Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – Rose in Chains

I realized I won’t be able to attend book club due to work travel, so I let myself DNF this at 50%. I think I would’ve enjoyed this as fan fiction if I had not read Manacled. But I don’t think the characters or world had quite enough oompf for me outside of the pre-established details of the fanfic, and the premise just read too close to Manacled (which I adored.) I found the flashbacks tedious, the vibes felt kind of off in terms of the dark dystopia/romance balance, and the audiobook narration wasn’t my favorite, which might’ve also turned me off a little. I was curious to hear what the rest of the book club but apparently reviews were pretty mixed. (no rating from me.)

Ugh, man. The book club picks aren’t going so hot for me. I don’t think I’m cut out for this.

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – Shield of Sparrows

I read this book for our local book club and it was very much not for me, so I won’t leave a star rating.

The last 25% is pretty solid, but the first 75% of this 20-hour audiobook were incredibly slow. The main twist was obvious to the reader (and the other twist extremely hinted/foreshadowed as well), which made the MC not knowing pretty frustrating. I sent quite a few frustrated texts to my friend on this one waffling about whether I would finish.

But I know others in the book club loved it, so if you don’t mind a romantasy that takes its time, this might be for you. (no rating)

Big no thanks for me on this one. Maybe I’m just not a romantasy fan? Maybe book club really isn’t for me? The jury’s out.

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – Onyx Storm (The Empyrean #3)

Knee-jerk reaction on finishing: I feel like I just ate a rice cake. Don’t get me wrong— I like rice cakes, they’re just not super satisfying.

Ranking my enjoyment of this series:
1. Fourth Wing
2. Onyx Storm
3. Iron Flame

So I have a lot of thoughts, but to avoid all spoilers, I’ll try to be brief and vague

What I liked:
1. Violet, Xaden, and all the dragons

What I didn’t like:
1. Not enough meaningful plot progression.

I feel like if someone wanted to skip book 3 for some reason, I would sum up the plot in one sentence, have them read the last 1-2 chapters, and they would be all set for book 4. That said, if you love the characters (which I do), then you’ll be reasonably happy to go on this ride despite this. While the lack of plot progression left me feeling unsatisfied, I enjoyed the read, and anticipate reading book 4. Though I’m not like foaming at the mouth for it, and I don’t anticipate Onyx Storm being one of my favorite reads of the year.

In the end, if you’re a fan of the series, I think you’ll like this one too!

⭐⭐⭐⭐½

I mean, I’ll be reading the sequel, but I don’t think this one’s going to make my favorite series list. Kinda feel weird about it, no lie! The super hype is hard to deal with!

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – Knight’s Bride

This book was such a fun surprise!

What I liked:
– Cozy Romantasy Vibes
– Likable protagonists
– Fabulous Audiobook Narration
– Magical forest hijinks
– In general, just a sweet fun story
– Nice tension throughout. I honestly found myself worrying (in a good way) if it would have a satisfying ending or if I’d have to wait for the sequel.

What I didn’t like
– The pacing of the last 25% or so didn’t quite fit for me. In some ways, it feels like they’re having the same communication for a little too long.

Recommended for those looking for a fun romantasy with likable protagonists and a pinch of spice. And I’m totally game for book 2!

⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Why yes, I’ll take a cute romance any day of the week, please and thanks.

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Book Review – A Castle of Broken Memories (Black Forest Fantasies Book 2)

A Castle of Broken Memories was such an awesome addition to this series! I loved this spicy Jack and the Beanstalk retelling with werewolves, vampires, magic, and of course, my personal favorite—the irreverent Tenebris. Since this book focuses on a different MC than book 1, it could be read as a stand-alone, but I highly recommend reading the first book so you can get the full background and arcs of these characters as they change and develop. As usual, Stavs’s banter and fun characters are a stand-out as she blends old fairy tales with a modern, fast-paced flavor. I totally recommend this series for anyone looking for spicy fairytale retellings peppered with pop culture references, and I’ve got my fingers crossed for a book 3!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tula’s totally into it.

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – Serpent and Dove

Screenshot

So this a dark, witchy tale with a dual-POV romance where sides are unclear in a mix of gray. I feel like this should’ve been straight up my alley, but for some reason, it really just didn’t grab me, and the religious hypocrisy and misogyny themes were a little thick for my taste. Around the 60% mark, I started rooting for the characters, and there some nice reveals between 60%-80%, but overall I think the pacing was a little slow for me and I thought the relationship and plot just didn’t quite develop as naturally as I would’ve liked. The narration on the audiobook is great though, and this one’s extremely popular so if you’re looking for a dark fantasy with marriage of convenience / forced proximity / enemies to lovers tropes, this might be for you!

⭐⭐⭐¼

At this point, I was literally starting to worry my book radar was broken. The ready slump growsss. 😭

Thanks for reading!