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itsjustkatereading's reviews
1644 reviews
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
4.0
Reread: February 2025 in preparation for the sunrise on the reaping. My feelings for this book are pretty much still the chaotic mess they were upon my first read. :’) Listening to the audiobook this time around was a great experience!
~
First read: May 2020. I still have to work through a lot to know how I feel about this but the one thing I do know for certain is that Suzanne Collins can't leave us bookless for another 10+ years. The woman has too much talent for that.
Anyway, since I don't have any coherent thoughts on my feelings about this book (will I ever? who knows?) here's a few messy list the of thoughts and I do currently have:
- Suzanne Collins is clearly ridiculously intelligent and that shows in her writing.
- The societal and political commentary was, as always, A+.
- My mind was blown on many an occasion.
- Loved all the references to THG and how it connected so many dots.
- Lucy Gray Baird has the X Factor. 10/10 would turn my chair for her. Future Panems Got Talent winner.
-Loved that this wasn't a Snow redemption arc but rather a deep dive into the complexities of his psyche.
- The references added so much context and a much appreciated extra layer of understanding to the original trilogy and I loved it for that.
- The pacing was off and dragged in places.
- Definitely could have been condensed.
- When Lucy sang THAT song? I felt that and I felt it hard. Shock was had. Two and two came together. Dots were joined.
- The last ending felt super rushed, which was a shame.
- Suzanne Collins is the QUEEN of chapter endings and getting me to read ‘just one more’.
- Suzanne Collins is such a brilliant writer and it’s cruel to hide that away from the world. Whether set in THG universe or not, the world needs more of her work please and thank you.
~
First read: May 2020. I still have to work through a lot to know how I feel about this but the one thing I do know for certain is that Suzanne Collins can't leave us bookless for another 10+ years. The woman has too much talent for that.
Anyway, since I don't have any coherent thoughts on my feelings about this book (will I ever? who knows?) here's a few messy list the of thoughts and I do currently have:
- Suzanne Collins is clearly ridiculously intelligent and that shows in her writing.
- The societal and political commentary was, as always, A+.
- My mind was blown on many an occasion.
- Loved all the references to THG and how it connected so many dots.
- Lucy Gray Baird has the X Factor. 10/10 would turn my chair for her. Future Panems Got Talent winner.
-Loved that this wasn't a Snow redemption arc but rather a deep dive into the complexities of his psyche.
- The references added so much context and a much appreciated extra layer of understanding to the original trilogy and I loved it for that.
- The pacing was off and dragged in places.
- Definitely could have been condensed.
- When Lucy sang THAT song? I felt that and I felt it hard. Shock was had. Two and two came together. Dots were joined.
- The last ending felt super rushed, which was a shame.
- Suzanne Collins is the QUEEN of chapter endings and getting me to read ‘just one more’.
- Suzanne Collins is such a brilliant writer and it’s cruel to hide that away from the world. Whether set in THG universe or not, the world needs more of her work please and thank you.
Sea Change by Gina Chung
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Sea Change is one of those books that’s hard to put into words why I liked it but I did in fact really like it. It was a lot less strange than the blurb led me to believe this would be. It was sad and hopeful and a little bit more sad and then a little bit hopeful again. It’s honest and messy but at no point depressing for the sake of it. It’s a raw look at grief, depression, relationship breakdowns, family dynamics and the complexities of being the daughter of immigrants. Admittedly I’d initially hoped for more octopus action but on reflection, I think there was the perfect amount of Dolores content for the story.
Give Me Butterflies by Jillian Meadows
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Never before have I craved a croissant as much as I did whilst reading this book. Almond croissants were here there and everywhere and it’s a crime this book doesn’t come with a free sample.
I absolutely adored this ray of sunshine of a book. It was endearing, wholesome and just so incredibly heartwarming. I adored the cast of characters (the twins were the real stars of the show) and thought Millie and Finn’s relationship was gorgeously written (he buys her a kitchen aid and I just… is there anything more perfect?). I also thought the explorations of grief, mental health, toxic family dynamics and abusive relationships were really well done.
All in all, this was a really lovely reading experience and I’m already incredibly excited to read the next book in this series because I had such a good time with this.
what to expect:
•grumpy (but actually a cinnamon roll) x sunshine
• workplace romance
• stem
• they cook for each other
• he falls first
• therapy rep (mmc)
• single parent/guardian
• slow burn
• hate to friends to lover
• the cutest kids
• croissants
I absolutely adored this ray of sunshine of a book. It was endearing, wholesome and just so incredibly heartwarming. I adored the cast of characters (the twins were the real stars of the show) and thought Millie and Finn’s relationship was gorgeously written (he buys her a kitchen aid and I just… is there anything more perfect?). I also thought the explorations of grief, mental health, toxic family dynamics and abusive relationships were really well done.
All in all, this was a really lovely reading experience and I’m already incredibly excited to read the next book in this series because I had such a good time with this.
what to expect:
•grumpy (but actually a cinnamon roll) x sunshine
• workplace romance
• stem
• they cook for each other
• he falls first
• therapy rep (mmc)
• single parent/guardian
• slow burn
• hate to friends to lover
• the cutest kids
• croissants
Rebel Witch by Kristen Ciccarelli
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-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? No
4.0
I almost wish I didn’t love this as much as I did because even though the rebel witch was a perfectly satisfying duology finale, I already want more. I want more from these characters and its world and this magic. I want more of the enemies to lovers back and forth I couldn’t get enough of from these two. This was such a strong duology. It’s addictive, emotional, dramatic, magical, dark and compelling and story I’d happily return to in the future.
what to expect:
• witch x witch hunter
• enemies to lovers to enemies to lovers ♾️
• forbidden romance
• blood magic
• a good time
what to expect:
• witch x witch hunter
• enemies to lovers to enemies to lovers ♾️
• forbidden romance
• blood magic
• a good time
Deep End by Ali Hazelwood
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Scarlett Vandermeer and Lukas Blomqvist have my heart. They were such beautifully developed characters and I adored both their story both together and Scarlett’s individual narrative. While the spice was admittedly a little too much for me at times, I honestly didn’t mind because the story was so unexpectedly sweet??? There was so much care and love in this book and it was just gorgeous.
what to expect:
• sports romance: diver x swimmer
• college setting
• her best friends ex (it’s not as bad as it sounds)
• ptsd & mental health rep (fmc)
• he falls hard
what to expect:
• sports romance: diver x swimmer
• college setting
• her best friends ex (it’s not as bad as it sounds)
• ptsd & mental health rep (fmc)
• he falls hard
Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch by Julie Abe
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
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? It's complicated
5.0
When I say I adored this book, I mean I adored this book.
Ever Evergreen, Semi Magical Witch is a ray of sunshine in middle grade book form and made my Kiki's Delivery Service loving heart very happy. It's a wholesome, magical and wonderful story of friendship, defying expectations, kindness and self belief. I loved every minute of it.
Ever Evergreen, Semi Magical Witch is a ray of sunshine in middle grade book form and made my Kiki's Delivery Service loving heart very happy. It's a wholesome, magical and wonderful story of friendship, defying expectations, kindness and self belief. I loved every minute of it.
The Crimson Moth by Kristen Ciccarelli
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Part of me is frustrated I waited to long to read this book. Another part of me is so glad I did because after that ending? I have a feeling the wait for book two would have likely ruined me.
This was an incredibly fun, immersive and engaging read. The cast of characters were fully developed, the plot compelling and the writing comfortable and easy to read. I had such a good time with this one.
what to expect:
• hate to love
• cat and mouse
• witch x witch hunter
• humans vs. witches
• love triangle (sorta?)
• deception on all sides everywhere all at once
• dual pov
This was an incredibly fun, immersive and engaging read. The cast of characters were fully developed, the plot compelling and the writing comfortable and easy to read. I had such a good time with this one.
what to expect:
• hate to love
• cat and mouse
• witch x witch hunter
• humans vs. witches
• love triangle (sorta?)
• deception on all sides everywhere all at once
• dual pov
Cruel is the Light by Sophie Clark
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
This was an entertaining read but nothing particularly outstanding. I enjoyed the main characters but found it difficult to keep track of the supporting cast. The world was intriguing but again, I struggled to completely get to grips with its politics and magic system. That being said, I have a feeling I might have found it easier to follow has I read the physical book, rather than audio.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read and a series I'd consider continuing when the sequel is released, I just might need a reread of this one before then.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read and a series I'd consider continuing when the sequel is released, I just might need a reread of this one before then.
(S)Kin by Ibi Zoboi
dark
emotional
reflective
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? No
4.25
A beautiful and uniquely told story, (S)Kin expertly explores topics such as sisterhood, complex family dynamics, class, identity, colourism, self value and immigration.
I absolutely adored the way Ibi Zoboi told Marisol's and Genevieve's story. I thought the way their narrations intertwined and paralleled towards the end was especially poignant. The was a story I found incredibly difficult to pull myself away from and ended up spending an evening finising it from start to finish.
There were moments I found a little confusing and I wasn't a huge fan of the way the story closed, hence not giving it the full five stars but this has undoubtedly become one of my favourite novels in verse and I've already caught myself talking about it to anyone who will listen. Overall, (S)Kin was a powerful, thought provoking, emotional and quietly magical read and one I'd happily both recommend and reread.
I absolutely adored the way Ibi Zoboi told Marisol's and Genevieve's story. I thought the way their narrations intertwined and paralleled towards the end was especially poignant. The was a story I found incredibly difficult to pull myself away from and ended up spending an evening finising it from start to finish.
There were moments I found a little confusing and I wasn't a huge fan of the way the story closed, hence not giving it the full five stars but this has undoubtedly become one of my favourite novels in verse and I've already caught myself talking about it to anyone who will listen. Overall, (S)Kin was a powerful, thought provoking, emotional and quietly magical read and one I'd happily both recommend and reread.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror
A Photo Finish by Elsie Silver
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I’m so sad I didn’t love this as much as I’d hoped to. I really liked both Violet and Cole as characters but elements of their story kind of gave me the ick (mostly the way they met and some of Violet’s reactions to Cole’s ptsd). I also just didn’t get the banter and chemistry I’d have liked from both them and the side characters. That being said, it was enjoyable enough and I love me some positive therapy rep. I’m just not 100% sold.
what to expect
• grumpy x sunshine
• forced proximity
• ptsd and amputee rep (mmc)
what to expect
• grumpy x sunshine
• forced proximity
• ptsd and amputee rep (mmc)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent