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bookphenomena_micky's reviews
4614 reviews
Bitter Truth by Meredith Wild
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
2.5
Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.5
I'm pretty shook on finishing this book. I did not expect that ending with two almighty plot twists. I feel a bit bereft. Where does that leave us, the legacy, the characters, the progeny?
Paul felt like he'd evolved into something of an mini dictator in this book, he was harder to like and harder to relate to. I felt like I didn't really know him. Things started to fall around him. Chani's storyline was compelling and I'll leave my thoughts there to stay non-spoilery. There were some rather icky moments in relation to Aliyah and how Herbert sexualised her character at that age from others' viewpoints.
The planet itself had evolved and the Dune-off world shennanigans that seemed afoot were interesting and I'm guessing that's what we'll see next. Spreading the sandworm joy.
I am going to have to line up the next after that ending because I need to know what's next.
Paul felt like he'd evolved into something of an mini dictator in this book, he was harder to like and harder to relate to. I felt like I didn't really know him. Things started to fall around him. Chani's storyline was compelling and I'll leave my thoughts there to stay non-spoilery. There were some rather icky moments in relation to Aliyah and how Herbert sexualised her character at that age from others' viewpoints.
The planet itself had evolved and the Dune-off world shennanigans that seemed afoot were interesting and I'm guessing that's what we'll see next. Spreading the sandworm joy.
I am going to have to line up the next after that ending because I need to know what's next.
A Fire in the Sky by Sophie Jordan
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
Headlines:
Clever plotting
Marriage of convenience
Dragon revival
This book swept me into it's thrall rather quickly with Tamsyn's situation in the royal family that was both awful and at the same time, intriguing. I couldn't fathom the idea of a whipping girl. The arrival of "the beast" brought ripples through the palace and colour me interested in the dynamic that evolved.
I didn't expect the turn of events but found myself laughing in parts and horrified at the wedding night. Still, Jordan was able to show incredible chemistry between Fell and Tamsyn that had me wishing all the things for them.
The journey they found themselves on both relationship-wise and across the country was risky and full of peril. I did not see the twists that came along that journey. You could have heard my jaw drop from 50 steps. What a turn of events...and then we got a second twist!
I did feel a bit of ebbing in the plot and pace towards the end but then things picked up with steep excitement. It's a fairly open ending and I really hope the author intends to bring us more of this world and characters; I'm ready for it.
Thank you to HQ stories for the eARC.
Clever plotting
Marriage of convenience
Dragon revival
This book swept me into it's thrall rather quickly with Tamsyn's situation in the royal family that was both awful and at the same time, intriguing. I couldn't fathom the idea of a whipping girl. The arrival of "the beast" brought ripples through the palace and colour me interested in the dynamic that evolved.
I didn't expect the turn of events but found myself laughing in parts and horrified at the wedding night. Still, Jordan was able to show incredible chemistry between Fell and Tamsyn that had me wishing all the things for them.
The journey they found themselves on both relationship-wise and across the country was risky and full of peril. I did not see the twists that came along that journey. You could have heard my jaw drop from 50 steps. What a turn of events...and then we got a second twist!
I did feel a bit of ebbing in the plot and pace towards the end but then things picked up with steep excitement. It's a fairly open ending and I really hope the author intends to bring us more of this world and characters; I'm ready for it.
Thank you to HQ stories for the eARC.
All This Twisted Glory by Tahereh Mafi
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
I don't quite know how Mafi does it...I wanted this to be trilogy rather than a longer series but I am pretty invested in these characters now and their story. I found book two a bit of a difficult read as the trianglular-shaped relationships started to appear but I have settled into that dynamic. I appreciated how that was kind of resolved in this installment.
Cyrus grew on me in this book, his diviner education, his dedication to what he'd seen in visions and carrying that through, was pretty gripping. The way this installment ended ensures my readership of the next. Kamran seemed different in character as time elapsed, he seemed to lack integrity. Alizeh continues to pull me along with her character arc. Huda irriated me still but she's quirky and funny sometimes.
I have no idea what is to come in this series, or how many books there will be but I hope they keep the excitment I felt in this installment.
Cyrus grew on me in this book, his diviner education, his dedication to what he'd seen in visions and carrying that through, was pretty gripping. The way this installment ended ensures my readership of the next. Kamran seemed different in character as time elapsed, he seemed to lack integrity. Alizeh continues to pull me along with her character arc. Huda irriated me still but she's quirky and funny sometimes.
I have no idea what is to come in this series, or how many books there will be but I hope they keep the excitment I felt in this installment.
The Awakening (Dramatized Adaptation) by Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti
Did not finish book. Stopped at 60%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 60%.
I felt mildly entertained for the first 30% which was aided by the dramatised audio. From there, it felt repetitive, trope-y to a ridiculous extent. Bully romance isn't my thing anyway but I thought I'd give this a go as I had book one. I find myself pleased to not be needing to read the other nine books!
Play Along by Liz Tomforde
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
It took me a good few chapters to get pulled into Play Alomg but once Vegas happened, I was in. This marriage of convenience trope delivered on a slow burn, good guy and feminist themes. These guys are all for lifting women up in their chosen career directions and wanting equality for them in an authentic way.
Isaiah finally getting what he wanted was so satisfying. He finally let his smirking mask down and underneath was good reading. Kennedy becoming comfortable with connections, touch and family was quite lovely.
Now I see something happening between Monty and Reese and I am not sorry about it. Please can we have that next because I am not feeling Rio at all.
Isaiah finally getting what he wanted was so satisfying. He finally let his smirking mask down and underneath was good reading. Kennedy becoming comfortable with connections, touch and family was quite lovely.
Now I see something happening between Monty and Reese and I am not sorry about it. Please can we have that next because I am not feeling Rio at all.
Just What I Needed by Kylie Scott, Kylie Scott
fast-paced
2.0
Had potential but finished abruptly with a very rushed HEA. Unsatisfying.
Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Headlines:
Musical vibes were strong
Connecting across the staves
Family complications
This book worked for me on a musical level. The idea of the POPS orchestra gelled with my tastes completely and I found myself making my own playlists while I wasn't listening to this audio. Alex gave all the stormy, grumpy genius vibes and found myself intrigued by his mystery. Alex to Xander to Alex was a story I wanted in full.
Gwen was her own kind of genius but lacking in self belief. I liked the contrast that she didn't come from an entitled musical background and her talent led her to the place in POPS just the same. This felt initally, a enemies to more story but it was more complex than that. These two together made incredible music in more ways than one.
Ava, Nathan and Mabel were great side characters and none of them were straight-forward. Mabel was fierce and a harsh-love kind of mentor but she was pretty great. Ava and Nathan were another matter.
This story gave me all the feels and I enjoyed it and the musical world vicariously. The audio narration was dual pov but minimal Alex POV. A great format for this read nevertheless.
Musical vibes were strong
Connecting across the staves
Family complications
This book worked for me on a musical level. The idea of the POPS orchestra gelled with my tastes completely and I found myself making my own playlists while I wasn't listening to this audio. Alex gave all the stormy, grumpy genius vibes and found myself intrigued by his mystery. Alex to Xander to Alex was a story I wanted in full.
Gwen was her own kind of genius but lacking in self belief. I liked the contrast that she didn't come from an entitled musical background and her talent led her to the place in POPS just the same. This felt initally, a enemies to more story but it was more complex than that. These two together made incredible music in more ways than one.
Ava, Nathan and Mabel were great side characters and none of them were straight-forward. Mabel was fierce and a harsh-love kind of mentor but she was pretty great. Ava and Nathan were another matter.
This story gave me all the feels and I enjoyed it and the musical world vicariously. The audio narration was dual pov but minimal Alex POV. A great format for this read nevertheless.
Aurora by David Koepp
Did not finish book. Stopped at 35%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 35%.
I was here for the science concept and how it affected earth but what I got was so completely character-driven that it spoilt the book for me. I was so bored, I couldn't continue.
The Bonus by TL Swan
3.75
Really disappointed in the author's decision to end the book so abruptly in the KU copy. If you want the epilogues (that I presume give a proper finish) you have to buy the paperback.