Scan barcode
myleejmiller's reviews
76 reviews
A Curse for True Love by Stephanie Garber
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
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? Yes
5.0
In the final installment in Once Upon A Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber, Evangeline has forgotten everything about her past, from the time of her life after her parents' deaths to the person she loves most: Jacks, the renowned Prince Of Hearts. Tricked by Apollo, the prince of the Magnificent North, she still feels like things aren't quite right even without her recollections to guide her. As her memories return, she seeks to expand upon them. New threats arise the more she remembers, however, and friends become enemies as her story, and Jacks', takes a turn for the worse.
I honestly cannot get enough of Garber's writing. It is so inspiring, so original, that reading one of her books feels like drinking a cup of magic. Her prose is the most unique description style I have ever read, her characters are so authentic that their pain becomes my pain. If I had to choose three words to describe Garber's magnificent writing, they would be: stunning, thrilling, and downright magical. It was a type of high I never wanted to end. I deeply hope there are more stories set in this world that have yet to come to pass. I don't think I'll ever have enough of the universe she expands with every page she writes.
Something I love about Garber's work is it feels infused with magic, but I'll admit that even these kinds of stories have mistakes. I felt like, as a reader, I didn't get clarity on what happened to several of the characters when the story closed. While Jacks and Evangeline had endings written, there were more than a few characters that either didn't show up in the third book or whose finales weren't displayed. I also wish there was more of an explanation as to what happened during the climax regarding the villain, the concept of true love, and how everything worked out the way it did. Still, it wasn't enough to deter me from the overall story. Well worth the read!
I honestly cannot get enough of Garber's writing. It is so inspiring, so original, that reading one of her books feels like drinking a cup of magic. Her prose is the most unique description style I have ever read, her characters are so authentic that their pain becomes my pain. If I had to choose three words to describe Garber's magnificent writing, they would be: stunning, thrilling, and downright magical. It was a type of high I never wanted to end. I deeply hope there are more stories set in this world that have yet to come to pass. I don't think I'll ever have enough of the universe she expands with every page she writes.
Something I love about Garber's work is it feels infused with magic, but I'll admit that even these kinds of stories have mistakes. I felt like, as a reader, I didn't get clarity on what happened to several of the characters when the story closed. While Jacks and Evangeline had endings written, there were more than a few characters that either didn't show up in the third book or whose finales weren't displayed. I also wish there was more of an explanation as to what happened during the climax regarding the villain, the concept of true love, and how everything worked out the way it did. Still, it wasn't enough to deter me from the overall story. Well worth the read!
The Ballad of Never After by Stephanie Garber
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
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? Yes
5.0
Following the heart-rending conclusion to Once Upon A Broken Heart, Evangeline Fox swears to never trust the cruel Prince Of Hearts again. But when curses abound and she realizes an opportunity to fix her past mistakes (and curses) awaits if she returns to Jacks and helps him open the Valory Arch, she has no choice but to follow fate, while also trying to break it.
Oh. My. WORD. Yet again, Stephanie Garber amazes with her incredible works of fantasy and magic. The prose - immaculate! The characters - stunning! Garber has a way with making magic feel real. Her descriptions are so visceral I can taste her worlds and feel them as if they are a reality. Ever since reading Caraval, I've known about Garber's talent with words and mystical worldbuilding, but it's only getting better with each book she writes. This is the type of author that will go down in legends and history books, hopefully unchanging and unlike the ones in The Ballad Of Never After, itself.
This series is something I would recommend to readers of all ages. Intense, soul-shattering, and vivid, Once Upon A Broken Heart and it's sequel are stories that no reader will want to miss. If you know you like fantasy and if you love clear, delicious prose, don't miss out on this fantastical book!
Oh. My. WORD. Yet again, Stephanie Garber amazes with her incredible works of fantasy and magic. The prose - immaculate! The characters - stunning! Garber has a way with making magic feel real. Her descriptions are so visceral I can taste her worlds and feel them as if they are a reality. Ever since reading Caraval, I've known about Garber's talent with words and mystical worldbuilding, but it's only getting better with each book she writes. This is the type of author that will go down in legends and history books, hopefully unchanging and unlike the ones in The Ballad Of Never After, itself.
This series is something I would recommend to readers of all ages. Intense, soul-shattering, and vivid, Once Upon A Broken Heart and it's sequel are stories that no reader will want to miss. If you know you like fantasy and if you love clear, delicious prose, don't miss out on this fantastical book!
The Storyteller by Traci Chee
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
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? Yes
5.0
In the final book of Traci Chee's The Reader trilogy, Archer and Sefia try to fight fate - the Book itself - by doing everything in their power to subvert its writings. Abandoning their friends and changing their plans, however, isn't enough to stop destiny. As their every action leads them toward the inevitable end, they learn the most important stories aren't the one they change, but the ones they choose to live.
Oh. My. WORD. The Storyteller was such a phenomenal conclusion to The Reader trilogy. If I had to choose three words to describe this epic conclusion to the story of Sefia and Archer, I would say: Thrilling, chilling, and mystifying. It was like being pulled into a whole new world, head-first, unable and unwilling to resurface.
Chee's prose is immaculate, the action sequences are stunning, and it just kept getting better. While the book does hold a meta tone that could annoy some readers, it is so powerful in its characterization and worldbuilding that no reader will finish the book unsatisfied. Read it, read it, read it!
Oh. My. WORD. The Storyteller was such a phenomenal conclusion to The Reader trilogy. If I had to choose three words to describe this epic conclusion to the story of Sefia and Archer, I would say: Thrilling, chilling, and mystifying. It was like being pulled into a whole new world, head-first, unable and unwilling to resurface.
Chee's prose is immaculate, the action sequences are stunning, and it just kept getting better. While the book does hold a meta tone that could annoy some readers, it is so powerful in its characterization and worldbuilding that no reader will finish the book unsatisfied. Read it, read it, read it!
Unfortunate by Ayrton Silva
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
sad
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? Yes
5.0
In Unfortunate by Ayrton Silva, a businessman named Vaz has grand plans: money, peace, and prestige. But his plans unravel - literally - when his boss hears one of his plans and gets jealous enough to set a hit on him. Using his Last Resort, a pair of lucky dice that normally kill their users in order to escape, leaves Vaz on the run with an uncanny godly companion while on a mission to save his own life by preserving another's.
I had the honor of beta reading this book in various stages of its progression, so I got to see it grow. It was an outstanding, vivid, and unique read with action, magic, and darkness only found in Dark Fantasy novels. Although longer than his original book, Coward, I would wager that this book is much better than his first.
My favorite part of Silva's work in Unfortunate is the gloomy magic system and epic world. If you love reading stories packed with lore, fantasy gods, and violence - this is the kind of book you should read! 5/5 stars.
I had the honor of beta reading this book in various stages of its progression, so I got to see it grow. It was an outstanding, vivid, and unique read with action, magic, and darkness only found in Dark Fantasy novels. Although longer than his original book, Coward, I would wager that this book is much better than his first.
My favorite part of Silva's work in Unfortunate is the gloomy magic system and epic world. If you love reading stories packed with lore, fantasy gods, and violence - this is the kind of book you should read! 5/5 stars.
The Speaker by Traci Chee
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
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? Yes
5.0
In The Speaker by Traci Chee, Sefia and Archer are on the rub from the Guard: a force of magical protectors who want them dead for defeating one of their own and making off with the book. While fleeing for their lives, Archer seeks relief from bloodshed while Sefia seeks purpose through the Book. When their drive to discover themselves and a future where they aren't driven apart, Sefia and Archer undergo perilous adventures and darker threats than the Guard: themselves.
I really wish I'd finished this book sooner. Holy crap, it was good. Vivie prose, masterful storytelling, and deliberate characterization. Every aspect of this book came like a movie to my mind, drawing me in with popcorn in hand. I couldn't set it down, couldn't stop thinking about it. It definitely makes my top five reads of the year so far. Chee has a wonderful skill with building a world that draws readers in and never lets them go.
I rated this book five stars because, like The Reader, it was a masterful and so well done it felt like a fever dream to read. But there were issues with the book, as with all stories. For me, the biggest oddity was the way in which the book's finale contrasted much of the buildup. It wasn't a bad ending, but it did feel a tad opposite of what I expected as I progressed through the novel.
Otherwise, I highly recommend this trilogy to any and all looking for immersive YA fantasy! This is a story you won't want to miss.
I really wish I'd finished this book sooner. Holy crap, it was good. Vivie prose, masterful storytelling, and deliberate characterization. Every aspect of this book came like a movie to my mind, drawing me in with popcorn in hand. I couldn't set it down, couldn't stop thinking about it. It definitely makes my top five reads of the year so far. Chee has a wonderful skill with building a world that draws readers in and never lets them go.
I rated this book five stars because, like The Reader, it was a masterful and so well done it felt like a fever dream to read. But there were issues with the book, as with all stories. For me, the biggest oddity was the way in which the book's finale contrasted much of the buildup. It wasn't a bad ending, but it did feel a tad opposite of what I expected as I progressed through the novel.
Otherwise, I highly recommend this trilogy to any and all looking for immersive YA fantasy! This is a story you won't want to miss.
Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
adventurous
dark
emotional
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? Yes
5.0
In Once Upon A Broken Heart, readers return to the immersive world of Caraval, this time following a businessman's daughter: Evangeline Fox. When Exangeline's life is ruined by her stepsister when her sister steals away and makes to wed who she believes is her one true love, she would do anything to get him back. Even make a deal with the fated Prince Of Hearts, who has returned to the world after years trapped in a deck of magical cards. But she is quick to realize her mistake when the wedding of her family is ruined... but not in the way she wants or expects. When magic comes to murder, she sets out to fulfill the deal she made with Jacks, the Prince Of Hearts, and set things right again.
For the longest time, I didn't realize Once Upon A Broken Heart was written by Stephanie Garber. Caraval was one of my favorite books in the year that I read it. If I'd known the author, I would've picked this book up so much sooner. Like Caraval, Once Upon A Broken Heart is an immersive, gritty, magical story spun from glorious worldbuilding and flawed characters. It was easy to get invested in every aspect of the plot: world, characters, conflicts, more. Much like my first readthrough of Caraval, I found myself unable to put this book down. I read the first 5/6 of the book within a single day and then put it off because I didn't want it to end.
Garber has an excellent hand in atmosphere and magical authenticity. It felt as though I was living through the heart-shuddering, bone-stiffening experiences of the novel. I could taste the misty air, hear the magical bells, and truly experience the universe Garber has created. I cannot wait to dive into more of her works and read the rest of this series. If you're interested in immersive, sophisticated high fantasy, read this book! It won't disappoint.
For the longest time, I didn't realize Once Upon A Broken Heart was written by Stephanie Garber. Caraval was one of my favorite books in the year that I read it. If I'd known the author, I would've picked this book up so much sooner. Like Caraval, Once Upon A Broken Heart is an immersive, gritty, magical story spun from glorious worldbuilding and flawed characters. It was easy to get invested in every aspect of the plot: world, characters, conflicts, more. Much like my first readthrough of Caraval, I found myself unable to put this book down. I read the first 5/6 of the book within a single day and then put it off because I didn't want it to end.
Garber has an excellent hand in atmosphere and magical authenticity. It felt as though I was living through the heart-shuddering, bone-stiffening experiences of the novel. I could taste the misty air, hear the magical bells, and truly experience the universe Garber has created. I cannot wait to dive into more of her works and read the rest of this series. If you're interested in immersive, sophisticated high fantasy, read this book! It won't disappoint.
Fairest by Marissa Meyer
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
In Fairest by Marissa Meyer, young princess Levana faces the hardest trial of her spoiled life: unreciprocated love. When her ambition to find a companion turns into manipulation of someone who refuses to adore her as much as she adores him, she starts down the deep and dark path of denial, anger, and villainy.
When I first bought Fairest, I didn't realize it was meant to be read between books three and four of The Lunar Chronicles. However, my late readthrough didn't make the story any more difficult to understand. As always, Meyer does a phenomenal job of crafting vivid characterization, advanced worldbuilding, and bone-deep motives for every aspect of the storyline. It was a joy to see the stories told through the original series expanded into the heart of this backstory. Readers don't have enough villain origin stories and reading about Levana's past made me want even more stories with villains at the forefront.
The reason I rated this novella four stars was because of two things: one, the descriptions of the setting and the people weren't as profound or in depth as I would have liked. While a few characters were described, such physical descriptions were rare. Rarer still were details informing the setting, which I feel would've enhanced the storyline even further. Two: the villain was absolutely, undeniably evil.
"But Mylee!" you might say, "it's a villain origin story; of course they're evil." Which is fine, considering how Levana was shown to grow up in (hinted at) the past of the narrative. I do understand. However, I find myself more drawn to villains who become what they are throughout the course of the story as it plays out on paper. The late revelation as to why Queen Levana became a villain deterred me, rather than drawing me in.
Otherwise, this novel was a wonderful addition to the Lunar universe!
When I first bought Fairest, I didn't realize it was meant to be read between books three and four of The Lunar Chronicles. However, my late readthrough didn't make the story any more difficult to understand. As always, Meyer does a phenomenal job of crafting vivid characterization, advanced worldbuilding, and bone-deep motives for every aspect of the storyline. It was a joy to see the stories told through the original series expanded into the heart of this backstory. Readers don't have enough villain origin stories and reading about Levana's past made me want even more stories with villains at the forefront.
The reason I rated this novella four stars was because of two things: one, the descriptions of the setting and the people weren't as profound or in depth as I would have liked. While a few characters were described, such physical descriptions were rare. Rarer still were details informing the setting, which I feel would've enhanced the storyline even further. Two: the villain was absolutely, undeniably evil.
"But Mylee!" you might say, "it's a villain origin story; of course they're evil." Which is fine, considering how Levana was shown to grow up in (hinted at) the past of the narrative. I do understand. However, I find myself more drawn to villains who become what they are throughout the course of the story as it plays out on paper. The late revelation as to why Queen Levana became a villain deterred me, rather than drawing me in.
Otherwise, this novel was a wonderful addition to the Lunar universe!
Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
In the sequel and finale to the story within the pages of Divine Rivals, Roman Kitt has been taken captive by the dangerous and maddened god Dacre, who seeks to destroy both Roman's memory and the city where Roman previously lived. On the other side of the war and with her raw memories in tow, Iris comes to terms with losing Roman-who she recently wed-and her role in turning the tide in the God's War. While Roman is trapped underground and seeks to recover his memories, Iris hopes to find a way to help him recover as well as use his precarious position to their advantage. More than their lives are at stake if they fail, even the lives of the gods.
To start off, I will be the first to admit that I adore when I can see an author improve from one book to the next. In Divine Rivals, the first book in this stunning duology, there were a lot of problems regarding the plot of the novel (plot holes), pacing, and characterization discrepancies and inconsistencies. However, perhaps due to the established backstory from book one, Ruthless Vows is a major step up from the content of the first installment. The prose is rich and vivid, the characters are impactful and complicated, and the stakes are nail-bitingly enthralling. I found myself thinking of this story every time I set it aside to go about normal life. All I wanted to do was continue reading - but also for the story to never end.
To say Ruthless Vows is worth the read would be an understatement; it's worth rereads and late-night binges and movies and worldwide acclaim. It was a joyful experience. As a writer, I was not only touched by the message the entire storyline shared but also by the personalization of the author's experiences throughout both books in the series. Even without knowing Ross personally, I felt as though I did know her to an extent due to the complex and intrinsically reflective narrative structure of the storytelling, artistic style, and themes throughout the books.
That being said: read this duology, you won't regret it!
To start off, I will be the first to admit that I adore when I can see an author improve from one book to the next. In Divine Rivals, the first book in this stunning duology, there were a lot of problems regarding the plot of the novel (plot holes), pacing, and characterization discrepancies and inconsistencies. However, perhaps due to the established backstory from book one, Ruthless Vows is a major step up from the content of the first installment. The prose is rich and vivid, the characters are impactful and complicated, and the stakes are nail-bitingly enthralling. I found myself thinking of this story every time I set it aside to go about normal life. All I wanted to do was continue reading - but also for the story to never end.
To say Ruthless Vows is worth the read would be an understatement; it's worth rereads and late-night binges and movies and worldwide acclaim. It was a joyful experience. As a writer, I was not only touched by the message the entire storyline shared but also by the personalization of the author's experiences throughout both books in the series. Even without knowing Ross personally, I felt as though I did know her to an extent due to the complex and intrinsically reflective narrative structure of the storytelling, artistic style, and themes throughout the books.
That being said: read this duology, you won't regret it!
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
In the sequel to Fourth Wing, Violet reunites with her brother, Brennan, in the homeland of Xaden Riorson after she suffers a fatal wound from a Wyvern attack. When Violet is tasked with returning to Basgiath to avoid drawing suspicion to the revolution Brennan has planned, she works to uncover the secrets of the wards that might serve to protect Xaden's vulnerable, ruined home. But her questions lead to dark answers and distrust flourishes within the ranks of her friends. War brews, and when all else fails, Violet will need to choose: love or victory.
I have a lot to say about Iron Flame, Rebecca Yarros' second novel in the Fourth Wing trilogy. While the first book suffered several issues (and this one does as well), I will say I am pleased to see that Iron Flame has a much better and more fluid writing style than book one in this series. I found the craft of the author's voice much improved and the characters more likable with the previous book's backstory behind them. Yarros paints a vivid picture of bone-rattling action in an unforgettable setting, centering around dragons, deception, and doomed love. It was easy to get enthralled and read without stopping.
As far as the faults for Iron Flame go, I admit the plot hole issue is still very pronounced in the sequel. While there are less unresolved tangents and less odd, unfinished foreshadowing tidbits, there are still enough of both to be noticeable and bothersome during the full readthrough. It feels less like Yarros' is intentionally misleading the readers and more like she forgets to tie up loose ends throughout the writing and revision process.
That being said: I have a guilty pleasure for fiction in this genre and written this way, plot holes aside. If you love dragons, violence, intrigue, romance, and emotional rollercoasters, (and can stand a subpar writing style) I'd recommend Iron Flame a thousand times over.
I have a lot to say about Iron Flame, Rebecca Yarros' second novel in the Fourth Wing trilogy. While the first book suffered several issues (and this one does as well), I will say I am pleased to see that Iron Flame has a much better and more fluid writing style than book one in this series. I found the craft of the author's voice much improved and the characters more likable with the previous book's backstory behind them. Yarros paints a vivid picture of bone-rattling action in an unforgettable setting, centering around dragons, deception, and doomed love. It was easy to get enthralled and read without stopping.
As far as the faults for Iron Flame go, I admit the plot hole issue is still very pronounced in the sequel. While there are less unresolved tangents and less odd, unfinished foreshadowing tidbits, there are still enough of both to be noticeable and bothersome during the full readthrough. It feels less like Yarros' is intentionally misleading the readers and more like she forgets to tie up loose ends throughout the writing and revision process.
That being said: I have a guilty pleasure for fiction in this genre and written this way, plot holes aside. If you love dragons, violence, intrigue, romance, and emotional rollercoasters, (and can stand a subpar writing style) I'd recommend Iron Flame a thousand times over.
Foul Heart Huntsman by Chloe Gong
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
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? Yes
5.0
Rosalind Lang, infamous national spy whose code name is Fortune, has suffered the fate of nationwide exposure. Forced to go on tour and reveal her secret immortality in order to remain an operative, she plays along in the hopes to find the stolen love of her life. Orion was taken by his mother, but Rosalind isn't the only one after him-or the power he possesses. The Nationalists want him dead, the Communists want him used, and his mother needs him for further experiments. With their lives, careers, and the country on the line, Rosalind Lang and Orion must find a way to save themselves alongside everyone else they care about in this enthralling finale to the Foul Lady Fortune duology.
Once again, I am impressed by the nature of Gong's work in this duology. Although I haven't had the honor of reading These Violent Delights yet (and I intend to dive into that story soon!) this narrative blew me away. It was a heart-stopping sequel and soul-shredding denouement of a story that will traverse time and the world. Showcasing the heartbreak that comes from war, the ugliness of family, and the bittersweetness behind dark motives, Gong paints a picture few other authors can craft so well.
I am always taken away by Gong's vivid prose and authentic characters, which leave me wanting more with each page I read. Although I started reading this story a long while ago (and then suffered no less than three reading slumps before finishing it) I am excited to have returned and devoured this novel with ease. Gong's writing style makes it easy to want to read her work. This story is not only worth the read, but also worth the reread. I look forward to seeing where she goes in the future of her career and how her audience is expanded. The world isn't ready for the writing of Chloe Gong.
Once again, I am impressed by the nature of Gong's work in this duology. Although I haven't had the honor of reading These Violent Delights yet (and I intend to dive into that story soon!) this narrative blew me away. It was a heart-stopping sequel and soul-shredding denouement of a story that will traverse time and the world. Showcasing the heartbreak that comes from war, the ugliness of family, and the bittersweetness behind dark motives, Gong paints a picture few other authors can craft so well.
I am always taken away by Gong's vivid prose and authentic characters, which leave me wanting more with each page I read. Although I started reading this story a long while ago (and then suffered no less than three reading slumps before finishing it) I am excited to have returned and devoured this novel with ease. Gong's writing style makes it easy to want to read her work. This story is not only worth the read, but also worth the reread. I look forward to seeing where she goes in the future of her career and how her audience is expanded. The world isn't ready for the writing of Chloe Gong.