Yeah, yeah, I’ve rewritten this week’s Top Ten Tuesday, created by The Broke and the Bookish and now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. I didn’t like the one I posted earlier, so I’ve decided to stick with this week’s topic. And now it has put me in a funk.
I hope you enjoy my little rants as much as I have. 😉 Here are my picks for books that disappointed me, but I glad I read regardless of the rating:
A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas
I dislike a Maas book? Come again?! I don’t particularly hate it, but I found it lacking. A Court of Frost and Starlight is one of my top most anticipated reads of 2018. So I had huge expectations. Yes, we get a clean transition from the first series to the second, but I wish Maas cleared up the issue with Mor and Az, but she’ll drag that on for all its worth. Az deserves the truth, and the fandom needs clarification on Mor’s sexuality.
What I do love about ACOFAS is Nesta’s growth. Some readers hate it, but I loved it. Her devolution is more startling than Feyre’s.
Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard
I rated this book too high when I first reviewed it. But the more I think about it, I think the rating should be closer to three stars. I don’t mind when characters push others away. But the way Mare pushed Slade, who she thought was dead, rubbed me the wrong way. The only thing that saved the book is the ending even if it broke my heart.
The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert
I was so ecstatic about winning the Hazel Wood from Indigo Teen. The cover is gorgeous, and the blurb sold me. But unfortunately, the story falls short of what I was anticipating. I like the overall storyline, but I feel the execution killed it.
Secondary characters are the saving grace of this story. I loved them. I’m still not sure if I’ll buy the sequel. Sometimes the hype doesn’t live up to the book.
Lord of Shadows by Cassandra Clare
I love how Cassie introduces a deadlier and dangerous foe with the Cohorts and Centurions, but I felt too conflicted with everything else. Her books are too dense, and probably a quarter of that book could have been taken out. Even though I love Julian and Emma, their relationship scares me, and it breaks my heart they were put into that situation.
Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Córdova
IT’S SUCH A BEAUTIFUL BOOK. WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?! The story killed my love for this book. I bought it on a whim, and while I adored the diversity, especially Alex, I wish it was set apart from high school. I know, I know. It’s a YA book, but I thoroughly enjoyed the last half of the book when the trio went to Los Lagos. I loved immersing myself in the Bruja culture, and I hope to see more of it. But the love triangle felt forced, and the female love interest seems like she worships Alex.
You summed up my feelings on Lord of Shadows precisely!! I’m scared for book 3.
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I’m not ready for it. 😭 And Clary with her visions just spell disaster.
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Oh god. no. why would you bring that up again!?!?! i blocked it out.
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😅😅😅
I’m sorry!! I just hope they aren’t true.
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I felt the same way about A court of frost and starlight ;/
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Which is surprising, right? I never thought id put a Maas book on this list.
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Totally! I was even shaky about Tower of Dawn but this felt unnecessary almost. Like I know it’s a filler but there was absolutely no plot
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Yeah, the plot was too light. But it’s a nice end to Feyre and Rhys’ story though. But the only remaining ship looks like it’s in danger in the next books. 😭
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Great list! 😊
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Thanks!
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Omg you’re making me so nervous with what you said about Lord of Shadows! I still have to read COHF and Lady Midnight, & I hear The Dark Artifices is pretty intense!
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COHF is a hot mess. Too over the place, but I loved several scenes in it though.
Lady Midnight is a nice start to a new series, but Lord is a mixed bag with some readers.
Yes! It is, and I wasn’t expecting that.
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Yeah I haven’t been seeing the best reviews for COHF, but I do hope I end up enjoying Lady Midnight!
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I hope so too. It’s pretty good 😉
There are way too many Shadowhunter books. I can’t keep up, you know?
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I hated Glass Sword, could not deal with Mare. Also wasn’t keen on The Hazel Wood. I haven’t read ACOFAS yet, but I’ve seen several people disappointed in it.
My TTT: https://jjbookblog.wordpress.com/2018/05/15/top-ten-tuesday-159/
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I thought I liked it, but the more I maul it over, I’m too disappointed with it. I like Mare and all, and she improved remarkably in KC, but I wanted to hit her in GS.
Well, the sneak peek is fantastic. Overall, ACOFAS is good, but it doesn’t compare all that much to the other three. I hope you like it though!
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Ah yes so did I. Well I mean I haven’t read ACOWAR yet, so I won’t be reading ACOFAS for a while but I will adjust my expectations accordingly.
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Hopefully, you aren’t too disappointed when you get to it.
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I hope so!
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I’m so disappointed by all the lack-luster reviews for ACOFAS. Especially because of how underwhelming I found ACOWAR. I’m contemplating whether or not I should read it at all? Like, do you think there’s anything in it that’s going to be “need-to-know” for the second series? I don’t want to invest time and money if I really don’t NEED too.
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For Nesta’s and Cass’ arcs, yes, you should read it. She has changed a lot, and you may not understand why.
I’d probably wait to get the paperback though.
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I’ve gotten Hazel Wood from the library, but the little bit I’ve read hasn’t really spoken to me. My TTT
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Honestly, I was expecting more too. Too bad since it sounds like a great book.
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And so pretty!
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Loved your answers! I’m still putting off reading ACOFAS but I realise I should read it now before I forget some of the story after my reread of the trilogy. I honestly don’t remember much of Red Queen so I’m planning on rereading it this month. I didn’t enjoy The Hazel Wood much however I loved Lord of Shadows! I agree that Cassandra Clare’s books can get a little dense at times though
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Thanks! 😉
ACOFAS is definitely a quick read, so it wouldn’t take you too long.
It’s been ages since I read Red Queen. I’ll just skip the first three books and go straight to War Storm. 😅
LOS had some good parts, and I balled my eyes out at the ending. I’m glad we have some time to adjust before the finale.
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