow paced but still kept me interested. The autism rep felt authentic and I honestly couldn't put this book down. The last 25% lost me. Too many things started happening and it felt rushed and not properly executed. I would've given this 5 stars but that ending really took away some of my enjoyment. I still think this was a good second chance romance and will definitely keep an eye out for the authors future works. Buddy read withWarda ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Oct 05, 2019
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Oct 06, 2019
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Oct 05, 2019
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Hardcover
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my rating |
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| 4.05
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it was amazing
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Nov 02, 2021
Apr 20, 2019
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Jan 22, 2020
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| 3.73
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really liked it
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not set
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Jan 22, 2020
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| 3.85
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really liked it
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Feb 05, 2019
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Jan 22, 2020
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| 3.88
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it was amazing
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Mar 02, 2020
Sep 29, 2019
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Jan 21, 2020
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| 4.19
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really liked it
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Jun 29, 2019
Mar 11, 2017
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Jan 20, 2020
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| 3.97
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really liked it
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Mar 05, 2019
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Jan 20, 2020
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| 4.27
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it was amazing
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Apr 13, 2023
Jun 24, 2019
Aug 08, 2018
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Jan 20, 2020
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| 4.32
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it was amazing
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Apr 08, 2023
Jun 18, 2019
Aug 06, 2018
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Jan 20, 2020
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| 4.03
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really liked it
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May 17, 2023
Jul 08, 2019
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Jan 20, 2020
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| 3.89
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really liked it
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Aug 15, 2019
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Jan 20, 2020
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| 4.58
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it was amazing
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Dec 28, 2019
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Dec 20, 2019
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| 4.50
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it was amazing
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Dec 19, 2019
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Dec 04, 2019
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| 4.12
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it was amazing
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Dec 10, 2023
Dec 15, 2022
Dec 20, 2021
Dec 17, 2019
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Dec 02, 2019
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| 4.57
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it was amazing
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Dec 03, 2019
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Nov 23, 2019
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| 3.63
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liked it
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not set
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Nov 16, 2019
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| 4.58
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liked it
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Nov 21, 2019
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Nov 15, 2019
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| 4.43
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it was amazing
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Nov 14, 2019
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Nov 11, 2019
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| 4.47
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it was amazing
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Nov 11, 2019
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Oct 29, 2019
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| 3.88
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liked it
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Jan 18, 2019
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Oct 15, 2019
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| 3.94
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really liked it
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Oct 06, 2019
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Oct 05, 2019
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