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bekahzabel's reviews
321 reviews
Still Beating by Jennifer Hartmann
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
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? It's complicated
4.0
I ate this one up. Very dark, taboo topics, trigger heavy but wowza… I was hooked. Devoured in one sitting. Not a situation to idolize in real life but an absolutely heart wrenching plot that keeps you needing more from start to finish.
4⭐️ / 🌶️🌶️🌶️
4⭐️ / 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Gore, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Kidnapping, Grief, Suicide attempt, and Murder
The Poisoner by I.V. Ophelia
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I want to preface this by saying that this book is definitely not going to be for everyone. Who it IS for is for the extremely dark romance lovers who can enjoy MMC’s that are not meant to be idolized in real life scenarios. This story contains heavy cat and mouse tropes within the first half with the FMC & MMC stalking one another.
If you’re someone who enjoyed the cat & mouse duet I think this is right up your alley. The author very clearly stated at the start that this book contains heavy triggers and the creature is not meant to be idolized as a real life love interest, this is why we read isn’t it? Ophelia is a strong headed fmc who runs an apothecary and underground poisoning operation. Tangled in societies norms as a black sheet she encounters a creature is stalking her and she becomes very intrigued by him and dives into deeper research on him.
There is stalking, non con, quite a bit of consensual smut as well, 🩸play takes, vampiric themes, graphic depictions of violent acts, so please read the triggers.
Tropes include joint cat & mouse, a slight love triangle, historical horror romance elements, reasearcher and subject, female friendship, and forbidden love.
Although I was questionable at first this ended up as a solid 4 stars for me and 🌶️🌶️🌶️, I will absolutely be reading the sequel
If you’re someone who enjoyed the cat & mouse duet I think this is right up your alley. The author very clearly stated at the start that this book contains heavy triggers and the creature is not meant to be idolized as a real life love interest, this is why we read isn’t it? Ophelia is a strong headed fmc who runs an apothecary and underground poisoning operation. Tangled in societies norms as a black sheet she encounters a creature is stalking her and she becomes very intrigued by him and dives into deeper research on him.
There is stalking, non con, quite a bit of consensual smut as well, 🩸play takes, vampiric themes, graphic depictions of violent acts, so please read the triggers.
Tropes include joint cat & mouse, a slight love triangle, historical horror romance elements, reasearcher and subject, female friendship, and forbidden love.
Although I was questionable at first this ended up as a solid 4 stars for me and 🌶️🌶️🌶️, I will absolutely be reading the sequel
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Gore, Rape, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Violence, Blood, Medical content, and Murder
Moderate: Alcoholism and Death of parent
Goldfinch by Raven Kennedy
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
6 shining gold stars for this final installment of the Plated Prisoner series.
The way every single character arc came full circle was an absolute delight. This ending was everything I wanted and more, with surprises that (I should have) I didn’t see coming. Auren’s journey from damsel to Lyäri was so beautiful, and her and Slade’s relationship is one that stays in a corner of my heart forever, rent free.
My all time favorite dark fantasy romance. Raven Kennedy’s unique King Midas retelling is a masterpiece in full. I cherish this final book.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶️🌶️.5
The way every single character arc came full circle was an absolute delight. This ending was everything I wanted and more, with surprises that (I should have) I didn’t see coming. Auren’s journey from damsel to Lyäri was so beautiful, and her and Slade’s relationship is one that stays in a corner of my heart forever, rent free.
My all time favorite dark fantasy romance. Raven Kennedy’s unique King Midas retelling is a masterpiece in full. I cherish this final book.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶️🌶️.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Cursing, Death, Gore, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Bow Before the Elf Queen by J.M. Kearl
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
3.75 🌟 rounded up!
It took me a bit to get into this one but the last half of the book was amazing. I loved the dark broody prince aspect, the rejected mates/arranged marriage, and slow burn that bow before the elf queen contained. Aspects of dark magic, witty banter, and an immersive setting were also great. I listened on audio so I can’t comment on grammatical errors but the audio was fun and I’m happy I stopped putting this one off. I’ll definitely continue the series!
It took me a bit to get into this one but the last half of the book was amazing. I loved the dark broody prince aspect, the rejected mates/arranged marriage, and slow burn that bow before the elf queen contained. Aspects of dark magic, witty banter, and an immersive setting were also great. I listened on audio so I can’t comment on grammatical errors but the audio was fun and I’m happy I stopped putting this one off. I’ll definitely continue the series!
The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-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? No
4.0
The Prison Healer is a dark YA fantasy about a girl named Kiva who was locked away at 7 years old into a prison called Zalindov. Guilty by association, her and her father are convicted against treason to the crown.
Now 10 years later, Kiva uses the healing skills her father taught her as the head Prison Healer. When the Rebel Queen arrives at the prison extremely sick, Kiva is tasked with keeping her alive. The rebel queen is sentenced to elemental trials, and when she’s too sick to participate, Kiva volunteers to take her place in the trials. Trials that no one has ever survived before, to earn her freedom.
I really enjoyed this one and it did intrigue and hook me within the first 100 pages. Some very solid plot twists although at times things felt slightly repetitive in the middle, I realized by the end how all of it was tying factors and plot points together. I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys magical trials, dark fantasy settings, a touch of romance along the way, and found family.
4 solid stars 🌟
Now 10 years later, Kiva uses the healing skills her father taught her as the head Prison Healer. When the Rebel Queen arrives at the prison extremely sick, Kiva is tasked with keeping her alive. The rebel queen is sentenced to elemental trials, and when she’s too sick to participate, Kiva volunteers to take her place in the trials. Trials that no one has ever survived before, to earn her freedom.
I really enjoyed this one and it did intrigue and hook me within the first 100 pages. Some very solid plot twists although at times things felt slightly repetitive in the middle, I realized by the end how all of it was tying factors and plot points together. I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys magical trials, dark fantasy settings, a touch of romance along the way, and found family.
4 solid stars 🌟
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Confinement, Death, Gore, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Medical content, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Drug use and Self harm
Sea of Strangers by Lang Leav
reflective
fast-paced
3.0
A quick read, one of the last of Lang’s works that I had on my TBR. While it wasn’t my favorite collection she’s ever written, there were a few that stuck out to me. Overall this one didn’t connect and make me feel as deeply as som of her other works. I’m a fan of shorter poetry and prose and modern works, but this one unfortunately didn’t hit a home run for me.
Solid 3 🌟
Solid 3 🌟
Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Alright I officially need to read every book Kennedy Ryan has written because WOW did this far exceed my expectations!
A second chance adult romance told in duo POV. A story of loss, grief, divorce, passion, and true love. This book is full of raw and real moments that will leave a mark on your heart forever. I cried so many times in sadness as well as joy. This was a masterpiece.
6 gold stars 🌟
1.5 🌶️
A second chance adult romance told in duo POV. A story of loss, grief, divorce, passion, and true love. This book is full of raw and real moments that will leave a mark on your heart forever. I cried so many times in sadness as well as joy. This was a masterpiece.
6 gold stars 🌟
1.5 🌶️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Grief, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Cursing, Suicidal thoughts, Car accident, and Death of parent
Jade City by Fonda Lee
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
A profound high fantasy experience. This is definitely within the realm of one of my top 3 books this year.
On an island where Jade holds power- strengthening those who have lineal blood to tolerate wearing it- chaos brews between two ancient clans on the island of Kekon.
A tale of family, loyalty, honor, and power- Jade City creates an immersive world narrated by multiple perspectives. Diving straight into the action from the first chapter, I was mesmerized every time I stepped back into these pages. There’s moments that I felt I was watching an anime during the fight scenes, and I’ve never had an experience quite like I did this with any other book.
If you love high fantasy with gems and metals containing magical properties, tests of loyalty, piecing together a puzzle throughout a story, a multi POV where you’re eagerly anticipating insight from every single character… this one is for the high stakes fantasy lovers. I can’t wait to continue on with this trilogy.
6 life changing stars 🌟
On an island where Jade holds power- strengthening those who have lineal blood to tolerate wearing it- chaos brews between two ancient clans on the island of Kekon.
A tale of family, loyalty, honor, and power- Jade City creates an immersive world narrated by multiple perspectives. Diving straight into the action from the first chapter, I was mesmerized every time I stepped back into these pages. There’s moments that I felt I was watching an anime during the fight scenes, and I’ve never had an experience quite like I did this with any other book.
If you love high fantasy with gems and metals containing magical properties, tests of loyalty, piecing together a puzzle throughout a story, a multi POV where you’re eagerly anticipating insight from every single character… this one is for the high stakes fantasy lovers. I can’t wait to continue on with this trilogy.
6 life changing stars 🌟
Quicksilver by Callie Hart
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
First off, I’m definitely foaming at the mouth for the sequel of this book.
With all of the hype and chatter I knew I had to give this book a chance, and I’m so happy that I did.
I was lulled a bit in the middle, but the beginning and end had me completely involved. I do think the middle was necessary for all of the world building though. Great character development, very fun and unique magic system, and a bit of something different in the romantasy realm amongst many similar executions these days.
I would recommend this to anyone who loves a very slow burn, shadow zaddys, unique magic systems, and an FMC who goes from zero to hero.
4.25⭐️
1.5🌶️
With all of the hype and chatter I knew I had to give this book a chance, and I’m so happy that I did.
I was lulled a bit in the middle, but the beginning and end had me completely involved. I do think the middle was necessary for all of the world building though. Great character development, very fun and unique magic system, and a bit of something different in the romantasy realm amongst many similar executions these days.
I would recommend this to anyone who loves a very slow burn, shadow zaddys, unique magic systems, and an FMC who goes from zero to hero.
4.25⭐️
1.5🌶️
Warbreaker, Part 3 of 3 by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This book as a whole was such a glorious experience. The only issue I have with the graphic audio is that the narrators voice was often drowned out with the cinematic background noises.
Overall this book truly made me a Brandon Sanderson stan. The character development, world building, and dialogue really was a league of its own. Makes me excited to continue diving into Sanderson’s multiverse. If you’ve been intimidated by where to start with his works, I believe this was a great intro into his worlds. While the world building is intense and battle scenes alike with this 3rd part, it was an extremely adventurous and engaging read. The storytelling doesn’t bore you in any way, a unique fantasy indeed.
6⭐️ for the overall storyline,
4.25 ⭐️ for the graphic audio.
Overall this book truly made me a Brandon Sanderson stan. The character development, world building, and dialogue really was a league of its own. Makes me excited to continue diving into Sanderson’s multiverse. If you’ve been intimidated by where to start with his works, I believe this was a great intro into his worlds. While the world building is intense and battle scenes alike with this 3rd part, it was an extremely adventurous and engaging read. The storytelling doesn’t bore you in any way, a unique fantasy indeed.
6⭐️ for the overall storyline,
4.25 ⭐️ for the graphic audio.