These books are actually such fun reads. I've read quite a few of the books written by these three authors, and I definitely always enjoy the fun jokeThese books are actually such fun reads. I've read quite a few of the books written by these three authors, and I definitely always enjoy the fun jokes and the breaking of the fourth wall. I found that the book wasn't quite as good as My Lady Jane (speaking of which, I loved seeing some cameos from some of the characters from that book!) but it still had the irreverent humour that I've come to expect from the series.
The plot itself was probably a bit on the weak side, which is why I've rated this book lower than the others. I still obviously enjoyed it, but just found that the main conflict in the plot wasn't as compelling as the previous novels that I've read from these authors. I also personally felt that Ari's story was a bit weaker than the other two, but that might just be because I just really enjoyed reading from the other two's points of view.
Overall, a great addition to the shelf from this author trio. I certainly look forward to any further novels they're planning on releasing.
Last Chance Books is a decent contemporary romance with the well loved trope of enemies to lovers. Main character Madeline and love interest Jasper arLast Chance Books is a decent contemporary romance with the well loved trope of enemies to lovers. Main character Madeline and love interest Jasper are competitors working at different bookstores on the same street, and end up starting a prank war in order to undermine and steal each other's business.
It felt as if there were many aspects of the plot, but that these many subplots were underexplored. One particular aspect was the character development for Jasper. I felt like I was less interested in the romance than I could've been if his character was explored a little further. On the other hand, the story was still a light and quick read, and the banter between the main characters was quite decent.
Overall a cute story that stayed within its comfort zone and therefore lacked some depth in respect to the plot.
This book had such a great concept but I felt overall that there were a fair few things to be improved on. A heist novel with an interracial gay romanThis book had such a great concept but I felt overall that there were a fair few things to be improved on. A heist novel with an interracial gay romance in a fantasy is already pretty novel, but unfortunately, the execution wasn't quite there.
I think the main thing was that the pacing was super slow, and the main quests/adventures themselves weren't really that interesting. The main character was quite well developed, but literally everyone else including the love interest were so poorly developed that I hardly felt interested in anything that happened, including the romance and the main plotline.
Overall, I would probably still say that I enjoyed it, but I don't think I enjoyed it enough that I would re-read or continue on to any sequels.
This book was another great addition to the many fantastic novels that Cynthia Hand has written. I have to say, there was quite a lot of drama; much mThis book was another great addition to the many fantastic novels that Cynthia Hand has written. I have to say, there was quite a lot of drama; much more than I normally like, but somehow it felt reasonable. I think because quite a lot of it was based more so on family drama rather than stupid misunderstandings etc that are often found in romance related drama. To be honest, Ada's attempts at losing her virginity which is pretty heavily focused on in the blurb, is somewhat of a subplot.
Overall, a great novel with much more of a focus on family rather than romance.
I was really surprised when I saw this book on a list for anticipated upcoming books because I had no idea that a new book in this series was being reI was really surprised when I saw this book on a list for anticipated upcoming books because I had no idea that a new book in this series was being released. I'm glad I came across it because this was an excellent addition to the Truly Devious series.
I really like Stevie and how clever she is. And I suppose, by extension, how clever Maureen Johnson is. I often feel that the twists in these books catch me by surprise and the culprits are really not that obvious. I also love the relationships and banter between the main four characters (Stevie, Nate, Janelle and David), and was glad to see the many interactions we got in this installment.
For those who want to read this book first, although it is a standalone story separate from the Truly Devious main trilogy, I would still recommend reading those first. While this book doesn't spoil anything, I feel like the chemistry of the characters and such is better if you understand the backstory. Plus it's a fabulous trilogy, so you should read it anyway!
Overall, The Box in the Woods is highly recommended. Is it too much to hope for more in the series? hehe
The Beholder Duology is a series about the adventures of Selah, the Seneschal-Elect (next leader) of the nation of Potomac. She is sent by her stepmotThe Beholder Duology is a series about the adventures of Selah, the Seneschal-Elect (next leader) of the nation of Potomac. She is sent by her stepmother on a journey overseas to bring back a husband. I think this series started off quite promising but was quickly bogged down by pacing issues and a disproportionate focus on a mediocre romance.
Unfortunately the biggest issue with the series was the horrible pacing. The first book was not as bad in this respect as it had a few interesting events throughout, but I felt in the second book in particular it was really difficult to concentrate on the story. Mostly this was because of the romance. It seemed like initially the author makes an effort to steer the novel away from the romance and focus more on the adventure side of things, with protagonist exploring several new countries. But then the main character has a romance with what seems like every young male character that pops up in the series, with most of these "romances" basically being mediocre instaloves.
I'm not sure I can actually recommend this series. I liked the first book somewhat in its exploration of different countries and cultures, but overall the pacing and the poorly developed romance(s) brought down the adventure aspect of the story.
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