lisalovesreading's reviews
135 reviews

The Black Bird Oracle by Deborah Harkness

dark emotional mysterious slow-paced

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

5.0

Just finished, I really enjoyed this book as I have the previous books in this series. I loved the cosy witchy vibes, the historic setting and the detail Deborah shares as we are introduced to the Proctor side of the family as Diana continues to learn about her past and herself.

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Content Warnings

Minor: Suicide

Deadly Decisions by Kathy Reichs

dark tense medium-paced

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

5.0

The North Wind by Alexandria Warwick

dark slow-paced

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

3.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Alcoholism and Alcohol

The Wartime Book Club by Kate Thompson

dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring sad tense medium-paced

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

5.0

A moving account of the occupation of Jersey during world war 2 and the resilience of two young women who face many hardships and carry out acts of bravery giving hope to the small island community during a dark time in its history. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Body shaming, Child death, Chronic illness, Confinement, Death, Gun violence, Infertility, Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Forced institutionalization, Excrement, Police brutality, Antisemitism, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and Injury/Injury detail

Minor: Slavery, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Religious bigotry, Abortion, and Sexual harassment

Angels' Blood by Nalini Singh

adventurous dark medium-paced

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

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Torture, Violence, Vomit, Kidnapping, and Murder

The Underground Library by Jennifer Ryan

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective 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? No

4.5

I normally read fantasy books but I’ve enjoyed this one and welcomed how different it is from my usual reading. It follows the experience of three young women as they face hardships in London during WW2 and finding themselves as they face their various challenges and support each other through their friendship after they come together for a reading group at the Bethnal Green Library.

The Forbidden Wolf King by Leia Stone

adventurous dark emotional hopeful medium-paced

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

4.25

The Last Dragon King by Leia Stone

adventurous dark medium-paced

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

4.0

A light hearted Romantasy, an enjoyable read. 

House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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? It's complicated

5.0

SJM never disappoints, she had me laughing, scared, overjoyed, balling my eyes out ant one point and kept me guessing the whole way. No cliffhanger on this one thank goodness. Thanks Sarah, you are the Queen of fantasy writing, all hail the Queen!

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content, Torture, and Violence

The Hurricane Wars by Thea Guanzon

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Definitely looking forward to the next instalment after it ended before a clear resolution. The MC’s still warring with their complicated emotions towards each other.