bekahzabel's Reviews (327)

adventurous funny mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

This was my first attempt at listening to a graphic audio, so I don’t have a comparison of that sort unfortunately. I really enjoyed this one! The plot, magic system, and character development was top of the line. I found myself laughing out loud and completely immersed in the world the entire time. So refreshing when a world has so many unique characteristics entertained. 

Was also my first time giving Brandon Sanderson a try, and I don’t know why I waited so long. I’ve been baptized and converted, all aboard the hype train. Thoroughly exceeded my expectations. I can’t wait to listen to part 2 once my libby hold comes through 😅😇😍
 
4/5 ⭐️ for the audio narration, 5/5⭐️ for story as a whole.
dark mysterious tense medium-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: Complicated

I just… couldn’t connect with this one sadly. I listened on audio so maybe that’s why I wasn’t so engaged, but I had no issues with the narrator. I would give another one of Jeneva’s books a go I just don’t think this one was for me. 

I felt the multiple POV’s were convoluted and confusing, and I had an inkling about the plot twist about halfway through. 

If you enjoy medium paced YA thrillers I think this might be fore you! You’ll never know until you try for yourself, but unfortunately in subjective overview… It was a bit slow although the plot concept does have strength. Character development felt almost nonexistent and wasn’t a fan of the sister’s toxic portrayal of addiction and recovery. 

Dark Secrets,
Small Town,
Suspenseful,
Family Mystery,
Twisty Plotline

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
dark funny mysterious reflective tense 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: No

This was a TREAT. I needed a laugh like this so bad. From start to finish Butcher & Blackbird kept me engaged. 

I would consider this to be a dark romantic comedy. There are plenty of triggers and graphic descriptions, I mean both main characters are serial killers so it’s to be expected. This was (dare I say) one of the best audiobooks I’ve ever listened to. The alternating POV’s were narrated perfectly. I let this one sit for a long time and boy am I happy I took a chance on it. 

Reminded me of the Mindf*ck series in ways, with the humor of assistant to the villain, but not cringey or forced like it felt with ATTV. 

I would highly recommend this one to anyone who enjoys dark romance with a large serving of comedy within the writing. Slow burns, witty banter, bad ass main characters, and just all around a good read for dark romance readers. It was right up my alley. 

6⭐️/🌶️🌶️🌶️

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

A powerful collection of poems that tells a beautiful story of a young woman slowly but surely stepping into her power. 

This is YA but I would highly recommend it to any age above 16. There’s angst, self doubt, curiosity, self discovery, so much growth, love, and family matters throughout the plot that really deepen your connection with Xiomara. 

A fierce and headstrong fmc in her journey as a poet. This is a profound coming of age story that was so well written. 5⭐️ from me. 
dark emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced

My qualm is that I wish it was twice as long.

It is not my place to judge another woman’s trauma and experiences. Pretty Boys are Poisonous yanked on my heartstrings. I really felt for her throughout the entirety of this collection, and honestly had no idea that she’d been through so much. You never know what happens behind closed doors and when a celebrity releases poetry or a memoir, I’m grateful for a peek behind those doors… because truly none of us are entitled to know. This was dark, vulnerable, and all the poems were shorter style micropoems, but I’m into it. 

I’d recommend this one to anyone who enjoys modern poetry about losing and finding yourself after abusive relationships. Good for her for releasing this, she gained a new fan and respect from me. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
dark funny mysterious reflective fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

A reflection of ruthless decisions driven by a dark turn of events. 

I devoured this one on audio in one sitting. Yellowface follows our main character June, who steals her colleagues manuscript after a tragic passing. While I know June wasn’t supposed to be a well liked character, there were plenty of moments where her thought process had me laughing out loud. Diabolical is a great way to describe this FMC. 

RF Kuang addressed a unique plot here that could very well happen in modern day society. Fast paced and captivating, I was very engaged from start to finish.  

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys modern literary fiction with a bit of a thriller type feel. 
4 ⭐️

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful reflective 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: No

5 shiny gold stars. 

Nathair and Linh’s story quickly became my absolute favorite thus far. Both characters have dark pasts, and A Soul to Protect was a journey of healing, love, laughs, and of course steamy passion. 

I also adore the representation that Opal continuously puts into her books. Nathair is mostly mute, and the language barrier while Linh learns to understand his signs was so precious. Linh is Vietnamese, and I connected with her mindset and struggles so much which made me have so much more connection with the story as it played out.

I would say this is one of the spiciest ones yet. While this installment focuses solely on Nathair & Linh, I look forward to seeing how everything comes together in the final book of the series up next. 

Forced Proximity,
Language Barrier,
Overprotective MMC,
Monster 🍆🍆, 
Witty Banter & Dialouge,
Rediscovering Self After Trauma,
Strong Willed FMC

Nathair is such a sassy little noodle. Protect him at all costs. 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️//🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

For non-book records, review text and ratings are hidden. Only mood, pace, and content warnings are visible.


Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective 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: No

Ahhhh Ford MF’in Grant 🥵🥵🥵🥵

Elsie Silver truly never disappoints. Wild love is a slow burn, small town, brother’s best friend, single dad, billionaire romance. Taking place in the rural town of Rose Hill British Columbia, Rosie Belmont finds herself pulled back to her hometown after losing her job in the big city. When she reconnects with her brother’s best friend Ford, their connection is undeniable. 

The burn was extra slow but that tension build was HAWT HAWT HAWT. Very worth it. If you enjoy small town romance, Elsie Silver’s work is not to be overlooked. Wild Love was a heartwarming read that I will be recommending for years to come. 

Do you love a cutesy pink cover that contains a MMC with an undeniably filthy mouth? Step right up because this book is up to bat. 

4.25⭐️//2.5 🌶️🌶️
adventurous dark emotional hopeful 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: No

Aleron is to be protected at all costs 🥺🥹

Loved this installment to the series. Took me a bit longer than usual since there was quite the journey in this one, but overall thoroughly enjoyed Aleron’s and Gideon’s stories. Without spoilers you do get to see some past favorite characters in this one, which I ate up 🤪 I like that we’re slowly but surely learning more and more about the Witch Owl & Weldier. Looking forward to the next one because y’all know these are some of my all time favorites.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️//🌶️🌶️