emilia_reads's reviews
339 reviews

Time to Shine by Rachel Reid

funny lighthearted relaxing 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

3.5

The Most by Jessica Anthony

reflective fast-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

3.5

I enjoyed this book so much more than I expected, even if I only gave it a 3.5. I preferred Kathy’s POV, but the entire book was very compulsively readable. The subtle plot twists kept me reading, and the overall atmosphere of the story was very reflective of the time period this story is set in. Also I love a good tennis story, so bonus points for that. 

Thanks to Little Brown and Company and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review!

Kei X Yaku: Bound by Law, Vol. 1 by Yoshie Kaoruhara

dark funny mysterious 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

4.5

Great start to the series! I'm a sucker for mafia romances, and this one was so cute, too. I am quite intrigued by the plot, and I already love the characters and their dynamic. I love when mangas have cute, funny moments juxtaposed to serious, dramatic ones. I just wish more happened in this volume! Definitely will continue with the series. 

Thanks to Kodansha Comics and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review!

The Yearning Fox Lies in Wait by Nmura

emotional lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

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

3.0

Quite a soothing, relaxing read. Great to just read in one sitting on a quiet evening. However, I felt the pacing to be somewhat jarring. No plot, just vibes type of story. Loosely reminded me of "The Dragon's Betrothed" manga. 

Thanks to Kodansha Comics and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review!

Call Down the Hawk by Maggie Stiefvater

adventurous challenging

• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.5

Icarus by K. Ancrum

challenging tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Unbelievably disappointing; similar themes to The Wicker King (one of my favorite YA books of all time) but poorly executed. Themes were too heavy handed, characters felt underdeveloped, relationships developed too quickly, and plot was just OK. I don’t know how to say this in a way that makes sense, but it gives the same energy as AI writing it (not that I actually think AI wrote it), more like something was just off about the entire thing. It felt like it was missing something huge or the pacing was super off, I’m not sure

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

adventurous emotional mysterious fast-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? Yes

4.5

One of the first books I ever read when I was getting back into reading. I gave all the books in this series a five star when I first read them, so I am rereading them all now to give them a true rating. This one is probably my least favorite in the series - just waiting to get to the point where these characters are really thrown into the plot. I love Ronan and Adam, I would reread these books over and over again just to get all their interactions, but Blue could be gone from this series and I would not care. I have so many quotes saved from this book. Just excited to continue with this series for Ronan + Adam, and also just Ronan individually - fav character. Great writing, great world-building and themes. I remember thinking that someone could write a solid thesis on this series and I would read all of it.

Unhinged by Onley James

challenging dark sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

Deeply, deeply disappointing. Look at that cover, beautiful and yet the meat of it is poor writing, insta-love, and a boring plot. I really do not understand what there is to like about this? The worst is the relationship that develops so quickly as to be unbelievable. The world is also poorly developed. I won’t continue the series, probably won’t read anything else from the author. Super sad about this one.

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

First Read - 5.0

Fence, Vol. 6: Redemption by C.S. Pacat

lighthearted relaxing 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? Yes

4.0