aaraia's reviews
237 reviews

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

adventurous dark emotional tense medium-paced

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

5.0

The most dangerous animal of all by Gary L. Stewart

dark emotional informative mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

4.5

The only reason why this isn't 5 stars is that it wasn't clear throughout the book that this entire idea of Van being the killer was just a THEORY that the author has. Does he have a lot of evidence and do things line up? Sure. But it's not until the very end of the book do you realize that he hasn't actually proven anything and it's all conjecture. Bummer. Still an interesting story.

The Dutch House by Ann Patchett

emotional funny hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I didn’t think I would love this book but it was incredible. It’s a compelling family saga and every step of it made me feel like I was part of this family. And this house. The house pulled so many people in and created found family while creating actual family. I love the discovery of the family’s history as the main character ages. I loved his relationship with his sister. I loved that his relationship with his father almost continued even after the father died. Ann Patchett is a goddess of writing. Wow. 

I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.5

It would be 5 stars if it wasn’t so long. All of the details are crucial but the first half of the book is a slog. Otherwise the details put into this story are amazing. The writing is fantastic. Amazing premise. Love how the murder at the beginning ties into the larger story. 

Comedy Comedy Comedy Drama by Bob Odenkirk

informative medium-paced

3.0

I wanted to love this memoir but it’s really just middle of the road. I wanted more info about Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul but they were just blips on the radar in this book. Most of the time, I had no idea what he was referencing. But it’s interesting to know how many shows he’s written for or created. 

Brothersong by TJ Klune

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious reflective sad 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

Heartsong by TJ Klune

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful reflective 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

This book was another amazing installment in this series. I loved learning more about Kelly and Robbie. And the way it starts, it makes you really wonder what's going on and it allows you to discover things as it's happening. Also, learning more about Kelly is amazing, as he's been kind of left in the background so far. I love the development of Carter and learning more about the timber wolf. Also, it's filled with hilarious moments and heartfelt moments in equal measures. Truly such a joy to read. TJ Klune is a master and we're all so lucky he chooses to write books so that we can live in his worlds and experience the happiness in it. 

Ravensong by TJ Klune

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful reflective sad 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

4.75

Excellent story. Not as great as Joe and Ox, but still great. Loved the continuation of the Bennett pack's story while also revealing more about Gordo. Excellent twist at the end.

Wolfsong by TJ Klune

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny reflective sad tense 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

5.0

So much heart and love and SPICE! 

Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll

adventurous challenging dark emotional informative reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I think the best thing about this book is the way the author dispels the idea that Bundy was special. She shows us that the women were the special ones and Bundy was an unintelligent, unremarkable man. However, I think it would have been incredibly relevant and necessary to have an author’s note where she explains her changes and creative license choices. I hate when authors write something based on fact, call it fiction, and don’t bother to explain the VERY important differences. People will read fiction books and believe that it all happened, word for word, and it’s the author’s job to clarify fact from fiction. Especially on sensitive topics like this.