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finickyreader's reviews
210 reviews
Circe by Madeline Miller
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
<b> rating 4.5 stars </b>
I have been wanting to read this for at least a year because of other readers reviews, and I'm glad I finally did. I truly loved this retelling of Circe from her point of view. Never have I ever read any books regarding myths so I was a little afraid this would drag for me and I would eventually DNF it.
But, that did not happen. Madeline Miller prose is honestly beautiful - it was easy for me to read and understand. To become immersed. I appreciated how she stayed true to the myths of how heartless and fragile the gods ( no matter what myth they hail from ) actually are.
We get to read about Circe's immortal life alongside her family and in general how little she meant to them. We follow her growth and reading about her coming into her power and identity.
I'm excited to move on to her next book <i> Song of Achilles </i> which from what I heard is slower but more emotional than this one.
I have been wanting to read this for at least a year because of other readers reviews, and I'm glad I finally did. I truly loved this retelling of Circe from her point of view. Never have I ever read any books regarding myths so I was a little afraid this would drag for me and I would eventually DNF it.
But, that did not happen. Madeline Miller prose is honestly beautiful - it was easy for me to read and understand. To become immersed. I appreciated how she stayed true to the myths of how heartless and fragile the gods ( no matter what myth they hail from ) actually are.
We get to read about Circe's immortal life alongside her family and in general how little she meant to them. We follow her growth and reading about her coming into her power and identity.
I'm excited to move on to her next book <i> Song of Achilles </i> which from what I heard is slower but more emotional than this one.
Angel's Blood by Nalini Singh
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
Foul Lady Fortune by Chloe Gong
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
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? No
4.5
How should I begin this review? This is a spin off based on Rosalind Lang, the cousin to Juliette Cai - one of the main characters in the These Violent Delights duology. Now if you've read those books you know what Rosa did in that story. Lady Fortune is about her dealing with the aftermath of her decisions and the severe consequences of it.
Just like in the previous books, this also has a fantasy element to it but it's not monsters - it has to do with Rosa herself - through some questionable "medicine" she's become an immortal then trained to be an assassin for the Nationalist Party. She has no real care for herself because she believes she doesn't deserve it. Rosa is very jaded determined not to care for anyone beyond her sister Celia. But, with the help of her partner she learns to stop doing that. Her journey that begins in this book is really enjoyable to read.
We also get introduced to her love interest and partner - the spy, Orion Hong. I LOVE HIM. Orion is the sunshine to Rosa's grump. He's so cute and earnest. Not that he doesn't have his own issues because he does regarding the absence of both his parents and the very difficult relationship with his older brother Oliver. He still maintains his wonderful personality. Alongside his anxious best friend Silas and feisty little sister Phoebe; Orion is one the best characters of the Secret Shanghai series.
Alisa and Celia/Kathleen also come back and they've grown into their own becoming spies themselves. I liked Alisa in the previous books but really come to love her in this book.
I also want to mention the representation in this book in my humble opinion was done beautifully and without clunky insertion into the story. There was Bisexual, Trans, Gay and Demi rep. It was done so well - the trans rep in particular was a surprised to me but I loved the way it was done - while it was an important part of the character she didn't make it the only thing about that character.
Now, onto the 3 crazy reveals in the third act of the book. I was blown away. Maybe other people reading this book figured it out but I sure as hell had no idea. I was flabbergasted in the best way. It's got me so excited to read the next book.
Also, a little something I've noticed after reading two of Chloe Gong's books, is that the first half of the book is okay for me but then the last starts and it just goes wild. She's got me hook line and sinker LOL.
p.s fuck Lady and General Hong *middlefingermiddlefinger*
Just like in the previous books, this also has a fantasy element to it but it's not monsters - it has to do with Rosa herself - through some questionable "medicine" she's become an immortal then trained to be an assassin for the Nationalist Party. She has no real care for herself because she believes she doesn't deserve it. Rosa is very jaded determined not to care for anyone beyond her sister Celia. But, with the help of her partner she learns to stop doing that. Her journey that begins in this book is really enjoyable to read.
We also get introduced to her love interest and partner - the spy, Orion Hong. I LOVE HIM. Orion is the sunshine to Rosa's grump. He's so cute and earnest. Not that he doesn't have his own issues because he does regarding the absence of both his parents and the very difficult relationship with his older brother Oliver. He still maintains his wonderful personality. Alongside his anxious best friend Silas and feisty little sister Phoebe; Orion is one the best characters of the Secret Shanghai series.
Alisa and Celia/Kathleen also come back and they've grown into their own becoming spies themselves. I liked Alisa in the previous books but really come to love her in this book.
I also want to mention the representation in this book in my humble opinion was done beautifully and without clunky insertion into the story. There was Bisexual, Trans, Gay and Demi rep. It was done so well - the trans rep in particular was a surprised to me but I loved the way it was done - while it was an important part of the character she didn't make it the only thing about that character.
Now, onto the 3 crazy reveals in the third act of the book. I was blown away. Maybe other people reading this book figured it out but I sure as hell had no idea. I was flabbergasted in the best way. It's got me so excited to read the next book.
Also, a little something I've noticed after reading two of Chloe Gong's books, is that the first half of the book is okay for me but then the last starts and it just goes wild. She's got me hook line and sinker LOL.
p.s fuck Lady and General Hong *middlefingermiddlefinger*
Our Violent Ends by Chloe Gong
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
Pines by Blake Crouch
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.5
2.5 stars.
My first book from this author and my first foray into literary fiction.
It was a very short read, its about life and whether one is satisfied about where they are. About your environment and whether turning a blind eye to what you know is wrong is actually the right thing to do.
Are you willing to disrupt your own life and those around you in order to do the right thing?
Are you willing to speak up when everyone else is choosing to be slient?
I wasn't wowed by this. It was ok, I think I may pick author from Keegan in the future.
My first book from this author and my first foray into literary fiction.
It was a very short read, its about life and whether one is satisfied about where they are. About your environment and whether turning a blind eye to what you know is wrong is actually the right thing to do.
Are you willing to disrupt your own life and those around you in order to do the right thing?
Are you willing to speak up when everyone else is choosing to be slient?
I wasn't wowed by this. It was ok, I think I may pick author from Keegan in the future.
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
funny
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
another 5 star!
I have heard about this book for the longest time, I was scared it wouldn't live up to it's hype. Happy to report that it did.
This is my very first Leigh Bardugo book and I am in love with her writing. There are some books (which ends up being really good books) that turn me into a visual reader- as i am reading I can picture every location, conversation, character, etc as the story goes on. Bardugo nailed it! The way each POV flawlessly connected with the next one, I never had a problem following the story. I did not read the Shadow and Bone series before this and I don't feel like you need to. She explains this world so well you won't feel lost.
The characters. Oh my. This wonderfully damaged group of people are amazing. The slow development of found family was beautiful. Nothing was rushed and everything was well paced imo.
My favorite pairing is Kaz and Matthias, which judging from other reviews who enjoyed this book, that's not the norm. LOL
I just loved every moment they were together - I can't really explain it. Esp towards the end? How Matthias silently had Kaz' back? *chef's kiss*
And, then.....JESPER AND WYLAN!! OH! My boys! I need them to be happy in the next book. I need nothing to happen them :_____;
Inej and Nina. The powerful bosses they are. I'm praying for them in the next book, esp Nina because how is she going to handle that?!
Anyway onto CROOKED KINGDOM!
I have heard about this book for the longest time, I was scared it wouldn't live up to it's hype. Happy to report that it did.
This is my very first Leigh Bardugo book and I am in love with her writing. There are some books (which ends up being really good books) that turn me into a visual reader- as i am reading I can picture every location, conversation, character, etc as the story goes on. Bardugo nailed it! The way each POV flawlessly connected with the next one, I never had a problem following the story. I did not read the Shadow and Bone series before this and I don't feel like you need to. She explains this world so well you won't feel lost.
The characters. Oh my. This wonderfully damaged group of people are amazing. The slow development of found family was beautiful. Nothing was rushed and everything was well paced imo.
My favorite pairing is Kaz and Matthias, which judging from other reviews who enjoyed this book, that's not the norm. LOL
I just loved every moment they were together - I can't really explain it. Esp towards the end? How Matthias silently had Kaz' back? *chef's kiss*
And, then.....JESPER AND WYLAN!! OH! My boys! I need them to be happy in the next book. I need nothing to happen them :_____;
Inej and Nina. The powerful bosses they are. I'm praying for them in the next book, esp Nina because how is she going to handle that?!
Anyway onto CROOKED KINGDOM!
Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater
Did not finish book. Stopped at 39%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 39%.
forgot about it. will come back at a later time. so this is more of a....soft dnf
All the Sinners Bleed by S.A. Cosby
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
TW: description of murders are a bit gory, so be aware
//
my very first S.A Cosby book has been completed! I have been wanting to read from this author for awhile. I got it from my local library. <b>(support local libraries) </b>
As per the synopsis, this is a story about a black sheriff in a southern town drowning in a VERY questionable and bloody history whose trying to hunt down a serial killer. There was no plot twist in this story and the reveal of the killer didn't do anything for me. But, the overall story I really enjoyed. Titus, who is the main character, did not annoy me and I found myself actually liking him <i>(with the exception of his love life which I found to be an unnecessary part of the story no matter how small it was, but that's just me.)</i>
I've never been a mystery/thriller lover but I do have the urge to delve into this genre this year. And, I was not disappointed. Now, while I was not wowed by this book it did make me an active participate to it. I found myself rolling my eyes, exclaiming disbelief, and read to fight some of these characters. If a book can make me do all of that, it's very likely a good damn book.
*At first this was going to be a 3.5 star but the middle part of this book bumped it up to a 4.*
//
my very first S.A Cosby book has been completed! I have been wanting to read from this author for awhile. I got it from my local library. <b>(support local libraries) </b>
As per the synopsis, this is a story about a black sheriff in a southern town drowning in a VERY questionable and bloody history whose trying to hunt down a serial killer. There was no plot twist in this story and the reveal of the killer didn't do anything for me. But, the overall story I really enjoyed. Titus, who is the main character, did not annoy me and I found myself actually liking him <i>(with the exception of his love life which I found to be an unnecessary part of the story no matter how small it was, but that's just me.)</i>
I've never been a mystery/thriller lover but I do have the urge to delve into this genre this year. And, I was not disappointed. Now, while I was not wowed by this book it did make me an active participate to it. I found myself rolling my eyes, exclaiming disbelief, and read to fight some of these characters. If a book can make me do all of that, it's very likely a good damn book.
*At first this was going to be a 3.5 star but the middle part of this book bumped it up to a 4.*
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Bride by Ali Hazelwood
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0