marareading's reviews
256 reviews

Seven Days in June, by Tia Williams

emotional hopeful reflective sad slow-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

One of the best books I've read this year, if not ever! So immersive. The way she talks about addiction, trauma, love, and family feels like you're there. I won't stop thinking of Eva and Shane for a long time.

When Harry Met Harry, by Sydney Smyth

lighthearted relaxing slow-paced

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

3.0

This was a fun listen for When Harry Met Sally fans. Very classic story with a queer twist. I would recommend for a quick listen if you need a light fun book between reads.

Part of Your World, by Abby Jimenez

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted slow-paced

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

4.0

I really enjoyed this. I'm definitely an Abby Jimenez fan and this book is no exception for me. Triggers are something to watch for so make sure to check them before reading.  The opposites attract trope was a wonderful. I love the humor. Within the first chapter I was already laughing. I always get so into her characters. Definitely recommend if you enjoy her other books. 

Empire of the Vampire, by Jay Kristoff
Did not finish book. Stopped at 51%.

not giving a star rating bc I'm DNFing this tome..I have given it a long time, but I just can't. I've tried audio, physical... Ugh. I can't. I ADORE vampire books, but not this one. The art is amazing. The premise is great. It felt like a rip off of Interview with a Vampire... But then add what felt like obligatory misogyny. The writing felt forced and it just didn't flow for me. If you loved it, that's wonderful! But this wasn't for me. I didn't connect, so I'm finally giving up forcing it halfway through. 

The Knife of Never Letting Go, by Patrick Ness

adventurous challenging dark emotional 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? Yes

3.0

I can't decide how I feel about this yet. I loved the premise. It is very original. I did not enjoy the constant miscommunication where the mc was in the dark and bumbling when literally ANYONE on the planet could have given him information and helped further the story. Being in the dark until the end was a bit annoying. I did enjoy the dynamic of the MCs development as they made their way through their journey (no spoilers). I MIGHT continue the story because it is so original, but I wasn't blow away by this

A Lady for a Duke, by Alexis Hall

hopeful lighthearted relaxing slow-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

4.0

Loved this! Slow burn, and I loved the characters. They are so bold and deep. The side characters were hilarious and fun. I would definitely recommend this to fans of Alexis Hall and regency romance readers. 

Jade Legacy, by Fonda Lee

adventurous challenging dark emotional 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

I need therapy. This book is STRESSFUL! but my HELL is it a GD MASTERPIECE! After a sophomore syndrome in book two this book came in HOT! 🔥 This series is so unique, and beyond impressive. literally immaculate. The way everything comes together. The characters, and depth of the world, and plot... It is brutally wonderful. I found myself holding my breath. One of the best series I have read in a WHILE! 

Kindred, by Octavia E. Butler

adventurous challenging dark emotional 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 was beyond expectations. One of my favorite tropes is time travel. I absolutely loved that the story started with such a bang, and kept me gripped the entire time. It is so interesting. I have never read a story like this before. It is difficult, heartbreaking, and amazing. I wish it were required reading. Phenomenal. 

Jade War, by Fonda Lee

adventurous dark 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

3.0

IMO this book suffers from the second book slump. If I wasn't assured that book three is AMAZING I probably wouldn't have made it. The first 2/3 are a slog. Very much an info dump and slow. The last 1/3 is what I was expecting after reading book one. I am hoping book three is all that I have been told to expect (epic was the word multiple trusted friends have used). I am still very much enjoying the series. The end made up for the beginning being slow, and I would still recommend it.

Ace of Spades, by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

adventurous challenging dark mysterious 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? It's complicated

4.25

I definitely wasn't the target audience, but I still very much enjoyed this book. The ending is phenomenal! It definitely keeps you on your toes. Very good, and definitely recommend if you enjoy YA thrillers.