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bekahzabel's reviews
321 reviews
Warbreaker, Part 2 of 3 by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
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
I’m hooked. I’ve been converted into a Brandon Sanderson fan. Moving right into part three! I absolutely love the world building, character development, witty dialogue, and how unique the magic system is. Highly engaging plot line and god tier high fantasy.
Only qualm with the graphic audio is that the dialogue comes through very clearly, but the narration gets a bit lost and convoluted with the background noise. I think the levels of the audio just needed a little more refinement. I would give the audio a 4⭐️ and the story itself 6⭐️.
Only qualm with the graphic audio is that the dialogue comes through very clearly, but the narration gets a bit lost and convoluted with the background noise. I think the levels of the audio just needed a little more refinement. I would give the audio a 4⭐️ and the story itself 6⭐️.
The Never King by Nikki St. Crowe
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
2.55⭐️ rounded up. 🌶️🌶️.5 spice level.
Idk about this one for me y’all. Lemme start off by saying I love it dark. I love pitch black MMC’s, I love fairytale retellings, and I go crazy for some reverse harem.
The MMC’s lacked depth for me, and so did the FMC in my honest opinion. Not much character development going on, but Baze, I think I like him a little bit. I feel like I’m going to read the next one since this one was so short and easy, but somethin’ just wasn’t hittin’. The smut was there tho, I’ll give it that. It gets pretty freaky but…. again something was lacking there.
Reverse Harem
Peter Pan Retelling
Fantasy Setting w/ slight dash of magic.
Group Scenes
Dark
Easy to read/fast paced
If that sounds like it’s for you then I would have a go at it yourself and form your own opinion! Mine is subjective of course and I do feel like Nikee’s writing did flow pretty well.
Idk about this one for me y’all. Lemme start off by saying I love it dark. I love pitch black MMC’s, I love fairytale retellings, and I go crazy for some reverse harem.
The MMC’s lacked depth for me, and so did the FMC in my honest opinion. Not much character development going on, but Baze, I think I like him a little bit. I feel like I’m going to read the next one since this one was so short and easy, but somethin’ just wasn’t hittin’. The smut was there tho, I’ll give it that. It gets pretty freaky but…. again something was lacking there.
Reverse Harem
Peter Pan Retelling
Fantasy Setting w/ slight dash of magic.
Group Scenes
Dark
Easy to read/fast paced
If that sounds like it’s for you then I would have a go at it yourself and form your own opinion! Mine is subjective of course and I do feel like Nikee’s writing did flow pretty well.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Cursing, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Kidnapping
Leather & Lark by Brynne Weaver
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Okay okay, I did very much enjoy this one. Maybe not as much as I enjoyed the first, but my one downfall was that it didn’t seem to have as much of a plot and was more character forward.
As usual though I was laughing out loud and my jaw was on the floor once the slow burn finally started on fire. Lark and Lochlen got a lil more freaky in my opinion 🤪 I did see the plot twist coming before it unfolded but nonetheless, I would highly recommend this one to dark romance thriller lovers.
4⭐️/🌶️🌶️🌶️
As usual though I was laughing out loud and my jaw was on the floor once the slow burn finally started on fire. Lark and Lochlen got a lil more freaky in my opinion 🤪 I did see the plot twist coming before it unfolded but nonetheless, I would highly recommend this one to dark romance thriller lovers.
4⭐️/🌶️🌶️🌶️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
To Bleed a Crystal Bloom by Sarah A. Parker
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Okay I have quite a bit of jarbled thoughts to share with y’all here.
First off, the writing is so beautiful. Very poetic prose in Sarah’s world building which is right up my alley, I would truly write anything this woman puts out.
Second, I found myself very confused. I’m talking about by page 400 I was like okay where are the answers?? LOL. Most of the time I just try to be a little delulu through the world building in a fantasy book, but I’m hoping it was really setting the scene for the next two books of the trilogy.
Rapunzel retelling,
Unique Magical World,
Mermen 🧜🏼♀️🧜🏼♂️ & Magical Creatures
Prophecy/Mysterious ??
Coming of Age FMC
Training
4⭐️//🌶️
*****Spoilers from this point forward******
Third, I’m not sure who I was supposed to fall in love with. Rhyorden is giving me possessive and I’ll do anything to have her… but there were moments that he really pissed me off. I don’t like the way he speaks to Orlaith.
Cainon… I liked you, and you were growing on me until you snapped the cupla onto her wrist without her permission. That gave me the ick.
Kai… you can do no wrong, I was rooting for you.
Orlaith our FMC is sheltered and slowly coming into her own. She’s got some training under her belt, and I’m looking forward to seeing more growth once she crosses the sea after leaving the Stony Stem.
I will definitely continue I just hope some more answers unfold 😩🤣
First off, the writing is so beautiful. Very poetic prose in Sarah’s world building which is right up my alley, I would truly write anything this woman puts out.
Second, I found myself very confused. I’m talking about by page 400 I was like okay where are the answers?? LOL. Most of the time I just try to be a little delulu through the world building in a fantasy book, but I’m hoping it was really setting the scene for the next two books of the trilogy.
Rapunzel retelling,
Unique Magical World,
Mermen 🧜🏼♀️🧜🏼♂️ & Magical Creatures
Prophecy/Mysterious ??
Coming of Age FMC
Training
4⭐️//🌶️
*****Spoilers from this point forward******
Third, I’m not sure who I was supposed to fall in love with. Rhyorden is giving me possessive and I’ll do anything to have her… but there were moments that he really pissed me off. I don’t like the way he speaks to Orlaith.
Cainon… I liked you, and you were growing on me until you snapped the cupla onto her wrist without her permission. That gave me the ick.
Kai… you can do no wrong, I was rooting for you.
Orlaith our FMC is sheltered and slowly coming into her own. She’s got some training under her belt, and I’m looking forward to seeing more growth once she crosses the sea after leaving the Stony Stem.
I will definitely continue I just hope some more answers unfold 😩🤣
Warbreaker, Part 1 of 3 by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
funny
mysterious
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
5.0
This was my first attempt at listening to a graphic audio, so I don’t have a comparison of that sort unfortunately. I really enjoyed this one! The plot, magic system, and character development was top of the line. I found myself laughing out loud and completely immersed in the world the entire time. So refreshing when a world has so many unique characteristics entertained.
Was also my first time giving Brandon Sanderson a try, and I don’t know why I waited so long. I’ve been baptized and converted, all aboard the hype train. Thoroughly exceeded my expectations. I can’t wait to listen to part 2 once my libby hold comes through 😅😇😍
4/5 ⭐️ for the audio narration, 5/5⭐️ for story as a whole.
Was also my first time giving Brandon Sanderson a try, and I don’t know why I waited so long. I’ve been baptized and converted, all aboard the hype train. Thoroughly exceeded my expectations. I can’t wait to listen to part 2 once my libby hold comes through 😅😇😍
4/5 ⭐️ for the audio narration, 5/5⭐️ for story as a whole.
Home Is Where the Bodies Are by Jeneva Rose
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
I just… couldn’t connect with this one sadly. I listened on audio so maybe that’s why I wasn’t so engaged, but I had no issues with the narrator. I would give another one of Jeneva’s books a go I just don’t think this one was for me.
I felt the multiple POV’s were convoluted and confusing, and I had an inkling about the plot twist about halfway through.
If you enjoy medium paced YA thrillers I think this might be fore you! You’ll never know until you try for yourself, but unfortunately in subjective overview… It was a bit slow although the plot concept does have strength. Character development felt almost nonexistent and wasn’t a fan of the sister’s toxic portrayal of addiction and recovery.
Dark Secrets,
Small Town,
Suspenseful,
Family Mystery,
Twisty Plotline
I felt the multiple POV’s were convoluted and confusing, and I had an inkling about the plot twist about halfway through.
If you enjoy medium paced YA thrillers I think this might be fore you! You’ll never know until you try for yourself, but unfortunately in subjective overview… It was a bit slow although the plot concept does have strength. Character development felt almost nonexistent and wasn’t a fan of the sister’s toxic portrayal of addiction and recovery.
Dark Secrets,
Small Town,
Suspenseful,
Family Mystery,
Twisty Plotline
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Deadnaming, Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
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? No
5.0
This was a TREAT. I needed a laugh like this so bad. From start to finish Butcher & Blackbird kept me engaged.
I would consider this to be a dark romantic comedy. There are plenty of triggers and graphic descriptions, I mean both main characters are serial killers so it’s to be expected. This was (dare I say) one of the best audiobooks I’ve ever listened to. The alternating POV’s were narrated perfectly. I let this one sit for a long time and boy am I happy I took a chance on it.
Reminded me of the Mindf*ck series in ways, with the humor of assistant to the villain, but not cringey or forced like it felt with ATTV.
I would highly recommend this one to anyone who enjoys dark romance with a large serving of comedy within the writing. Slow burns, witty banter, bad ass main characters, and just all around a good read for dark romance readers. It was right up my alley.
6⭐️/🌶️🌶️🌶️
I would consider this to be a dark romantic comedy. There are plenty of triggers and graphic descriptions, I mean both main characters are serial killers so it’s to be expected. This was (dare I say) one of the best audiobooks I’ve ever listened to. The alternating POV’s were narrated perfectly. I let this one sit for a long time and boy am I happy I took a chance on it.
Reminded me of the Mindf*ck series in ways, with the humor of assistant to the villain, but not cringey or forced like it felt with ATTV.
I would highly recommend this one to anyone who enjoys dark romance with a large serving of comedy within the writing. Slow burns, witty banter, bad ass main characters, and just all around a good read for dark romance readers. It was right up my alley.
6⭐️/🌶️🌶️🌶️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Gore, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Cannibalism, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
A powerful collection of poems that tells a beautiful story of a young woman slowly but surely stepping into her power.
This is YA but I would highly recommend it to any age above 16. There’s angst, self doubt, curiosity, self discovery, so much growth, love, and family matters throughout the plot that really deepen your connection with Xiomara.
A fierce and headstrong fmc in her journey as a poet. This is a profound coming of age story that was so well written. 5⭐️ from me.
This is YA but I would highly recommend it to any age above 16. There’s angst, self doubt, curiosity, self discovery, so much growth, love, and family matters throughout the plot that really deepen your connection with Xiomara.
A fierce and headstrong fmc in her journey as a poet. This is a profound coming of age story that was so well written. 5⭐️ from me.
Pretty Boys Are Poisonous: Poems by Megan Fox
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
4.0
My qualm is that I wish it was twice as long.
It is not my place to judge another woman’s trauma and experiences. Pretty Boys are Poisonous yanked on my heartstrings. I really felt for her throughout the entirety of this collection, and honestly had no idea that she’d been through so much. You never know what happens behind closed doors and when a celebrity releases poetry or a memoir, I’m grateful for a peek behind those doors… because truly none of us are entitled to know. This was dark, vulnerable, and all the poems were shorter style micropoems, but I’m into it.
I’d recommend this one to anyone who enjoys modern poetry about losing and finding yourself after abusive relationships. Good for her for releasing this, she gained a new fan and respect from me.
It is not my place to judge another woman’s trauma and experiences. Pretty Boys are Poisonous yanked on my heartstrings. I really felt for her throughout the entirety of this collection, and honestly had no idea that she’d been through so much. You never know what happens behind closed doors and when a celebrity releases poetry or a memoir, I’m grateful for a peek behind those doors… because truly none of us are entitled to know. This was dark, vulnerable, and all the poems were shorter style micropoems, but I’m into it.
I’d recommend this one to anyone who enjoys modern poetry about losing and finding yourself after abusive relationships. Good for her for releasing this, she gained a new fan and respect from me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Body shaming, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Rape, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Gaslighting, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A reflection of ruthless decisions driven by a dark turn of events.
I devoured this one on audio in one sitting. Yellowface follows our main character June, who steals her colleagues manuscript after a tragic passing. While I know June wasn’t supposed to be a well liked character, there were plenty of moments where her thought process had me laughing out loud. Diabolical is a great way to describe this FMC.
RF Kuang addressed a unique plot here that could very well happen in modern day society. Fast paced and captivating, I was very engaged from start to finish.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys modern literary fiction with a bit of a thriller type feel.
4 ⭐️
I devoured this one on audio in one sitting. Yellowface follows our main character June, who steals her colleagues manuscript after a tragic passing. While I know June wasn’t supposed to be a well liked character, there were plenty of moments where her thought process had me laughing out loud. Diabolical is a great way to describe this FMC.
RF Kuang addressed a unique plot here that could very well happen in modern day society. Fast paced and captivating, I was very engaged from start to finish.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys modern literary fiction with a bit of a thriller type feel.
4 ⭐️
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Mental illness, Cultural appropriation, and Colonisation