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awesomeeallyson's reviews
823 reviews
Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I picked this book up because I saw some really interesting hype surrounding it, and now here I am adding to the hype. This book was every bit as good as I was told it was going to be. I'm not usually a fan of the story within a story premise because I find that the secondary story tends to be distracting and take away from the message of the main story rather than add to it. But the parallels between Zelu and Ankora are hard to ignore. Nnedi Okorafor really knows what she's doing! I found myself getting so emotionally invested in Zelu's personal life. She herself was an infuriating character, but I found myself constantly rooting for her. And her family! Don't get me started. All of the characters in this book are so dynamic and well-rounded and FLAWED!
Okorafor tackles some pretty deep topics in this book including racism, ableism, death of a parent, and even AI?! But it never gets overwhelming. She balances each plot point so well between the two novels but also ties them together in a fascinating way. I hesitate to call the ending a plot twist...but I didn't see it coming I was too busy thinking something totally different was going to happen. This book is more than just a book, it's a work of art and Okorafar is a talented master of her craft.
Okorafor tackles some pretty deep topics in this book including racism, ableism, death of a parent, and even AI?! But it never gets overwhelming. She balances each plot point so well between the two novels but also ties them together in a fascinating way. I hesitate to call the ending a plot twist...but I didn't see it coming I was too busy thinking something totally different was going to happen. This book is more than just a book, it's a work of art and Okorafar is a talented master of her craft.
The Lodge by Kayla Olson
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I enjoyed this book for the cozy winter ski vibes. I wish I could live in the penthouse in the middle of a giant winter snow-storm! The romance itself wasn't anything new, but it was fun. I liked watching Tyler and Alix fall in love, though it was a bit unbelievable at some points. Tyler was charming and thoughtful and Alix was level-headed...to a fault maybe. She had way to much patience with Lauren and I would have been livid where Alix was too passive at some points. But even then Alix admitted why she was so forgiving...almost to a repetitive point. Like, we get it.
I saw the ending from a mile away but I was happy to see how it played out. There were still a few small elements that took me by surprise and kept me invested in the story overall. This book isn't a groundbreaking romance but it's fine and it's vibey and for those reasons I am glad I read it!
I saw the ending from a mile away but I was happy to see how it played out. There were still a few small elements that took me by surprise and kept me invested in the story overall. This book isn't a groundbreaking romance but it's fine and it's vibey and for those reasons I am glad I read it!
The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This book was fun while I was reading it, but now that I am trying to write this review a couple days after I finished it I'm realizing it was pretty forgettable. I saw a review comparing it to Taylor Jenkins Reid, but I feel like that's insulting to Reid. This book does have a few similarities to The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, but it just doesn't do it as well as Reid did.
I think Kate Fagan took on too many POVs. You have the three lives of Cate Kay to navigate but on top of that you get some different characters and time periods to wade through as well which for me, just made the story line muddled and confusing at parts. I think Fagan did a good job with the main characters whose POVs we repeat though. They feel like well-rounded and pivotal characters who help drive the storyline forward. And speaking of the storyline, I really enjoyed seeing it come together. There were quite a few plot points I really didn't see coming and it was a joy to watch the characters navigate those issues. But the tipping point was the ending, which felt too clean and too tidy. I don't think the characters had as much anger as they had a right to have. And I get that time has passed, but they all were too forgiving. Maybe due to Cate's fame? Either way, the book had a interesting premise but the execution was not as good as I had hoped.
I think Kate Fagan took on too many POVs. You have the three lives of Cate Kay to navigate but on top of that you get some different characters and time periods to wade through as well which for me, just made the story line muddled and confusing at parts. I think Fagan did a good job with the main characters whose POVs we repeat though. They feel like well-rounded and pivotal characters who help drive the storyline forward. And speaking of the storyline, I really enjoyed seeing it come together. There were quite a few plot points I really didn't see coming and it was a joy to watch the characters navigate those issues. But the tipping point was the ending, which felt too clean and too tidy. I don't think the characters had as much anger as they had a right to have. And I get that time has passed, but they all were too forgiving. Maybe due to Cate's fame? Either way, the book had a interesting premise but the execution was not as good as I had hoped.
Bookshops and Bonedust by Travis Baldree
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I can't rate this book 5-stars purely on the fact that I did enjoy Legends and Latte's a little bit more than Bookshops and Bonedust. I cannot explain why so I'll just move on.
This book was charming, quaint, and impactful. While the drama was a bit of a high stakes situation it also moved pretty slowly and I'd said the Viv could have gone through the whole book without facing any plot points if they hadn't just fallen in her lap. And I would have been there for that story as well! Watching Viv meander around and help Fern rebuild her bookshop was just as fun to read as the action scenes. I think know what comes after this book and what the future held for Viv was like keeping a cute little secret from Viv. I really liked that I read this after Legends and Lattes and the epilogue?!?! That one little scene had me in a chokehold. I just love all these characters so much!
These books are fun, they're quick reads and they have loads of easter eggs and subtle nods to the little details fantasy and book lovers love.
This book was charming, quaint, and impactful. While the drama was a bit of a high stakes situation it also moved pretty slowly and I'd said the Viv could have gone through the whole book without facing any plot points if they hadn't just fallen in her lap. And I would have been there for that story as well! Watching Viv meander around and help Fern rebuild her bookshop was just as fun to read as the action scenes. I think know what comes after this book and what the future held for Viv was like keeping a cute little secret from Viv. I really liked that I read this after Legends and Lattes and the epilogue?!?! That one little scene had me in a chokehold. I just love all these characters so much!
These books are fun, they're quick reads and they have loads of easter eggs and subtle nods to the little details fantasy and book lovers love.
If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I picked this book up after stumbling upon Kiss the Girl (the ariel retelling) and loving that book deeply. I know this is a different author, but I thought the princess retellings were fun so I want to read the rest of the series. Unfortunately, If The Shoe Fits wasn't as fun as kiss the girl. The stakes felt pretty low and overall the plot was flat. The only real conflict happened at the end of the book, but both parties did what they felt was right so it was less of a conflict and more of a not-having time to talk about the future.
I also felt that the chemistry was severely lacking. Cindy and Henry really only had two real conversations of depth, and we're supposed to believe this was enough for both parties to put their jobs on the line for each other? I get that they're in a game show so they couldn't really connect too much, but even when they did get to talk Henry was a totally different person than when he was alone with Cindy and that was kind of swept under the rug and ignored. TBH, i think this book should have been about Cindy and Beck-they had more chemistry!
This book is fun. I enjoyed the easter eggs, but it's not my favorite of the Meant To Be Group.
I also felt that the chemistry was severely lacking. Cindy and Henry really only had two real conversations of depth, and we're supposed to believe this was enough for both parties to put their jobs on the line for each other? I get that they're in a game show so they couldn't really connect too much, but even when they did get to talk Henry was a totally different person than when he was alone with Cindy and that was kind of swept under the rug and ignored. TBH, i think this book should have been about Cindy and Beck-they had more chemistry!
This book is fun. I enjoyed the easter eggs, but it's not my favorite of the Meant To Be Group.
The Resurrectionist by A. Rae Dunlap
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Any fan of dark academia needs to pick up this novel. I mean, if a book about scholarly students running amok in the dreary 1800s of Edinburgh solving a mystery doesn't excite you then you are missing out on an stunning novel. The writing is a bit flowery which took a couple pages to get used to but I quickly found that I was enjoying the unique writing style. A. Rea Dunlaps word choice added second layer of atmosphere to the book and made James and Nye feel a bit more real. But also the atmosphere of the book was enveloping as well. I couldn't help but feel the chill in the air while James and Nye were out in the middle of the night. I could have been at the table next to the crew in the scenes when James and his pals were at a inn drinking. What is it about descriptions of warm ale and meat pies served at a rickety table in a run down inn that just sucks you into a universe?
The storyline is a slow descent into the gory and dirty side of the city. At first the descriptions of James and Nye's work is a bit intimidating, but quite like James, you quickly get used it and are able to move past the gore and enjoy the story for what it is. And boy is the story is captivating! Not once did I have a prediction as to what was going to happen next, but I was so happy to be along for the ride to find out. I had a fond place in my heart for James, Nye and Charlie and I really wanted to stick around and see them succeed in their quest. Overall this is an incredible and unique book and if you have a strong stomach and a love for questionable student life then I highly recommend you pick up The Resurrectionist.
The storyline is a slow descent into the gory and dirty side of the city. At first the descriptions of James and Nye's work is a bit intimidating, but quite like James, you quickly get used it and are able to move past the gore and enjoy the story for what it is. And boy is the story is captivating! Not once did I have a prediction as to what was going to happen next, but I was so happy to be along for the ride to find out. I had a fond place in my heart for James, Nye and Charlie and I really wanted to stick around and see them succeed in their quest. Overall this is an incredible and unique book and if you have a strong stomach and a love for questionable student life then I highly recommend you pick up The Resurrectionist.
We Could Be Rats by Emily Austin
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book deals with some really strong themes, so please read the trigger warnings before diving in and listen to the authors note at the beginning. Take care while reading or listening to this book.
I think this books strongest element (aside from the writing, but i've come to expect that from Emily Austin) is the way this book is set up. Its broken up into two POVs which compliment each other so well. If you remove either one of these POVs the book would be no where near as strong as it is. The two sections build off each other, refer back to each other, and really just make the book itself feel whole and complete. It makes this book more than a story about struggling with mental health in some hard times, but also about family, relationships, and how two people can share one memory but hold it in very different lights.
Also there were some lines that were laugh out loud funny. Emily Austen clearly took inspiration from the current political climate and it felt good to have some of my inner thoughts expressed out-loud. I couldn't help but feel not so alone and dire about the future as I finished this book. Emily Austen knocked it out of the park and if you have emotional bandwidth to read this story I highly recommend picking it up.
I think this books strongest element (aside from the writing, but i've come to expect that from Emily Austin) is the way this book is set up. Its broken up into two POVs which compliment each other so well. If you remove either one of these POVs the book would be no where near as strong as it is. The two sections build off each other, refer back to each other, and really just make the book itself feel whole and complete. It makes this book more than a story about struggling with mental health in some hard times, but also about family, relationships, and how two people can share one memory but hold it in very different lights.
Also there were some lines that were laugh out loud funny. Emily Austen clearly took inspiration from the current political climate and it felt good to have some of my inner thoughts expressed out-loud. I couldn't help but feel not so alone and dire about the future as I finished this book. Emily Austen knocked it out of the park and if you have emotional bandwidth to read this story I highly recommend picking it up.
The Guest by Emma Cline
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Alex is the driver of the hot mess express. This book is a wild ride and if you don't like unlikable main characters you will hate this book because Alex is the most unlikable. She makes the worst choices and she fully believes in herself while making them. But this book is weird, because there isn't any character growth and there isn't really and big plot points. And the issues that come up don't even get resolved by the end. So if there's no good characters and no captivating plot...but I still enjoyed the book then what is it? Emma Cline is a skilled writer. You can feel the long island heat on every page. You can feel Alex's exhaustion and layers of dirt and grime. This book is a car wreck that you can't take your eyes off of. I think this would be a good book club book solely because I wish I had someone else reading with me so I could be like " are you seeing this?!"
The Fragile Threads of Power by V.E. Schwab
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I think i'm in the minority, but I didn't love this book. I loved the Shades of Magic trilogy, and I was actually very happy and satisfied with where that series ended. I didn't feel a need to dive back into the four londons - however I wasn't going to turn down the opportunity! I'm team Lila and Kell so I was excited to visit them again. But...this book felt like it written purely because the author couldn't let go, rather than her having a story to tell. The plot moved so slow. I truly feel like this book could have been half the size and we would have gotten the same story. Also why did we get the POV of two, three?, new characters that didn't end up playing a huge role? It just added confusion because now we are not only jumping between worlds and timelines but also characters too! And new ones at that! One last qualm is that this book really didn't feel like it took place 7 years later. One year, maybe. There was no growth from the characters - they were the same teenager-ey quick to act and unrationale youth I knew from before.
Okay, i'm coming off as harsh. I love VE Schwab and overall the story line was fun, albeit long-winded. I don't regret picking up this book at all and I'm happy to keep it on my shelf. It just doesn't strike me as a necessary continuation to a story I was satisfied to be done with.
Okay, i'm coming off as harsh. I love VE Schwab and overall the story line was fun, albeit long-winded. I don't regret picking up this book at all and I'm happy to keep it on my shelf. It just doesn't strike me as a necessary continuation to a story I was satisfied to be done with.
Masquerade by O.O. Sangoyomi
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
O.O. Sangoyomi does an impeccable job of balancing both character growth and plot in this debut novel. Yet another book I can't believe is a debut. The writing is lyrical, the plot is intricate and the relationships between the characters are fraught, dynamic, and complex. I don't know what aspect of this book I enjoyed more.
I especially love the strength all the female characters in this book have. Each and every woman in firm in her beliefs, whether they're right or wrong or the norm or not. Watching Òdòdó come into herself and her power really made for a wonderful and inspirational book - hold strong in your beliefs no matter how hard it is and don't be afraid to stand up for yourself. Fitting for the times we're in right now.
I always lose a little bit of the plot and more intricate details when I listen to audio, but the narrator of this book kept sucking me back in. I had a hard time putting this book down. There's just something so pleasing about listening to people from other cultures speak in an accent or language different from what I'm used to.
I especially love the strength all the female characters in this book have. Each and every woman in firm in her beliefs, whether they're right or wrong or the norm or not. Watching Òdòdó come into herself and her power really made for a wonderful and inspirational book - hold strong in your beliefs no matter how hard it is and don't be afraid to stand up for yourself. Fitting for the times we're in right now.
I always lose a little bit of the plot and more intricate details when I listen to audio, but the narrator of this book kept sucking me back in. I had a hard time putting this book down. There's just something so pleasing about listening to people from other cultures speak in an accent or language different from what I'm used to.