Charlotte
it was really well written but at first it was a little confusing and I'm annoyed at the end. I wanna know exactly what happened :(
but all in all, some beautiful quotes
“Sometimes I hate people. This is probably very bad for my mental health.”
Somehow, once again, Alice Oseman has managed to put thoughts and feelings into words and tell a story. I feel like a lot of people would 100% relate to this book, I know I definitely did. I'm struggling to put into words how I liked this book as it has kind of left me with a sort of empty feeling.
I'll start by saying I absolutely love Michael and Tori's interactions. They really helped each other in the end, they fit together like a puzzle piece. This book has definitely made me want to read the heartstopper books because I want more of Charlie who is the most precious soul in the entire universe.
This book is not for everyone. I highly recommend reading the content warnings at https://aliceoseman.com/extras/content-warnings/ before you read any of her work, because it really does get intense, especially if you find yourself relating to the characters. Regardless, I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more of her work.
“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
oh my fucking shit that ending. That gave me legit goose bumps, something that rarely happens in a book. I'm just in awe at the authors' writing. I'm so invested in all. of the boys. The way Leon makes everyone smile, the way Dante protects his own, the way Gabrial is slowly learning that he doesn't have to run forever and the way that Ryder is slowly breaking down his walls. I'm scared to find out about Gareth, because I'm not sure how Elise will react. And Elise is just an amazing character. She's been through so much and somehow finds the best in some truly horrible people (through no fault of their own). Holy fucking shit
honestly it's so nice to see everything wrapped up, definitely different from the constant cliffhangers xD. Still mad about the ryder thing, can't believe they did it twice. And I can't wait to see how Gabriel's story pays out in ZA. Such a nice end to a series
“For every single second I have in this world, I'm all yours. And after that I'll still be yours, wherever I end up after I'm gone, I'll belong right here with you”
There is only pain. There better be a fucking happy ending at the end of this series otherwise I will be sending a therapy bill their way.
Who'd have thought that my heart could be wretched out like that, but somehow they did it. I struggled to see to finish the end of the book because of all the tears.
There were some happy moments I do admit, and they filled me with so much joy. But happiness always comes with a price with these lot. Oh how I crave the first book when everything was oh so simple.
Curse the stars.
“On my life, I curse you. On his life, I curse you. And for our fate, I'll end you!”
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
This was a really cute short story about flower and plant fairies. The artwork is so cute and I had such a funtime reading this
“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.”
Absolutely loved this. The amount of plot twists I didn't see coming and the ones I did were still very well written. I'm annoyed it ended on such a big cliff hanger - I'm gonna have to buy the next one now
such a nice quick read. I loved the story line even thought it was a bit confusing at first and the magic system is very cool
Wanna read the next oned now!
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
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
“She was becoming the queen she was always meant to be. It was just hard to accept that I was never going to be her king.”
Well holy fuck this book put me through the 7 stages of grief multiple times. There were so many wholesome and sweet and happy moments that I almost forgot which series I was reading. Lucky for us (not) the twisted sisters reminded us that happy endings are not allowed and stabbed a knife right into our hearts.
“See you in the stars”
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.
My Dark Vanessa - 4.5/5 stars
This was a really uncomfortable read, and that's what makes it so good. It tells the story of Vanessa and her struggles to battle adulthood after traumatic experiences of a child. It flips between telling the story of her teacher grooming and SA-ing her and the repercussions she now faces in adult hood. We see her deny the reality of what happened to her and it ends up with some really amazing quotes.
The author does well to make us hate the teacher character. I do worry that it make romanticise the horrors, so I think it depends on the reader
Overall, really powerful book that makes you uncomfortable when reading. Please read the trigger warnings if you want to read this anytime in the future because it is very graphic
“I was so absorbed in the things that I couldn't change, I forgot the most important thing.”
I'm a little disappointed with this book not gonna lie. Maybe it's not for me but it felt like there wasn't enough there for me to truly enjoy the book. It felt more like a collection of short stories than one book.
The second story was the only one that I felt truly connected to, and I think this was because we were shown more of their relationship and knew more about the characters so I actually felt something for them. The last story annoyed me so much as I really hate that trope and somehow everyone was okay with 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.