berrybiaful's reviews
65 reviews
Shady Hollow by Juneau Black
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Rtc
The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
3.5 stars
Okay so I did enjoy the plot of this book without the romance. And the romance was okay but idk the chemistry was missing. I feel like a lot of the lore could have been expanded, but of course it's a romance book first.
And like...why did MMC's dad get mentioned so much just to have a brief encounter in the main events of the book? Unless he's more in the sequel?? Idk the emphasis on eluded to him being more central to the plot
I would have given it a solid 4-stars if it was a fantasy book ngl
Okay so I did enjoy the plot of this book without the romance. And the romance was okay but idk the chemistry was missing. I feel like a lot of the lore could have been expanded, but of course it's a romance book first.
And like...why did MMC's dad get mentioned so much just to have a brief encounter in the main events of the book? Unless he's more in the sequel?? Idk the emphasis on eluded to him being more central to the plot
I would have given it a solid 4-stars if it was a fantasy book ngl
Ithaca by Claire North
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
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? Yes
4.0
4 stars
First of all, fuck Odysseus in every piece of literature lmfao!!! Your wife always waits for your return and you're always fucking something!!! Touch grass!!
I loved that we have Hera as the narrator and how she points out the misogyny throughout the book. She's a real girl's girl...well as much as one as a goddess will get lol. Athena you fucking pick me
The way this tale was portrayed was outstanding, and I loved how Penelope's character was written. You could really feel transported into the story, and while reading about war bores me most of the time, I was still entertained throughout.
I can't wait to read the next book
First of all, fuck Odysseus in every piece of literature lmfao!!! Your wife always waits for your return and you're always fucking something!!! Touch grass!!
I loved that we have Hera as the narrator and how she points out the misogyny throughout the book. She's a real girl's girl...well as much as one as a goddess will get lol. Athena you fucking pick me
The way this tale was portrayed was outstanding, and I loved how Penelope's character was written. You could really feel transported into the story, and while reading about war bores me most of the time, I was still entertained throughout.
I can't wait to read the next book
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and War
Moderate: Sexual content
What Start Bad A Mornin' by Carol Mitchell
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
<i>Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.</i>
4 stars!
This was definitely an emotional rollercoaster!
What Start Bad a Mornin' is a story of trauma and how it can affect your whole life. I was so deeply connected with Amaya and had her back throughout the story. I loved how vivid the descriptions were and how easily I was drawn into Amaya's past.
I learned a lot from this book too, such as the vast diversity of the population in Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago! It was refreshing to see how accents and dialects were incorporated into the dialogue.
I just wish it was longer. The shortness of the book meant that the book felt a little rushed, especially the ending. I feel as if we as readers really didn't get any closure, and did Amaya? I would have loved to see at least an epilogue of sorts?
Overall, it was a great read that I could really lose myself in.
4 stars!
This was definitely an emotional rollercoaster!
What Start Bad a Mornin' is a story of trauma and how it can affect your whole life. I was so deeply connected with Amaya and had her back throughout the story. I loved how vivid the descriptions were and how easily I was drawn into Amaya's past.
I learned a lot from this book too, such as the vast diversity of the population in Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago! It was refreshing to see how accents and dialects were incorporated into the dialogue.
I just wish it was longer. The shortness of the book meant that the book felt a little rushed, especially the ending. I feel as if we as readers really didn't get any closure, and did Amaya? I would have loved to see at least an epilogue of sorts?
Overall, it was a great read that I could really lose myself in.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Vomit
Minor: Death
The Children of Jocasta by Natalie Haynes
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-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? Yes
4.0
4 stars
I feel as if sometimes, Haynes can stray away from the myth she is reimagining until it feels like a new take completely. But really, in instances like these, I feel it is necessary. She has a real knack for bringing forth side-lined characters (mainly female) to really add more depth to the story.
This story did seem to have a slow pacing, but I think it's because of the dual POV, both of which are set in the past and present. But I enjoyed this narration style and it tied together quite nicely at the end. As always, Haynes explores the forgotten female characters, telling the tale from Jocasta's and her daughter's, Ismene's POV which lends a new perspective.
There was a definite sense of suspense, and I wasn't disappointed by the version of events Haynes chose to write into this novel. I just wish there had been more of the relationship between Jocasta and her children...
I think the audiobook performance was excellent and really helped me remain immersed in this book, but also I'm a sucker from Greek mythology lol
I feel as if sometimes, Haynes can stray away from the myth she is reimagining until it feels like a new take completely. But really, in instances like these, I feel it is necessary. She has a real knack for bringing forth side-lined characters (mainly female) to really add more depth to the story.
This story did seem to have a slow pacing, but I think it's because of the dual POV, both of which are set in the past and present. But I enjoyed this narration style and it tied together quite nicely at the end. As always, Haynes explores the forgotten female characters, telling the tale from Jocasta's and her daughter's, Ismene's POV which lends a new perspective.
There was a definite sense of suspense, and I wasn't disappointed by the version of events Haynes chose to write into this novel. I just wish there had been more of the relationship between Jocasta and her children...
I think the audiobook performance was excellent and really helped me remain immersed in this book, but also I'm a sucker from Greek mythology lol
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore
Moderate: Death and Incest
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
dark
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
3.5 stars
I'm unsure how to word my thoughts on this book.
First off, I did enjoy the found family aspect of this book. While the romance was touching in a way, I think the characters introduced in the latter half of the book were more profound and interesting.
I really did enjoy the plot, but would find myself bored at times. But that's because I don't care for 1960s America, lol. That being said, the whole TV show thing was quite a nice touch.
Now, I have a lot to say about the feminism in this book and how it will resonate so much with white feminists, but I'm not in the mood for that conversation.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read but I guess I wanted more (or less)??
I'm unsure how to word my thoughts on this book.
First off, I did enjoy the found family aspect of this book. While the romance was touching in a way, I think the characters introduced in the latter half of the book were more profound and interesting.
I really did enjoy the plot, but would find myself bored at times. But that's because I don't care for 1960s America, lol. That being said, the whole TV show thing was quite a nice touch.
Now, I have a lot to say about the feminism in this book and how it will resonate so much with white feminists, but I'm not in the mood for that conversation.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read but I guess I wanted more (or less)??
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Sexism
Moderate: Death
Minor: Domestic abuse and Suicide
Adore Me by Ashley Zakrzewski
emotional
hopeful
sad
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
3.0
3 stars
so this story is definitely insta-love which i didn't mind but i did wish there was a bit more build up in the romance? but i guess it was going to feel rushed considering it's a short book
didn't really feel the chemistry between the love interests, and i wasn't really attached to the characters?? the writing was also repetitive and bland at times
the spicy scenes really lacked imo, but the plot was okay and i did gasp a few times at the plot twists lmao
at least there's no miscommunication or break up, because honestly the author could have done that...but it was a healthy relationship being portrayed
overall, it was an okay read and i guess i could recommend it but it didn't wow me in any way
so this story is definitely insta-love which i didn't mind but i did wish there was a bit more build up in the romance? but i guess it was going to feel rushed considering it's a short book
didn't really feel the chemistry between the love interests, and i wasn't really attached to the characters?? the writing was also repetitive and bland at times
the spicy scenes really lacked imo, but the plot was okay and i did gasp a few times at the plot twists lmao
at least there's no miscommunication or break up, because honestly the author could have done that...but it was a healthy relationship being portrayed
overall, it was an okay read and i guess i could recommend it but it didn't wow me in any way
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Death
Minor: Alcoholism and Domestic abuse
Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Deserted Island Diary Vol. 4 by Kokonasu Rumba
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
okay i really love this manga...i need the rest of the volumes...are they released in english yet??
Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Deserted Island Diary Vol. 3 by Kokonasu Rumba
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
this one was the funniest so far!! these silly little characters really make my day haha
i really want to load up acnh rn...in fact i have a new switch so i can make a new island...
i really want to load up acnh rn...in fact i have a new switch so i can make a new island...
Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Deserted Island Diary Vol. 2 by Kokonasu Rumba
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
just really cute and funny!!
i love how npcs and villagers are given even more personality!
i love how npcs and villagers are given even more personality!