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madmadmaddymad's reviews
190 reviews
Pack Darling - Part One by Lola Rock
funny
sad
tense
fast-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
Mmm, it was okay. About the first 60% of the book was delightful and enticing, and I was hyped for the moment Lilah would go into heat and get to fuck all the boys. Unfortunately the book just kept having her have the same insecurities, “they already have an omega.” “I must push myself into exhaustion” “I must douse myself in scent neutralizier” which is all fine and good… but picture that happening over and over and OVER again for like 40% of the book. Add to that an unsatisfying ending? Bleh. Not my thing.
It gets an extra star for all the sex scenes with Orion. Good job Orion, you saved the whole book from being bland.
It gets an extra star for all the sex scenes with Orion. Good job Orion, you saved the whole book from being bland.
The Hobbit: or There and Back Again by J.R.R. Tolkien
adventurous
funny
inspiring
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
5.0
It’s been such a long time since I’ve read this book… and it’s sensational! I think I struggled with it as a child because of the pace, but rereading it as an adult, it’s easy to get lost in the charm of the fantasy. I also couldn’t help but feel like I was on that adventure with Bilbo and Thorin and all the rest.
Love the writing, and further, love the audiobook performance by Andy Serkis, particularly the songs. This novel is a work of art.
Love the writing, and further, love the audiobook performance by Andy Serkis, particularly the songs. This novel is a work of art.
Hounded by Kevin Hearne
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I probably would have loved this book if I had read it in 2011.
Reading it in 2024, it’s awfully dated and has a lot of cringeworthy elements. The plot is fun, and I enjoyed the setting and worldbuilding, but the main character was hard for me to root for. I just found him kind of generic, a male version of a Mary Sue. Likewise, I hated this book’s treatment of all of its female characters. There weren’t very many of them, and even though it was tame, I found it upsetting how often they just wanted to have sex with Atticus.
Seeing as how the Morrigan killed those random mortals just for objectifying her, it was troubling to see her act so smitten with Atticus. Sure, an immortal goddess should be able to have her way with the handsomest mortals she can find - but I think I would prefer it if Atticus were a little more interested in the Morrigan as a person, and a little less interested in the act of sex itself. He came off as such a fuckboy.
Oberon was the best character!
Reading it in 2024, it’s awfully dated and has a lot of cringeworthy elements. The plot is fun, and I enjoyed the setting and worldbuilding, but the main character was hard for me to root for. I just found him kind of generic, a male version of a Mary Sue. Likewise, I hated this book’s treatment of all of its female characters. There weren’t very many of them, and even though it was tame, I found it upsetting how often they just wanted to have sex with Atticus.
Seeing as how the Morrigan killed those random mortals just for objectifying her, it was troubling to see her act so smitten with Atticus. Sure, an immortal goddess should be able to have her way with the handsomest mortals she can find - but I think I would prefer it if Atticus were a little more interested in the Morrigan as a person, and a little less interested in the act of sex itself. He came off as such a fuckboy.
Oberon was the best character!
Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was just the book I needed right now!
I enjoyed listening to the audiobook and the similarities and differences that it had with one of my all time favorite movies. I will say that the film is so ingrained in my memory at this point; I couldn’t help but visualize scenes directly depicted from it while I was reading. But it was such a well written and amazing book! The perfect pace of science fiction, horror, and thriller.
I also liked how scientific the book was! It delves a little deeper into the genetics, the corporate greed, the idea of life and humanity’s effect on the planet as a whole. Ian Malcolm got on my nerves with his whole “chaos theory” schtick, but it was made better when I visualized young Jeff Goldblum as the character. Can’t help but root for him, in a way.
When Dinosaurs ruled the earth!
I enjoyed listening to the audiobook and the similarities and differences that it had with one of my all time favorite movies. I will say that the film is so ingrained in my memory at this point; I couldn’t help but visualize scenes directly depicted from it while I was reading. But it was such a well written and amazing book! The perfect pace of science fiction, horror, and thriller.
I also liked how scientific the book was! It delves a little deeper into the genetics, the corporate greed, the idea of life and humanity’s effect on the planet as a whole. Ian Malcolm got on my nerves with his whole “chaos theory” schtick, but it was made better when I visualized young Jeff Goldblum as the character. Can’t help but root for him, in a way.
When Dinosaurs ruled the earth!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Gore, and Blood
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Child death, and Death
Minor: Fatphobia and Misogyny
A Fellowship of Bakers & Magic by J. Penner
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
I didn’t really like it.
I’m sure if you’re really into cheesy romance novels this is a fine book. But to me it was bland and predictable and also, way, way, way too long.
I wanted to put it down and watch the Great British Baking Show. I wanted Theo and Arleta to at least kiss each other. The pining and the arbitrary “we can’t be together because I’m magicless” was upsetting and annoying to me as a reader. The burn was WAY too slow and left me feeling tepid. The only one bed scene had me excited when it finally turned up, only to leave me disappointed when the small rush of heat was doused by the same old, unnecessary, overdone trope of Arleta rejecting herself.
Just an altogether extremely unsatisfying book.
I’m sure if you’re really into cheesy romance novels this is a fine book. But to me it was bland and predictable and also, way, way, way too long.
I wanted to put it down and watch the Great British Baking Show. I wanted Theo and Arleta to at least kiss each other. The pining and the arbitrary “we can’t be together because I’m magicless” was upsetting and annoying to me as a reader. The burn was WAY too slow and left me feeling tepid. The only one bed scene had me excited when it finally turned up, only to leave me disappointed when the small rush of heat was doused by the same old, unnecessary, overdone trope of Arleta rejecting herself.
Just an altogether extremely unsatisfying book.
A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
So uplifting and wholesome and cute.
I listened to this audiobook while I was driving across the state, to my new home. I felt just like Dex and just as impulsive about the choices I’m making with my life… as easy as choosing what sandwich to eat. I really identify with them and their emotional struggle. Also, the friendship between Dex and Mosscap was so fulfilling to read! I loved this book and how much it touched my heart. I especially liked the scene where they were holding hands and Mosscap got excited because it could see the blood inside of Dex’s fingers. Their relationship was so quirky, and so much fun to watch develop.
I listened to this audiobook while I was driving across the state, to my new home. I felt just like Dex and just as impulsive about the choices I’m making with my life… as easy as choosing what sandwich to eat. I really identify with them and their emotional struggle. Also, the friendship between Dex and Mosscap was so fulfilling to read! I loved this book and how much it touched my heart. I especially liked the scene where they were holding hands and Mosscap got excited because it could see the blood inside of Dex’s fingers. Their relationship was so quirky, and so much fun to watch develop.
A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I really enjoyed this book, but I did read it as an audiobook. I have some bones to pick with the narrator and her over-the-top accent… but after about 25 chapters, it stopped bugging me and I got so into the story that I genuinely enjoyed the performance.
My love of vampires is apparently still in tact.
What a fun, exciting book! I loved the undercurrent of sexy moments. I was rooting for the characters to make out with each other the whole time. Thrilling to read. A good summer book, too.
My love of vampires is apparently still in tact.
What a fun, exciting book! I loved the undercurrent of sexy moments. I was rooting for the characters to make out with each other the whole time. Thrilling to read. A good summer book, too.
Vengeful by V.E. Schwab
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-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
5.0
A thrilling read. It reads like a YA, but has the content of something a little more adult. I enjoyed rooting for the villains in this one. Marcella and her gold nail polish, mob wife with a real lust for power, was the star of this book.
Victor was also fun to follow. I couldn’t help but root for them to team up into a league of super villains!
Eli didn’t annoy me in this book as much as he did in the last one… but I’m still pretty unsure if I like him or not. He’s not even fun to hate. I wish there were more to his character. I just find him kind of “meh.” Which is a bad thing for a villain to be.
And Sydney is of course so endearing. I love her and her attachment to Dol. when I read a chapter from Sydney’s point of view I can’t help but feel that this would make an excellent movie. Kind of a young adult dystopian action adventure movie like the early 2010’s. She’s such a star. Can’t help but root for her, and wonder where she’ll take me next.
Victor was also fun to follow. I couldn’t help but root for them to team up into a league of super villains!
Eli didn’t annoy me in this book as much as he did in the last one… but I’m still pretty unsure if I like him or not. He’s not even fun to hate. I wish there were more to his character. I just find him kind of “meh.” Which is a bad thing for a villain to be.
And Sydney is of course so endearing. I love her and her attachment to Dol. when I read a chapter from Sydney’s point of view I can’t help but feel that this would make an excellent movie. Kind of a young adult dystopian action adventure movie like the early 2010’s. She’s such a star. Can’t help but root for her, and wonder where she’ll take me next.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death and Torture
Minor: Rape and Toxic friendship
Vicious by V.E. Schwab
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I opened the book, and for the majority of the first chapter, thought I was reading a Frankenstein retelling. I’ll just say that it was actually kind of a fun ride to go into this book, fully blind.
Really liked Victor, despite his sinister-ness. But boy am I’m sick of villains like Eli using “God” as their motivations. He’s my least favorite aspect of this book.
The pace of the story was intense, high stakes, and also non-linear, (which I loved.) I’m definitely invested in picking up the second one!
Really liked Victor, despite his sinister-ness. But boy am I’m sick of villains like Eli using “God” as their motivations. He’s my least favorite aspect of this book.
The pace of the story was intense, high stakes, and also non-linear, (which I loved.) I’m definitely invested in picking up the second one!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Religious bigotry, and Murder
Moderate: Animal death, Death, Gore, and Gun violence
Minor: Confinement, Self harm, Toxic relationship, Suicide attempt, Toxic friendship, and Injury/Injury detail
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
It’s such a gentle slice of life story. I really loved the vibe of this book. It felt like playing the world’s coziest DND campaign.
I could have done with more Tandri! I actually loved her character a lot, and the way the very sweet, soft, sapphic romance unfolded. Our girl Viv really does need her partner to come out and declare their feelings, first…. Geez, Viv. Be a little bolder! Fortune favors the bold!
The entire book was just so heartwarming and well worth the read. As enjoyable as daring to drink a cup of coffee in a little out-of-the-way cafe you stumbled into. I never wanted it to end.
I could have done with more Tandri! I actually loved her character a lot, and the way the very sweet, soft, sapphic romance unfolded. Our girl Viv really does need her partner to come out and declare their feelings, first…. Geez, Viv. Be a little bolder! Fortune favors the bold!
The entire book was just so heartwarming and well worth the read. As enjoyable as daring to drink a cup of coffee in a little out-of-the-way cafe you stumbled into. I never wanted it to end.