Life2books

Four weeks ago, I joined a reading club where we read The Veiled Kingdom by Holly Renee, a fantasy romance novel. Initially overwhelmed with excitement, my enthusiasm was slightly dampened upon noticing that my copy was slightly damaged. The book’s outer design was beautiful, but it lacked a map of the book’s world. The illustrations, while lovely, took away a little from the joy of letting one’s imagination run wild. The story follows Nyra, a princess without magic, who flees her cruel father and joins a rebellion. Hiding her true identity as Princess Verena, she navigates life with the rebels and meets Dacre, the suspicious yet protective son of the rebellion leader. As Nyra trains and bonds with the rebels, she must decide whether to reveal her identity and fully commit to the rebellion. I appreciated the uniqueness of the characters’ names, but character development was an area where the book fell short. Nyra’s struggles and growth felt superficial, and the supporting characters, including Dacre, failed to leave a lasting impression due to their one-dimensional nature. The world-building, while vivid, often came at the expense of pacing and borrowed heavily from familiar fantasy tropes without adding a fresh twist. The themes of good versus evil, friendship, and the pursuit of knowledge were present but not explored meaningfully. During reading, I was a little disgusted by the way the romantic engagements commenced. The “Enemies to Lovers” trope felt weak, with more focus on lust than genuine romance. Overall, The Veiled Kingdom struggled to stand out in the fantasy genre with its predictable plot and familiar elements. Despite its shortcomings, the book left me eager to find out what happens next in the series. I almost insisted, in horror, that the Bookcircle send us all the second volume, as it simply cannot end like this. Overall, I believe the entire world and plot could still be improved. Rating: Good, but very predictable. Spice Rating: The rating indicates that the book has a noticeable level of steamy, detailed romantic scenes (To read the full review come visit my blog) XOXO Life2books

Ever since I first read Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover, I’ve been on a quest to find another book by her that captivates me just as much. A recommendation from a salesgirl at my local bookstore led me to Verity, a book that took me on a completely unexpected journey. Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling author, faces a personal tragedy and then a significant job opportunity. As she delves into Verity Crawford’s unfinished autobiography, she discovers unsettling truths about Verity’s life, marriage, and the tragic death of her children. Initially unaware that Verity was a thriller, I found myself hooked by the masterful blend of romance and suspense. The main character, Lowen, is relatable, and the story explores the potential for everyone to become a psychotic killer. As Lowen and Jeremy become the very monsters they feared, the reader is left to decide Verity’s true nature. I recommend this book to those who enjoy thrillers with spice and romance. Be prepared for deep, dark thoughts and questions cleverly placed by the author. Beware, if you are used to reading thrillers, this might not be the book for you. Verity is a hauntingly compelling read that explores human nature and hidden secrets. This book has been read a few years ago and this review has been sitting in my unedited pile of posts. If you’re looking for a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat, I highly recommend giving Verity a read. I will be rereading this book, which may or may not change my mind. Rating: (Since Orellfüssli doesn’t let you post half stars I round up-3.5 Stars) (to see the full post come to life2books.wordpress.com) XOXO Life2books

For a year, I avoided Fourth Wing due to negative reviews and opinions. Out of desperation during a reading slump, I finally bought the book by Rebecca Yarros. What a journey it turned out to be! In Fourth Wing, Yarros creates an enchanting world of fantasy, romance, and adventure. Violet Sorrengail, meant to be a scribe, is thrust into dragon-riding training. Her resilience helps her uncover strengths and shocking truths. The novel explores identity, power, and ambition, with Violet’s growth and her chemistry with Xaden Riorson adding depth. Yarros’ writing is immersive, and Fourth Wing stays with you long after the last page. It balances fantasy action with romance, offering rich emotions and adventures. Spice Rating: Steamy scenes add depth without overwhelming the plot, perfect for fantasy and romance fans. (to see the full post come to life2books.wordpress.com) XOXO Life 2 books