tatjanabluchel's reviews
166 reviews

Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney

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dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0


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Magic Lessons: The Prequel to Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious 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

5.0

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective tense 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

5.0


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We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer

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adventurous challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Indian Burial Ground by Nick Medina

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challenging dark emotional sad tense 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

5.0

Still processing this one, but WOW—what a ride! Nick Medina delivers a masterclass in storytelling with Indian Burial Ground, expertly weaving together multiple POVs and timelines into a gripping, dark narrative that kept me hooked from start to finish.

I absolutely love stories that shift between the past and present, and Medina handles it beautifully. The perspectives of the two main characters felt so authentic and compelling, and the way their journeys intertwined was nothing short of brilliant.

The overarching Native mythology was a standout for me—rich, haunting, and deeply rooted in cultural significance. But what truly sets this story apart is Medina’s ability to weave in the real-world struggles of alcoholism and suicide, grounding the supernatural elements in raw, human emotion. It’s a story that leaves you feeling sad yet hopeful, which is no small feat.

This book is as thought-provoking as it is chilling, and it’s one I know will stay with me for a long time. Highly recommend it to anyone who loves layered, impactful storytelling!


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A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring 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? It's complicated

5.0

Sea of Snakes by Heidi Stark

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emotional tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0


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One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus

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dark sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5


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Midgard by Wolfgang Hohlbein, Heike Hohlbein

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring tense 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

5.0

An Unwanted Guest by Shari Lapena

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5