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coffee_nd_pages's reviews
661 reviews
Graveyard Shift by M.L. Rio
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
How To Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin
challenging
mysterious
tense
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
3.5
A fun, fast paced, cozy murder mystery.
Read if you like
- past x present povs
- small town vibes
- interesting characters (esp Frances)
- psychic predictions
- toxic friendships
- solve the murder to gain the inheritance vibes
Had a great time with this one. We follow Annie who's called to the reading of her great aunt's will, and then discovers the body of her aunt, Frances. Now she needs to compete against another family member to solve the murder case in order to inherit the entire fortune.
Everyone knows everything in this tight-knit community, and it presents a difficult case for Annie as she needs to make allies to gather dirt on the townspeople. Annie's also an aspiring murder mystery writer, so she feels like she's in her game and tries to unravel the mystery with the help of the handsome detective. I was really glad that the author didn't lean into this romantic subplot much, and they were rather looking out for one another in solving the case together. But I gotta admit I found the character of Annie to be less appealing and was rather intrigued by her great aunt, Frances.
Frances receives a grim prediction from a psychic when she's just sixteen years old. From then, she sets it her life's mission to decode the prediction and to figure out her own death. This has left her more paranoid and hostile towards a lot of the people in her life. And when she's murdered at the start of the novel, most people believed that she had it coming because of her animosity towards everyone. And we get to see her past through her journal which I found to be more exciting - it shows Frances in her element!!! She was kind-hearted but extremely vocal and self aware, and was keen on trying to solve another incident that happened during her teen. I loved her tenacity, and wished we got to see more of her!!
Overall, it was a solid murder mystery with the ending I didn't see coming! (Even though some clues were right there!!!). Would definitely pick up the sequel.
Read if you like
- past x present povs
- small town vibes
- interesting characters (esp Frances)
- psychic predictions
- toxic friendships
- solve the murder to gain the inheritance vibes
Had a great time with this one. We follow Annie who's called to the reading of her great aunt's will, and then discovers the body of her aunt, Frances. Now she needs to compete against another family member to solve the murder case in order to inherit the entire fortune.
Everyone knows everything in this tight-knit community, and it presents a difficult case for Annie as she needs to make allies to gather dirt on the townspeople. Annie's also an aspiring murder mystery writer, so she feels like she's in her game and tries to unravel the mystery with the help of the handsome detective. I was really glad that the author didn't lean into this romantic subplot much, and they were rather looking out for one another in solving the case together. But I gotta admit I found the character of Annie to be less appealing and was rather intrigued by her great aunt, Frances.
Frances receives a grim prediction from a psychic when she's just sixteen years old. From then, she sets it her life's mission to decode the prediction and to figure out her own death. This has left her more paranoid and hostile towards a lot of the people in her life. And when she's murdered at the start of the novel, most people believed that she had it coming because of her animosity towards everyone. And we get to see her past through her journal which I found to be more exciting - it shows Frances in her element!!! She was kind-hearted but extremely vocal and self aware, and was keen on trying to solve another incident that happened during her teen. I loved her tenacity, and wished we got to see more of her!!
Overall, it was a solid murder mystery with the ending I didn't see coming! (Even though some clues were right there!!!). Would definitely pick up the sequel.
Twin Flames by Olivia Abtahi
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
tense
fast-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
Fast paced and action packed YA fantasy!!!
Thanks to NetGalley and RB Media for the audiobook!
Set in small town Virginia, we follow the twin sisters, Bianca and Leila who are so different from one another. Their dad is an Iranian, and their mom is an Argentinian, and the sisters have always found it difficult to belong in the white town. But Bianca embraces her culture and is proud of it, while Leila shuns her culture and adapts herself to be the cottagecore American girl. Even their dreams are completely opposite - Bianca wants to leave the town while Leila wants to have a normal family and become a mom.
When they turn 18, there's a sudden fire in their neighborhood farm that isn't due to any natural or electrical issues, but rather something supernatural. Their lives are deeply connected to this new problem as the djinn demand they pay their end of the bargain if they wanna save their town. What's this bargain that they haven't heard of? Will they end up saving their town or succumb to the wrath of the djinn? You have to read more to find that out!!
Thoughts -
Absolutely loved every moment of this! The sisterly bond shines bright in the novel, as we see Bianca and Leila go from being distant and not talking much to one another for the past four years to joining hands in overthrowing the enemy and saving their town. It warmed my heart to witness them opening up to each other, and showing the sides they've always hid.
The characters are unique, and interesting, and the author has done a wonderful job of portraying their inner struggles and their transformation throughout the plot. The audiobook narrator brought out the uniqueness of both sisters perfectly, and I was able to tell whose pov it was, without even having to read the chapter title!!
Bianca is more edgy and rebellious, and is so relatable. She loves manga, Taylor Swift, pies, and adores her Iranian - Argentinian side. She's outgoing and full of energy, and she feels trapped in this small town. All she wants is to complete her high school and travel around the world. But she starts to learn more about her inner wants as she tackles the djinn problems. She realises how wrong she has always been, and moves forward to making her new goals come true.
On the other hand, Leila is a homebody, she's soft-spoken and loves crocheting and gardening. She wants nothing more to marry her boyfriend, and have a family of her own. She hates change, and tries to not associate herself with her ethnicity, but it all changes on the night of her 18th birthday. She's thrust into a new world which opens her eyes to the whole wide world that exists out of her small town. And it was interesting to see her come to terms with what she really wants, and also who she really wants to be with!! I liked the way the author explored Leila accepting her sexuality and embracing this new side of her.
The book is also rich in Persian mythology, as we encounter countless creatures being mentioned in it - djinns, mareed, giants, etc. And as someone who's a die-hard fan of the Daevabad trilogy, I ate that up!!! And it was so exciting to learn more about the Iranian cuisine, which left me hungry every time I read the book (the platter that their mom made for the Christmas Eve dinner still haunts my mind and makes my stomach grumble🤤🤤)
Overall, a solid YA fantasy debut that's rooted in Persian mythology, with a touch of sisterly bond, self discovery and the struggles of belonging to mixed ethnicity in a small town.
Thanks to NetGalley and RB Media for the audiobook!
Set in small town Virginia, we follow the twin sisters, Bianca and Leila who are so different from one another. Their dad is an Iranian, and their mom is an Argentinian, and the sisters have always found it difficult to belong in the white town. But Bianca embraces her culture and is proud of it, while Leila shuns her culture and adapts herself to be the cottagecore American girl. Even their dreams are completely opposite - Bianca wants to leave the town while Leila wants to have a normal family and become a mom.
When they turn 18, there's a sudden fire in their neighborhood farm that isn't due to any natural or electrical issues, but rather something supernatural. Their lives are deeply connected to this new problem as the djinn demand they pay their end of the bargain if they wanna save their town. What's this bargain that they haven't heard of? Will they end up saving their town or succumb to the wrath of the djinn? You have to read more to find that out!!
Thoughts -
Absolutely loved every moment of this! The sisterly bond shines bright in the novel, as we see Bianca and Leila go from being distant and not talking much to one another for the past four years to joining hands in overthrowing the enemy and saving their town. It warmed my heart to witness them opening up to each other, and showing the sides they've always hid.
The characters are unique, and interesting, and the author has done a wonderful job of portraying their inner struggles and their transformation throughout the plot. The audiobook narrator brought out the uniqueness of both sisters perfectly, and I was able to tell whose pov it was, without even having to read the chapter title!!
Bianca is more edgy and rebellious, and is so relatable. She loves manga, Taylor Swift, pies, and adores her Iranian - Argentinian side. She's outgoing and full of energy, and she feels trapped in this small town. All she wants is to complete her high school and travel around the world. But she starts to learn more about her inner wants as she tackles the djinn problems. She realises how wrong she has always been, and moves forward to making her new goals come true.
On the other hand, Leila is a homebody, she's soft-spoken and loves crocheting and gardening. She wants nothing more to marry her boyfriend, and have a family of her own. She hates change, and tries to not associate herself with her ethnicity, but it all changes on the night of her 18th birthday. She's thrust into a new world which opens her eyes to the whole wide world that exists out of her small town. And it was interesting to see her come to terms with what she really wants, and also who she really wants to be with!! I liked the way the author explored Leila accepting her sexuality and embracing this new side of her.
The book is also rich in Persian mythology, as we encounter countless creatures being mentioned in it - djinns, mareed, giants, etc. And as someone who's a die-hard fan of the Daevabad trilogy, I ate that up!!! And it was so exciting to learn more about the Iranian cuisine, which left me hungry every time I read the book (the platter that their mom made for the Christmas Eve dinner still haunts my mind and makes my stomach grumble🤤🤤)
Overall, a solid YA fantasy debut that's rooted in Persian mythology, with a touch of sisterly bond, self discovery and the struggles of belonging to mixed ethnicity in a small town.
Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver
adventurous
challenging
dark
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Wrath of the Triple Goddess by Rick Riordan
adventurous
challenging
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? Yes
3.5
Read My Rights by Caz Redpath
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
4.25
A heartbreaking and heartwarming read at the same time!!
Elijah Weatherston, a police officer, has faced a terrible tragedy 15 years ago that broke his family apart. It has left him broken, and he has shut himself from forming an emotional connection with anyone other than his family. But when he meets Charlotte, a single mom who enters into his life and town unannounced, he cannot stop himself from falling for her.
Charlotte along with her son, runs away from her abusive husband and moves into Rosehaven in order to have a peaceful life. She isn't ready to let any other man move into her life, and take control over her. What Elijah wants isn't to control her but to protect her!! Can she really say 'no' to an overprotective, handsome and caring police officer?
Both our MCs were wounded by things and people that they had no control over, so it was extremely moving to see them become the balm to one another's soul. Without even knowing, they heal the inner scars of one another, and end up becoming the safe haven that they needed.
Elijah has anxiety and encounters panic attacks from time to time, and I felt like the author represented it realistically! And the way he copes with it by turning to playing the piano was also relatable (coming from someone who starts to blast Taylor Swift and One Direction whenever she senses an anxiety attack coming!!)
Theo, Charlotte's son was such an adorable kid!! Despite growing up in a toxic environment, he's grown up to be a kind-hearted child who hasn't lost his innocence and curious nature. And it melted my heart to see him bond with the Weatherston family members, esp Elijah!
The small town vibes, coupled with the welcoming Weatherston family and the most beautiful slowburn between Elijah and Charlotte, made this an unforgettable read for me. And I'm super excited to read the second book in the series which is gonna be featuring James and Lucy🥺
Elijah Weatherston, a police officer, has faced a terrible tragedy 15 years ago that broke his family apart. It has left him broken, and he has shut himself from forming an emotional connection with anyone other than his family. But when he meets Charlotte, a single mom who enters into his life and town unannounced, he cannot stop himself from falling for her.
Charlotte along with her son, runs away from her abusive husband and moves into Rosehaven in order to have a peaceful life. She isn't ready to let any other man move into her life, and take control over her. What Elijah wants isn't to control her but to protect her!! Can she really say 'no' to an overprotective, handsome and caring police officer?
Both our MCs were wounded by things and people that they had no control over, so it was extremely moving to see them become the balm to one another's soul. Without even knowing, they heal the inner scars of one another, and end up becoming the safe haven that they needed.
Elijah has anxiety and encounters panic attacks from time to time, and I felt like the author represented it realistically! And the way he copes with it by turning to playing the piano was also relatable (coming from someone who starts to blast Taylor Swift and One Direction whenever she senses an anxiety attack coming!!)
Theo, Charlotte's son was such an adorable kid!! Despite growing up in a toxic environment, he's grown up to be a kind-hearted child who hasn't lost his innocence and curious nature. And it melted my heart to see him bond with the Weatherston family members, esp Elijah!
The small town vibes, coupled with the welcoming Weatherston family and the most beautiful slowburn between Elijah and Charlotte, made this an unforgettable read for me. And I'm super excited to read the second book in the series which is gonna be featuring James and Lucy🥺
The Invocations by Krystal Sutherland
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Silver and Smoke by Van Hoang
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Thanks to NetGalley for the E-ARC!!
Set in 1930s LA, we follow our main characters, Issa Bui and Olivia Nong, Vietnamese women who dream of becoming Hollywood stars and making a name for themselves in a world where Asians are treated with indifference. Issa's family belongs to a line of shamans and she's asked to take over the art after her grandmother's death. But she makes a deal with them to give her a year's time to become an actress and if she fails to become one, she'll take on the family's work. And to make their dreams come true, Issa and Olivia summon the dead actress, Ava Rang for help. But are they prepared for what's about to come when you dabble in the mystic arts?!!
This was a perfect fall read, with its vintage vibes from the 1930s and the chilling atmosphere that come from the mystic art of shamanism. I had a wonderful time following the girls who worked so hard to make their dreams come true!
Racism is so prevalent in the film industry that their talents are overlooked cuz their appearances take precedence, and they struggle to land even minor roles at the start. But with the help of the summoned ghost, they're able to finally get smaller roles and are still treated as nobodies. And it was so painful and also rewarding to see them give their all and still have hopes that they'd become stars if they keep trying. And they do see some changes in the way people start to treat them as they showcase their talents. The willpower and strong beliefs of our FMCs shines throughout the novel, and I liked their character growth towards the end.
Also I love stories that have some amount of paranormal elements in them, and this tackled that aspect very well. With Issa belonging to a family of shamans, we're introduced to a world of seance and summonings, and a dabble into the darker side at times. The last part of the novel took a sinister turn that I saw coming but was still shocked at everything that happened within those few chapters. And I was satisfied with the way everything ended, and how their friendship lasted after going through such arduous times. And I'm glad that Issa and Olivia finally had their dreams come true, and also found out how precious their bond is. Will definitely recommend this if you're looking for something both eerie and also fun at the same time.
Set in 1930s LA, we follow our main characters, Issa Bui and Olivia Nong, Vietnamese women who dream of becoming Hollywood stars and making a name for themselves in a world where Asians are treated with indifference. Issa's family belongs to a line of shamans and she's asked to take over the art after her grandmother's death. But she makes a deal with them to give her a year's time to become an actress and if she fails to become one, she'll take on the family's work. And to make their dreams come true, Issa and Olivia summon the dead actress, Ava Rang for help. But are they prepared for what's about to come when you dabble in the mystic arts?!!
This was a perfect fall read, with its vintage vibes from the 1930s and the chilling atmosphere that come from the mystic art of shamanism. I had a wonderful time following the girls who worked so hard to make their dreams come true!
Racism is so prevalent in the film industry that their talents are overlooked cuz their appearances take precedence, and they struggle to land even minor roles at the start. But with the help of the summoned ghost, they're able to finally get smaller roles and are still treated as nobodies. And it was so painful and also rewarding to see them give their all and still have hopes that they'd become stars if they keep trying. And they do see some changes in the way people start to treat them as they showcase their talents. The willpower and strong beliefs of our FMCs shines throughout the novel, and I liked their character growth towards the end.
Also I love stories that have some amount of paranormal elements in them, and this tackled that aspect very well. With Issa belonging to a family of shamans, we're introduced to a world of seance and summonings, and a dabble into the darker side at times. The last part of the novel took a sinister turn that I saw coming but was still shocked at everything that happened within those few chapters. And I was satisfied with the way everything ended, and how their friendship lasted after going through such arduous times. And I'm glad that Issa and Olivia finally had their dreams come true, and also found out how precious their bond is. Will definitely recommend this if you're looking for something both eerie and also fun at the same time.