I read this book as part of a summer reading challenge looking for a romance with a villain. It turns out I loved everything about this book except that romance. 
The world building, the awesome female protagonist, the writing style, the fast-paced plot and magic themes were fantastic. Not only did I finish this in a weekend, but I have already bought the sequel out of excitement. 
However, this book certainly lacked character development (every character's story was predictable and one dimensional). Similarly, the romance between Jude and the Prince was uncomfortable to read - it seemed forced and embarrassing - out of place with the exciting drama in the Courts of Fairie. 

Elena Ferrante is an author who has been on my radar for a while now, and I have a few of her books on my TBR. Although this shorter story was not quite what I expected, Ferrante's writing certainly inspired emotional, horrific reactions, dark themes and descriptions. I was particularly enraptured by our complicated main character. For example, her tragic story and internal monologue puts the reader in a position of understanding some of the bad and cruel behaviours from the main character's past. The ending is simultaneously shocking and predictable. 
That said, this story is not for readers who enjoy a fast paced plot. The dual timeline (where Lena narrates her past and her present) involves more character development and emotion than action which could make the reading slow for some. 

I was inspired to read this book as a fan of Margaret Atwood, science fiction, and feminist fiction, but I have a mixed response to this after reading it. 

There are many notable and positive features of this story. I had my pen handy for underlining the powerful clauses, and I enjoyed the steady pace. Particularly, I enjoyed the underlying structure of the plot. Having a different narrator and POV for each area life the Girls' power effects, the reader is shown how the military, people's religion, World politics, the criminal underworld, and the media are slowly transformed and dominated by Women's power in this dystopian science fiction. 

However, this book was difficult to pick up again or stay engaged with for a long period of time. I personally found the story impossible to devour in a day or two; I had to keep putting it down. Although there are some very distressing chapters, my aversion was often due to disinterest in the character's themselves. Similarly, the ending was confusing and disappointing - it seems there was not an ending at all - as if it were rushed. 

Overall, an amazing plot (which I would recommend) but poor execution of the characters and the ending. 

Wow! I have been putting off this book for months, having it sitting on my TBR (despite recommendations from friends) and I cannot believe I didn't pick this up sooner! I was hooked from the first chapter. I would definitely read another story by Lisa Jewell. 
With multiple POV unreliable narrators, and a graphic writing style, I loved the structure of this book. My brain was constantly activated from horror/disgust or desperately trying to work out the next plot twist, making this a fast-paced and exciting mystery. Despite not typically being a thriller fan, the unsolved mystery, horrific plot, and investigative journalism maintained my interest. 

I did not have high expectations for this book, as I tend to be underwhelmed by tiktok recommendations, but this story was above those expectations. I recommend going into this book without context - aside from the obvious spoiler - to be surprised by the brilliant science-fiction world building and plot! This is the kind of book many readers could finish in a day due to the fast pace, exciting plot and emotionally engaging characters. Despite the upsetting themes, this is a genuine feel-good holiday read with characters who are easy to become attached to. However two-dimensional and predictable some of the character's are, it is perfect for what it is. 

One of the most important perspectives on intersectional feminism I have read. This book was contextually up-to-date and offered a new and challenging perspective on recent social media and celebrity events. I learnt a lot about American politics and life in the Hood in many ways I had not considered (i.e. gun policy as a feminist issue, reproductive justice, food insecurity.)
However, the writing style was difficult to stick with (however brilliant and important the content.) I would recommend “So you want to talk about race?” by Ijeoma Oluo, or the foundational writers such as Alice Walker, Angela Davies, or bell hooks for similar discussions that I personally found more engaging. 

I chose this book from my local library after hearing positive reviews from book-tubers, so I had high hopes for Elizabeth Strout's writing. Her language and character development deserve reward and certainly lived up to expectation. Lucy Barton's mind style was relatable, beautifully written, and expressive, with comedic moments and clear perceptions of the other characters. 
However, the plot was too fast-paced and underwhelming. I found the story moved so fast within our protagonist's mind that nothing much happened. 

This book has taught me a lot about America from 1900-1920, particularly in relation to the abolitionist and revivalist movements, and has inspired me to visit The Morgan Library and Museum (should I ever be lucky enough to travel to NYC.) Tension was high and tellable throughout the story as readers are held in the centre of a deception and the plot threatens to turn for the worse throughout. 
Despite the inspiring nature of Belle's life, and her role in feminist history, I could not connect to the perspective and style from which she was written. This book was too long-winded and gave the impression of rambling the same ideas again and again. Unfortunately, the writing style desensitised me to the characters and decreased the pace of the plot. 

This was the first true crime book I have ever read; an informative and emotional non-fiction lens into the life of a defence barrister. Although a lot of the chapters and represented stories were challenging and triggering (definitely check the content warnings!) this book informed me about the legal world and the lives of many people affected. 

I was recommended this story as a tear-jerker by my aunt, a cat-lover. I loved our narrative voice, Nana the cat - captured hilariously by the author! Nana was kind and amusing, recognising both the intelligence of himself and the readers. This is definitely an emotive read, and one you could finish in a day. A fantastic read for anyone who would love the comedy of understanding a cat's mind, or readers moved by life stories. I enjoyed that there were multiple short stories from our protagonist's life included in the chapters, however this meant I had to refocus my attention often.