Book Review: The Flame Never Dies by Rachel Vincent

The Flame Never Dies

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The Flame Never Dies 〰️

This is my second read of this book. I've read both this one and the first book back when they first came out—loved them then. But somehow, I think I love them even more now. Vincent is my favourite author for a reason. Her books age like fine wine; they only get better with each re-read. And though I loved this book when I first read it, it's been a while, so it was basically like reading it for the first time. I was hooked. And I think I'm even more enamoured with this book than I was during my first read.

While the first book did read like the setup for this one (and it kind of was, but that didn't matter because Vincent's storytelling was compelling), this book was its payoff—the story Vincent really wanted to tell.

That being said, I never thought I'd be so invested in a side character's pregnancy. We don't see much of Nina's sister in both books, but in this one, she's about to pop and I completely forgot that Mellie never made it out alive. I thought she survived somehow, but nope. She dies off-screen being posses by a demon, and no one notices, including me, who read this book before. I wasn't saddened by her loss since we don't get much screentime with her, but I did enjoy the brief time we had with Meshara, the demon who passed her. I thought it was interesting having a demon who was pregnant but also infected. Vincent really knew how to draw out the tension on whether the baby would even be born, let alone live. I will say, however, we never really do get an explanation on how Adam survives without a soul being donated unless I missed it. Did the well of souls suddenly fill up again? Did the world go back to the days before we knew we had to die and donate our souls so newborns could live?

Besides that, the only true nitpick about these two books (besides Finn and Nina's insta-love, which I forgive because they're cute together) is the title of this series. I personally don't get the titles of either of the books other than they both sound really cool and have gorgeous covers to go with them. Besides that? I'm not sure what the titles mean in relation to the books. Well, I guess the title of this one, The Flame Never Dies, could relate to the white light "flame" the exorcist has when exorcising demons. But the title of the first book? No clue.

That being said, I don't think I will ever tire of Vincent's works. Perhaps not every book of hers will appeal to everyone, but she has enough that one of her books is bound to hook you. I personally believe that if you like Vincent's works, you'll love these two books as well.

Book Review: The Stars Never Rise by Rachel Vincent

The Stars Never Rise

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The Stars Never Rise 〰️

This is my second read of this book. I read this initially when it first came out. I loved it then, and I love it even more after this re-read. Somehow I feel like I am more into this story now than when it first came out. But that's the thing about Vincent. Her books age like fine wine. They're always amazing the first read. But after some time away and you re-read them, they're somehow even better than they were the first read. There is a reason Vincent is my all-time favourite author. Her works are so good they always demand a re-read, and they never disappoint.

This story takes place in the future and yet is grounded in today's reality. The Church has taken over all manners of authority, and because in this universe where demons are real, everyone allows the Church to dictate every aspect of their lives. It mirrors our world in a way. Religion plays a huge role in most people's lives, and people don't usually question the higher-up's authority. However, in Vincent's world, the Church is far more sinister than ours. (Not to say there isn't any evil in the Church in our world; there is corruption in anything with authority, unfortunately. Not always, but it happens).

This book does read like a considerable world-building and is set up for the second book in two-part series. That isn't to say it's a bad thing. And that also doesn't make this a bad book. Far from it, actually. But I can see how some people may see it that way. But because Vincent is such a masterful storyteller, we don't even realize it's a massive exposition dump. It reads like a valid story and is intriguing the entire way.

I will say, however, that Finn and Nina's relationship feels a bit insta-lovey. While I love their relationship, and I do find they have chemistry, both Nina and Finn are pretty attached to teacher other (like kissing) basically from the moment they meet. And that's fine, but they're acting like they've been together a lot longer than a week or so. That's the only negative thing I can say about this book, and even then, it's a huge nitpick because I also ship these two so much.

If you're a fan of any of Vincent's books, you'll be sure to enjoy this one (as well as the sequel, I bet).

Book Review: Hunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton

Hunting Adeline

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Hunting Adeline 〰️

Small side rant before I get into my thoughts on the book as a whole. (Okay, not super small).

I think I mentioned this in my review of the first book, but this issue has been ramped up in the second book. Zade is the most hypocritical character I've ever read. Yes, he loves Addie, and I see his love and he can be a genuinely great guy to have as your boyfriend (if you look past all his "bad" stuff). But for someone who kills people for a living, because those people raped and tortured other people, you'd think he'd take his own advice. Yes, those people he killed were monsters and this isn't the type of story where we judge a character for taking the law into their own hands. But he does the exact same things to Addie, someone who has now been a victim of extreme trauma herself. (Also, I don't care how much the book tries to make it seem not so, but Addie 100% was kidnapped and put into human trafficking because of Zade and his obsession over her). Zade is always saying she is safe with him and that she's not with the monsters anymore, yet he still screws her without her consent (although she's into it, so I guess it's consensual?). He stalked her. He forced her to love him. He marked her with a knife. He's done basically everything her captors did to her, but because he loves her, it's now okay? Yeah, sure.

Not to mention he kills people just for even looking at her wrong. (Granted, it's "justified" now because those people end up being bad people, but still). Yes, she loves him in the end, but he leaves her no choice. Stockholm syndrome, much? I know he wanted her to love him as he is (which she does), but he didn't treat her better than the people who raped her most of the time. She was basically his personal human sex toy.

I know a lot of people like Zade, and as a character, I do too, but he's not a good guy and if he were real, he should be in jail and not someone to root for. I feel like I have more to say but it's probably going to be repetitive, so I'll end my rant here.

That being said, I really did enjoy this book. It's problematic af, but we knew that going in. Was it as good as the first book and Satan's Affair? No. But the part one of the book was a gripping read. I really felt like I was held captive in a human trafficking ring. Part two, however, was just okay. I'm glad Addie survived and, over months, was able to deal a bit more with her PTSD. But the search for the bad guys in the book dragged a bit.

Not going to lie; Sibby was the best part of part two. I genuinely enjoyed it every time she was on screen. Even had a few good chuckles.

Speaking of Sibby, I don't like how this book ended. It ended on a weird cliffhanger by introducing a new character right in the last chapter, and in the epilogue that follows, she's been gone with this random character that we still don't know much about. Zade was looking for her for like a page or so and then it's just smut with Addie until the end. I feel like I'm missing something. Does this mean a third book is in the works or another spinoff with Sibby? Who knows.

All in all, though this book has its faults (we knew this going into it), I still enjoyed the read. I just wish Zade thought more with his heart and not his dick.

Book review: Haunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton

Haunting Adeline

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Haunting Adeline 〰️

Well, this book made me see things in a way I didn't think I ever would. I picked it up because a friend told me about it, and it sounded interesting. I read Satan's Affair first, and I love that we get to see that mini-story again, but from Zade's perspective. It was short but cool. You don't need to have read Satan's Affair in order to understand this story, especially as it was such a small part of the grand scheme of things, but I will admit it enhanced the reading experience. (Plus, I enjoyed the little novella).

There were basically two stories going on at once. Well, three, if you count the stalking part before Adeline and Zade made contact. We have Adeline trying to solve the murder of her great-grandma, Gigi. While interesting, this plot point wasn't the main focus, in my opinion. The really interesting part was Zade's storyline. He truly is a hero for what he does, even if he goes about it in, let's say, an interesting way.

At first, you wonder how Zade can be so passionate about saving women and children from the horrors of sex trafficking and not wanting to do anything to them other than get them to safety, yet at the same time be willing to stalk and assault Adeline because he's super attracted to her. I mean, yes, it's sort of consensual as she's into the non-consensual stuff, so in a way, it does make it consensual? I dunno. It's weird. But when we read from Zade's perfection, somehow it all makes sense and we root for him even though he's the bad guy (yet also the good guy?) This book really makes you question your own morals.

Side note, though I don't mind reading smut so smutty it may as well be porn, I do wish the author stopped using the word "juices" so often. That was kind of a turn-off for me; not gonna lie. Took away any sexiness the scene had as it was more gross than anything.

Also, don't get me started on both MCs having a major cliffhanger. Guess I need to get reading on book two now because what can I say? This may be a dark read, but it's a helluva interesting one.

Book review: Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney

Sometimes I Lie

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Sometimes I Lie 〰️

Holy mother of twists, Batman! This book hooked me right from the first page and held me right until the end. (Sequel, anyone? It was kind of left open for a sequel, and I wouldn't be mad if there were one. I need more. I feel like there is more to the story because of how it ended. But if not, it still has such a great ending).

We always wonder if those we love who are in a coma can hear us. In this case, Amber, who is in a coma, can do just that. She can feel and hear everything but is unable to react physically. No one knows she is aware of everything as she tries to piece together the mystery of what happened to her leading up to her accident that got her in this situation. But Amber is an unreliable narrator (love that), and because of that, we are on the edge of our seats the entire novel.

I'm not one for guessing twists or picking up clues that are usually obvious to most readers, but if there were hints as to what happened to Amber and her relationship with Claire and her ex, I didn't see them. The whole book was a wild guessing game as to who did what and why. And when you think you have it all figured out, Feeney pulls a fast one and hits you with twist after twist. I personally didn't see them coming.

When Amber was in the "now" chapters, you first took everything she heard at face value. But then, as time goes on, when you realize she often hallucinates (which I don't blame her; coma brain and all), you wonder what is real and what isn't, and it all adds to the mystery.

I love how the "now," "then," and "before" chapters all tell separate stories but blend into one in the end. Feeney is truly an expert storyteller. She can keep you guessing and wondering what we would have done in Amber's situation.

Loved this book from beginning to end and can't recommend it enough.

Book review: Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

Everything, Everything

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Everything, Everything 〰️

I admit, I got the ending and twist spoiled for me because I had read Save The Cat! (a guide to writing novels), and this book was one of the examples for romances. I never thought I'd read the book, despite finding its premise super interesting. Then my friend was moving and getting rid of a lot of books, and this was one of them that I got from her. Despite having it spoiled for me, it was a while since I read the plot in Save the Cat!, and so I was still on the edge of my seat, wondering how they got from point A to B.

This book was genius. From the writing style (including the emails, letters, and texts to the artwork), short chapters vs long chapters, it all worked to tell a cohesive and interesting story. The premise was fascinating as well. Maddy is said to be so sick she can never leave the house. But she soon falls for the boy across the street. We can see Maddy fall head over heels for Olly through a series of cute interactions. I can feel their chemistry. They are adorable teenagers acting as normal teenagers should. (Even in Maddy's case, where she's never had the experience of a normal teen because of her "sickness."

I loved learning about Maddy's world in her white, sterile room. I loved Carla. She sounds like the perfect nurse to have as a friend when you are stuck inside. She's so kind and caring and is the one who gives Maddy the idea to live her life, despite her illness. And it's a good thing she did because it's how we discover Maddy wasn't sick all along!

Yoon really plays with your emotions through this book. Despite feeling trapped, we also feel hope for a world worth living, one outside Maddy's bubble. Even when we thought Maddy was sick, we still wanted Maddy to live a normal life. And when she does in Hawaii, we see the world in anew light, like a toddler experiencing life for the first time. Things we took for granted are now brought to light, and I love that. This book truly makes you appreciate love, life, and the gift of being alive, even if things seem bad.

If you're into a cute YA romance and want to see the world in a new light, this book is excellent for you.

Book Review: Suicide Notes from Beautiful Girls by Lynn Weingarten

Suicide Notes from Beautiful Girls

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Suicide Notes from Beautiful Girls 〰️

Well this book was a rollercoaster from start to finish. There were so many twists I didn't see coming. Especially when it comes to the dead girl, well, not being dead. And when the ending line of the books blurb says "Now Delia is dead. And June owes it to her to find out the truth... which is far more complicated that she ever could have imagined." Well. It wasn't kidding. It was way more complicated. In that sense I'm not saying the story itself was a complicated read, just that all the plot twists were a kick in the gut for June over and over, until she can barely tell reality from fabrication.

I feel for June. She was the best of friends with Delia. But then they grew apart, as some friendships do. (Especially if you see your bestie kissing your boyfriend). But when she learns of Delia's suicide, she realizes all the potential their friendship had and how she'll never get the chance to be there for her friend again.

I was hooked right from the very beginning. Though I will admit, the first half of the book reminded me of Holly Jackson's "A Good Girl's Guide to Murder." I loved that book (the whole trilogy really). But I wasn't sure I was into reading another story about someone trying to solve a murder. (Well, suicide in this case). But then the first big twist happened. I'm sure people probably say it coming, but I'm very clueless a lot of the time so I was blinded when it happened. Never expected Delia to fake her own death. I was truly thinking this was going to be AGGGTM kind of story where June goes down lots of crazy rabbit wholes to discover the truth about her friends death.

But here we are! She's alive! And we now have a new POV, from Delia. And we can see how manipulative and obsessive she really is. It was all of June. It was like Delia knew what would happen to them in the future and planned it out from the first moment they met. Maybe she had some grand scheme. Maybe she only thought of her plan later on. Either way, it was a wild ride to read.

The only thing I didn't really like about this book is that it portrayed bisexuals in a negative light. Because I kind of see Delia as the villain and wether is is bi, pan, gay, whatever, her and Ashling make the LGBTQ+ community seem a bit crazy. Not saying you should never have a queer villain. It just puts queer people in a bad light when the only LGBTQ+ people in your novel are doing bad things.

All in all, this was an excellent and quick read and I highly recommend.

Book Review: A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Silver Flames

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A Court of Silver Flames 〰️

Not gonna lie, when I heard that this story was to be told from Nestsa and Cassians POV (and in third person, a switch from the other books), I wasn't sure how I felt about it. I didn't really want a book about the side characters, y'know? But having read this book, I can say for a fact that I want more of Nesta and Cassian. I can also say that this story was meant to be told for them. I think the first three books in this series were meant to be a trilogy as they ended perfectly. The fourth book was a nice little bridge and gave us our last farewell of Feyre's POV. And this final book, well now we're starting new stories in this universe and I for one am all here for me. (I head there is going to be a sixth book. No word yet on whose POV it will be from, but I do hope for more Nesta).

Actually, I really enjoyed Feyre. But I 100% enjoyed Nesta's story more. This story was about healing and self-discovery (with lots of spicy romance in between. Not gonna lie, when I read the spicy bits I was at work during a downtime and was glad this was in written form and not something I was watching on Netflix because it was basically porn in written form).

Nesta was such an interesting character. I didn't care much for her before in other books, but seeing her POV, I understand her now. I see why she acted the way she did and I empathized with her. I enjoyed watching her grow a character and I can't wait to see more. (Cassian was great, too, but now Nesta is my new favourite. They're super cute together, too).

I absolutely loved watching her become such close friends with Emerie and Gwyn (and the House, too, if I'm being honest). They all trauma bonded, but also helped heal each other. Are they all truly okay after what happened to them? Not at all. But they will get through it together. Found family is awesome.

I felt all the emotions reading this book. It had me feel the debts of Nesta's depression as if it were my own. It had me grin wildly when Nesta found joy over friendship and love. From low to high I felt it all and I love that.

All in all, if this series truly ended with this book, I will be happy for it had the perfect ending. If it continues, I won't be mad. Unless Maas ruins it somehow. But if you loved the ACOTAR series, you'll be sure to thoroughly this book.