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charvi_not_just_fiction's reviews
696 reviews
Blood Price by Nicole Evans
adventurous
dark
emotional
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
4.5
Blood Price is a powerful and riveting story inspired by Norse mythology and it immediately sucked me in. We are first introduced to Ashilde in the forest as she watches the back of her friend and partner. It's immediately clear that Ash is a fierce warrior who will leave no stone unturned to protect her tribe and found family. And yet she's also constantly at war with her mind which is always telling her that she's a failure and can never be good enough.
I knew I was going to love Ashilde because how could you not? She's such a determined and persevering character who truly just wants the best for her people. Ashilde is about to be named her tribe's Faethegnar: a warrior who will protect them all. Except her ceremony gets interrupted and all the hunters of their tribe are killed, forcing her to embark on a journey to get help from other tribes and journey to their gods before their goddess Rota smites them all for missing a holy offering.
The world-building in this book is just chef's kiss.
I mean, the idea of a power system revolving around women's monthly bleeding cycles? The execution was as thrilling as the concept!
My journey into the world of Armadin was just seamless. It was so exciting to immerse myself in a queernormative world of matriarchy, where only women who have their menstrual cycles can kill and hunt for their tribe. I think the author does a great job of leading us into Ashilde's world and introducing us to the Slatra and her people.
I loved all the characters in this book! Davyn and Anora especially have my heart - they're both such sweethearts. All the side-characters in this book are just the most lovely and supportive people you can come across and they will absolutely steal your heart. And speaking of companions, Ieka (the raven) and Funnakin (the wolf) aren't far behind. I always love reading about animal companions in stories and the bond between the four journeying characters was something special <3
The story weaves in themes of power imbalance, thirst for revenge and justice, a healthy dose of questioning the gods, found family, anxiety, guilt and perseverance.
At its core this book is about Ashilde's thirst for answers that she demands of her gods who want unwavering faith and yet don't seem to care for their loyal people, making decisions that don't make any sense. All that drives her is the love she has for her tribe and its people and the fierce desire to protect them.
I absolutely loved the ending - it gave me all the answers I desired and then some more! But also I cannot wait to read more stories in this world?! I'm so attached to all the characters in this story and I need more tidbits about them living happily ever after <3
All in all, this is a beautiful and refreshing piece of work. If you enjoy fantasy books and are especially fond of the female rage trope this would be the perfect story for you!
The Love Match by Priyanka Taslim
emotional
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
4.0
Reading this book is like snuggling in a blanket and drinking tea. The author does a beautiful job of creating an atmospheric and rich book that draws you in with lovely cultural portrayal, characters to fall in love with and family dynamics that had me reaching for the tissues.
This is such a desi-core romance and I'm here for it! I don't even know how to review it, except it's not your typical love triangle romance. At front and centre, we have Zahra who is such a beautiful character and I instantly fell in love with her. Through her, the author captures the family dynamics and conflicts of Asian families so well, especially in immigrant families. The push and pull and the choice between family and following your heart were woven throughout the narrative.
Coming to the romance, we have two wonderful candidates - Harun the rich Bangladeshi boy and Nayim the romantic orphan peasant. I shall not spoil anything but this book absolutely surprised me by the direction it took in the romance section. Well, I should say pleasantly surprised.
The ending was a bit cheesy, it's all well that ends well, but then that's what we usually read YA contemporary for I guess.
But yeah, I'd highly recommend this book!!
This is such a desi-core romance and I'm here for it! I don't even know how to review it, except it's not your typical love triangle romance. At front and centre, we have Zahra who is such a beautiful character and I instantly fell in love with her. Through her, the author captures the family dynamics and conflicts of Asian families so well, especially in immigrant families. The push and pull and the choice between family and following your heart were woven throughout the narrative.
Coming to the romance, we have two wonderful candidates - Harun the rich Bangladeshi boy and Nayim the romantic orphan peasant. I shall not spoil anything but this book absolutely surprised me by the direction it took in the romance section. Well, I should say pleasantly surprised.
The ending was a bit cheesy, it's all well that ends well, but then that's what we usually read YA contemporary for I guess.
But yeah, I'd highly recommend this book!!
The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I've been meaning to read this book for a while and it was as thrilling and intriguing as I expected!
I think Rowan wasn't a very great nanny but she was a good narrator and immediately had me engrossed in the story. The book has good pacing and the whole atmosphere which makes you question whether something paranormal is going on or does it have a human explanation.
There were points at which I'd argue that the epistolary style doesn't work for this novel in terms of logic and sense but the writing style as a whole made this book a breeze. I couldn't figure out the mystery for my life and the plot twists certainly had me gasping. Also, the author does such a good job of portraying how creepy technology can be - smart houses are absolutely not it in my opinion.
The ending is a good one, however, it doesn't feel extremely possible and I had trouble getting around to it. If you've read the book I'd love to discuss that!
Anyway, this was a fun and thrilling read overall.
I think Rowan wasn't a very great nanny but she was a good narrator and immediately had me engrossed in the story. The book has good pacing and the whole atmosphere which makes you question whether something paranormal is going on or does it have a human explanation.
There were points at which I'd argue that the epistolary style doesn't work for this novel in terms of logic and sense but the writing style as a whole made this book a breeze. I couldn't figure out the mystery for my life and the plot twists certainly had me gasping. Also, the author does such a good job of portraying how creepy technology can be - smart houses are absolutely not it in my opinion.
The ending is a good one, however, it doesn't feel extremely possible and I had trouble getting around to it. If you've read the book I'd love to discuss that!
Anyway, this was a fun and thrilling read overall.
The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I'm so confused whether I like this book or not.
To begin with, we have an extremely interesting premise - a mother who vanished and reappeared 16 years later. But the execution was a bit lacking.
First off, our mc Bell is kinda annoying. I wasn't a huge fan, it felt like if you took away her trauma and insecurity there would be nothing left. She's so freaking suspicious and distrustful of every blade of grass in this world - I get where she's coming from and I get she's not meant to be a very likeable character but I just wanted a different pov at some points.
The mystery itself is so interesting but it massively stagnates in the middle. Literally nothing happens for a while after Rachel's appearance which like?? should be the most interesting and happening part?? Rachel herself was written quite well and I enjoyed trying to decipher the mystery surrounding her.
Honestly, though I figured a couple of things out (the trick at this point is to guess who or what will be the most shocking and surprising culprit, lol) but still, the ending was a banger. The last 2 or 1 hours (I was listening to the audiobook) were shocking in the best way. There was so much I hadn't anticipated and it was all quite fast-paced and thrilling - as I'd hoped the whole book would be.
In the end, all the loose ends got wrapped but I wish this book had been more well-rounded than it turned out to be.
To begin with, we have an extremely interesting premise - a mother who vanished and reappeared 16 years later. But the execution was a bit lacking.
First off, our mc Bell is kinda annoying. I wasn't a huge fan, it felt like if you took away her trauma and insecurity there would be nothing left. She's so freaking suspicious and distrustful of every blade of grass in this world - I get where she's coming from and I get she's not meant to be a very likeable character but I just wanted a different pov at some points.
The mystery itself is so interesting but it massively stagnates in the middle. Literally nothing happens for a while after Rachel's appearance which like?? should be the most interesting and happening part?? Rachel herself was written quite well and I enjoyed trying to decipher the mystery surrounding her.
Honestly, though I figured a couple of things out (the trick at this point is to guess who or what will be the most shocking and surprising culprit, lol) but still, the ending was a banger. The last 2 or 1 hours (I was listening to the audiobook) were shocking in the best way. There was so much I hadn't anticipated and it was all quite fast-paced and thrilling - as I'd hoped the whole book would be.
In the end, all the loose ends got wrapped but I wish this book had been more well-rounded than it turned out to be.
Death at Morning House by Maureen Johnson
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? No
4.0
Would you believe it if I said this is my first Maureen Johnson?
Well, it was quite a fun ride!
I really liked the narrative style of switching between the 1900s with the Ralston kids and the current time with Marlowe and the gang. The premise is intriguing - a huge mansion with an eccentric family with six kids, two of which die within hours in mysterious circumstances.
This book goes about exploring and uncovering the lives of the Ralstons while at the same time going on a journey with Marlowe and her time as a volunteer tour guide for the island's mansion. If it wasn't bad enough that people think she's a fire setter (not in a good way), she's mourning what could have been a great relationship and stumbling upon secrets and mysteries of the Morning House - both past and present.
This was an overall great read, with good pacing and an engaging cast. I loved Marlowe, Riki and Liana but the rest of the characters, especially Tom and April felt slightly underdeveloped or shoved to the side. Either way, it was fun to see the cast dynamics.
At its core, the book explores one of my favourite themes - the truth is not objective and the story changes depending on who tells it.
I blazed through this book honestly, and am excited to read more by the author.
Note: I received an e-arc of this copy thanks to the publisher but this has not affected my review in any manner.
Well, it was quite a fun ride!
I really liked the narrative style of switching between the 1900s with the Ralston kids and the current time with Marlowe and the gang. The premise is intriguing - a huge mansion with an eccentric family with six kids, two of which die within hours in mysterious circumstances.
This book goes about exploring and uncovering the lives of the Ralstons while at the same time going on a journey with Marlowe and her time as a volunteer tour guide for the island's mansion. If it wasn't bad enough that people think she's a fire setter (not in a good way), she's mourning what could have been a great relationship and stumbling upon secrets and mysteries of the Morning House - both past and present.
This was an overall great read, with good pacing and an engaging cast. I loved Marlowe, Riki and Liana but the rest of the characters, especially Tom and April felt slightly underdeveloped or shoved to the side. Either way, it was fun to see the cast dynamics.
At its core, the book explores one of my favourite themes - the truth is not objective and the story changes depending on who tells it.
I blazed through this book honestly, and am excited to read more by the author.
Note: I received an e-arc of this copy thanks to the publisher but this has not affected my review in any manner.
The Roommate Risk by Talia Hibbert
emotional
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
3.0
Umm unpopular opinion here but it was an okay book.
I think it comes to personal preferences.
First off, Talia Hibbert has a style of writing her books and mcs so I always know where things are going and how they'll end and it's gotten a bit repetitive for me. Also, the side characters in this book were just there? They had practically no arcs or existence other than to support the mcs which is a huge bummer.
Also, the book is way spicier than I expected so that affected my enjoyment as well, like I didn't expect this, her other books have had maybe 2 or 3 spicy scenes max and this one had like 5? This is on me ofc, I know there's an audience for this, it's just not me.
I just don't see myself picking up another book by the author anytime soon, just not my cup of tea.
I think it comes to personal preferences.
First off, Talia Hibbert has a style of writing her books and mcs so I always know where things are going and how they'll end and it's gotten a bit repetitive for me. Also, the side characters in this book were just there? They had practically no arcs or existence other than to support the mcs which is a huge bummer.
Also, the book is way spicier than I expected so that affected my enjoyment as well, like I didn't expect this, her other books have had maybe 2 or 3 spicy scenes max and this one had like 5? This is on me ofc, I know there's an audience for this, it's just not me.
I just don't see myself picking up another book by the author anytime soon, just not my cup of tea.
Kate In Waiting by Becky Albertalli
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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? No
4.5
Reading anything by Becky Albertalli is so nostalgic for me?? I'm immediately transported to someplace warm and comforting, no matter the book. I've shifted away from YA in the past few years and I'm the opposite of a theatre kid which is why I was hesitant to pick this book up for so long but why was I afraid?? It's Becky Albertalli. She's my auto-buy author for a reason <3
I'm probably kinda biased but even though I'm the furthest thing from a theatre kid I LOVED this book! The author has a way of writing such a loveable cast of characters and oh my god Kate?? I saw so much of myself in her. The anxiety, the love for her friends and emphasis on platonic relationships, the extreme second-hand embarrassment and so many other things.
So many lines in this book had me nodding with a hand on my heart because I relate to them so deeply. Ugh, all Becky Albertalli novels do this to me.
This is in no way like a proper review but I loveeeed this. Matt and Andy were such wonderful side characters! Matt was a cutie and omg Andy and Kate's friendship?? Adorable and to die for. I especially love how they subverted the trope of letting a boy get between their friendship, like HELL YEAH!
Also Noah?? WHAT A CUTIE. This boy was smitten from page one and I was so here for it.
Listen, just do yourself a favour and pick it up, I practically devoured this in one sitting <3
I'm probably kinda biased but even though I'm the furthest thing from a theatre kid I LOVED this book! The author has a way of writing such a loveable cast of characters and oh my god Kate?? I saw so much of myself in her. The anxiety, the love for her friends and emphasis on platonic relationships, the extreme second-hand embarrassment and so many other things.
So many lines in this book had me nodding with a hand on my heart because I relate to them so deeply. Ugh, all Becky Albertalli novels do this to me.
This is in no way like a proper review but I loveeeed this. Matt and Andy were such wonderful side characters! Matt was a cutie and omg Andy and Kate's friendship?? Adorable and to die for. I especially love how they subverted the trope of letting a boy get between their friendship, like HELL YEAH!
Also Noah?? WHAT A CUTIE. This boy was smitten from page one and I was so here for it.
Listen, just do yourself a favour and pick it up, I practically devoured this in one sitting <3
A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
5.0
This is such a heartwarming and dreamy book!
I was eagerly waiting for its release and I've been seeing everyone pick it up and rave ever since and of course, it doesn't disappoint!
Eileen has gone through a major heartbreak and all she wants is her comfort book club, far away from reality. Instead, she ends up crashing into a stranger in a small town - Anderson. While she only plans to stay the night in the town she quickly realises it's the town from her favourite book series come alive and maybe she would like to be a permanent resident here as well.
I absolutely love Eileen and her enthusiasm and love for Eloraton is so believable. She quickly pulls you in and shows you the heart and charm of the town - its characters. It's so enchanting to be introduced to Eloraton and the myriad of characters. At no point do you feel like they're characters from a book, they feel so real and the reader immediately gets invested in their stories and romances.
And of course, there's Anderson, the grumpy bookstore owner who has an air of mystery and who Eileen believes to be the hero of the next book in the unfinished series. My lips are sealed but let's just say I spent so long trying to uncover his mystery but oh my god the reveal was such a welcome surprise! The mystery aside, Anderson is an intriguing character and together, he and Eileen have a sizzling chemistry and cute banter that I was simply a goner for.
A mystery, romance, small-town charm and well-developed characters - what more does a reader need?
A small side note: I adore every book Ashley Poshton has ever written. I've read every single one of them from Geekerella to the adult romances she writes today. In every book of hers, there's a certain charm. More often than not her books are an ode to reading, to fictional worlds that we immerse ourselves in the ones that save us, some that might overpower us and most that bring us closer to others and teach the meaning of life.
Every time I read a book by Poshton my heart is full and there are tears in my eyes because she truly understands the love for fictional worlds and expresses them in such powerful worlds. This book was no exception. I hope she never stops with books revolving around books <3
I was eagerly waiting for its release and I've been seeing everyone pick it up and rave ever since and of course, it doesn't disappoint!
Eileen has gone through a major heartbreak and all she wants is her comfort book club, far away from reality. Instead, she ends up crashing into a stranger in a small town - Anderson. While she only plans to stay the night in the town she quickly realises it's the town from her favourite book series come alive and maybe she would like to be a permanent resident here as well.
I absolutely love Eileen and her enthusiasm and love for Eloraton is so believable. She quickly pulls you in and shows you the heart and charm of the town - its characters. It's so enchanting to be introduced to Eloraton and the myriad of characters. At no point do you feel like they're characters from a book, they feel so real and the reader immediately gets invested in their stories and romances.
And of course, there's Anderson, the grumpy bookstore owner who has an air of mystery and who Eileen believes to be the hero of the next book in the unfinished series. My lips are sealed but let's just say I spent so long trying to uncover his mystery but oh my god the reveal was such a welcome surprise! The mystery aside, Anderson is an intriguing character and together, he and Eileen have a sizzling chemistry and cute banter that I was simply a goner for.
A mystery, romance, small-town charm and well-developed characters - what more does a reader need?
A small side note: I adore every book Ashley Poshton has ever written. I've read every single one of them from Geekerella to the adult romances she writes today. In every book of hers, there's a certain charm. More often than not her books are an ode to reading, to fictional worlds that we immerse ourselves in the ones that save us, some that might overpower us and most that bring us closer to others and teach the meaning of life.
Every time I read a book by Poshton my heart is full and there are tears in my eyes because she truly understands the love for fictional worlds and expresses them in such powerful worlds. This book was no exception. I hope she never stops with books revolving around books <3
With a Kiss We Die by L.R. Dorn
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
This book is the reason I'm yawning on a Monday morning and it so wasn't worth it.
First off, a huge shoutout to the entire cast that narrated this book! I'd highly suggest picking up the audiobook since this book is basically a true crime podcast narrations style plus the narrators do a fabulous job.
Our main character Ryanna Raines is reporting on two teenage suspects of an insidious murder. If you're a fan of true crime I suspect you'll really enjoy this one. Inspired by a treu crime, the book digs deep into the psychology and background of the teenage suspects while exploring the suspects.
It took me a bit to get used to the narration style since it's almost like I'm listening to a podcast. And just when I got invested, really eager to get some answers the book ended ambiguously. IT WAS AN OPEN ENDING. Like oh you interpret what happened. NO WHAT DO YOU MEAN?!
This is exactly why I don't listen to true crime, because I hate not knowing who killed the people! The rage and fury I felt alone kept me up last night. It was soooo anticlimatic and I feel like the author didn't know how to end the book so it just ended very abruptly as well.
Such a disappointment honestly, now I'm going to be asking questions about the killer for days in my head. Ugh.
Maybe this might be your cup of tea but it certainly wasn't mine.
First off, a huge shoutout to the entire cast that narrated this book! I'd highly suggest picking up the audiobook since this book is basically a true crime podcast narrations style plus the narrators do a fabulous job.
Our main character Ryanna Raines is reporting on two teenage suspects of an insidious murder. If you're a fan of true crime I suspect you'll really enjoy this one. Inspired by a treu crime, the book digs deep into the psychology and background of the teenage suspects while exploring the suspects.
It took me a bit to get used to the narration style since it's almost like I'm listening to a podcast. And just when I got invested, really eager to get some answers the book ended ambiguously. IT WAS AN OPEN ENDING. Like oh you interpret what happened. NO WHAT DO YOU MEAN?!
This is exactly why I don't listen to true crime, because I hate not knowing who killed the people! The rage and fury I felt alone kept me up last night. It was soooo anticlimatic and I feel like the author didn't know how to end the book so it just ended very abruptly as well.
Such a disappointment honestly, now I'm going to be asking questions about the killer for days in my head. Ugh.
Maybe this might be your cup of tea but it certainly wasn't mine.
Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This is a book I wouldn't normally read and while I struggled initially I've come to be very fond of the characters and the town of Whistlestop as a whole.
We get introduced to the people of Whistlestop and their lives through Mrs Threadgoode aka Ninny as she tells her stories to Evelyn, interspersed with the POVs of the people as they lived the tales and even weekly news updates. It's a very fun, multi-narration slice-of-life story. I'm absolutely enamoured by Idgie, Ruth, Evelyn, Mrs Threadgoode and so many more characters. They and the cafe are the heart of the story and it kept me invested. Because truly the main annoying thing is how meandering the book can be with chapters from many minor or side characters and perspectives, making it extremely difficult to track who is who or even be invested in them. Like not gonna lie, even though I overall like the book I fell asleep more than once while reading it.
But in the end the journey was worth it and oh my god it has some recipes in the end!!
We get introduced to the people of Whistlestop and their lives through Mrs Threadgoode aka Ninny as she tells her stories to Evelyn, interspersed with the POVs of the people as they lived the tales and even weekly news updates. It's a very fun, multi-narration slice-of-life story. I'm absolutely enamoured by Idgie, Ruth, Evelyn, Mrs Threadgoode and so many more characters. They and the cafe are the heart of the story and it kept me invested. Because truly the main annoying thing is how meandering the book can be with chapters from many minor or side characters and perspectives, making it extremely difficult to track who is who or even be invested in them. Like not gonna lie, even though I overall like the book I fell asleep more than once while reading it.
But in the end the journey was worth it and oh my god it has some recipes in the end!!