Jenni Smith > Recent Status Updates

METHOD: Audiobook (free on Spotify) & ePub/PDF (free download) | UPDATE: This is intense. HP meets Handmaids Tale. I will also be reading Alchemised, however I wanted to start with her original work, then read her traditionally published masterpiece.

She does a good job writing grief… 😔

I like it… I don’t love it. The concept is still awesome and the details of the caves are super cool. However I’m annoyed at how often they talk about “un-aliving” Wanderer. I understand it’s a dog-eat-dog world for them, but decide yes or no and move on! Continue to dislike her, sure. But stop with the threats.

METHOD: Audiobook (Libby) | UPDATE: I really liked the movie. Hopefully the book is better - like they usually are!

😭

😭

😭

FINALLY!! I’ve been waiting for the Audiobook on Libby for months. Now it’s ready for me. 😎

Here 👏🏻 we 👏🏻 go! 👏🏻

It’s about to get complicated! Good luck navigating this sequence Roman. 🫡

I enjoyed the “Jurassic Park” moment a few chapters ago. Also, I have a suspicion (or two) for who Enva is if she’s hiding in plain sight.

METHOD: Audiobook (Libby) | UPDATE: So far, book 2 is holding up to book 1! Iris is still outgoing and devoted - Roman is trying his best to navigate his situation and I’m rooting for him.

Again, for a debut novel this is a good foundation for the author. I like the direction her writing is headed, however I feel like she could have utilized a few more beta readers. I absolutely volunteer as tribute!! The writing just needs a touch more refining.

METHOD: GraphicAudio (Libby) | UPDATE: I like it so far. FMC and MMC(s) are developing nicely, however I’m missing addt’l explanations for some side characters from the 1st book - Fury in particular, I’m wanting more of her. On the flip side, there’s a bit of excess character development (Tharion & Ithan) that I’m curious if it’s going to be important, or if it’s just more for the sake of more.

I did NOT see that coming! Of course there was always the possibility of it being someone, but who it turned out to be?! 😱 please tell me there’s another twist coming…

Liking book two much more than book one.

Wasn’t really planning on continuing this series, but I needed something light during a roadtrip and this fit the bill!

😭

Ok… I get it. Luther 😅🫠🔥

Still not quite sure what all the fuss is about when it comes to this series…
It’s a fine story. Sorae is my favorite. Not sure how Diem knows how to politically maneuver her way through one conversation (without having learned anything about politics) but totally botches the next (which makes more sense for our spirited “I’ll say what I want” FMC). Luther is brooding and adds tension, but Rhys is better.

Surprised to say I’m enjoying this read! Again, I picked it up bc it was an “Available Now” audiobook on Libby, but I will be recommending this to many people.

It’s got a “historical fantasy” vibe (?) if that makes sense. Take WWI trench warfare and add mythological gods leading each army, plus wyverns & the demi-dogs from Stranger Things. Our main characters aren’t soldiers but war corespondents.

METHOD: Audiobook (Libby) | UPDATE: Chose this on a whim as it was “available now” from my Libby account.
It’s an easy read and good so far! Potentially predicable, so we shall see if my guesses will ring true later. I’m enjoying how this author presents the world-building and celestial histories through letters written by our main characters. Or through scents lingering on clothing. More to come!

FINALLY coming back to this series. Time to see if it’s really as good as y’all say. Because after book one… I have notes. (see my review)

Some people claim this is an ACOMAF moment where book two is better than book one. I hope that’s true.

Here. We. Go!

METHOD: Kindle | UPDATE: This is my first ever ARC! The author was kind enough to share her debut novel with me in exchange for an honest review. Thus far I’m enjoying the story! Our FMC seems strong, despite being suppressed by her father. & we might have met our MMC… if so he’s a mysterious warrior and I like it. The writing style has room for growth while the author finds her voice but off to a great start!

METHOD: Audiobook (Libby) | UPDATE: I’m surprised to say I’m actually enjoying this book! I picked it up bc it was an “available now” audiobook on Libby while I waited for one of my holds. RY is a good writer (IMO) and I’m liking the touch of historical-fiction she has added here. Got to my first 🌶️ scene! & I think I like the balance of Romantasy (fantasy + romance) more than straight romance.

I was right!! And holy moly this is a dark concept.

I have a hypothesis for what the other realm is and where magic comes from! If I’m wrong, I’ll say so in my review. And if I’m wrong, I’ve now got a great premise for a story.

Wow! I’m hooked.

There’s parts that I love in this book. Then there’s parts that have me smh. So much info needs more explanation.

I’m curious if it would be better with a prequal book about the ancients or whatever they are called. (this is my point… I can’t even remember the historical magical-being’s names because there is too much to sort through… I read Cosmere books less confusing!)

I really like this book, but there’s something about the complex history within the realms that doesn’t click for me. A few moments with the writing that are off as well, but otherwise a good read. Aiming for upper 4 stars as of now. Definitely won’t reach a 5 star read, but it’s still up there.

OMG! Loving this book!! 1000% recommend ♥️

I’m still really liking this read. I’ve been reading it before bed and therefore not making a lot of headway, but what I do read is a good time.

Although I’ve already watched the Netflix show “Bridgerton” I’m finding this first book in the series enjoyable. The book shares more from the Duke’s POV which I appreciate. Also, Daphne comes across far more witty in the book than in the show. We are missing a few key characters from the show and there are some themes also absent in the book that are highlighted on screen.