Take a photo of a barcode or cover
643 reviews by:
blackcoffee_andgoodbooks
fast-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
With a brilliant opening line, this one drew me straight it - “I’m not dressed to find a body. I’m wearing cutoffs and a thin white tank top.”
This book was set from the perspective on Hannah, one of five teenagers who made a stupid mistakes and then have to live out their lies as it fears them apart.
Hannah from the outset, is a very dislikable character. It’s clear she’s selfish and is definitely one you can only love to hate. Despite being 18 and ready to go to college, they all give very bratty teenager vibes.
This was a super fast paced read, set in 2 parts. Following the event and the aftermath, while watching a very close knit group of lifelong friends struggle with what they’ve done as the wildfire rages and the police look for evidence on who the culprits are.
This book was set from the perspective on Hannah, one of five teenagers who made a stupid mistakes and then have to live out their lies as it fears them apart.
Hannah from the outset, is a very dislikable character. It’s clear she’s selfish and is definitely one you can only love to hate. Despite being 18 and ready to go to college, they all give very bratty teenager vibes.
This was a super fast paced read, set in 2 parts. Following the event and the aftermath, while watching a very close knit group of lifelong friends struggle with what they’ve done as the wildfire rages and the police look for evidence on who the culprits are.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Death, Murder
Minor: Alcoholism, Death of parent
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Undying Tower is a dystopian novel, set far in a future where there are people referred to as “the undying” who are exactly that. They don’t age beyond roughly 25 and heal much faster than the general population.
There is an “us” and “them” situation with the undying seen as leaches on society, they’re seen at the bottom of the food chain - given the harshest punishments for the smallest of crimes and are also only allowed jobs which are too unsafe for everyone else.
This book had a super gripping start, building this world for the reader. There were, I felt, a lot of parallels to the real world through the treatment of this marginalised and persecuted group.
I wasn’t the biggest fan of the main character, who was definitely indoctrinated and saw the plights of the undying as deserved. So she was very difficult to get along with but she does develop throughout the book.
That being said, this was a good YA dystopian with a dual timeline narrative. So I’d definitely recommend if that’s your cup of tea!
There is an “us” and “them” situation with the undying seen as leaches on society, they’re seen at the bottom of the food chain - given the harshest punishments for the smallest of crimes and are also only allowed jobs which are too unsafe for everyone else.
This book had a super gripping start, building this world for the reader. There were, I felt, a lot of parallels to the real world through the treatment of this marginalised and persecuted group.
I wasn’t the biggest fan of the main character, who was definitely indoctrinated and saw the plights of the undying as deserved. So she was very difficult to get along with but she does develop throughout the book.
That being said, this was a good YA dystopian with a dual timeline narrative. So I’d definitely recommend if that’s your cup of tea!
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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:
Complicated
I’m not sure I can even put into words how much love I have for this book.
Nick is one of my favourite characters ever. He is just so loveable and his journey with his ADHD was relatable for anyone who struggles with anything that makes them “different”. His friends and family, just loved him so deeply, just as he was and it was beautiful to see the support network he had.
His dad was the sweetest soul and oh my life, the love. It seeped through the pages.
Seth, Gibby and Jazz are the friends that EVERYBODY needs.
Now the superhero storyline, wow. I absolutely adored the little snippets of Nick’s fan fiction while he lists of Shadow Star, it was brilliant.
The whole book was laugh out loud funny and while this was the case, it was so great that this was done so wonderfully. Nick’s personality was so funny but his ADHD was never at the end of the joke.
I even cried at some bits. I just went on a rollercoaster of an emotional journey.
I have so many thoughts and feelings but I truly just loved this book and I am so excited to continue the series!
Nick is one of my favourite characters ever. He is just so loveable and his journey with his ADHD was relatable for anyone who struggles with anything that makes them “different”. His friends and family, just loved him so deeply, just as he was and it was beautiful to see the support network he had.
His dad was the sweetest soul and oh my life, the love. It seeped through the pages.
Seth, Gibby and Jazz are the friends that EVERYBODY needs.
Now the superhero storyline, wow. I absolutely adored the little snippets of Nick’s fan fiction while he lists of Shadow Star, it was brilliant.
The whole book was laugh out loud funny and while this was the case, it was so great that this was done so wonderfully. Nick’s personality was so funny but his ADHD was never at the end of the joke.
I even cried at some bits. I just went on a rollercoaster of an emotional journey.
I have so many thoughts and feelings but I truly just loved this book and I am so excited to continue the series!
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
slow-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:
Complicated
I always find it so incredibly difficult to review follow up books in a series without any spoilers but here I go! I will spoiler wrap, just in case.
Another absolutely excellent book! It was again, a slow burner but with always enough action to keep you enticed. I loved all the relationship growth in this one. While book 1 revolves around survival, book 2 revolves around love and friendship.
Kiva and Tipp in particular are the cutest little pair.
I also loved the book club! I was cracking up and honestly, just wanted to be a part of it.
I think comparing the two book, I did prefer the prison as a setting rather than the castle but only because it was so new and different for me.
Another brilliant book, another painstaking ending and now, the wait begins for book 3!
Kiva and Tipp in particular are the cutest little pair.
I also loved the book club! I was cracking up and honestly, just wanted to be a part of it.
I think comparing the two book, I did prefer the prison as a setting rather than the castle but only because it was so new and different for me.
Another brilliant book, another painstaking ending and now, the wait begins for book 3!
It took me a lot to reach the decision of DNFing because I absolutely adore the premise set in the synopsis. However, thus far I’ve been unable to get into the book at all and have no desire to pick it back up. Maybe I haven’t read far enough but at almost a quarter of the way through the book, I would like to see and start feeling the suspense of Eddie discovering Elise. As described in the synopsis. I was curious about Elise’s character and how she was continuing to survive on next to nothing. But for me, the pace really needed a step up to increase my engagement or at least, a build up of suspense. Very grateful to have been given the opportunity to read this e-ARC but unfortunately, this one wasn’t for me.
adventurous
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
This is an epic middle grade adventure.
Twelve, our main character, is really sweet but super isolated. She presents herself as really tough but it seems a front to hide her fears and not let anybody get close to her.
She’s full of anger that she doesn’t really know where to direct but as we progress through the story, she develops so much and really grows as a person.
The world is a really interesting one, made up of seven different clans who all keep to themselves and avoid each other. While The Hunting Lodge acts as the impartial protectors of them all.
I can’t say much without feeling like I’m going to spoil it but this is an absolutely beautiful story and a world I can’t wait to immerse myself back into!
Twelve, our main character, is really sweet but super isolated. She presents herself as really tough but it seems a front to hide her fears and not let anybody get close to her.
She’s full of anger that she doesn’t really know where to direct but as we progress through the story, she develops so much and really grows as a person.
The world is a really interesting one, made up of seven different clans who all keep to themselves and avoid each other. While The Hunting Lodge acts as the impartial protectors of them all.
I can’t say much without feeling like I’m going to spoil it but this is an absolutely beautiful story and a world I can’t wait to immerse myself back into!
