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cheraquili's reviews
74 reviews
Voyeur by Fiona Cole
3.5/5 stars
There are several aspects that I liked about this book, mainly being that it is a very enjoyable and quick-paced novel. I also LOVED the playlist in the beginning! Additionally, there was a lot of sexual tension between the main characters. The stargazing scene was my favourite since it was extremely adorable and steamy. In fact, I thought initially that this was going to be a 5-star read.
However, it slowly turned down to a 3.5-star book because I started disliking Callum by chapter 29.
He is so dumb and passive... Oaklyn is supposed to be way younger than him, yet she is beyond mature than him. I also started to get bored of their relationship, hence why my rating decreased significantly.
Having said that, I will undoubtedly finish the series and recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading unconventional romances!
tense
fast-paced
3.5
"Oaklyn was either going to make me or destroy me. I just hoped it was the former, because I didn’t have much more left to destroy."
3.5/5 stars
There are several aspects that I liked about this book, mainly being that it is a very enjoyable and quick-paced novel. I also LOVED the playlist in the beginning! Additionally, there was a lot of sexual tension between the main characters. The stargazing scene was my favourite since it was extremely adorable and steamy. In fact, I thought initially that this was going to be a 5-star read.
However, it slowly turned down to a 3.5-star book because I started disliking Callum by chapter 29.
He is so dumb and passive... Oaklyn is supposed to be way younger than him, yet she is beyond mature than him. I also started to get bored of their relationship, hence why my rating decreased significantly.
Having said that, I will undoubtedly finish the series and recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading unconventional romances!
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
2/5 stars
Another unpopular opinion of mine regarding a very popular thriller book...
I think that this book has made it clear that I really despise domestic thrillers, especially ones that have only a single twist at the end. In fact, although I loved several aspects, like the author's writing and the narrator's thought process, this book put me in the biggest reading slump. Contrastingly, I also thought that the audiobook was incredibly fantastic.
Despite enjoying the book's construction and idea, I detested both the execution and development. Additionally, although I liked how the narrator's mind worked (for instance, how she uses the names she invented for Scott and Megan to illustrate her assumptions of how things occurred), there was not a single character who I liked. Furthermore, I was not shocked by the ending, and I found it to be quite unsatisfying.
Having said that, I would still recommend this novel since it is loved by several people.
Other quotes I liked:
I can't look at it now. That was my first home. Not my parents’ place, not a flatshare with other students, my first home. I can’t bear to look at it. Well, I can, I do, I want to, I don’t want to, I try not to. Every day I tell myself not to look, and every day I look. I can’t help myself, even though there is nothing I want to see there, even though anything I do see will hurt me.
I can’t really see her, of course. I don’t know if she paints, or whether Jason has a great laugh, or whether Jess has beautiful cheekbones. I can’t see her bone structure from here and I’ve never heard Jason’s voice. I’ve never seen them up close, they didn’t live at that house when I lived down the road. They moved in after I left two years ago, I don’t know when exactly. I suppose I started noticing them about a year ago, and gradually, as the months went past, they became important to me.
The train stops. We are almost opposite Jess and Jason’s house, but I can’t see across the carriage and the tracks, there are too many people in the way. I wonder whether they are there, whether he knows, whether he’s left, or whether he’s still living a life he’s yet to discover is a lie.
I can’t risk it. I couldn’t bear to have other images in my head, yet more memories that I can’t trust, memories that merge and morph and shift, fooling me into believing that what it is not, telling me to look one way when really I should be looking another way.
2.0
"Twice a day, I am offered a view into other lives, just for a moment. There’s something comforting about the sight of strangers safe at home."
2/5 stars
Another unpopular opinion of mine regarding a very popular thriller book...
I think that this book has made it clear that I really despise domestic thrillers, especially ones that have only a single twist at the end. In fact, although I loved several aspects, like the author's writing and the narrator's thought process, this book put me in the biggest reading slump. Contrastingly, I also thought that the audiobook was incredibly fantastic.
I wait for the memory to come. Sometimes it takes a while. Sometimes it’s there in front of my eyes in seconds. Sometimes it doesn’t come at all.
Despite enjoying the book's construction and idea, I detested both the execution and development. Additionally, although I liked how the narrator's mind worked (for instance, how she uses the names she invented for Scott and Megan to illustrate her assumptions of how things occurred), there was not a single character who I liked. Furthermore, I was not shocked by the ending, and I found it to be quite unsatisfying.
Having said that, I would still recommend this novel since it is loved by several people.
Other quotes I liked:
I can't look at it now. That was my first home. Not my parents’ place, not a flatshare with other students, my first home. I can’t bear to look at it. Well, I can, I do, I want to, I don’t want to, I try not to. Every day I tell myself not to look, and every day I look. I can’t help myself, even though there is nothing I want to see there, even though anything I do see will hurt me.
I can’t really see her, of course. I don’t know if she paints, or whether Jason has a great laugh, or whether Jess has beautiful cheekbones. I can’t see her bone structure from here and I’ve never heard Jason’s voice. I’ve never seen them up close, they didn’t live at that house when I lived down the road. They moved in after I left two years ago, I don’t know when exactly. I suppose I started noticing them about a year ago, and gradually, as the months went past, they became important to me.
The train stops. We are almost opposite Jess and Jason’s house, but I can’t see across the carriage and the tracks, there are too many people in the way. I wonder whether they are there, whether he knows, whether he’s left, or whether he’s still living a life he’s yet to discover is a lie.
I can’t risk it. I couldn’t bear to have other images in my head, yet more memories that I can’t trust, memories that merge and morph and shift, fooling me into believing that what it is not, telling me to look one way when really I should be looking another way.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
3.75/ 5 stars
It has been quite a while since I read this book, but I remember that I did not love this as much as the first one. However, it was still enjoyable.
The audiobook by Stephen Fry is astounding! Fry is a brilliant voice actor, and I especially liked when he does "the voice" who talks to Harry Potter.
Additionally, in the first book, my favourite characters were Ron and Hagrid, whereas in this, I really liked meeting Dobby! 💖
I do not have anything more to say, other than I am looking forward to reading the next books in the series.
3.75
"Because that's what Hermione does," said Ron, shrugging. "When in doubt, go to the library".
3.75/ 5 stars
It has been quite a while since I read this book, but I remember that I did not love this as much as the first one. However, it was still enjoyable.
The audiobook by Stephen Fry is astounding! Fry is a brilliant voice actor, and I especially liked when he does "the voice" who talks to Harry Potter.
"He knew it was me," Harry told Ron and Hermione as they hurried back to
Moaning Myrtle's bathroom. "I could tell."
Additionally, in the first book, my favourite characters were Ron and Hagrid, whereas in this, I really liked meeting Dobby! 💖
I do not have anything more to say, other than I am looking forward to reading the next books in the series.
Harry smiled feebly. Deliberately causing mayhem in Snape's Potions class
was about as safe as poking a sleeping dragon in the eye.
Weird Things Customers Say in Bookshops by Jen Campbell
2.75
CUSTOMER: I’m looking for a book for my son. He’s six.
BOOKSELLER: How about this one – it’s about—
CUSTOMER: Yeah, whatever, I’ll take it.
2.75/ 5 stars
This was a very easy and pleasant read; I especially liked Houdini's magic joke! 😁 Yet, I am very curious... are these supposed to be based on actual situations? If so, I would love to see who these <b>EXTREMELY</b> ignorant people are, lol.
Do you have a crafts book on how to build a gun?
Would definitely recommend this book to those who are in a reading slump as this was very easy to get through and kept me intrigued enough to continue reading.
Some jokes I liked:
CUSTOMER: Do you have a book of mother-in-law jokes? I want to give it to my mother-in-law as a joke. But, you know, not really as a joke at all.
CUSTOMER: What kind of bookshop is this?
BOOKSELLER: We’re an antiquarian bookshop.
CUSTOMER: Oh, so you sell books about fish.
CUSTOMER: I don’t know why she wants it, but my wife asked for a copy of The Dinosaur Cookbook.
BOOKSELLER: The Dinah Shore Cookbook?
CUSTOMER: That must be it; I wondered what she was up to.
BOOKSELLER: How about this one – it’s about—
CUSTOMER: Yeah, whatever, I’ll take it.
2.75/ 5 stars
This was a very easy and pleasant read; I especially liked Houdini's magic joke! 😁 Yet, I am very curious... are these supposed to be based on actual situations? If so, I would love to see who these <b>EXTREMELY</b> ignorant people are, lol.
Do you have a crafts book on how to build a gun?
Would definitely recommend this book to those who are in a reading slump as this was very easy to get through and kept me intrigued enough to continue reading.
Some jokes I liked:
CUSTOMER: Do you have a book of mother-in-law jokes? I want to give it to my mother-in-law as a joke. But, you know, not really as a joke at all.
CUSTOMER: What kind of bookshop is this?
BOOKSELLER: We’re an antiquarian bookshop.
CUSTOMER: Oh, so you sell books about fish.
CUSTOMER: I don’t know why she wants it, but my wife asked for a copy of The Dinosaur Cookbook.
BOOKSELLER: The Dinah Shore Cookbook?
CUSTOMER: That must be it; I wondered what she was up to.
Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas
reflective
medium-paced
2.25
He seems to sense me watching him, because he turns his head toward me, both of us locking gazes across the crowded hall. His green eyes pin me to my spot, something hot flashing in them, and I suddenly can’t move a step.
2.25/ 5 stars
Aaaaa, the fact that I didn't like this book makes me so sad😥!; it is honestly such a shame because I love Penelope Douglas' writing!! In my opinion, the first half of this book is near perfection! My favourite book ever is Birthday Girl by Penelope Douglas herself, and this was reminding me so much of it; I immediately liked how this book had a playlist like BG, the tension between the main characters and also the plot twists.
Yet it went downhill after that...We were perfect for each other.
Until we met.
I hate when I am reading a romance book and the characters are initially arguing, and then, they just randomly start kissing each other... like wtf it doesn't work like that mate! The exact thing happened in Punk 57: initially, they were arguing and really going at each other because of Misha's secret, yet all of a sudden they just started kissing and effing each other. 🤦🏻♀️Dark corners, shadows, dank glimmers from the fluorescent light hitting the puddles of water… I see nothing. But I breathe hard, unable to shake the creepy feeling. Someone is there.
Additionally, I EXTREMELY dislike how passive Ryen was; for instance, she kept freaking talking to Lyla, knowing well enough how double-faced and appalling she was.
All in all, although I disliked and felt so disappointed by this novel, I will most probably read more books by Penelope Douglas as I LOVE Birthday Girl so much! 🥰
Other quotes I liked:
It’s just that…given all of her detestable attributes, she’s never alone. You know?
I kind of envy that. Okay, I really envy that.
When she removes her makeup, taking off her brave face for the day, do the demons she keeps buried start playing with her when there’s no one else to play with? I guess not. Narcissists don’t have insecurities, right?
But what if I hear her voice and I like it? What if her laughter in my ear or her breathing into the phone haunts me as much as her words, and I want more?
I’m already obsessed enough with her letters.
Everything makes sense now. The cheerleader she talked about in her letters and everything she hated—she was talking about herself.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
adventurous
mysterious
tense
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? N/A
4.25
Call him Voldemort, Harry. Always use the proper name for things. Fear of a name increases fear of the thing itself.
4.25/ 5 stars
Although I don't usually read fantasy books, I want to start reading different genres, so I decided to start with this. Now is also a good time to say that this was my first time reading this well-known series, and I have never seen the movies either. Surprisingly, it was really enjoyable, most probably since HP is an urban fantasy series rather than a high fantasy one.
Firstly, I really liked the school element and all the different subjects at Hogwarts. I have to say that although I DESPISE Snape, the potion class is my favourite; an honourable mention goes to the quidditch sport. Moreover, the different houses in the school were also fascinating! So much so that I decided to try the Hogwarts house quiz, and I got Ravenclaw!After all, to the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure.
Additionally, somehow I weirdly enjoy hating on characters in books, and I must emphasize that I STRONGLY DISLIKE Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia and Dudley (Apart from Snape, whom I have already mentioned). Contrastingly, my favourite characters so far are Hagrid and Ron. 💖Snape finished calling the names and looked up at the class. His eyes were black like Hagrid's, but they had none of Hagrid's warmth. They were cold and empty and made you think of dark tunnels.
All in all, I will undoubtedly read the next book in this series and eventually watch the movies!
Other quotes I liked:
- Hermione was the last person to do anything against the rules, and here she was, pretending she had, to get them out of trouble. It was as if Snape had started handing out sweets.
- What happened down in the dungeons between you and Professor Quirrell is a complete secret, so, naturally, the whole school knows.
Tied by Carian Cole
5/5 stars
I had been contemplating whether I should read this book or not, and I am so GLAD that I did. Although the first book, Torn, had a concept that intrigued me more, and I really liked that one, I adored this one EVEN MORE!
I tend to prefer emotional bonds over sexual ones, and this was LITERALLY IDEAL for my liking! Although both of the main characters were initially psychologically and physically hurt, they were able to help each other immensely! 💖
Additionally, Tyler is just ✨ perfection! ✨ He is so caring, sweet,loving, etc ... Also, I usually dislike cringey nicknames like "baby" or "sweety", but I thought the fact that Tyler called Holly "sugar" was adorable. It's crazy to think that I was thinking initially that I was going to detest Tyler based on how he acted in Torn; he literally DEVELOPED SO MUCH in this novel and I was totally here for it! (if you couldn't already tell) 💖
Apart from that, the bonus scene at the end is immaculate! It is so different from any other epilogue I have read, and I would honestly not change a thing! 💖
All in all, I will undoubtedly read more novels by Carian Cole as I completely adore her writing! I would recommend her novels to whoever likes to read flawless romance books.
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
"I’m bombarded with new sights and sounds, like the first day I left the safety of the hospital. I am, once again, a stranger in a strange land."
5/5 stars
I had been contemplating whether I should read this book or not, and I am so GLAD that I did. Although the first book, Torn, had a concept that intrigued me more, and I really liked that one, I adored this one EVEN MORE!
"I nod and force my lips into a smile. It’s a mask I have a feeling I’ll be wearing for most of my life."
I tend to prefer emotional bonds over sexual ones, and this was LITERALLY IDEAL for my liking! Although both of the main characters were initially psychologically and physically hurt, they were able to help each other immensely! 💖
"And the silence screamed the loudest, crying to be heard."
Additionally, Tyler is just ✨ perfection! ✨ He is so caring, sweet,loving, etc ... Also, I usually dislike cringey nicknames like "baby" or "sweety", but I thought the fact that Tyler called Holly "sugar" was adorable. It's crazy to think that I was thinking initially that I was going to detest Tyler based on how he acted in Torn; he literally DEVELOPED SO MUCH in this novel and I was totally here for it! (if you couldn't already tell) 💖
"She doesn’t say a word. She just stares at me, this stranger who is my mother ... When did she become so mean and uncaring? Did my disappearance do this? Or my reappearance?"
Apart from that, the bonus scene at the end is immaculate! It is so different from any other epilogue I have read, and I would honestly not change a thing! 💖
All in all, I will undoubtedly read more novels by Carian Cole as I completely adore her writing! I would recommend her novels to whoever likes to read flawless romance books.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
adventurous
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
What a beautiful yet tragic story! I am not a fan of historical fiction, and I think I would have liked this more if I was, but I surprisingly still ended up enjoying it.
I personally loved: how the narrator was Death, the bond between Liesel and her father, her adorable friendship with Rudy, the scene when Liesel first sees Hermann's library, etc.
<i><blockquote>"She was still clutching the book.
She was holding desperately on to the words who had saved her life." </i></blockquote>
Additionally, there were <b>SO MANY</b> beautiful quotes in this novel! And I was immediately intrigued by the beginning with Death's narrative about colours.
<i><blockquote>"As time progressed, a clear distinction developed between two very different worlds: the world inside 33 Himmel Street, and the one that resided and turned outside it. The trick was to keep them apart." </i></blockquote>
Contrastingly, I could not give this novel higher than 3.5 stars (rounded up to 4 stars) as I think there were a couple of times where I was losing interest. I do not think it is the novel's fault, but it is just that I don't usually read and enjoy historical fiction. After I read the book, I decided that I had to watch the movie to see how it compares, and although I prefer the book because it had more detail, I somehow liked Rosa more in the movie than the book.
<i><blockquote>"HERE IS A SMALL FACT
You are going to die...
Your soul will be in my arms. A colour will be perched on my shoulder. I will carry you gently away." </i></blockquote>
Also, I usually cry <b>A LOT</b> when anything tragic happens in a novel, but I only teared up for a second during this one. Thus, I think that I was not as emotionally invested with all of the characters as I had assumed.
All in all, I would still recommend this book to whoever likes historical fiction, specifically novels about war/ Nazi Germany.
I personally loved: how the narrator was Death, the bond between Liesel and her father, her adorable friendship with Rudy, the scene when Liesel first sees Hermann's library, etc.
<i><blockquote>"She was still clutching the book.
She was holding desperately on to the words who had saved her life." </i></blockquote>
Additionally, there were <b>SO MANY</b> beautiful quotes in this novel! And I was immediately intrigued by the beginning with Death's narrative about colours.
<i><blockquote>"As time progressed, a clear distinction developed between two very different worlds: the world inside 33 Himmel Street, and the one that resided and turned outside it. The trick was to keep them apart." </i></blockquote>
Contrastingly, I could not give this novel higher than 3.5 stars (rounded up to 4 stars) as I think there were a couple of times where I was losing interest. I do not think it is the novel's fault, but it is just that I don't usually read and enjoy historical fiction. After I read the book, I decided that I had to watch the movie to see how it compares, and although I prefer the book because it had more detail, I somehow liked Rosa more in the movie than the book.
<i><blockquote>"HERE IS A SMALL FACT
You are going to die...
Your soul will be in my arms. A colour will be perched on my shoulder. I will carry you gently away." </i></blockquote>
Also, I usually cry <b>A LOT</b> when anything tragic happens in a novel, but I only teared up for a second during this one. Thus, I think that I was not as emotionally invested with all of the characters as I had assumed.
All in all, I would still recommend this book to whoever likes historical fiction, specifically novels about war/ Nazi Germany.