sarai0410's Reviews (404)

adventurous dark fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes

This was such a fun, quick read! I'm slowly becoming a fan of shorter stories and novellas in this new year. As I got more into the story, I could feel the enchantment behind <The Little Mermaid</i> within the pages but instead of a generic re-telling of the classic film, <i>Sun-Daughters, Sea-Daughters</i> provides an exceptionally unique story that makes me want to see more of the universe that Ogden has created.

In just 112 pages, I fell in love with Yanja and Atuale. I was fascinated to discover more of their personal history and once we got there...WOW - this is such a fun take on the classic relationship. 

Odgen's lyrical writing and words of wisdom hop right out of the pages into the reader. 

"Oh little fry. If every day you're looking for the next thing that'll change your life - what's left in the moments in between?"

"An anchor's a burden for those who have a destination to make."

I do wish that this was longer than a novella. I would be thrilled if Ogden decided to explore this universe further in the future! 
reflective slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This isn't something that I would normally reach for but as the monthly pick for a classics book club I'm in, I thought I'd give it a shot. As the first classic that I have willing read in years, I didn't hate it. Confusing at times just because the way of talking (and the fact that it's a translation) is so different, I still found it enjoyable. I'd pick something up from the author again in the future. 
dark mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I'm having a difficult time rating this one. On one hand, I really loved the storyline and I adored some of the characters. On the other hand, it felt too fast and too slow all at once somehow. The true climax of the story didn't happen until the last 50ish pages and I wish the resolution had been more played out. But,
at the same time, I really liked seeing Molly moving on from what transpired and finding her direction towards London. Even though I wish she and Tom could have found one another in the end.
I listened to this on audiobook, and while the narration was good, I think I would have enjoyed it more had I read it physically.
adventurous emotional mysterious fast-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

 I swear this series just keeps getting better and better. Cora is a character that I instantly connected with. I could understand her fears, her insecurities, her resignation with how people see her as "the fat girl". Literally my life (minus the whole doorway thing). I loved getting to learn more about Kade and Christopher (I really really want his book)
and Sumi...I could have cried honestly. I loved her in the first book and I'm so happy to see her back at her (temporary) home of Eleanor West's.
 

I can't wait to explore Cora's world<3

(And even though she wanted to, she never wanted to. If the fat person was the first one to say "hey, I'm tired" or "hey, I'm hungry" or "hey, can we sit down," it was always because they were fat, and not because they were a human being with a flesh body that sometimes had needs. 
hopeful lighthearted fast-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

Middle grade isn't normally something I go for but for a readathon I'm branching out. Thankfully, this was adorable. It's a heartwarming story about family and realizing what's really important.
I'm also happy that the rich star didn't save the day and instead they saved it themselves.
adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious 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

I've come to realize that doorways into another world are by far my favorite plot device. While this is Harrow's first novel, my first read of hers was The Once and Future Witches and with that being one of my favorite reads of 2021, I knew I needed to continue with her and she did not disappoint. Her beautifully lyrical writing style captures my love and attention immediately and she has a way of drawing me into the story until I can't let go. I found myself falling in love with January and Bad, Julian, and oh Samuel. The book within a book was a wonderful experience and I found myself equally excited for January to escape into the pages that found her. I just love Harrow's writing and I'm so excited to see where else she takes me in the future. 
emotional reflective sad medium-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

Reading The Immortalists was a unique experience. 
In each character section, there was a steady feeling of anxiety, just waiting for the moment that was foretold. Will they go this way? Oh, but what about this way? A constant wondering but also a concern that they would not reach through to those they love before their time has come to an end. Through each sibling, heartbreaking understanding. Understanding their actions, their regrets, and their fears. Whether the fortune-teller had a true gift or coincidence found them all, in the end, this was a wonderful story about family and the connections that can't be broken, no matter how far or how long. 
 
dark mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I'm....confused. The first half of the book was strong. I was invested in Samantha's progress, the mystery behind the Bunnies and their Bunny Boys. And then.. meh. Like literally meh. I have no idea where the plot went and the ending?!? WTF was that?? Idk if I'm reading a different book than everyone else but it was just not...good
adventurous dark mysterious 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

This was really an enjoyable listen. This is actually the first audiobook I've heard tried and I think it was a good choice. I enjoyed the quirky world and confusion throughout the story and I felt chills of disgust when Mr. Croup and Mr. Vandermeer were speaking (which is a good thing considering who they are) and I was quite surprised with the little twists that came about. I'm very happy with the ending as well. I just wish I could see the mayhem continue! 
mysterious reflective tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Science fiction is not my usual genre but man oh man was this good. I was a little worried about the interview format at first but it just made the book even better and fit the vibe of the story so well. And the ending...CHILLS. I didn't see it coming at all and I'm dying to start the next book!