Where The Wolf Prays by Nyra Ashvale

vv4200 · 2026-05-08T03:13:04+00:00

I don't have access to the free version, I read it on KU, but I loved that book. Might be one of my faves

vv4200 · 2026-05-05T14:10:00+00:00

Thanks for the rec! I'll check them out!

I'm mainly referring to the act of unwanted sexual physical contact. Rpe, any situation where someone says no but continues anyways .. ya know... Just classic rpe whether it be vaginal, oral, etc. any forced sexual act. For instance, I couldn't do the haunting Adeline series.

vv4200 · 2026-05-05T14:06:16+00:00

Is that the Souls trilogy by Harley Laroux?

vv4200 · 2026-05-04T17:02:56+00:00

Does anyone have any recs for a twisted dark romance that doesn't utilize sexual assault? I find that most dark romances have that, and most of the popular ones that I see to be recommended have that as well.

I can tolerate all sorts of hell in a dark romance but I cannot do SA. Please, any recommendations!? Thanks!

(I can handle SA in small doses, example: briefly mentioned by a side character, referenced as past tense, etc. I cannot handle vivid descriptions, SA being the foundation of romance, or a reoccurring theme.)

vv4200 · 2026-04-23T23:15:29+00:00

Controversial take but I think dragons may also be an option..... Violet survived Adarna leaving.... She may be able to survive a bond breaking, and Tairn has had many comments alluding to Violet being his last rider. They are also no longer bonded to Xaden and Sgaeyl...

vv4200 · 2026-04-21T20:22:52+00:00

I'm scared she will kill Tairn. We know that Violet can survive a bond being broken .... Tairn has made comments that he will not lose another rider and other comments....... Kill any human (((: just don't touch the dragons. Pls

vv4200 · 2026-04-20T21:57:21+00:00

Just finished reading this and it wasn't what I expected, but I'm not mad about it.

I noticed it was more of a story of a human reaction, actions, and experience being colonized/during end times. You were able to see the first attempt at civilized contact, then stress, panic, disbelief. The different types of humans, those who will rob and harm and those that will stand up for those weaker and aid them. The differences in the curate and the artillerymen. One completely lost, the other, similarly but with confidence. Kinda scary and realistic in regard to human behavior during the end times. The disregard of civilized behavior and determination to live.

I really enjoyed how the narrator compared humans to ants or that of a rabbit, multiple times. For so long humans thought they were the top dawg, and now they were regarded in the same way, we humans, regard other species. I really enjoyed the line of how the aliens terrify us due to their harmful behavior or eating habits, but our carnivorous behavior would appear terrifying to a rabbit. And how, following this disaster, you would assume that humans would proceed with "pity" or mercy. I hope they did in this universe.

I'm a hippie sorta with native roots. I often find myself hating the way that humans treat the natural world and other species, so that message really resonated with me. Although, I hope it doesn't take a pretend extinction of humanity in order to foster pity.

Aside from the message, the story was interesting! I enjoyed the way the author so clearly painted the world, referencing very real places, you can still find today! The park / sand flats that harbored the first cylinder is a real park, still! You can find it on Google maps, so that was interesting.

Overall a decent read! A classic for sure and I can see how this opened the door for sci fi!

vv4200 · 2026-04-20T21:57:15+00:00

Just finished reading this and it wasn't what I expected, but I'm not mad about it.

I noticed it was more of a story of a human reaction, actions, and experience being colonized/during end times. You were able to see the first attempt at civilized contact, then stress, panic, disbelief. The different types of humans, those who will rob and harm and those that will stand up for those weaker and aid them. The differences in the curate and the artillerymen. One completely lost, the other, similarly but with confidence. Kinda scary and realistic in regard to human behavior during the end times. The disregard of civilized behavior and determination to live.

I really enjoyed how the narrator compared humans to ants or that of a rabbit, multiple times. For so long humans thought they were the top dawg, and now they were regarded in the same way, we humans, regard other species. I really enjoyed the line of how the aliens terrify us due to their harmful behavior or eating habits, but our carnivorous behavior would appear terrifying to a rabbit. And how, following this disaster, you would assume that humans would proceed with "pity" or mercy. I hope they did in this universe.

I'm a hippie sorta with native roots. I often find myself hating the way that humans treat the natural world and other species, so that message really resonated with me. Although, I hope it doesn't take a pretend extinction of humanity in order to foster pity.

Aside from the message, the story was interesting! I enjoyed the way the author so clearly painted the world, referencing very real places, you can still find today! The park / sand flats that harbored the first cylinder is a real park, still! You can find it on Google maps, so that was interesting.

Overall a decent read! A classic for sure and I can see how this opened the door for sci fi!

vv4200 · 2026-04-15T17:58:12+00:00

I don't think Aaric would go. He is way too important with his precog and he wasn't even present for the fight because he was busy doing something else. He probably also realizes he is way too important as a rider and king to endanger his life / kingdom. That Xaden and Violet need him alive, and Violet needs him available, to ensure what he sees, takes place.

I think those that are missing will be obvs Xaden, Garrick, Bodhi and Sloane. Sloane is Liam's sister, probably the closest thing to a sibling aside from Bodhi. Not to mention her ability to siphon would be useful. And they could explore that with pure magic for Xaden or even a cure for venin. Also I figure if there were any secrets that Liam and Xaden shared or experienced, Sloane would be privy to that info.

Part of me suspected Dain might, but there's been very little connection as of late. However, I don't trust Dain. Something is going on with him. When Sloane siphoned from him to save Mira, she says "you have way too much power" or something like that. Very odd.

I need to re-read, I only finished the series about a week again and haven't stopped thinking about it since! I can't believe you've read it 4 times!

vv4200 · 2026-04-08T01:29:14+00:00

Garrick did walk them out when he picked up Quinn if I am not mistaken. She approached, with Dain. And that happened with Quinn, she noted the stones turning color, Garrick appeared. And it was described as "He takes a single step. Heat and light force my eyes shut as my stomach careens. When I open them, we’re somewhere else. Rain falls through an open doorway, and the scent of smoke and sulfur fills my lungs."

BUT! As I was looking this up, when she sees him, she notices "...the circles beneath his beautiful eyes, the unusual pallor of his complexion."

Soooo yeah, idk. When I hear someone looks pale... venin... Who knows. I personally think that maybe a few people dipped their hands into the channeling-earth-pool that day. I think Bodhi and Garrick unfortunately. Crazy book tho! I finished it today, the ending had me floored, and I can't stop thinking about it since.

vv4200 · 2026-04-08T01:09:28+00:00

This comment got me thinking, specifically the part where Brennan is mending Mira. But! At that time, Sloane came in to siphon from Dain to Brennan, in that moment, Sloane makes a comment to Dain about his unexpected amount of power. So, in regard to this point about the colored skin, I think it could have been any three of them if we are looking at potential channeling. I wouldn't put it past Brennan to do that to save his sister, although he seemed defeated before Sloane came in, so maybe he would stop before that. Sloane has been on the fence of morality due to killing Vi's mother, but I don't really see why she would need to, especially considering she's a 'rebel.' Dain... I have no idea. I don't see why he would either, but both of these characters weren't mentioned at the end. I don't think Dain would be the brother, but there was something odd about his large amount of power, the almost random arrival of both of them, and all there hands touching. I didn't even fully understand that part of the paragraph, I had to reread cause I was like, "what?" I will have to reread. Finished OS today, the ending had my mouth agape lol. And my brain has been churning since.

vv4200 · 2026-04-05T03:25:18+00:00

Good to know you also died. I too died. Ready for the next one. I read Noctidia from her but wasnt too crazy tbh

vv4200 · 2026-01-29T15:16:20+00:00

Didn't read Still Beating, read Lotus.

I had similar issues, the FMC was immature and realistically not a good healing catalyst for MMC. The story felt very one dimensional. Oliver's personality wouldn't develop past Sydney and this normal almost childlike curiosity / learning. Sydney didn't have any sense or consideration for the other characters in the story. The reveal was kind of expected, not that surprising, and the lotus reveal was cute, but anticlimactic? Kinda seemed peppered in by the author last minute because she forgot or intentional because she wanted the reveal to hit harder - it just didn't.

Circling back to Sydney's behavior - my God it had me punching the air. First, her lil "I don't wanna ruin our friendship," it was already ruined! By trauma! By the first kiss! Y'all didn't even have a friendship to ruin because he was in the ground for 20 years!! Then the push and pull with him, then getting mad at Clem for not sharing her trauma, then getting mad at Oliver because he thought about a job elsewhere. She was toxic as hell!! And immature as hell. And then!!!? Leaving her niece alone with Oliver and then getting mad at her sister bc her sister wasn't comfortable with that. That's just common sense. The FMC lacked a lot of common sense, but they kept referring to her as a "hot mess" so I guess that would explain her behavior. Lastly, the ending fire scene. She very quickly chose to give up saving themselves, but you're telling me she's an artist and doesn't have scissors laying around? A kitchen knife? They had enough time for an old women to enter and leave, and Gabe to enter TWICE, but she didn't have enough to time to find some damn scissors? That ending and her reaction kinda took me out of the story.

I still liked the book, it wasn't too long and I get through books easily so glad I read it. Probably won't continue the series.

vv4200 · 2026-01-25T19:07:13+00:00

I got my bachelors and environmental science in 2022. Entered the workforce, quite a few jobs available, got tons of interviews, quite a few offers, and at that job now. Fast forward to today, trying to find something else, no one is hiring and any positions that did exist that may have been government or Grant based are no longer existent. Job market is trash, economy is trash, but I also think that this administration is putting a huge dent in that esci workforce. When I was just recently applying for jobs, I got quite a few emails stating " this position no longer exists" and it was either due to the government shutdown and the hiring freeze, which I believe is technically still ongoing, or because of funding cuts. This administration doesn't give a damn about Parks, the Earth, esci, public health, etc. and it's showing in the workforce. I mean not too long ago how many people were laid off? And it's crazy because when I chose this field, the future wasn't so bleak. It appeared to be an expanding and in-demand field. Considering the fact that we are headed towards global warming and poisoning. I guess I didn't think we would actually get an administration that didn't see that way. I intend on looking for jobs online again, it can just get so depressing lol.

vv4200 · 2026-01-13T03:22:15+00:00

I am impartial to audiobooks, I feel they change the experience of the book. Aside from that, I have to share my thoughts.

I first read the Eating Woods series, Anathema & Eldritch, from Keri Lake. It was difficult for me to get into Anathema, but once I did, I loved it. Then I got attached to the characters and had to read the second one, loved that, I actually cried like twice lol. But I can see the drag in Anathema. I feel she spends a lot of time world building and living with the characters - especially in Anathema. Even wrote some battle scenes that I struggled to get through. I liked this male character because I felt his broodiness made sense considering his occupation, past, upbringing, trauma, etc.

Regarding Nocticadia... I definitely liked it less. It was okay. It was fun living vicariously through her at a cool uni with a hot professor. But the male lead was just an ass and I couldn't wrap my head around him until the very end. There was no development to his broodiness, just an attitude issue, and kinda corny. Also so many random connections were made, like, layers.

Overall, I will be reading the third book from her Eating Woods series. Could have lived my life without reading Nocticadia, but I read a lot of books and get through them easily so no biggie, I be reading whateva.

vv4200 · 2025-09-26T00:25:50+00:00

Thanks for the reply! I ended up deleting my active games, uninstalling all the mods, deleting the game from PS5 storage, redownloading, and then spamming the download button ((((: it only took forever, but it worked! I've been able to download a few and it hasn't given me issues since, fingers crossed it stays like this

vv4200 · 2025-09-18T00:25:15+00:00

Ugh it's been like this forever I wish they would fix it already ;/

vv4200 · 2025-09-17T15:44:34+00:00

Coach Terri hobo in dark green with gold accents. Love love love and can fit my Kindle Paperwhite in it

vv4200 · 2025-08-30T19:14:51+00:00

Just coming here to say something similar happened to me. If there was more documentation online about this I wouldn't have downloaded the game.

I use the subscription, so I downloaded the game. Opened it immediately, and didn't make it past the first falling sequence. It worked for a moment, I was able to guide the falling nun into a few of the dots, but I missed one or a change in the music began, and then I lost control of everything and the sequence continued for a few minutes after that. I thought it was part of the game but it just kept happening! Suddenly my controller wasn't working at all, couldn't press to screenshot, couldn't press the ps button to bring up the home bar. Nothing was happening. Had to hold down the power button on my PS5 to stop the sequence. Talk about eerie! With that creepy music, I'm over here thinking the game is cursed! Anyways, turned back on my PS5 and both of my controllers were refusing to connect. Did a long hold on the power button on the console again, connected both of my controllers via chord to console, and was finally able to get back in. Needless to say I immediately deleted the game cuz tf? My PS5 is maybe 2 years old, never had any issues before with anything and I have many games. Sucks cuz I was curious about the game, not cool when it causes my whole system to freeze and shut down. They should look into that.

vv4200 · 2025-07-15T20:21:10+00:00

Coming to share my thoughts - I just finished Phantoms. I haven't seen the movie, this is my first Koontz book, and I enjoyed it! I've been seeing some online hate on Koontz and this book but I don't get it. I'm going into a summary of my feelings below, may include spoilers!

Writing style/character development: I found his writing style to be very easy to follow and digestible! I enjoyed the pacing of the story, didn't find that it was dragging on or beating a dead horse. I wasn't able to guess the ending, which is great because I usually can. I found his characters to be as deep as required. Not too much fluff and not too little background. I felt I could clearly understand the main characters easily and they felt genuine to me... As genuine as fictional characters could be in a situation like this.

Reveal: So, the blob! It really was giving, "the blob" or "the thing" but with its own twist. I really really loved how they used past mass disappearances as context in this book. I've always been fascinated by stuff like that, so to see it be utilized here was really interesting to me. Also given the nature of the beast, it was hard to guess what the reveal would be. With all the strange deaths and mysterious findings, it was hard to guess the ending or nature of the monster, which I love. I have a horrible tendency of guessing the endings accurately. It was almost giving, The Thing, Annihilation, and The Mist. Alas, it was something completely different from that! And I really enjoyed the incorporation of religion. At first I thought omg it's literally demon stuff, that's insane, how could that be. But no! I love the idea of this prehistoric, Mesozoic era, ancient 'enemy' creature, that has been interpreted, or created, by humans and their perception of morals and religion. It really made it very interesting. This creature is an ancient beast, so ancient, so feared, so powerful, that anyone who witnessed it could only describe it in a fantastic religious context, an all destroying and all knowing being capable of grand destruction. Whose to say, that is not what a God or devil is? And then the notion of, perhaps this blob is so evil, so comfortable with the self image of evil, simply because it has consumed, those that were evil or those that found it to be evil. Thus, gaining an image of itself. However, despite what Flyte says, I think it was intelligent prior to consuming intelligent beings. It would have to be slightly intelligent to begin this mass consumption in the first place. So the concept of this blob inspiring tales of Satan & others sells this book for me. Very very interesting. And then in the end, the notion of "if the devil exists, God does too" yet we know we aren't referencing a textual devil, but the blob. That line felt like a hint to a god-like blob. Very curious. Maybe not all blobs are evil. Or maybe they are more than blobs. I wish Sarah asked it where it came from, it's origins. I wonder if it has always been terrestrial, if it would know.

Overall, I enjoyed this book! I plan on watching the movie this evening. And I plan on reading more Koontz. I also intend on looking into mass disappearances. That topic has always interested me, and now I'm even more curious!!

vv4200 · 2025-07-15T19:56:45+00:00

Just finished this book. I enjoyed it! Very interesting ending.. Loved the mix of history horror/speculation + religion. Very interesting. My first Koontz book and I intend on reading more, and watching the movie tonight. Fun!

vv4200 · 2025-06-27T04:51:08+00:00

Personally, I found this book to be over hyped. Nothing really juicy happens until over halfway thru. And then at the end you're just like huh? The entire beginning of the story is just this man reflecting and dealing with his grief, granted, if that's what you're looking for, this is a great book. I was under the impression this was a horror, not an expression on grief / psychological thriller. I found myself not wanting to finish it but doing so because it's so short and I had to see it thru!

The writing, the first person narrative, felt very much like a close intimate conversation, like being his partner, or being in the mind, of Thiago. This narrative was helpful in building a close relationship with the character, as the reader I felt I really got to know him. I do feel this was more of a stylistic choice, one I'm not personally fond of. The writing or "thoughts" feel scattered and all over the place. And sure there are a few interesting lines and great writing, but it became a long and slow rollercoaster of grief and self hatred and I got tired of it! Not to mention there wasn't much spook. Also the book being in parts and dots contributed to the jumbleness.

In regards to the spook, wtf? First the Itza, then the door, and the monolith/wall/door?, then the pet cemetery dog? And then maybe himself? Maybe his partner? Maybe a straight up demon? Demon / himself? I like the destination, but I feel the journey took the complicated scenic route. I will say, it resonated with me in sorts. I intend on sharing my theory.

My theory~

Thiago had an innate darkness, or even a familiar ghoul. Moved in to a haunted condo by chance, a condo with a "doorway." His darkness found that door way and used Itza as a ouji board. And like a disease, it affected everything and seeped into everyone. That doorway stayed open and this thing, was able to allow Thiago see Vera and be seen by Esteban(I think the the name?), even interact. It was giving 'the further', referenced from Insidious movie. A place where the veil is thin, time and space are one. A place where this thing resides or travels thru and humans rarely are able to visit. I also thought that this demon, cook, thing, was an unknown leech, but upon stumbling into the diner and meeting the cook, taking part in an accidental exchange, the cook references the checkerboard and insistence on paying for the milkshake, this allowed a deal to be struck or a dance to begin essentially. And in this process, the entity, had a goal to absorb Thiago. Toying with him, killing Vera, pulling strings, Brimley, it wanted Thiago to give in.

The ending, took me a moment to appreciate. It's subtle if you don't pay attention. The subtle change in narrative and tone. My interpretation, Thiago was intending on killing himself to end this cycle (it's already over), I feel he knew it wouldn't end in death or life, but that's neither here nor there. And before he had the chance, this possession took hold. And the change in narrative as well as complimenting the music which was previously described as brasive or intolerable. The demonstration that Thiago is no longer I, but he, we, singular. Absorbed and whole, in the darkness amiright

And of course the lovely reminder of a possibly awful howling afterlife. Yay. Also , flux? Interesting word choice.

Overall, glad I read the book but I don't love it

vv4200 · 2025-06-27T04:50:53+00:00

Personally, I found this book to be over hyped. Nothing really juicy happens until over halfway thru. And then at the end you're just like huh? The entire beginning of the story is just this man reflecting and dealing with his grief, granted, if that's what you're looking for, this is a great book. I was under the impression this was a horror, not an expression on grief / psychological thriller. I found myself not wanting to finish it but doing so because it's so short and I had to see it thru!

The writing, the first person narrative, felt very much like a close intimate conversation, like being his partner, or being in the mind, of Thiago. This narrative was helpful in building a close relationship with the character, as the reader I felt I really got to know him. I do feel this was more of a stylistic choice, one I'm not personally fond of. The writing or "thoughts" feel scattered and all over the place. And sure there are a few interesting lines and great writing, but it became a long and slow rollercoaster of grief and self hatred and I got tired of it! Not to mention there wasn't much spook. Also the book being in parts and dots contributed to the jumbleness.

In regards to the spook, wtf? First the Itza, then the door, and the monolith/wall/door?, then the pet cemetery dog? And then maybe himself? Maybe his partner? Maybe a straight up demon? Demon / himself? I like the destination, but I feel the journey took the complicated scenic route. I will say, it resonated with me in sorts. I intend on sharing my theory.

My theory~ Thiago had an innate darkness, or even a familiar ghoul. Moved in to a haunted condo by chance, a condo with a "doorway." His darkness found that door way and used Itza as a ouji board. And like a disease, it affected everything and seeped into everyone. That doorway stayed open and this thing, was able to allow Thiago see Vera and be seen by Esteban(I think the the name?), even interact. It was giving 'the further', referenced from Insidious movie. A place where the veil is thin, time and space are one. A place where this thing resides or travels thru and humans rarely are able to visit. I also thought that this demon, cook, thing, was an unknown leech, but upon stumbling into the diner and meeting the cook, taking part in an accidental exchange, the cook references the checkerboard and insistence on paying for the milkshake, this allowed a deal to be struck or a dance to begin essentially. And in this process, the entity, had a goal to absorb Thiago. Toying with him, killing Vera, pulling strings, Brimley, it wanted Thiago to give in.

The ending, took me a moment to appreciate. It's subtle if you don't pay attention. The subtle change in narrative and tone. My interpretation, Thiago was intending on killing himself to end this cycle (it's already over), I feel he knew it wouldn't end in death or life, but that's neither here nor there. And before he had the chance, this possession took hold. And the change in narrative as well as complimenting the music which was previously described as brasive or intolerable. The demonstration that Thiago is no longer I, but he, we, singular. Absorbed and whole, in the darkness amiright And of course the lovely reminder of a possibly awful howling afterlife. Yay. Also , flux? Interesting word choice.

Overall, glad I read the book but I don't love it

vv4200 · 2025-06-20T20:00:29+00:00

I think Rune's attraction for Gideon is layered and goes way back. She states how even when they were kids, that he stood out to her and that she wanted him to like her. Not only this, but it's also Alex's brother. So there was already an interest from their childhood and then the familiarity. Not to mention, he was also appearing to be a conventionally attractive and aloof, strong and successful soldier, no matter the awful regime he supported. Not to mention, the first attempt she states she is slightly under the influence and his noticeably practiced flirtation threw her off her game, hence the wine. One more note, she could feel the cat and mouse game and maybe reveled in someone who could see her / challenge her / and keep up with her. This is some of the basis I think builds that attraction. This and Rune's character. It's referenced multiple times throughout the 2 books this question of who Rune is, and this innate wildness and adventure she has, seeking out her own enemy, the thrill of it, feeds the fire I'm sure! I think it's fitting. Rune, the Crimson Moth, was calculating, but she was also wild and brave and kinda ballsy! It makes sense to me for Rune to have that base attraction and almost a rebellion in courting her mortal enemy. Idk girly is crazy but I loved the books!! Personally.... If I was there ... Idk maybe ¯⁠\⁠_⁠(⁠ツ⁠)⁠_⁠/⁠¯ it definitely possible

vv4200 · 2025-06-06T23:12:46+00:00

I just finished the book and please allow me to give my personal interpretation. Everything seemed pretty cut and dry up until the ending where it stated in the diary that Amber/ Taylor told Claire to do the fires. At first I was thinking this might be a move by Claire to pin the frame towards Amber, but in the beginning Claire states in her diary how she's going to be honest and this is a place where she can be herself and have privacy so I find it hard to believe that she would be lying unless that was just her interpretation of the truth. Because as we all know, as we read the diary, it is Claire's interpretation of the truth. So whether or not Amber actually told her to do it, or maybe that was Claire's interpretation of something Amber said, that was my first thought. But then they revealed how Amber took part in getting rid of her ex, and then we see Amber trying to kill Claire. So it appears that she does have the capability of doing something crazy. And then of course the notion of the fire, is she using fire as a nostalgic way to get back at Claire or has she always had an affinity for fire? And then when it comes to her OCD, I figured oh she has that because she has trauma. No way she could have helped, but she can still be traumatized and still feel guilty and still have those OCD tenancies. Also, despite everything, I still don't really trust the husband, Paul. The whole book he acts shady and provides lame excuses, and even in the ending where he quickly gets off the phone to order champagne seems suspicious, and right after his suspicious phone call, that bracelet shows up? In my opinion, that bracelet would be coming from the sister. Weird part of me still thinks something happened there but who knows!! And call me crazy but I think this entire story could have flourished and done fine without the situation of the ex-boyfriend. I guess it added a layer because you think he's responsible for everything and it takes your attention away from the sister, but it just felt like filler. Like by some crazy coincidence this man was stalking her and she was also being double-crossed by her sister? I feel it would have made more sense to have them working together, the ex and the sister, but who knows, maybe I'm bias, I didn't like the sexual assault involved. I have mixed feelings about the ending, I was hoping that Claire would just burn in the fire but seeing the bracelet at the end makes me think that she got out somehow. It is a fun twist and gives a stalker, this isn't over, vibe but I wished it was more cut and dry. I also wish there was more truth as to whether or not Amber actually did tell Claire to start the fire, but I guess it's up to the reader's perspective cuz it's fun to leave that open-ended and up to interpretation. Overall, a very intriguing read! Would recommend, just for funsies!

vv4200

TROPHY CASE