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sarai0410's reviews
329 reviews
A History of Wild Places by Shea Ernshaw
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This was wild (ha, get it?). Ernshaw knows how to create atmosphere and build tension slowly through her characters and their environment. There were bits of the plot that I found predictable, but honestly, I'm not one to care about that as long as it is still done well. I do wish we got a little more of one particular element - the ability that Travis has in Part One , but it makes sense why we didn't get a ton of it.
All the Sinners Bleed by S.A. Cosby
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
WOW - that was a real of a read. Crime fiction is not my usual genre and after the first couple of chapters, I wasn't sure if this was going to be the book for me due to the topics it was going to cover, but I decided to keep going as I really wanted to try something outside my comfort zone, and I am so glad I did! All the Sinners Bleed is gritty and compelling with an addictive writing style, and hits on hard subjects in a manner where I just couldn't put it done.
Whirlwind by Kayla Grosse
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
As someone petrified of storms and tornadoes, this was hot π₯
I will never tire of the way Kayla writes her characters - confident plus size women and hot men that are ready to worship them π
I will never tire of the way Kayla writes her characters - confident plus size women and hot men that are ready to worship them π
The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I can see why people love this book...unfortunately, I just found it to be mediocre for 85% of the book. The story was interesting and the characters were fun but really don't get to experience any of that to it's fullest potential because the writing style is so discombobulated - too many comparisons, dialogue was choppy and couldn't always tell who was speaking, and it felt like the story was going nowhere until it finally went somewhere, and then it was like a race to the finish.
I will say, despite the strange writing style that I just couldn't vibe with, the author did have some bangers for quotes and I did finally start to feel something for the characters at around page 315 (of 339..)
I will say, despite the strange writing style that I just couldn't vibe with, the author did have some bangers for quotes and I did finally start to feel something for the characters at around page 315 (of 339..)
The Secrets of Hartwood Hall: A Novel by Katie Lumsden
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I had a good time with this. The setting was very atmospheric and I enjoyed the characters - especially Louis and Margaret's relationship as they became closer. Unfortunately, there were a couple of things that rubbed me the wrong way in the end, mostly to do with the way the story wrapped up: Margaret and Paul formed quite a bond at Hartwood Hall; Paul was attentive, sweet, helpful, loved his job despite the hardships, and was open to the fact that his employer was with a woman - in the 1800s (and now..) a man like this is a keeper. In the end though, Margaret threw him to the side and determined she 'wasn't really in love' with him after the miscarriage, and left him all alone after deciding to run away with her employers. Within the span of a day, Paul lost someone he loved, a child he didn't know he could have, his job, AND his home. I can't help but feel terribly for him and feel that Margaret was too cold with him. The ending and big reveal felt a little rushed in the end. I am looking forward to reading another of Lumsden's book in the future because the writing overall is quite good.
It's Not Hysteria: Everything You Need to Know About Your Reproductive Health by Karen Tang
informative
fast-paced
5.0
It's Not Hysteria delves into the world of reproductive health for AFAB (assigned female at birth) individuals in an easy to understand, practical manner. The book is setup in a way that the reader could skip around to the chapters/topics of interest/relevancy to themselves, but I highly recommend that readers look into each topic even if it doesn't seem relevant to yourself as understanding healthcare is about more than 'you' - it's about understanding what others experience and how those experiences effect the world around you.
This book is incredibly inclusive and I appreciate the effort that the author put into their language usage, covering topics not specifically for non-cisgender people (transgender, intersex, etc.), and generally creating a safe environment in which to learn because gatekeeping healthcare is not the move.
This book is incredibly inclusive and I appreciate the effort that the author put into their language usage, covering topics not specifically for non-cisgender people (transgender, intersex, etc.), and generally creating a safe environment in which to learn because gatekeeping healthcare is not the move.
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
adventurous
dark
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
4.75
Gods this was almost perfect and - depending on how long the story and characters linger in my head - it might just get bumped up to a 5 β despite one tiny thing I would have liked more of.
The atmosphere and vibes of One Dark Window are exquisite - gothic and historical, fantastical and darkly romantic - I couldn't get enough of the world Gillig created. The magic system is utterly unique and I would love a reference book of the Old Book of Alders just to absorb more of the world.
Our main characters, Elspeth and Ravyn (yes, I will admit that their names are a little bit ridiculous), both contain bits of surprises within their personalities, and the only thing I would have wanted more of from the story was more relationship build-up as it did seem a little insta-lovey (but not so much that I didn't like them still).
Now the real star of the show in my opinion - The Nightmare. Poetic, dark, protective in his own ways - I love him your honor.While the reveal behind who he is is rather predictable, I loved his interactions with Elspeth and his almost paternal nature towards her.
I have some theories going into the sequel and I'm excited to see if they are true.
The atmosphere and vibes of One Dark Window are exquisite - gothic and historical, fantastical and darkly romantic - I couldn't get enough of the world Gillig created. The magic system is utterly unique and I would love a reference book of the Old Book of Alders just to absorb more of the world.
Our main characters, Elspeth and Ravyn (yes, I will admit that their names are a little bit ridiculous), both contain bits of surprises within their personalities, and the only thing I would have wanted more of from the story was more relationship build-up as it did seem a little insta-lovey (but not so much that I didn't like them still).
Now the real star of the show in my opinion - The Nightmare. Poetic, dark, protective in his own ways - I love him your honor.
I have some theories going into the sequel and I'm excited to see if they are true.
"There once was a girl,β he murmured, βclever and good, who tarried in shadow in the depths of the wood. There also was a Kingβa shepherd by his crook, who reigned over magic and wrote the old book. The two were together, so the two were the same: βThe girl, the Kingβ¦ and the monster they became.β
Mirror Lake by Juneau Black
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Another fun and cozy installment in the Shady Hollow mystery series. Are the mysteries rather predictable? Yes - but the coziness and the characters really make the story worth reading still. I really love the romance sub-plot for our main character, Vera, and the background plots of each book add so much to the Shady Hollow community, keeping me interested in continuing on in the series.
Wolf.e by Paisley Hope
dark
medium-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
4.75
oh no, this book caused me to fall back into my dark MC romance era and I can't get up
Seriously though, this was so good. The characters and their chemistry was so hot; yes it's a little insta-lusty, which doesn't usually work for me, but in this case it worked . The smut was...look, there was a lot going on, but holy hell it was good (please for the love of all things holy, check your trigger warnings). The plot was good - although I would have liked a little more and to see the other members of the MC more.
I loved how Wolfe took his time to build Brinley up; making her stronger, not only physically, but mentally - building her confidence and teaching her to not let other's expectations influence her decisions. While Brinley brought a different side of Wolfe out, being the light he needed.
The big highlights of Wolf.e for me (other than the smut π) were: NO miscommunication trope and NO third act breakup ππ»ππ»ππ»
now excuse me while I fall down the Sons of Anarchy rabbit hole... ποΈ
Seriously though, this was so good. The characters and their chemistry was so hot; yes it's a little insta-lusty, which doesn't usually work for me, but in this case it worked . The smut was...look, there was a lot going on, but holy hell it was good (please for the love of all things holy, check your trigger warnings). The plot was good - although I would have liked a little more and to see the other members of the MC more.
I loved how Wolfe took his time to build Brinley up; making her stronger, not only physically, but mentally - building her confidence and teaching her to not let other's expectations influence her decisions. While Brinley brought a different side of Wolfe out, being the light he needed.
The big highlights of Wolf.e for me (other than the smut π) were: NO miscommunication trope and NO third act breakup ππ»ππ»ππ»
now excuse me while I fall down the Sons of Anarchy rabbit hole... ποΈ
The Throne of Fire by Rick Riordan
adventurous
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
3.75
While I didn't enjoy this as much as the first in the series, I'll always enjoy a Rick Riordan story. Carter and Sadie are amazing characters and I love the back and forth storytelling style that these two have. The additions of Bes and Walt are really what kept the story going for me, and I'm very interested to see what is in store in the final installment of The Kane Chronicles for them and our Kane siblings.