mariazal's reviews
59 reviews

Death on the Nile, by Agatha Christie

adventurous mysterious fast-paced

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

4.5

A great and interesting mystery! Even when you guess part of the mystery, the rest is so satisfying. 

Illuminations, by T. Kingfisher

adventurous funny inspiring fast-paced

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

4.25

Like Encanto but better. A very sweet family story about eccentric artists who learn a lesson. That's trite but this is a very fun and engaging book. 

The Harpy, by Megan Hunter

dark reflective medium-paced

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

3.75

Satisfyingly dark and unflinching. The kind of book that takes off.

The Night Ship, by Jess Kidd

adventurous dark mysterious sad fast-paced

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

4.75

Quick pace for such a long book. Lovely and magical and scary but worth every bit of heartache. A historical novel that follows two children in impossible situations separated by time. 

A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking, by T. Kingfisher

dark funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

4.0

A very funny, weird, and magical book about growing up. Featuring some of the best wizard familiars ever. 

Did Ye Hear Mammy Died?, by Séamas O'Reilly

dark funny medium-paced

4.0

Punchy, hilarious, and tragic. Slightly disjointed with certain sections that are more readable than others but ultimately highly enjoyable.

Fairy Tale, by Stephen King

adventurous dark 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? No

4.0

A good fairy tale/ adventure story that's true to the genre. Dark and gory and satisfying. Lovely plot surrounding a boy and his dog and some ultimate questions about humanity. 

Project Hail Mary, by Andy Weir

adventurous funny hopeful medium-paced

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

4.75

Wow, what a book, what a ride! This is much less hard science than The Martian and has such a satisfying trajectory. Gorgeous, entertaining, and adventurous. Hits all the right notes. The highest quality of approachable science fiction. 

Read while listening ambient reading sounds. Most of this book takes place in space (hopefully not a spoiler) and the ambient almost slave sounds added to my enjoyment immensely. 

Crying in H Mart, by Michelle Zauner

emotional sad medium-paced

4.5

This book made me hungry for food I've never eaten and cry for a relationship I never had. Perfect for anyone who has/had a mother. Makes you want to curl up with a spicy stew and call your mom. 

Parable of the Talents, by Octavia E. Butler

dark emotional inspiring fast-paced

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

4.75

Octavia Butler never fails to amaze. She is a unique and honest voice in fiction and I love her worlds every time I visit. Darker than parable of the sower but ultimately a lovely, uplifting, and timely story.