_maddsharks_'s reviews
245 reviews

Royal Assassin by Robin Hobb

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4.0

Gripping and exciting/sad/tragic continuation to the series. It took some turns I didn't see coming but it still leaves me with a bit of hope (all considering the current state of affairs within this story). I'm excited to see how the 3rd book continues because it is quite hefty!
James by Percival Everett

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medium-paced

5.0

Incredible. Incredibly heavy but so worthwhile.
Eve: How the Female Body Drove 200 Million Years of Human Evolution by Cat Bohannon

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4.5

This was such an interesting framing of fertility and evolution. Very engaging and informative while also providing room for ambiguity and further research- especially within broader/related disciplines. A book Ill be referencing for a while.
Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood

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3.0

Very spicy- potentially, the spiciest yet. I liked it, but definitely not as hard-hitting as some of the previous novels. Still, very fun and ridiculous with heavy moments lifted with ridiculous descriptions.
Fourteen Days: A Collaborative Novel by The Authors Guild, Douglas Preston, Margaret Atwood

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4.0

Interesting perspective on the C-19 pandemic and its effects on a city and community. The ending did take me by surprise but I enjoyed the storytelling overall.
Bel Canto by Ann Patchett

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5.0

I took my time reading this one because it was intense and beautiful and so vivid- at times it felt like I was there experiencing everything with the characters.  It was an incredible feat for writing and storytelling- I was laughing and crying throughout. 
Green Dot: A Novel by Madeleine Gray

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4.0

This was really relatable but also so hard to get through. I really identified with the character especially how she perceives being in her early/mid-twenties, depression, and relationship. But at the same time, she is so flawed it is hard to get through. Overall, I really liked it but I felt like some parts dragged a bit. 
The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré

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4.75

This was tough to get through, but it was so worth it and beautiful. I think I cried about 3/4 times. 

A story of resilience, hope and friendship. I'm very excited to see that it will be a series. 
The English Understand Wool by Helen DeWitt

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3.75

Ok, this was fast and a good plot and really interesting but I'm also so confused?? 
I love that it was a bit of commentary on wealth, comfort, relationships, and what it means to be exploited. But, it also feels like an incomplete work- I wish it kept going. I enjoyed the main character's voice and I was hoping as time went on we would dig a little deeper... but I do think that was beside the point. 

Wedding Toasts I'll Never Give by Ada Calhoun

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4.0

This was sweet and fun and full of little tidbits of advice and clarity that are helpful for all types of relationships. It's super short as well, so it's a breeze to get through while also so captivating.