abbeyrush's reviews
26 reviews

Count Your Lucky Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur

3.0

I don’t hate it, but I don’t love it, either. I feel the last few chapters were rushed, causing the climax to be so very anti-climatic. Olivia’s job for planning the wedding was  important  for character development and the overall story, so I’m pretty disappointed we didn’t get to see it. Also, I don’t think the characters ever truly addressed all of their underlying thoughts and feelings from 11 years ago. 

The Secret History by Donna Tartt

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.0

There were so many twists and turns in this book, I was completely hooked! I appreciate the complexity of the characters and how their flaws contributed to the story line. 

House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas

fast-paced

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

3.0

I gave it a 3 because of the plot and messy storylines. I was shocked that the entirety of the book took place in about a week’s time. 

SPOILERS
 What I didn’t like is the dialogue and internal monologue of some of the characters. At times, it seemed like Maas is trying to make Bryce too relatable and too current that it feels unnatural and annoying. Also, can we stop with the repetitive phrases! I found most of Bryce and Hunt’s interactions to be cringey/cheesy. Also, Tharion received a lot of time earlier in the book, but we never heard the remainder of his part. Everyone else had a purpose in the end except for him. As for Ithan, I really liked him in the other books but I’ve grown to dread reading his part. Lastly, the ending did not sit right with me. Things worked out a little too well. No important character permanently died or had to give something up. Compared to ToG and ACOTAR, the ending doesn’t seem as realistic. 

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced

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

3.75

A Day of Fallen Night by Samantha Shannon

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious 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? No

3.75

As a college student, reading such a large book during the school year can be challenging but it took me 2 1/2 months to get through this book. I finished the Priory back in April in less than 2 weeks. I couldn’t get into this book as easily as the Priory, and I wasn’t as emotionally attached to the characters. It was a good book, but was rough to get through. 

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

4.25

Love at First Set by Jennifer Dugan

2.5

DNF
Book started off strong, and I was really excited for the plot. That did not last long. We know very little about the love interest and even the buildup of sweet moments between them. All of the characters are very annoying and there is so much lying and manipulating, I couldn’t continue reading. 

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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? It's complicated

4.5

Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo

challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring sad 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? It's complicated

4.0

I was really able to feel the MC’s emotions and as a young queer person, I could relate a lot to the character. 

Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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? It's complicated

5.0