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ebbiebooks's reviews
467 reviews
The Wrong Side of Goodbye by Michael Connelly
dark
mysterious
tense
4.0
One of the good ones, which is refreshing considering things were not looking up much for a a few couple of books.
The 2 cases are interesting, though the screen-cutter one was, to me, more it than the Vance case. And this time around, I wasn't mad at the book or the TV show, even though both cases were used for the show. Sometimes, I feel like one or the other is a let down, but not this time. I understand the choices they made for the show, and I really liked the book as well.
I'm also pleasantly pleased at how Bosch is in a somewhat gray area with LAPD, where he has to take a good look at what cop culture can be. I like my crime stories to not be completely sauced in copaganda, so that was a little refreshing as well (tho hey, let's face it, Connelly is most propbably pro-cop, and it's not like he's super sublte about it imo).
The 2 cases are interesting, though the screen-cutter one was, to me, more it than the Vance case. And this time around, I wasn't mad at the book or the TV show, even though both cases were used for the show. Sometimes, I feel like one or the other is a let down, but not this time. I understand the choices they made for the show, and I really liked the book as well.
I'm also pleasantly pleased at how Bosch is in a somewhat gray area with LAPD, where he has to take a good look at what cop culture can be. I like my crime stories to not be completely sauced in copaganda, so that was a little refreshing as well (tho hey, let's face it, Connelly is most propbably pro-cop, and it's not like he's super sublte about it imo).
Princess Princess Ever After by K. O'Neill
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
Cute, but I would have liked more space so that the pacing was a little less fast.
That being said, I would 100% without a doubt give this book to children I know. It's a nice way to open up a conversation on gender roles, among other things. It's not too obvious to the point of being moralistic or lecturing in tone, it keeps the vibe lighthearted.
That being said, I would 100% without a doubt give this book to children I know. It's a nice way to open up a conversation on gender roles, among other things. It's not too obvious to the point of being moralistic or lecturing in tone, it keeps the vibe lighthearted.
The Disabled Tyrant's Beloved Pet Fish: Canji Baojun de Zhangxin Yu Chong (Novel) Vol. 2 by Xue Shan Fei Hu
funny
lighthearted
4.0
I have a soft spot for this series already. The first book was 100% my thing.
This one is still pretty great, but I'd say there were a few things that bugged me now and then, namely issues with consent.
The pacing isn't as tight (and I didn't think it was the tightest before) and I felt like it started to drag a little at some point. Cannot put my finger on why exactly, though I'd say in romance books, it does sometimes happens when the relationship solidifies at first. Hopefully it bounces back a little in the next one.
I also felt there were a few hiccups with the translation, which I've observed happens more often when SS doesn't care as much about a series. I guess it doesn't have the same pull as other ones, which is a shame because so far, I'd say it's a good lighthearted fun ride.
I still had a lot of fun reading it. I love the shenanigans and the ridiculousness and the light misunderstandings because Li Yu is absolutely dense and Prince Jing is ridiculously jealous. I really enjoy the court politics and backstabbing attempt and such, it's not too complicated, and it somehow manages to stay kinda lighthearted even if some heavy stuff happens to the people who get found out and/or are backstabbed.
Also, I'm a sucker for a good isekai. I cannot hide it anymore. Knowing stuff beforehand, having "insider" knowledge and using it for one's betterment or to help other is 100% one of the most popular scenario in entertain when I'm having daydreaming breaks or "good" insomnia (the one where I don't torture myself with all my mistakes and bad decisions). I really really hope we don't lose the pet fish shenanigans because I genuinely love it.
This one is still pretty great, but I'd say there were a few things that bugged me now and then, namely issues with consent.
The pacing isn't as tight (and I didn't think it was the tightest before) and I felt like it started to drag a little at some point. Cannot put my finger on why exactly, though I'd say in romance books, it does sometimes happens when the relationship solidifies at first. Hopefully it bounces back a little in the next one.
I also felt there were a few hiccups with the translation, which I've observed happens more often when SS doesn't care as much about a series. I guess it doesn't have the same pull as other ones, which is a shame because so far, I'd say it's a good lighthearted fun ride.
I still had a lot of fun reading it. I love the shenanigans and the ridiculousness and the light misunderstandings because Li Yu is absolutely dense and Prince Jing is ridiculously jealous. I really enjoy the court politics and backstabbing attempt and such, it's not too complicated, and it somehow manages to stay kinda lighthearted even if some heavy stuff happens to the people who get found out and/or are backstabbed.
Also, I'm a sucker for a good isekai. I cannot hide it anymore. Knowing stuff beforehand, having "insider" knowledge and using it for one's betterment or to help other is 100% one of the most popular scenario in entertain when I'm having daydreaming breaks or "good" insomnia (the one where I don't torture myself with all my mistakes and bad decisions). I really really hope we don't lose the pet fish shenanigans because I genuinely love it.
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
emotional
3.75
It was fine. I think my expectation might have been too high tbh. And I also kinda figured out while reading it that maybe the "friends to lovers" trope isn't for me.
I still had a good time reading the book, with a few ick inducing moments peppered throughout. Overall, it's sweet. There's maybe one or 2 sex scenes, but not super long and overall not ridiculously written either (like it's more tamed than Hazelwood imo).
I'm also a little bit "pissed" that we never really get the details on what actually happened to Poppy with her bullies. We do get some general informations, but never to the point where we can understand deeply why it was THAT bad, to the point it's still having an impact on the decision she makes for herself and her life. Like, I get bullying is bad and I wasn't lucky enough to not be bullied while in school, but as it's written, it doesn't feel bad to the extend it's supposed to be for Poppy. There's a disconnect, at least there was for me.
But yeah, I cried a whole lot as, somehow, it made me think about my friends, and the people I've lost in my life. The style of the writing is effective, and even though sometimes Poppy feels a little silly, it's not like she's written as an idiot either, which is nice. She does say/do stuff that annoyed me at time, but it wasn't too intense.
I might try another Henry's book, but I'll see depending of the tropes that she uses, since I've heard she has a specific recipe and I'm not necessarily down to read the "same" book another time from her.
I still had a good time reading the book, with a few ick inducing moments peppered throughout. Overall, it's sweet. There's maybe one or 2 sex scenes, but not super long and overall not ridiculously written either (like it's more tamed than Hazelwood imo).
I'm also a little bit "pissed" that we never really get the details on what actually happened to Poppy with her bullies. We do get some general informations, but never to the point where we can understand deeply why it was THAT bad, to the point it's still having an impact on the decision she makes for herself and her life. Like, I get bullying is bad and I wasn't lucky enough to not be bullied while in school, but as it's written, it doesn't feel bad to the extend it's supposed to be for Poppy. There's a disconnect, at least there was for me.
But yeah, I cried a whole lot as, somehow, it made me think about my friends, and the people I've lost in my life. The style of the writing is effective, and even though sometimes Poppy feels a little silly, it's not like she's written as an idiot either, which is nice. She does say/do stuff that annoyed me at time, but it wasn't too intense.
I might try another Henry's book, but I'll see depending of the tropes that she uses, since I've heard she has a specific recipe and I'm not necessarily down to read the "same" book another time from her.
Peerless: Wushuang (Novel) Vol. 1 by Meng Xi Shi
adventurous
funny
mysterious
3.75
I really enjoyed myself reading this first volume. I was on the fense as I've struggled with Thousand Autumns so much, I didn't want to jump back into a series that I would just drag until being able to finish it finally. But this one is nothing like the previous series, even though they share the same universe. The reviews I saw didn't lie about that, and I'm grateful for them.
I think the main thing this series has going for itself so far is that the author put way more funny banter and situtations to counterbalance the politics and otherwise heavy subjects. There is a similar dynamic between the 2 MC: a more arrogant and ruthless one v. a more demure and grounded one (tho physical less powerful). But Cui Buqu doesn't let Feng Xiao just toss him around, he fights back with strong words and schemes. He believes in himself and his purpose, which gives the dynamic a more equal battleground, and make things more enjoyable for me I think.
The fact the others characters are not just martial artist and their disciples, or royals, really give the story a little more breathing room imo. The background of the story is still politic-heavy, but there's some space for people to have lives around the higher up's battle for power and such.
I'm still cautious about being 100% on board with the series, as TA was fine on the first volume as well. But it was refreshing coming off of a not so great volume of another series and the end of TA.
I think the main thing this series has going for itself so far is that the author put way more funny banter and situtations to counterbalance the politics and otherwise heavy subjects. There is a similar dynamic between the 2 MC: a more arrogant and ruthless one v. a more demure and grounded one (tho physical less powerful). But Cui Buqu doesn't let Feng Xiao just toss him around, he fights back with strong words and schemes. He believes in himself and his purpose, which gives the dynamic a more equal battleground, and make things more enjoyable for me I think.
The fact the others characters are not just martial artist and their disciples, or royals, really give the story a little more breathing room imo. The background of the story is still politic-heavy, but there's some space for people to have lives around the higher up's battle for power and such.
I'm still cautious about being 100% on board with the series, as TA was fine on the first volume as well. But it was refreshing coming off of a not so great volume of another series and the end of TA.
Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.75
It doesn't hold up to my fond memory of the first time I read it as a teenager.
Now, part of it might be because there's no way I'm rereading those books with my eyeballs, I don't have the time for it. And I think the contemplative and reflexive style of Anne Rice doesn't suit audiobooks that well.
Another reason I think might have caused less enjoyment is that between my first and second read, I've seen the movie and the first season of the TV show, which created a false idea of what actually happened in the book. My "fond memories" might also be in play as I remember the 2nd book being far superior as well (we'll see in due time).
I guess, all in all, I don't much care for Louis as he's written. I remember not liking Lestat in this book, but since almost no one likes him, that would track. Claudia is the best thing, always, and it's a shame we don't get more of her. Armand is just there. Thing is, at least if I hated anyone, I guess it would have been a little better, but most of them didn't really elicit any kind of feeling, and then because of that, I started getting annoyed at them.
Plot-wise, it's a bit weak since it's mostly internal conflict with some action here and there. I knew I wasn't getting into a rambunctious adventure, but somehow in my mind, I thought there would be just a little more significative actions.
Still happy I've reread it as I wanted to revisit the original story after watching the 1st season of the TV show and getting into the whole Immortal Universe series on AMC. Imo, they did a very good job with the adaptation so far, including with their choice to give it more diversity. It's in New Orlean ffs, she could have done better, even back then. I'll probably reread Lestat at some point, and then decide if I get through the 3rd book and stop, or try to finish the series. Or maybe I'll switch to the Witching Hour (though god oh god, sooo chunky).
Now, part of it might be because there's no way I'm rereading those books with my eyeballs, I don't have the time for it. And I think the contemplative and reflexive style of Anne Rice doesn't suit audiobooks that well.
Another reason I think might have caused less enjoyment is that between my first and second read, I've seen the movie and the first season of the TV show, which created a false idea of what actually happened in the book. My "fond memories" might also be in play as I remember the 2nd book being far superior as well (we'll see in due time).
I guess, all in all, I don't much care for Louis as he's written. I remember not liking Lestat in this book, but since almost no one likes him, that would track. Claudia is the best thing, always, and it's a shame we don't get more of her. Armand is just there. Thing is, at least if I hated anyone, I guess it would have been a little better, but most of them didn't really elicit any kind of feeling, and then because of that, I started getting annoyed at them.
Plot-wise, it's a bit weak since it's mostly internal conflict with some action here and there. I knew I wasn't getting into a rambunctious adventure, but somehow in my mind, I thought there would be just a little more significative actions.
Still happy I've reread it as I wanted to revisit the original story after watching the 1st season of the TV show and getting into the whole Immortal Universe series on AMC. Imo, they did a very good job with the adaptation so far, including with their choice to give it more diversity. It's in New Orlean ffs, she could have done better, even back then. I'll probably reread Lestat at some point, and then decide if I get through the 3rd book and stop, or try to finish the series. Or maybe I'll switch to the Witching Hour (though god oh god, sooo chunky).
Raven of the Inner Palace, Vol. 6 by Kouko Shirakawa
mysterious
3.0
Felt like an "in between" volume. Felt like not a lot happened, even with the whole volcano stuff.
Not a whole lot of Jusetsu either, which probably didn't help the volume feel more substantial as the main character is not that much in it from the start.
But hey, it's not a difficult story to read, and I fly through most volume, so I'm going to see it through the end.
Not a whole lot of Jusetsu either, which probably didn't help the volume feel more substantial as the main character is not that much in it from the start.
But hey, it's not a difficult story to read, and I fly through most volume, so I'm going to see it through the end.
Yakuza Fiancé: Raise wa Tanin ga Ii Vol. 2 by Asuka Konishi
funny
mysterious
tense
4.0
The plot thickens, and again, I'm intrigued. I hope we get some kind of reversal, as in Yoshino gets more deranged and Kirishima gets more "normal". But the story feels unpredictable.
Yakuza Fiancé: Raise Wa Tanin Ga Ii Vol. 1 by Asuka Konishi, 小西明日翔
3.75
I'm intrigued. It's a good hook, as I want to know how things evolved further. Though I wonder if the unhinged act is going to grow tiring at some point.
Thousand Autumns: Qian Qiu (Novel) Vol. 5 by Meng Xi Shi
3.0
It's over, and I'm glad I don't have to read another one. It wasn't bad, it just lost all steam after the 2 or first half of the 3rd book. And I wasn't super impressed by the first few book either. I don't know if it's the translation (though it's hasn't been an issue for me in the past), but I just didn't bound with the story and the characters.
The ending is meh. There a few bits here and there that I liked, namely the whole qinggong between the peaks.
The extra stories are never great for me in other stories, so it wasn't different here, but I cannot fault the book for that as I was already done with the series a while back.
I have no idea if I'm going to try Peerless, I'm going to check some reviews first.
The ending is meh. There a few bits here and there that I liked, namely the whole qinggong between the peaks.
The extra stories are never great for me in other stories, so it wasn't different here, but I cannot fault the book for that as I was already done with the series a while back.
I have no idea if I'm going to try Peerless, I'm going to check some reviews first.