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.
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.