beccarettenberger's reviews
96 reviews

Manhunt by Gretchen Felker-Martin

dark slow-paced

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

3.0

Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass by Lana Del Rey

reflective slow-paced

2.0

Meh. 

Rhythm of War by Brandon Sanderson

adventurous emotional 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? Yes

5.0

Dawnshard by Brandon Sanderson

adventurous funny 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? No

4.25

Oathbringer by Brandon Sanderson

adventurous 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? Yes

5.0

Edgedancer by Brandon Sanderson

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

4.0

Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson

adventurous emotional 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

4.75

Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson

adventurous medium-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

4.25

The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson

adventurous emotional 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

Nestlings by Nat Cassidy

dark emotional mysterious sad medium-paced

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

4.0

Trigger warning: this book shouldn’t be read by anyone that has difficulty with child abuse/endangerment/infanticide

**The Nestlings by Nat Cassidy - A Haunting and Unforgettable Journey**

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cassidy's *The Nestlings* is a gripping and atmospheric novel that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The story delves deep into the psychological terror of a young family as they move into a new home, only to find that something sinister lurks within its walls. Cassidy masterfully builds suspense, with every chapter pulling you further into a world where the line between reality and nightmare blurs.

The characters are well-developed, particularly the protagonist, whose descent into fear and paranoia is portrayed with chilling authenticity. The writing is evocative, bringing the eerie setting to life and making you feel every creak and shadow in the house. While the plot occasionally veers into familiar horror tropes, Cassidy's unique voice and fresh perspective keep the story engaging and unsettling.

Overall, *The Nestlings* is a must-read for fans of psychological horror. It’s a novel that will linger in your mind long after you’ve turned the last page. My only minor critique is that the pacing slows in a few places, but the overall experience is still thoroughly satisfying. Highly recommended for those who love a good scare with a strong emotional core.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, and Xenophobia