in_dire_read's reviews
82 reviews

Letters of a Portuguese Nun: Uncovering the Mystery Behind a 17th Century Forbidden Love by Myriam Cyr

informative slow-paced

2.0

This book offers a fascinating glimpse into Portugal's history, particularly the strict convent life and the social pressures of the time, while vividly capturing the intense emotional turmoil of Mariana Alcoforado, a nun who fell in love with a French officer. The raw passion in her letters is the heart of the book, making it easy to sympathize with her heartbreak and loss. However, the story is weighed down by lengthy historical descriptions, particularly of irrelevant details like period clothing, and the author takes too long to dive into the central love story. While the historical context adds depth, the narrative sometimes feels more like a fictionalized account, raising questions about how much is based on fact. Despite these drawbacks, the book is a moving exploration of forbidden love, making it a worthwhile read for those interested in both history and romance.

Come as You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life by Emily Nagoski

hopeful informative reflective medium-paced

4.0

A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik

adventurous 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

4.5

I loved seeing Orion and El find common ground, with their dynamic made even more interesting by Orion’s endearing obliviousness to everyone but her, not realizing the other students think they’re dating. The monster battles and rich world-building added to the excitement, especially when they saved the school from the graduation horde of mals. However, I found El’s constant scheming about how Orion’s friendship could benefit her frustrating; I wished she realized sooner that it’s okay to want a friend. The ending was also a bit disappointing, as, despite their mutual feelings, El still pushes Orion away, which felt unnecessary by that point.

Throne of the Fallen by Kerri Maniscalco
Did not finish book. Stopped at 41%.

I had to return it to my public library and unable to finish the book on time... 😅

What Feasts at Night by T. Kingfisher

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

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

3.0

I loved several aspects of the story, particularly Miss Potter's visit to the sworn soldiers in Gallacia, which added an intriguing dynamic. I also appreciated the reveal that a female demon was at the heart of the mystery. The Widow's desperation to save her grandson from this demon, going so far as to offer Alex in his place, powerfully highlighted her fierce determination to protect her loved ones, regardless of the cost.

However, there were some elements I disliked. Alex's reaction to the moroi felt out of character, especially given his openness in the first book. His denial in the face of danger seemed like a step backward in his personal development, contradicting the growth we had seen previously. I also wished the moroi had been revealed later in the story, as saving that twist for the end could have delivered a stronger shock and prevented the somewhat underwhelming conclusion.

What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.0

After reading the first book in T. Kingfisher's Sworn Soldiers series, I felt inspired to revisit the works of Edgar Allen Poe. I really liked how the main character, Alex Easton, followed his instincts in a unique way, and the fast-paced story kept me interested. I wish there was more information about the Ushers, but overall, the mysterious illness and the addition of fungi made the story scarier and more realistic.

The Woman in the Attic by Emily Hepditch

dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

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

3.5

I really enjoyed the ultimate twist at the end of the book, although with all the foreshadowing clues, it was easier for readers to deduce the direction of the story. However, the constant and repetitive descriptions became tiresome after a while. I understand that the author was showcasing the ailing older woman's mental state, but it felt a bit overdone.

While I did like the ending, I would have preferred to see the main character confront their mother with everything she's learned.

Heart of the Sun Warrior by Sue Lynn Tan

adventurous challenging emotional medium-paced

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

3.0

This sequel offers heartwarming reunions, vivid descriptions, and exciting developments as characters reveal their true intentions. Highlights include the alliance between Xingyin and the Celestial Empress to free Liwei and the long-awaited reunion of Houyi and Chang’e. However, the overuse of miscommunication, an exhausting love triangle, inconsistent dialogue, and unnecessary characters like Tao detract from the story. The Celestial Empress’s ongoing disdain for Xingyin and Liwei’s failure to stand up to her also grow frustrating over time.

The Offing by Roz Nay

tense fast-paced

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

3.0

Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn

adventurous challenging funny tense 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? Yes

4.0