Scan barcode
bookishsamurai's reviews
25 reviews
The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is an intricate and thought-provoking book with elements of history, fantasy, and intense character development. Set in a world inspired by 20th-century China, the story follows the protagonist, who earns a spot at a prestigious military academy. As she grapples with both personal demons and the brutality of war, the narrative explores themes of power, survival, and the cost of vengeance.
The world-building is rich and detailed, offering a compelling and often harrowing look at a world torn apart by conflict. The political intrigue, the personal stakes, and the historical backdrop provide a strong foundation for the story, but at times the pacing feels slow (towards the beginning of the book) and you can feel the build-up growing.
However, as the story progresses, the stakes rise and the narrative takes on a new level of urgency, delivering intense moments and emotional depth. By the end, the book becomes so much more gripping and unputdownable, creating a powerful conclusion that makes you want to jump right into the sequel.
This book is definitely a rewarding read that shines brightest in its latter stages. Though the journey to get there may feel a bit uneven at times, the emotional payoff and dramatic turn of events make it a worthwhile experience for fans of dark fantasy and historical fiction.
The world-building is rich and detailed, offering a compelling and often harrowing look at a world torn apart by conflict. The political intrigue, the personal stakes, and the historical backdrop provide a strong foundation for the story, but at times the pacing feels slow (towards the beginning of the book) and you can feel the build-up growing.
However, as the story progresses, the stakes rise and the narrative takes on a new level of urgency, delivering intense moments and emotional depth. By the end, the book becomes so much more gripping and unputdownable, creating a powerful conclusion that makes you want to jump right into the sequel.
This book is definitely a rewarding read that shines brightest in its latter stages. Though the journey to get there may feel a bit uneven at times, the emotional payoff and dramatic turn of events make it a worthwhile experience for fans of dark fantasy and historical fiction.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Gore, Colonisation, and Classism
Moderate: Addiction, Animal cruelty, Body horror, Child death, Drug use, Genocide, and Blood
The Mask Falling by Samantha Shannon
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
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
This is the fourth book in The Bone Season series, and it's a fantastic continuation of the world Paige has been navigating since The Bone Season. If you’ve been following along, this book really digs deep into her character after The Song Rising and the intense choices she’s facing about how to move forward.
The world-building is as captivating as ever, with Paige constantly dealing with new threats (our girl cannot catch a break!), alliances, and the ever-growing tension between Paige the person and Paige the UQ. The stakes are huge, personally for Paige and for the London syndicate. What really stood out in this book is how much Paige’s internal struggles take center stage - her growth is really evident, and you feel every moment of it. Samantha Shannon did an incredible job of making Paige's trauma such a big part of her in the immediate aftermath, as it happens usually.
There’s also a lot more exploration of the relationships in theParis syndicate , and new characters and elements are introduced that really take the overall complexity of the story to the next level. While the pacing is a little slow at the beginning, there is a good reason for it, and it adds to the depth of character development that Paige goes through in that time.
The writing is engaging, with plenty of tension and those gut-punching emotional moments that keep you hooked. By the time you reach the end, you’ll definitely be breathless for what happens next. It’s a brilliant book to add to the series, and another reason why this series has become my adult favorite!
The world-building is as captivating as ever, with Paige constantly dealing with new threats (our girl cannot catch a break!), alliances, and the ever-growing tension between Paige the person and Paige the UQ. The stakes are huge, personally for Paige and for the London syndicate. What really stood out in this book is how much Paige’s internal struggles take center stage - her growth is really evident, and you feel every moment of it. Samantha Shannon did an incredible job of making Paige's trauma such a big part of her in the immediate aftermath, as it happens usually.
There’s also a lot more exploration of the relationships in the
The writing is engaging, with plenty of tension and those gut-punching emotional moments that keep you hooked. By the time you reach the end, you’ll definitely be breathless for what happens next. It’s a brilliant book to add to the series, and another reason why this series has become my adult favorite!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Torture
The Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley
challenging
dark
informative
inspiring
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This book took some time to get used to, as someone who was hearing many terms used in the book for the first time. Maybe the language could've been introduced in a more reader-friendly way. Once I powered through those parts, the plot was pretty easy to follow.
Stranger Skies by Pascale Lacelle
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Murder Your Employer: The McMasters Guide to Homicide by Rupert Holmes
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This book is a fun, quirky ride with a whole lot of potential but doesn’t quite hit the mark in every way. The premise is super interesting. The writing has some sharp wit, and there are definitely moments where you can’t help but laugh out loud.
But, honestly, while the premise had me hooked from the start, the execution didn’t quite live up to what I expected. It felt a little uneven in parts, with the pacing dragging a bit in places where I was hoping for more action or twists. Some characters were super interesting, while others felt like they were there just to fill space (iykyk). If you like dark, dry humor, and want to read something for a refreshing change, try out this book. I thought there would be a book 2 for this but idk if that's still happening - either way, this is a self-contained story and (for now) a standalone book.
But, honestly, while the premise had me hooked from the start, the execution didn’t quite live up to what I expected. It felt a little uneven in parts, with the pacing dragging a bit in places where I was hoping for more action or twists. Some characters were super interesting, while others felt like they were there just to fill space (iykyk). If you like dark, dry humor, and want to read something for a refreshing change, try out this book. I thought there would be a book 2 for this but idk if that's still happening - either way, this is a self-contained story and (for now) a standalone book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Murder
The Toll by Neal Shusterman
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
4.25
The final book in the series, this was well-written and deserves all the praise. The plot threads are intricately weaved, and I couldn't find any loose ends to be sad about. The climax of the story makes it more suspenseful, and the characters' journeys culminates in an emotional but believable end, showcasing their growth and impact on the world. The conclusion is definitely thought-provoking and honestly, a must-read series in today's technology-run world.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Violence, and War
Thunderhead by Neal Shusterman
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
slow-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
The world building in this book delves deeper into the complexities of artificial intelligence and the role of technology in shaping society. The narrative shifts perspectives, offering a broader view of the events unfolding. The pace feels slightly slower, but this book delves into profound philosophical questions about free will, the nature of consciousness, and the limits of technology. This series is a definite must-read for everyone who likes fantasy.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Violence
Scythe by Neal Shusterman
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
4.25
This book is a chilling and thought-provoking first book of the series. The premise, where humans have conquered death and Scythes are tasked with "gleaning" lives to maintain population control, is compelling. The characters are complex and well-developed, grappling with the profound moral dilemmas presented. Shusterman masterfully explores themes of duty, morality, and the meaning of life in a world devoid of death. This book challenges readers to confront the ethical implications of immortality.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Suicide, and Violence
Into the Dying Light by Katy Rose Pool
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
What a satisfying conclusion to the series. There's action, even though the pacing is still slow-medium. There are intense moments, and I can say the ending was something I did not expect at all. Definitely read this series - Katy Rose Pool has a built a great story set in an intriguing world.
As the Shadow Rises by Katy Rose Pool
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
The stakes are higher in the second book of this series, and every character faces some kind of a threat. You'll feel the danger and the uncertainty as you turn the pages, and the ending of the book is a cliffhanger that will leave you in suspense about the fact that there's a whole book left and the chaos has just begun. I really enjoyed this series overall, and I liked the fact that this did not feel like a filler book, as the second book in a trilogy usually is.