ashley_schulte's reviews
268 reviews

Revan by Drew Karpyshyn

adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced

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

3.75

An interesting addition to the Star Wars universe. I think I will find this one more interesting once I finish the video game it is based upon. Overall an entertaining story. 

A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas

adventurous hopeful lighthearted 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

I thoroughly enjoyed my now second listen through this book. It will definitely be a repeat read. 

Tempest Runner by Cavan Scott

adventurous dark mysterious 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

3.75

Not my favorite of the series, but provided interesting insight into an important character. This was a pretty quick read. It filled in some interesting details relating to the overall story. 

A Grand Gesture by Holly Newman

adventurous hopeful fast-paced

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

4.25

I was very pleasantly surprised by this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and it kept me quite interested throughout. A very fun historical fiction. If you like Bridgerton, you will enjoy this one. 

The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan

adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious 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

4.0

This was an entertaining read. I wanted to give it a listen before my son read it. It is perfect for ages 9+ I would say. It has lots of adventure and some nice tie ins to mythology. If you enjoy Egyptian mythology and middle grade adventure this book is for you. Even as an adult I found it enjoyable. Especially the audiobook. It was very well done. 

Cora's Pride by Peggy L. Henderson

adventurous tense fast-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

3.5

It was an entertaining book, but it didn’t draw me in. I enjoyed the characters and most of the story. It was a little slow in parts. Overall I enjoyed it. 

The Shanghai Secret by Vanessa Lind

adventurous emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

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

4.75

I really enjoyed this story that was told both through present day eyes an eyes from the past. It was a story about two interesting women with one trying to find out the story and full picture of the other. I love how descriptive the author is of the settings throughout this book and I now want to some day visit Astoria just because of how I picture it from her descriptions. I sometimes struggle with books that go back and forth between times and perspectives, but I did not have trouble during this book. I was easily able to keep everything straight and follow along while also being anxious to go to whichever time we weren't in at that point in the book. This was a very enjoyable read about a time and place I was not familiar with. It made me want to learn more about the historical events that took place.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave

adventurous 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? It's complicated

4.5

I made the mistake of watching the show before reading this novel. This is one where you really need to read the book and then enjoy the tv show created from it. It was different reading it and already knowing how the story ends, it would have been a much better and quicker read had it been a mystery. That said it was a good book with an interesting story and an interesting twist.

Wool by Hugh Howey

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.5

I first watched the tv show they made from this series and it got my interest piqued so I had to then read the book. I especially did not want to have to wait for the next season to figure out what comes next. I decided to listen to this as an Audiobook and it was great. I really enjoyed the story and it kept my interest the entire time. The narrator also did a great job. I immediately wanted to start book 2 after finishing this one. Great book. I don't know if it will be a reread anytime soon, but it was very entertaining.

Lonely Planet Experience Hawaii 1 by Lonely Planet
Did not finish book. Stopped at 16%.

Had to return to the library and went on our trip shortly after.