Rouge the Bat > Recent Status Updates

While I’m intrigued by the introduction of magic and spirits and there are some characters I find interesting, this book has so little action. Because it’s technically a reread (a decade ago), I know the action will definitely come with further books, but…pick up the pace 😩

Similar thoughts as earlier…I’m finding myself skimming a bit when Dorian/Kaltain’s parts come up, but overall good. Ready for some action.

Going good so far! I skimmed over some of the excessive details between the mine and the glass castle, but the stage has been set. Excited to see how the story picks up. (Technically a reread of the series, but it’s been like a decade and I’ve forgotten quite a bit)

Saving my thoughts for my final review, but I think I’ll end up rating this 3.5 or 4 stars out of 5. It’s good (and so refreshing to read a fantasy book NOT about fae) but I’m not in love with it. But I’m only halfway through…

I’m struggling with this one :/ I’m a huge Darren Shan fan, but this is the first Darren Dash book I’ve read. It’s thought-provoking, for sure, but I think I’m siding with the antagonist of the story. And there’s been so little action :/

Vim & Vigor was good. High school drama is not something I much like to read nowadays— I prefer adult to YA/Teen stories. But it was pretty good. 3/5 stars ⭐️

Hearkeners was beautiful. It was emotionally complex and left me feeling quite pensive. As much as I want to dive into the next story, I’m going to sit with this one until I get back from work this evening. The best story in this book, so far. If I had to rate it…4.5/5 stars ⭐️

I didn’t love The Spinners. It was written well enough, of course. I mean— it’s Veronica Roth. But I think there were maybe one too many characters for me. Or too grand a back story for a short story. Like it should have been either edited down or turned into a novel. I just found myself missing/appreciating the simplicity of Inertia. If that was a 4 star read, this one was maybe…2.5 stars.

I really enjoyed Inertia. It was a quick read, obviously. Interesting technology. And a sweet and unexpected ending.

God help me lmao. This book is so bad **sobbing emoji** I really wanna DNF…

Good, effective start to the story. Gory and attention grabbing. I like the introduction of different cultures and world views. MC is a little sh*t, but I guess that leaves room for extra character development.

Mmmmm…I have mixed feelings. Marie Lu is a very talented author. My one real issue with this book is how the MC’s hands are tied. I loved the badass heroine from Skyhunter. I’m more than halfway through this book and MC is giving damsel in distress. I’m sure that is going to change during the climax and it will probably end really well, but it does mean I’m not enjoying the journey as much as I could be…

Dammit, Marie Lu! You are good! At ~20% through this book, I had a mental note of things I wasn’t the happiest about. Now at ~40%, I’m much happier. Marie Lu heard me and has begun systematically dismantling each point of dissatisfaction. It’s not perfect (part of me whispers for me to be patient and not doubt), but it’s better! Currently rating: ~3.25/5 stars.

Hmmm…I like the pace so far, but I’m not loving the storyline. Having said that, there is still plenty of time for redemption. Current rating: 2.5/5 stars.

I’m liking it. I’m almost really liking it. It’s fast-paced, with endearing enough main/side characters. Marie Lu is such an efficient writer, and, dare I say, I think I’m wishing for more fluff lol. I think we’re sitting at a 3.5/5 stars, but I’m excited to continue. Rouge <3

Great pacing of the plot and world-building. Strong, likable enough main character and inner circle of side characters. Pretty happy with this so far. Fingers crossed for a solid 4/5 star read. Rouge <3

Hmmmm…okay. I’m still optimistic-ish.

Okay. I’m optimistic. I’ve been disappointed so far by this year’s new releases, but so far I’m really enjoying Infinity Alchemist. Fingers crossed it doesn’t all go to shit.

Optimistic so far. Interesting magic/alchemy & inclusion of gender fluidity. Main characters and plot introduced. Hopefully the rest of the story is magical and filled with action.

Excellent start to the book. Action and gore. Interesting foreshadowing.

Good introduction with enjoyable new characters. Now it seems we’ll get some rising action.

I’m a little over halfway through the book now. It’s a bit slower paced than the first book and I feel like I’m still in the introduction— meeting new characters and preparing the stage for the plot. I think I can forgive that, being that it’s a shorter book and also paving the way for the rest of the series as opposed to a knockout standalone novel. But I do hope it picks up soon.

Nicely paced introduction. Once again, the authors voice shines through the text and is appropriately humorous. I like the direction the book is going, though I must admit I’m eagerly awaiting the magic and adventure of the later books and wondering if these earlier books will keep me entertained long enough to get there.

Frightening and gory. Theatrical and tastefully humorous. Very entertaining. Great pace from introduction into the rising action.

An enjoyable introduction to the story. The author’s voice comes through strongly and I’ve caught myself smiling and chuckling a few times. Great foreshadowing of events to come. Quick read.

Authors…take note! Split POV is used when you have another (second main) character who’s perspective can add valuable information to the reader and aid in plot progression. It’s risky though, because you double the chances of the reader not caring for one of your main characters. I see it happening in Faebound. When done unnecessarily, it also slows down what could have been a much faster-paced book.

Well, there was definitely a plot twist. And then another. Faebound is progressing at a steady enough pace. I have a few thoughts, but I’m going to let them marinate and maybe share more around the 60% mark.

Faebound has had a well paced start, introducing key characters, mythology, and magic. It’s had enough action to get my attention thus far, and I’m hoping it only gets more action packed and fast paced from here. I’m optimistically expecting a solid 4-star read.

Very disappointed. Struggling to finish this book. This story had good intentions, but I’m shocked this was published as is. It’s so incredibly flawed. The main character has contributed absolutely nothing to the story. It would have been an exponentially better with Elara and Signey as the main characters. So much potential. Full review coming tomorrow.

In a fight with a random drunk outside the bar, the CHILDE EMPYREAN, heroine of the war who liberated her people from a mighty imperialist empire of dragon-riding warriors…was basically powerless?! DIDN’T wield her gods-given magic?! I can’t with this book. SMH.