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billykmaguiree's reviews
157 reviews
The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Miss Havisham Says Yes by Eule Grey
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
A huge thank you to the team at Booksirens, and the author, Eule Grey for gifting me with a review copy of Miss Havisham Says Yes. This review is entirely voluntary, and all opinions are my own.
For a novella, this delivered everything that was promised: a sapphic Cinderella story but the writing fell extremely short of what I wanted. Whilst I blitzed through this in low-key 30 minutes, (it was like 40 pages) I did find myself stumbling over the frankly bizarre word choices. The language was a bit too metaphorical/purple prose for me, and it really destroyed the immersion into the tale
Also, the formatting of the EPUB received was without chapter breaks and awkward, so I really debated putting this down after chapter one.
This is a really character-driven novel, and you could find yourself caring about them as the tale went on. I also liked how the characters weren't typical cliches, and each one of them had personalities that could be shown in the tale. The characters are the reason this is a two-star read, it would've been higher if the formatting/writing had been better, still perfect for a quick read though.
For a novella, this delivered everything that was promised: a sapphic Cinderella story but the writing fell extremely short of what I wanted. Whilst I blitzed through this in low-key 30 minutes, (it was like 40 pages) I did find myself stumbling over the frankly bizarre word choices. The language was a bit too metaphorical/purple prose for me, and it really destroyed the immersion into the tale
Also, the formatting of the EPUB received was without chapter breaks and awkward, so I really debated putting this down after chapter one.
This is a really character-driven novel, and you could find yourself caring about them as the tale went on. I also liked how the characters weren't typical cliches, and each one of them had personalities that could be shown in the tale. The characters are the reason this is a two-star read, it would've been higher if the formatting/writing had been better, still perfect for a quick read though.
Violent Desire by Ariana Nash
challenging
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
2.25
A huge thank you to the team at Netgalley and to Ariana Nash for gifting me an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Violent Desire by Ariana Nash is an adult paranormal novel which follows Zaine and Eric as they attempt to avoid each other’s love and hunt down the baddie, Sebastian. Okay, so at first thought I was going to give these a high three stars, but I’m leaning now towards an upper 2 stars. Whilst reading, I thought there was something missing, something that didn’t quite sit right with me and then it clicked as to why I wasn’t enjoying it.
Eric Sharpe’s childhood sexual assault is romanticised throughout the novel, to the point where it becomes one of his only personality traits. I was just uncomfortable reading Nash’s take on this because it feels incredibly tone-deaf and nonsensical. Like Nash states from the start that Eric became a cop because of his sexual assault but it just doesn’t sit right with me that he was so trusting of Zaine, one of the same type of vampires that abused him? It just doesn’t make sense.
Some parts of the writing were incredibly fleshed out with a lot of worldbuilding having gone into it, despite how minor they are to the plot and one of my favourite characters was Zaine. His romance with Eric was wholly unbelievable and insta-lovey but I could still find myself connecting to the characters and enjoying the pace.
I might pick up the sequel, I don’t know if I will for definite but yeah.
For more bookish content please see my other socials.
Violent Desire by Ariana Nash is an adult paranormal novel which follows Zaine and Eric as they attempt to avoid each other’s love and hunt down the baddie, Sebastian. Okay, so at first thought I was going to give these a high three stars, but I’m leaning now towards an upper 2 stars. Whilst reading, I thought there was something missing, something that didn’t quite sit right with me and then it clicked as to why I wasn’t enjoying it.
Eric Sharpe’s childhood sexual assault is romanticised throughout the novel, to the point where it becomes one of his only personality traits. I was just uncomfortable reading Nash’s take on this because it feels incredibly tone-deaf and nonsensical. Like Nash states from the start that Eric became a cop because of his sexual assault but it just doesn’t sit right with me that he was so trusting of Zaine, one of the same type of vampires that abused him? It just doesn’t make sense.
Some parts of the writing were incredibly fleshed out with a lot of worldbuilding having gone into it, despite how minor they are to the plot and one of my favourite characters was Zaine. His romance with Eric was wholly unbelievable and insta-lovey but I could still find myself connecting to the characters and enjoying the pace.
I might pick up the sequel, I don’t know if I will for definite but yeah.
For more bookish content please see my other socials.
Crescentville Haunting by M.N. Bennet
4 stars.
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? Yes
4.5
I received an advance reader copy of Crescentville Haunting for free and am under no obligation to leave a review. I would love to thank the team at Booksirens and the author M.N Bennet for providing the copy.
This book follows Logan as he is sentenced to a government-controlled facility after being bitten by the crone. Whilst inside, Logan discovers that not everything is the way that it’s presented in his town before agreeing to take part in clinical trials, before finally leaving and living his life.
I liked the way that Logan’s character was written because he was written like an actual teenager. He spoke like one and acted like one, especially in relation to his frustrations about his mother and father. All of the characters felt dynamic and added to the story without becoming plot devices, and there was plenty of untapped potential, which I’m hoping is expanded upon by Bennet in further books in this universe.
The writing style was beautifully done with the right mix of pacing and character development and worldbuilding, and above all the world felt compelling with me flipping through the pages until late in the night, until my eyes gave up. There were a few moments when I had to go back and be like what happened because I was just so shocked. Although I predicted one of the twists, I couldn’t help but find myself thoroughly enjoying this.
This was the first book that I have read by Bennet, and I am going to pick up his next book. I need more of this beautiful world and hope for an expansion on Henry and Logan’s relationship or a book about Ms Goto! Loved! Loved! Loved!
4 stars.
(January 3rd 2023 – January 4th 2023)
For more bookish content, I'm @billykmaguiree on every platform!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
Guided by Emma Smith
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I was first introduced to this book via Tiktok and I'd like to thank Emma Smith for being kind enough to send me a FREE copy in exchange for an honest review. Guided follows Macey as she attempts to rebuild her life after her involvement in the death of a girl in her care, the summer prior. Guided is also Emma Smith's first published novel.
This was the perfect introduction to Emma's writing and is perfect for fans of the mystery genre. From the beginning, we are aware that Macey has some sort of involvement with the death that occurred, but we have no idea how. Told through sharp prose, we learn more of Macey's involvement throughout the novel as she eventually unravels.
Emma Smith combines impeccable worldbuilding with the vibes of autumn to explore loss, guilt, love and the effects of bullying in a tale that I couldn't put down. The characters were likeable and well-fleshed out and aided Macey's journey. This is the perfect book for early autumn/late summer, that will make you wish for childhood once more.
[ Read between December 10 2022 and December 26 2022
For more bookish content, I'm @billykmaguiree on all platforms ]
This was the perfect introduction to Emma's writing and is perfect for fans of the mystery genre. From the beginning, we are aware that Macey has some sort of involvement with the death that occurred, but we have no idea how. Told through sharp prose, we learn more of Macey's involvement throughout the novel as she eventually unravels.
Emma Smith combines impeccable worldbuilding with the vibes of autumn to explore loss, guilt, love and the effects of bullying in a tale that I couldn't put down. The characters were likeable and well-fleshed out and aided Macey's journey. This is the perfect book for early autumn/late summer, that will make you wish for childhood once more.
[ Read between December 10 2022 and December 26 2022
For more bookish content, I'm @billykmaguiree on all platforms ]
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicide, and Murder
Moderate: Bullying, Panic attacks/disorders, and Suicidal thoughts
Kingdom of the Feared by Kerri Maniscalco
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The third book in Kerri Maniscalco's Kingdom of the Wicked follows Emilia's quest for truth as she falls in love with one of the seven princes of Hell. Kingdom of the Feared is no exception to the spiciness of the new adult genre.
All I can say is I was disappointed with this final instalment in a series I'd devoured. Gone were the time I'd flip page after page desperate to find out what was going on. Instead <i>Kingdom of the Feared</i> was bland with sex scenes overtaking the central plot, to the point that I was skipping them. I can imagine that Kerri wanted to write smut with this series (considering, she didn't in Stalking Jack the Ripper) but when it takes away from the plot, I'm not a fan.
Whilst this tied up lots of loose ends, I can see that with the expansion of the other princes of Hell's stories, there will be a spin-off, which I won't be picking up. The character development was confusing with Emilia giving whiplash surrounding Vittoria's betrayal, and I'm just honestly confused.
With all of that being said, I'm giving this book 3 stars. It didn't captivate me in the way that previous installments did but was still fast-paced enough that I could find myself enjoying it, despite the flaws.
[ Read between January 1 2023 and January 2 2023 ]
All I can say is I was disappointed with this final instalment in a series I'd devoured. Gone were the time I'd flip page after page desperate to find out what was going on. Instead <i>Kingdom of the Feared</i> was bland with sex scenes overtaking the central plot, to the point that I was skipping them. I can imagine that Kerri wanted to write smut with this series (considering, she didn't in Stalking Jack the Ripper) but when it takes away from the plot, I'm not a fan.
Whilst this tied up lots of loose ends, I can see that with the expansion of the other princes of Hell's stories, there will be a spin-off, which I won't be picking up. The character development was confusing with Emilia giving whiplash surrounding Vittoria's betrayal, and I'm just honestly confused.
With all of that being said, I'm giving this book 3 stars. It didn't captivate me in the way that previous installments did but was still fast-paced enough that I could find myself enjoying it, despite the flaws.
[ Read between January 1 2023 and January 2 2023 ]
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Gore, and Sexual content
Moderate: Death
Belladonna by Adalyn Grace
mysterious
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
3.5
A huge thank you to the team at Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for an electronic arc, in exchange for an honest review.
In this gothic romance, Signa Farrow has one goal to stop Death from taking another life of someone close to her. When one of Signa’s relatives, Blythe falls ill with the same symptoms of her late mother, Signa’s determined to find out the truth about what is happening in Thorn Grove. As she hunts for answers, she teams up with Death himself to find out who is poisoning her cousin.
This is the first work that I’ve read by Adalyn Grace and it wasn’t amazing, but also wasn’t terrible. Hit the middle mark of what I expected.
The writing was okay. I liked the way that the characters were portrayed, especially Percy and Blythe but at times the plot felt like it lacked a lot of originality? I don’t know if it’s just me but there was points where I predicted what was going to happen, however the final plot twist was completely unexpected. Knowing Signa’s story with Death isn’t over makes me extremely hopeful for the next book ‘Foxglove.’
I do feel like Foxglove isn’t needed as an extension of the plot and things could’ve been wrapped up with an alternate ending.
Another area where I felt the plot was lacking was the whole build up between Death and Signa. I’m sure it’s no shocker that they fell in love, but I found the whole thing kind of creepy? From the very first page we see Death is watching over Signa as a baby, aware of who she is and what she is capable off. To me personally, Death’s grooming of Signa is not romantic but odd and should not be glamourised.
Overall: Belladonna by Adalyn Grace missed the mark for me and I am still conflicted about whether or not I’ll be picking up Foxglove when it comes out next year.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Suicide attempt, and Death of parent
Moderate: Gaslighting
Minor: Toxic relationship and Vomit
The Haunting of Tyrese Walker by J.P. Rose
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
After his father’s death, Tyrese Walker spends time in Jamaica, refusing to mourn. After Tyrese is targeted by the mysterious ‘Shadow Man’ he vows to find out why he is being targeted. Alongside his cousin (Marvin) and their friend Ellie, the three children vow to find out why Tyrese is being targeted.
Tyrese’s grief is explored in such a way that you can see how grief changes you. As Tyrese grows through the narrative, you can tell that grief has changed Tyrese. From initial refusal to come to terms with his father’s death to finally listening to the voicemail, Tyrese’s story is one that explores the highs and lows of grief. As Tyrese met the Shadow Man, he finally came to terms with the grief he had been feeling, thus banishing the enemy.
JP Rose’s writing style is phenomenal and has the perfect mixture of description, action and characterisation. You could clearly feel the journey that Tyrese has gone through from start to finish and this makes Tyrese’s actions a whole lot more believable than if he’d stayed static. The characters of Ellie and Marvin are excellent additions to the tale, Ellie serves as a reminder of the bond that Tyrese had with his father and Marvin contrasts the grief by continuously bringing up Tyrese’s father. With the ‘Shadow Man’ only going after those affected by death, Tyrese eventually comes to terms with his fathers’ death.
This is a stunning tale that could’ve easily been expanded for a second book in the same universe. Tyrese was an extremely loveable lead character and pairing this with Rose’s magnetic prose allows for a truly enjoyable read despite showcasing darker elements of life.
A huge thank you to the team at Andersen Press and Netgalley for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Grief
Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Death