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_cassiereads's reviews
24 reviews
The Dragon's Promise by Elizabeth Lim
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
"We are bound, remember? If you have no heart, I will give you half of mine. If you have no spirit, I will bind yours to mine."
ugh not me ugly crying over this book even though this is my second time reading it. You'd think it wouldn't hit me so hard this time but noooo, here I am. A mess.
This duology is magical. That's the best word to describe it. From the plot to the cast of characters, everything was just beautiful. I had so much fun revisiting this story and I'm sure it won't be the last time I do. I still want my own sassy sentient paper crane, someone make that happen pls.
ugh not me ugly crying over this book even though this is my second time reading it. You'd think it wouldn't hit me so hard this time but noooo, here I am. A mess.
This duology is magical. That's the best word to describe it. From the plot to the cast of characters, everything was just beautiful. I had so much fun revisiting this story and I'm sure it won't be the last time I do. I still want my own sassy sentient paper crane, someone make that happen pls.
A Forgery of Fate by Elizabeth Lim
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
4.5
I swear Elizabeth Lim must weave magic into every single word she writes because her work is always just so incredibly enchanting.
Tru is an art forager who paints the future just trying to scrape by and take care of her family. By a twist of fate she is pulled into a marriage of convenience to the brooding half dragon prince who wants to use her talent to try and break the curse set upon him by the Dragon King.
As someone who loves the Six of Cranes duology I was so excited to see some familiar characters! Especially Elang, since I was so curious about him before. (you absolutely do not need to read the other books to read this one) His character ended up being so incredibly complex and my heart ACHED for him and his tragic back story.
Tru was an outstanding FMC. I thought she was stong, determined, and so easy to love. You couldn't help but want to root for her. The writing was fast paced and easy to follow. Lim knows how to world build in a way that it paints a vivid picture in your mind. The plot twists were executed brilliantly and had me on the edge of my seat and the magic system was so unique and whimsical! (bc what do you mean he enchanted pockets onto her dresses. POCKETS. I love him your honor) Now, don't get me started on that ending. It felt like it jumped straight out of a Cdrama and had me smiling while tears streamed down my face as emotional background music appeared out of nowhere.
Thank you to Knopf books for young readers/Random house & netgalley for the ARC
I swear Elizabeth Lim must weave magic into every single word she writes because her work is always just so incredibly enchanting.
Tru is an art forager who paints the future just trying to scrape by and take care of her family. By a twist of fate she is pulled into a marriage of convenience to the brooding half dragon prince who wants to use her talent to try and break the curse set upon him by the Dragon King.
As someone who loves the Six of Cranes duology I was so excited to see some familiar characters! Especially Elang, since I was so curious about him before. (you absolutely do not need to read the other books to read this one) His character ended up being so incredibly complex and my heart ACHED for him and his tragic back story.
Tru was an outstanding FMC. I thought she was stong, determined, and so easy to love. You couldn't help but want to root for her. The writing was fast paced and easy to follow. Lim knows how to world build in a way that it paints a vivid picture in your mind. The plot twists were executed brilliantly and had me on the edge of my seat and the magic system was so unique and whimsical! (bc what do you mean he enchanted pockets onto her dresses. POCKETS. I love him your honor) Now, don't get me started on that ending. It felt like it jumped straight out of a Cdrama and had me smiling while tears streamed down my face as emotional background music appeared out of nowhere.
Thank you to Knopf books for young readers/Random house & netgalley for the ARC
Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
(reread)
I forgot how much I absolutely love this book and the characters. This was my second time reading it and it somehow still managed to grab me so viciously that I flew through it because I just couldn't put it down. Shiori is such an amazing protagonist. I found her incredibly likeable and loved her character development over the course of the story. But, we can't forget the absolute legend that is Kiki. I need a sassy sentient paper crane in my life. Like, yesterday.
I forgot how much I absolutely love this book and the characters. This was my second time reading it and it somehow still managed to grab me so viciously that I flew through it because I just couldn't put it down. Shiori is such an amazing protagonist. I found her incredibly likeable and loved her character development over the course of the story. But, we can't forget the absolute legend that is Kiki. I need a sassy sentient paper crane in my life. Like, yesterday.
Boys With Sharp Teeth by Jenni Howell
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
After the mysterious death of her cousin Sam, Marin James infiltrates the prestigous Huntsworth Academy to find out what happened to him. Trading in her identity for someone else while getting close to the three people Sam was last seen with to unravel the truth. But there's something sinister at play and it might just consume her.
This gave me serious Pretty Little Liars (if it were dark academia) vibes with its obsession, lies, and the blurring of lines between love and hate. This book surprised me in the best possible ways. I was not expecting paranormal elements and I ate. it. up. I loved the writing and some sentences were so beautiful they crawled under my skin and refused to leave. It was absolutely haunting. The main character Marin was an unhinged narrator and the story so infused with lies that you're completely unsure of anything. Her paranoia became mine and it made me question everything that was being revealed as truth.
My only complaint was the pacing felt a little slow at times for my taste and some instances surrounding her faking her way into a prestigious school felt a tad unbelievable.
Emmensly enjoyable none the less. I look forward to more works from this author in the future!
4⭐️ thank you netgalley for the ARC
This gave me serious Pretty Little Liars (if it were dark academia) vibes with its obsession, lies, and the blurring of lines between love and hate. This book surprised me in the best possible ways. I was not expecting paranormal elements and I ate. it. up. I loved the writing and some sentences were so beautiful they crawled under my skin and refused to leave. It was absolutely haunting. The main character Marin was an unhinged narrator and the story so infused with lies that you're completely unsure of anything. Her paranoia became mine and it made me question everything that was being revealed as truth.
My only complaint was the pacing felt a little slow at times for my taste and some instances surrounding her faking her way into a prestigious school felt a tad unbelievable.
Emmensly enjoyable none the less. I look forward to more works from this author in the future!
4⭐️ thank you netgalley for the ARC
Schoolgirl by Osamu Dazai
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Brunhild the Dragonslayer, Vol. 1 by Yuiko Agarizaki
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
I was thoroughly enjoying it until she had to go and profess her love for her father figure 🫠
DARLING in the FRANXX Vol. 1-2 by Code:000
adventurous
challenging
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I am so torn on this one because I really enjoyed the plot but the fan service kept taking me out of the story. Not to mention they look super young 🫠 just felt like an unnecessary distraction from an otherwise fun story.
Lycoris Recoil, Vol. 1 by Spider Lily, Yasunori Bizen
adventurous
challenging
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
I really enjoyed this first volume! The plot grabbed my attention quickly and the pacing was spot on. I'm excited for more volumes!
EVERYONE'S DARLING HAS A SECRET, VOL. 1 by Kashiko Amane
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This was a cute first volume but nothing really memorable happens. Pop idol girl gets help with her school work from a classmate. I enjoyed the few silly art panels and the characters. I just wish there was a teeny bit more going on to really grab my attention.
I Picked Up This World's Strategy Guide, Vol. 1 by Atchi Ai
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
LOVE IT! What a great start to a series. Sana is out gathering herbs for her families item shop when she stumbles upon a strategy guide for her own world. Now it's up to her to help change the outcome of horrible events that are going to happen.
Solid first volume. Loved the characters and the pacing was perfect 👌🏻 love that it's in full color too!
Solid first volume. Loved the characters and the pacing was perfect 👌🏻 love that it's in full color too!