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marimoose's reviews
1423 reviews
Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton
adventurous
informative
reflective
medium-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
I picked this book up a while ago and probably soft DNFed it because I don't remember being entertained before. Probably because I got bored of the preachiness that Malcolm constantly went into. I mean, he's still pretty preachy and every time he went off I pretty much just rolled my eyes.
But this time around, I do admit there was some form of enjoyment in listening to awful characters getting their just desserts. Because unlike the movie, many of the characters in this book literally needed to be eaten by dinosaurs. I could not tell you how much I absolutely loathed Hammond and the children he brought along.
Anyway, yes, this was fine? I mean, I respect that the author focused on a lot of the science that brought about the possibility of bringing dinosaurs back to life, which sparked the movie franchise that ultimately had me picking this book up in the first place. I mean, the Jurassic Park movies (the first and third, that is) are still something I can watch over and over again and never get tired of it. Because DINOSAURS.
But this time around, I do admit there was some form of enjoyment in listening to awful characters getting their just desserts. Because unlike the movie, many of the characters in this book literally needed to be eaten by dinosaurs. I could not tell you how much I absolutely loathed Hammond and the children he brought along.
Anyway, yes, this was fine? I mean, I respect that the author focused on a lot of the science that brought about the possibility of bringing dinosaurs back to life, which sparked the movie franchise that ultimately had me picking this book up in the first place. I mean, the Jurassic Park movies (the first and third, that is) are still something I can watch over and over again and never get tired of it. Because DINOSAURS.
The Dark Forest by Cixin Liu
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
After my interest was piqued in the first novel of this trilogy, I went into The Dark Forest with a healthy appetite for an upcoming alien invasion and the sociopolitical problems that arise from knowing that the aliens are coming for us humans in the next 200 years or so. I LIKED and ENJOYED The Three-Body Problem, man.
But then came the idea of the Wallfacers. The fucking Wallfacers. To be honest, when I watched the TV series adapted from this trilogy, I honestly thought the idea of the sophons' presence and the wallfacer project to be my least favorite part. The idea of appointing the Wallfacers to combat the sophons by giving them free reign to do anything as long as they think to themselves and share nothing about their plans is kind of a wild ride. I wouldn't have minded so much, but I felt like no one really knew what that meant, especially the main character.
It didn't help that I didn't particularly care for the cast of characters in this book either, and Luo Ji?
I fucking HATED that guy.
Also, where the hell were the women? Two hundred years of humanity making significant technological progress and every prominent figure is male? The ONE woman making a recurring appearance was practically created from Luo Ji's misogynistic fantasy-scape, who turns out to be real (WOW a REAL WOMAN with ALL the traits he's ever wanted in a wife, go fuck yourself Luo Ji.) But what is she really? Oh, the inciting event that makes the main character actually do his job for once.
Be for fucking real. Of course that's disappointing. Especially because in this book, despite The Three-Body Problem having at least one prominent female character (hell, we follow her extensively throughout her fascinating history up to the present time), it's like there are no women in STEM. Two hundred years. TWO HUNDRED YEARS.
Also, I don't recommend the audiobook. It was already hard enough to wrap my head around some of the concepts, but it didn't help that I had to listen to the attempts at so many different accents by the narrator. Not entirely his fault, but also probably mostly his fault.
I don't even know if I want to pick up the last book, because as far as I'm concerned, the resolution in The Dark Forest was sort of clever and satisfactory enough for me. And honestly, the end didn't justify the means of me trudging through the entire story only for a decent-ish return on the last two chapters.
But then came the idea of the Wallfacers. The fucking Wallfacers. To be honest, when I watched the TV series adapted from this trilogy, I honestly thought the idea of the sophons' presence and the wallfacer project to be my least favorite part. The idea of appointing the Wallfacers to combat the sophons by giving them free reign to do anything as long as they think to themselves and share nothing about their plans is kind of a wild ride. I wouldn't have minded so much, but I felt like no one really knew what that meant, especially the main character.
It didn't help that I didn't particularly care for the cast of characters in this book either, and Luo Ji?
I fucking HATED that guy.
Also, where the hell were the women? Two hundred years of humanity making significant technological progress and every prominent figure is male? The ONE woman making a recurring appearance was practically created from Luo Ji's misogynistic fantasy-scape, who turns out to be real (WOW a REAL WOMAN with ALL the traits he's ever wanted in a wife, go fuck yourself Luo Ji.) But what is she really? Oh, the inciting event that makes the main character actually do his job for once.
Be for fucking real. Of course that's disappointing. Especially because in this book, despite The Three-Body Problem having at least one prominent female character (hell, we follow her extensively throughout her fascinating history up to the present time), it's like there are no women in STEM. Two hundred years. TWO HUNDRED YEARS.
Also, I don't recommend the audiobook. It was already hard enough to wrap my head around some of the concepts, but it didn't help that I had to listen to the attempts at so many different accents by the narrator. Not entirely his fault, but also probably mostly his fault.
I don't even know if I want to pick up the last book, because as far as I'm concerned, the resolution in The Dark Forest was sort of clever and satisfactory enough for me. And honestly, the end didn't justify the means of me trudging through the entire story only for a decent-ish return on the last two chapters.
A Language of Dragons by S.F. Williamson
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
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? Yes
4.0
If a teenage Katniss Everdeen lived in a speculative 1920s London with dragons and her weapon wasn't the bow but at least nine different languages (at least 6 being languages spoken exclusively by dragons), it would be this book. Okay, no, I'm being too simplistic, but I hope you can see my point.
But this book was actually really good? And I was so invested that I got angry over the injustices the characters faced throughout. I'm also not sure if this book was a standalone or a series when I dove into the story, but it left enough of an open ended resolution that could honestly give us more about the speculative world that the author gave us; that is, when an impending war is fought between humans and dragons, how does communication play a part?
Loved the idea of different dragon languages, loved the overall story being spun about recruits working overtime at Bletchley Park in order to win a war. Hell, I even loved the characters we met--save for a special few, may they rot in dragon HELL.
The only thing that I really took issue with was how long it took for Vivien to get her act together. I know the book is meant to emphasize the major growth in her character arc, but my gawd it felt dragged out at times. It didn't help that we were constantly in Vivien's head, and because the first person POV leaves us with an unreliable and flawed character, it got tiring. All the characters around Vivien were better characters (Atlas is an honest to goodness SAINT, yall), and hopefully in the sequels, we are not just privy to her perspective. (I would KILL for a Marquis or Sophie POV tbh).
That being said, it was an overall enjoyable book and honestly, I'm here for the draaaaagons and my dragon queen Chumana.
But this book was actually really good? And I was so invested that I got angry over the injustices the characters faced throughout. I'm also not sure if this book was a standalone or a series when I dove into the story, but it left enough of an open ended resolution that could honestly give us more about the speculative world that the author gave us; that is, when an impending war is fought between humans and dragons, how does communication play a part?
Loved the idea of different dragon languages, loved the overall story being spun about recruits working overtime at Bletchley Park in order to win a war. Hell, I even loved the characters we met--save for a special few, may they rot in dragon HELL.
The only thing that I really took issue with was how long it took for Vivien to get her act together. I know the book is meant to emphasize the major growth in her character arc, but my gawd it felt dragged out at times. It didn't help that we were constantly in Vivien's head, and because the first person POV leaves us with an unreliable and flawed character, it got tiring. All the characters around Vivien were better characters (Atlas is an honest to goodness SAINT, yall), and hopefully in the sequels, we are not just privy to her perspective. (I would KILL for a Marquis or Sophie POV tbh).
That being said, it was an overall enjoyable book and honestly, I'm here for the draaaaagons and my dragon queen Chumana.
Wisteria by Adalyn Grace
emotional
funny
mysterious
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
5.0
Belladonna walked, Foxglove flew, and Wisteria traversed time and space to get this trilogy to the god-tier level it is.
I'm being dramatic, of course, but NOT AS MUCH AS ARIS AND BLYTHE.
Wisteria directly continued after the events of Foxglove, which already had me smirking, because the forced proximity between Aris and Blythe sustained me throughout. And my gawd, how Adalyn managed to slow-burn a fated romance and still have simmering banter was just chef's kiss. The book was definitely more romance heavy than the previous books, but I found I didn't mind so much. By Part 3, I was honestly just here for the vibes.
Did I love this book? Absolutely. I think Belladonna did beat out Wisteria by a smidgen, but as a trilogy, the third book stuck its landing.
I'm being dramatic, of course, but NOT AS MUCH AS ARIS AND BLYTHE.
Wisteria directly continued after the events of Foxglove, which already had me smirking, because the forced proximity between Aris and Blythe sustained me throughout. And my gawd, how Adalyn managed to slow-burn a fated romance and still have simmering banter was just chef's kiss. The book was definitely more romance heavy than the previous books, but I found I didn't mind so much. By Part 3, I was honestly just here for the vibes.
Did I love this book? Absolutely. I think Belladonna did beat out Wisteria by a smidgen, but as a trilogy, the third book stuck its landing.
Monsters In Masquerade by Robin Alvarez
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
First off, thank you to Owlcrate, Owlcrate Press, and Jordan Fleming for an advanced copy of this anthology!
With any short story collection, I always expect a mixed bag, with some middling, some uninteresting, and some really good stories. I thought overall that this collection had a lot of solid stories, and I honestly had a good time reading through most of them! What I liked was at the heart of every story, the theme of monsters existing in every walks of life--whether within the protagonist themselves or in those unsuspecting around them-- resounded across the board. I could see why they fit in this anthology where they did.
There were some stories that I was really sad to have said goodbye to at the end, especially because I could definitely see them being turned into a longer novel! Personal favorites were "Juniper Crown of Fae" by Sara Mughal Rana, "A Terrible Beauty" by Hayden Stone, "Venetian Sunrise" by A.Y. Chao, and "Eva and the Devil" by Isabel Canas. Y'all, the way Chao broke my soul and Canas put it back together again on those last two stories though. What a way to end the anthology.
With any short story collection, I always expect a mixed bag, with some middling, some uninteresting, and some really good stories. I thought overall that this collection had a lot of solid stories, and I honestly had a good time reading through most of them! What I liked was at the heart of every story, the theme of monsters existing in every walks of life--whether within the protagonist themselves or in those unsuspecting around them-- resounded across the board. I could see why they fit in this anthology where they did.
There were some stories that I was really sad to have said goodbye to at the end, especially because I could definitely see them being turned into a longer novel! Personal favorites were "Juniper Crown of Fae" by Sara Mughal Rana, "A Terrible Beauty" by Hayden Stone, "Venetian Sunrise" by A.Y. Chao, and "Eva and the Devil" by Isabel Canas. Y'all, the way Chao broke my soul and Canas put it back together again on those last two stories though. What a way to end the anthology.
The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen
adventurous
emotional
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? Yes
4.5
I made a mistake. I finished this book without the second one in my hands and now I regret. Because that ending, Lara's last lines, has me SCREAMING.
Suffice to say, I'm kind of surprised I haven't read this book sooner.
Lara is a spy for her father, the king of Maridrina, sent to marry King Aren of the Bridge Kingdom of Ithicana. And of course this being a romantasy, it's clear where this is going, right? But honestly, that's what I was here for. I was here for THE PLOT.
What I hadn't banked on was a world with quite a bit of politicking and worldbuilding along the way, and the idea of a kingdom made up of a massive bridge had me intrigued. It was a different field for sure, and save for some of the rules and plot devices that were used to make the stakes make sense, I was going along for the ride.
The sticking point for me was definitely the main couple. Aren and Lara are adorable, and I loved all their interactions and banter. The book is a dual point of view, and it was great to hear both voices. I liked Aren, but my girl Lara? Like damn. Sis is QUEEN and I am here to watch her bring everyone to their knees. It was definitely an enemies to lovers, marriage of convenience, slow burn type of story, and not gonna lie, people might be tired of these tropes, but I will eat them up without fail.
Now excuse me while I curl in the corner and think about my life choices and why I don't have the second book on hand just yet.
Suffice to say, I'm kind of surprised I haven't read this book sooner.
Lara is a spy for her father, the king of Maridrina, sent to marry King Aren of the Bridge Kingdom of Ithicana. And of course this being a romantasy, it's clear where this is going, right? But honestly, that's what I was here for. I was here for THE PLOT.
What I hadn't banked on was a world with quite a bit of politicking and worldbuilding along the way, and the idea of a kingdom made up of a massive bridge had me intrigued. It was a different field for sure, and save for some of the rules and plot devices that were used to make the stakes make sense, I was going along for the ride.
The sticking point for me was definitely the main couple. Aren and Lara are adorable, and I loved all their interactions and banter. The book is a dual point of view, and it was great to hear both voices. I liked Aren, but my girl Lara? Like damn. Sis is QUEEN and I am here to watch her bring everyone to their knees. It was definitely an enemies to lovers, marriage of convenience, slow burn type of story, and not gonna lie, people might be tired of these tropes, but I will eat them up without fail.
Now excuse me while I curl in the corner and think about my life choices and why I don't have the second book on hand just yet.
Love in Winter Wonderland by Abiola Bello
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
I was definitely not the demographic for this book. But also, I had imagined this to be a cute boy meets girl, and girl falls for boy situationship, and together they save a bookshop. Instead, it became a love triangle and gave me the ick when it came to the main male character being at emotional odds with his feelings toward his girlfriend and the girl he ends up falling for. I already don't like love triangles to begin with, so this on top of emotional infidelity just turned me off even more.
If this was the only thing that bothered me, I would have been willing to cut this book some slack. Unfortunately, the writing was mostly mid, and as I said, not entirely for me. I could only tolerate the high school drama for so long, and this one didn't even have the decency for it to be a fantasy with magic and dragons. At least in a fantasy, there are higher Stakes to worry about that I can overlook the romance.
I did like when the characters talked about books, and I did like the overall "small town family bookshop goes head to head with multicorporation giant" story, especially because this was black-centric. And I was kind of glad that at least this ended up in a wholesome way.
All the same, I think Trey is a tool, and he and Blair deserve each other. Ariel can do much better. Like Darren Acre. #ISaidWhatISaid
If this was the only thing that bothered me, I would have been willing to cut this book some slack. Unfortunately, the writing was mostly mid, and as I said, not entirely for me. I could only tolerate the high school drama for so long, and this one didn't even have the decency for it to be a fantasy with magic and dragons. At least in a fantasy, there are higher Stakes to worry about that I can overlook the romance.
I did like when the characters talked about books, and I did like the overall "small town family bookshop goes head to head with multicorporation giant" story, especially because this was black-centric. And I was kind of glad that at least this ended up in a wholesome way.
All the same, I think Trey is a tool, and he and Blair deserve each other. Ariel can do much better. Like Darren Acre. #ISaidWhatISaid
Sorcery and Small Magics by Maiga Doocy
adventurous
emotional
funny
reflective
slow-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
5.0
I don't know what it was about this book that had me absolutely loving the beginning to end journey of the characters, but damn, it was so good! Nothing like two disaster queers (one definitely more chaotic than the other) coming together in THE SLOWEST BURN KNOWN TO MAN.
But seriously, I am surprised at how much I loved how the story unfolded between Leo and Grimm, especially because of how meandering the plot actually went. I'm not usually a fan of fetch quests, and scenes where fantasy characters wander aimlessly in the woods are a hit or miss for me (often on the "miss" level), but I felt every intent the author made to make each scene count somehow. And because of that, I never truly lost interest in Leo's struggle to regain his personal freedom. (The fact that he made the stupid mistake in letting Grimm cast a spell that enslaved his ass made the stakes higher, but still.)
I liked how flawed Leo was as the POV character, and while I sometimes did wish Grimm had a POV in the book so we got some insight into his thoughts as well (I still hope he eventually does in the sequels), Leo himself is such a character to want to unpack. He's an absolute mess, and I love him for it.
But hands down my favorite thing about this book was the magic and the spellsongs. I think ALL of my favorite scenes involved the spellsong scenes; the way they were described truly felt like magic and happiness in one, and I can't wait to read more about this in the next book.
But also. Pls Maiga pls. These spells burn way faster than the romance pls I need more I beg. Also jk I think the slow burn hurts because it's SO GOOD.
But seriously, I am surprised at how much I loved how the story unfolded between Leo and Grimm, especially because of how meandering the plot actually went. I'm not usually a fan of fetch quests, and scenes where fantasy characters wander aimlessly in the woods are a hit or miss for me (often on the "miss" level), but I felt every intent the author made to make each scene count somehow. And because of that, I never truly lost interest in Leo's struggle to regain his personal freedom. (The fact that he made the stupid mistake in letting Grimm cast a spell that enslaved his ass made the stakes higher, but still.)
I liked how flawed Leo was as the POV character, and while I sometimes did wish Grimm had a POV in the book so we got some insight into his thoughts as well (I still hope he eventually does in the sequels), Leo himself is such a character to want to unpack. He's an absolute mess, and I love him for it.
But hands down my favorite thing about this book was the magic and the spellsongs. I think ALL of my favorite scenes involved the spellsong scenes; the way they were described truly felt like magic and happiness in one, and I can't wait to read more about this in the next book.
But also. Pls Maiga pls. These spells burn way faster than the romance pls I need more I beg. Also jk I think the slow burn hurts because it's SO GOOD.
Cruel Winter with You by Ali Hazelwood
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I've always been of the opinion that Ali Hazelwood shines in longer form, so was I expecting the usual from her short stories? Yes. Is my mid rating a surprise? To me, not really. But did this book scratch some kind of romance itch? Yes it did.
Pretty straightforward miscommunication trope, but it was still a bit adorable and I blitzed through the entire thing in around an hour. I actually did wish this had been on the smuttier side, because ya know, staying warm in the winter and shit, but what can I say? I'm a trash panda.
Pretty straightforward miscommunication trope, but it was still a bit adorable and I blitzed through the entire thing in around an hour. I actually did wish this had been on the smuttier side, because ya know, staying warm in the winter and shit, but what can I say? I'm a trash panda.
Best Hex Ever by Nadia El-Fassi
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
4.25
I thought this book was absolutely cute! It was the right kind of cozy fantasy romance that I was in the mood for, and as far as the flirting and spice went? Did not disappoint.
I thought the two main characters were adorable together. The POVs switch back and forth between Dina and Scott, and it's clear that both characters have a bit of baggage behind them, which sets up the meet cute and subsequent meetings between them. I thought I would actually object more to the insta-lust situation that arose in this book, but I found that I didn't mind so much, especially when it came to the wedding chapters. And oh my gosh, those wedding chapters! That forced proximity trope working overtime! And Scott? Damn, sir, let a girl take a break for a hot second 🥵
The only thing I kind of was iffy about was how the hex was being described, and that most of the story was told rather than shown. We've got occasional examples of the hex being put to work in passing, and the only time it really does its damage is in the final act. I wished there had been a gradual showing of the workings of this magic, and what the true source of the hex really was. As is, we were told in the very last 15 to 20 pages, and then things wrapped up neatly afterwards. It also did start to get frustrating when the main conflict could have been solved by Dina communicating with her mother somehow. I felt like there was little indication for why Dina had internalized a lot of her issues, especially with how open and understanding her friends and family are.
Overall, I did really like this book despite my caveats! It was just the kind of cozy, spicy romance I was looking for to round out my November reads.
I thought the two main characters were adorable together. The POVs switch back and forth between Dina and Scott, and it's clear that both characters have a bit of baggage behind them, which sets up the meet cute and subsequent meetings between them. I thought I would actually object more to the insta-lust situation that arose in this book, but I found that I didn't mind so much, especially when it came to the wedding chapters. And oh my gosh, those wedding chapters! That forced proximity trope working overtime! And Scott? Damn, sir, let a girl take a break for a hot second 🥵
The only thing I kind of was iffy about was how the hex was being described, and that most of the story was told rather than shown. We've got occasional examples of the hex being put to work in passing, and the only time it really does its damage is in the final act. I wished there had been a gradual showing of the workings of this magic, and what the true source of the hex really was. As is, we were told in the very last 15 to 20 pages, and then things wrapped up neatly afterwards. It also did start to get frustrating when the main conflict could have been solved by Dina communicating with her mother somehow. I felt like there was little indication for why Dina had internalized a lot of her issues, especially with how open and understanding her friends and family are.
Overall, I did really like this book despite my caveats! It was just the kind of cozy, spicy romance I was looking for to round out my November reads.