sophs_mood_reading's reviews
390 reviews

The Scent of Oranges by Kathy George

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challenging emotional hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Imagine Oliver Twist reimagined through Nancy’s eyes. This fresh take dives into her life on the gritty streets of Victorian London, showing her struggles, loves, and hopes for redemption. From her days as one of Fagin’s pickpockets to her complicated relationships with Bill Sikes and newly introduced Mr. Rufus, this story gives her the depth and spotlight she’s always deserved.

I loved the premise and how easily you’re drawn into Nancy’s world. The writing captures her voice perfectly, complete with accents and clever moments that make you feel like you’re right there with her. It was fascinating to see a side of Nancy’s life that Dickens left unexplored, showing what could have been. The ending leans into a paranormal twist (no spoilers, but if you know the story, you know) that felt more like a strange bandaid, trying to fill in the conclusion Nancy couldn’t quite give us herself.

Thank you HQ for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review 
A Monsoon Rising by Thea Guanzon

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adventurous funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Enemies to lovers? Check. A magical apocalypse? Double check. Alaric and Talasyn are stuck in a marriage that’s more “war tactics and betrayal” than “happily ever after,” but sparks are flying anyway, literally, because she’s all light and he’s all shadow. Between plotting to overthrow each other and trying to save the world, they’re walking a fine line between passion and treachery. Add in secret schemes, daddy issues, and a looming magical world ending event, and you’ve got a recipe for drama with a side of chaos.

This one didn’t sweep me off my feet like the first book, and jumping straight back into the action without a “previously on” was a bit rough. The pacing leaned towards slow burn, but the big action moment didn’t quite pack the punch it was aiming for. On the plus side, the romance turned up the heat, and the spice was a nice addition, just enough to keep things steamy without overpowering the plot. It definitely felt more like a “bridge book” than a star of its own, but the drama was there to keep me hooked.

The audiobook narration was solid, though the male voices from the female narrator missed the mark a bit. That said, the story itself held together well enough to keep me intrigued. It might not have blown me away, but it’s definitely keeping me curious about what’s next.
Starling House by Alix E. Harrow

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

Think Gallant by V.E. Schwab meets real-world drama and a mansion that’s a little too eager to keep its secrets. The dark academia vibes had me hooked with a nice mix of eerie fantasy and relatable family drama. But then the ending hit and the story completely abandons the modern-day chaos for full-on fantasy. It was like “Wait, where’d the real world go?”

The audiobook narration? Perfectly executed. Smooth, engaging, and with no awkward breaks or obvious pickups. Just pure listening pleasure.

Still, if you’re dipping your toes into fantasy this might be your jam. It’s got all the mysterious, atmospheric vibes you could want but don’t expect to stay grounded once it dives headfirst into fantasy land.

Spectacular by Stephanie Garber

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dark fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

A Game of Fate by Scarlett St. Clair

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3.0

The Crimson Moth by Kristen Ciccarelli

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adventurous dark emotional funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Rune’s living a double life: secret witch vigilante by night, vapid socialite by day. Her latest scheme? Courting Gideon Sharpe, the brooding witch hunter with loyalty to the revolution and a face carved by the gods. Naturally, Gideon’s onto her and starts playing along to catch the Crimson Moth. Spoiler alert: the sparks are very real.

I loved the fresh take on witches in this story. Instead of the usual “falsely accused” narrative, we get a world where witches once ruled, and people genuinely fear their magic. That fear feels justified, adding layers to the tension and making this witchy world stand out.

With sharp banter, high-stakes romance, and a fresh twist on witches in hiding, this book kept me hooked until the very last page. The cliffhanger? Just enough intrigue to leave you dying for the next book without flipping your table. If you’re into enemies-to-lovers with a twist, you need this book in your life.




Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny 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? It's complicated

4.0

Looking for a rom-com? Perfect, let’s narrow it down. Small town? Single dad? Hockey? Nah. How about rival serial killers serving up Dexter vibes while shamelessly flirting over their body count? Welcome to The Butcher and the Blackbird!

This book flips the romance genre on its head and drags it into the dark with unapologetic glee. Yes, it’s twisted (hello, serial killers), so definitely check those trigger warnings. But Sloane and Rowen? They’re a bloody delight, equal parts chaotic hilarity, sweet moments, and spicy encounters.

And the audiobook? Chef’s kiss. It’s a duet narration, which is already gold, but toss in an Irish accent? Absolute perfection. If you’re ready to root for a love story that shouldn’t work but somehow does, this one’s for you.
The Cursed by Harper L. Woods

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dark emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

I hate to say it, but this witchy sequel left me hexed… and not in a good way. I had such high hopes after The Coven, but this one felt like an endless loop of sexy times with a pinch of plot thrown in for flavour. Don’t get me wrong (I’m no prude) but I need more story to sink my teeth into, and this just didn’t deliver.

The ending finally gave us some actual action (and no, not just the bedroom kind), but by then, I was already halfway out the door. If you’re here for steam, you’ll be very happy, but if you’re looking for a follow-up that matches the dark academia magic of the first book? Don’t get your hopes too high.
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Iron Flame (Parts 1 & 2) [Dramatized Adaptation] by Rebecca Yarros

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adventurous challenging emotional funny 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? It's complicated

4.5

 Iron Flame ate Fourth Wing for breakfast. The stakes are higher, the twists are wilder, and the action? Nonstop. The story dives deeper into the rebellion, the politics, and some serious betrayals—it makes book one feel like a warm-up. 
 
Yeah, it’s been a year since I read Fourth Wing, and I needed a quick refresher, but once I was back, I couldn’t stop. This could’ve easily been two books, but we got it all in one, and I’m not complaining. The cliffhanger? Less “rip your heart out” and more “buckle up, we’re not done.” Loved every second. Bring on book three! 
Skysong by C.A. Wright

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emotional inspiring medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0


Oriane is literally the reason the sun rises—she turns into a bird and sings it awake every morning. NBD, right? Except it’s a little hard to make friends when you’re stuck in a magical routine. One rebellious morning, she ends up at the royal palace, where she’s worshipped like a goddess… and trapped like one too. As political drama heats up, Oriane discovers she’s not the only songbird in town—enter The Nightingale. 
 
This book is pure magic. The narration? Flawless. The story? Gorgeous. The vibe? All the lush, atmospheric retelling goodness you could want. You’ll practically feel the sunrise and hear the music as Oriane’s world comes alive. It’s haunting, heartwarming, and the perfect escape for audiobook lovers. Highly recommend!