The Lantern Library

fiction, feelings, and late nights

[lanternlibrary]

hi hello welcome to lanternlibrary

this is where i talk about books instead of processing my emotions normally.

currently accepting:

* book recommendations

* rainy day playlists

* fictional character obsessions

enjoy your stay ♡

[lanternlibrary]

I’m going through a bit of a reading slump. Is it bad if I put the books I’m reading to the side to start Crescent City as I’m craving a bit of fantasy again…

[lanternlibrary]

Book name: sanctuary of scales

Author: Mia Davis

⭐️⭐️☆☆☆ (2/5)

I really wanted to enjoy Sanctuary of Scales because the premise had so much potential. The politics surrounding the Scales and the central mystery immediately hooked me, and they were enough to keep me reading until the end.

Unfortunately, the execution didn’t work for me. The writing felt very simplistic, with little description of the characters or world, and I noticed several typos and awkward sentences throughout. My biggest issue was the lack of emotional depth. Relationships developed far too quickly, major reveals often felt random rather than earned, and many emotional reactions left me confused rather than invested.

The ending ultimately summed up my experience. The final battle felt underwhelming, and the conclusion was so abrupt that it felt like the story simply stopped.

Overall, this book had some really interesting ideas, but it prioritised moving the plot forward over developing its characters, relationships and emotional moments. I can see why some readers would enjoy it, but I was left wanting much more.

[lanternlibrary]

New read of the week!

[lanternlibrary]

Book: the serpent and the wings of night

I was initially intrigued by the story despite feeling somewhat lost in the early world-building. The concept of winged vampires felt fresh and visually striking, and I especially enjoyed the dynamic between Oraya and her adoptive vampire father. His philosophy of “Never trust. Never yield. Always guard your heart” created an interesting tension, particularly because it implied she should be prepared to turn against even those she loves if necessary. Unfortunately, the book didn’t hold my interest enough for me to continue, and I ultimately decided to DNF it. While there were elements I found compelling, they weren’t enough to keep me invested in the story.

[lanternlibrary]

4% in and already completely intrigued

Book: the serpent and the wings of night

[lanternlibrary]

Book: Powerless

Author: Elsie Silver

Going into this book, I expected to enjoy it, but I didn’t expect to love the romance as much as I did.

Jasper and Sloan completely won me over. What started as a grumpy x sunshine romance quickly became so much more. I loved seeing Jasper navigate his childhood trauma, his anxiety, and the guilt and worry he carried throughout the story. His struggles felt realistic, which made it easy to understand and connect with him as a character.

Sloan’s warmth and optimism balanced Jasper perfectly, and I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop. It didn’t feel rushed, and I found myself becoming more invested in them with every chapter.

What I enjoyed most was that the story wasn’t just about the romance. It explored family, healing, personal growth, and learning to lean on others when life becomes overwhelming. Those emotional elements gave the relationship so much more depth and made the payoff feel worth it.

This book made me laugh, made me emotional, and completely surprised me with how attached I became to the characters.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 – Another fantastic addition to the series, and one of my favourites so far.

📚 Another story added to the shelves of lanternlibrary ✨

[lanternlibrary]

BOOK REVIEW

the scorch trials - james dashner

Just when I thought I wouldn’t enjoy this book as much as the first one, I was completely proved wrong.

This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish. Having already watched the movie, I was expecting to know what was coming, but the fact that around 90% of the book is completely different somehow made it even better. I was constantly on the edge of my seat, never knowing what was going to happen next.

I really enjoyed seeing Thomas develop relationships with the new characters and seeing more of his emotions, particularly regarding Teresa and the choices she makes throughout the story. It added another layer to his character and made me even more invested in what happened next.

The pacing was fantastic, the stakes felt higher than ever, and there was never a dull moment.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 – I would definitely recommend this book and can’t wait to continue the ser

📚 another story added to the shelves of the lanternlibrary ✨

[bookravager]

I think I was put on this earth to read good books but unfortunately I have to be "employed" to "live"

[lanternlibrary]

Cozy cuddles and cold mornings, no better time to read

[lanternlibrary]

Got a new bookcase today so here’s the organised look

[lanternlibrary]

“Rose took my nose, I suppose” “and it really blows”

James dashner- the scorch trials

The fact these cranks are making jokes is killing me

[lanternlibrary]

A slow reading week. Between parenting and housework, I only managed a few pages here and there, but those quiet moments with a book felt especially cozy this week.

Full week of rain to come so plenty of cozy reading opportunities 📖

[vancruejovi]

[lanternlibrary]

📖 Currently reading: the scorch trials

Page 100

Its only just got going and I’m already on the edge of my seat.

☕ reading in the small pockets of quiet that appear throughout the day.

[lanternlibrary]

☕ weekly reading wrap-up

books read:

The maze runner

The scorch trials

currently reading:

📖 The Scorch Trials

pages this week:

399

thoughts:

another week of reading when I can and enjoying the British sun

favourite reading moment:

Reading during toddler naps with soft blankets and countryside reading in wales

[lanternlibrary]

the best part of finishing a book is getting to start the next one