bookworm_haley's reviews
199 reviews

A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir

adventurous challenging dark emotional fast-paced

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

4.0

An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

adventurous challenging 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? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera

dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

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

3.75

We Shall Be Monsters by Alyssa Wees

adventurous dark hopeful mysterious fast-paced

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

3.5

We Shall Be Monsters follows the story of Gemma Cassata and her mother Virginia who live near an enchanted patch of forest in Michigan. When Gemma's mother goes missing, Gemma must go into the woods, face a witch, and break the mysterious curse that has plagued her mother. Written in dual point of view - that of Gemma and her mother - we come to terms with generational trauma, curses, and both past and present. 

I really enjoyed the atmosphere of this book, as someone who grew up in Michigan near the woods, this was really easy for me to slide into mentally. Dark, and whimsical Wees brings you into this world so like our own, but sprinkled with darkness and magic. I enjoyed the strength of our female characters, they did not rely on others to offer them help, or to try and run from their problems. Our main character was very fleshed out and much more than just a 15 year old girl. However, I do think the writing style and way things progressed for this book lean very heavily YA. 

Overall, while it didn't blow me away as a 29 year old, as a teenager I would've adored this book, and would definitely recommend to anyone who is a young adult or just a lover of YA fantasy style stories. Thank you so much to Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing me the ARC of this book for review. All opinions are my own.

Acceptance by Jeff VanderMeer

adventurous challenging emotional mysterious tense slow-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? It's complicated

5.0

Just Like Home by Sarah Gailey

challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas

challenging dark emotional hopeful medium-paced

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

5.0

Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig

adventurous dark emotional inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

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

4.5

May Day by Jess Lourey

1.5