blueside's reviews
58 reviews

You by Caroline Kepnes

adventurous challenging dark mysterious tense fast-paced

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

3.75

I enjoyed the story and its twists and turns but I have already watched the show. So, I knew what to expected. I remember when this book recently came out and I was interested in reading it because it was written in second person. At the end of the day, the whole first season of the show was the first book in this series. I found it very entertaining but I enjoyed the show a bit more. As I was reading, I watched the scenes play out in my head with the same actors as the show and it was entertaining. The only reasons why I don't give it a five star is because I thought the writing was going to be a bit more complex and I'm not obsessed enough with the story or characters in this format. It is the first in a series so I understand that point. I most likely won't be continuing with the books but I don't regret my time reading the first one. 

Moriarty the Patriot, Vol. 1 by Ryōsuke Takeuchi

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted fast-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? No

4.75

I think it was a great introduction to the series as a whole. I'm currently reading and completing the original stores of Arthur Conan Doyle so comparing the two formats with it's characters is quite interesting and fun. 

Overall, the only reason why it's not a five star read is because I'm not completely obsessed with the characters yet but the manga as a whole was great. I like the atmosphere, story, pacing, dialogue, details, and art. Overall, it's a great introduction and I will continue with both formats. 

The Sign of Four by Arthur Conan Doyle

adventurous challenging funny lighthearted mysterious reflective fast-paced

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

5.0

I really enjoyed this novel. I was captived by the first chapter and it was very easy to get into. I absolutely love how in depth we got to know the main ch racters more. Due to their habits and interests and likes and common phrases. There were moments were I laughed out loud due to how iconic Sherlock Holmes is and regardless of the fact, that I have already watched the complete Sherlock Holmes show with Benedict Cumberbatch, I continued to love the characters all over again. As if it was the first time. Once again, I have loved sir Arthur Conan Doyle's writing style and how he describes certain characters and actions. Once again, I've been captivated by his works that stars the two main characters-- Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson. 

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle

adventurous challenging informative lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

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

5.0

I thoroughly enjoyed my experience of reading the whole collection of Sherlock Holmes of his adventures. The title stands true as a reflection of this collection. Each story felt brand new and completely different from the previous one. 

I enjoyed that the focus was more on the cases and Sherlock's clients than the iconic pair. But nonetheless, Doyle clearly demonstrated the bond and friendship Sherlock has with Watson. Both gentlemen quite comfortable with each other's company and helped each other out on some occasions during these adventures. 

In conclusion, I cannot pick my favorite case out of all of them. They were all so amusing and grabbed my attention immediately. I love how Doyle writes. It's fast paced but well informed with lots of details and narratives. I'm left baffled by how well written these stories are and the amount of creativity in each story. Doyle clearly had a great time writing from lots of perspectives and scenarios. Sherlock Holmes is truly one of the greatest detectives of all time. 

The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson

adventurous lighthearted medium-paced

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

3.5

I'm in the minority when I say that I wasn't obsessed with this book -- or series -- so far. 

It's pretty straight to the point. I think my issue is the characters. I'm having a hard time connecting with them and their way of thinking. So, the characters still felt like they were lacking personality.

Although, towards the last 100 pages, I was enjoying the book a bit more because of the troubles they faced. It forced the characters to break their mold or take bold risks. 

Out of everyone in this book, I enjoy Sazed. Perhaps it's because of his wise words or the fact that he is going through a major character arc towards the end of the book but yeah. I tolerate him for now- hahah. 

Nonetheless, I will continue reading Brandon Sanderson's work because I know he's a great author and although, Tress and this series isn't a hit for me. I'm sure his other books will. 

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

adventurous lighthearted mysterious relaxing slow-paced

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

3.0

I thought I would enjoy this book a lot but in reality, I'm not in love with the story nor the characters. I enjoy it but that's all. 

Overall, it definitely felt magically in a whimsical way. The story is definitely unique. I havent read a love story set in a circus before. 

For those who genuinely love a circus and soft magic with a dash of romance, pick this book up! 😊👍✨

New Moon by Stephenie Meyer

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted relaxing fast-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

The Echo of Old Books by Barbara Davis

dark emotional mysterious reflective tense slow-paced

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

4.0

I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly I read this book and fell for its story. I loved the uniqueness of storytelling.

It was formatted in a way that you’re reading about someone reading a book. That made me giggle when I thought about it.

I fell for its beautiful and elegant writing style. The drastic difference between the books and the characters perspectives.

Although I fell for the writing, the story felt a bit predictable but nonetheless, I enjoyed it.

The only reason why I rate it a 4 stars is because I didn’t end up obsessed with the story or it’s characters but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad book. 

I enjoyed the way the focus of the story was forgiveness and how one struggles to reach that point. 

At the end of the day, it was a good read which I’ve enjoyed.

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

challenging emotional tense medium-paced

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

3.0

Honestly, I was over the moon when I heard it was a book about a game and had a love story but the first two chapters of the book were fun and funny and it went downhill from there. I didn't connect with any character and I thought it was going to be more interesting or fun to read. The three main characters all had their flaws and they were all stubborn in their own way which made me feel irritated. But I guess I'm in the minority because everyone else loved this book so take my opinion like a grain of salt. 

Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson

adventurous mysterious reflective 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

4.5

I feel like this book is a lot of build up because it is a trilogy so I understand but as a whole, I really enjoyed warbreaker more. But we shall continue the series and perhaps I'll feel more strongly after I read the other books. I'm not obsessed with this story or the characters but I enjoy it enough to keep going.