This was my first time rereading this series and what stands out the most is how much more dread I felt everytime a character did something that I knew was sealing their fate lol.

While I don't think it's a controversial opinion to say not everything about these books has aged well, for me at least, it's pretty undeniable that GRRM is an expert at the political plotting and the time and places he chooses to reveal or hint at what's going on out of sight. In this one for example picking up on the hints about

Jon Arryns poisoner and who tried to kill Bran, and how they are tied together

was incredibly satisfying to spot the second time around.

I'm looking forward to the next book and hoping with fingers crossed that the Winds of Winter is released before I need to reread them again lol

The Awakening by Susanne Valenti, Caroline Peckham

Go to review page

1.0

This was so bad it offended me. I've been on the search for some mindless no thoughts popcorn reads to have between my usual books to try and save me from falling into slumps and this series is so adamantly recommended by its fans that I thought why not.

I was wrong. I read this for free and it was still a waste of money. Its bad, its dumb, it's so incredibly unrelenting in its unnecessity that it genuinely made me angry.

I don't think I've ever given a book 1 star, I always try to find something to give it credit for but I just can't with this one. Its just fucking awful.

The Whispering Dead by Darcy Coates

Go to review page

mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes

3.75

I don't have a lot of experience reading lighter things and while I'm not sure if this is actually considered 'cosy' it felt cosy to me. Light and easy to read I'm looking forward to picking up the next one at some point to have as a casual ongoing series

Hex by Thomas Olde Heuvelt

Go to review page

Did not finish book. Stopped at 18%.

I'm just not vibing I might come back to it

It Came From the Closet: Queer Reflections on Horror by

Go to review page

emotional informative reflective medium-paced

4.0

Starling House by Alix E. Harrow

Go to review page

dark 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? It's complicated

4.25

I love the writing in this, the premise and the characters are great too. The only thing that stopped this being a 5 star for me was mostly the external conflict that's introduced, something I'm just not super convinced was necessary, which was used to keep the plot moving. If this had been a shorter book with a more meandering spiral towards the conclusion with this writing I think this would have been an easy 5 star read for me, but I totally understand why the author might choose not to rely on vibes alone to tell their story lol

More...

phaedraismyusername's reviews 628 reviews

phaedraismyusername's reviews
628 reviews