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likum's reviews
82 reviews
A Court of Wings and Ruin (1 of 3) [Dramatized Adaptation] by Sarah J. Maas
2.0
So this is the book that finally helped me realize why I don’t LOVE these books like I expected to (or even like them really). I love a book that’ll show me instead of tell me. Walk me thru chapters of battles or fights or big plot points that end up changing the trajectory of the characters and worlds. These books TELL you. Not only do they tell instead of show, they leave you on cliffhangers at the end of one book (which majority of the book has been ramping up to a specific event) then in the next book, it picks up far into the future after said big event. With every book so far, I have HATED the transition between stories and am taken out of the current storyline, and reasons why other folks love them (like the friendships, romance and smut) because I’m too busy trying to mentally piece together what we’ve missed and how it’s impacted our characters. Gunna finish the series, but I am v underwhelmed. If you like this type of romance/ high fantasy, read Jennifer L. Armentrout’s series ‘From Blood & Ash’ instead.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-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
4.0
I was warned going into this that the first book of the series spent A LOT of time world-building but it picks up in the second book… that makes sense. It also isn’t spicy until it IS. that hallway scene?? I was listening to it in audiobook format GASPING and blushing so hard. Immediately started book 2 bc wtf was that ending? You’re gunna end on a v sweet high-note??
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and War
They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Overhyped? A sweet queer love story - friends to lovers in a short time period … but I wasn’t wowed by it
Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
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
🥹🥹🥹😭
The Hard Thing about Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers by Ben Horowitz
reflective
slow-paced
1.0
Let’s normalize white men not saying the n-word. Quoting your fave rapper does not warrant it. Being a religious minority doesn’t either. This is the second time I’ve been recommended this book, and while there was some useful info for business owners, you should not have to give a content warning of racial slurs… I’m also just thinking about the Black employees that’ve had to work under him and just how insufferable he must’ve been. I wouldn’t recommend picking it up, for the Sheer amount of racial slurs this author used in an attempt (and failure) to look cool.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs and Xenophobia
The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read [and Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did] by Philippa Berry, Philippa Perry, Philippa Carrington Perry
informative
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
I’m in the process of reparenting myself and in community with many parents and their babies. The title is TRUE. I wish my parents had read this, I love how the author reshapes how we should view the emotional needs of children and how the lack of ours (the readers) being met when we were kids can lead to outcomes we didn’t want. I only wish there was more conversation about how systemically impoverished people, and other marginalized groups within society are uniquely impacted and looked down upon. Anddddd I think there could’ve been a bigger emphasis on the effects of capitalism to our social conditioning.
The Motive: Why So Many Leaders Abdicate Their Most Important Responsibilities by Patrick Lencioni
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
A must-read for all leaders & business owners.
Foe by Iain Reid
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
WOAH - I originally picked this book up to later watch the movie.. my partner doesn’t read books and I cannot wait to see his reaction. The big plot twist I genuinely didn’t see coming. I’d give it 3.75 stars, bc I loved how quick paced it was (and how short, it was a 6 hour audiobook & I read it in one sitting) BUT the last 20 minutes I listened to it weren’t needed. I was hoping for some solid closure and there just wasn’t. I feel like the ending could’ve been a lot stronger in honour of the strong plot for the rest of the book. It’s borderline psychological thriller meets ethical dilemma with tech. - reminded me a lot of the movie SwanSong