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alysbookclub's reviews
248 reviews
Bitterthorn by Kat Dunn
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
A gorgeous gothic romance
Death Pact by Matt Hilton
Did not finish book. Stopped at 9%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 9%.
9% in and the copaganda is out of control - was interested in a crime thriller (I usually enjoy procedurals with interesting mysteries) but this is way too focused on glorifying police rather than telling a story.
Ledge by Stacey McEwan
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
A solid and enjoyable new adult romantasy - the world building is well done, the writing is skilled and I loved the MCs. However, I did find most plot points predictable and found myself skimming at points up until the ending twist - have to keep reading to see what happens!
Your Blood, My Bones by Kelly Andrew
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I enjoyed the mystery of it, and figuring out what was going on, but the character interactions and internal worlds left me wanting a bit more.
A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This ended up being a lot more reflective than I was expecting, but I loved it. A study on manipulative control, found family, and what being free means. Would absolutely recommend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Emotional abuse, and Blood
Lost Crows and Fallen Stars by Abelia Sumpter
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
A really good integration of sci-fi into the fantasy genre. I personally wouldn't call this a romantasy, but a sci-fi fantasy with a touch of romance. The mystery plot was what kept me hooked, but the romance plot wasn't for me unfortunately.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Violence, and Xenophobia
Minor: Kidnapping
Long Live Evil by Sarah Rees Brennan
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This one was absolutely made for me. A witty FMC who knows the rules of villainy, meta self-referential fantasy world and high stakes (with a touch of romance). Each character was so well developed (even when they were supposed to be 2-D) and the story kept me up reading waaayyy past my bedtime. I love a villain who knows they're the villain!
That cliffhanger is unreal and I CANT WAIT for the next in the series (there has to be more!)
That cliffhanger is unreal and I CANT WAIT for the next in the series (there has to be more!)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Terminal illness, Torture, Violence, and Blood
Horror Movie by Paul Tremblay
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A really strong horror novel - left me unsettled and with lots of thoughts! Would recommend if you like classic or indie horror movies, r/nosleep, or horror history/lore.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Violence
Of Blood and Aether by Harper Hawthorne
We're left on a cliffhanger, and I'm excited to see what happens in the next book!
adventurous
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The first in a series, Of Blood and Aether is a solid (spicy!) romantasy with interesting worldbuilding and steamy romance. As soon as I read the prologue I was hooked. If you like the following, you won't be disappointed:
- Dual POV
- Dark prophecy, dangerous secrets
- Charming & clever FMC
- Morally grey shadow daddy MMC
- Banter for days
- Tension, slow burn, angst, and yearning
- 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Spiceeeee
- Arcane university
- Elemental magick
We're left on a cliffhanger, and I'm excited to see what happens in the next book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Sexual content, and Stalking
These Twisted Bonds by Lexi Ryan
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait to see what's next from Lexi Ryan! An emotional romantasy with MCs that are thrown into impossible situations, and yet they always work to do what's best for the majority rather than themselves. I'm not usually into a love triangle but Ryan managed to make me love it. The only reason I can't do full 5 stars is because I felt the last 50 pages were really rushed and I would've appreciated if it were slowed down.
I actually loved that Sebastian wasn't made into a villain as I was expecting. It was so refreshing and humanized the story alot.