Charlotte

At first I was disappointed at this book because I thought it was another short story that didn't really add anything to the series but I am glad to say I was wrong. There were so many sweet moments between the characters and we got to see more of Geraldine - and who would complain about that. I really am rooting for everyone's happy endings and I hope that the authors can give everyone that

It feels a bit cheat-y to give a 40 page book 5 stars but after the ending of book 5 of ZA, this was absolutely perfect and I don't want it to ever end. I didn't realise how much I missed the guys from RB and I really hope there are more cross overs in the future because they are absolutely purr-fect. I also really really really need them to meet the heirs, especially Seth because it will be such a funny interaction.

At first I was like “awwwwwwwwwwwwwww” but the ending really ruined it

“Look, sometimes we want to see the good in people we care about so much that we pretend it's there, living under all the layers of cruelty”

When I say this book gave me whiplash all over again, I am not joking. I took a day break before starting this book given the ending of book 4, but this ending was so much worse. There were so many moments where I was smiling at certain couples who shall not be named and also screaming at them for being so stupid (you know who you are). This book fools you into thinking everyone can have their happy ending but that's just not possible. Happy endings don't exist.

the underwater scene.

I hate it. I hate it with my every being. I hate the ending. Also fuck Seth and fuck Lionel and fuck the shadows.

Honestly I have no words for this book. There were so many amazing moments, especially all the scenes with orion and blue because if you don't ship bluelance then you are just plain wrong. They give me life. Also, what the fuck was that ending with Tori. I'm so mad.

Honestly not even sure I wanna read the next book.

I know this book was supposed to make you feel sorry for the heirs, but that only happened with Darius and Celeb. Max and Seth are honestly just asshole, yeah they have their fair share of pressure but they don't seem to feel any remorse over any of it. Orion though is a man sent from the stars themselves and deserves to be protected at all costs. Same with Xavier.

I'm definitely glad I read the first 3 books before reading this as a lot of the major plot points would have been spoilt, but it was good none the lesw. My final words are: fuck you Lionel you deserve to rot in darkmore for all the shit you've done.

“It's hilarious. Men want us so badly for our bodies, yet hate us so much for our minds.”

When I first started reading this book, I wasn't sure I would like it. After finishing it, I am glad I stuck with it. At first it seemed like another “rich boy defies his family and saves the poor girl” trope but I was very wrong. If feminine rage could be shown through one book, I would pick this one. Moreover, it is not just feminine rage but discourse over government power and how twisted the action of those in power can be to keep control.

I loved the development of Zetian and her journey of discovering just how deep the corruption lies. Misogyny is the main theme in Iron Widow, and the men play their part well. Modelled off of real evil in our current world (the misogyny rooted in Chinese history and governments), they are truly some of the most terrifying villains I've read. At first you think the villain will be Yang Guang or Li Shimin, but the real villain is the corruption that runs deep through every law and legislation they have. Fortunately, Zetian is a badass and takes every moment to kick misogyny in the metaphorical (or not so) balls.

Once again I have started a series that I can't yet finish so I look forward to the sequel, Heavenly Tyrant, at the end of august this year

“I think maybe people need stories to survive”

This is the sequal to the authors' book “All of Us Villains” and it did not disappoint. It is full of morally grey characters, magic and mystery, what is not to love? One of the things I loved most about this series is that the characters remained interesting through the it the two books. I also loved how none of them were perfect “heros” either. It gave a certain realism to an unrealistic world - although the deceit shown through their families and those who help them is all too real.

One thing I must mention is do not eat while you're reading this book as there were certain moments described in a little too much detail

“Violence always left a fingerprint”

I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this book, I had seen it on display at my local wtaerstones and was intrigued. Now that I've finished, it has left me with a sort of empty feeling.

I am not a huge fan of books which jump time lines, I find it hard to keep up with and this book was the same. It wasn't until right at the end that I understood who everyone was - maybe that was intentional but it wasn't my cup of tea.

The ending was not satisfactory, but it was written not with that intention. It did fit well with the idea of the book, but that did not make it enjoyable.

“You would soon learn that love made you worry, but it also made you beautiful”

This is a love story. A love story between two people, but also a love story to one's self. This genre isn't something I often read and whilst I wasn't a fan of the writing style, I still enjoyed it

It tells the difficulties that people face when venturing into the unmarked waters of love (please appreciate my pun xD). However, it also tells of the difficulties that many minorities face. To be scared to be yourself is not a pleasant life to live

Despite not liking the style as much as some other books I have read, I absolutely fell in love with the little motifs that were woven throughout the book. It made the read feel more connected and I enjoyed that. It was very cleverly implemented

I loved the vulnerability throughout the book, the author beautifully writing how “it's easier for you to hide in your own darkness, than to emerge cloaked in your own vulnerability. Not better, but easier. However, the longer you hold it in, the more likely you are to suffocate. At some point, you must breathe.”

“Life in isolation is a death sentance”

This book both filled me with joy and absolutely terrified me. The whole chapter with the space rats.... nope, never want to experience that ever. My favourite place as definitely Aecor, maybe because it was the longest chapter but I really enjoyed it

The characters were really cool and I wish we got to know them better. I loved each of their different personalities and they worked well to balance each other out. The whole space system/technology was really well thoughts out

Turns out I own “A long way to a small, angry, planet” so I will be reading that at some point as it seems (?) to be part of a series. Either way I love Becky's writing style in both this and her Monk and Robot series and while they are vasty different they are both enjoyable and a great read :)

“Maybe that was love: knowing those negative emotions would linger... and choosing to focus on the positive ones instead.”

First of all... the puns did not disappoint. One of the only things I wanted to continue in the sequal and they were abso-loot-ley (ha get it?) perfect. It was the puns and the dynamic between Reyna and Kianthe. I laughed multiple times at the flirting between those two, I honestly could not get enough.

The new characters were unique and intriguing and I absolutely loved all the pirates (one pirate in particular but that would spoil it xD). This one was a lot more high stakes than the first, which I absolutely loved, but I'm not sure it can completely be classed as a “cosy” fantasy. The ending definitely was, but everything else was not so much.

Despite that, I loved reading it a lot and wish Bobbie would crochet me my very own Pondie too. I can't wait for the third book to eventually come out and I will definitely be reading it :)

[ARC review - thank you Rebecca!]

When I say this is probably one of my all time favourite books, I am not lying. It's filled with magic and dragons and books and tea!!!! I wasn't sure if I would like the genre of cosy fantasy but this book proved that I absolutely do and need to read more.

I found myself relating to both Reyna and Kianthe which is rare when two characters are both the complete opposite but so intertwined. They were written so well and it made me very invested in their futures. I found myself falling in love with them and for anyone who has already read this you know how absolutely perfect their relationship dynamic is. And their communication skills??? (minus the whole shoulder thing) is everything you could want in a relationship. When I grow up, I want nothing more than to have this exact relationship where they can help each other to grow and be the people they truly are. I won't settle for anything less than an ex-guard with deep insecurities or an elemental mage with so much anxiety and self doubt - bonus points if you'll open a tea and bookshop :)

Now magic was a big part of this book and it is very uniquely done. I love the idea of the ley lines being a huge part of their magic as well as dragon magic and alchemy magic. I definitely want to see more of it in the next book. I will never say no to more dragons! I will also never say no to the numerous amount of puns in the book (I'm looking at you Kianthe) and I expect nothing less than for it to continue in book 2. I've seen reviews where people say that there are too many high stakes for this to be a cosy fantasy but personally I think it has just the right amount to keep the reader engaged (it certainly did with me) - if you have too much mundanity I would have just gotten bored. It was as perfect as Reyna's steeped teas and Kianthe's ever-plant xD

Words cannot express how much I enjoyed this book. If you love sapphic stories, magic, dragons, tea, and books, look no further because this is the book for you!

Just like the first one I really enjoyed this book and wished I had read it as a child because little old me would have been obsessed - beyond what I am now. This book made me laugh so many times. In no particular order: Percy's commentary is one of the sassiest things I have ever read; reading pirate talk is absolutely hilarious; bro jock ponies with their “dudes” made me laugh and the entire guinea pig scene was so whack that I cannot wait for it to be put in the show (please).

I loved the more emotional bits, the whole scene with Tyson and Percy, well more Percy's thoughts was SO GODAMN ADORABLE it made my heart melt - more of this please. ALSO, the bit about gods and not paying attention to their children and the reason they do was just... heart wrecking.

Now unfortunately I already knew what the ending was because I watched the movie but apart from that I know nothing about what is going to happen next and I am very very excited. Very excited indeed

This read was dedicated to my younger self who never had a Percy Jackson phase... I really wish I did because I know I would have been completely obsessed. This book was not written for my age but it was enjoyable none the less. Yes its on the simple side, but the story and the characters are just as well drawn out as any adult book. I can now understand why everyone hated the original movie, the book (as always) was so much better

This book is full of loveable characters, thrilling quests, and Greek lore worthy of exciting anybody no matter what age they are. I cannot wait to see how the rest of the story pans out (but not intended).

oh boy what an amazing read. I was hooked from the very beginning. Like the first book, this gave such a calming feeling. There were a few moments where I couldn't stop smiling (if you know you know) and there were other moments that made me feel sad... no reflective is a better word for it. It made me think about consciousness and my own purpose in life, something I don't often like to dwell on. But this was in a good way.

I found myself even more in love with Dex and their robot companion, Mosscap. Oh how I wish there was more because I could never get bored of these two. It was an honour to watch them both grow as people (or as an object in Mosscap's case). This is a world that we should strive to be like in the future, because it truly does feel like everyone belongs and is exactly who they need to be. The world survives through altruism, not selfishness, something we should all aim to emobdy one day

The last book I read made me fear technology in the hands of humans, but this book made me at ease with the fact. Perhaps I am being na??ve, but I hope one day human kind is as compassionate as the world is in this book.

It reminded me of the game Stray, it gave off the same calming feeling. Nature and technology intertwined and living in harmony. Although, I really do have to stop reading thought provoking books otherwise I'm going to have an existential crisis.

As for the book it didn't have me in the first half but it did have me in the second half. I loved the idea of the world but I didn't really understand it until later on in the novel. I loved the conversations between Dex and Mosscap, especially the one at the very end. It was a very satisfying ending. Even if there wasn't a second book I would be happy with it.

“History isn't a remade tapestry that we've got to suffer, a closed world with no exit. We can form it. Make it. We just have to chose to make it.”

I have a lot of complex thoughts about this book. This was definitely a slow burn book, one of my favourite styles to read, purely because it forces you to take in every word that is on the page - and this was definitely a book that required you to take in every word on the page. I found myself constantly conflicted on who to believe, what to think and how to feel. Who wouldn't want that in a book?

The story touches upon many important topics such as slavery, colonialism, striking, racism, death and so much more. The magic system was unique and amazingly written, I absolutely loved learning about all the different etymologies of words and how words were linked in surprising and unseemly ways. It showed how important the power of language is but also how potent the greed for power can be.

It read similarly to Kuang's other book, The Poppy War, which had be equally as hooked and as equally hungry for more. Unfortunately, as far as I am aware this is a standalone novel.

I saw a quote where someone called this a “love-hate letter to academia” and I couldn't agree more. It really makes you think how much of British “culture” and “academia” is something that has been stolen by those who don't have the power to fight back. It shows the importance of the ongoing strikes that are happening in the UK at the moment and sheds light onto the corruption that has infested our roots. As for what the future will entail? This book has made me believe that something drastic has to happen before we see true change, and that is only the beginning.

Holy guacamole on a stick... this is certainly something of a book. It's really hard to put into words what this book made me feel. There were moments that made me laugh, there were moments that made me angry, there were moments that made me almost cry. Honestly this book was all the moments

I tried highlighting my physical books for the first time and oh boy am I glad I did. I was probably a bit highlighter happy but I had fun doing it. The characters are easily loveable and the story is interesting. I genuinely believe that this is an important read for anyone and everyone. Whether you're ace, aro, ace-aro or neither, it's important that people understand that for some people, sex and relationships doesn't do it for them

It reminded me of a quote of sex education, said by the wonderful Gillian Anderson: one character says “I don't want to have sex at all. I think I may be broken” and Gillian's character says back “Sex doesn't make us whole. How could you ever be broken?”

It's true whether you are sex positive, neutral or sex repulsed. A relationship is about so much more than sex. It's about love, whether that's sexual love, romantic love or platonic love experienced by Georgia. You are exactly who you need to be in this world, and don't let anybody tell you otherwise.

This is by far my favourite out of the 5 Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. Safe to say Rick Riordan has a new fan and I'm gonna have to borrow the rest of the gazillion other books in the universe.

Percy is stupidly powerful yet somehow manages to be the most sarcastic teenager I have ever met. All the characters are both loveable and want to make you shake them into some sense because oh boy do they make some dumb decisions some time.

There were so many hair gripping moments where I did not know what was coming next. Also so many sad moments like wtf. The battle scenes were written to keep you engaged throughout (and there were a lot of battle scenes). I love Percy and all the other characters and am so happy with how it ended. I'm excited to see where it will take them all. I've officially entered my Greek mythology era again :)

I enjoyed this one very much, lots of plot twists and the pacing was really good. Also Poseidon seems like a cool dad, can I have him please?

Nico seems like a really cool character and I hope we get to see more of his development. Tyson is as always a badass and I love his character so much. I wish Percy and Annabeth would just be truthful with each other, it would solve a lot of things xD

I'm scared to read the next one as I don't want it to end :(

Percy is the only man that deserves rights /s

But for real, I am so mad at the ending. How could you do that to us Rick. Little me would have been devastated so maybe it's a good thing that I'm reading them now.

Really excited to see how this will all end and rip my bank account because I'm gonna have to buy the next series now

I really enjoyed this book. I thought the idea of it was definitely something I've never read before. I loved the magic system, it was very unique and nothing I've ever come across before. I was hooked about what would happen during the whole tournament, and a bit pissed about how the characters acted at the end. Despite it not actually ending in any concluding way (cliffhanger!), the ending was actually really satisfying because fuck the grandma

“Being sick meant, at any moment, the people I cared about could decide I wasn't worth the trouble I put them through”

This book means more to me than I can put into words. Is it perfect? No - Is it perfect for me? Absolutely yes.

The whole concept of the musketeers is new to me, I've never read much on it so I was going in blind. Saying this, I absolutely loved it. The book is filled with mystery, suspense and plot twists that had me on the edge of my seat. There's even some minor subplots of romance that were so much fun to read.

The representation in this book is amazing. It's not often you see chronically ill characters in books, and definitely not as the main character. You can tell that the character's experience with POTS comes from the own author's experiences because it feels so real. Tania's dizziness and symptoms are not just a convenient plot point but affect her everyday experiences. God they even managed to fit compression clothes into the story, which is harder than it seems as it was set in 17th France

Not only did it show the physical symptoms of chronic illness so well, but also the psychological issues. How even on the “good” days you're tormented with the fact that it could go bad at any moment. It even showed Tania dealing with grief in a way I think a lot of people can relate in one way or another.

This book is so important and will be one I treasure for a long time. Thank you to the author for writing this, it will make a lot of readers feel seen and heard in ways most people cannot even begin to imagine

“Un pour tous et tous pour un!”