luminarylibrary

[luminarylibrary]

I have to be honest. This book just didn't live up to the hype for me. Perhaps, it was all the POVs that made it feel disjointed? Or that the story just felt scattered to me? They were just all over the place. Normally, I don't mind that because I love adventure stories where the MC & Co are travelling, even around the world. And I don't usually mind a lot of action. I prefer it to waiting for something to happen. It just felt like there was no common theme through this book like there was for all the other SJM books I've read. Obviously the goal was to collect the keys and find the lock while collecting allies. But it felt choppy to me. I think a big part of the problem was that we learn so much at the end when Aelin finally decides to divulge everything. I mean, in the last hundred pages (view spoiler) I guess my issue is that I wish it were a little more spread out. In most SJM books, the last 100 pages are always a mess of action and emotions, but I think the problem with this is that so much was known by Aelin all along and it just felt like the equivalent of an action info dump. There were definitely emotional parts along the way. Like Aedion and Gavriel finally meeting. Ugh Gavriel is just everything. He's so sweet. I wish Aedion had spent more time with him. Elide realizing how important she is with Lorcan, Aelin, and Manon all claiming and protecting her. Aelin breaking down when she sees Nehemia in the vision. Overall, I just wasn't impressed. It could also being that I was reading the masterpiece that is Tower of Dawn at the same time and this one just got outshone.

#book review #book recommendations #books #booklr #books & libraries #fantasy books #empire of storms #sjm books #sjm universe

[luminarylibrary]

Tower of Dawn Review

This book. I loved this book.

Even in the early morning, the tower was a beacon, a jutting lance of hope and calm.

These towers represent so much in this story. Hope and calm. Also peace and restoration and power and, of course, healing. I just want to close my eyes and imagine it, so serene and full of the promise of life and health the selflessness of those healers who dedicated their lives to saving others. And The Womb with it's bells chiming, a reminder of the generations of healers who had served there, dedicated and powerful.

And whenever she explained that she had come from Adarlan but that her people hailed from the southern continent their replies were all the same: welcome home.

Nesryn finding her place, her home was such a beautiful part of this story, and an unexpected one. That she found both love and with a prince and place where she belonged so seamlessly as she was meant to be there all along was perfection. And Sartaq! That he was willing to walk away from being Heir to be with her. For her bravery and loyalty and commitment! I love them!

With nothing to do beyond sit in the wheeled chair that he'd deemed had become both a prison and his only path to seeing the world, Chaol took in the details of the sprawling palace perched atop one of the capital city's countless hills.

Ugh, my heart broke for Chaol. His depression. His guilt. How he had trained his whole life to do one thing - fight - just to be rendered mostly incapable of doing so. And yet he still tried. The way he was always ready to stay behind and fight while Yrene ran. How he always put himself last. How he never gave up defending however he could.

Every step. Every curve into darkness. Every moment of despair and rage and pain.It had led him to precisely where he needed to be.

But the way he healed and found the goodness in himself despite all his guilt. The way he fought it and pushed back at it and refused to let it win. I love Chaol so much.

The darkness belongs to you. To shape as you will. To give it power or to render it harmless.

Oh, the love I have for Yrene Towers. Her determination and drive and compassion make her amazing. She never wanted greatness. Never asked to be special. She wanted to heal people, and that one chance encounter gave her the courage to cross mountains and seas to do it. And the way she kept true to her promise and trained those other girls. I can't love her more

#books #book review #tower of dawn #sjm #sjm universe #sjm books #throne of glass #chaol westfall #yrene towers #chaol x yrene

[luminarylibrary]

World Building

🌎/5

There wasn't much world building to speak of. It was mentioned that the family had been stranded in New Mexico and beyond that and one short scene in the (poorly described) desert, this book could have taken place anywhere. Normally, that would be fine, had the hotel, bar, or Buried Treasure had more detail, but other than the minimum to basically tell the reader which location the characters were in, there was nothing.

Writing

🖋️/5

Disappointing after reading It Happened One Summer. There was a shocking lack of the humor, wit, and general emotion I'd anticipated. Much like the world building, there just isn't much there to comment on, which I guess is a comment in itself.

Romance

❤️❤️/5

Two for spice really. There was plenty of spice, though it did get repetitive. I have no idea how this is considered a romance with no actual romance. Perhaps the instalove is enough to pull it off. And I do mean instalove. Much more on the part of Jasper than Rita. Within less than a day of meeting Rita, Jasper just knows that she's going to be the one to give his life meaning? Literally. He felt shallow and good for nothing but sex (mostly because he had sex with anything that moved and didn't want a relationship until he realized the women he was with felt the same) but this complete stranger is going to give him depth and apparently her approval is enough to make him feel better about himself so much so that he never wants her to leave? By day three he was quite literally ready to "give it all up" for her and lose all hope in having a meaningful life if the stranger he's spent maybe ten hours with left to finish the trip she's making for her dead mother.

And what's worse, she actually stayed! Which I don't get at all. She was supposed to be creating a memory with her estranged family to honor her mother's last wishes. And she couldn't even bother to finish the trip then just go back?

Characters

☺️/5

Super shallow. Jasper was probably the most annoying. He created his reputation. He enjoyed it. He perpetuated it. But then as soon as he learned that the women didn't take him any more seriously than he took them or he took himself suddenly he feels sorry for himself. Now, I'm all about finding yourself and your life's purpose. But if you are trying to escape this lifestyle and reputation of being good for nothing but sex, maybe don't just jump into bed with the first new woman you meet. We never get real answers on why Rita is so scared to cook? Because she was a failure (which she wasn't because she's still a cook)? Because of internet embarrassment? What?

Of course, since the main characters lacked any depth, it's safe to say the side characters do as well.

Plot

📖/5

What plot? Seriously. I get this is a romance and that takes the forefront, but why bother with everything surrounding their moments (aka sex) together if it's just filler?

#book recommendations #book review #booklr #books #books & libraries #romance books #romance

[luminarylibrary]

One thing SJM portrayed accurately with Nesta is that she stands there spitting nothing but facts, and everyone gets mad and calls her mean. But she's not even mean or malicious or anything. She's just saying the truth and everyone gets mad; sounds like a skill issue, buddy. The truth hurts sometimes. How about you just sit back and deal with it?

[luminarylibrary]

Finally! Zsadist's story! I knew it would go dark but this was more descriptive than I'd anticipated. Personally, I didn't find that to be a problem, but please CHECK YOUR TRIGGER WARNINGS. 

I absolutely loved Z's growth through this book and how in the end, it was prompted by his love of Bella. Normally, I'm an advocate for healing for your own sake, but as this is a romance, I enjoyed it as it was.

I love how each book leaves you off wondering about other characters and where their strong is going. While Bitch is next, presumably with Marissa, I have to know what's happening with Tohr. Since this is heavily romance, I can only assume Wellsie will return somehow. 

#book recommendations #book review #booklr #books #books & libraries #romance books #romance #fantasy books #romantic academia #black dagger brotherhood

[luminarylibrary]

Rhage and Mary rival Wrath and Beth in love and devotion. The way that both immediately saw the struggle in the other, Wrath's hesitancy and fear of himself and Beth's illness, and embraced both as something they would fight through together.

I also appreciated that, even though we got POV from Mr. I, it seemed like less than last time. I love the suspense and action, but I need the romance. 😂

However, I was so drawn in by Zsadist's story, even though it really only came in at the end. I'm so glad that his story with Bella will be next because I would have been tempted to skip ahead in the series. I know they are going to be so good together. Just their short moment together at the party gave me goosebumps. Can't wait to continue with this series.

#romance books #romance #romance book recommendations #romance book review #book recommendations #book review #booklr #books #books & libraries #fantasy books #black dagger brotherhood #jr ward

[luminarylibrary]

"Cassian is Nesta's mate. If he dies, it will hurt her for the rest of her life"

yeah and he will hurt her for the rest of her life

[luminarylibrary]

Somehow I've finally come across this book that's been out since 2005 and I'm so glad!

Wrath & Beth are the standard for my vampire/human heart. 💕 The way they can't resist each other. How she became just as protective of him as he did her. And when they both gave up the resistance because it was useless. *Sigh*

He became vulnerable with her in ways he hadn't even been with the Brotherhood. And oh, the Brotherhood. 🥵 I can't wait to read their stories.

All I want is a Vampire King with a soft spot just for me...and arms the size of my head.

#book recommendations #book review #booklr #books #books & libraries #romance books #fantasy books #romance #vampire romance #vampires #black dagger brotherhood #dark lover

[luminarylibrary]

“It seems like you’ve decided to fall in with two people without their homes of their own as well.”

I really need to talk about this, and the fight Feyre and Lucien have in ACOFAS in general because Feyre is so wildly frustrating during this whole conversation, and I want to delve into it line by line.

So this is when Lucien arrives for the Winter Solstice.  Elain has left the room and the argument him and Feyre have begins with Feyre saying he should live in Velaris.

Chapter 18 of ACOFAS: “‘You could come live here, is all I’m saying,’ I pushed.  ‘Truly live here, stay in Velaris for longer than a few days at a time.  We could get you nicer quarters—‘ Lucien got to his feet.  ‘I don’t need your charity.’”

First issue that isn’t a huge deal but “nicer quarters”?  Not a home, just quarters, an allowance, a charity, as Lucien says here?

And it just keeps going downhill, because when he explains that he is getting along with Vassa and Jurian just fine, she is almost taken aback and shows a bit of jealousy.  Her biases are really starting to show as well as her lack of self-awareness.

I rose as well.  ‘But Jurian and Vassa’s is fine?’ ‘You’d be surprised to see how well the three of us get along.’ Friends, I realized.  They had somehow become his friends.  ‘So you would rather stay with them?’ ‘I’m not staying with them.  The manor is ours.’” ‘Interesting.’ His golden eye whirred.  ‘What is.’ Not feeling very festive at all, I said sharply, ‘That you now feel more comfortable with humans than with the High Fae.  If you ask me—' ‘I’m not.’ ‘It seems like you’ve decided to fall in with two people without their homes of their own as well.’”

She lashes out and basically says that the Night Court isn’t Lucien’s home.  

This part is so awful to me for multiple reasons. Now, there is the critique of Lucien having prejudices towards humans in ACOTAR.  That is probably the only critique I will accept, he was an ass in the first book; the way he talked about humans negatively impacted Feyre.  And this could be applied to Eyre’s side of this argument, Feyre could be like “huh you’re friends with humans now, that’s interesting.  You always shat on humans before.”

But I do not think this can be applied to this argument because 1. Feyre, after her change to High Fae, is more comfortable with Fae than with humans, we can see this in ACOMAF, she does not like eating human food, she is hyperaware of all of the differences between being fae and being human.

and 2. Feyre and Lucien have had a conversation about the human war in ACOWAR.  Lucien said he would have fought for the humans if he was alive during the War:

Chapter 3 of ACOWAR: “‘If you’d been alive for the War, would you have fought on their side?  Or fought for the humans?’ ‘I would have been a part of the human-Fae alliance.’ ‘Even if your father wasn’t?’ ‘Especially if my father wasn’t.’”

Maybe he has had some prejudices against humans before but he does explain he would fight for their freedom, he talks about how he disliked their alliance with Hybern.  I always viewed his comments on humans in the first book as him directing his anger and frustration with Feyre and not his idea of humans in general.  He did not like Feyre for killing Andras and he had very little hope when it came to the curse. And after Lucien sends Feyre to capture the Suriel and almost gets her killed, he feels guilty and is also like “Feyre…I thought you would be more mad at me for this” and she is like “nah I get it, I killed your friend.”

Chapter 18 of ACOTAR: “‘You can’t possibly forgive me that easily for sending you into danger.’ ‘No.  And part of me would like nothing more than to wallop you for your lack of warning about the Suriel.  But I understand: I am a human who killed your friend, who now lives in your house, and you have to deal with me.  I understand.’"

People shit on Lucien for that moment but this was when he finally realized who Feyre actually is.  He realizes his mistake in judging Feyre and apologizes.  And this is when their friendship starts to truly develop.  

"‘Tam told me that your first shot was to save the Suriel’s life.  Not your own.’ ‘It seemed like the right thing to do.’ The look he gave me was more contemplative than any he’d give me before.  ‘I know far too many High Fae and lesser faeries who wouldn’t have seen it that way—or bothered.’”

And 3. also he met Vassa, Jurian and Feyre’s father and other humans during his mission to find Vassa and an army.

So him having past prejudices towards humans should not and is not Feyre’s issue with him being friends with Vassa and Jurian.    Feyre does not bring that up to him or imply it in her inner dialogue.  It seems like her issue is Lucien found friends outside of the Night Court.

“Friends, I realized.  They had somehow become his friends.  ‘So you would rather stay with them?’”

She almost sounds like she is jealous or confused.  “You would rather stay with them and not with me and the IC?”  It’s almost like she’s thinking “why don’t you love the IC and the Night Court as much as I do?” which is so ironic to me and lacking any self-awareness! You should know why he doesn’t like going to the NC, Feyre. He explains it after this moment in the conversation. 

And I will get to that point later, I want to go in order because Feyre just keeps going downhill:

After Feyre implies that Lucien doesn’t have a home, Lucien then makes a boundary.  

“Lucien stared at me, long and hard.  ‘Happy Solstice to you, Feyre.’”

He is saying, “I am done with this conversation, I do not want to talk to you anymore, I am leaving.”  

“He turned toward the foyer, but I grabbed his arm to halt him.  The corded muscle of his forearm shirted beneath the fine silk of the sapphire jacket, but he made no move to shake me off.  ‘I didn’t mean that.  You have a home here.  If you want it.’”

And Feyre does try to apologize and correct herself because she knows she was wrong for basically implying he doesn’t have a home but she is cutting over this line Lucien drew.  You can tell Lucien does not like it when she grabs him and forces him to stop leaving.

He does not want to talk to her about this, and for good reason because when he is like “alright I will continue this conversation” and begins to explain to her the Band of Exiles, she interrupts him, dismisses him, makes fun of him.  

“Lucien studied the sitting room, the foyer beyond and the dining room on its other side.  ‘The Band of Exiles.’ ‘The what?’ ‘That’s what we call ourselves.  The Band of Exiles.’ ‘You have a name for yourselves.’  I fought my incredulous tone. He nodded.  ‘Jurian isn’t an exile.’ Vassa, yes.  Lucien, two times over now. ‘He can call himself whatever he likes.’ But I asked, ‘and what, exactly, does this Band of Exiles plan to do?  Host events?  Organize party planning committees?’”

Frustration 1 with her saying, “what is the band of exiles planning to do?  Organize party planning committees?” Two pages ago there was a whole conversation and inner dialogue about how there has been no governing in the southern human lands and that Vassa and Jurian have a vision for the future and want to change, they are planning to actually do something for the humans and the land you used to live in as a human.

“[Vassa and Jurian] both trying to lead the humans who occupied the sliver of land at the southernmost end of Prythian.  Left ungoverned for so long.  Far too long. “‘Mercifully, their vision for the future of the human territories is mostly aligned.’”

and frustration 2. He was trying to explain to you his genuine feelings and struggles!

“I made friends who have something in common with me, who appreciate me,” and she interrupts him and she makes fun of him for it!  It sucks!

The Band of Exiles is a stupid name, I love Lucien but I do cringe whenever I hear that name.  And they have always had this back-and-forth banter and crude jokes with each other, but this is a terrible moment to joke around because Lucien is trying to explain his feelings and his reasons, but she’s just being dismissive.

Also another point: her looking down at him for having a group name.  She also has a group name with her friends.  The Court of Dreams, the Inner Circle.  And those aren’t any less cheesy, y'all, I’m sorry, I said it. 🤷‍♀️

Another thing that is so goddamn frustrating to me is he is like “these are all the reasons why I don’t like being in the Night Court.”  1. He can’t stand to be in the same room as Elain, he is upset that she is avoiding him.  2. He doesn’t like getting charity from her and Rhys.  And 3. he also hates how Feyre and Rhys ruined his chance of going back to the Spring Court because of the way she used him to get revenge, and the way Rhys acted with Tamlin when he visits.

“‘I don’t have anywhere else to go.  You ruined any chance I have of going back to Spring.  Not to Tamlin, but to the court beyond his house.  Everyone either believes the lies you spun or they believe me complicit in your deceit.’  ‘I can’t stand to be in the same room as [Elain] for more than two minutes.  I can’t stand to be in this court and have your mate pay for the very clothes on my back…' ‘…Tamlin sent it to our manor yesterday.  My clothes.  My belongings.  All of it.’”

And Feyre acknowledges this.  But she doesn’t feel guilty despite seeing how upset it made Lucien, how it so negatively impacted him.

“‘But the blame for that behavior was not on Tamlin’s shoulders alone.  I’d created that rift.  Ripped it apart with my own two hands. I didn’t quite feel guilty enough to warrant apologizing for it.  Not yet.  Possibly not ever.”

She can still hold resentment towards Tamlin but why can’t she apologize for how it affects Lucien?  I really dislike Feyre and Rhys because of this, and regardless of this making them look inconsiderate and thoughtless, I think this makes her and Rhys look like bad rulers.  Lucien is like, "this affected me negatively, but it’s also going to affect you.  And probably Prythian.  This was a bad call on your part."

“‘Why?’ ‘Perhaps it had something to do with your mate’s visit the other day.’ ‘Rhys didn’t involve you in that.’ ‘He might as well have…your mate should have known better than to kick a downed male.’ ‘I can’t say I’m particularly sorry that he did.’ ‘You will need Tamlin as an ally before the dust has settled.  Tread carefully.’ “I didn’t want to think about it, consider it, today.  Any day.”

Feyre just dismisses it.  She does not want to consider what Lucien is saying.  

The one thing I will sort of applaud Feyre for is when she tells Elain that Lucien is a good male after he leaves.

“‘He brought you a present.’ ‘And that entitles him to my time, my affections?’ ‘No.  But he is a good male.’  Despite our harsh words.  Despite this Band of Exiles bullshit.  ‘He cares for you.’”

However, she is lashing out at Elain because she’s frustrated with the conversation she just had and is upset that she was in the wrong.  

“I know I wasn’t truly angry with her, not angry at anyone but myself, but I said, ‘You couldn’t say a single word to him?  A pleasant greeting?’”

Feyre is misdirecting because she does not want to think about her mistakes.

I have some issues with Elain, it’s very true that she doesn’t owe anything to Lucien just because she’s his mate, I think it would be better for her to stop avoiding Lucien and actually say her feelings.  But I’m talking about Feyre in this video, I can make a Lucien and Elain video later.

I don’t know, Feyre has really gone downhill for me after ACOWAR.  You can still like her but I know I’m not the only one who dislikes her now and Feyre’s mistakes and biases and the way she hurts people cannot be ignored.  

Idk what else to say besides Lucien. Deserves. Better.

[luminarylibrary]

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Okay, I was not really surprised by the ending when I learned that Dieter had magic. It was pretty clear that he could do nearly anything he wanted, so his having the Archbishop under his control made sense. Even without knowing about the brand, I figured something was up.

The romance with Otto and Fritzi was sweet and very YA (don't ask me about spice!). I do think they could have gotten to know each other better, but I love their mutual respect for one another.

Eager to see where our villain goes next and what more the connections to the Goddesses mean.

#book recommendations #book review #booklr #books #books & libraries #fantasy books #ya books

[luminarylibrary]

⭐⭐⭐⭐

This was a super sweet romance with a great, diverse cast of characters. Perfect for Valentine's Day or anyone getting over an ex or entering a new relationship.

As a plan-a-holic, I totally get Chloe and her need for perfection. I love how, by the end, she allows herself some freedom. Also, Daniel goes through some growth, accepting his self-worth and that love isn't without risk.

I found that to be a very deep, adult theme in this book, along with the importance of moving on before entering a new relationship and hurting someone else. A great lesson for the target age group who is exploring the dynamics of love for the first time.

#book recommendations #book review #booklr #books #books & libraries #romance books

[luminarylibrary]

This is the first true romance I have read in quite some time with no magic, fantasy, or scifi element and I loved it!

The dynamic between Piper and Brendan was so sweet, if a bit over-the-top. It's hard to imagine two completely opposite people meeting that way, but I was able to suspend my disbelief, given that was the point of the book. In fact, it's hard to believe that people like Piper really exist. Ah, the lives of the rich and famous.

I enjoyed so much how Piper's confidence grew through this book! She began as a spoiled girl who really had no idea how to take care of herself, but was self-aware enough to know this was a shortcoming that needed remedied. After a few people though, she had not only engaged with new people, but gained sustainable, genuine friendships with others. She also held on to her pride and determination to remain an independent person, owning and operating a bar, instead of simply going from a rich dad to a rich boyfriend.

I did take a star away for Brendan simply because I thought it was just too much that he took his wedding ring off after seven years because of Piper. Granted, the marriage ended for him years ago and he was never really 'in love' with his wife so much as he felt obligated to her father, but that was a super big change all at once. It also made me resent Mick and his wife a little for making him attend these memorials and make him revisit the loss every year, never moving on. He also became possessive early on, which is normal in a dark romance, but not so much in these Grumpy-Sunshine stories, but then, as I said, I haven't read one in a while, so maybe it is?

I really liked all the cute, fun moments from Piper as well as the couple and will definitely read Hannah's book as well.

#book recommendations #book review #books #booklr #book reviews #romance books #romance #it happened one summer

[luminarylibrary]

⭐ ⭐⭐⭐✨

A twisty-turny good time!

So many surprises in the final few chapters that I was left still processing an hour after I finished just to be sure I understood all the humdingers thrown my way in the end.

It was easy to see why and how Kit and Lenora would find comradery with one another- both accused and ostracized in different degrees by society. I sympathized with both of them.

Of course, when true identities and hidden pasts are revealed in the end, the sympathy (and shock) increase. I found myself wanting to go back and read chapters and passages again to look for clues that I missed because it seemed so obvious when explained.

There were parts of the end that seemed overly coincidental (hence the missing half star) but I can overlook them because it may for a more shocking end.

Loved the symbolism of the house crumbling in time with the truth being revealed and deceptions finally falling apart.

#books #books & libraries #thriller #mystery #mystery novel #riley sager #the only one left #thriller books #book review #book recommendations #booklr