Review: Butcher & Blackbird

Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐✨

Okay, so, Butcher & Blackbird was a bit of a surprise. Going in, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I ended up enjoying it more than I thought I would. It definitely has its rough patches—let's be real, it's not a perfect book by any stretch—but there were some elements that really worked for me. The banter between the characters was genuinely entertaining, and the story concept itself was pretty unique and intriguing. I was also surprised that I actually liked the friends-to-lovers thing they had going on. Usually, that trope is hit or miss for me, but in this case, it kind of worked. However, I was also annoyed that it took Sloane so long to finally make a move. I mean, girl, Rowan was practically throwing himself at her! And then, once they did finally get together, it felt like they went from zero to sixty in a heartbeat. It felt rushed and a little unearned, especially given how long she'd kept him firmly planted in the friend zone.

The pacing of the book was a bit wonky, too. It just felt off. And the timeline? Don't even get me started. The amount of time this book supposedly covers seems completely unnecessary and totally unrealistic. It stretched on and on, and I kept thinking, "Wait, how long has it actually been?”.

But despite all that, there was something about this book that kept me hooked. It was a fun, quick read, and I found myself genuinely invested in the characters and their unusual situation. It was a nice escape, even with its flaws.

Favorite quotes from this book were:

-“There's art in our scars. There's wonder in the way we can heal.”

This quote is just beautiful. It really resonated with me. It speaks to the strength and resilience of the human spirit and the idea that even our wounds can be a source of beauty and growth. It's a powerful reminder that healing isn't always linear, but it's always possible.

-“You’re all the best things to me, Sloane. No matter how many bruises are in your heart or on your skin.”

This is so sweet and tender. It shows how much Rowan cares for Sloane and how he sees beyond her flaws and insecurities. It's a reminder that love is unconditional and that we are worthy of love even when we're broken.

Butcher & Blackbird is a flawed but ultimately enjoyable read. It's not perfect, by any means, but it has enough going for it to keep you entertained. The unique story, the fun banter, and the surprisingly sweet (albeit rushed) romance were definite highlights. The pacing issues and the unrealistic timeline were definitely drawbacks, though. I'm curious to see where the series goes from here, so I'll be picking up the next book.

*Pinterest board created by me for this book: https://www.pinterest.com/isalemx3/butcher-and-blackbird/

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Review: Under Your Scars

Under Your Scars by Ariel N. Anderson
My rating: 0 of 5 stars

0/5 ⭐ DNF (page 567 - 87%)

I got pretty far into Under Your Scars—almost finished it, actually—but it was just too much for me personally. I wasn't necessarily triggered, but the themes are definitely very heavy, and the writing just wasn't compelling enough to justify putting myself through the emotional damage I could already tell the ending would inflict. I picked this one up hoping to break out of a reading slump by trying something different, but it just wasn't for me. I highly do not recommend this for beginners in dark romance.

*Pinterest board created by me for this book: https://www.pinterest.com/isalemx3/under-your-scars/

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Review: Hawke

Hawke by Jescie Hall
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

⭐

I'm so sorry, but this book just wasn't for me at all. The cheating dynamic was a major turn-off. It felt really icky, and it seemed like the author was trying to justify the FMC's behavior by making the person being cheated on the villain. I really didn't connect with Hawke as a character, and Nicole just irritated me most of the time. I thought I might really like this book since Kid was so well done, but this one just didn't do it for me. The plot wasn't anything special, and the sex scenes weren't particularly memorable. I just… I don't really have anything positive to say about this book.

Overall, I do not recommend this read. It’s disappointing, especially considering how much I loved Kid, which is the sequel/spin-off. Kid is a top book in the genre for me, so this was a huge letdown. I actually recommend reading Kid as a standalone and pretending this part of the overall story doesn't exist. It's a much better experience that way.

Hawke was a miss for me. The cheating trope, the unlikable characters, and the uninspired plot made it a difficult read. I strongly suggest skipping this one and going straight to Kid if you're interested in this world.

*Pinterest board created by me for this book: https://www.pinterest.com/isalemx3/hawke/       

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Review: Kid

Kid by Jescie Hall
My rating: 100000000000 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐✨

Okay, so I needed a bit of a palate cleanser. I've been drowning in fantasy lately and just needed something completely different, so I decided to pick up Kid and give it a go. Now, I will say, this book is definitely spicier than what I usually read. But holy… the writing just completely sold me. I honestly didn't think I'd become so utterly obsessed, but here we are, and I am completely and undeniably hooked. Jescie Hall's writing is so sexy, real, and raw. I know these characters and themes can be hard for some to relate to (please, please check the trigger warnings for this one; it gets pretty dark), but coming from someone with a less-than-ideal background who’s been in situations similar to those in this book, I found it incredibly relatable. At times, it felt like a punch to the gut, the understanding was so profound. Hall perfectly captures certain feelings and thoughts. I really related to Kid, especially as someone who also has an addictive personality. I just really felt his inner monologue throughout the book; I understood his thought process on a deep level.

I probably should have read Hawke first since I slowly realized this is kind of a sequel, but I wasn't confused about the story. So, I guess I'll just have to jump into Hawke next to get some more backstory.

I also have to mention the audiobook. It's absolutely insane. The voice actor for Kid put his everything into this performance, and I was so moved. There's even a point where he literally bursts out crying into the mic (and not in a cringy way at all); it was so impactful and raw for the story. I'm utterly obsessed; it's literally everything. Highly, highly, highly recommend this for any of my spicy dark romance girlies. I promise, this could easily become your new #1 in the genre!

Favorite quotes from this book were:

-“Our silence is so loud. Our hearts both pounding through the cages in our chests, attempting to touch, needing to align. It’s surreal, really, being able to say so much without saying anything at all. Making promises with nothing but our soft and gentle movements, subtle cues that express what words could never."

This quote is just… wow. It's so beautifully written and captures the intense connection between these characters. The way Hall describes their unspoken communication is just breathtaking.

-“The truth in her eyes electrifies the deepest, darkest part of me. We aren’t perfect. We’re totally fucked up in our own right. We’ve never got it right, nor will we, and yet we can’t stop. I’ll forever push her until she breaks and she’ll forever bend me until I fold. We’re so wrong for one another and yet never have two people ever fit together so miserably well. She’s the darkness, and I’m the light. We aren’t meant to exist together in the same space, and yet we find all the ways in which we can bleed together in order to be one and the same."

This quote is everything. It perfectly encapsulates the messy, complicated, and yet undeniable connection between these two characters. It's raw, honest, and so incredibly powerful.

-“I’ll shatter myself into a million pieces just to meet your broken.”

This quote is just… chills. It's such a powerful expression of love and devotion, even in its brokenness.

-“A whole universe stands beneath me. The mysteries and complexities in her gaze, a wonder that I’d spend my entire life attempting to explore."

This quote is so beautifully written and captures the all-consuming nature of love. It's about seeing the infinite in someone else.

-“How did we get here? We always seem to find each other, damned in our own right, abandoned, lost to our own personal hell. Maybe our lives weren’t meant to intertwine, but something bigger brought us together. Or maybe we’re just a couple of the lucky ones who find comradery in the chaos. Lucky as fuck."

This quote is so relatable and honest. It speaks to the idea of finding connection and understanding in shared experiences, even the difficult ones.

Kid is an absolute must-read for fans of dark and spicy romance. It's raw, real, and emotionally impactful. Jescie Hall's writing is captivating, and the audiobook is truly something special. Just be sure to check those trigger warnings before diving in! I highly, highly, highly recommend it.

*Pinterest board created by me for this book: https://www.pinterest.com/isalemx3/kid/

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Review: Queen of Shadows

Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐⭐

I’m not entirely sure what it is about Queen of Shadows, but it just didn’t quite live up to the other books in the Throne of Glass series for me. Don’t get me wrong, it was still enjoyable, and I really loved all the action, but it just kind of fell flat. I can’t quite put my finger on why. There are some seriously badass scenes that definitely saved it for me, which is why it still gets four stars.

For one thing, I really loved Chaol in this book—well, not necessarily at the beginning, but once he finally got his head out of his… well, you know… he really shone. Even though he wasn’t always at the forefront of the story, his presence was much more impactful. I also started getting really invested in Manon’s storyline here. In Heir of Fire, her chapters didn't really grab me, but in Queen of Shadows, she finally became a character I was genuinely interested in. And lastly, I absolutely loved the final battle. It was badass as hell, and the way it was written created such a clear and vivid image in my head. It was truly epic.

Despite it not being my favorite, I still highly recommend this series!! I’m going to take a day or two break and then jump into a tandem read of Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn.

Favorite quotes from this book were:

-“They joined hands. So the world ended. And the next one began.”

This is so powerful and symbolic. It marks a huge turning point in the story and signifies the end of one era and the beginning of another. It’s a moment of both loss and hope.

-“If you're a monster, I'm a monster.”

This speaks to the deep loyalty and unwavering bond between certain characters. It shows their willingness to stand by each other, no matter what. It’s a powerful declaration of solidarity.

-“Sometimes there won’t be a right choice, just the best of several bad options.”

This quote is so insightful and reflects the difficult decisions that the characters have to make throughout the book. It highlights the moral gray areas and the complexities of war and leadership.

While Queen of Shadows wasn’t my favorite in the Throne of Glass series, it was still a solid and enjoyable read. The action, Chaol’s development, Manon’s growing storyline, and that epic final battle definitely made it worthwhile. If you’re invested in this series, you should absolutely continue.

*Pinterest board created by me for this book: https://www.pinterest.com/isalemx3/throne-of-glass/

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Review: Onyx Storm

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Okay, wow. Onyx Storm was not what I was expecting at all. I had so many theories going in, and I'd heard a lot of different things, but Rebecca Yarros completely threw me for a loop. She totally fooled me about where this story was headed. I really enjoyed this installment in the series. I inhaled this book at an alarming rate—I just couldn’t put it down.

It started off a little slow, I’ll admit, but once it picked up, I was completely invested. Violet’s character development in this book was exponential. It was such a breath of fresh air to see her truly coming into her own, radiating this incredible confidence and determination that really drove the plot forward and saved them on more than one occasion. I also really connected with Xaden in this book, even more so than in the previous two. Seeing a whole new side to him gave his character and his relationship with Violet so much more meaning and impact. We really went on a wild adventure in these pages, and “eventful” is definitely an understatement.

I would have loved to get a bit more information about the Venin and their motivations on exactly why they want Xaden and Violet, but honestly, that just makes me even more eager for the next book. And that ending???! Absolutely brutal. I’m left with so many questions.

Favorite quotes from this book were:

-“I’m jealous of the armor that holds you when I can’t, the sheets on your bed that caress your skin every night, and the blades that feel your hands.”

This quote is so raw and vulnerable. It perfectly captures the depth of Xaden’s feelings for Violet and his desire to always be close to her. It’s such a powerful expression of longing and devotion.

-“Or is the miracle of our relationship the result of a precise combination of tragedies that broke us both so completely that when we collided, we became something entirely new?”

This quote is so thought-provoking and really gets to the heart of Violet and Xaden’s relationship. It explores the idea that their shared experiences and traumas have shaped them into the people they are today and have ultimately brought them together. It adds a whole new layer of depth to their connection.

Onyx Storm is a fantastic addition to the Empyrean series. The plot twists, the incredible character development (especially for Violet), and the deeper exploration of the world make this book a must-read. I highly recommend continuing this series if you’ve enjoyed the previous books.

Pinterest board created by me for this book: https://www.pinterest.com/isalemx3/fourth-wing/

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Review: Heir of Fire

Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 100000000 of 5 stars

 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐✨

The way this book had me in my feelings is ridiculous! It had me smiling, gasping, and crying on multiple occasions. I know I’ve probably said this in every review so far for this series, but Sarah J. Maas has a true talent for getting you so invested in the plot and characters that they feel important to you on a deeply personal level. Heir of Fire felt like everything the previous books had been building toward finally came to a boiling point. The plot just exploded, and the stakes were raised significantly.

The absolute character development we see from Celaena is so bittersweet but so satisfying. It’s a true transformation, and we witness her grappling with her past and embracing her destiny. And the introduction of Rowan… I will admit, I honestly hated him at first. I couldn’t stand him! But as the book progressed, his character started to open up, and I completely fell in love with him. The dynamic he shares with Celaena—that push and pull, the fire and ice—is completely swoon-worthy. It’s a dynamic that adds so much tension and depth to the story.

Overall, I know I said this about the previous book, but Heir of Fire is hands down the best one so far. The series just keeps getting better and better! I highly recommend starting this series if you haven’t already. And if you’re currently reading this story and wondering if you should continue, this one is an absolute must-read. It takes the series to a whole new level.

Favorite quotes from this book are:

-“I claim you, Aelin. To whatever end.”

This quote is so powerful and significant. It marks a turning point in Celaena’s journey and signifies a deep connection and commitment.

-“Dangerous, for a prince of ice and wind to pray to the Fire-Bringer,”

This line is so intriguing and hints at the complex relationships and power dynamics within the story. It adds a layer of mystery and foreshadowing that keeps you hooked.

-“And then I am going to rattle the stars.”

This quote is iconic and perfectly embodies Aelin’s fierce spirit and determination. It’s a declaration of her power and her intention to make her mark on the world. It’s such a powerful and inspiring moment.

Heir of Fire is a game-changer for the Throne of Glass series. The character development, the intensified plot, and the introduction of new dynamics make this an unforgettable read. If you're looking for a fantasy series with strong characters, intricate world-building, and plenty of emotional moments, then this is an absolute must-read. I highly, highly recommend it!

*Pinterest board created by me for this book: https://www.pinterest.com/isalemx3/throne-of-glass/

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Review: The Assassin's Blade

The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Holy shit, Sarah J. Maas just completely ripped my heart out of my chest with this one. Even though I knew generally how The Assassin's Blade was going to end, I seriously didn't think it would hit me this hard. I full-on ugly cried. This is honestly my favorite book in the Throne of Glass series so far. I'm a huge sucker for a good adventure, and this book delivered that in spades.

From battling pirates on the high seas to a wild summer stealing horses in the vast desert, to experiencing the bittersweet pangs of first love, and the devastating pain of loss, this book has everything. But be warned: it will absolutely break your heart. Getting to know Celaena’s past in such vivid detail really opened up her character for me. It added so much depth and complexity, making me feel for her on a whole new level. It provides a crucial understanding of her motivations and actions in the subsequent books, especially going into Heir of Fire.

This prequel truly showcases Celaena's growth and the events that shaped her into the assassin we meet in Throne of Glass. It's a rollercoaster of emotions, and the impact of the ending is truly devastating. I am officially hooked on the Throne of Glass series and highly recommend it to all book lovers. This series is absolutely essential reading.

Favorite quotes from this book were:

-“She was fire, she was darkness, she was dust and blood and shadow.”

This quote is so evocative and perfectly captures the duality of Celaena’s character. She’s a force of nature, both fierce and vulnerable, with a darkness lurking beneath her exterior. It's a powerful and poetic description of her complex nature.   


-“For a heartbeat, the silence peeled back long enough for that question to worm its way into her skull, into her skin, into her breath and her bones. And in the dark, she remembered."

This quote perfectly illustrates a pivotal moment of realization and remembrance for Celaena. The way Maas describes the question burrowing into her is so visceral and impactful, emphasizing the weight of the memory.   


-“She didn’t want to go out into a world where he didn’t exist. So she watched the light shift and change, and let the world pass by without her."

Oh, this quote just crushes me. It perfectly encapsulates the depth of Celaena’s grief and despair after losing someone she loved. It’s a heartbreaking depiction of how loss can make the world feel empty and meaningless.   


The Assassin’s Blade is an absolutely essential addition to the Throne of Glass series. It provides crucial backstory for Celaena and adds so much emotional depth to her character. While it will undoubtedly break your heart, it’s a beautifully written and unforgettable story. I highly, highly recommend it!

*Pinterest board created by me for this book: https://www.pinterest.com/isalemx3/assassins-blade/

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Review: Crown of Midnight

Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐⭐✨

Woah, talk about a game-changer! That ending of Crown of Midnight? Absolutely explosive! Even though I had a sneaking suspicion about the big twist (and yes, I totally called it!), the execution was just brilliant. The way Maas built the tension and then delivered that bombshell was masterful. And oh gods, my heart just absolutely ached for Chaol. There were some truly heartbreaking moments that had me reeling. Sarah J. Maas has this incredible talent for crafting characters you become deeply invested in, and I’m definitely a victim of her captivating storytelling.

To be honest, I really, really loved this book. It wasn't without its flaws; the pacing definitely lagged a bit for about 60% of the story. But I've come to realize that these early books, Throne of Glass and Crown of Midnight, are laying the foundation for something much grander. They're building this intricate world and introducing us to these complex characters, and I’m definitely hooked and eager to see where Celaena’s journey takes her. The slower pace allowed for some important character development and relationship building, which I appreciate in the long run.

Now, I’ll be diving into The Assassin’s Blade to delve deeper into Celaena’s past. I’m hoping to finish it before Onyx Storm releases! I highly recommend the Throne of Glass series so far and am buzzing with excitement for what’s to come!

Favorite quotes were:

-“It was always the same story, the same loss."

This quote is so haunting and poignant. It really speaks to the weight of Celaena's past and the grief she carries. It’s a recurring theme that adds depth and complexity to her character.

-“Why are you crying?”

“Because,” she whispered, her voice shaking, “you remind me of how the world ought to be. What the world can be.”

This exchange is such a tender and hopeful moment amidst all the darkness. It highlights the positive influence some characters have on Celaena, reminding her of the potential for goodness and light in a world filled with shadows. It really showcases the emotional core of the story.  

-“The longer she stared into that endless void, the more it seemed to stare back. It was just like that dream, the one where she was standing on the edge of that ravine.

You are nothing more than a coward."

This quote is absolutely chilling and perfectly captures Celaena’s inner turmoil. It reveals the self-doubt and fear that she struggles with, even beneath her tough exterior. It’s a powerful reminder of the internal battles she faces.   


Crown of Midnight is a thrilling and important installment in the Throne of Glass series. While the pacing has its slower moments, the explosive ending, the deepening of character relationships, and the further exploration of the world make it an essential read. If you've enjoyed Throne of Glass, you absolutely need to continue this series. It’s definitely worth the journey!

*Pinterest board created by me for this book: https://www.pinterest.com/isalemx3/throne-of-glass/

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Review: Throne of Glass

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Okay, I absolutely adored this book! I’ve had it on my TBR for ages and was super hesitant to start because I’d heard some mixed opinions. As a huge ACOTAR fangirl, I already had major respect for Maas, but this book just solidified my opinion of her as an author. I just love her writing style; I can visualize everything so clearly and vividly. It’s like a literal movie playing in my mind when I read a Sarah J. Maas book.

I really loved the FMC, Celaena. She’s a morally grey badass, and I can tell there’s so much more to her than what we’ve seen so far. She’s a total mystery, and I can’t wait to get to know her character better and learn more about her backstory. I decided to read this series in romantic order, so I didn’t go into it with prior knowledge of The Assassin’s Blade. I didn’t feel too confused about what was going on or about her as a character, though. I love all the characters in this story and have a feeling I’m not even close to scratching the surface of what this series is truly about, but I’m very intrigued to see where it goes and will be immediately jumping into the next one! Highly recommend so far!

Favorite quotes from this book were:

-“No. I can survive well enough on my own— if given the proper reading material.”

Girl, same lol. So relatable! This just perfectly sums up my own bookish tendencies.

-“Still, the image haunted his dreams throughout the night: a lovely girl gazing at the stars, and the stars who gazed back.”

This quote is so beautifully written and creates such a vivid and romantic image. It’s a small moment, but it’s so impactful.

-“Sometimes, the wicked will tell us things just to confuse us–to haunt our thoughts long after we've faced them.”

This quote is so insightful and speaks to the psychological games that are played throughout the book. It highlights the manipulative nature of some of the characters.

Throne of Glass is a fantastic start to what promises to be an epic series. The characters are compelling, the world-building is immersive, and the writing is captivating. If you’re a fan of fantasy, strong female leads, or just great storytelling in general, I highly recommend picking this one up!

*Pinterest board created by me for this book: https://www.pinterest.com/isalemx3/throne-of-glass/

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Review: A Light in the Flame

A Light in the Flame by Jennifer L. Armentrout
My rating: 10000000000 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐✨

I really enjoyed A Shadow in the Ember, but in my opinion, this one was even better! It brought so much richness and depth to this enormous, interconnected world. I just love how the whole series is like one big puzzle, and putting the pieces together page after page creates such a beautiful picture. It makes me fall in love not only with the characters but with the story and the world itself.

I cannot stop absolutely swooning over Nyktos! He completely melts my heart and is quickly making his way into my top MMC list. And his dynamic with Sera? It’s literally everything. They had me giggling and kicking my feet; I just love them so much. As with every book in this series (both Blood & Ash and Flesh & Fire), I highly recommend it and will be continuing on to the next book as soon as I post this.

Favorite quotes from this book were:

- “I want to tell you that you look beautiful but beautiful doesn’t adequately capture what I see. I don’t know if there is a word that does. You have taken my breath with yours.”

This quote is just so romantic and sweet. It perfectly captures the intensity of Nyktos's feelings for Sera and how she completely takes his breath away.

- “I could count on one hand how many people called me by my full name, and none of them spoke it like he did. As if it were a prayer and a reckoning."

This line is so evocative and powerful. It shows the deep connection and intimacy between Sera and Nyktos and how his way of saying her name holds so much meaning.

- “He is how you wish him to be. And I knew right then, as I stood there trembling, who he was to me. He wasn’t Nyktos. He never had been. He was Ash, and I… I was in love with him."

This quote is such a pivotal moment in the story! It’s the moment Sera truly realizes her feelings for Ash and accepts him for who he truly is. It's such a powerful and emotional scene.

A Light in the Flame is a fantastic addition to this interconnected series. It adds so much depth and richness to the world and gives us another amazing couple to root for. If you’ve been enjoying this series, this book is a must-read! I highly, highly recommend it.

*Pinterest board created by me for this book: https://www.pinterest.com/isalemx3/flesh-and-fire/

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