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bargainbookquest's reviews
353 reviews
Buried in the Stacks by Allison Brook, Marilyn Levinson
4.0
***ARC provided by Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books in exchange for an honest review***
Okay, so this is the third book in The haunted Library series. I haven't read the first 2 books so my review of this one might be lacking but I have to say that there was enough backstory for me to understand basically everything that happened before. Who the characters are and what they do. How carrie has been a big help in solving murders and mysteires in the past and everything.
I was first drawn to this book because of the cover: the part of the library being represented is really nice. I love libraries though I don't go nearly enough. And the synopsis had me hooked. Quite a change from fantasy reads for sure.
After reading this, I found that the writing was really well done and the pacing was pretty consistent. It is a fast read but coonsidering i read this in down times, it took me a few days but every time I put it down, I wanted to pick it back up to keep reading.
Most of the characters were pretty cool and likeable. I definitely would like to read the first 2 books and am looking forward to the next one in the series for sure.
Okay, so this is the third book in The haunted Library series. I haven't read the first 2 books so my review of this one might be lacking but I have to say that there was enough backstory for me to understand basically everything that happened before. Who the characters are and what they do. How carrie has been a big help in solving murders and mysteires in the past and everything.
I was first drawn to this book because of the cover: the part of the library being represented is really nice. I love libraries though I don't go nearly enough. And the synopsis had me hooked. Quite a change from fantasy reads for sure.
After reading this, I found that the writing was really well done and the pacing was pretty consistent. It is a fast read but coonsidering i read this in down times, it took me a few days but every time I put it down, I wanted to pick it back up to keep reading.
Most of the characters were pretty cool and likeable. I definitely would like to read the first 2 books and am looking forward to the next one in the series for sure.
The Witch's Tower by Tamara Grantham
3.0
3.5*
This book is a Rapunzel retelling but it is not about Rapunzel but about the witch, Gothel and her adventures. Instead of the villain of the story, this time Gothel is the hero, along with a mismatch of characters she got to meet during her quest to save Rapunzel from the tower she's been confined in.
I started this story in high spirits and hopes it would be really cool. I've been having this thing where I want to read stories about the villain as the main character lately and I though this would be one of them that I really enjoyed. I did, don't get me wrong but what started as a strong story with a relatable character in parts (Gothel having blue hair and being a witch are basically the only things I couldn't relate to me but it's alright!!) slowly became an okay story and you could tell that no matter what was happening during the quest, they'd come out of all of it unscated. It felt... easy?
I definitely could have done without the insta love; especially when the chemistry between the two characters isn't really sparking but "oh my, how handsome is he" and "no, I mustn't feel this way". We get it, okay? This is story that didn't benefit in having this at all. Even the twist mentioned at the beginning that came back at the end didn't have an impact at all. Everything felt like a happily ever after starting midway through the story.
I do have to say that, separately, I did enjoy all of the characters and I would have liked to know more about Gothel's aunts for sure. The dwarf's wolf curse was interesting but totally a side story to this and, let's face it, was his name supposed to have an impact once revealed at the end? It definitely fell short. I was interested in knowing more about Raj, who he is and how he came to be rince Merek's squire. Some of it was merely hinted at.
Overall, I did enjoy this story from beginning to end although the first part felt stronger to me. There were little unexpected twists that could have been better executed but still surpsied me and that was nice but it could have been much better, in my opinion, too.
This book is a Rapunzel retelling but it is not about Rapunzel but about the witch, Gothel and her adventures. Instead of the villain of the story, this time Gothel is the hero, along with a mismatch of characters she got to meet during her quest to save Rapunzel from the tower she's been confined in.
I started this story in high spirits and hopes it would be really cool. I've been having this thing where I want to read stories about the villain as the main character lately and I though this would be one of them that I really enjoyed. I did, don't get me wrong but what started as a strong story with a relatable character in parts (Gothel having blue hair and being a witch are basically the only things I couldn't relate to me but it's alright!!) slowly became an okay story and you could tell that no matter what was happening during the quest, they'd come out of all of it unscated. It felt... easy?
I definitely could have done without the insta love; especially when the chemistry between the two characters isn't really sparking but "oh my, how handsome is he" and "no, I mustn't feel this way". We get it, okay? This is story that didn't benefit in having this at all. Even the twist mentioned at the beginning that came back at the end didn't have an impact at all. Everything felt like a happily ever after starting midway through the story.
I do have to say that, separately, I did enjoy all of the characters and I would have liked to know more about Gothel's aunts for sure. The dwarf's wolf curse was interesting but totally a side story to this and, let's face it, was his name supposed to have an impact once revealed at the end? It definitely fell short. I was interested in knowing more about Raj, who he is and how he came to be rince Merek's squire. Some of it was merely hinted at.
Overall, I did enjoy this story from beginning to end although the first part felt stronger to me. There were little unexpected twists that could have been better executed but still surpsied me and that was nice but it could have been much better, in my opinion, too.
Switching Hour by Robyn Peterman
5.0
5*
This was such a fun read. I loved it more than I thought I would.
At first it was a little bit weird but then it got better and the character of Zelda is pretty fun. I loved her with and banter and Fabio was excellent. I could have called the little reveal but I was pleasantly surprised anyway.
It's been a while since I laughed while reading a book and this one provided a lot of that.
This is the first book in a series of 7 and the end of this book provides an excerpt of book 2, Witch Glitch. I started reading it but given the fact I won't be getting my hands on that book in the coming days (not that I won't ever, right now I can't!), I feel there's no use in me reading further than chapter 1 of that one... I really want to though.
I definitely recomment this one for those who want a laugh and fast read.
Warning: there is a sex scene so be prepared *winks*
This was such a fun read. I loved it more than I thought I would.
At first it was a little bit weird but then it got better and the character of Zelda is pretty fun. I loved her with and banter and Fabio was excellent. I could have called the little reveal but I was pleasantly surprised anyway.
It's been a while since I laughed while reading a book and this one provided a lot of that.
This is the first book in a series of 7 and the end of this book provides an excerpt of book 2, Witch Glitch. I started reading it but given the fact I won't be getting my hands on that book in the coming days (not that I won't ever, right now I can't!), I feel there's no use in me reading further than chapter 1 of that one... I really want to though.
I definitely recomment this one for those who want a laugh and fast read.
Warning: there is a sex scene so be prepared *winks*
Adventures of a Vegan Vamp by Cate Lawley
4.0
3.5*
The cover and synopsis are what drew me to this when I found it on Amazon, not gonna lie. This wasn't exactly what I expected at all but I enjoyed this short, fun and light read anyway.
However, I'm not sure if I enjoyed it enough to grab book 2 and keep reading this story. I liked Mallory well enough and i feel I could be her in my discovery of being a vamp and being basically left to my own devices when it comes to learning stuff about my new self and this new world I'm in. Alex intrigues me and I wouldn't mind knowing more about him.
Meet mallory, a 39 year old girl who gets turned into a vampire after a night out with colleagues. Except, she wakes up a few days later, feeling different, but not really. A random doctor check up confirms her transformation and Mallory receives a card with 2 contact numbers in case of emergencies. Oh, she can't drink blood and her body rejects everything but veggies and fruits. water is fine and coffee is not recommanded at all, she learns, after chugging down a whole lot of it and hallucinating things. She embarks on a mission to learn more and to try to find and capture the freak that turned her and, in the process, she meets varied characters.
I don't want to spoil too much so I'm stopping there.
There are 5 books in this series and about 2 in betweens. usually, in series, the plot and more details come as you get deeper in the story but here, I feel it's not the case. Things are kept secret and then you get one more layer that is giving you more questions and then another thing on top and not more info an, suddenly, the book is done and... I don't know.
Oh yes, I almost forgot about this: there were a lot of little words missing in sentences. Not big words making you wonder what they were talking about but workds like "a", "the",... it was kinda annoying, to me anyway. Not sure if it,s just my copy of it but since it's Amazon, I'm thinking it's the same for everyone having that copy so...
I'll have to think it over, I think, about reading book 2.
The cover and synopsis are what drew me to this when I found it on Amazon, not gonna lie. This wasn't exactly what I expected at all but I enjoyed this short, fun and light read anyway.
However, I'm not sure if I enjoyed it enough to grab book 2 and keep reading this story. I liked Mallory well enough and i feel I could be her in my discovery of being a vamp and being basically left to my own devices when it comes to learning stuff about my new self and this new world I'm in. Alex intrigues me and I wouldn't mind knowing more about him.
Meet mallory, a 39 year old girl who gets turned into a vampire after a night out with colleagues. Except, she wakes up a few days later, feeling different, but not really. A random doctor check up confirms her transformation and Mallory receives a card with 2 contact numbers in case of emergencies. Oh, she can't drink blood and her body rejects everything but veggies and fruits. water is fine and coffee is not recommanded at all, she learns, after chugging down a whole lot of it and hallucinating things. She embarks on a mission to learn more and to try to find and capture the freak that turned her and, in the process, she meets varied characters.
I don't want to spoil too much so I'm stopping there.
There are 5 books in this series and about 2 in betweens. usually, in series, the plot and more details come as you get deeper in the story but here, I feel it's not the case. Things are kept secret and then you get one more layer that is giving you more questions and then another thing on top and not more info an, suddenly, the book is done and... I don't know.
Oh yes, I almost forgot about this: there were a lot of little words missing in sentences. Not big words making you wonder what they were talking about but workds like "a", "the",... it was kinda annoying, to me anyway. Not sure if it,s just my copy of it but since it's Amazon, I'm thinking it's the same for everyone having that copy so...
I'll have to think it over, I think, about reading book 2.
Crescent Calling by Nicole R. Taylor
4.0
3.75*
Meet Skye, a young woman that learns the mother she has seen in years has passed away and, in order to inherit a home, a store and three bank account, she leaves everything behind to move to Ireland. In the past week, she lost her dad, her job and her boyfriend. She goes to Ireland with no intention of staying but everything seems to prevent her from selling and leaving with the money. And then she learns she's the last of the Crescent witches and she's got to protect Ireland's magic.
This book was enjoyable but I found it both slow and rushed at the same time. We get hints here and there about who Skye is but it takes a while until she actually does. And then things start to happen pretty fast and it feels too easy. Also, the Craglorn (villain of the story) doesn't sense Skye until she does a little magic one day but, to me, that doesn't make sense. It's a magical being that should have detected the arrival of another magical being no matter if actual magic was involved or not. And I could basically care less for the almost insta love towards the end.
Other than that, I loved the little village of Derrydun and I would have loved to live there so much. Skye was interesting but I cared more about other characters in the story like Mairhead and I am pretty interested in knowing more about Boone's backstory. Hopefully book two is better but it's a good start to an interesting story anyway.
Meet Skye, a young woman that learns the mother she has seen in years has passed away and, in order to inherit a home, a store and three bank account, she leaves everything behind to move to Ireland. In the past week, she lost her dad, her job and her boyfriend. She goes to Ireland with no intention of staying but everything seems to prevent her from selling and leaving with the money. And then she learns she's the last of the Crescent witches and she's got to protect Ireland's magic.
This book was enjoyable but I found it both slow and rushed at the same time. We get hints here and there about who Skye is but it takes a while until she actually does. And then things start to happen pretty fast and it feels too easy. Also, the Craglorn (villain of the story) doesn't sense Skye until she does a little magic one day but, to me, that doesn't make sense. It's a magical being that should have detected the arrival of another magical being no matter if actual magic was involved or not. And I could basically care less for the almost insta love towards the end.
Other than that, I loved the little village of Derrydun and I would have loved to live there so much. Skye was interesting but I cared more about other characters in the story like Mairhead and I am pretty interested in knowing more about Boone's backstory. Hopefully book two is better but it's a good start to an interesting story anyway.
Oz: The Complete Collection by L. Frank Baum
Each book has gotten an individual rating and review. I will calculate the rating and add an approximate here at some point.
To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han
4.0
4.5*
As it happens with a lot of books made into a movie, or a tv show, I basically always end up watching that before reading the book and TAtBILB is no exception although I had told myself I would get the book first. Little did I know I'd be getting the book, and the first sequel, something like a week after watching the movie on Netflix.
This is the first book I actually picked up and finished in a few days while other books haven't been keeping me interested because I was in a reading slump. I'm not sure what it is about this one... change of genre, maybe? I'm a fantasy freak basically and contemporary isn't really my kind though I do love rom-com and Nicholas Sparks books a lot; he's one of my favorite authors and I haven't even read all of them.
Anyway, going back to the book and it's movie because, well, I can't help now but talk about both, canI?
I LOVED it so much. It was an easy read but it was also fun. All of the characters were approachable and loveable in their own way, except maybe Gen, but I did understand some parts of her reactions anyway. I was never a popular girl and I never got the boy either so... I was much more like Lara jean where I was basically invisible to everyone but the bullies... not that LJ was bullied. Anyway.
I loved everything from this book. Especially the family dynamics. I find it rare that a book/film about teen romance or any sort of romance is also very focused on one characters family like this. The sisterly bond is amazing and I'd say the bond with dad is great, too.
This is my first jenny Han book and I think the way she told the story is really great. I was reading this as I went to bed so it did take me 4 days... well, nights, but you get the point. I would have read this in one seating if I had read it during the day for sure. This was the type of book i never wanted to put down to sleep actually. I always wanted to know what was gonna come after. Yes, even though I knew because of the movie. One night, I even planned on going to bed earlier just so I'd have more time to read.
Okay, I still think my reviews suck and I'm not sure if I'll ever improve. I loved this book so much and when I finished it, even though I had to turn off the light and go to bed yesterday night, I actually got up to my shelves and picked up P.S. I Love You and read two chapters. And after work today, just before taking a nap, as I tend to do, I read a couple chapters, too. And I'll read more tonight as well. That's how much invested I am in this series now. How much I wanna know what happens next and I'm excited for it. Only thing is that I do not own the last book, Always and Forever Lara Jean and that's sad. I mostly shop thrifted books and I was lucky to get the first two in one go. The third is evading me for some reason...
Watching the movie again now because it is just as good *smiles*
*** Below isn't quite part of the review but I had to put it out there anyway***
--->For some reason, even though I had seen the movie first, I couldn't help but wonder why someone alive in the book would be dead in the movie... but I was wrong and I still wonder why I thought that. Also, I totally pictured Bella Thorne as Gen while reading even though I know it's not her that played Gen in the movie... <---
As it happens with a lot of books made into a movie, or a tv show, I basically always end up watching that before reading the book and TAtBILB is no exception although I had told myself I would get the book first. Little did I know I'd be getting the book, and the first sequel, something like a week after watching the movie on Netflix.
This is the first book I actually picked up and finished in a few days while other books haven't been keeping me interested because I was in a reading slump. I'm not sure what it is about this one... change of genre, maybe? I'm a fantasy freak basically and contemporary isn't really my kind though I do love rom-com and Nicholas Sparks books a lot; he's one of my favorite authors and I haven't even read all of them.
Anyway, going back to the book and it's movie because, well, I can't help now but talk about both, canI?
I LOVED it so much. It was an easy read but it was also fun. All of the characters were approachable and loveable in their own way, except maybe Gen, but I did understand some parts of her reactions anyway. I was never a popular girl and I never got the boy either so... I was much more like Lara jean where I was basically invisible to everyone but the bullies... not that LJ was bullied. Anyway.
I loved everything from this book. Especially the family dynamics. I find it rare that a book/film about teen romance or any sort of romance is also very focused on one characters family like this. The sisterly bond is amazing and I'd say the bond with dad is great, too.
This is my first jenny Han book and I think the way she told the story is really great. I was reading this as I went to bed so it did take me 4 days... well, nights, but you get the point. I would have read this in one seating if I had read it during the day for sure. This was the type of book i never wanted to put down to sleep actually. I always wanted to know what was gonna come after. Yes, even though I knew because of the movie. One night, I even planned on going to bed earlier just so I'd have more time to read.
Okay, I still think my reviews suck and I'm not sure if I'll ever improve. I loved this book so much and when I finished it, even though I had to turn off the light and go to bed yesterday night, I actually got up to my shelves and picked up P.S. I Love You and read two chapters. And after work today, just before taking a nap, as I tend to do, I read a couple chapters, too. And I'll read more tonight as well. That's how much invested I am in this series now. How much I wanna know what happens next and I'm excited for it. Only thing is that I do not own the last book, Always and Forever Lara Jean and that's sad. I mostly shop thrifted books and I was lucky to get the first two in one go. The third is evading me for some reason...
Watching the movie again now because it is just as good *smiles*
*** Below isn't quite part of the review but I had to put it out there anyway***
--->For some reason, even though I had seen the movie first, I couldn't help but wonder why someone alive in the book would be dead in the movie... but I was wrong and I still wonder why I thought that. Also, I totally pictured Bella Thorne as Gen while reading even though I know it's not her that played Gen in the movie... <---
Four: A Divergent Collection by Veronica Roth
4.0
3.85* for not enough Four
4.25* for what this book gave us about the character and how this was a well written book and an easy read.
Yes, two ratings... am I cheating? Goodreads, update your ratings, stat! They're lacking!!
From the moment, almost, I saw Four in the movie Divergent, I have been intrigued by him and found him interesting. His backstory and the glimpses we got of it made me really curious so, of course, when this was released, I wanted to get my hands on it and... what do you know, found it twice at the thrift store (and bought it twice as I didn't remember I already bought it once *laughs*
I loved reading about him pre-choosing Dauntless and 2 years before meeting Tris and the whole Divergent issue with the Erudite/Dauntless shenanigans. We delved more into his personna before, during and after the choosing and got to know more about his story and who he is. Then again, I was still left wanting more. This felt too short. Of course, this is all based prior to and during Divergent so of course there is more to tell but once Tris came in the picture and they became an item... he kinda took a step back... somehow.
It was still a really nice touch and I totally enjoyed this read. It was easy and fun and overall well done. Four (Tobias), is a character you want to get to know more about and this did the job... and yes, broken record... not quite enough for me.
4.25* for what this book gave us about the character and how this was a well written book and an easy read.
Yes, two ratings... am I cheating? Goodreads, update your ratings, stat! They're lacking!!
From the moment, almost, I saw Four in the movie Divergent, I have been intrigued by him and found him interesting. His backstory and the glimpses we got of it made me really curious so, of course, when this was released, I wanted to get my hands on it and... what do you know, found it twice at the thrift store (and bought it twice as I didn't remember I already bought it once *laughs*
I loved reading about him pre-choosing Dauntless and 2 years before meeting Tris and the whole Divergent issue with the Erudite/Dauntless shenanigans. We delved more into his personna before, during and after the choosing and got to know more about his story and who he is. Then again, I was still left wanting more. This felt too short. Of course, this is all based prior to and during Divergent so of course there is more to tell but once Tris came in the picture and they became an item... he kinda took a step back... somehow.
It was still a really nice touch and I totally enjoyed this read. It was easy and fun and overall well done. Four (Tobias), is a character you want to get to know more about and this did the job... and yes, broken record... not quite enough for me.
Shadow Frost by Coco Ma
Did not finish book.
Did not finish book.
***ARC provided by Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing in exchange for an honest review***
DNF'ed this at 25%
Everyone is praising this book and I was seriously hoping to jump on that wagon. Especially after the very strong prologue but the following chapters are just dragging and dragging and I can't seem to be able to like and connect with any of the characters at all. On Chapter 11 and basically nothing happened. I like my books to have events... any type; big or small.
I put it down, thinking I'm not in the mood for this story and will try later but then, that following time, the same thing happens. My interest isn't piqued and I find I am bored with the descriptive of day to day, basically. What seems to require a shock value falls flat for me and that's not a good sign at all.
The synopsis is very interesting and I feel that if the story went a bit faster to start on the adventure, it would have been better. The magic system in this world is very interesting... the premise is fun, in all honesty. I just... need to connect... and I don't.
DNF'ed this at 25%
Everyone is praising this book and I was seriously hoping to jump on that wagon. Especially after the very strong prologue but the following chapters are just dragging and dragging and I can't seem to be able to like and connect with any of the characters at all. On Chapter 11 and basically nothing happened. I like my books to have events... any type; big or small.
I put it down, thinking I'm not in the mood for this story and will try later but then, that following time, the same thing happens. My interest isn't piqued and I find I am bored with the descriptive of day to day, basically. What seems to require a shock value falls flat for me and that's not a good sign at all.
The synopsis is very interesting and I feel that if the story went a bit faster to start on the adventure, it would have been better. The magic system in this world is very interesting... the premise is fun, in all honesty. I just... need to connect... and I don't.
Love From A to Z by S.K. Ali
5.0
***Digital arc provided by Salaam Reads / Simon & Schuster Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
4.75*
I think it is my highest rated book of the year and it's not perfect as I try to explain a little bit throughout my review.
Main reasons I was drawn to this book is the blue cover but mostly the fact that a character deals with MS, an illness that I am dealing with since 2009.
I am giving the book an almost perfect rating because on MS alone, you can tell there was research done as it isn't a simple one. MS is complicated to booth; not one person feels it the same as someone else and I liked that there was a spot at the end explaining all this. Very nice touch. And even though I'm not the target audience for this due to the bigger plot, all about Muslim teens falling in love and what it enthails (which I cannot relate or appreciate to it's right value) and what they have to deal with (Zayneb) with racism/Islamophobia.
After saying I cannot appreciate the true value of this, I loved how it was written, the flow of it felt really good. Two point of views written in first person and parts of both by way of a journal of sorts. I definitely prefered when the stories didn't join together... meaning that I liked Zayneb's separate life and dealings with people, family, school and general life. Same with Adam dealing with repercussions of his illness and history with his mother living with it and questions and doubts about the future.
Surprisingly enough, I was more drawn towards Zayneb's story so I basically did a 180 on what got me interested in the book in the first place. And I'm actually happy about it. Not that Adam's isn't interesting or important... all the contrary! We actually need more stories and characters that deal with MS. Such a complicated one it is, it's crazy. I feel like a broken record as I already said so above.
Zayneb is a very strong character who has to fight for her values and rights and deal with her teacher's and a lot of other people's racism/Islamophobia. Basically, it's mostly all about misundertanding and the general human being tends to hate what they don't understand/is different than who/what he/she is. It's fact!
The love story was really cute none the less but I wanted more about Muslim and what it is and all. The closer I was getting to the end, I wondered many times if there would be a sequel to the book but the way it ended, basically like a fairytale of "... and they lived happily ever after..." left me on my hunger somehow. it is still a really cool story and I'm glad I requested it. I recommend it whole heartedly!!
4.75*
I think it is my highest rated book of the year and it's not perfect as I try to explain a little bit throughout my review.
Main reasons I was drawn to this book is the blue cover but mostly the fact that a character deals with MS, an illness that I am dealing with since 2009.
I am giving the book an almost perfect rating because on MS alone, you can tell there was research done as it isn't a simple one. MS is complicated to booth; not one person feels it the same as someone else and I liked that there was a spot at the end explaining all this. Very nice touch. And even though I'm not the target audience for this due to the bigger plot, all about Muslim teens falling in love and what it enthails (which I cannot relate or appreciate to it's right value) and what they have to deal with (Zayneb) with racism/Islamophobia.
After saying I cannot appreciate the true value of this, I loved how it was written, the flow of it felt really good. Two point of views written in first person and parts of both by way of a journal of sorts. I definitely prefered when the stories didn't join together... meaning that I liked Zayneb's separate life and dealings with people, family, school and general life. Same with Adam dealing with repercussions of his illness and history with his mother living with it and questions and doubts about the future.
Surprisingly enough, I was more drawn towards Zayneb's story so I basically did a 180 on what got me interested in the book in the first place. And I'm actually happy about it. Not that Adam's isn't interesting or important... all the contrary! We actually need more stories and characters that deal with MS. Such a complicated one it is, it's crazy. I feel like a broken record as I already said so above.
Zayneb is a very strong character who has to fight for her values and rights and deal with her teacher's and a lot of other people's racism/Islamophobia. Basically, it's mostly all about misundertanding and the general human being tends to hate what they don't understand/is different than who/what he/she is. It's fact!
The love story was really cute none the less but I wanted more about Muslim and what it is and all. The closer I was getting to the end, I wondered many times if there would be a sequel to the book but the way it ended, basically like a fairytale of "... and they lived happily ever after..." left me on my hunger somehow. it is still a really cool story and I'm glad I requested it. I recommend it whole heartedly!!