Scan barcode
bumblemee's reviews
201 reviews
Gregor und das Schwert des Kriegers by Suzanne Collins
5.0
This still contains one of the most devastating deaths of a fictional character ever.
No matter how many times I listen to this, I never fail to tear up/cry at Gregor clinging to Ares' foot for two weeks. Like, what the fuck, Suzanne? Why would you want to break my heart like that??
The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
If I ever felt like I am the exact target audience for a book, it was while reading this, because for me, this was very close to perfect.
Both main characters are so utterly loveable it felt like my heart was bursting sometimes. Probably because I could relate so much to their struggles. Struggling with mental illness and the way it influences how you think about yourself and yourself in relation to others. Having a hard time opening up. It was wonderful to see them be good at understanding one another. - All of that was handled with a lot of care and makes the topic of mental illness/health very accessible. And I think it's very important to have stories like this, where two equally struggling people learn that said struggles don't make them unloveable.
I also love to see some a-spec-rep, especially when done this well :)
I can't really put my finger on why this didn't feel like a 5 star read. Maybe because I still struggle a bit with romance book endings being a little too cheesy for my liking.
[my content warnings may be incomplete, bc of my meh memory]
Both main characters are so utterly loveable it felt like my heart was bursting sometimes. Probably because I could relate so much to their struggles. Struggling with mental illness and the way it influences how you think about yourself and yourself in relation to others. Having a hard time opening up. It was wonderful to see them be good at understanding one another. - All of that was handled with a lot of care and makes the topic of mental illness/health very accessible. And I think it's very important to have stories like this, where two equally struggling people learn that said struggles don't make them unloveable.
I also love to see some a-spec-rep, especially when done this well :)
I can't really put my finger on why this didn't feel like a 5 star read. Maybe because I still struggle a bit with romance book endings being a little too cheesy for my liking.
[my content warnings may be incomplete, bc of my meh memory]
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Vomit, and Alcohol
Moderate: Sexual content and Acephobia/Arophobia
We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
3.75
I'm unsure of what to make of this - it sucked me in and I read it really fast, because I wanted to uncover what happened. I expected something different than what this ended up being and that disappointed me a little. The reveal was underwhelming to me, since I saw it coming and hoped to get a bit more of an explanation a bit more of actual family dynamics or the "why" in general - you can guess the why, but I would've liked a little more "meat to it", if that is the correct saying here .
However, the twist wasn't the fascinating thing in here, it was more of Merricat's voice and her anxieties, it was interesting to uncover more and more how her mind works. She sounds way younger than she is, the way she personified objects for example and the magical thinking of course.It took a little while for me to understand that Constance isn't the one making the rules, but Merricat puts these rules on herself, always becoming more rigid. Then the rituals she believes are protecting her and her sister. The way this safe space shrinks over time. It's a very smart exploration of mental illness in my opinion and I liked the book a lot for it.
Maybe I'll love it more if I should ever read it again, I'd like to see how some things read after knowing how the story ends. Until then, I can say I liked it, but hoped to love it.
However, the twist wasn't the fascinating thing in here, it was more of Merricat's voice and her anxieties, it was interesting to uncover more and more how her mind works. She sounds way younger than she is, the way she personified objects for example and the magical thinking of course.
Maybe I'll love it more if I should ever read it again, I'd like to see how some things read after knowing how the story ends. Until then, I can say I liked it, but hoped to love it.
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
If I read this before reading Six of Crows a few years ago, it would've saved me a lot of confusion. This book does a great job at introducing readers to the Grishaverse.
This feels like the essence of a YA fantasy novel and I had a lot of fun with it. Training sequences, a young heroine coming into her power - great. The pacing was fast, yet it felt a little random at times. For the most part though, I liked how much thought went into building the plot itself, even though I would've liked a little more build up for a certain thing.I was a little disappointed that the big twist in the middle was simply this scene with Baghra, who explains a lot of things to Alina and then sends her off. I get that Alina didn't see it coming and was pulled in by the Darklings charisma. Still, I would've liked it if she found out some things by herself.
I also like that the author - no surprise there - doesn't shy away from letting her protagonist make morally questionable decisions. A lot of people shy away from that, especially in YA.
All in all I enjoyed my time reading and will probably continue somewhen, even if it's not my top priority right now.
This feels like the essence of a YA fantasy novel and I had a lot of fun with it. Training sequences, a young heroine coming into her power - great. The pacing was fast, yet it felt a little random at times. For the most part though, I liked how much thought went into building the plot itself, even though I would've liked a little more build up for a certain thing.
I also like that the author - no surprise there - doesn't shy away from letting her protagonist make morally questionable decisions. A lot of people shy away from that, especially in YA.
All in all I enjoyed my time reading and will probably continue somewhen, even if it's not my top priority right now.
Drachenbrut by Naomi Novik
adventurous
emotional
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
5.0
I am a simple asexual girlie: You give me dragons -> I am happy.
I first read this book in 2008, when I was 12, and remembered it as one of my favorite books ever. Given that I remembered very little of what actually happened though, I decided to finally reread it - and I am so happy to say I still love it.
Are there a lot of things I'd be annoyed at if I read it for the first time now? Yes. Did I care now? Not really. I see why I loved this book so much when I was younger, even though I am pretty sure in hindsight that a lot of things went over my head, starting with all those french names I wouldn't have been able to translate or know how to pronounce and ending with any actual knowledge concerning the Napoleonic Wars. (Sad to say the latter hasn't changed, history isn't my thing, I fear.)
Still, if you write a story about dragons forming an unbreakable bond with their riders, you got my attention instantly. I fell in love again with every one of those bonds - except for one of them of courselooking at you, Rankin, you absolute asshole . I got really attached to the dragons in particular, they are simply wonderful. I cried so hard when Levitas died, he was so such a sweetheart.
Laurence is one of those well-rounded characters that are hard to not like. He is full of benevolent sexism (given the time period that's accurate though, I guess) and a little arrogant at times, but you can tell that he has a big heart. His aspiration to always be a Gentleman and his helplessness in social situations that are awkward for him are a little cute even. These flaws just make him a believable character. I also love how good he is with children, it warms my heart.
Same goes for Temeraire. He also thinks a bit too highly of himself sometimes, but you can't hold it against him. In the end he's just so, so wonderful. It was always very entertaining to see how his intelligence and his view of the world clashed with the way humans build their society. I really hope this develops further and humans start to see that dragons should indeed have more of a say in a lot of things. They treat them with respect and see them as friends in a lot of ways, but in the end, humans still feel entitled to see dragons as some kind of super-pet. ... As said, I hope that changes as the series goes on. (I dnf-ed the second one back then, because I thought it was boring. I'll try again.)
The plot was interesting and found a good balance between exposition, letting Laurence adjust to his new situation, and an exciting plot around the Napleonic Wars going on.
I first read this book in 2008, when I was 12, and remembered it as one of my favorite books ever. Given that I remembered very little of what actually happened though, I decided to finally reread it - and I am so happy to say I still love it.
Are there a lot of things I'd be annoyed at if I read it for the first time now? Yes. Did I care now? Not really. I see why I loved this book so much when I was younger, even though I am pretty sure in hindsight that a lot of things went over my head, starting with all those french names I wouldn't have been able to translate or know how to pronounce and ending with any actual knowledge concerning the Napoleonic Wars. (Sad to say the latter hasn't changed, history isn't my thing, I fear.)
Still, if you write a story about dragons forming an unbreakable bond with their riders, you got my attention instantly. I fell in love again with every one of those bonds - except for one of them of course
Laurence is one of those well-rounded characters that are hard to not like. He is full of benevolent sexism (given the time period that's accurate though, I guess) and a little arrogant at times, but you can tell that he has a big heart. His aspiration to always be a Gentleman and his helplessness in social situations that are awkward for him are a little cute even. These flaws just make him a believable character. I also love how good he is with children, it warms my heart.
Same goes for Temeraire. He also thinks a bit too highly of himself sometimes, but you can't hold it against him. In the end he's just so, so wonderful. It was always very entertaining to see how his intelligence and his view of the world clashed with the way humans build their society. I really hope this develops further and humans start to see that dragons should indeed have more of a say in a lot of things. They treat them with respect and see them as friends in a lot of ways, but in the end, humans still feel entitled to see dragons as some kind of super-pet. ... As said, I hope that changes as the series goes on. (I dnf-ed the second one back then, because I thought it was boring. I'll try again.)
The plot was interesting and found a good balance between exposition, letting Laurence adjust to his new situation, and an exciting plot around the Napleonic Wars going on.
Schattenkämpfer by Mark Lawrence
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Ngl, I'm a little sad this series is over now. I listened to all of them back to back and had a great time with these books.
This is a cleverly constructed story, a lot of little things have been forshadowed and build up to since book one. Really well handled. There were a lot of great moments in here and the story made sense, still I felt like it fell a liiiiittle flat. I can't really explain it, but I hoped for a bit more of an epic moment for the ending. I also didn't enjoy the dual time line that much, it took me out of the story sometimes and the one that took place in the past took a little too much time. There was interesting information there, but I would've liked it to move a little faster.
I also liked how this fantasy plot still had a message about what it means to be humanlike how flaws and emotions, the good and the bad, make us human .
All in all I am happy with this conclusion though!
This is a cleverly constructed story, a lot of little things have been forshadowed and build up to since book one. Really well handled. There were a lot of great moments in here and the story made sense, still I felt like it fell a liiiiittle flat. I can't really explain it, but I hoped for a bit more of an epic moment for the ending. I also didn't enjoy the dual time line that much, it took me out of the story sometimes and the one that took place in the past took a little too much time. There was interesting information there, but I would've liked it to move a little faster.
I also liked how this fantasy plot still had a message about what it means to be human
All in all I am happy with this conclusion though!
Klingentänzer by Mark Lawrence
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Liked it a lot! - It was a bit faster paced than the first one, which I enjoyed. I listened to the German audio book and still really liked the narrator.
I really love the found family in this one, how loyal they are to one another. The plot also thickens and is really interesting. The magic system is still great as well, it's the perfect mixture between clear rules and a little soft on the edges to make it interesting, you don't really know everything that is and isn't possible, but everytime something new is introduced it doesn't seem far fetched. (We've seen the most of it in book one, but this book made me realize even more why I enjoy the magic so much in this series.)
I'm gonna move on to book three now :)
I really love the found family in this one, how loyal they are to one another. The plot also thickens and is really interesting. The magic system is still great as well, it's the perfect mixture between clear rules and a little soft on the edges to make it interesting, you don't really know everything that is and isn't possible, but everytime something new is introduced it doesn't seem far fetched. (We've seen the most of it in book one, but this book made me realize even more why I enjoy the magic so much in this series.)
I'm gonna move on to book three now :)
Here's To Us by Adam Silvera, Becky Albertalli
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-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
3.25
... hm. idk, feelings are mixed.
i liked that this explores the messiness of relationships and how you can sometimes be an asshole without wanting to be. because that is what it feels like to read this. ben and arthur and arthur especially really have a lot of moments in this book that make you want to shake them, because they can't figure their feelings out and are hurting others in the process. - while that is hard to read, it felt realistic. people aren't always capable of behaving in the best way possible, even if someone on the outside can see where they go wrong.honestly? mikey is the sweetest person ever and really didn't deserve arthurs behavior in any way, i got so frustrated sometimes. when jessie was like "mayyybe don't reconnect with your ex - especially not in the same place you first met when you had this "the universe" fate thing going on - while knowing your boyfriend is insecure about that" and arthur didn't even hesitate ... god, i was annoyed. yes, nobody can forbid you to meet someone, but ... without even second guessing it? really, arthur?? - i'm glad he reflects on that later, but still. the break up scene broke my heart, i just wanted to hug mikey so badly. and glad that he got at least a bit angry.
the thing is though: you're supposed to root for them to get back together. and i was like: hm, i don't really care. i said in my review of the first book that i didn't really get invested in the romance, but i did think they were a cute couple. well, for the most part of this book, they weren't a couple and i honestly didn't really feel like they should become one again. i didn't really buy the "happy forever" kind of thing for them. also, i thought the book was a little too long and the ending a little too much... but it fit the story, i guess.
all in all i did like the exploration of relationship dynamics, even though i didn't enjoy the eventual romance that much. but that's okay. i was entertained and got through this book quite fast for the most part, it dragged on a bit sometimes.
i liked that this explores the messiness of relationships and how you can sometimes be an asshole without wanting to be. because that is what it feels like to read this. ben and arthur and arthur especially really have a lot of moments in this book that make you want to shake them, because they can't figure their feelings out and are hurting others in the process. - while that is hard to read, it felt realistic. people aren't always capable of behaving in the best way possible, even if someone on the outside can see where they go wrong.
the thing is though: you're supposed to root for them to get back together. and i was like: hm, i don't really care. i said in my review of the first book that i didn't really get invested in the romance, but i did think they were a cute couple. well, for the most part of this book, they weren't a couple and i honestly didn't really feel like they should become one again. i didn't really buy the "happy forever" kind of thing for them. also, i thought the book was a little too long and the ending a little too much... but it fit the story, i guess.
all in all i did like the exploration of relationship dynamics, even though i didn't enjoy the eventual romance that much. but that's okay. i was entertained and got through this book quite fast for the most part, it dragged on a bit sometimes.
The Cybernetic Tea Shop by Meredith Katz
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This was so cute!!
The setting is very cozy and interesting at the same time. I liked how AI was explored/discussed here. Clara and Sal were both cute characters and I liked their dynamic - maybe I would've liked it if Clara had a little more room to grow with Sal as it is the other way around, but I was still into this very sweet romance <3
The setting is very cozy and interesting at the same time. I liked how AI was explored/discussed here. Clara and Sal were both cute characters and I liked their dynamic - maybe I would've liked it if Clara had a little more room to grow with Sal as it is the other way around, but I was still into this very sweet romance <3
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Grief
Waffenschwestern: Das erste Buch der Ahnen by Mark Lawrence
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I liked this one a lot, but can't really put my finger on why that is. I'll try. There are a lot of badass women and girls involved, which is always great. As well as the setting of an institution where said girls learn from said women. I love these types of scenes where characters train and find their power, it's simply a lot of fun. While this book is pretty dark, it is less gore and brutality heavy than I thought it would be, which is also great, especially since it doesn't lose it's rather dark tone because of that. (Also, the German narrators voice is relatively warm, which sometimes clashes with the writing, but I liked it, because it made it easier for me to like the characters.)
Even though the magic system is pretty soft, I still enjoyed it a lot. Cool powers, interestingly told, thumbs up.
But I do think that this book would've been much harder to get through if I read it instead of listening to the audio book, because it is sooooo slow. There's barely plot, it feels like an entire book of exposition for the most part. Getting to know the characters (though I have to admit that I still mix up the nuns a bit), their training, watching them bond etc. ... I mean, it is entertaining, but if you're there for a lot of plot, you will be disappointed. A lot of scenes are not necessary to get the point across/tell the story. The little bit of plot that is in there is great though. But as said, if I read a physical copy it would've taken me forever and I honestly don't know if I'd liked it as much.
Even though the magic system is pretty soft, I still enjoyed it a lot. Cool powers, interestingly told, thumbs up.
But I do think that this book would've been much harder to get through if I read it instead of listening to the audio book, because it is sooooo slow. There's barely plot, it feels like an entire book of exposition for the most part. Getting to know the characters (though I have to admit that I still mix up the nuns a bit), their training, watching them bond etc. ... I mean, it is entertaining, but if you're there for a lot of plot, you will be disappointed. A lot of scenes are not necessary to get the point across/tell the story. The little bit of plot that is in there is great though. But as said, if I read a physical copy it would've taken me forever and I honestly don't know if I'd liked it as much.