2025 Reading Challenge discussion
ARCHIVE 2024
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Jade's attempt to read 50 books!


Thank you so much for the kind words, Elizabeth. Wishing you a New Year filled with many bookish adventures, laughter and joy.


Thank you so much, Laura! I'll do my best!

Thank you for the kind words and encouragement, Blagica! Wishing you a year of thrilling new adventures and happy endings!

4 stars
I devoured this graphic novel. It's so beautifully illustrated! I will always be a huge fan of the Grishaverse.

5 stars
The first book I read by Taylor Jenkins Reid was The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, and I was so impressed by her unique writing.
I bought Daisy Jones & the Six, and I thought, please let this be a good one! And I was blown away. Wauw!
I was surprised that Taylor wrote the story based on interviews. The author in the story interviewed the stars of an infamous rock band and two people who meant a lot to some of them. Just about popular events, tragic moments, etc. This kind of writing style felt so fresh, so new. You know what I mean? That's why Taylor's writing is so special to me.
Yesterday, I went to the bookstore to buy more books by Taylor. I am in love, okay!

I really enjoyed this one! The beginning and middle part of the book made me laugh and gasp, and I sometimes even said 'ooooh'. The last pages were quite the opposite. I have so much respect for this person.
Tom Felton talked about his childhood, his first role, the Harry Potter cast (the chapter Dramione is hilarious and adorable), his roles after the infamous movies, and the rehab.
I highly recommend this autobiography!

1 star
DNF. The only two things I liked about this book is the cover and the crossword puzzle at the end of the book.
This book is just SO confusing to me. And all those jumps to the POV of different characters... I have a headache.
I thought 'oh spellbooks and stuff disappear in a magical way? This might be good.' NOPE!

5 stars
First of all, SJM, how dare you?!
I understand the hype around this series, for sure.
But, again, SJM, how dare you kill one of the sweetest people ever? I can't remember the last time I cried this much about a character.
The world building, the character developments, the plot, the feisty protagonist (I love her!), etc. Perfection 👏.
I can't wait to read the other books in this series!
I just need a moment to recover.

1 star
DNF.
Listen, I am just not a huge fan of tea. I love the magic in this book, but that's it. This book was sadly not for me.
If you love tea and magic, then this one is for you.

3 stars
Very interesting book. The history, the illustrations, the dragons! I just love dragons 🐉. If you are a fan of Game of Thrones, definitely read this!

4 stars
First of all, f*ck you, Justin Timberlake!
I have never felt so angry while reading a book.
When I was little, I used to dance and sing along whenever Britney's songs were on the radio. I was a huge fan!
But then, I became a teenager and listened to other artists. Mostly rock.
Britney, I am so sorry that you had to go through this. You deserved better! I realize that I am so lucky to have a supportive family.
Thank you for writing this book 👏.

5 stars
"𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬," 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝. "𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐝𝐨 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐢𝐟 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐭, 𝐭𝐨𝐨. 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭."
What a rollercoaster of emotions! I have been standing/sitting in the weirdest positions due to the endless tensions.
Chaol, where have you been all my life? Welcome to my list of fictional boyfriends!
I am a simp of magic, powerful women, and hilarious banter. Celaena is so sassy and made me laugh so much! I really love her. She deserves all the happiness in the world. My girl 🥲!
I read the Assassin's Blade last year and loved it (although it made me cry... you know which moment). I can't wait to read the other books in this series. I am so ready for this thrilling adventure!

5 stars
I read this one in one sitting cause it's so good! Hades and Persephone are my favorite Greek Myth couple.

3 stars
I was so close to DNF this book yesterday. I am glad that I didn't. It's not my favorite book from Taylor, but it's great!
There were moments when I got annoyed by Carrie's behavior. She could be so arrogant and b*tchy. I was screaming a couple of times at my book, like 'be thankful for having such an amazing father! Don't treat him like trash!'
Halfway through the book, she realizes what her father has done for her, and their father-daughter bond made me quite emotional. It reminded me of my dad. My father and I were best friends before he passed away. I miss him terribly.

5 stars
Wait, what?! You can't end the book with a cliffhanger! My heart is still racing from all the tension in the last pages. I think I even forgot to breathe for a moment.
This book is just phenomenal! I sat at the edge of my chair, holding my breath. This book deserves applause 👏!
I need the second book, RIGHT NOW.

5 stars
Well, this book really reminds me of one of my favorite movies, How To Train Your Dragon. Pallor IS Toothless. He is just an adorable dragon who protects his human. The bond between dragon and human is magnificent.
It's been a while since I have read a book about dragons. I freaking love dragons. Now I want to read more books, including dragons. I am definitely going to buy the sequel to this book.
I swear... I felt the butterflies in my stomach when Pallor dived and flew in the sky. It was like I was the one on the dragon. Amazing!

5 stars
I am not ready to say goodbye. That's what I said before reading this book. And now that I have finished reading this book, I feel a bit sad. The Caraval and OUABH trilogies are my favorite books. Jacks is my favorite character. Gosh, I love him!
This book was an intense roller-coaster. Never a dull moment. Evangeline was sometimes annoying at the beginning of the story. Jacks stole my heart once again. And Apollo... *retches*. That's all I want to say.
I am a tad disappointed that Tella didn't appear in the book. I was hoping to see her after reading the second book.
But overall, it was the perfect ending of this magical trilogy. I will miss Evangeline and Jacks so much.
Stephanie Garber, please don't stop writing. You are the best!

3 stars
Did I read a Christmas book in March? Yes, I did.
The beginning was very slow paced. It was boring until a mysterious, yet a charming, handsome man appeared. He asked her hand in marriage, and Marietta refused.
The mysterious figure transported her to an enchanting would far away from Earth through a magical mechanism.
Everwood made me think of Winter Wonderland. I am still perplexed that the palace is made of sugar and ice. And that's when I thought 'wait this reminds me of the Nutcracker'.
I loved the slow burn romance in this story, but maybe toooo slow burn? The number of times Marietta almost kissed her love interest but gets disturbed every single time! I almost threw the book through the window.
I think the story was too detailed. Like 5 pages about the surroundings. 1 page is enough for me.
The last 80 pages were so good! I could not put my book down. I read until 11 pm. and had to get up around 5 am. to get to work 🙃. I am exhausted, but it was worth it!
I wished the ending was different, but I liked the plot.

4 stars
𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐲 — 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐧'𝐭 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐫.
I don't know what to say after reading this book. I felt so many emotions. Happiness, sadness, heartbroken, rage, disappointment.
I think my jaw hurts from all those unexpected situations. The number of times I gasped. Especially the last page made me gasp. I kinda already knew that Celaena wasn't her real name and that there was something magical about her. I felt for her through the story. Just give my girl the happiness she deserves!
I have never expected to say this, but I am so disappointed in Chaol! I was rooting for him! I hope he makes everything right in the next book or else 🤛.
I need to take a little break from this series. I need to sort my mind out. All these emotions are not good for my heart.

4 stars
So.... it is a perfect ending of this series. But the last 80 pages were 🧐😵😳🤯🥰.
I had to use emoijs since I could not describe it in words.
Am I gonna miss Jude and Cardan? Oh yes, absolutely! I did not like Cardan in the first two books. Alright, I hated him. He was a bully! And I do not like bullies. But Cardan in the third book... much better! (Cardan's tail in the spicy scenes is something else, though. I still need to get used to it, haha.)
Overall, I loved this Fearie world and the characters. I am going to miss them so much! I hope to see some of them in Stolen Heir. Can't wait to read more about Oak and his POV!

I really enjoyed your reviews so far. Looking forward to seeing what else you'll be reading through the rest of 2024.
Also, I just wanted to echo Elizabeth's sentiment. One of my favorite quotes is : "The past is a place of reference, not a place of residence."
The thought that's important, in my opinion, isn't whether or not you reached your goal last year, or even if you will reach it in 2024, but rather whether or not you're enjoying the books the books you're picking up :) That's the end-goal. All the other stuff, like whether we read 10, or 20, or 50 or 100 books, that's just a bonus.
Wishing you the best of luck on your literary journey.
Happy reading!

3 stars
“Tell me,” he whispered, his voice sliding like silk over my flushed skin. “What?” My own voice came out breathless. “I am your favorite sin.”
I was hoping to finish this book in April, but the beginning lacked interest and excitement. And, it got me in a reading slump. Last month, I finally found the motivation to continue this read.
It was 'meh' until page 174. I was just getting annoyed with all these sexual tension between Emilia and Wrath. All the teasing but almost NOTHING happened?! Don't torture me.
The last 100 pages or so were SO good! I could not put my book down. I won't spoil anything. It's just that I am STILL in shock! I did not expect this book to be such a wild rild! I am flabbergasted.
I must say, Envy is my favourite Prince/Sin. (Sorry, Wrath.)

4 stars
Most people would say that the first book is their favorite. But this one was my favorite. I was scared that it would be dull like the second book, but nope! This book is so good!
The spice, though. Kerri took it on a completely different level! The expressions I made through these specific pages. Oh lord! 🔥
I do not want to say goodbye to Wrath and Emilia. Protect them at all costs!
I hope to see them in The Throne of the Fallen, aka Envy's story! I can't wait to read his story! My favorite Prince/Sin!
Just a big applause to Kerri Maniscalco!
👏👏👏


Have a great weekend!

3 stars
What is the last book that made you cry?
This thick book.
I did not really love this one. Don't hate me, please! Only the last 200 pages were good. It's just too much information, too many unnecessary details. I couldn't read this in one sitting. It took me weeks, sadly.
And then, when it finally got interesting, Leigh Bardugo decided to break my heart. Chapter 40 ruined me. Why, Leigh? Why?
I also loved that some characters from the Shadow and Bone trilogy made an appearance. Those chapters were a lot of fun!

5 stars
I am truly enjoying this series so far.
Never a dull moment. A lot of action. I love all the characters. Every single one of them is unique. The plot is magnificent. The world is magical. And the spicy scenes are REALLY spicy phew!
Can't wait to read the next book!

4 stars
I read this book while being on vacation with family. I had to keep my face straight during the steamy scenes.
Peter Pan was one of my favorite movies. So, I was a bit in shock when I read this book. The spiciness! My Lost Boys grew up 😅. Sorry, little Jade! 🙈
I'm definitely going to read the sequel!

5 stars
I think I have found a new favorite author. L.J. Andrews, you rock!
Gosh, I love this world and the exquisite characters! It got me hooked from the first page. Throughout the story, I kinda felt Beauty and the Beast vibes. Legion Gray has astonished me in so many ways. That man made me giggle a couple of times. And his devotion to Elise gave me butterflies. Elise, the main character, is such a wholesome character. I love her bravery, her loyalty, her good heart. I love her so much.
The plot twist at the end was sooo good! I kinda knew that this would happen, but nonetheless, it was still mind-blowing.
I can't wait to read the second book. I want to discover more about this enchanting world and the fascinating characters! Bring it on!

5 stars
Why did it take me so long to read a book by Adrienne Young?
This book is a MASTERPIECE. I want to buy all the books by Adrienne now.

2 stars
I thought this book would be 300 + pages, but the story ended earlier. I honestly do not know what to say about this book *sigh*.
I watched the movie and loved it so much. I had high expectations of the book. Well, I honestly prefer the movie. The characters and the plot were much more fascinating than the book. It just was a bit boring and tedious. I did not like this book...

5 stars
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐰𝐨 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐬 𝐈’𝐯𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝.
A vampire who is a Swiftie AND watches K-dramas? Sign me up!
This was such a cute, cozy read. The perfect book for autumn. Cassie, the main character, and the hot vampire Frederick are such a wholesome couple. Frederick is old-fashioned (well, he is more than 100 years old. Can you blame him?) , so Cassie is helping him with how to talk and dress in the 21st century. Their conversations made me laugh so much.
I love Frederick's handwritten letters to Cassie. He is just so adorable! Why don't we write handwritten letters anymore?! It's so romantic.
I absolutely liked this book! It's been a while since I have read a romance book.

5 stars
This book broke my heart in a million pieces. Saying goodbye to someone you loved with all your heart is so difficult. If only I could make one phone call with my dad. 💔

3 stars
𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠.
I didn't hate this book but didn't love it either. It was so slow-paced, and I thought it was too detailed. There were so many POV'S. It was a bit confusing. Overall, the story is good. Only the last pages were (finally) getting interesting. The tension and the action in the last part of the book were great.

4 stars
𝐋𝐚𝐫𝐤, 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧. 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐲 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨. 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐩𝐮𝐥𝐬𝐞.
A mortician and a cartoon creator. It's a unique duo. I loved the awkwardness so much! They are so adorable. This story made me laugh countless times. And the sexual tension?? It was killing me!
I was a bit hesitant at first cause I've heard that it will be explained in detail how they would prep bodies for a viewing like embalming, etc. I thought it would be gross, but it was actually alright.
I highly recommend this little gem. It was such a fun read.

2 stars
There's a lot of f*ck talk in this book. Verbally and well, physically. A bit cringe. Love the Halloween vibes, though.

5 stars
This was such a cute read! I am so happy I got to see Tella, Scarlett, Legend, and Julian again. I loved this book so much!

5 stars
𝐃𝐨 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞. 𝐃𝐨 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐮𝐬.
My heart is still beating fast. I can't breathe. I am still processing this story. I just want to shout from the rooftops how INCREDIBLE this book is!
I have had this book on my shelves for almost two years. I was mesmerizing by the stunning cover, but I did not want to read it yet.
BUT I added this book to my autumn tbr list, and I am so glad I put it on that list.
I love the eerie atmosphere, a mystery, and that this book includes spirits, reapers, and Death! I was kicking my feet in the air, gasping loudly many times and giggling. My cat gave me the side eyes sometimes. She was judging me so hard.
I love Signa, the main character, so much! She doesn't care what others think about her. She has such unique eye colors, an interesting personality, her love for autumn, etc... her interactions with Death are my favorite parts. I never thought I would say this, but I ADORE Death. He is a brilliant character in this book and quite handsome... 🫠
This book is so well-written. A story that got me sucked in from the first page.
If this book is on your shelves and you haven't read it, just grab it and read it! If only I could give this book 10 stars! 🌟

4 stars
𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐝 “𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐦?! 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭 𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧!” 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐞’𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮.
The trigger warnings made me wonder if I really should read this book. I mean cannibalism?! I was so scared and really thought that I would throw up once I started reading.
I love the interactions between Sloane and Rowan. They are so funny! Two murders who intend to kill the bad guys. And how they protect each other... I love their relationship.
One thing is for sure, I will not eat ice cream and meat for a while. That part traumatized me.

5 stars
𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐞𝐱𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞.
I have seen this book everywhere on social media. So, I bought the book and placed it on my shelves for a couple of months. I just felt slightly intimated by this book.
Oh boy, I understand the hype around this book 100%. This magnificent novel is such a page-turner, and I could not put it down. But sadly, I had to go to work so I could not finish it in one sitting.
The world building was so detailed and jaw-dropping. It's like I got transported in the book. The trails were so well-thought. All the characters were phenomenal. I love the different vampire species.
Oraya, the human-born, in a world filled with blood-thirsty vampires, is such a badass!
Raihn, the 'ruthless' vampire, was such an interesting character. I wanted to know more about him! He is just chefs kiss.
The last part of the book was just an intense mixture of emotions. My heart was beating fast from the crazy tension. I had tears in my eyes. Then, I felt betrayed. And then, a rush of frustration and bewilderment.
This book was such a profound rollercoaster! And, I loved every part of it.

2,5 stars
𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫𝐬; 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝.
Well, what a unique sleeping beauty retelling. It was quite interesting to see a 'fairy' toad being the protagonist.
I usually do not read novellas. Mostly, I read books with 300+ pages. But this book motivated me to read more novellas in the future.
The story was not bad. I just have the feeling that something is missing. The ending was a bit weird, to be honest.
Overall, I give this book 2.5 stars.

4 stars
𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐰𝐚𝐲.
It felt so good to return to the magical world, Elfhame. I truly enjoyed this story.
It's a mixture of Cardan's childhood and the present. I recommend reading this after reading the Folk of the Air series.
The art in the book is so stunning! It made reading more fun!
Books mentioned in this topic
Metal Slinger (other topics)The Kiss of Deception (other topics)
Ruthless Vows (other topics)
The Shadows Between Us (other topics)
Stuck with You (other topics)
More...
(My apologies if there are grammar mistakes in my short reviews. English is not my native language...)