readwithrhys's reviews
1142 reviews

The Battle Drum by Saara El-Arifi

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced

5.0

The Daughters of Izdihar by Hadeer Elsbai

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adventurous emotional tense medium-paced

3.5

The Bone Shard War by Andrea Stewart

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adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced

4.5

Evocation by S.T. Gibson

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4.0

*Thank you to Angry Robots for a physical copy and Netgalley for an audiobook copy*

When I started this book yesterday morning, I’ll admit I wasn’t that intrigued with the characters or the plot, but the magic had me gripped. But I kept going because the audiobook was pretty good. And then I think around 30% through I finally got intrigued with everything. 

First, I want to talk about the audiobook. I really did enjoy the narrator, however, I *wish* we got a second narrator for Moira’s chapters. Oscar Reyes is a great narrator (I loved Rhys’ and David’s chapters), but him doing Moira’s chapters really didn’t work for me. 

Secondly, my name is Rhys, and my favourite character was Rhys LOL. Not gonna lie, it was a little awkward in the sex scenes but that’s only because of the name, not the actual sex in the book. I just had to point it out because I find it funny!

As for the story, before the last 4 chapters, this was looking like a 2.5-3.25 star rating. But then the last 4 chapters changed everything for me!! Like EVERYTHING! And I really loved it in the end, and am rating it 4 stars. 

I want to point out too that the ending got changed. And I love the addition of another chapter. Originally, chapter 34 was the end and there wasn’t an extra sex scene. But I think that extra sex scene really helps show the growth of all 3 of them. I was doing a tandem read, and was so thoroughly confused, but then the last chunk of chapter 35 ended the same as chapter 34 in the physical arc I received. And I really love that Gibson kept that the same but added in another chapter for more character arc!! 

Overall, I recommend this if you’re looking for a slower paced fantasy with cool magic and a polyam relationship!!
A Sky Beyond the Storm by Sabaa Tahir

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adventurous dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

5.0

I’m totally fine. I’m great.

NO I’M NOT IM FUCKING SOBBING
A Reaper at the Gates by Sabaa Tahir

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adventurous dark tense fast-paced

4.5

A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir

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adventurous dark sad tense medium-paced

5.0

SO MUCH FUCKING HAPPENED AND I AM NOT OKAY
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

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adventurous dark tense medium-paced

4.0