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lisashelves's Reviews (976)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 4 stars
The Girl King is a story about two sisters who become rivals in a war to claim the throne and become emperor.
The world-building was a little bit lacking in some ways. It is Asian-inspired, but not in a way that the culture really shines through and was added into the storyline. I also wasn’t a really big fan of how the slipskin/Kith were portrayed, as it bordered on being a bit racist. I would’ve loved if that part had been given a bit more attention and was treated more with the gravity it deserves. The same with the use of “pink people” for people who were white, felt derogatory. At the same time, there isn’t any explanation as to why people are being called out for using that word as it is apparently offensive.
I liked how there wasn’t one female heroine but two, and a pair of sisters as well. Both are very different from each other and it really shines through the pages. Lu is fierce, bold, daring and has a tomboy feel. She has been training her whole life to take the throne and title of emperor. Because of this, she is a bit naïve and selfish at times Min is the more calm, feminine and passive sister. She is portrayed as weak and cowardly.
The thing I loved most about this story, which isn’t that different from many other YA fantasy books out there, is how the characters change over the course of the book. Lu isn’t rewarded for her impulsive behaviour, but learns how her actions impact others and how she shouldn’t always do what she wants to. It’s a very realistic way in which this was portrayed. Min on the other hand learns to not be as passive and learns to speak up and become more assertive. It was really satisfying to see these changes.
Overall, it is an interesting book that deals with many topics. It pushes edges and is daring and takes risks which made me like it and exciting to read the next book.
The Girl King is a story about two sisters who become rivals in a war to claim the throne and become emperor.
The world-building was a little bit lacking in some ways. It is Asian-inspired, but not in a way that the culture really shines through and was added into the storyline. I also wasn’t a really big fan of how the slipskin/Kith were portrayed, as it bordered on being a bit racist. I would’ve loved if that part had been given a bit more attention and was treated more with the gravity it deserves. The same with the use of “pink people” for people who were white, felt derogatory. At the same time, there isn’t any explanation as to why people are being called out for using that word as it is apparently offensive.
I liked how there wasn’t one female heroine but two, and a pair of sisters as well. Both are very different from each other and it really shines through the pages. Lu is fierce, bold, daring and has a tomboy feel. She has been training her whole life to take the throne and title of emperor. Because of this, she is a bit naïve and selfish at times Min is the more calm, feminine and passive sister. She is portrayed as weak and cowardly.
The thing I loved most about this story, which isn’t that different from many other YA fantasy books out there, is how the characters change over the course of the book. Lu isn’t rewarded for her impulsive behaviour, but learns how her actions impact others and how she shouldn’t always do what she wants to. It’s a very realistic way in which this was portrayed. Min on the other hand learns to not be as passive and learns to speak up and become more assertive. It was really satisfying to see these changes.
Overall, it is an interesting book that deals with many topics. It pushes edges and is daring and takes risks which made me like it and exciting to read the next book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 4 stars
They’ll never catch us is a mystery thriller in which a killer, thought to have disappeared a decade ago, seems to be back in town when a cross-country runner goes missing once more.
While I did enjoy this book, it didn’t quite live up to my expectations of it. It has a lot of drama to keep you invested in multiple storylines, but I expected the murder plotline to be more present. A lot of times it felt like the murder was something on the background. I would’ve liked it if there had been a bit more focus on that.
I also struggled a bit with the amount of cross-country talk. It is not a sport I participate in, on the contrary, I hate running. Usually, I don’t struggle with this, but the talk and the running started to feel repetitive and had me going like “oh… again…”
The writing style was nicely done. It flowed and was powerful at the same time. Only point is how the flashbacks were sometimes quite abrupt, they could’ve been woven in a bit more seamlessly.
The main characters, sisters Stella and Ellie, were really complex and life-like. I mostly liked reading about them together, their dynamics was really interesting and seeing how they reacted to the pressure put on them by themselves and how the other performed. I also liked how both sisters grew character-wise. You could really see how they slowly changed and it made them more likable and the book more enjoyable.
The themes of teamwork and friendship were present, but the theme of feminism really stood out to me, even without saying the word.
Overall, it was a good book that felt a lot more like a coming-of-age story in a town where there happened to have been a murder than a thriller, mystery YA story.
They’ll never catch us is a mystery thriller in which a killer, thought to have disappeared a decade ago, seems to be back in town when a cross-country runner goes missing once more.
While I did enjoy this book, it didn’t quite live up to my expectations of it. It has a lot of drama to keep you invested in multiple storylines, but I expected the murder plotline to be more present. A lot of times it felt like the murder was something on the background. I would’ve liked it if there had been a bit more focus on that.
I also struggled a bit with the amount of cross-country talk. It is not a sport I participate in, on the contrary, I hate running. Usually, I don’t struggle with this, but the talk and the running started to feel repetitive and had me going like “oh… again…”
The writing style was nicely done. It flowed and was powerful at the same time. Only point is how the flashbacks were sometimes quite abrupt, they could’ve been woven in a bit more seamlessly.
The main characters, sisters Stella and Ellie, were really complex and life-like. I mostly liked reading about them together, their dynamics was really interesting and seeing how they reacted to the pressure put on them by themselves and how the other performed. I also liked how both sisters grew character-wise. You could really see how they slowly changed and it made them more likable and the book more enjoyable.
The themes of teamwork and friendship were present, but the theme of feminism really stood out to me, even without saying the word.
Overall, it was a good book that felt a lot more like a coming-of-age story in a town where there happened to have been a murder than a thriller, mystery YA story.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 4 stars
A Lesson in Vengeance is about Felicity, who comes back to Dalloway school to finish her senior year after her best friend died the year before.
The book has such a haunting atmosphere, that really immediately sets the tone for the rest of the story. Dalloway feels haunted and with how isolated it is, it seems like the perfect place for spooky things to happen.
The writing is really fresh and pleasing to read. The word choice feels aesthetic, with the poems, literature and academic topics discussed by the characters. It makes the whole experience somehow more haunting and complete. The layering and structure in this book are just impressive! I wasn’t the biggest fan of how the flashbacks were portrayed, especially in the beginning. It could’ve been done a bit differently.
Felicity is a truly interesting character to read from and I enjoyed her perspective. She isn’t the most reliable narrator, but that doesn’t take away from the enjoyment of reading this book. Felicity being unreliable fits perfectly in the theme and atmosphere, because you often wonder what’s real and what isn’t as Felicity isn’t sure of that herself either.
The story really takes you on a journey trying to figure out if witches and magic are real or not. The plot twists and turns you read along the way are so cleverly done. I expected some of them to happen, but not in the way they did! Especially the twist towards the ending, came as a complete shock to me! Honestly, it fitting perfect with the whole book!
Overall, it is a dark, mysterious, intense and haunting tale that blew my mind with the cleverly written characters.
A Lesson in Vengeance is about Felicity, who comes back to Dalloway school to finish her senior year after her best friend died the year before.
The book has such a haunting atmosphere, that really immediately sets the tone for the rest of the story. Dalloway feels haunted and with how isolated it is, it seems like the perfect place for spooky things to happen.
The writing is really fresh and pleasing to read. The word choice feels aesthetic, with the poems, literature and academic topics discussed by the characters. It makes the whole experience somehow more haunting and complete. The layering and structure in this book are just impressive! I wasn’t the biggest fan of how the flashbacks were portrayed, especially in the beginning. It could’ve been done a bit differently.
Felicity is a truly interesting character to read from and I enjoyed her perspective. She isn’t the most reliable narrator, but that doesn’t take away from the enjoyment of reading this book. Felicity being unreliable fits perfectly in the theme and atmosphere, because you often wonder what’s real and what isn’t as Felicity isn’t sure of that herself either.
The story really takes you on a journey trying to figure out if witches and magic are real or not. The plot twists and turns you read along the way are so cleverly done. I expected some of them to happen, but not in the way they did! Especially the twist towards the ending, came as a complete shock to me! Honestly, it fitting perfect with the whole book!
Overall, it is a dark, mysterious, intense and haunting tale that blew my mind with the cleverly written characters.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5 stars
Good Girl, Bad Blood is the second book following A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder. Pippa goes on to investigate the disappearance of the brother of her friend this time.
Review of A Good Girl's Guide to Murder
The book starts off some time after the first ended. We see the aftermath of the first case as it goes to court and while everything in court is happening, Jamie goes missing and Pip becomes a detective for the second time. I loved how this book wasn’t a copy of the first with a similar plot or case to solve. It fitted perfectly with what happened and I loved it just as much as the first book! The way these books are written are just addicting, I had such a hard time putting this book down! At the same time, I liked getting the information on the first case and seeing how that one continues.
The book follows the same pattern of storytelling, with interviews, podcasts, mails and text messages as a medium to tell this story next to the written chapters. It is such an engaging way to write a story, because you really feel as if you work alongside Pip to solve the mystery. You won’t know what happened or who did it until the moment Pip herself figures it out.
Pip is still a very relatable character who is funny, smart and brave. She really grows in this book due to her doubt about becoming obsessed with another mystery and if she’s becoming a monster herself. Giving herself the answers to these questions and growing more character wise was awesome to read. Ravi isn’t as present in this book as in the first, but still just a sweetheart helping Pip where he can. We see more of Connor, as it is his brother that has gone missing. The way you get a bit of a different dynamic because Connor is mostly helping Pip really sets this book apart from the first. It is fresh in that way and more enjoyable to read.
Overall, it is a clever mystery solving book with likeable characters and a plot that keeps you guessing as to what really happened.
Good Girl, Bad Blood is the second book following A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder. Pippa goes on to investigate the disappearance of the brother of her friend this time.
Review of A Good Girl's Guide to Murder
The book starts off some time after the first ended. We see the aftermath of the first case as it goes to court and while everything in court is happening, Jamie goes missing and Pip becomes a detective for the second time. I loved how this book wasn’t a copy of the first with a similar plot or case to solve. It fitted perfectly with what happened and I loved it just as much as the first book! The way these books are written are just addicting, I had such a hard time putting this book down! At the same time, I liked getting the information on the first case and seeing how that one continues.
The book follows the same pattern of storytelling, with interviews, podcasts, mails and text messages as a medium to tell this story next to the written chapters. It is such an engaging way to write a story, because you really feel as if you work alongside Pip to solve the mystery. You won’t know what happened or who did it until the moment Pip herself figures it out.
Pip is still a very relatable character who is funny, smart and brave. She really grows in this book due to her doubt about becoming obsessed with another mystery and if she’s becoming a monster herself. Giving herself the answers to these questions and growing more character wise was awesome to read. Ravi isn’t as present in this book as in the first, but still just a sweetheart helping Pip where he can. We see more of Connor, as it is his brother that has gone missing. The way you get a bit of a different dynamic because Connor is mostly helping Pip really sets this book apart from the first. It is fresh in that way and more enjoyable to read.
Overall, it is a clever mystery solving book with likeable characters and a plot that keeps you guessing as to what really happened.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 4 stars
She Who Became the Sun is a Chinese inspired historical fantasy story. It is about the characters discovering who they are.
I immensely enjoyed reading this book! It is super complex and you really needed to pay attention to understand what was happening. I loved how we follow different characters over a period of years in their journeys.
We follow two different characters and storylines while reading this book. The most intriguing about this is that the two storylines are of the opposite sides of the war that is going on in China at that moment. Learning and reading about both sides gave me a super complete view of everything that was happening.
The writing was beautifully done. The way everything was described really created beautiful scenes, provoked emotions and it felt like I was truly in 14th century China while reading. While the writing was beautifully done, the pacing fluctuated a bit during the book. The first and last quarter of the book were truly amazing, but the middle part was a bit slower and sometimes it felt a bit long-winded.
All the characters were morally grey and I lived for them! I loved how we got to see them all grow, chose their paths and reaching for the destiny and fate they think they deserve. They determination way inspiring to read. Zhu especially is such a great character. Someone who thrived as a born girl and woman in a world lead my boys and men, and all that while hiding who she truly is. The transformation she goes through in the years is beautifully portrayed. While both main characters, Zhu and Ouyang, are very similar, they are antagonists to each other, which is so cleverly portrayed in the story. I love how their stories were super intertwined, but had so little encounters. By the way; these encounters were truly amazing and highlights in the book!
Overall, it’s a dark, brutal and unforgiving tale about characters who will do anything to achieve what they believe they deserve.
She Who Became the Sun is a Chinese inspired historical fantasy story. It is about the characters discovering who they are.
I immensely enjoyed reading this book! It is super complex and you really needed to pay attention to understand what was happening. I loved how we follow different characters over a period of years in their journeys.
We follow two different characters and storylines while reading this book. The most intriguing about this is that the two storylines are of the opposite sides of the war that is going on in China at that moment. Learning and reading about both sides gave me a super complete view of everything that was happening.
The writing was beautifully done. The way everything was described really created beautiful scenes, provoked emotions and it felt like I was truly in 14th century China while reading. While the writing was beautifully done, the pacing fluctuated a bit during the book. The first and last quarter of the book were truly amazing, but the middle part was a bit slower and sometimes it felt a bit long-winded.
All the characters were morally grey and I lived for them! I loved how we got to see them all grow, chose their paths and reaching for the destiny and fate they think they deserve. They determination way inspiring to read. Zhu especially is such a great character. Someone who thrived as a born girl and woman in a world lead my boys and men, and all that while hiding who she truly is. The transformation she goes through in the years is beautifully portrayed. While both main characters, Zhu and Ouyang, are very similar, they are antagonists to each other, which is so cleverly portrayed in the story. I love how their stories were super intertwined, but had so little encounters. By the way; these encounters were truly amazing and highlights in the book!
Overall, it’s a dark, brutal and unforgiving tale about characters who will do anything to achieve what they believe they deserve.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC of this book via BookOfMatchesMedia in exchange for an honest review!
They Stay is a book about Shiloh, whose little brother Max goes missing. When her detective father doesn’t really do anything to find him, she decides to find Max herself with the help of some friends.
We follow two different POV’s from two characters, but I fail to see how these two will intertwine. The point is finding out where Max is, so the ghosts and everything feel a bit weird and added on. Later on in the story it becomes clearer what is happening and why the ghosts are needed, but it doesn’t take away from the weird and confused parts in the beginning.
The different POV’s also followed different sub plots which were a bit harder to navigate at the beginning, once everything came together it was easier to read. A lot happens in this book that is quite heavy to read, but the feeling you got while reading fitted with what you were reading about. Nothing was sugar coated, something I really appreciate.
It feels very juvenile. I’m not the biggest fan of the characters as they feel childish and immature. Shiloh especially felt a bit immature in the beginning. She just did everything she wanted to do and didn’t really think things through. On the other hand, I loved the vulnerability we got to see from her and the growth all the characters went through. I also liked how all the characters interacted with each other.
Overall, it was a good book that dealt with some pretty heavy topics. I am curious to see what a sequel will bring to this world.
Trigger Warnings: This book contains physical and mental abuse, death, kidnapping, gun violence, alcohol abuse, references to suicide, bullying, fade-to-black intimacy, implied sexual abuse (non-graphic), and mild adult language.
They Stay is a book about Shiloh, whose little brother Max goes missing. When her detective father doesn’t really do anything to find him, she decides to find Max herself with the help of some friends.
We follow two different POV’s from two characters, but I fail to see how these two will intertwine. The point is finding out where Max is, so the ghosts and everything feel a bit weird and added on. Later on in the story it becomes clearer what is happening and why the ghosts are needed, but it doesn’t take away from the weird and confused parts in the beginning.
The different POV’s also followed different sub plots which were a bit harder to navigate at the beginning, once everything came together it was easier to read. A lot happens in this book that is quite heavy to read, but the feeling you got while reading fitted with what you were reading about. Nothing was sugar coated, something I really appreciate.
It feels very juvenile. I’m not the biggest fan of the characters as they feel childish and immature. Shiloh especially felt a bit immature in the beginning. She just did everything she wanted to do and didn’t really think things through. On the other hand, I loved the vulnerability we got to see from her and the growth all the characters went through. I also liked how all the characters interacted with each other.
Overall, it was a good book that dealt with some pretty heavy topics. I am curious to see what a sequel will bring to this world.
Trigger Warnings: This book contains physical and mental abuse, death, kidnapping, gun violence, alcohol abuse, references to suicide, bullying, fade-to-black intimacy, implied sexual abuse (non-graphic), and mild adult language.