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dark
emotional
funny
informative
medium-paced
This is not a read for the squeamish, but it is quite the interesting one. At once somehow reverent in its content and still containing a flippant writing style, Stiff kept me intrigued and learning while also keeping me laughing...which was a good balance for the moments I was cringing. There was a really good range of content, including the historical treatment of cadavers up into modern use. Everything is delivered in a way that is blatantly honest and doesn't shy away from the ugly side of human use or those moments that maybe aren't exactly the most comfortable to comprehend.
I took my read in small doses, both to allow myself to absorb the information and also to keep me from being overwhelmed by the content in a way that allowed me to become blase about it. Roach does a fantastic job thoroughly investigating and I have to give her major kudos for following the big questions with an eyes-on, occasionally hands-on approach.
Know what you're getting into before taking this one one if you are averse to body horror in any way. There is no shying around this subject, Roach takes you right on in to the nitty gritty. For me, it was a very educational experience while still being delivered in a way that kept me entertained. Likely best for those with a little dark humor.
I took my read in small doses, both to allow myself to absorb the information and also to keep me from being overwhelmed by the content in a way that allowed me to become blase about it. Roach does a fantastic job thoroughly investigating and I have to give her major kudos for following the big questions with an eyes-on, occasionally hands-on approach.
Know what you're getting into before taking this one one if you are averse to body horror in any way. There is no shying around this subject, Roach takes you right on in to the nitty gritty. For me, it was a very educational experience while still being delivered in a way that kept me entertained. Likely best for those with a little dark humor.
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-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
Stuart Turton can write a really good and twisty murder mystery. This is my second read from him and I am utterly impressed by his writing talent. The plot for this novel is so intricate, with so many characters to balance and so many little twists and turns. To have been able to construct such a tale is just amazing. I was totally mesmerized.
The plot can be a little convoluted and complicated to follow due to the constant changing of protagonist "hosts", but it is intense and difficult to walk away from. I think a second reading will be just as, if not more, enjoyable as the multiple characters become even more cemented.
The atmosphere was nice and gothic, with a creepy estate, some ominous weather, and a cast of characters who all seem to be at odds. The premise itself is quite gothic...bringing back a cast of characters for a party on the anniversary of a murder that occurred on the grounds...all of the invitations given to those who were there at the time of the original event. Creeeeepy and weird.
I enjoyed the read and was gripped by the tale. The writing style is more to the literary side and there is definitely a large cast of characters, so it's important to know that going in. Some of the characters are rather flat and blend into one another, but others are very vibrant, so it's not a bad balance. There were some problematic moments with blatant body shaming, so there was a 0.25 star deduction from my rating for that. The character could have remained the same, with the same points made without the derogatory language used on a few occasions.
The writing style itself is a bit dry, but it worked for me. There was a bit of a Sherlock feel to the whole thing though it was written in a way that totally made it unique. Long, intense, and convoluted Evelyn Hardcastle is a great gothic mystery and I very much appreciated the inventiveness.
The plot can be a little convoluted and complicated to follow due to the constant changing of protagonist "hosts", but it is intense and difficult to walk away from. I think a second reading will be just as, if not more, enjoyable as the multiple characters become even more cemented.
The atmosphere was nice and gothic, with a creepy estate, some ominous weather, and a cast of characters who all seem to be at odds. The premise itself is quite gothic...bringing back a cast of characters for a party on the anniversary of a murder that occurred on the grounds...all of the invitations given to those who were there at the time of the original event. Creeeeepy and weird.
I enjoyed the read and was gripped by the tale. The writing style is more to the literary side and there is definitely a large cast of characters, so it's important to know that going in. Some of the characters are rather flat and blend into one another, but others are very vibrant, so it's not a bad balance. There were some problematic moments with blatant body shaming, so there was a 0.25 star deduction from my rating for that. The character could have remained the same, with the same points made without the derogatory language used on a few occasions.
The writing style itself is a bit dry, but it worked for me. There was a bit of a Sherlock feel to the whole thing though it was written in a way that totally made it unique. Long, intense, and convoluted Evelyn Hardcastle is a great gothic mystery and I very much appreciated the inventiveness.
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adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-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
4.5 stars.
These Deadly Games was a fantastic and quick thriller that kept me on my toes. The story starts off with the suspense very early on and it is a consistent roller coaster ride until the end. The narrative was well-written with good atmosphere and a tense, swift pace. There were a few good twists and turns that kept me on my toes and the ending wasn't quite what I expected, though there were a few plot turns that were somewhat obvious.
Crystal was well-written as a teen protagonist. She definitely gets caught up in the fear and the intensity of the moment and makes some mistakes and not really bright decisions, but the majority of her actions felt credible and accurate for both the situation and her age.
There was one particular clue/twist that drove me bonkers. It was a bit heavy handed in the narrative and I think did take a bit of the surprise out of the major twist. It was a point of annoyance that stuck with me for a chunk of my reading, but likely won't be quite as much of a sore spot for most readers. I think I just felt disappointed by the way it was stressed because otherwise it would have really knocked my socks off by being one of those small details you don't pay attention to. But I digress...
My reading experience was really great overall and I definitely felt the tension in the narrative. I had a hard time putting the book down and enjoyed the narrative (with the exception of the one little blip) from cover to cover. The writing style was accessible and felt natural, with a good flow. The supporting characters were well done as well.
The ending was incredibly solid. I enjoyed the climax quite a bit as well as the wrap-up, which held a couple of good punches as well. Crafty, clever, and a good time. A very near 5-star read and definitely a reason for me to pick up more from Diana Urban. Thumbs up and highly recommend.
* Disclaimer: I received a copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *
These Deadly Games was a fantastic and quick thriller that kept me on my toes. The story starts off with the suspense very early on and it is a consistent roller coaster ride until the end. The narrative was well-written with good atmosphere and a tense, swift pace. There were a few good twists and turns that kept me on my toes and the ending wasn't quite what I expected, though there were a few plot turns that were somewhat obvious.
Crystal was well-written as a teen protagonist. She definitely gets caught up in the fear and the intensity of the moment and makes some mistakes and not really bright decisions, but the majority of her actions felt credible and accurate for both the situation and her age.
There was one particular clue/twist that drove me bonkers. It was a bit heavy handed in the narrative and I think did take a bit of the surprise out of the major twist. It was a point of annoyance that stuck with me for a chunk of my reading, but likely won't be quite as much of a sore spot for most readers. I think I just felt disappointed by the way it was stressed because otherwise it would have really knocked my socks off by being one of those small details you don't pay attention to. But I digress...
My reading experience was really great overall and I definitely felt the tension in the narrative. I had a hard time putting the book down and enjoyed the narrative (with the exception of the one little blip) from cover to cover. The writing style was accessible and felt natural, with a good flow. The supporting characters were well done as well.
The ending was incredibly solid. I enjoyed the climax quite a bit as well as the wrap-up, which held a couple of good punches as well. Crafty, clever, and a good time. A very near 5-star read and definitely a reason for me to pick up more from Diana Urban. Thumbs up and highly recommend.
* Disclaimer: I received a copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *
funny
lighthearted
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:
Yes
4.5 stars.
Another cute, light, fun read from Emma Lord. I loved the musical focus of this book and thought it was just really a good time. (Though I do have to admit that some of the references to Millie's dad's past had me cringing at the fact that I'm getting old and have started having more in common with the parents in the YA reads than the protagonists.)
Millie is quirky and a little over the top, but so much fun to read. She makes some really hair-brained decisions along the way, but rather than feeling illogical these feel just like a teenaged tendency to fail to look before leaping. To her credit, she does acknowledge these moments as errors and I appreciated how she grew in maturity as the plot proceeded. She still stays true to a teen character, but shows an appropriate character arc according to her age and experience.
I loved the other characters as well. Emma Lord can write a good diverse type of cast with introverts and extroverts alike. They felt like real people and I truly enjoyed the interactions between the characters along the way.
Super sweet and had me smiling most of the time...though occasionally smacking my head from some of Millie's silly choices. Absolutely worth the read and a thumbs up recommendation for when you're looking for a read that's fun, fast-paced, and full of musical theatre culture.
* Disclaimer: I received a copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *
Another cute, light, fun read from Emma Lord. I loved the musical focus of this book and thought it was just really a good time. (Though I do have to admit that some of the references to Millie's dad's past had me cringing at the fact that I'm getting old and have started having more in common with the parents in the YA reads than the protagonists.)
Millie is quirky and a little over the top, but so much fun to read. She makes some really hair-brained decisions along the way, but rather than feeling illogical these feel just like a teenaged tendency to fail to look before leaping. To her credit, she does acknowledge these moments as errors and I appreciated how she grew in maturity as the plot proceeded. She still stays true to a teen character, but shows an appropriate character arc according to her age and experience.
I loved the other characters as well. Emma Lord can write a good diverse type of cast with introverts and extroverts alike. They felt like real people and I truly enjoyed the interactions between the characters along the way.
Super sweet and had me smiling most of the time...though occasionally smacking my head from some of Millie's silly choices. Absolutely worth the read and a thumbs up recommendation for when you're looking for a read that's fun, fast-paced, and full of musical theatre culture.
* Disclaimer: I received a copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
fast-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
The Last Graduate is packed with action and a steady pace in the increasingly interesting world of the Scholomance. Not as info-dumpy as the first in the series this sequel was easier to follow and kept my interest. The narrative is dark and brash, with an attitude that is quite to the point.
There was some heavy repetition in the fight scenes that did drag the pace down a bit here and there, but overall things moved pretty well. A lot of those pieces could likely have been edited out (or at least pared down), as they did feel somewhat excessive and unnecessary to understanding the plot. This is a very rare case where I would say that telling me what happened would likely have been more effective than showing.
The primary characters are interesting, though beyond the protagonist they really don't get a lot of importance in the plot. This story is primarily about the world and secondarily about El herself. I am liking her more and I find her increasingly accessible. She is a perfectly sarcastic character. I appreciated the growth she showed in this installment and thought her character arc was done quite well. I look forward to seeing how she rounds out.
Like the first installment, the final third is where I really took a liking to this book. Things which were already moving at a good pace took on an even faster clip and I started to get a bit more intrigued about how things were going to go. And...like it's predecessor, this one ended with a bang and a cliffhanger that have me ready to go for the next read. If you're considering the series, don't get too bogged down by the world building in the first book and hang on...it's a ride worth taking if you have the patience to let the ball get rolling.
* Disclaimer: I received a copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *
There was some heavy repetition in the fight scenes that did drag the pace down a bit here and there, but overall things moved pretty well. A lot of those pieces could likely have been edited out (or at least pared down), as they did feel somewhat excessive and unnecessary to understanding the plot. This is a very rare case where I would say that telling me what happened would likely have been more effective than showing.
The primary characters are interesting, though beyond the protagonist they really don't get a lot of importance in the plot. This story is primarily about the world and secondarily about El herself. I am liking her more and I find her increasingly accessible. She is a perfectly sarcastic character. I appreciated the growth she showed in this installment and thought her character arc was done quite well. I look forward to seeing how she rounds out.
Like the first installment, the final third is where I really took a liking to this book. Things which were already moving at a good pace took on an even faster clip and I started to get a bit more intrigued about how things were going to go. And...like it's predecessor, this one ended with a bang and a cliffhanger that have me ready to go for the next read. If you're considering the series, don't get too bogged down by the world building in the first book and hang on...it's a ride worth taking if you have the patience to let the ball get rolling.
* Disclaimer: I received a copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3.5 stars.
Bright Ruined Things is a historical fantasy, set in the 1920s on an isolated island beyond the coast of England. Magical control of the spirits on the island and their energies have provided a type of magical fuel that has made the Prosper family very wealthy & powerful. There is a very Gatsby feel about the atmosphere and there is definitely some allegorical work at play in the narrative that adds to the intrigue. The setting is nice and dark with a good gothic flare.
While I appreciated the setting and the basic gist of the narrative, there were some things I struggled with. The magic system was interesting, though at times confusing. The voice of the novel comes off a bit immature. Rated for YA, there are moments where the tone is more middle grade and I expected better of Mae (the protagonist). The characters are interesting, but not as fleshed out as I would like. Instead, they tend to get a bit of a stereotypical development that made them less likable and didn't give me as much interest in their individual outcomes. Lord Prosper, in particular, felt like a bit of a cardboard cutout.
That being said, I did mention that the characters were interesting. I enjoyed Coco quite a bit and there was some good underlying character to Ivo. There was quite a bit to explore with Alasdair and Miles that I think could have gone a long way to furthering the plot and upping the stakes/intrigue. The characters improved as the end neared, and the ending itself did wrap up quite well. It was a pleasant reading experience and not a bad early novel, so I hope to see more from Cohoe in the future.
* Disclaimer: I received a copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *
Bright Ruined Things is a historical fantasy, set in the 1920s on an isolated island beyond the coast of England. Magical control of the spirits on the island and their energies have provided a type of magical fuel that has made the Prosper family very wealthy & powerful. There is a very Gatsby feel about the atmosphere and there is definitely some allegorical work at play in the narrative that adds to the intrigue. The setting is nice and dark with a good gothic flare.
While I appreciated the setting and the basic gist of the narrative, there were some things I struggled with. The magic system was interesting, though at times confusing. The voice of the novel comes off a bit immature. Rated for YA, there are moments where the tone is more middle grade and I expected better of Mae (the protagonist). The characters are interesting, but not as fleshed out as I would like. Instead, they tend to get a bit of a stereotypical development that made them less likable and didn't give me as much interest in their individual outcomes. Lord Prosper, in particular, felt like a bit of a cardboard cutout.
That being said, I did mention that the characters were interesting. I enjoyed Coco quite a bit and there was some good underlying character to Ivo. There was quite a bit to explore with Alasdair and Miles that I think could have gone a long way to furthering the plot and upping the stakes/intrigue. The characters improved as the end neared, and the ending itself did wrap up quite well. It was a pleasant reading experience and not a bad early novel, so I hope to see more from Cohoe in the future.
* Disclaimer: I received a copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
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:
Complicated
4.5 stars.
Heather Morris has found some very important and impactful stories to tell. Yes, there is a lot of WWII historical fiction out there and yes there are a lot of tales about concentration camps, but this one has just so much that needs to be read. I have read all three novels in this series and I have been heartbroken by every one. Though able to be read as standalones, the stories do crossover one another in small ways. Three Sisters broadens the narrative in a way that continues to be eye-opening and gut punching.
This tale of the three Mellar sisters, Sibi, Magda, & Livi is created based on conversations with two of the three sisters (Sibi having passed prior to the telling of this tale), as well as other family stories and documents. There is some creative liberty taken with this information, but it still remains primarily true to the tale in a way that is so hard-hitting that it is at times incredibly difficult to read.
The atmosphere and characters are captured in a mesmerizing way and there were so many moments that I felt my breath stolen by the narrative. These stories are becoming so much more important to have written down as the Holocaust survivors pass away due to old age. Their harrowing journeys and suffering as well as their resilience and amazing human spirit are priceless and they need to be shared. Having these stories woven into fictionalized accounts doesn't take away their power, but makes them even more accessible, which I think is fantastic.
The power of the sisterly bond is so beautifully displayed in this novel. I was absolutely captured.
The way Sibi, Magda, & Livi held together swelled my heart at the same time I was being destroyed by the terrible things that befell their family. There is so much hope in their tale and such great focus on the family. I haven't been moved by a story this much in quite a long time.
Reading the acknowledgements at the end, featuring the family themselves, just did me in and wrapped up the story in a way that made me feel truly made a part of the tale. Heather Morris has done an incredible job here and I am so glad that I was given the opportunity to know the incredible and humbling story of the three brilliant, brave, and strong Meller sisters.
* Disclaimer: I received a copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *
Heather Morris has found some very important and impactful stories to tell. Yes, there is a lot of WWII historical fiction out there and yes there are a lot of tales about concentration camps, but this one has just so much that needs to be read. I have read all three novels in this series and I have been heartbroken by every one. Though able to be read as standalones, the stories do crossover one another in small ways. Three Sisters broadens the narrative in a way that continues to be eye-opening and gut punching.
This tale of the three Mellar sisters, Sibi, Magda, & Livi is created based on conversations with two of the three sisters (Sibi having passed prior to the telling of this tale), as well as other family stories and documents. There is some creative liberty taken with this information, but it still remains primarily true to the tale in a way that is so hard-hitting that it is at times incredibly difficult to read.
The atmosphere and characters are captured in a mesmerizing way and there were so many moments that I felt my breath stolen by the narrative. These stories are becoming so much more important to have written down as the Holocaust survivors pass away due to old age. Their harrowing journeys and suffering as well as their resilience and amazing human spirit are priceless and they need to be shared. Having these stories woven into fictionalized accounts doesn't take away their power, but makes them even more accessible, which I think is fantastic.
The power of the sisterly bond is so beautifully displayed in this novel. I was absolutely captured.
The way Sibi, Magda, & Livi held together swelled my heart at the same time I was being destroyed by the terrible things that befell their family. There is so much hope in their tale and such great focus on the family. I haven't been moved by a story this much in quite a long time.
Reading the acknowledgements at the end, featuring the family themselves, just did me in and wrapped up the story in a way that made me feel truly made a part of the tale. Heather Morris has done an incredible job here and I am so glad that I was given the opportunity to know the incredible and humbling story of the three brilliant, brave, and strong Meller sisters.
* Disclaimer: I received a copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *
adventurous
dark
emotional
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:
Yes
I love this series so much! This installment takes us to the Goblin Market (based on the poem by Christina Rossetti), something I never knew I needed in a book, but could read forever. In standard McGuire nature, the characters are diverse and beautiful and full-bodied. They are darn near tangible.
The plot moves quickly and is intriguing from beginning to end. There are chunks that are glossed over that I found irritating, as I wanted to know everything that happened, but I'm hoping that maybe there will be more information given in a future installment...such is the nature of this series.
There were so many things to love about this and there was so much to feel. These little, short novellas always feel like such a teaser, but still have so much packed inside of them that they make my heart feel incredibly full before smashing it to bits in one way or another.
Seanan McGuire has autobuy status with me and is quickly moving up my list of favorite authors.
The plot moves quickly and is intriguing from beginning to end. There are chunks that are glossed over that I found irritating, as I wanted to know everything that happened, but I'm hoping that maybe there will be more information given in a future installment...such is the nature of this series.
There were so many things to love about this and there was so much to feel. These little, short novellas always feel like such a teaser, but still have so much packed inside of them that they make my heart feel incredibly full before smashing it to bits in one way or another.
Seanan McGuire has autobuy status with me and is quickly moving up my list of favorite authors.
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
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
Magnificent! I waited far too long to finally read this one, but it certainly was a good choice for my first audiobook of 2022. Taylor Jenkins Reid is amazing.
This fictional biography not only feels real, but the fictional starlet feels real as well. Though there is a story woven around it, the core of the novel is the life story of Evelyn Hugo. Had the pieces of this novel with Evelyn telling her story been picked out and stitched together, I'm sure some readers could easily be convinced that the story was a true one. It is really just wonderfully done.
I love the flawed characters surrounded by the stripped away magic of old Hollywood. There is glamour and there is grit. It is just simply marvellous. The characters are vivid, the plot is engaging, and I swam through this book perpetually thirsty for more. Evelyn's world was amazing and I could have lived in it for another hundred pages without blinking an eye.
Without a doubt, a SOLID 5-star read.
This fictional biography not only feels real, but the fictional starlet feels real as well. Though there is a story woven around it, the core of the novel is the life story of Evelyn Hugo. Had the pieces of this novel with Evelyn telling her story been picked out and stitched together, I'm sure some readers could easily be convinced that the story was a true one. It is really just wonderfully done.
I love the flawed characters surrounded by the stripped away magic of old Hollywood. There is glamour and there is grit. It is just simply marvellous. The characters are vivid, the plot is engaging, and I swam through this book perpetually thirsty for more. Evelyn's world was amazing and I could have lived in it for another hundred pages without blinking an eye.
Without a doubt, a SOLID 5-star read.
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A perfect beach read for the middle of winter. Eight Perfect Hours is a bit of a novel form of Serendipity. It is light and fun and adorable. It is a bit of a slow burn and the plot does have it's slow moments, but it's cute and a quick read all the same.
There are some less than shining characters in the mix, but every story needs a bad guy...or a handful...that cause the protagonist emotional and mental harm. There is a good redemption arc (though I have one character I refuse to forgive for their selfish actions) and there are good conversations about mental health and gentleness with anxiety afflictions along the way which I appreciated.
All in all, a good & comfortable read that kept me cozy on a cold winter night. My second read from Lia Louis and I was not disappointed. I will be continuing to watch for her releases.
* Disclaimer: I received a copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *
There are some less than shining characters in the mix, but every story needs a bad guy...or a handful...that cause the protagonist emotional and mental harm. There is a good redemption arc (though I have one character I refuse to forgive for their selfish actions) and there are good conversations about mental health and gentleness with anxiety afflictions along the way which I appreciated.
All in all, a good & comfortable read that kept me cozy on a cold winter night. My second read from Lia Louis and I was not disappointed. I will be continuing to watch for her releases.
* Disclaimer: I received a copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *