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karina_dreamsinwords

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Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
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*4.5

HOLY asfhjashfbvj.

I am still R E E L I N G from the ending of this book!!! Confessions is a dark, unsettling, haunting little book. Going into it knowing the basic premise still didn't prepare me for how haunting it was in the end. 

Minato proves her talent and brilliant storytelling by dishing out this twisty, riveting tale of revenge. Each perspective offers a new dimension to the root of this story. Well executed and engaging from the very start, it's hard not to be fully invested in the drama and high stakes.

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dark mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

"Every choice feeds every choice that comes after, whether we want those choices or no."

What a dark, atmospheric, gothically gruesome little story this was.. and I absolutely devoured it! It has been years since I read the first installment to this series, but that did not take away any of my enjoyment.

The intricate world that McGuire created here is incredible. I love visiting the portal world that opens up for these special kids. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the twins chosen reality and learning more of their backstory, especially after the events of book 1.

I may reread Every Heart a Doorway before continuing on with this wacky series. Nonetheless, I look forward to discovering more doorways and exploring more within this universe.


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adventurous hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Okay this was The Princess Diaries meets What a Girl Wants in Japan, & I loved it! The way I immediately wanted to buy my ticket to Japan so I can see the literal beauty in person! Ugh. Hopefully one day I can visit this gorgeous country.

Tokyo Ever After is such a great young adult novel about Izumi discovering herself within her Japanese heritage and learning to adapt to the fact that she is a literal princess. The romance was super cute and seemed quite natural between Izumi and Akio. Not to mention the snippets of the Japanese tabloid- The Tokyo Tattler, giving us the tea in real time, uncovering Izumi's many frolics around town. There were some pretty funny bits & tons of sass revealed through these little articles between chapters, which made the reading experience all the more fun!

"I'm not a novelty here. I am not a sore thumb. What a privilege it is to blend in.”

It was lovely to see Izumi feel a sense of belonging in Japan, to feel at home after spending time amidst her homeland. I also loved seeing Izumi connect with her father and returning to Japan in the end. This was overall a really sweet story about our protagonist finding her roots and blooming into who she was meant to be all along.

I already have the sequel preordered and I cannot wait to read it!

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challenging emotional hopeful sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes

"Are you gonna live in your sadness or are you gonna die in it?"

Maybe when I'm done sobbing I can properly review this book. I don't entirely know how Colleen Hoover continues to have me in a chokehold from start to finish. Reminders of Him is no exception. The way miss CoHo ends her novels with the title of the book & leaves my heart in pieces is B E Y O N D me. Such a freakin genius move!

"Grudges are heavy, but for people hurting the most, I suppose forgiveness is even heavier."

Can we also talk about all of the quotable lines in here?! I have so many highlights and annotations. The way her writing pulls on my heartstrings and weaves into my soul puts her on another level in my book. 

The way this scene I quoted next freaking shattered me whole!!! 

"Maybe it doesn't matter whether something is a coincidence or a sign. Maybe the best way to cope with the loss of the people we love is to find them in as many places and things we possibly can. And in the off chance that the people we lose are still somehow able to hear us, maybe we should never stop talking to them."

*continues to sob endlessly*

I don't believe I could possibly ever stop thinking of this book. I loved every character in here and I especially LOVE how this story ended. My heart soared for Kenna, Ledger, and Diem. Just wow. My eyes won't stop crying and my heart is forever changed by another soul wrecking, hope inspiring, lyrical novel by miss Colleen mf'n Hoover. 

Excuse me Colleen, did you drop this crown??

Thank you CH for giving us Ledger's playlist at the verrrryy back because I would have been upset at you for teasing us and not coming through! But you did, so all is well in life<3

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dark emotional reflective tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix

"Spectacular hope."  This simple statement is not only a pivotal plot point of this story, but also an incredibly inspiring message woven through these pages. 

I am in absolute awe at the courage, resilience and bravery of the Romanian students highlighted in this story. Sepetys' masterful writing & well crafted research came together beautifully to shine a light on an often overlooked historical nightmare.

This story is important. History is essential. As people, as humans, we must learn and do better.

As Ruta said in her author's note-
"Together, we can shine a light in dark corners of the past.
Together, we can give history a voice."

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challenging mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Diverse cast of characters: No

This was such a wild ride! The eerie atmosphere was perfect for this horror story which mostly takes place in an enclosed space. I enjoyed the dual timeline in the beginning, then converging to present day towards the end. The mystery element was great and deeply engaging. And let me tell you, I was thoroughly creeped out on more than one occasion.

The audiobook was amazing!!! A stellar production which really lent itself to the story and provided an even spookier reading experience.

I highly recommend picking this up when you are wanting something atmospheric, engaging and creeptastic!

***Dead Silence contains some pretty significant trigger warnings, so please check them out before picking this up!

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