This series might just be the greatest series i've ever read. I should have started reading epic fantasy a long time ago.
________________________ ReRTC
This series might just be the greatest series i've ever read. I should have started reading epic fantasy a long time ago.
________________________ Reading Update:
‘I hear you're powerful;' she whispered. 'I hear you're strong, stronger even than your father was, and more powerful than any Lesser has ever been. Is it true? Is it, Tau?' 'Mother, please .’ 'Answer me, boy. Is it true?' ‘I can fight,’ Tau told her, tears springing to his eyes. ‘And i can kill, Mother. Oh, I can kill.’
This maybe better than the first book I fear...more
This duology is excellent because it examines the intricacies of love and sadness in a diverse and original context. I love the characters so4.5 Stars
This duology is excellent because it examines the intricacies of love and sadness in a diverse and original context. I love the characters so so much, I'm going to miss them all. They feel so real and are so well written. They're just my babies especially Jasper and Wylan. Why did they have to cancel the Netflix show?!!
This is mostly a character driven book so am only going to be talking about the characters.
SPOILERS AHEAD‼️
1. Kaz Brekker - Ahhh my heart breaks for this guy. He has been through so much and that scene with his brother will forever haunt me and him calling Jesper Jordie???
Kaz, how long are you going to make me pay for a little forgiveness?” “What do you think my forgiveness looks like, Jordie?” “Who the hell is Jordie?” [...] "Someone I trusted." [...] "Someone I didn't want to lose."
Take me out. I am DONE. They could never make me hate this man. Everything he did was justified my only complaint is that he should have buried that mf alive. NOT THE KID but Pekka
2. Inej Ghafa - I will be honest with you guys I wanted her to get tortured by Van Eek. Hear me out!! Imagine how much Kaz would have flipped out if she was actually tortured. I would have loved to see him act like Rowan in Throne Of Glass when he found the guy that tortured Aelin. I didn't really care for her in this book but I really loved her in the first one especially when she told Kaz she would only take him without his armour.
We don't talk about her past enough. I mean this girl was sold into sexual slavery when she was FOURTEEN!!! That is FUCKED UP!!
She learned to smile, to whisper, to arch her back and make the sounds Tante Heleen’s customers required. She still wept, but the tears were never shed. They filled the empty place inside her, a well of sadness where, each night, she sank like a stone.
3. Nina Zenik - My BABY!!! I love her so much And when she got her new powers??? I just loved her more.
It was that endless, fast-running river. She’d dipped her fingers into its current, held the eddy of its power in her hand. She was the Queen of Mourning, and in its depths, she would never drown.
4. Matthias Helvar - I love a man that is down bad for his girl
“Nina—” he started, then stopped. “Nina, I am with you because you let me be with you. There is no greater honor than to stand by your side.”
After everything he's been through he did NOT deserve that ending.
5. Jesper Fahey - I love this man even with all his flaws. I just wish he did not scam his dad like that. But the most important thing is that he changed.
“Actually, you should put my share in my father’s name. I don’t think … I don’t think I’m ready for that kind of money just yet.”
6. Wylan Van Eck - I fear he may be my favourite character in the book. I am so glad we got his pov in this book. My man has been through so much I dont know how his father tried to kill him even after seeing how smart he was
That was around the same time he realized I wasn’t … what he’d hoped for.” “How old were you?” “Eight, maybe? I’d gotten really good at hiding it.” “How?” […] “He would read to me or I’d ask one of the nannies to, and I’d memorize whatever they said. I even knew when to pause and turn the pages.”
Like that is fucking smart
Favourite couple:
1. Wespar
“That’s terrible,” said Wylan. “It’s brilliant.” Jesper winked. “Just like you.” Wylan blushed daylily pink. “Tiny and ferocious,” Jesper said. He winked again. “Just like you
These two had me giggling and kicking my feet the whole time. My only problem is that we didn't get to see more of them
2. Helnik
I already said am a slut for the witch and witch hunter trope.
“I promise, Matthias. I’ll take you home.” “Nina,” he said, pressing her hand to his heart. “I am already home.”
Let me not catch you in these streets Leigh bardugo. These two deserved a happy ever after
3. Kanej
I know they gave us this iconic line,
“Would you have come for me then, Kaz? When I couldn’t scale a wall or walk a tightrope? When I wasn’t the Wraith anymore?” […] “I would come for you,” he said […] “I would come for you. And if I couldn’t walk, I’d crawl to you, and no matter how broken we were, we’d fight our way out together—knives drawn, pistols blazing. Because that’s what we do. We never stop fighting.”
And I love them but they are just not my favourite. Maybe if they gave us more they would be hgher on my list.
_________________________
Holy shit this was so much better than the first one. You know a book is AMAZING when you read it in one night.
This was my favourite scene.
SPOILERS AHEAD ‼️
“We need something to cut the cord!” Jesper shouted. “To hell with the cord,” Nina snarled between gritted teeth. She snatched a revolver from Jesper’s holster. “Let go!” she commanded. “Nina—” protested Matthias. “Do it.” They let go, and Nina zipped down the alley in a sudden burst of momentum. The Shu woman took an awkward step back, then seized the edge of the net, yanking Nina up. Nina waited until the last possible second, then said, “Let’s see if you’re metal all the way through.” She shoved the revolver directly into the Shu woman’s eye socket and squeezed the trigger. The blast didn’t just take her eye but most of the top of her skull.
This book!!!!!! This just set the standard for all fantasy/apocalypse books
Pre-Read:
You know how I know a book is going to be a banger? When it hasRTC
This book!!!!!! This just set the standard for all fantasy/apocalypse books
Pre-Read:
You know how I know a book is going to be a banger? When it has a 15 page appendix. Hopefully I am right about this I really need this to be a five star read. I hope you all have an awesome weekend ...more
The first booktok rec that I actually enjoyed. Dark fantasy with romance? Sign me up. The characters were so interesting especially Helene. Am gonna wThe first booktok rec that I actually enjoyed. Dark fantasy with romance? Sign me up. The characters were so interesting especially Helene. Am gonna write a proper review at a later date.
I loved that the fmc isn't a badass killer in the beginning.
"I grasp my mother's armlet, but touching it makes me feel worse. Mother would have outfoxed the Mask. Somehow, she'd have saved Darin and Nan and Pop. Even Nan was braver than me. Nan, with her frail body"
MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD‼️
There are so many characters that I wanna learn more about. Like Afya Ara-Nur and The cook,
"If the heir of Gens Veturia should ever need a favour, Ilyaas, Tribe Nut will be honoured to be of service." Immediately my body tenses, but she puts two fingers to her lips - the most binding of Tribal vows. "Your secret is sate with Afya Ara-Nur."
"The Lioness. the Resistance, and their grand plans. Traitors. Liars. F-fools." She stands and reaches for her cleaver. Don't trust them" [...] "They'll use you." Her hands shake, and she grips the counter. She gasps out the last few words. "They take - take - take. And then - then - they'll throw you to the wolves. I warned you. Remember. I warned you."
Cook is by far the most interesting character in the book. I wanna learn more about her and what she went though when she was at the resistance. What did they do to her to make her react like this when she talks about them?!
"What, you don't believe I could do something kind for another human? I'm not evil, Elias, no matter what you say." "I never said -" "But you did" Her voice rises. "You just said I'm like every other Mask."
They Could never make me hate you Helene.
Hopefully the characters start using more magic in the next instalment. I really wanna learn more about it and why it just disappeared.
____________
Pre-Read: If the author starts describing Laia as petite, I will kill myself....more
Edit: HELPPP! It's been a month, and this book is still haunting me!! I need a recommendation that gives me the same intensity!!!! I want the5 Stars ✨
Edit: HELPPP! It's been a month, and this book is still haunting me!! I need a recommendation that gives me the same intensity!!!! I want the revenge, the RAGE, the overlooked underdog, the action—I want EVERYTHING!!! I want the main character to be completely focused on getting their revenge. I want them so determined that they start using methods that are slowly killing them or driving them mad, and they don’t even realize it. I want that INTENSE DOWNWARD SPIRAL. Do you guys know any book that might fit this description?
"The days without difficulty are the days you do not improve"
THIS BOOK!!!! MY GOD!!
Evan Winter's The Rage of Dragons is an exhilarating dive into a world where vengeance, warfare, and the supernatural collide in an epic narrative that grips from start to finish. If you’re looking for a fantasy novel that combines intricate world-building, high stakes, and a protagonist with a relentless drive, this book will not disappoint. It’s a tale of redemption and retribution set against a backdrop of dragons, demons, and fierce warriors.
The story centers on Tao, a character whose journey from an overlooked Lesser to a formidable force is nothing short of riveting. Initially introduced as someone resigned to a life of hardship and injury, Tao’s transformation into a driven avenger is depicted with unflinching intensity. His quest for revenge is not only personal but monumental, challenging the very fabric of his world.
Winter’s writing shines as Tao navigates his transformation. The novel's central theme of revenge is encapsulated in a series of powerful moments. One of the book's defining quotes—“He made a pact with himself, a pact he swore on his father’s sword. If he were asked to run a thousand strides, he would run two thousand. If he were told to spar three rounds, he would spar six. And if he fought a match to surrender, the man who surrendered would not be him. He would fight until he died”—perfectly illustrates Tao's relentless determination and refusal to be defeated by his circumstances.
The narrative is driven by a series of confrontations that test Tao’s limits and showcase his growth. The contrast between his early self-doubt and his later confidence is starkly portrayed in moments like this: “I am a Common of Kerem and you will beg me for mercy,” which highlights his evolution from a perceived underdog to a fearsome warrior. Winter masterfully balances Tao's internal struggles with external battles, making the protagonist's journey more compelling.
The world-building in The Rage of Dragons is equally impressive. The author weaves a rich tapestry of societal hierarchies and supernatural elements, from the intimidating presence of dragons to the formidable warriors like Daaso, who was enraged (Made bigger, stronger, faster and more resilient.) and who “feared no man under all the gods” but still recognized the overwhelming power of Tao two Swords, and ran from him during the battle. These elements are not merely decorative; they play crucial roles in shaping the story and Tao’s quest.
Winter’s use of language and dialogue adds depth to the characters and their interactions. For instance, the tension in the exchange between Tao and Zesiro Opio—“I am Zesiro Opio, Greater Noble of the Opio family in Palm... I am a Common of Kerem and you will beg me for mercy”—captures the essence of the conflict and stakes in Tao's world. Such moments reflect the book’s ability to blend personal vendettas with larger, societal conflicts.
Another striking element is the thematic exploration of identity and self-worth. Tao's belief that “limits were not decided by his birth or nature but by the bounds of his determination and the extent of his efforts” resonates deeply and serves as a powerful motivator throughout the novel.
In conclusion, The Rage of Dragons is a gripping and immersive read that excels in both its narrative and thematic execution. Evan Winter’s novel is a testament to the power of revenge and the strength of the human spirit, all set in a world brimming with magic and peril. For anyone looking to get lost in a story of epic battles and personal triumph, this book is a ten out of ten.
___________________ Reading Update:
"Two dozen men and women, people of this strange land who thought to defend it's shores from her erupted in fire."
Broooo how tf am I supposed to root for these people when they literally came to conquer this land and all the natives did was defend themselves?? Plus calling them savages on top of that?! Nah that’s CRAZY. I will always root for the natives. Idc if they are actively trying to kill the protagonist. Maybe am jumping to conclusions so we'll see how this shit goes....more
I loved this book so much. This is shocking to me because I normally HATE age gap romances and Logan is over 20 years older than Bloom. But I4.5 Stars
I loved this book so much. This is shocking to me because I normally HATE age gap romances and Logan is over 20 years older than Bloom. But I still loved it because it wasn't that weird and It also had some of my favourite topes:
A:) Unhinged MC B:) Opposites attract C:) Obsessed MC D:) Bad boy Mc (That is secretly a golden retriever) E:) Past Trauma (I love mcs with trauma sue me)
I love Bloom so much and that first chapter was so freaking sad my heart aches for him. I am so glad he murdered his pathetic parents they deserved the death they got. He just wanted someone to love him ...more
"You have a power that most high noblemen envy. It is a power that, had you been born an aristocrat, would have made you one of the most dead4.0 Stars
"You have a power that most high noblemen envy. It is a power that, had you been born an aristocrat, would have made you one of the most deadly and influential people in all of the Final Empire." [...] "But, you weren't born an aristocrat. You're not noble, Vin. You don't have to play by their rules— and that makes you even more powerful."
Am gonna be honest with you guys this book was kinda boring in the beginning but that's just how it is with most fantasy books you just gotta push through the first hundred pages.
One thing I was grateful for is that the author doesn't just dump information on you, and I know this might get confusing to some readers since we don't understand most of the shit that's going on, but it just makes sense cause we're in almost the same position as Vin when it comes to what she knows about this world and that makes us feel more connected to her. Do you know what I mean?
There is some romance in this book but it's just a tiny bit so if you're looking for a romantic fantasy then this is not the book for you. I was hating on romance so bad coz he's 21 and she's 17 but I was kinda rooting for them a bit in the end. Vin deserves to be happy and if it's going to be with someone four years her senior while she is a MINOR, there's nothing we can do about it. Don't let this deter you from reading this book because as I said it is a really small part of the book
I didn't love this instalment as much as I thought I would. I was initially going to give it a three star rating but that last 30% was just so freaking good I had to add that one star...more
**spoiler alert** WHY DO I KEEP DOING THIS TO MYSELF???!!!! I knew it was coming. I was prepared for it and my heart was still ripped out and stomped **spoiler alert** WHY DO I KEEP DOING THIS TO MYSELF???!!!! I knew it was coming. I was prepared for it and my heart was still ripped out and stomped on.
I loved reading Eryx perspective. I knew he was different from Axios I just didn't know how much until I was reading his inner monologue. I was scared that this would be too similar to the first book but it wasnt. I mean it was similar in the beginning but its starts to get different when Eryx grows a bit distant. I love Theon, Quill, Haden and Leanna I just wish they all had a happy ending.
_________ Pre Read: You guys don’t know how excited I am to read this. I get to re-read one of my favourite book but from Eryx’s perspective. I am so freaking excited ...more
Edit: You know what add Lucas to my hit list too I don't know how I forgot about that spineless fool
Before I **spoiler alert** 4.5 Gut Wrenching Stars
Edit: You know what add Lucas to my hit list too I don't know how I forgot about that spineless fool
Before I start I want to apologize to Kevin. I am sorry I called you a bitch for being so afraid of Riko that you refused to remove his number from your face. In my defense i didn't know all the extent of the shit they went through in the nest.
Am gonna write a proper review at a later date when I get my feelings in order. But for now here were my thoughts while reading this book.
Well turns out I was right. This book did in fact ruin me. So you know that's great ...more
This is so good I am jumping into the second book now.
“Neil tensed as Andrew's fingers wrapped around the back of his neck, but Andrew only wantedRTC
This is so good I am jumping into the second book now.
“Neil tensed as Andrew's fingers wrapped around the back of his neck, but Andrew only wanted to pull Neil's head down. Neil focused on Andrew's cheekbone so as not to go cross-eyed and let Andrew study his eyes.”
Give it up for short kings they’re just superior...more
Something occurred to Ilya after he ended the call with Shane: maybe Shane had recorded that call and was going to run it through some sort of traRTC
Something occurred to Ilya after he ended the call with Shane: maybe Shane had recorded that call and was going to run it through some sort of translating app later.[...] That admission would have been embarrassing enough, but Ilya had also slipped in an "and on top of everything, I'm pretty sure I'm in love with you and I don't know what to do about it."
"You are very beautiful," Ilya said Shane smiled without opening his eyes. "Come on." "Is the truth. Your freckles." Ilya grazed a fingertip over his own cheek. "I am nuts about them." "I have no idea why. I hate them." "Noooo..." Ilya moaned. "Hollander. They are stunning." "Stunning?" "Yes. Am I not using that word right? Very beautiful. Um... take my breath?"
"I love you." Shane froze. And then Ilya froze. "Holy shit," Shane whispered. It wasn't how he had meant to respond "I..." Ilya's eyes were so wide and so scared. "I love you too," Shane said. Ilya gave a shaky smile and exhaled. "Thank Christ." "Does it...does it feel like agony for you too?" Ilya started to nod, then stopped. He shook his head slowly instead "Not anymore."
"when I retire," Ilya said, "after I have won twelve Stanley Cups and thirteen MVP awards[...]"And you have been retired for, like, eight years already because you got very bad at hockey..."[...]"Then I will bring you to that dock out there. I will have hundreds of candles all over it.."[...]And I will get on one knee- [...] "And I will say, 'Shane Hollander, will you please marry me so I can become Canadian citizen faster?'...more
My heart was wrenched out. I need the third book NOOWW!!!
MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD
"I'm yours," said James. "I kn4.5 Stars
NOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
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My heart was wrenched out. I need the third book NOOWW!!!
MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD
"I'm yours," said James. "I know who you are. I don't hate you." [...] They were his own words echoed back to him. His orders, he thought sickly. James looked like himself, but he wasn't James. He was no more than a mirror of Will's desires, and it was terrible to see them so starkly reflected. No one would ever join you by choice, not if they knew what you were. The Lady had said that to him in Undahar."
MARCUS AND JUSTICE!!!!
"It's very dark here. I can't see the stars. Justice, were you a dream? I think if you were not real I would have had to dream you. I'd hold on for such a dream, that I would hear your footsteps, and look up and see your smile."
Idk why I care about them now but the diary made me cry. He thought Justine will come for him. I was rooting for them even though I already knew the outcome....more
This is my favourite book in the series. I finally got the chemistry I was looking for.
“I missed you," I whisper against his skin and feel dizzy withThis is my favourite book in the series. I finally got the chemistry I was looking for.
“I missed you," I whisper against his skin and feel dizzy with the intimacy of the admission, feel more naked than when he could see every inch of me. "In the mortal world, when I thought you were my enemy, I still missed you." “My sweet nemesis, how glad I am that you returned.”
Jude is so MOTHER.
I am the Queen of Elfhame. Even though I am the queen in exile, I am still the queen.
2 days and 1400 pages later am done with the tandem read But the real question is did I finish these books or did they finish me?
The one person I had 2 days and 1400 pages later am done with the tandem read But the real question is did I finish these books or did they finish me?
The one person I had beaf with the whole time was MF Elena. That bitch is the queen of gatekeeping important info. Bitch didn't want to fight in the war so she said double it and give it to the next person.
My fav couple in the whole series is Dorian 'Phantom hands' Havillard and Manon my sweat babies ...more
I knew Rin was that bitch when she ripped out her womb coz it g**spoiler alert** 4.5 stars Rounded up for Rin
I pledge allegiance to the flag...
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I knew Rin was that bitch when she ripped out her womb coz it got in the way of her training. She's so mother
This book accomplished something others couldn't it made me sob.
"Did you know they called us public toilets?" [...] "Do you know how badly it hurt?" [...] "You'd think she would know there wasn't any point in resisting."
I maybe one of the few people that would say this but the federation got what it deserved.
"They aren't people," She whispered. "They're animals I want you to make them burn. Every last one."
This series is my new Roman Empire. I don't know what am gonna do after I finish it.
Aelin was such a badass as always but s**spoiler alert** 4.0 Stars
This series is my new Roman Empire. I don't know what am gonna do after I finish it.
Aelin was such a badass as always but she did a complete 180 in the this book. I was getting so annoyed with Celaena for claiming to be the world’s greatest assassin who doesn’t actually kill anyone. Well in this book She went from not killing anyone to killing literally everyone or at least threatening to kill them and I love that for her.
I love Dorian so much my man had me worried the entire book and the 5 seconds he gets control over his body he decides to rizz Manon up. Talking bout I can bleed whatever colour you want me to. If these two get together they will be my fav couple.
I liked that Aelin and Lysandra put aside their differences and became friends. I thought Celaena was being kind of a bitch in Assassin’s Blade for judging Lysandra so much. I hate it when authors pin women against each other. Kinda reminded me of Sansa and Daenerys in GOT. And what was up with her sending Lysandra back to the brothel after she murdered Arobynn?? Why didn't she immediately pay off her depts since she was mega rich??
Chaol should have died. I Hate that cunt. I wish Manon fell in love with Dorian while the demon was possessing him and it was a super twisted fucked up dark romance. Rowan needs to chill.
I think that Kaltain's death was such a WASTE. That bitch ATE the demon possessing her and she just kills herself. Her death was just as wasteful as Nehemia's....more
Jayden H 🍉
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