, , ,

Onyx Storm

Onyx StormTitle: Onyx Storm
Author(s): Rebecca Yarros
Series: Empyrean #3
Genre(s): Romantasy
Format(s): Audio
Pages: 527
Length: 23h 52m
Narrator(s): Rebecca Soler, Teddy Hamilton, Justis Bolding, Jasmin Walker
Source: Library
Reason(s): None
Rating:
Spice: 3.5 Flames

My Thoughts

Holy crap! That ending! Why do I read these series before all the books are out?! It’s going to be torture waiting for the next book. I feel like I did after watching Avengers: Infinity War for the first time–numb, sad, and trying to be hopeful despite the crushing weight of grief. So many tears! So many! Rebecca Yarros certainly knows how to hook her readers and stomp all over their hearts.

From the instant I started reading ONYX STORM, I was hooked. I wanted to know everything and make sure my favorite characters made it out of the story alive. I loved learning more about Andarna and seeing more of the world than in previous books.

I’m excited to see where this series goes next and I’ll be on pins and needles waiting for the next book.

,

The Blonde Identity

The Blonde IdentityTitle: The Blonde Identity
Author(s): Ally Carter
Series: Blonde Identity #1
Genre(s): Romance
Format(s): Audio
Pages: 289
Length: 9h 1m
Narrator(s): Emily Ellet, Andrew Eiden
Source: Library
Reason(s): None
Rating:
Spice: 2 Flames

My Thoughts

THE BLONDE IDENTITY was such a fun fast-paced fade-to-black romance. I loved both Zoe and Sawyer, their chemistry, and banter.

I loved the premise of Zoe being the non-espionage twin targeted by iffy governments and groups all while trying to get her memory back. It was action-packed with never a dull moment. The story felt like a funnier and rom-comier version of The Bourne Identity.

I’m excited to stay in this world and read Alex’s story once THE BLONDE WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD releases later this year.

, ,

The Soulmate

The SoulmateTitle: The Soulmate
Author(s): Sally Hepworth
Genre(s): Thriller
Format(s): Audio
Pages: 327
Length: 7h 44m
Narrator(s): Barrie Kreinik, Jessica Douglas-Henry
Source: Owned
Reason(s): Book Club, BotM Backlist
Rating:
Spice: 1.5 Flames

My Thoughts

This is the second Hepworth book I’ve read. With both books, I really enjoyed the suspense, but I struggled with the mental health aspects. I feel like Hepworth uses diagnoses like Borderline Personality Disorder or Bipolar Disorder as a crutch to explain why her antagonists are psychotic. Also, the ending in this one wasn’t very satisfying.

Despite THE SOULMATE’S flaws, the story was intriguing. I liked the dual narrators and the back and forth between the then and the now. The suspense kept me reading because I wanted to know the whole story.

, ,

Dune Graphic Novels

Dune: Muad'Dib, Graphic Novel Book 2 by Brian Herbert
Dune: The Prophet, Graphic Novel Book 3 by Brian Herbert
Title: Dune Graphic Novels
Author(s): Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson
Series: Dune: The Graphic Novel #1-3
Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Science Fiction
Format(s): Hard Cover
Pages: 552
Source: Owned
Reason(s): None
Rating:
Spice: 0 Flames

My Thoughts

DUNE is my all-time favorite book and I was very excited when I found out graphic novels were being written for it. I enjoyed reading the graphic novels as I enjoyed seeing my favorite story come to life in a different way than the movies. The artwork is awesome, but I missed the detail and richness of the world and character building of Herbert’s masterpiece. I also missed being in each of the characters’ heads or reading Herbert’s beautiful descriptions. Still, I think the graphic novels have their place and can give more insight to the story.

,

Not If I Save You First

Not If I Save You FirstTitle: Not If I Save You First
Author(s): Ally Carter
Genre(s): Romance, Thriller
Format(s): Audio
Pages: 304
Length: 6h 55m
Narrator(s): Brittany Pressley
Source: Library
Reason(s): None
Rating:
Spice: 0.5 Flames

My Thoughts

As long as you don’t think too hard about the hows and whys, NOT IF I SAVE YOU FIRST is a fun, light-hearted, action-packed romantic thriller. Despite its unbelievability, the story and Carter’s writing style did exactly what I needed them to do—kept me reading so I could knock out one more book before the end of the year. I really liked the characters, Maddie and Logan. I loved watching them become friends again after a long time away from each other. I also loved watching their friendship turn to love.