elysian's reviews
37 reviews

Someone You Can Build a Nest In by John Wiswell

adventurous funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

This book really is a "cozy horror" book. The writing and characters are charming. The story is fun and very original. I enjoyed the main character the most as one rarely gets to read a villain POV.

Despite, it is noticeably a debut author novel. The second half drags and turns into a slug. I wasn't a fan of the twists and characterisation of side characters. Some of the writing ends up being somewhat confusing to read. The first half is such a blast and I had a good time overall.

The Spirit Bares Its Teeth by Andrew Joseph White

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

The gothic vibes are amazing.  The characters are well written. The middle part dragged a bit/ felt repetitive. I wish there was more done to built up the female side characters.
The ending chapter felt unsatisfying.

Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

So. The characters are an interesting case of "women written by men", which leaves a bad taste in my move. There is a lot of good, old-fashioned sexism in here.

The writing is really something else. The writing feels stiff and lifeless. I think words were used in wrong contexts. I will say this is probably a translation issue.

The story itself is once again - fine. It isn't what "How we loose the time war" or even close and want to read a time traveling book that makes me sob but was left disappointed. Still a quick read tho with an interesting concept.

The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

adventurous emotional tense 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? It's complicated

5.0

The writing is gorgeous. The characters are interesting, not all of them are likeable from the beginning but they do grow on you and change drasticall throughout. The plot is maliciously crafted and planned well.

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
Did not finish book. Stopped at 21%.

It's not for me. I don't like the characters, they feel too mature for their actual age as well as all of them being edgy doesn't help. If I was a teenager still I would eat it up.

I truly only enjoyed chapter one. That's it.

All Systems Red by Martha Wells

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-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

5.0

Title: All Systems Red
Author: Martha Wells
Rating:  FIVE STARS OMG

This book made me realise two things:

-  I don't nearly read enough scifi.
- Martha Wells is a slay.

The pacing was absolutely perfect. I was always invested in the story. It had enough complex world building for me to understand all the concepts perfectly while not overloading me. Also this book gave me ALL the feels. ALL of them.

The characters are chefs kiss. I was so attached to them, but especially the MC. This book has a large cast of figures and I have to applaud Martha for making remembering their names worth my while. (i am sooo bad at remembering names!!!)

Across the Green Grass Fields by Seanan McGuire

adventurous lighthearted fast-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

5 star Read

I absolutely loved this one!

- The message it wanted to convey was strong and carried through the entire book with the MC growing and changing her opinion on it.

- All the characters are just lovable. Chicory is just 🥰

- The world is so interesting and solid. Genuinely wish I could live there too.

- The ending left me wanting for more, but I am definitely satisfied with the ending and resolution. I hope Regan gets a spotlight in other Wayward Children books: tho I understand if she wouldn't as it comes a bit contrary to the message of the book.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, and Outing

Taproot by Keezy Young

emotional hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

It's a cute lil story about falling in love with a human as a ghost.

Themes like death and grief are there but not in a way that it will press down on you.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Suicide

Born of the Sea by Kate Castle

adventurous fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.0

3 stars

The book was fine. I felt like the pacing was off. It was very insta lovey - too much - for my taste. The romance was not very well developed.

You're Not Supposed to Die Tonight by Kalynn Bayron

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Solid. This one was such a good read. A slasher with a real nice summer feel, a friendgroup to be attached to and feel for. And many many twists and turns. Kinda making it stand out in the genre.

The gore is rather minimal really, but I can't complain as I adore the characters.