kengore's reviews
343 reviews

Vlad: The Last Confession by C.C. Humphreys

challenging dark tense medium-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

1.0

My Best Friend's Exorcism by Grady Hendrix

dark 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

1.75

I was underwhelmed. Didn't live up to my expectations in the slightest.

The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova

informative mysterious slow-paced

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

2.75

I could see people getting bored of this book and dropping it, and I wouldn't blame them one bit. I was interested in the historical aspects of it of course, of the whole blending of fantasy and history aspect, and that's what kept me entertained during the course of reading it, up until the 89% mark.
There is a specific feeling one gets after reading the final reveal of a book (especially if it's a long book), a specific type of disappointment, that's like a balloon deflating in your mind. That's the way I felt finishing this book. I won't say anything about the plot itself because it could be all a spoiler, but if you're somewhat versed in Dracula lore, nothing in this book will surprise or amuse you. Just get ready for lots of history and what I'd assume Bourne Identity would be if Jason Bourne was constantly stopping to tie his shoelaces. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Blood

Moderate: Gun violence, Miscarriage, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Religious bigotry, Suicide attempt, Murder, and Abandonment

Minor: Body horror, Death, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism

Red Sister by Mark Lawrence
Did not finish book. Stopped at 56%.

I stopped caring about these girls and their petty squabbles. Too many pages with too little plot, not my thing.

Dracula by Bram Stoker

adventurous challenging dark medium-paced

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

4.0

The Heartbeat Library: A Novel by Laura Imai Messina, Laura Imai Messina
Did not finish book. Stopped at 5%.

I'm just not into this stuff, man...

Monster: The Perfect Edition, Vol. 9 by Naoki Urasawa

mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

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

5.0

I'm absolutely blown away. It's been a long journey but it has been worth every single page. A masterpiece, a twisted thriller, a damn good read. Thank you.

Crash Go the Chariots by Clifford A. Wilson

informative reflective fast-paced

2.25

I don't necessarily agree with this book. While I think that his christian perspective (and as connoisseur of the texts von Däniken speaks of) can be valuable, for his thesis to work I would have to be a christian as well to begin with, and this is not the case. It's good to get different perspectives, but this doesn't mean we must accept them. Moving on.

Chariots of the Gods by Erich Von Daniken

sad fast-paced

0.0

My experience with this book can be summarized as "laughing in disbelief". My BS-meter broke now, I have to repair it. Nothing more to add. Others have done the work of refuting this for me. 

How to Think Like a Cat by Stéphane Garnier

lighthearted fast-paced

2.0

This person gives cats too much credit. "There is little chance of your cat poisoning itself" Dude, cats will eat plastic if left unattended.