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charvi_not_just_fiction's reviews
700 reviews
The Usual Silence by Jenny Milchman
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-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
3.5
This was such an interesting book, I cannot stop thinking about it.
It was a rather mixed bag for me with some captivating aspects but also things that fell flat and didn't work.
Let's start with the positives.
The premise is what drew me in and the author was able to maintain an aura of mystery, thrill and a sense of looming darkness that encourages the reader to keep turning the pages. I like the format of the stories - the three-way split made for an interesting storytelling method and also suspended us in the mystery as I impatiently read on to know what happened next.
As a psychology student it's always nice to see good therapy and psychology portrayal so I was happy on that front although an average reader might be able to tell you better whether some of the concepts felt too theoretical and forced, I personally found it a good blend.
We also get an interesting cast of characters and a rather decent execution of the plot. All narrators were interesting to follow but I particularly loved Louise's POV and getting to know more about her.
I think the two major letdowns for me were pacing and unnecessary or underdeveloped characters and scenes. The pacing was a bit slow in the beginning which is fine but after maybe 20% it became very sporadic for me. It just felt certain things were very rushed and others were crawling at a snail's pace.
One of my biggest pet peeves is side-characters who are just there and unfortunately this book has plenty. We know next to nothing about Dan, he's kind of just there so that we get to see more of Arles and her personality and backstory. The entire cast that came for family therapy could literally be omitted and it won't make a difference to the story which I hated. I was really getting into the Merritts' family drama but then they in addition to the cult recovering clients just disappear and add basically nothing. They're there just so that the group family therapy model makes sense which brings me to my next point - there were certain things that were quite unrealistic and pulled me out of the story. You cannot tell me Arles almost single-handedly fixed a rapidly deteriorating manor of sorts in a span of days?? There was just no planning on her part? What were her plans for carekeeping and running of the whole system? None whatsoever, she found Stephanie and Tissa by chance and even then it's realistically very difficult for two and a half humans to run the entire place.
Plus the structure of group therapy felt a bit off and the 'fixing' of the Merritts family felt so rushed, as if the author just wanted to get done with them and out of the story.
I think these few things bugged me and ultimately weighed down my overall experience but I have to say I was quite glued to the book in the second half and found the revelations and conclusions extremely fascinating and shocking as well. Although the ending left quite a few loose ends with very little resolution for most of the characters which might explain why I'm still thinking about this book and wondering what happened to some of them.
So do I recommend this book? I think the idea is wonderful and the author does manage to execute it well but has simply tried doing too many things within one book. It's worth a shot of you're interested in psychological thrillers and darker themes.
It was a rather mixed bag for me with some captivating aspects but also things that fell flat and didn't work.
Let's start with the positives.
The premise is what drew me in and the author was able to maintain an aura of mystery, thrill and a sense of looming darkness that encourages the reader to keep turning the pages. I like the format of the stories - the three-way split made for an interesting storytelling method and also suspended us in the mystery as I impatiently read on to know what happened next.
As a psychology student it's always nice to see good therapy and psychology portrayal so I was happy on that front although an average reader might be able to tell you better whether some of the concepts felt too theoretical and forced, I personally found it a good blend.
We also get an interesting cast of characters and a rather decent execution of the plot. All narrators were interesting to follow but I particularly loved Louise's POV and getting to know more about her.
I think the two major letdowns for me were pacing and unnecessary or underdeveloped characters and scenes. The pacing was a bit slow in the beginning which is fine but after maybe 20% it became very sporadic for me. It just felt certain things were very rushed and others were crawling at a snail's pace.
One of my biggest pet peeves is side-characters who are just there and unfortunately this book has plenty. We know next to nothing about Dan, he's kind of just there so that we get to see more of Arles and her personality and backstory. The entire cast that came for family therapy could literally be omitted and it won't make a difference to the story which I hated. I was really getting into the Merritts' family drama but then they in addition to the cult recovering clients just disappear and add basically nothing. They're there just so that the group family therapy model makes sense which brings me to my next point - there were certain things that were quite unrealistic and pulled me out of the story. You cannot tell me Arles almost single-handedly fixed a rapidly deteriorating manor of sorts in a span of days?? There was just no planning on her part? What were her plans for carekeeping and running of the whole system? None whatsoever, she found Stephanie and Tissa by chance and even then it's realistically very difficult for two and a half humans to run the entire place.
Plus the structure of group therapy felt a bit off and the 'fixing' of the Merritts family felt so rushed, as if the author just wanted to get done with them and out of the story.
I think these few things bugged me and ultimately weighed down my overall experience but I have to say I was quite glued to the book in the second half and found the revelations and conclusions extremely fascinating and shocking as well. Although the ending left quite a few loose ends with very little resolution for most of the characters which might explain why I'm still thinking about this book and wondering what happened to some of them.
So do I recommend this book? I think the idea is wonderful and the author does manage to execute it well but has simply tried doing too many things within one book. It's worth a shot of you're interested in psychological thrillers and darker themes.
What You Are Looking For is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
slow-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
4.0
I don't usually like short story collections but this was a breath of fresh air and well-tied together concepts, with of course the main thing being books and libraries.
I didn't know what I was expecting when I started reading it but I found it charming and heartwarming to read about such different people from many walks of life, struggling with their own issues. It wouldn't be wrong to say that everything can be solved by the right book but more than that I guess you need a librarian who knows what would be right for you.
I also really liked the emphasis on how books are interpreted by people in different ways, if a book meant something to you it's not because the librarian knew exactly what to recommend, it's because you found your own meaning in it.
I'm not going to bother with a comprehensive review here but let's just say I love all the cozy translated literature surrounding books coming from Asian cultures these days <3
More of these books please!
I didn't know what I was expecting when I started reading it but I found it charming and heartwarming to read about such different people from many walks of life, struggling with their own issues. It wouldn't be wrong to say that everything can be solved by the right book but more than that I guess you need a librarian who knows what would be right for you.
I also really liked the emphasis on how books are interpreted by people in different ways, if a book meant something to you it's not because the librarian knew exactly what to recommend, it's because you found your own meaning in it.
I'm not going to bother with a comprehensive review here but let's just say I love all the cozy translated literature surrounding books coming from Asian cultures these days <3
More of these books please!
The Book Eaters by Sunyi Dean
challenging
dark
mysterious
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
4.5
What a phenomenal book!
This was such a unique concept executed to perfection. Worldbuilding enthusiasts, take notes. Sunyi Dean not only created a world of book eaters and mind eaters but brought them to life and gave them a fascinating society and backstory. I was so intrigued by how the system worked and let's just say that I could read about this world for at least a few more books. I'm here and I'm captivated.
I loved the dual timelines, I think it worked very well to give us little surprises but also make sure that we weren't being overloaded by information at any point. Having a glimpse of little Devon growing up and her as a mother on the run really gave me a deep insight into her character and I loved it.
What I also loved was how dark, gritty and unafraid this book was to break away from usual cliches or ways of writing. It was unexpected and thrilling for the very same reasons. These characters aren't simply good people and the choices they make are often flawed but I love them for that. The ending was so bittersweet and imperfect and I admire the author for taking us to the darker places and spotlighting the ugly parts of love and relationships <3
I feel like my review isn't going to do justice to this book so all I'm going to say is that this is something different and it's worth your time so please pick it up!
This was such a unique concept executed to perfection. Worldbuilding enthusiasts, take notes. Sunyi Dean not only created a world of book eaters and mind eaters but brought them to life and gave them a fascinating society and backstory. I was so intrigued by how the system worked and let's just say that I could read about this world for at least a few more books. I'm here and I'm captivated.
I loved the dual timelines, I think it worked very well to give us little surprises but also make sure that we weren't being overloaded by information at any point. Having a glimpse of little Devon growing up and her as a mother on the run really gave me a deep insight into her character and I loved it.
What I also loved was how dark, gritty and unafraid this book was to break away from usual cliches or ways of writing. It was unexpected and thrilling for the very same reasons. These characters aren't simply good people and the choices they make are often flawed but I love them for that. The ending was so bittersweet and imperfect and I admire the author for taking us to the darker places and spotlighting the ugly parts of love and relationships <3
I feel like my review isn't going to do justice to this book so all I'm going to say is that this is something different and it's worth your time so please pick it up!
The Handmaid's Tale (Graphic Novel) by Margaret Atwood
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I've been saying for ages that I'll get around to reading this book so when the graphic novel fell into my lap it was like the stars aligning.
I loved this! I can definitely see why it had people in a chokehold back then. The creepy and horrifying dystopian worldbuilding with the patriarchy is done well and the graphic novel just adds to the atmosphere wth the use of colour. I was so intrigued about this world and highly invested in the characters. I only wish that the ending hadn't been so abrupt. It just felt like a lot happened in the last few pages and maybe that's because I was reading the graphic novel but it ended so suddenly and I wish I had more.
Time to read the sequel, maybe?
I loved this! I can definitely see why it had people in a chokehold back then. The creepy and horrifying dystopian worldbuilding with the patriarchy is done well and the graphic novel just adds to the atmosphere wth the use of colour. I was so intrigued about this world and highly invested in the characters. I only wish that the ending hadn't been so abrupt. It just felt like a lot happened in the last few pages and maybe that's because I was reading the graphic novel but it ended so suddenly and I wish I had more.
Time to read the sequel, maybe?
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.