This story is so epic and well written. One of the best webnovels I've read so far with fleshed out characters. Not your typical side characters from webnovels that can be summed up in either a stereotype or with three sentences. Good and interesting story, a badass MC that is often a bit OP (and I love it), interesting side characters, awesome fight scenes. What more do I want? Nothing really which is why this can get no less than all available stars from me
One of my favourite webcomics along with Dear Door and I have read it three? four? times by now. It deals with some darker themes, so it's not for everyone. Even more so now that it's stuck on a cliffhanger since ages and there's now news about the next season T_T
This fanfic gave me mixed feelings. Lomonaaeren writes really good and it was pleasant to read and the storyline took me quite by surprise as I never though or read about Harry becoming a part of the Malfoy household and both, Narcissa and Lucius taking a real liking on him and vice versa.
The only thing that left me completely cold were the characters, especially Harry and Draco. At the beginning of their interaction their was a spark of their school behaviour towards each other, but only that. The spark crushed and vanished along with their old enmities and all but forgotten as if they never existed ad were replaced with a sudden interest in Harry and his body on Draco's side. The initial interest becomes more in a matter of -how long was it again, a day? two?- days. Paired with Draco worrying about his fathers health as he is in the hospital were Harry works and the sole reason the meet at all. Most of all it was Draco's change to a completely pleasant person and I missed his nasty side that would sneer at Harry and his haughty attitude...
So, overall the story was great, but the characters just didn't do it for me, but go read it, if you want to see Mediwizard Potter in action.
4 highly eloquent stars for this well done Edwardian period style whodunit with real feel of the era
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the tenth part of the Cambridge Fellow Mysteries and the first book of the series and the first I had the pleasure to read. Now I'm definitely hungry for more “Lessons”.
The authentic way of speech Cochrane uses was at first a bit hard getting used to because honestly how many historical fiction novels can you think of that actually employ the correct form of speech from the time they play in? I can't think of many and this book really reads like something that was written quite a few decades ago. But certainly not in a bad way. The language and writing are just so smooth, plus, I'm a sucker for speech from the 19th and Early 20th century. It didn't take long for me to fall in love with the writing.
Jonty's and Orlando's hobby and passion is solving crimes, the more difficult a mystery the better. This time they are given a case at the Fyfield estate, which belongs to Jonty's godmother (or was it his mother's godmother?). Almost everyone else thinks is obvious suicide but the more the two investigate with the support of Mr. and Mrs. Steward the more they are convinced that there is more to the suicide than meets the eye, especially when they stumble upon another one that seems to be strangely related to the first one.
The outcome of the case was one I did not anticipate and while the mystery in itself wasn't very action packed or anything it was still highly entertaining and the two main characters are just so compatible and cute together.
This book is not for impatient people because time and time again their inquiries leads the lads to a dead end and they have to reconsider the solutions they found possible up to that point. It's not action packed and it my opinion this fits the language, writing style and characters really well and makes for a believeable mystery whodunit.
Check out my Blog ‘Left is right if you just walk far enough' if you wanna read more reviews
4.5 Stars for the continuation of an amazing series full of unexpected plot twist, brutality and love that warms your heart.
Come visit my blog for more rambling about books www.strawberrygeek-reads.blogspot.de
I received this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Now that Yarroway is gone to deal with the past that clings to him, Duncan and Sasha are alone at Duncan's new home. Sasha hates all the hassle an aristocratic and high-class life brings with it and just like to deal with it as simple as possible. Namely killing anyone that is a threat to Duncan in Sasha's opinion. Needless to say that neither Duncan nor the nobility is especially happy with Sasha. But Sasha can't just get rid of his upbringing as an assassin just as Duncan can't get rid of his morals and sense for propriety.
When Sai comes to tell them that Yarroway needs their help both of them are only too eager to get to Yarroway as soon as possible.
This was just as fucking brilliant as the first book and fingers already strain for the next, but then I won't get to this review until I have finished it. So let's keep this quick cause there is a sexy book waiting for my on my bed.
The dynamics between them are just lovely and I enjoy it every time I get a part where all three of them are together. The only thing I would criticise is that there are a few scenes where something happens or is said where the characters don't start to ask questions but just let it kind of slide. That was the only thing that really bothered and nagged at me in both books up to now. The characters are otherwise very realistic. They are not perfect. Each of them has their own flaws and their decisions aren't always good, right or even moral.
There are more plot twist we get thrown into our faces rather unexpected but nethertheless not unwelcome. I really look forward to see how some of those get resolved in the third book.
Just go read it! Meanwhile I'll devour the next one to see what the fuck's going to happen...
The horror elements were superb, and i can't wait to forget most about the story so i can read it again. The dark atmosphere and storytelling hit all the right spots to give me some goosebumps, even when it's way too warm outside. The occasional sprinkle of humour just added more flavour.
There's also some romance later on, but it doesn't dominate the story. Neither the MC nor his love interest have much personality, but funnily enough, it didn't diminish the story for me at all.
4,5 stars for a fairy tale that tells how love and horniness win the day
This duology has given me a great time, although given how powerful Rahm is supposed to be the dragged out plot doesn't make all that much sense. But hey, i won't complain about a good time too much.
As with the first book i wish we got more chapters exploring the characters, but that sadly is a common thing when it comes to reverse harems. It's probably the only genre where i wouldn't be opposed to filler chapters that don't further the plot at all.
5 stars for giving me a great time when i arrived with low expectations
pro:
- loved the dark fairy tale world
- i'm a sucker for reverse harem that also gives us some good polyamory
- foreplay had just the perfect amount of spice (actually prefer the foreplay the author writes as compared to the actual sex scenes)
- all the loves interests are interesting characters in their own right
con:
- wish we got more buildup wit Rahm, he basically appeared out of nowhere
★★★★★ absolutely smitten with ash and karlyle
♡
- alpha x alpha
- consent
- spice spice spice
- if love interests in other manwha had even a modicum of ash's goodness, toxicity levels would drop rapidly
- down simping for ash and karlyle so hard
- gorgeous art
This book had me definietly more glued to its sides than the first volume!
It certainly started...cough...rather promising. My suggestion would be for you to read it alone in a room. Definietly not with nosy mother next to you. Well, probably my fault. Just saw the summary for this book.
The Silvio and Stefano scene made me so happy! Hope there are much more such scenes to come~
If you enjoyed the first volume, you'll most certainly öike this one as well.
So far I've re-read the mangas that are published until now at least four times and I still adore her work! It's funny and once you get used to her drawing stile you can't get enough of it. The characters are just too loveable and combined with the interesting plot it makes up for a fascinating and captivating fantasy world!
Yum, vampires!
The Lost Books contain two more or less short stories. The idea that a person is bound to a vampire after the second bite was quite interesting and the writing style, as well as the descriptions were both nicely done.
Broken VowsThe first story revolves arund Daniel and Gabriel and is the shorter one of the two. Gabriel, a vampire, rescues Daniel when he encounters a story-book bad vamp and gets bitten by said one. Gabriel neutralizes the poison that gets into Daniel's vain through the bite, more or less by sucking it out and they share some quality time togther.The sex scene was good, but it wasn't a hot as I thought it would be. Maybe I'm a bit spoiled in that regard.Gabriel tells him to goand live his life, but the last few pages offer a happy ending.Blood HustlerTad sells his body and, just like in the first story, boy gets rescued by good looking vampire. Some orgasms later and Tad pretty much lives in James (the main vampire of this story) house, because James can't bear the thought of Tad out there in the cold. They get into a relationship, although James has yet to give Tad the second bite (you'll find out the whys once you read the story). Many more orgasms later and td's mom show up unexpectedly to take Tad home with her. James deletes the past six months of Tad's memory and he goes home with her.Don't worry, they'll, how else could it be, get back together.Well,James, why the fuck did you have to delete Tad's memory? The solution of Tad going to study and living with James at the end of the story, could just as well have applied withhout all that misery in between!
Oh well, both stories were nice to read in between a longer one I started, but the characters didn't stir any real emotional response in me.
There were quite a few times where I had the urge to whisper ‘wtf?!' at this book, wishing to know if this was supposed to be funny. If it was, it failed to make me laugh. Too bad this book wasn't in a subcategory that said ‘how not to write m/m stories', or my rating might have been better. But seriously, wtf?
I was trying to sound like a gym teacher rather than like a horny flight attendant thrilled to see this stud's meat and two vegs in action.
The turbulence shook us in a way that only reminded me of a riding brown-skinned goateed stud I'd met on a layover in Rio de Janeiro, one whose dick was like an upward-pointing jackhammer.
And the whole book goes on like this. You'd think our protagonist had viagra for breakfast.
There's nothing that doesn't remind him of fucking someone or getting fucked by someone.
Phrases like ‘still sucking on his cock with all my vacuum might', made me desperately search the amazon summry for a hint I might have missed, that this is a comedy. Nope, it's supposed to be ‘hot man-on-man action'. Sorry, do I have the wrong book? I really can't find anything hot in this writing style. There were just too many weird phrasings.
This was thankfully a freebie, so I don't have to lie awake at night whispering ‘what have I bought, wtf was that?!' into my pillow.
There are only so many short stories I love. This is one of them.
It turned me into a fourteen year old, squealing and giggling girl with all the adorableness. I'm pretty sure my teeth hurt from all the sweetness and overall cuteness of it.
This was pure sugar! The fluffiest and most loveable little drarry fanfic I encountered up to now!
The perfect cure to read after a tragic and heartbreaking drarry fanfic. It mends all aches and flicks your broken heart back together.
I admit that I almost didn't want Harry to get his sight and hearing back, simply because the image of Malfoy communicating with Harry that way was so adorable and sexy at the same time...
Just go and read it now before I get the chance to ramble on about the sheer perfection of this little gem!
If you like mysteries, crime novels or get weak knees when you think about Draco Malfoy in a healer/mediwizard outfit then be sure this book is what you're looking for!
One day Draco surprisingly gets assigned as Auror Harry's mediwizard and personal spy in the hospital, as someone is after Harry's life. Draco searches for evidence and clues who the potential killer might be. Along the way he discovers information that brings them closer to catching the criminal.
While working together both Harry and Draco not only uncover the person who threatens Harry's life, but also their feelings for one another...
Concerning the mystery and crime part of this fanfiction I would give it at least four stars, but I could't warm myself to Draco's and Harry's interaction and their developing romance. It was lacking the necessary something that would keep me cheering them on to get to the kissing part, although I found Draco's characterisation quite well done.
This one was just so cute and sweet. Perfect feel good read on a cold and rainy day when you just can't deal with heavy plots or would simply like to read something that leaves your heart intact.
Harry gets hexed with the Lip-Lock jinx which renders its victims mute, meaning he has to kiss the person he is in love with if he ever wants to get his voice back because Ginny doesn't even think about reversing it. His problem is that the person is no one less than Draco Malfoy.
Days pass before the girls can't take the question of who it is Harry lusts after is and decide that they should simply try and see if it is them. Harry seeks refugee in the library where he encounters Malfoy. As they meet more and more often in the peacefulness of the library, slowly a fragile friendship begins to form between the two boys...
The part I surely won't forget so soon about this short story is the mental image of Eleftherios' lovers turned to stone in a rather compromising position!
The mixture of absolutely sweet and adorable sprinkled with a few yummie moments makes this a perfect read to cheer you up and leave you smiling from ear to ear!
Merlin has been in love with his best friend Lance for four years now and wants to gather the courage to tell him his feelings before Lance comes back from Thailand. Only problem: Merlin had up to now only had disastrous dates and experiences and thus, understandably isn't very confident in himself. So Merlin wants to gather some proper experience to boost up his confidence and sharpen his skills. His friend Elena introduces him to a bunch of guys but warns Merlin explicit not to get his experience from Arthur, because he is a manwhore and, although not intentional, leaves a broken heart in most of the beds he shared. Naturally Merlin ends up with Arthur guiding him through dates and the things to follow. Everything goes amazing except for the small fact that Merlin starts thinking of Lance less and less...
Note: I have to agree with many of the reviewers who said that Arthur is said to be a manwhore, but that there is not a single moment in the story that'd show this. So, if you can't stand manwhores in stories feel safe to dive right into this fanfic where only the word appears.
Reading the texts between Sherlock and John that occured mostly through the first part of the book left me smiling like an absolute idiot and it they felt so realistic, like - you know when a dialogue in a fanfic fits the characters so perfectly and head on that you can actually imagine their voices, yes? - that's how those text messages between the two of them were.
Their relationship progresses slowly, but all in all not much changes at all, except for the physical aspect and the fact that they actually need to talk about their feelings (or at least try and fail spectacularly at the beginning)if they want that to work. It isn't perfect, sappy or even all that romantic, but that's the charm of this story, because really, that's exactly what their relationship would be like.
3,5 Stars
Whenever is Draco and Harry bound together unwillingly through whatever circumstances and very nearly ready to end each others existence just to somehow change their minds and have sex instead not a good choice?
4,5 Stars
Normally I don't really go for stories that jump between different POV so much, especially when it's between more than just two people. Nether do I read stories where the main characters are pondered upon by ‘side' characters.
It was my luck that the summary on fanfic.net didn't mention any of these things that could have kept me from reading this wonderful piece of work (seriously, I probably would've shrugged, said nah and moved onto the next fic, most likely with about five POV's less, a few ratings higher and a dissatisfactory writing style).
How many fanfics are out there where you learn a great deal about your two favourite characters, but are as clueless about any other characters, especially OC's, as if the author had simply written ‘he had brown hair and was quite likeable' and been done with it? More than enough, right? Wouldn't it be nice for a change to have a story with three dimensional OC's you come to know and love? Well, it's your lucky day! You don't have to look far, only far enough to see the link to stakeclaims's fanfic at the end of the summary.
But not to worry, in favour of building believeable OC's the author didn't neglect our most beloved characters. Merlin and Arthur are as endearing and stupid as in the show, just with a bit more Merthur at the end. (This is beginning to sound like a bad product promotion)
This is a story where you can sit laughing in front of your computer, smartphone or whatever device you read it on with a spike of action at the end that will give you feels (don't worry, only a few awww-my-poor-Merlin ones).
Summarised: It'll be your loss if you don't read it
The poor and outcast may life from day to day but they no longer have to be afraid of the law.3 Stars for this dystopian short story full of violence, ferocity and lies.
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Clickety click for more reviews and rambling about books.
First of all the cover is absolutely gorgeous and as soon as my eyes fell upon it I had to take a closer look at what had captured my attention instantly. You don't see such beautiful covers often, much less on a short story of a genre that is not mainstream.
We start the story from Ashoka's POV, an outcast who had left his family in order to lighten their financial burden. Ashoka saves one of the view people one could consider a friend from an ATU, a soldier from Tophet's Anti-Terror Unit, very well aware that this may be his last action.
Instead of not living to see another day things develop in a direction neither of them had anticipated and now they're both in danger for completely different reasons.
In the slums no one cares what laws you violate but if you are still part of society breaking the law and disobedience or a short hesitation to follow orders is all it takes. One misstep and you'll lose everything.
This dystopian short story was interesting and I'd have liked to have more of it. How awesome it would've been if it was a full lenght novel. There is so much intriguing going on that you only get glimpses of. Or it would have been nice if it at least didn't end so open.
I want to know what happens to them damnit!
Their relationship had just gone over the edge and morphed into something else entirely and it is a shame that we don't get to see what will become of it.
It was nice to get Ashoka's as well as Soren's POV, especially since they live in two different worlds.
This story plays in the same universe as “Bliss” and I'll probably read it as soon as I decide that I can stomach all the cruelty and horror it will smash in my face. This story is very mild in those terms if I can believe the warnings “Bliss” has.
Short info: The full length novel plays in a different city where everything seems to be good and blissful but sometimes things are just gilded to hide the ugliness beneath.
Recommended if you read “Bliss” and if you have a thing for horrible dystopian worlds made scarier by the fact that humans would actually be capable of the presented level of cruelty.
Some things are impossible to hide.4.5 Stars for this dystopian novel full of intrigues, interesting developments and manipulation.
I received a free ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Come over if you want more rambling about books
Will loves with her family in a small village. Life is good, as are her plans for the future.
That is until a Commander from the Core shows up with his inhuman soldiers.
The Commander, Reece, is looking for someone and Will fears that during his search her skill will be discovered.
People with a skill, a special ability, are transported to Core, the complete opposite of her village. People their have technology and like to temper with the genetic code. To enhance abilities of soldiers or to create those inhuman creatures Reece brought with him.
Will's fear of discovery turns into reality, though much more than just her skill is discovered. Something else comes to light as well that will bring much bigger changes with it as well as a lot of possibilities.
The question now is whether or not Willow will manage to obtain them.
Gambit was a fantastic read and I look forward to the second book. The story world was intriguing and offered just enough details to not leave me confused but little enough to not satisfy my curiosity completely.
The pace was good as well. At no point did I have the feeling that the story dragged unecessarily or was cut short.
The tension between our future couple was delicious and I'mmexcited to find out what'll become of them in the sequel.
Plus points for character development which is seriously lacking or over the top in far too many books. Develeopment and change of one's character is difficult, especially if it's supposed to be a change to the better, and Denault shows that. There is no character who can just switch to a different behaviour overnight.
Will struggles with her stubborn streak and her mouthy attitude. While it was fine in her village she can't continue that way in the Core, unless she wants to dig herself an early grave by burning down al bridges to what she wants.
Gambit was right up my alley and sets the bar high for the second volume of the Prodigy chronicles.
Insight of 19th century Japan with smexy times and a tad bit of fantasy.3.5 Stars for this piece of romance through time and space with so many beautiful historical details.
This review is also featured on my blog. Drop by if you have time so we can have a nice cup of tea http://strawberrygeek-reads.blogspot.de
I received a free ARC in exchange for a honest review.
The expectations I had for this book weren't high though I hoped that it wouldn't totally disappoint. Glad to say it didn't disappoint. Quite the opposite was the case!
The stories that actually try to portrait slice-of-life of a specific historic time sound and accurate are few and even fewer are those that give the reader a huge amount of detail about the time they play in.
Though I know a bit about japanese customs and traditions and can say that everyone was correct as far as I know but I'm no student of the culture. From other reviews I gathered that readers have trouble understanding some things because customs or objectsnlack explanation or translation. Thinking back I would say that there are a few scenes only people with a bit of japanese knowledge will understand right away which is a bit sad. The book has so many details that it would be lovely for people who want to know more about japanese customs but lacks explanation.
Okay, let's get to the story.
It starts with Michael Holden, an american student whomhas weird dreams in which he sees a samurai. What Michael doesn't expect is to actually meet the guy when he falls asleep at his desk and wakes to find himself in 19th century Japan. Two whole years before it would be opened once more to foreigners!
Good thing he is a japanese arts student or he'd probably be completely screwed.
Another thing Michael didn't see coming is falling in love with Shinjiro-sama, the samurai (and lord) who seems to be the trigger of Michael being janked through time and space.
But can a love story with over a century parting them really have a happy ending?
The fact that some sentences were actually in japanese was a lovely bonus. Though I understand a good part of it I can't say anything about the grammar and a few transitions from japanese to english felt a bit strained, but I enjoyed it anyway.
There were many smexy times, though I felt that more character depth and detail would have been far better than another go on the matress. If the authir would have given the same amount of attention and detail to the two main characters it would've been perfect and gotten a way higher rating from me.
Alas, Michael as majormcharacter felt too flat and his reactions or lack thereof made it impossible for me to connect with him.
Michael appeared too calm and relaxed during scenes that would've warranted action or at least a strong emotional reaction.
You could probably chop his arm off and he'd be just like:
So yeah, star deduction because of not enough character depth and insight as well as weirdmbehaviour and reactions.
The psychic stuff at the end was a bit too much for my liking. Sure, Michael travels through time and space but aside from that there wasn't really anything supernatural. But don't worry. It's just a tiny bit at the end and you can just ignore it.
Speaking of time and space. The reason why excactly Micheal landed there was never explained and the part where future!Shinjiro goes back in time just feels weird at the end because it isn't mentioned again and future!Shinjiro doesn't even remember.
Recommended if you want a novel about 19th century japan with gay.
In a world of prejudice and closed mindedness the ones at the bottom have to struggle through a fight they can never win.3.5 Stars for this dystopian read that will definitely make you angry and give you a lot of omg and wtf moments.
I got a free ARC via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
The concept of the story is unique and unlike anything I've read up to this point. It made my skin crawl and wonder if humans are capable of something like this. The question was probably rhetorical because looking at our history so far I bet both my legs that, yes, humans are capable of this everything written in this book.
Read if you want to experience something new and more than weird.
Probably my face at certain points in the book. This was one fucked up world!
This review is also fearured on my blog http://strawberrygeek-reads.blogspot.de/
Ember struggles through societies never changing view of him. He is an Y Negative. In a distant past no one can remember he would have been a woman, a mother. Not an abomination society uses for reproduction but doesn't respect.
After being used as surrogates a number of times, Y Negatives get rid of the parts they no longer have any use for and start taking testosterone and become Andros in order to feel better in a world where a Masc is the best one can be born as.
Ember doesn't like other Andros. A despised taste in a time where same sex relationships are the norm. Ember doesn't think he'll ever find a Masc who will love him despite everything he is.
Then he meets Jess.
The dystopian world left me confused. Confronted with words like Y Negative, Andro, Masc and Exo (or was it Exy?) I didn't know what to make of anything at the beginning. Especially since the whole dystopian story world is pretty disturbing and ‘holy-shit-I-can't-believe-this-fucked-up-shit.
Too many questions, too little explanation. Many get answered but only after a lot of time. It would have been nice to get more info at the beginning.
The only positive thing that comes from the slow trickle of information are more omg- and wtf-moments.
There are still questions that weren't answered though. I have vague ideas of what could be meant, but still.
What exactly is a pseudo? What is an Exo or whatever the name was? How come people forgot the concept of women?
The last fact just doesn't quite sit right with me. A lot of things from the past survived, so how come people don't remember what a woman is? This is a big flaw which I wouldn't have minded if it was an alternate reality where the concept had simply never existed.
The discrimination and lack of understanding of Mascs left me angry and frustrated. It's been a while since a book managed to evoke so many negative emotions.
I really felt for ember and his struggles. Just imagining some of them makes me want to punch some guys from this dystopian world.