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franksfiction's reviews
138 reviews
Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney
4.0
My name is Frank DiLuzio. There are 3 things you should know about me:
I write book reviews.
My boyfriend is Bill Gates.
Sometimes I lie.
We get three different types of chapters:
Before: Journal entries from the past (1992 – omg, that’s when I was born; I have become vintage).
Then: Events that took place a week prior in 2016
Now: When our MC is in a coma.
This is my 3rd Alice Feeney novel, and the other two were five stars for me. I wanted to love “Sometimes I Lie” just as much, and I did until we approached the book’s ending. When I realized that this book was published in 2016, it made a lot of sense. During this year, many authors were writing books that contained WAY too many twists to the point that the story became nonsense or convoluted. I think this book would have been a 4.5 or a 5 star if the twists weren’t revved up to driving 80 miles in a school zone (I’m going to hit a child at this rate).
I don’t think enough readers are talking about one particular chapter enough (possibly because it was glazed over quickly), and that is the TW SA scene. IT WAS SO DISTURBING. I had goosebumps go up my arms, and my mouth dropped. If the goal was to make you feel extremely uncomfortable during that chapter, she succeeded.
“Sometimes I Lie” was one of her first novels, and given the trajectory of her other books, it would make sense to enjoy her later works more than this one. But I had to read this one because the amount of hype it had was insane.
I don’t think I liked one single character, which isn’t a requirement for me to enjoy a story, but one also has to think, “If none of the characters are likable, will the reader care about what happens to them?” I wanted to root for at least one person. However, the story overall is entertaining, and these messed-up characters assist in that process.
I’m excited to read more Alice Feeney novels. She has a gift of making you unsure of who a character really is and manipulating a reader’s perception. I know that whenever I pick up an Alice Feeney book, I am in for a ride!
I write book reviews.
My boyfriend is Bill Gates.
Sometimes I lie.
We get three different types of chapters:
Before: Journal entries from the past (1992 – omg, that’s when I was born; I have become vintage).
Then: Events that took place a week prior in 2016
Now: When our MC is in a coma.
This is my 3rd Alice Feeney novel, and the other two were five stars for me. I wanted to love “Sometimes I Lie” just as much, and I did until we approached the book’s ending. When I realized that this book was published in 2016, it made a lot of sense. During this year, many authors were writing books that contained WAY too many twists to the point that the story became nonsense or convoluted. I think this book would have been a 4.5 or a 5 star if the twists weren’t revved up to driving 80 miles in a school zone (I’m going to hit a child at this rate).
I don’t think enough readers are talking about one particular chapter enough (possibly because it was glazed over quickly), and that is the TW SA scene. IT WAS SO DISTURBING. I had goosebumps go up my arms, and my mouth dropped. If the goal was to make you feel extremely uncomfortable during that chapter, she succeeded.
“Sometimes I Lie” was one of her first novels, and given the trajectory of her other books, it would make sense to enjoy her later works more than this one. But I had to read this one because the amount of hype it had was insane.
I don’t think I liked one single character, which isn’t a requirement for me to enjoy a story, but one also has to think, “If none of the characters are likable, will the reader care about what happens to them?” I wanted to root for at least one person. However, the story overall is entertaining, and these messed-up characters assist in that process.
I’m excited to read more Alice Feeney novels. She has a gift of making you unsure of who a character really is and manipulating a reader’s perception. I know that whenever I pick up an Alice Feeney book, I am in for a ride!
A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
4.5
To start, I am team chapter 54. While chapter 55 is also great, I needed that emotional vulnerability from chapter 54 to feel deeply connected and invested in chapter 55.
The last 3rd of the book has some strong chapters and writing. Sarah J. Maas definitely knows how to write endings for her books. I wish some of that magic would have been sprinkled earlier throughout the book; I felt like I was sifting through 400+ pages for a payoff. Like the first book, I can’t stop thinking about the last third of the book, but I don’t remember much about everything that happened before.
We’re introduced to a new cast of characters, and they are solid additions to the series. I like the direction the series took from book one to book two. What’s keeping me around are her writing style and my investment in these characters.
While I appreciate Maas’ writing and books, I find myself yearning for more. I'm eager to see if her series can truly captivate me and make me fall in love with it.
The last 3rd of the book has some strong chapters and writing. Sarah J. Maas definitely knows how to write endings for her books. I wish some of that magic would have been sprinkled earlier throughout the book; I felt like I was sifting through 400+ pages for a payoff. Like the first book, I can’t stop thinking about the last third of the book, but I don’t remember much about everything that happened before.
We’re introduced to a new cast of characters, and they are solid additions to the series. I like the direction the series took from book one to book two. What’s keeping me around are her writing style and my investment in these characters.
While I appreciate Maas’ writing and books, I find myself yearning for more. I'm eager to see if her series can truly captivate me and make me fall in love with it.
The Villa by Rachel Hawkins
3.0
Two former best friends, Emily and Chess (I thought it was Jess 75% of the time I was listening to the audiobook), are authors in different genres and go on a trip to Italy together to work on their upcoming novels.
“The Villa” is my 1stRachel Hawkins book, and I think I need to read another one by her to see if I enjoy it more. This book gave me “meh”. I could see every plot twist 10 miles away, and there were times when the story became quite convoluted between the past and present stories for no reason. I enjoyed the friendship dynamic between Emily and Chess; friendships can be complicated, and this story portrayed that well. I don’t think the characters in the novel were complex or fleshed out enough. The story that takes place in the past had the potential to be a gruesome, edge-of-your-seat story, but it dropped the ball, in my opinion.
I almost gave this book two stars instead of three, but I did care about what would happen to the characters; I was mildly invested. I will say the cover is gorgeous, and that hooked me instantly to purchasing it. Also, the audio narration was well done.
“The Villa” is my 1stRachel Hawkins book, and I think I need to read another one by her to see if I enjoy it more. This book gave me “meh”. I could see every plot twist 10 miles away, and there were times when the story became quite convoluted between the past and present stories for no reason. I enjoyed the friendship dynamic between Emily and Chess; friendships can be complicated, and this story portrayed that well. I don’t think the characters in the novel were complex or fleshed out enough. The story that takes place in the past had the potential to be a gruesome, edge-of-your-seat story, but it dropped the ball, in my opinion.
I almost gave this book two stars instead of three, but I did care about what would happen to the characters; I was mildly invested. I will say the cover is gorgeous, and that hooked me instantly to purchasing it. Also, the audio narration was well done.
The Push by Ashley Audrain
3.0
*Buddy read with @hammyreads
I wanted to like this book more. I’ve heard great things about it, but once I finished it, I felt it was middle of the road. Two of my favorite things about this book were Blythe’s emotional inner dialogue throughout and her relationship with Gemma. I’m not a parent, but Blythe’s thoughts and feelings felt so accurate to what some mothers would feel in this type of story. The last third of the story had me pretty hooked.
Some parts carried on longer than they should have (like just have the baby already). I did not love the ending. I felt a rush from everything happening, and the ending felt anticlimactic. I own “The Whispers” by Ashely Audrain, and I would love to give another one of her books a chance. That was some interesting backstory into Blythe’s mother and grandmother, but some of it also didn’t feel necessary. The more I think about it, the more I realize that a whole ton doesn’t happen in this book, but some moments kept me engaged and wanting more.
Comment below some book recommendations that I should be reading!
I wanted to like this book more. I’ve heard great things about it, but once I finished it, I felt it was middle of the road. Two of my favorite things about this book were Blythe’s emotional inner dialogue throughout and her relationship with Gemma. I’m not a parent, but Blythe’s thoughts and feelings felt so accurate to what some mothers would feel in this type of story. The last third of the story had me pretty hooked.
Some parts carried on longer than they should have (like just have the baby already). I did not love the ending. I felt a rush from everything happening, and the ending felt anticlimactic. I own “The Whispers” by Ashely Audrain, and I would love to give another one of her books a chance. That was some interesting backstory into Blythe’s mother and grandmother, but some of it also didn’t feel necessary. The more I think about it, the more I realize that a whole ton doesn’t happen in this book, but some moments kept me engaged and wanting more.
Comment below some book recommendations that I should be reading!
The Best of Friends by Lucinda Berry
3.0
Best friends Lindsey, Kendra, and Dani endure every parent's nightmare when a tragic accident befalls their teenage boys, leaving one dead, another in a coma, and a third too traumatized to speak.
The beginning and the end of this book are strong. The middle was a little boring and muddled for my liking. However, the reader truly feels each of these mothers' feelings (I was left teary-eyed). There was one twist I wasn't expecting (hint: letter writing), but after reading a lot of thrillers, I could catch most things. What was missing for me was that they were supposed to be best friends, and it was difficult to feel that. Of course, the type of situation they went through would make them not as close at the moment, but I didn't feel the struggle of, "This is my best friend and her son." I think we were supposed to be more sympathetic to Kendra, but she didn't come off as likable to me.
The story is still solid and has lots of potential, but little tweaks would make this a higher rating. Also, because the accident happens at the beginning of the novel, we barely learn anything about the boys, and I would have loved to get to know them more, considering what was going on.
This was my first Lucinda Berry book. Would I give another one a chance? I would. If you've read her books, let me know your favorite.
The beginning and the end of this book are strong. The middle was a little boring and muddled for my liking. However, the reader truly feels each of these mothers' feelings (I was left teary-eyed). There was one twist I wasn't expecting (hint: letter writing), but after reading a lot of thrillers, I could catch most things. What was missing for me was that they were supposed to be best friends, and it was difficult to feel that. Of course, the type of situation they went through would make them not as close at the moment, but I didn't feel the struggle of, "This is my best friend and her son." I think we were supposed to be more sympathetic to Kendra, but she didn't come off as likable to me.
The story is still solid and has lots of potential, but little tweaks would make this a higher rating. Also, because the accident happens at the beginning of the novel, we barely learn anything about the boys, and I would have loved to get to know them more, considering what was going on.
This was my first Lucinda Berry book. Would I give another one a chance? I would. If you've read her books, let me know your favorite.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
4.5
This is my first Sarah J. Maas book, and I will definitely be reading the rest of the series! When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a terrifying creature arrives to demand retribution. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she knows about only from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not truly a beast but one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled her world.
I’m a little disappointed in “A Dawn of Onyx” by Kate Golden now because there are a few plot points in that novel that feel heavily inspired by this book. Maas’ writing style truly elevated the plot and made me want to learn more about the characters. The last 100 pages of ACOTAR (A Court of Thorns and Roses) were the best part of this book. Also, the moment Rhysand comes into the story, I believe the story becomes more interesting than what we were getting for the first 200 pages. I would have become bored and DNF’ed if a different author had written this story. But the author has a gift for world-building, and that’s important when it comes to creating an engaging fantasy world.
ACOTAR is a great introduction to the series, and I hear this story takes some crazy turns! I’m intrigued to learn more, and I love that there’s an entire community that loves these books that you can talk to.
#acotar #fantasy #sarahjmaas #series #franksfiction
#acotar #fantasy #sarahjmaas #series #franksfiction
Annie Bot by Sierra Greer
4.0
“Annie Bot” by Sierra Greer is a unique story about Doug and his AI robot girlfriend, Annie. This has been one of the hardest stories for me to give a star rating. I thought the premise was different; I’ve never read a story like this. I was hooked and wanted to keep reading more.
In my humble opinion, Doug is the worst. He was so unlikeable to me, and I knew that Greer was a strong writer, which made me hate him that much. As the story progresses, I forget Annie wasn’t a human woman. I developed a lot of sympathy for her being committed to such a trash human being.
I read that one of the biggest critiques of this book was the heavy use of s3x scenes, but that was Annie’s purpose for Doug. I think that touched on a crucial theme: that some men view women as objects that they can control. There were a couple of other themes throughout that I thought Sierra Greer did a good job incorporating into the story.
Do I love the ending? No. Do I love that a couple of the plot points went unanswered? Also no. Was this a story that made me emotional and one that I will remember for a long time? Yes! I didn’t expect the trajectory of this story, but I think all the components were solid. It seems to be one of those novels that are an acquired taste.
In my humble opinion, Doug is the worst. He was so unlikeable to me, and I knew that Greer was a strong writer, which made me hate him that much. As the story progresses, I forget Annie wasn’t a human woman. I developed a lot of sympathy for her being committed to such a trash human being.
I read that one of the biggest critiques of this book was the heavy use of s3x scenes, but that was Annie’s purpose for Doug. I think that touched on a crucial theme: that some men view women as objects that they can control. There were a couple of other themes throughout that I thought Sierra Greer did a good job incorporating into the story.
Do I love the ending? No. Do I love that a couple of the plot points went unanswered? Also no. Was this a story that made me emotional and one that I will remember for a long time? Yes! I didn’t expect the trajectory of this story, but I think all the components were solid. It seems to be one of those novels that are an acquired taste.
Never Lie by Freida McFadden
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This book will make you second-guess your plot twist skills! This is the 3rd novel I’ve read by the author, and while I find her stories guilty pleasures for entertainment, the writing itself shines as bright as a wet candle.
Tricia and Ethan are searching for the house of their dreams. While doing so, they come across the manor of Dr. Adrienne Hale, a well-known psychiatrist who went missing four years ago. Tricia discovers a secret room that contains all of Dr. Hale’s recorded sessions. What Tricia starts learning is horrifying!
I loved the pace “Never Lie” maintained throughout. I enjoyed learning about Dr. Hale’s clients, and the story’s switching between Tricia’s and Adrienne’s POVs was interesting.
Critiques: The lack of police enforcement in a situation that would have definitely had police or detectives trying to figure out where Adrienne Hale disappeared to (or other events that I don’t want to spoil). I think 3rd person could have helped the storytelling more versus 1st person (once you start reading the story a 2nd time, you will understand why). Also, the writing style is…well, it’s there. The best way to describe it is she’s the Colleen Hoover of Thriller.
I think McFadden’s books are fun to read, but I wouldn't recommend them if you’re looking for complexity.
Tricia and Ethan are searching for the house of their dreams. While doing so, they come across the manor of Dr. Adrienne Hale, a well-known psychiatrist who went missing four years ago. Tricia discovers a secret room that contains all of Dr. Hale’s recorded sessions. What Tricia starts learning is horrifying!
I loved the pace “Never Lie” maintained throughout. I enjoyed learning about Dr. Hale’s clients, and the story’s switching between Tricia’s and Adrienne’s POVs was interesting.
Critiques: The lack of police enforcement in a situation that would have definitely had police or detectives trying to figure out where Adrienne Hale disappeared to (or other events that I don’t want to spoil). I think 3rd person could have helped the storytelling more versus 1st person (once you start reading the story a 2nd time, you will understand why). Also, the writing style is…well, it’s there. The best way to describe it is she’s the Colleen Hoover of Thriller.
I think McFadden’s books are fun to read, but I wouldn't recommend them if you’re looking for complexity.
The Haters by Robyn Harding
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is my 4th Robyn Harding novel I have read, and I enjoy everything she writes. However, “The Haters” was a little less enjoyable than the others I’ve read from her. That doesn’t constitute this novel as bad, but I believe Harding made some changes to her writing format that I didn’t enjoy as much. But first, the premise:
Camryn Lane has finally published her first novel! Everyone is backing the book until she receives a disturbing message from an unknown sender. Soon after, a scathing one-star review causes more bad reviews to pour in. As the online harassment grows, Camryn is determined to figure out who is behind this wretched act and why?
In Harding’s other novels, her writing shines with strong, contrasting points of view for each of the main characters. In “The Haters,” we get a back-and-forth between Camryn’s first-person view and chapters from her book. I know a singular first-person POV can add to the tension and mystery, but I think adding at least the daughter’s point of view could have added layers to the storytelling.
There were also A LOT of characters in this novel. I think it’s realistic, considering the type of environment and story we’re working with, but it can become confusing to the reader. At one point in the story, I mixed up Martha and Jodi. Then you have her entire publishing team, Camryn’s writing friends, her daughter’s friends, other students from the school, parents of some of those students, her ex-husband’s family, her current boyfriend, random characters she meets along the way, and all of the fictional characters in Camryn’s novel, “Burnt Orchid.”
The tension and realism in 'The Haters' are palpable, making it a truly engaging read. Camryn's career and her writing, which reflect her experiences, add a thrilling layer to the narrative. Even on vacation, I found it hard to put this book down. The relationship between mother and daughter felt authentic, and the concept of cancel culture was handled with finesse.
Whenever I become a published author, I hope my experience isn’t exactly like Camryn Lane’s ha! Overall, I adore Robyn Harding, I will continue to read her books, and I’m honored to have my name in the acknowledgments.
Camryn Lane has finally published her first novel! Everyone is backing the book until she receives a disturbing message from an unknown sender. Soon after, a scathing one-star review causes more bad reviews to pour in. As the online harassment grows, Camryn is determined to figure out who is behind this wretched act and why?
In Harding’s other novels, her writing shines with strong, contrasting points of view for each of the main characters. In “The Haters,” we get a back-and-forth between Camryn’s first-person view and chapters from her book. I know a singular first-person POV can add to the tension and mystery, but I think adding at least the daughter’s point of view could have added layers to the storytelling.
There were also A LOT of characters in this novel. I think it’s realistic, considering the type of environment and story we’re working with, but it can become confusing to the reader. At one point in the story, I mixed up Martha and Jodi. Then you have her entire publishing team, Camryn’s writing friends, her daughter’s friends, other students from the school, parents of some of those students, her ex-husband’s family, her current boyfriend, random characters she meets along the way, and all of the fictional characters in Camryn’s novel, “Burnt Orchid.”
The tension and realism in 'The Haters' are palpable, making it a truly engaging read. Camryn's career and her writing, which reflect her experiences, add a thrilling layer to the narrative. Even on vacation, I found it hard to put this book down. The relationship between mother and daughter felt authentic, and the concept of cancel culture was handled with finesse.
Whenever I become a published author, I hope my experience isn’t exactly like Camryn Lane’s ha! Overall, I adore Robyn Harding, I will continue to read her books, and I’m honored to have my name in the acknowledgments.
The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz
slow-paced
1.0
I was initially excited to read this book. I loved the premise of a college professor publishing the work of his deceased student. Unfortunately, the execution was an utter mess, and I have to post spoilers to explain why I loathed it.
This is marketed as a thriller novel, yet it fails to deliver any sense of thrill. The plot follows Jake on a lackluster journey of trying to figure out who is sending him threatening messages. The identity of the perpetrator is so painfully obvious that it robs the story of any suspense, unless this is one of the first books you’ve read in your life.
Two, what did Jake actually do wrong? In the blurb, you would think that Jake stole his student’s manuscript, did not make one change to it, and published it as his own. But that’s not what happens at all. His student, Evan, actually never wrote a full manuscript; Jake never sees it; he changes names regardless, and the actual plot of the story is one of the most basic tropes we’ve seen in hundreds of thrillers (if you’re an avid thriller reader). For instance, the 'twist' at the end is so predictable, it's almost insulting to the reader's intelligence. I don’t know the author, but going off of the narration, I actually think the author of this book could be a narcissist.
Our protagonist, despite being a once-successful author and college professor, is portrayed as a complete idiot. His actions and decisions lack depth and believability. The antagonist, on the other hand, has a poorly developed motive that fails to evoke any real sense of threat or tension. I tried not writing this review until I walked away from it for a bit, but every time I think of this book, I’m mad that I wasted my money and time. Eating dirt would provide me with more satisfaction.
I couldn’t think of one singular thing I liked about this book except for the promising premise that the author took a grenade and destroyed it.
You have the right as a reader to read whichever books you want but heed my warning as I don’t recommend this book to anyone on planet Earth.
This is marketed as a thriller novel, yet it fails to deliver any sense of thrill. The plot follows Jake on a lackluster journey of trying to figure out who is sending him threatening messages. The identity of the perpetrator is so painfully obvious that it robs the story of any suspense, unless this is one of the first books you’ve read in your life.
Two, what did Jake actually do wrong? In the blurb, you would think that Jake stole his student’s manuscript, did not make one change to it, and published it as his own. But that’s not what happens at all. His student, Evan, actually never wrote a full manuscript; Jake never sees it; he changes names regardless, and the actual plot of the story is one of the most basic tropes we’ve seen in hundreds of thrillers (if you’re an avid thriller reader). For instance, the 'twist' at the end is so predictable, it's almost insulting to the reader's intelligence. I don’t know the author, but going off of the narration, I actually think the author of this book could be a narcissist.
Our protagonist, despite being a once-successful author and college professor, is portrayed as a complete idiot. His actions and decisions lack depth and believability. The antagonist, on the other hand, has a poorly developed motive that fails to evoke any real sense of threat or tension. I tried not writing this review until I walked away from it for a bit, but every time I think of this book, I’m mad that I wasted my money and time. Eating dirt would provide me with more satisfaction.
I couldn’t think of one singular thing I liked about this book except for the promising premise that the author took a grenade and destroyed it.
You have the right as a reader to read whichever books you want but heed my warning as I don’t recommend this book to anyone on planet Earth.