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sarai0410's Reviews (404)
reflective
slow-paced
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Sometimes I think that translated fiction is too smart for me - especially those that are within the dystopian science fiction sub-genre. This was a case where I thought the ideas were interesting but the interconnected short stories format (not in chronological order) really had me confused.
There were some stories that I found more interesting than other - specifically Testimony (humans that evolved to photosynthesize) and Destination (origin of AI and 'The Mothers'). But others left me utterly confused and, to be honest, quite sleepy.
There were some stories that I found more interesting than other - specifically Testimony (humans that evolved to photosynthesize) and Destination (origin of AI and 'The Mothers'). But others left me utterly confused and, to be honest, quite sleepy.
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The gothic atmosphere in The Death of Jane Lawrence was done quite well and I really enjoyed how all the characters had a bit of 'unreliableness' to them which had me questioning everyone. Unfortunately, I felt like there was something missing in the ending - this is definitely not a book for those that don't like an open-ended conclusion.
Personally, I felt like the ending leant itself toAugustine actually dying within Lindridge Hall, whether by accident via Jane or if the cellar really did collapse on him, and that Dr. Nizamiev has Jane under her care at the asylum with Jane imagining Augustine being safe with her.
However, based on an interview that I found with the author, it doesn't seem to be the case and the ending is pretty cut and dry.
Personally, I felt like the ending leant itself to
However, based on an interview that I found with the author, it doesn't seem to be the case and the ending is pretty cut and dry.
emotional
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
DNF @ 80% - I love a book about books, a story about librarians and libraries, characters that discover the power of books in shaping who were are and escaping into another world. Unfortunately, this was not that in the slightest.
I started with this as an audiobook but moved to the ebook after not being able to focus on the story and the only difference the ebook made was making it easier for me skim.
The characters and literary references were one dimensional and while the books on 'the reading list' are true classics, many of which have deep pop culture references, it was unbelievable to me that the FMC (17 years old btw) had never heard of them. Did she just skip over all assigned reading in high school or what? Also, I couldn't help but feel massive amounts of ageism when it came to our MMC - yes, he's an older man, no that shouldn't make him completely incompetent to the point where he can't open a door? Like come on.
I started with this as an audiobook but moved to the ebook after not being able to focus on the story and the only difference the ebook made was making it easier for me skim.
The characters and literary references were one dimensional and while the books on 'the reading list' are true classics, many of which have deep pop culture references, it was unbelievable to me that the FMC (17 years old btw) had never heard of them. Did she just skip over all assigned reading in high school or what? Also, I couldn't help but feel massive amounts of ageism when it came to our MMC - yes, he's an older man, no that shouldn't make him completely incompetent to the point where he can't open a door? Like come on.
reflective
sad
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
Through the lens of genetic mutations that transform humans into animals, Shark Heart explores chronic and terminal illness from the perspective of those with the illness, caregivers, and loved ones and the accompanying grief all parties experience through the process of living knowing your body is working against you.
I was blown away by the writing and how quickly Habeck was able to capture the emotions and feelings of those in Wren and Lewis' positions. The writing style is entirely unique and fits the concept and story of love through illness so well.
I went in mostly blind other than the general premise, so I wasn't quite expecting the perspective shift around 40%, which did drag the book a bit for me in the middle. The change in POV did come full circle though so I did end up enjoying that bit more than initially.
Truly stunning (and gut wrenching) read.
I was blown away by the writing and how quickly Habeck was able to capture the emotions and feelings of those in Wren and Lewis' positions. The writing style is entirely unique and fits the concept and story of love through illness so well.
I went in mostly blind other than the general premise, so I wasn't quite expecting the perspective shift around 40%, which did drag the book a bit for me in the middle. The change in POV did come full circle though so I did end up enjoying that bit more than initially.
Truly stunning (and gut wrenching) read.
In the rare hopeful hour, I tell myself this darkness has a purpose: to help me recognize light if I ever find it again.
With electroreception, Lewis hoped to sense her, know her, and love her even thousands of miles away in the ocean. Nothing he read indicated that electroception extended further than a couple yards. But maybe, he thought, maybe if I practiced, I would never really have to say goodbye. When Lewis finally came to bed, he took sleeping Wren’s hand in his and closed his eyes, seeing if he could sense her electrical field. “What… What are you doing?” she asked groggily. “Just seeing what it’s like to love you when I can’t see you.
adventurous
challenging
dark
slow-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
Alright fine, you got me Novik.
I like the world, I like the characters, but the writing/pacing is so slow and I found my mind wandering (just like in A Deadly Education), but then BAM - we're at the end and holy shit there's a massive cliffhanger and I feel like I need to read the next book immediately. Then there's me sitting there confused because I didn't exactly love the book but I'm hooked??
Idk man...but damn, I'm picking up The Golden Enclaves soon.
I like the world, I like the characters, but the writing/pacing is so slow and I found my mind wandering (just like in A Deadly Education), but then BAM - we're at the end and holy shit there's a massive cliffhanger and I feel like I need to read the next book immediately. Then there's me sitting there confused because I didn't exactly love the book but I'm hooked??
Idk man...but damn, I'm picking up The Golden Enclaves soon.
adventurous
dark
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
New personality coming in hot.
WOW - Devney Perry hit it out of the park with Shield of Sparrows. It only took me until page 38 to be completely wrapped up in the world building, the characters, and the setting. Only a couple of chapters in and I was formulating theories and ideas for where the plot would take us and I was not prepared for where Perry took us - the little easter eggs throughout created questions, answered some, and created more which is the perfect setup for the series.
Any time something is compared to Witcher, I'm ready to dive in head first and the comparison is entirely accurate. The world was rich, dangerous, and the creatures were frightening and unique (I love Faze so much and I hope we see him even more in the sequel).
WOW - Devney Perry hit it out of the park with Shield of Sparrows. It only took me until page 38 to be completely wrapped up in the world building, the characters, and the setting. Only a couple of chapters in and I was formulating theories and ideas for where the plot would take us and I was not prepared for where Perry took us - the little easter eggs throughout created questions, answered some, and created more which is the perfect setup for the series.
Any time something is compared to Witcher, I'm ready to dive in head first and the comparison is entirely accurate. The world was rich, dangerous, and the creatures were frightening and unique (I love Faze so much and I hope we see him even more in the sequel).
When I am nothing but dust and ash, Turah will endure. I do not need a crown. And I have made peace with my destiny. But before I step into my grave, my choice is you.
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Bleeding Woods offers an incredibly strong premise - FMC with mysterious powers since childhood and the potential for strong horror elements in a stranger invading our group of characters as they are lost in the Appalachian mountains; unfortunately, the writing style is perplexing with inconsistent pacing and character voices that hold the reader at arms length, making this a difficult book to become immersed in.
At first, it felt as if our three POVs - Clara, Grayson, and the Stranger - would have different voices, but they very quickly blended together in tone. In terms of the 'mystery' element, I was actually interested in what the Stranger had to say and how he was involved and although the sci-fi/horror elements were predictable, I enjoyed his POVs the most. Unfortunately, the writing elsewhere brought the story down too far.
While this one didn't work for me, I would still be interested in trying another of Amara's books in the future as I do feel that the premise had promise.
Thank you to 47North and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
At first, it felt as if our three POVs - Clara, Grayson, and the Stranger - would have different voices, but they very quickly blended together in tone. In terms of the 'mystery' element, I was actually interested in what the Stranger had to say and how he was involved and although the sci-fi/horror elements were predictable, I enjoyed his POVs the most. Unfortunately, the writing elsewhere brought the story down too far.
While this one didn't work for me, I would still be interested in trying another of Amara's books in the future as I do feel that the premise had promise.
Thank you to 47North and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
As someone with severe arachnophobia, I have no idea why this title interested me - especially because I was drawn to it because of the cover (both beautiful and terrifying).
The world-building was interesting and if Pueyo wrote another novella exploring other Archaic Ones, I'd be very tempted to pick it up.
The world-building was interesting and if Pueyo wrote another novella exploring other Archaic Ones, I'd be very tempted to pick it up.
emotional
tense
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
How dare you Alix E. Harrow, how dare you.
36 pages is all it took for you to enrapture me with this story, the characters and the setting and then you go and rip out my heart. Please do it again?
Y'all - Harrow never misses.
36 pages is all it took for you to enrapture me with this story, the characters and the setting and then you go and rip out my heart. Please do it again?
Y'all - Harrow never misses.
At six, I’d thought love was a full belly; at sixteen, I’d thought it was wildflowers and gooseberries and Mayapple’s mouth on mine. At seventeen, I knew better: love is whatever you’re willing to kill for.
Also - I love the subtle nods to Ohio in her more contemporary-ish books.
'He roared...' - idc how petty it is; I can't get past how many times this was said in 30% of the book.