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Books of 2022

Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood

Review (spoilers):

9/10! Another adorable rom-com, and being a woman in STEM myself , I Felt That™️. All of the commentary was pretty spot on. Do better, science communities.

But the romance was gorg. For those of you that love angst and misunderstandings in your couples…this one is for you. Plenty of the audience knowing that Levi was in love with Bee while Bee was just in her own head with insecurities and jaded views of love. But a happy ending, of course. It honestly had some flavor of The Hating Game in there at the beginning when Bee thought they were enemies. We love her snarky jokes too. Overall cute and enjoyable romance read. (Go Reylos!)

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Books of 2022:

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood

Review (spoilers):

11/10! I’ll be honest, I’m pretty sure I read this book on AO3 when it was still a Reylo fan fiction, because a lot of it was familiar. But I still loved every second of this book. I love a man who is simping from the beginning, and I also love how relatable Olive was. The smut was hot, it was really amusing to see Rose, Finn, Poe and Hux recasted as the other characters, and thankfully I forgot about the Tom twist, so that caught me off guard! But I love a book that can take me through all of the emotions, and this one did it. With a wonderful, romantic happy ending of course. My favorite. So yes, I loved it!!

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Books of 2022:

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

Review

10/10!! This was so cute. I love this book and the characters. I would literally die for Josh’s point of view, but I still love Lucy and getting to discover his love for her through her eyes. The banter between them and her inner monologue made me laugh out loud several times, which I love. There was just enough angst to make us work for the fluff, not too much to be depressing or frustrating. The smut was hot. The ending was happy and perfect. What more could a girl want? I will be recommending this to all of my hopeless romantic friends. A fantastic lighthearted romance!!

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Books of 2022:

We Free the Stars by Hafsah Faizal

Review (spoilers):

100/10. I absolutely LOVED this duology. It’s going down in history as one of my all time fav fantasy series. I’m so happy with everything about it. I’m so happy that it ended like it did. I’m so happy Nasir and Zafira get to be together and almost all of the characters are happy and where they should be. The adventure and action and storyline, all the twists and turns, the setting and the magic and the great evil that was conquered. It was everything I wanted and I will sing it’s praises forever!! Love!!!

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Books of 2022:

Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert

Review (contains spoilers):

Although I don’t think this was any longer than the first one, it felt like I was slugging through it at times. It moved slowly until the last 1/3 of the book, so I struggled to finish it. I just got bored, you know? There was no more exciting planet-building and emergence of mysterious powers and new characters. It was just political drama, an assassination attempt, and suffering for our protagonists. My least favorite. But I finally finished. I can only assume that the next book, Children of Dune, is about the twins that were birthed by Chani (rip) and are now left to be raised by who? Irulan, Alia, Stilgar and a recently revived Duncan? I get why Paul decided to die, but here he is with two newborn twins and he just abandons them? That sucks. And I don’t really like Alia’s character, so if she is the main one in the rest of the series I don’t even know if I want to continue. I might end up just spark-noting the rest of the series 🙊 and go back to my regularly scheduled content of fantasy books. That’s what I like anyway. This was an interesting venture into the Sci Fi world and I’ve come away wanting. It could also be the white maleness of the author coming through too. Sick of that.

Anyway, we’ll see if I finish the rest of the series or not. Either way- I think up next is The Love Hypothesis- go Reylo!!

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Books of 2022

We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal

Book Review (spoilers!!):

Wow! I loved this!! I always think it’s cool to read about other cultures, especially in a fantasy context, because in my opinion too many fantasy books are set in backgrounds that resemble English-speaking countries. Give me the sand dunes of the Middle East! This was so well-written. It really sucks you into the world and I absolutely loved both of our protagonists. Zafira and Nasir for life! (The fact that their names mean the same thing- LOVE) I also thought all the adventure elements were good and interesting, and paced well. We had the funny character for comedic relief (I also totally guessed that Altair was Nasir’s brother) and the broody, haunted assassin (which we all know I always love those) and the daring, fearless heroine (love love LOVE). I also guessed the darkness being the Lion, but she did get me with the Silver witch mother reveal! Didn’t see that one. I can’t wait for the sequel and to see what happens when our heroes return. Plus, we gotta save Altair! I like the little drama of Yasmine wanting to kill him lmao. That will be interesting. I will have to wait until November for the second book, but I’m looking forward to it!!

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Books of 2022

A Shadow in the Ember by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Review (spoilers):

Whew. Well. I really liked it, just as I think I’ll probably like all of JLA’s books, but my only qualm is how similar some of the tropes and scenarios were to Poppy and Casteel’s story. A few things were reversed, like Nyktos being a virgin and Sera being the betrayer, but if you think about it, it’s kind of the same story. Girl comes into mysterious powers. Falls in love with extremely powerful male counterpart. Side characters develop friendships. There’s a protector, there’s an abuser, there’s a mistaken identity. I just wished there was more unique aspects and a different storyline. More unique characters. But it was still enjoyable to read and I obviously ship Ash and Sera. It helps knowing that they end up together. Also, the whole reveal at the end when they allude to Cas and Poppy! Fun. I like little things like that in a book series that takes place in the same universe. So while I wanted more, I still liked the book and will be reading the rest of the series. No doubt about that!

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Books of 2022

A Sky Beyond the Storm by Sabaa Tahir

Review (spoilers!):

Oh my god I finally did it!! I finally finished this book, and with it, the series. Wow. What a ride. Just as epic of an ending as I thought it would be, honestly. The action, the drama, the deaths, the love!!! I cried so much over the last few hundred pages or so. Wow. So much feels. But I’m so happy with the ending. It’s hopeful despite all the heartbreak we went through to get there. Powerful. Amazing. A journey.

I did not see Mirra’s return coming. I’m so happy Keris finally died. I’m devastated at Darin’s death. So sad for Helene that Harper died. So happy that Elias and Laia can have a happily ever after together. Everything is bittersweet at the end, I’m glad it doesn’t seem like too much of a happy ending, since we did go through a war with so much death and suffering. It shouldn’t be rainbows and butterflies. But I am happy it’s at least a hopeful ending.

Overall, I recommend this series! It was tough to get through at times, and long, but really good. Deserves a movie series or something. It would be epic.

10/10

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Books of 2022

War of Two Queens by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Review:

Absolutely amazing. YES. She’s done it again. I love this series so much y’all. I could read this universe forever (and I plan to, because I just bought A Shadow in the Ember to read next). Anyway, once again, a lovely mixture of fantasy, adventure, action, and smut. Also, can I get a HUGE cheer for the Joining finally happening??!! I shrieked!! Yes!!! I hope they are a throuple forever, I love Kieran so much. Although they have kind of hinted that him and Tawny might get together. Don’t really ship them, but we’ll see. I just want him to love Poppy. Also very happy that finally we killed Isbeth. I was getting sick of that bitch. Now we have to deal with yet another bad guy, but all the gods and primal and whatnot are waking up, so yay more characters! As far as other couples, I kind of hate the symmetry of Millie being heartmates with Malik and then sisters with Poppy. Like why the two sisters and two brothers. Hate that. But oh well. We’ll see where that goes.

Overall, another win for JLA. Looking forward to a new series and reading about Nyktos and Seraphena!

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Books of 2022

A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas

Ok, out of order because I definitely finished this one before HOSAB (and even further out of order because I still have to read the last Ember in the Ashes book RIP) but we’re finally getting around to reviewing it. This might upset some people, but I’m giving my honest opinions here. So here we go.

Nesta was never a fav of mine. She was a hard character for me to swallow all throughout the ACOTAR series because we are very different and I had trouble understanding her. I relate more with Feyre so I never really liked Nesta that much. That’s why I wasn’t super pumped and excited to read about her and Cassian (who I loved) getting together, because I honestly thought Cassian deserved better. But after reading this book and learning more about her character and her journey, I can say I’m happy. It will never be my favorite book of the series, but I’m satisfied with how it went. I’m happy that Cassian is happy. I’m happy that the Archeron sisters have settled on a relatively high note.

My favorite arc of the book had to be the Nesta-Gwyn-Emerie friendship and training to become Valkyries. Big win for girl friendships and badass women kicking ass! We love to see it. I like those characters a lot too and hope to see more of them. Plus I ship Azriel and Gwyn! People have been arguing about that but I’m sorry- three sisters being mates with three brothers is so cheesy and I just hate that concept. I love Azriel and Elain on their own, don’t get me wrong, but Elain’s mate is Lucien! He’s not perfect but neither is Elain- people like to blame Nesta for mistreating Feyre but forget that Elain did the same thing. We have hardly seen them interact. I want to delve deeper into that.

Anyway, I just want Az to get his own mate and happiness so I look forward to the future stories. And I’m so excited to see little Nyx all grown up- that whole birthing scene had me in literal tears I’m so happy that everyone survived.

All in all I would rate this book highly; extremely high if you like the characters. I think if I went into it a Nesta stan like some of the other SJM fans I would have been ecstatic with this book. And even as I was (not really that pumped for it) I still enjoyed it and I love the world that SJM has created so I’m always happy to read more of it. Looking forward to the future in the SJM universe!

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Books of 2022

Crescent City: House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J. Maas

Review:

UM HI HELLO I AM FREAKING OUTTTT I literally finished A Court of Silver Flames like a week before I started reading this book so I need to post my review of that one too but I absolutely FLEW through this book and now that I’ve just finished I have to post this first because that ENDING???

Spoilers ahead people I’m about the blow up-

RHYSAND???!!! DID BRYCE JUST TELEPORT HERSELF INTO ACOTAR’S WORLD I AM SHITTING PUKING CRYING SCREAMING WHAT HAVE YOU DONE SJM MY BRAIN IS FRIED

Azriel’s Truth-Teller is the twin to Bryce’s Star-Sword? Amren called it Gwydion? Didn’t in ACOSF she say Gwydion got lost long ago and some point and was never found again?? Is Amren and Asteri??? Didn’t she come from another world long ago and I guess their world kicked them out/fought off the Asteri but she stayed behind?? I am absolutely losing it. I can’t believe she’s intertwining these universes I am not ready for this crossover. I thought we were going to have nice separate stories, I was already preparing for my Elain/Azriel storyline but now THIS? SJM you’re crazy for this one. I can’t believe it. This world has gotten too big for my brain omg.

Ok now we can go back to Crescent City stuff. First things first- I totally called it that Day was the Hind. Like halfway through the book I was trying to guess who agent Day would be and I guessed it so yay me. Also Ruhn was way too harsh on her like she’s literally your mate you idiot. You need to work with her. Also I was happy shipping Hypaxia and Celestina until I learned that she sold out Hunt!! Like I get it but ugh! I wanted to like her. Also sad that Cormac died but I’m guessing the “Avallen” Fae are actually from the ACOTAR world and that they’ll eventually return there or something. Maybe they’ll replace the Spring court since Tamlin is out of commission now idk. But anyway I’d also like to talk about how I knew things would go wrong when those idiots decided to barge into the palace. Like I knew someone would die/be captured and it would all go to shit, but I didn’t want my poor baby Hunt to be enslaved again 😭😭 and I’m also like ok Tharion I know you sold yourself to the viper queen and whatnot but you, the dragon, Dec and Flynn (and I guess Ithan if he gets a grip and takes the wolves for himself) need to get yourselves together and band everyone together to fight. And Hypaxia with the Witches. Good guys unite!

Wow so much happened in this book I feel like I’ve aged a year since starting it. And now this giant plot twist where we’re merging storylines like will I be able to handle this?? It remains to be seen. I’m off to go scream and look at what other people are saying. Stay tuned for my belated review of ACOSF lol

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Books of 2022

A Reaper At the Gates by Sabaa Tahir

Review:

Phew- that was a long one. And my least favorite of the series so far. Not because it was badly written or anything, just the things that were happening in the plot I was like noooo! But I totally called Cook being Laia’s mom! I was proud of myself for that one. Sad she died. But I’m still intrigued on who Laia is, cause we keep alluding to her “darkness” inside herself and all that and I’m like…is she somehow the Nightbringer’s wife or something? Idk. But also- girlboss! Glad she and Helene are teaming up. And Helene! Damn girl! She went THRU it! So glad Livia and the baby are alive because that’s about all that’s left lmao. And sad that she not only denied Harper but that she STILL hasn’t killed Keris! I was exhausted reading about that woman’s constant victories and everybody being shocked I’m like what part of “she’s working with the Nightbringer” don’t y’all understand? He’s like all powerful or whatever! All that was pissing me off. I thought I might not be able to get through the book cause our protags just kept losing. It was demoralizing. Speaking of- ELIAS. WHYYYYYYY. I am so sad. Idk how we’re going to get him back but I know we will. We better. I swear to god if Laia doesn’t get a happy ending I’ll riot. Plus we gotta get back to Darin. Again. So here’s to hoping we can get a satisfying ending in the fourth book! (And Keris’s death!)

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'I hate you because I think of you. Often. It's disgusting, and I can't stop.'

cardan greenbriar, high king of elfhame.

#tfota

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Books of 2021

A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir

Review:

Alright, book 2 down! It was really good, I have many thoughts. First- idk how to feel about Helene. I get it, she’s a complex character, but I’m not her biggest fan tbh. Her POVs kept me wanting to skip forward through them. I do hope she and Harper get together though. But I doubt it somehow, especially with how her story ended here. Speaking of romance, screw you Keenan! I knew you weren’t to be trusted! Did not see the Nightbringer plot twist coming though. That got me good. Also, I’m glad Laia finally stood up for herself and learned how to control her powers. And how about that prison break, though? I love a good heist story. And Elias you idiot, I’m glad you got through the poison (I knew he would somehow) but really? Chaining yourself to a forest while your girl is going to have to leave eventually (and they are the slowest of burns, I swear 😩). I’m sure we’ll find some way to get out of that little debacle, but I’m not sure who his replacement will be. Cook, maybe? (I think she might be Laia’s mom or something? That reveal will be big, whatever it is) Plus, RIP Izzie!! You were a good one. I’m also glad Darin is back, I’m interested to learn about his character. And Laia needs people she can trust! Also I love Tas’s character, I hope we see more of him. And Finally, I hope Keris gets absolutely wrecked and destroyed. Eager to see who Elias and Harper’s father is!! Starting book 3 now 😜

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Books of 2021

An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

Review: YES! I loved it. I had heard good things about this book from fans of other series that I like (see: ACOTAR, Serpent & Dove, Throne of Glass, etc) and they were right! A strong female lead forced into slavery, a resistance against an oppressive government, a soldier with conflicted morals. Yum. Plus, love that Feyre-like arc for Laia where she realizes she doesn’t need no man (looking at you, Keenan) and she goes to kick ass and save Elias herself- I cheered at that part. Can’t wait to see their relationship blossom as they go on the run to prison-break Darin! So romantic. But I’m nervous about the inevitable love triangle that will emerge. Hopefully she chooses correctly and snatches Elias up. Also, I love the amount of diversity character-wise that this book has when it comes to women. They’re light, dark, gray, and everything in between and I love to see that depth. Male authors could never.

ANYWAY, 10/10 and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!!

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Books of 2021

Dune by Frank Herbert

Review: So I saw that the movie was coming out this year and I knew I had to read the book first (since that’s a personal rule for myself) and let me tell you- I was expecting science fiction, I wasn’t expecting a vast, complicated universe that sucks you in from the very start! So many characters, such depth, such lush description of the world and the environment. We get to see multiple character POVs and while that’s confusing for the storyline at the beginning, once you get into the rhythm and start following the story I love that. You get to see everything, all the moving parts and political intrigue. All the different relationships and betrayals and true reflection of humanity in all of its imperfections. I’ll be reading the rest of the series soon, and I know they won’t disappoint, but it’ll be hard to top this one!!

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Books of 2021

Gods & Monsters by Shelby Mahurin

Review (CONTAINS SPOILERS):

Oh my god. I’m crying. This was so good. An extremely well-earned happy ending because DAMN did I suffer. I can’t tell you the amount of times I cried for poor Lou and poor Reid and all of them! Shelby put them Thru It ™️. But it was worth it because that ending was so satisfying. Everything tied up in a neat little bow. Bringing it all back to the beginning and all the relevant characters invited to the wedding. Just wow. I’m so happy!! Can’t recommend this series enough. 10/10

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