256 reviews by:

bkwrm1317

The Otherwise Normal Life of Charlton Smith

J.R. Bennett

DID NOT FINISH: 0%

Read the first three or so chapters and did not get any more invested in the story nor main character (what felt like a self absorbed, whiny man for me personally). Might be enjoyable for fans of works that are fantastical and attempt to follow in the footsteps of the British greats. Not sure I see the same greatness here, but it’s simply not for me. 
dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

What a journey this one was! Kept me up til 2:30a then finished the next afternoon! 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
dark emotional funny mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Solid middle of the line read of Hendrix on this one. Not my favorite, but not bad either. Components I really enjoyed included brother Lemon and his antics, among others. 
adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

A truly solid read by Ibáñez. That ending though! What!? How!? I need more!!! 

Loved the plucky Inez, her cousin, her uncle, Abdullah his brother in law, and of course Whit. 

Not often does a novel of this kind surprise me with a plot twist, but Ibáñez managed to do so. I’ll be reading more from her soon, I’m sure. 

I loved the balance of ancient Egypt with a magical system that actually felt unique, with glimpses into the past. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Interesting little horror novel by Chupeco (which they do fairly well for my tastes!). This one feels a bit like folk horror across the seas but definitely enjoyed! 
adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Solid close to Chupeco’s series that brought so many fairy tales from so many different cultures into one world for our rag tag group of found fam. 
dark emotional hopeful tense 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

Solid middle of the line read for me. Listened to this as an audiobook. Good little mystery that continues to unfold and great for road trip driving. 
dark funny hopeful reflective fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Solid read/listen. Nothing like the film 🤣
adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful 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: Yes

Really solid start of the mist born series!! Loved the character development, worldbuilding, and magic system based in metals - allomancy. I’ll be very much looking forward to where the series takes Vin, Kelsier’s crew, and Elend as he tries to make their society better for everyone. In particular, Vin and Sazed (and maybe with some help from Marsh!) as they try to discern what the Deepness is and what happened at the Ascension. 

I was not expecting the twist at the end at all!!

Also was weird to realize Sanderson teaches at BYU… that’s definitely a choice 👀

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
dark funny lighthearted mysterious 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

Another novella in this series that’s equal parts slow burn gothic horror, witty and tongue in cheek humor, and creepy things going bump in the night. I really enjoy Easton. Angus and Miss Potter and their budding romance are hilarious and adorable as well. I’ll be continuing to read!