Reviews by takarakeireads | The StoryGraph

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takarakeireads

The Ten Thousand Doors of January

Alix E. Harrow

5.0

adventurous emotional inspiring 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: Complicated

Really enjoyed this audiobook! Great narrator who does all the voices (my only criticism is the voice of January's father and Sam were too similar). This was a very unique story in both concept and execution.

Portal fantasy
Mysterious
Just fun adventures!
Swoon-worthy romance
Fantastic world building
*chefs kiss* character development

Alix Harrow really can write!

Content Warnings

The Bride Test

Helen Hoang

4.0

emotional lighthearted 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

This is my least favorite from Helen Hoang's series, but it was still an enjoyable read. The whole situation of My being chosen seemingly at random by Khai's mother seemed kind of wild. I adore Esme/My as the main character, but I did not understand why she doesn't do any research about Khai's autism. It just seemed unrealistic to me, that she is told about his autism and just says "oh I don't know what that word is...moving on!" If she claims to love him then why would you not understand, or why does no one really explain it to her until way too late. There was a bit too much time dragged out between Khai and Esme's "big act 3 fight" and then the ending feels very rushed. Spice was also subpar to the other books (imo).

Content Warnings

The Burning God

R.F. Kuang

5.0

adventurous challenging dark emotional sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I'm actually trying to form words to express my feelings, and probably because I'm now dead, it's hard.

The dedication in the front of the book kind of says it all (not really a spoiler but..):

"To my dear readers, who stayed with this series until the end, and came prepared with a bucket for their tears"

This whole series is devastating. Heartbreaking. Poignant. A true masterpiece. Honestly a new fantasy classic.

I think because of the sheer anticipation of it all ending, there were parts of this book that were slow to read. But as I said I think that's just because you are trying to mentally prepare yourself for the end, while also wanting it to kind of never end - because you're scared for the ending. Every interaction between Rin and Nezha you are holding your breath. The whole book is a rollercoaster of emotion.

Ending:

It's definitely very climactic! I knew how it had to end... but it doesn't make the last chapter/epilogue any less brutal to read. When Rin thinks Kitay has betrayed her, I was screaming. When she almost kills him, I was sobbing. When Nezha does what he must, I died. Literally my only qualm with the ending is that I wish Nezha's love was shown in a stolen kiss at the end. I was yearning for one moment of intimacy and pure love between them. If that had happen however I might actually have died of heartbreak.

Content Warnings

The Water Witch

Jessica Thorne

3.5

adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

The Water Witch is a gripping and mysterious adventure about mythical lost cities, love and loss. If you have any interest in French culture, particularly folklore - I think you will enjoy this book - or if you have any interest in treasure hunts, or underwater archeology.

I really have no connection to French culture, and I really enjoyed reading about the Celtic folklore and myths of Brittany that make up the basis of this story. They were fascinating to read about and the way they are weaved into this book was well done. I did think, with the title being "The Water Witch", there would be more 'witchy-ness' to the book, but it was really more mythical folklore. There are other paranormal/kind of magical realism elements that are central to the storyline.

I did not enjoy the romance aspect of the book, and felt it was lacking, very insta-lovey. There wasn't enough build up of tension, or believability as to why Ari and Rafael are into each other (beyond a physical attraction). I would've gladly read another 50 pages to build up their connection and intimacy with each other to make the romance more realistic.

Overall this is a fun, relatively quick read! I would classify it more as an adventure/mystery than romance.

Content Warnings

The Dragon Republic

R.F. Kuang

5.0

adventurous dark emotional medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

A stunning sequel to The Poppy War. Few authors can make a 650 page book feel like it flies by. This is a series about the brutality of war, but told in a way that enraptures the reader. Since this is the second book (and thus less world building to do) you really jump right into things and there is more war/battle depiction in this book. However the writing is so fantastic, that even as someone who doesn't usually like reading about battles/war I was still enthralled. The underlying message is the dangers of seeking power and control over others (obviously the main problem with our world & history so very relatable).

I loved learning more about the tribes of the Hinterlands (I saw that bit on the map in book 1 and was like... ok we gotta go there eventually!). I fully believe we will see them again in book 3. My favorite thing about these books continues to be the way magic/connection to the gods works. Rin must connect with herself, know herself, at times become meditative to access the power of the gods. You kind of can't really trust anyone in these books. I loved the evolution of Daji and look forward to seeing where that storyline continues. The Hesperians I am convinced will be the greatest evil we've yet to encounter as we move into book 3. My heart aches for the unlikely possibility of Nezha and Rin ever really leaning into their love (I love a good rival/enemy to lovers, but I don't think it'll happen for them).

Content Warnings

Our Violent Ends

Chloe Gong

2.0

dark emotional slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I am honestly pretty apathetic about this series. I really really wanted to like these, but ultimately I really struggled to get through both books.

I did not like the writing style or pacing of these books. The way the story is written makes it hard to follow, and I found the writing to be repetitive and boring. I found myself having to constantly re-read paragraphs but at the same time not really caring about what I was reading. Ultimately I did not care for Juliette and Roma’s relationship. After finishing the first book I found myself wondering why it is I just didn’t seem to really *get* their relationship - supposedly this is enemies to lovers (which is my favorite trope btw) but beyond this giant familial rivalry which is described over and over again I honestly did not feel enough tension or hatred between them to build up and make me care about them ending up together. I did not find either Juliette or Roma to be very complex and therefore their relationship was not impactful.

Throughout both books I was way more interested in the secondary characters: Benedikt and Marshall and Kathleen in particular. I found myself wishing for more time spent with these characters and their journey, struggles and development. To me, Kathleen is the real intriguing character of the series - she is way smarter, complex and ultimately I think more badass than Juliette. I would have rather been reading her story and POV solely.

In both books the monsters that plague the city and the entire plot-line there did not really intrigue me. Even less so in Our Violent Ends since it’s an even smaller part of the second book, and seems very in the background of everything else going on politically in this world.

Did I feel like the second book was better than the first? maybe a bit, but since it’s longer than the first book the pacing was even more of an issue for me. There were parts of the second book that I did enjoy reading but they were too far and fewer between (and were pretty much solely the parts from the secondary characters' POV).

I pushed myself to finish the books because I did want to see how it ended, but I was left feeling unfulfilled. The “climax” of the story feels like it drags on for too long, and I kept thinking “ok is this IT yet?”

I honestly think that it would have been more impactful to not leave the ending open the way it is and stick more to the source of Romeo and Juliet dying - because in Shakespeare’s tragedy them dying is what teaches those around them that violence, power struggle and hatred between people are the evils that corrupt our world. They die for love and for each other, and without that the ending fell flat. Perhaps it is intentional that the author will continue the series and eventually bring these lessons around to this world and those living in it? but I likely won’t be reading on.

Content Warnings

Five Tuesdays in Winter

Lily King

3.75

emotional reflective fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I am not a big short story reader as I typically like to spend a whole book getting to know characters. However Lily King is one of my favorite authors so I had to give these a try. I certainly enjoyed some stories more than others. I like King’s writing style as she has a great ability to paint a scene and conjure nostalgia. I personally liked the titular story the most.

Content Warnings

Know My Name

Chanel Miller

I need to come back to this eventually when I have more emotional bandwidth as it's a tough subject matter.

Content Warnings

For the Love of Men: A New Vision for Mindful Masculinity

Liz Plank

4.5

emotional informative reflective sad medium-paced

Every person regardless of gender identity needs to read this book (especially if you call yourself a feminist). I believe it is an important resource towards saving our humanity in this crazy world. This book breaks down a lot of male gender stereotypes and explains why patriarchal society and culture is harmful to everyone (including men). I also recommend you check out Liz on the "Man Enough" podcast.

Content Warnings

The Spanish Love Deception

Elena Armas

4.25

emotional 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

This is the best fake dating trope I've read.

Content Warnings

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