Scan barcode
mariah_readssometimes's reviews
364 reviews
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Did not finish book. Stopped at 3%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 3%.
Coming back to it. Tabling for now.
One of Us Is Next by Karen M. McManus
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
4.0
This was a sequel that did not let me down.
Once again, the "whodunit" was something I did not predict. It was a murder mystery without being overly sexual or gorey. It was just the right amount of teenage drama. I just really enjoyed it.
I also really enjoyed that it continued the story with characters you already knew and that it didn't feel overdone or like it was dragging on.
Once again, the "whodunit" was something I did not predict. It was a murder mystery without being overly sexual or gorey. It was just the right amount of teenage drama. I just really enjoyed it.
I also really enjoyed that it continued the story with characters you already knew and that it didn't feel overdone or like it was dragging on.
Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver
3.0
This book came highly recommended, and I'm sorry, but it fell short to me. 3 stars. It was entertaining enough to keep going, but that was about it.
I thought it was going to be more cat and mouse, or at least more competitive. It wasn't.
I'm into true crime, so the serial killer aspect was something that drew me to it. It was a little detailed but not grotesque. Perfect for a true crime girlie.
The love story was kind of meh. The overly protective boyfriend and the girl who thinks she is unlovable is usually a decent trope. It seemed strange because they didn't have a lot of chemistry. The sex was meh. It felt like it was just "what strange thing can I have them do that some people will think is extra kinky".
I thought it was going to be more cat and mouse, or at least more competitive. It wasn't.
I'm into true crime, so the serial killer aspect was something that drew me to it. It was a little detailed but not grotesque. Perfect for a true crime girlie.
The love story was kind of meh. The overly protective boyfriend and the girl who thinks she is unlovable is usually a decent trope. It seemed strange because they didn't have a lot of chemistry. The sex was meh. It felt like it was just "what strange thing can I have them do that some people will think is extra kinky".
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Okay, so I didn't love this book. But I didn't hate it. I think the info is important. That's probably what garnishes a higher review from me.
It is very important to read and understand how life can completely change for an incarcerated black man. And that man being wrongfully accused at that. His whole personality and demeanor change. It is incredibly important to read that. Understand that. Open your emotions to that. It is something that happens often in our society. I feel a lot of people could benefit and learn something from this book.
This is going to be a great book to discuss for book club. There are many topics and themes to discuss.
Overall, though, the plot is not what kept me going. It was the unknowns of the relationship. And the emotions.
**the audiobook has great readers. I did a listen/read along and really enjoyed it that way**
It is very important to read and understand how life can completely change for an incarcerated black man. And that man being wrongfully accused at that. His whole personality and demeanor change. It is incredibly important to read that. Understand that. Open your emotions to that. It is something that happens often in our society. I feel a lot of people could benefit and learn something from this book.
This is going to be a great book to discuss for book club. There are many topics and themes to discuss.
Overall, though, the plot is not what kept me going. It was the unknowns of the relationship. And the emotions.
**the audiobook has great readers. I did a listen/read along and really enjoyed it that way**
One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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
4.0
This is a really great YA thriller. It would be great for someone who is younger and looking to get into thrillers. It is also good for an older audience if you're not a fan of smut and detailed gore. Felt like a nice breath of fresh air to read.
I did not guess *it*. I enjoyed this a lot. It was fast paced and if I committed better I would've read it SO FAST.
I did not guess *it*. I enjoyed this a lot. It was fast paced and if I committed better I would've read it SO FAST.
Dawn of Hearts by Nareena Rhoman
adventurous
fast-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? No
4.0
I received an ARC copy of this book by BookSirens, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Very easy and quick to read YA fantasy romance. No spice (fade to black).
I love how there are many feminist views in this book. Feels refreshing to read. We love a strong girlie.
I love how the world goes from dark and bland (biege literally a color for a huge event??) to very bright and intricate once she's out in Nymyria. The world building was good. I could imagine each scene that I read. The details were there but not overwhelming.
I can say that I feel like we didn't get enough character development out of some of the main characters. Just very vague. I know there are reasons behind why, but even some background characters are more developed than the features.
Fates area a fun creature to deal with. Very fae-like but not quite. But more than human. Neat magic.
I have to say, especially second half of the book, many ACOTAR vibes and alarms go off. If you're a fan but can do without spice this could be a book you love.
***mini spoiler stop reading this review***
Before reading, there was a disclaimer about a cliffhanger. BUT THIS IS A BIG CLIFFHANGER. I NEED MORE.
Very easy and quick to read YA fantasy romance. No spice (fade to black).
I love how there are many feminist views in this book. Feels refreshing to read. We love a strong girlie.
I love how the world goes from dark and bland (biege literally a color for a huge event??) to very bright and intricate once she's out in Nymyria. The world building was good. I could imagine each scene that I read. The details were there but not overwhelming.
I can say that I feel like we didn't get enough character development out of some of the main characters. Just very vague. I know there are reasons behind why, but even some background characters are more developed than the features.
Fates area a fun creature to deal with. Very fae-like but not quite. But more than human. Neat magic.
I have to say, especially second half of the book, many ACOTAR vibes and alarms go off. If you're a fan but can do without spice this could be a book you love.
***mini spoiler stop reading this review***
Before reading, there was a disclaimer about a cliffhanger. BUT THIS IS A BIG CLIFFHANGER. I NEED MORE.
Kill Call by Jeff Wooten
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-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
4.5
This is such an intersting and unique idea.
There is a little bit of everything in this YA thriller book; a bit of romance, a bit of murder, a bit of detective-ness, a bit of corruption, a bit of typical teenage drama, a bit of supernatural, and a bit of football??
It sounds like the biggest hodge podge of events, but it was actually super cohesive and an addicting page turner. I had a hard time putting it down between reads. The world and characters created really grasped me.
And the most important part--I did not guess the twist! That's SO important with a thriller.
I really enjoyed this book--I hope others give is a shot.
There is a little bit of everything in this YA thriller book; a bit of romance, a bit of murder, a bit of detective-ness, a bit of corruption, a bit of typical teenage drama, a bit of supernatural, and a bit of football??
It sounds like the biggest hodge podge of events, but it was actually super cohesive and an addicting page turner. I had a hard time putting it down between reads. The world and characters created really grasped me.
And the most important part--I did not guess the twist! That's SO important with a thriller.
I really enjoyed this book--I hope others give is a shot.