grae
Up to this point, I have read the first four Wheel of Time books and watched the first season of the show and found this a really cozy spot to dive into New Spring. You have what you've read in the books so far and some context in the show to lean on and nothing felt spoiler-y to me imo.
I was really enjoying this book in the first half. Moiraine and Siuan scheming pranks, making eyes at each other, and showing how powerful they were as a unit and as individuals was my favorite part. I really do hope we get to see an Accepted Test in the show because I could not get enough of Moiraine's.
It all went downhill for me literally the second Lan and Moiraine “met” aka when she tried to unarm him and then proceeded to harass and physically assault him for days upon days because he wouldn't show remorse, react to her assault, or apologize for basically defending himself.... Like I said, downhill. I am very happy to lean on a later-in-life show! Lan and Moiraine because this ain't it chief.
This book also made me consider how I feel about Aes Sedai. I can't deny the inner workings of their culture is very interesting and seeing their power in action mystifying. That said, they've never really been my favorite parts of the books and I think New Spring showed me exactly why. Aes Sedai have always felt so self-righteous to me and they never really apologize for how they often aggressively act first, passively ask questions later. Probably because they've never been apologized to. As we see in this book Moiraine and Siuan, as Accepted, are basically abused as a form of “teaching” by another Aes Sedai.
The way I see it, Accepted are taught that more often than not, throwing around your power is the right way to get the results you want. Then they go out into the world, treating people the way they were treated in the White Tower and expect respect and apologies themselves. It's just a vicious cycle. I do like some singular Aes Sedai and know how important they are to the story but as a whole, not a fan.
All said, I loved seeing Moiraine before she became The Moiraine (who am I kidding though, she was a boss from the start). And even though it rubbed me so wrong, it was nice to glimpse who Lan and Moiraine were before they came together and how.
Do I recommend skipping this book? .... Eh. I know that's not really an answer, but it depends on what you want. Some backstory on L + M? Sure. Don't really care? You're not missing tooo much. If you do read, be prepared for the usual frustratingly, uber aggressive female character except for its Moirane this time which is even more of a bummer than if it was someone else.
oh my god this is 500 words. I didn't realize I had this many feelings about this book. Don't read this lmaoo
forever thinking of how much anakin believed in and advocated for mill alibeth (whom i love with my entire being), until the end of time! they brought out the absolute best in each other and honestly it was the best thing ever and makes me emotional HELP
The fall vibes are so cozy and I enjoyed seeing these two long lost friends reconnect and become something more. Really just needs couple more close editing passes.
how is georgie and vektal's relationship communication so superior when they don't even speak the same language for half the book???
Non-stop action, emotion, and gasp-worthy twists!
I'm still pretty new to military sci-fi and I'm so excited to find this series so early on. Nicholas Sansbury Smith's writing is fantastic.
Oh and Thacker?
I really enjoyed this book for how real it feels. We may not all be 3rd generation college hockey players fighting to live up to a pressure of a family legacy but many of us are familiar with the strong hold of depression and how it can affect every aspect of your life. The main character, Mickey is constantly blocking his own blessings, not letting himself enjoy the few things in life that actually make him happy in order to appease others. But in his defense, it's hard to see the blessings for what they are when everything inside is saying the opposite.
I was a bit worried browsing some reviews of the book about how the ending wasn't very satisfactory. I can see where people are coming from. It did feel a bit rushed and I'm sure a lot of us wanted Mickey to enjoy college more with his friends and continue to explore his relationship with Jaysen. However, Mickey's whole relationship to hockey just changed and it seems like he's going to give a pro career a shot for himself. Not to please his parents and the family legacy. Not to beat Jaysen. Just himself. And that I can respect.
4.5/5 stars from me and very happy I keep reading
A couple that schemes together stays together, and that's that on that!
Eros and Psyche have me weak with the little ways they show affection and care for each other only to internally go on and on about how the other doesn't and could never actually love them. I mean it's understandable, their mothers are rivals and he waaaaas sent out to put a hit on her by one of the said mothers. But once their love for each other overcame the miscommunication, they became soo powerful in their scheming and even more soft for each other
HOLY. SMOKES.
Thanks Unplugged Book Box for putting this gem on my radar because I really don't think I would have picked it up otherwise.
That said I'm never reading another book about cults ever oh my god
Could not get enough of Olive and Adam's relationship!! Especially how careful and attentive (in his own way) Adam was with Olive from the jump. Also what's not to love about a literal anxious ball of sunshine and their snarky, broody white knight of a teddy bear. Like I ate it up lol.
It was the outside forces aka Olive's definitely well meaning yet HEAVY handed friends that brought the story down for me but they really do want the best for Olive so I can't fault them too much. But whew.
Very enjoyable read and many congratulations for Ali Hazewood on this stellar debut!
So listen, I know I went about this all wrong, reading book 7 first BUT this was purely a cover buy (and a chunky buy at 800+ pages oh la la
Reese and River's beginning. Really liked that this was in River's pov since he was the personification of strong and silent in Breathless
3.5 ⭐️ A fresh breath of air after Ice Planet got kinda stale for me.
The characters had great depth and personality and the setting was intriguing as well. Bit too much doing the do for me, I eventually ending up skipping the scenes after like the 3rd sex scene in a row lol.
also 3rd act miscommunication resolved in a couple chapters >>>>>> 3rd act break up with 100 pages left - all day any day.
Another satisfying Cara Dee read ✨
While I really enjoyed the way River and Reese TLCed the hell outta Shay in their own special, depraved way - I was a lot more interested in R&R's solo scenes. Every time they so much as touched I'm pretty sure I leaned closer to my kindle screen like FINALLY. Nearly got a contact burn from the fucking sizzle these two have going on. I'll definitely be reading their novella.
Not every book in this series sounds super interesting to me but there are enough characters/summaries that caught my eye that I'll keep picking and choosing which ones to read.
This is a really enjoyable adaptation of Light of The Jedi! The art is gorgeous and the Jedi's message of working together and having compassion is present and very moving. If you're interested, check out the book on Hoopla, it's read to you along with the great immersive sound effects Star Wars audiobooks are known for.
Ren and Frankie are some big nerds in love, and I love them for it!
I don't read many slow burns as they exasperate me to no end, but you say hockey romance and I'll come running. It worked out pretty well in the end, I found myself rooting sooo hard for Ren and Frankie through all my face-palming and affectionate eye rolling.
These two have such strong, wildly opposite personalities, that it was surprising how nicely they came together and complement each other. I loved Ren! At first, I thought he would be a bit of a white knight (which kind of but not really lol) but he never once treated Frankie like she wasn't capable and did his best to not overstep her boundaries which was really nice to see. My favorite scenes are where Frankie and Red get more comfortable with each other and let themselves love and be loved.
Frankie is a great character as well. She's so focused on her job and showcasing the best of her team with her social media manager job. It was really fun to see her interact with the team like she was one of them and the team return that friendship.
Minor characters to note: Rob and Lorena are my favorites especially Lorena for the absolute tough love bomb she dropped towards the end of the book. I loved that show friendship, of how much she loves Frankie and wanted her to embrace to chance at good love.
Overall, Always Only You is a sweet, nerdy, authentic love story that I am happy to have read, slow burn n all
A lovely story about overcoming anxious feelings, the importance of community and self-love. Loved illustration style and the use of affirmations for little Ayaan and how they can be applied to everyone having an off day.
Such a darling story! Gustavo may be a little shy but he triumphs over his fears of talks to the other monsters, makes loads of friends, and has the best time of his little ghostly life! Beautifully illustrated and highly recommended :D
