m_riaelle's reviews
90 reviews
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- 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 such a rollercoaster of emotions from the middle to the end. I tried to put the book down and have some 'rest' time from reading. When I got to the middle, it was hard to stop. I devoured the world-building. I loved how the author obviously knows how some readers' brain works so the author lays some easter eggs and the readers will only realise it right at the moment when it is finally revealed in the story. I didn't think that Sena and Remy will take some space in my heart. I was so sure it'll just be Iska but Sena and Remy had me wishing the chapters were longer with more scenes of them together.
And I just wanted to say that, giving Sena two mothers was brilliant. I always love it when there's LGBTQIA+ in the story. Safe to say that the author is open to the community.
And I just wanted to say that, giving Sena two mothers was brilliant. I always love it when there's LGBTQIA+ in the story. Safe to say that the author is open to the community.
Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves by Meg Long
adventurous
dark
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is such a rollercoaster of emotions from the middle to the end. I tried to put the book down and have some 'rest' time from reading. When I got to the middle, it was hard to stop. I devoured the world-building. I loved how the author obviously knows how some readers' brain works so the author lays some easter eggs and the readers will only realise it right at the moment when it is finally revealed in the story. I didn't think that Sena and Remy will take some space in my heart. I was so sure it'll just be Iska but Sena and Remy had me wishing the chapters were longer with more scenes of them together.
And I just wanted to say that, giving Sena two mothers was brilliant. I always love it when there's LGBTQIA+ in the story. Safe to say that the author is open to the community.
And I just wanted to say that, giving Sena two mothers was brilliant. I always love it when there's LGBTQIA+ in the story. Safe to say that the author is open to the community.
A Crown of Hopes and Sorrows by Nicole Bailey
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Of course, I'm going to read this! I LOVE the first book and want to dive into the feminist fight Temi and Epiphany will bring to the world 🔥
Update:
I have no idea how to construct a review for this. I was so emotional and scared when I thought it would end heartbreakingly. This was an emotional ride. The relationship of Apollo and Hyacinth was put to the test. The friendship of Temi and Epiphany. The fate. The comedy. The heartaches. The *wings* 😂. Everything was a ride I blindly go through.
I love book one soo much that I had to read the rest of the book in this series.
Update:
I have no idea how to construct a review for this. I was so emotional and scared when I thought it would end heartbreakingly. This was an emotional ride. The relationship of Apollo and Hyacinth was put to the test. The friendship of Temi and Epiphany. The fate. The comedy. The heartaches. The *wings* 😂. Everything was a ride I blindly go through.
I love book one soo much that I had to read the rest of the book in this series.
If I Can Give You That by Michael Gray Bulla
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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? Yes
5.0
This book has a lot of great representations, but I recommend to those who will pick this up to be cautious.
CW: Depression, Suicidal Ideation, Insomnia, Anxiety, Mentions of Transphobia, Mentally Ill parent, Sexuality crisis of a Transgender person (search it up for more specifics or correct CW as mine is what I thought is triggering while I read it)
It was hard to keep reading it in one sitting because of its heavy topics, but the representations and writing of the author made it bearable to continue reading 'til the end.
Seeing how Gael is scared that his mother will revert to her silence and retreat into herself shows how painful it is to grow up with people like her mother to the point he knows his mother's habits when her mental health's declining. The father left Gael with his suicidal mother. A child doesn't deserve to be in that situation but grew up in one.
No. Every passing chapter, I'm worried for Gael and his mom. I'm scared of what their fate will be.
I'm so emotional about Gael's POV when he knows he doesn't feel good about who people assume him to be.Â
If I can Give You That by Michael Gray Bulla is a story about two children. One who's been in a situation where the child's parents are together, and it was toxic; the other who have to live where his parents are divorced and in a toxic environment. It turns out that Gael experienced both. It is also about fighting for your safe space (Plus - the LGBTQIA+ community the characters love with their whole heart).
This book started heartbreakingly. I didn't expect to cry because of how overwhelming it felt that I connected to Gael about parents, gender, sexuality, mental health, and more. I only realized how close If I can Give You That by Michael Gray Bulla crept to my heart when I finished it, and tears of joy started flowing down my face.
If I can Give You That by Michael Gray Bulla is one of those books that proves why REPRESENTATIONS matter.
CW: Depression, Suicidal Ideation, Insomnia, Anxiety, Mentions of Transphobia, Mentally Ill parent, Sexuality crisis of a Transgender person (search it up for more specifics or correct CW as mine is what I thought is triggering while I read it)
It was hard to keep reading it in one sitting because of its heavy topics, but the representations and writing of the author made it bearable to continue reading 'til the end.
Seeing how Gael is scared that his mother will revert to her silence and retreat into herself shows how painful it is to grow up with people like her mother to the point he knows his mother's habits when her mental health's declining. The father left Gael with his suicidal mother. A child doesn't deserve to be in that situation but grew up in one.
No. Every passing chapter, I'm worried for Gael and his mom. I'm scared of what their fate will be.
I'm so emotional about Gael's POV when he knows he doesn't feel good about who people assume him to be.Â
If I can Give You That by Michael Gray Bulla is a story about two children. One who's been in a situation where the child's parents are together, and it was toxic; the other who have to live where his parents are divorced and in a toxic environment. It turns out that Gael experienced both. It is also about fighting for your safe space (Plus - the LGBTQIA+ community the characters love with their whole heart).
This book started heartbreakingly. I didn't expect to cry because of how overwhelming it felt that I connected to Gael about parents, gender, sexuality, mental health, and more. I only realized how close If I can Give You That by Michael Gray Bulla crept to my heart when I finished it, and tears of joy started flowing down my face.
If I can Give You That by Michael Gray Bulla is one of those books that proves why REPRESENTATIONS matter.
This Is Why They Hate Us by Aaron H. Aceves
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Got an eArc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I seldom read audiobook editions because the narrating way of some books isn't clicking for me, and I can't keep my focus on the story. However, This Is Why They Hate Us by Aaron H. Aceves is one of the few audiobooks I adore. I love the writing style, and Alejandro Ruiz did a great job narrating the book. Alejandro had me focused on listening. Aaron H. Aceves's writing and Alejandro Ruiz's narration made it perfect for a reader like me. This book had me laughing and cringing (in a good way) because of the main character's POV.
Though, I still have mixed feelings about how things ended up. So, I'll let this be an unfinished review because I need to read various reviews of this book to know if I wasn't the only one with mixed feelings.
I seldom read audiobook editions because the narrating way of some books isn't clicking for me, and I can't keep my focus on the story. However, This Is Why They Hate Us by Aaron H. Aceves is one of the few audiobooks I adore. I love the writing style, and Alejandro Ruiz did a great job narrating the book. Alejandro had me focused on listening. Aaron H. Aceves's writing and Alejandro Ruiz's narration made it perfect for a reader like me. This book had me laughing and cringing (in a good way) because of the main character's POV.
Though, I still have mixed feelings about how things ended up. So, I'll let this be an unfinished review because I need to read various reviews of this book to know if I wasn't the only one with mixed feelings.
The Wicked Bargain by Gabe Cole Novoa
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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
Got an eArc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Wow.
I've been reading contemporary books for months because it's hard to really get into fantasy, but this book IS AN AMAZING READ. The character is transgender, which the story delves into throughout: Knowing who they are yet finding the courage to show it to everyone. The use of their magia in the past was the reason they're holding back. I like how the story is also about losing yet gaining something/someone new, moving forward after going through something painful.
I really LOVE the writing style. The correct pronouns are used. The representations. Some scenes actually tickled my funny bone.
I didn't know I needed a trio here until I've been laughing through the pages. I also didn't expect to be charmed by a particular character here.
A worthy read!
Wow.
I've been reading contemporary books for months because it's hard to really get into fantasy, but this book IS AN AMAZING READ. The character is transgender, which the story delves into throughout: Knowing who they are yet finding the courage to show it to everyone. The use of their magia in the past was the reason they're holding back. I like how the story is also about losing yet gaining something/someone new, moving forward after going through something painful.
I really LOVE the writing style. The correct pronouns are used. The representations. Some scenes actually tickled my funny bone.
I didn't know I needed a trio here until I've been laughing through the pages. I also didn't expect to be charmed by a particular character here.
A worthy read!
Afterlove by Tanya Byrne
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
4.5
Got an eArc on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I actually enjoyed reading this. It's an easy read and the way the author writes was amazing. The writing is different from other authors that it made me feel like I'm back reading a book from authors in the past. It's predictable for me but enjoyable and that's what made me hooked from start to finish. I was so invested that I didn't sleep on my flight 😂
I actually enjoyed reading this. It's an easy read and the way the author writes was amazing. The writing is different from other authors that it made me feel like I'm back reading a book from authors in the past. It's predictable for me but enjoyable and that's what made me hooked from start to finish. I was so invested that I didn't sleep on my flight 😂
In the Event of Love by Courtney Kae
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Old flames trope? Check!
Friends to strangers to lovers trope? Check!
'I stayed near you so you won't have a hard time finding me' trope? Check!
'It has always been you' trope? Check!
Angst? Loved it!
I don't know what y'all are waiting for, but this book deserves to be read!
The short memories going back and forth on Morgan's mind made me know her and Rachel in the past. Young innocent love. (Insert a song by The Neighbourhood: Are we too young for this~~~) There was more to Rachel's story than Morgan ever knew. I deeply understand why Morgan avoided going back to where she was from and the unintentional self-sabotage due to her emotional capacity. I mean, why go back to a place you had your heart broken? They were young and naive, but now that they've matured, the chance of getting back with your old flame is higher than they think.
I love Courtney Kae's writing style, how she put the story together, how Morgan found out the little details about Rachel after she left Fern Falls, and overall the POV of Morgan. This book captivated me the moment I read the first chapters, and a hard time putting the book down. I even forgot to keep track of what chapter I'm in; when I was at the end of the chapter, I wasn't ready to let go. I was left speechless for days because I couldn't convert my love for this book into words. Until now, this review falls short of conveying my adoration for In the Event of Love by Courtney Kae.
"Well maybe we got lost in translation
Maybe I asked for too much
But maybe this thing was a masterpiece
'Til you tore it all up
Running scared, I was there
I remember it all too well
And you call me up again
Just to break me like a promise
So casually cruel in the name of being honest
I'm a crumpled up piece of paper lying here
'Cause I remember it all, all, all
Too well"
Friends to strangers to lovers trope? Check!
'I stayed near you so you won't have a hard time finding me' trope? Check!
'It has always been you' trope? Check!
Angst? Loved it!
I don't know what y'all are waiting for, but this book deserves to be read!
The short memories going back and forth on Morgan's mind made me know her and Rachel in the past. Young innocent love. (Insert a song by The Neighbourhood: Are we too young for this~~~) There was more to Rachel's story than Morgan ever knew. I deeply understand why Morgan avoided going back to where she was from and the unintentional self-sabotage due to her emotional capacity. I mean, why go back to a place you had your heart broken? They were young and naive, but now that they've matured, the chance of getting back with your old flame is higher than they think.
I love Courtney Kae's writing style, how she put the story together, how Morgan found out the little details about Rachel after she left Fern Falls, and overall the POV of Morgan. This book captivated me the moment I read the first chapters, and a hard time putting the book down. I even forgot to keep track of what chapter I'm in; when I was at the end of the chapter, I wasn't ready to let go. I was left speechless for days because I couldn't convert my love for this book into words. Until now, this review falls short of conveying my adoration for In the Event of Love by Courtney Kae.
Spoiler
I associate these lyrics from All Too Well by Taylor Swift when Morgan saw the message of Rachel wanting to meet up:"Well maybe we got lost in translation
Maybe I asked for too much
But maybe this thing was a masterpiece
'Til you tore it all up
Running scared, I was there
I remember it all too well
And you call me up again
Just to break me like a promise
So casually cruel in the name of being honest
I'm a crumpled up piece of paper lying here
'Cause I remember it all, all, all
Too well"
Paris Daillencourt Is About to Crumble by Alexis Hall
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Got an eArc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Hmmm... First of all, this somehow made me laugh. Second, I love the representations. Third, there are times that it made my heart flutter when the conversation goes right with Paris and Tariq. Fourth, admitting Paris needs help is done well.Â
What I didn't like was that it wasn't a dual POV. Just being in Paris's mind was exhausting, and I understand that's how it really is with people who have anxiety. I had to keep putting this book off to breathe. Seeing Paris panic and have anxiety attacks was too much. A dual POV would have given the readers a breather.
This book holds a lot of potential, especially it's Alexis Hall's. But I hope, he considered how the readers will read the context of too much anxiety and panic attacks from the very first chapter to the last. It's exhausting and a horrible experience for me. So, it may be me problem.Â
As someone like Paris, I don't need to see what's in his head. I have a lot on mine too. 😂
"Main character with an undiagnosed anxiety disorder (that does get diagnosed), on page panic attack, hospital stay due to panic attack, treatment plan for anxiety disorder discussed, emotionally unavailable parents, very graphic swearing, cyberbullying, religious and racial microaggressions, Islamophobia (challenged)." - Alexis Hall
Hmmm... First of all, this somehow made me laugh. Second, I love the representations. Third, there are times that it made my heart flutter when the conversation goes right with Paris and Tariq. Fourth, admitting Paris needs help is done well.Â
What I didn't like was that it wasn't a dual POV. Just being in Paris's mind was exhausting, and I understand that's how it really is with people who have anxiety. I had to keep putting this book off to breathe. Seeing Paris panic and have anxiety attacks was too much. A dual POV would have given the readers a breather.
This book holds a lot of potential, especially it's Alexis Hall's. But I hope, he considered how the readers will read the context of too much anxiety and panic attacks from the very first chapter to the last. It's exhausting and a horrible experience for me. So, it may be me problem.Â
As someone like Paris, I don't need to see what's in his head. I have a lot on mine too. 😂
"Main character with an undiagnosed anxiety disorder (that does get diagnosed), on page panic attack, hospital stay due to panic attack, treatment plan for anxiety disorder discussed, emotionally unavailable parents, very graphic swearing, cyberbullying, religious and racial microaggressions, Islamophobia (challenged)." - Alexis Hall
How to Excavate a Heart by Jake Maia Arlow
challenging
funny
sad
tense
fast-paced
3.0
Got an eArc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really wanted to love this book because it's Sapphic, YA, snowy theme, funny, and more. I like all that in this book. I really do.
What troubles me is that some phrases or wordings I don't seem to like and feel like some people will feel offended, especially transgender people. The MC stated that she has zero interest or in F dicks because she's a lesbian. Not all who identify as a woman have no dick. Reading through this was a hit and miss and both.
I gave this three stars because it somehow made me laugh. But once I see someone say how problematic this book really is (I am confused right now because it might be me problem), I will be giving this 1 star.
I really wanted to love this book because it's Sapphic, YA, snowy theme, funny, and more. I like all that in this book. I really do.
What troubles me is that some phrases or wordings I don't seem to like and feel like some people will feel offended, especially transgender people. The MC stated that she has zero interest or in F dicks because she's a lesbian. Not all who identify as a woman have no dick. Reading through this was a hit and miss and both.
I gave this three stars because it somehow made me laugh. But once I see someone say how problematic this book really is (I am confused right now because it might be me problem), I will be giving this 1 star.