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nadiamasood's reviews
277 reviews
Fangs So Bright & Deadly by Piper J. Drake
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.0
This urban fantasy transports readers to modern-day Seattle, teeming with mythical creatures. The story skillfully incorporates Asian representation, drawing from Korean, Japanese, and Chinese myths, alongside intriguing elements from Egyptian lore. Among the characters, you'll find a witch, a Kumiho, and a Kitsune, each adding depth and intrigue to the plot.
However, this book didn't resonate with me. It's important to note that it includes explicit sexual content, which caught me off guard. If you're not comfortable with open-door romance, consider this a heads-up. But if you enjoy urban fantasy infused with Asian mythology and fox spirits, this book might just be up your alley.
Thank you, NetGalley for providing this digital ARC for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
However, this book didn't resonate with me. It's important to note that it includes explicit sexual content, which caught me off guard. If you're not comfortable with open-door romance, consider this a heads-up. But if you enjoy urban fantasy infused with Asian mythology and fox spirits, this book might just be up your alley.
Thank you, NetGalley for providing this digital ARC for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The Project Hail Mary's audiobook is your ticket to an unforgettable space journey you never knew you needed!
Weir takes us through a journey packed with space drama, humor, surprising friendships, and plenty of world-saving adventure.
Should you choose the audiobook?
Yes! It was so captivating that I actually looked forward to my daily chores just to put on my headphones and listen to 'Project Hail Mary.' This book is pure storytelling and entertainment! Ray Porter delivers an outstanding performance. He doesn't just read the story; he feels it, and you will too! He skillfully handles the international cast in Grace’s flashbacks, giving each character a distinct accent.
The story:
This book does need some suspension of disbelief which, I suppose, is typical for science fiction. As someone new to the genre, I actually enjoyed the science parts! Weir presented them in a fun way, and it was nice revisiting familiar concepts from school. I found myself looking forward to the technical details of the story.
And that ending? I think it was perfect for this story.
Dr. Ryland Grace:
This story follows Ryland's epic journey from an ordinary primary science teacher with a deep knowledge of science to an unexpected superhero (albeit reluctantly). Yes, it's hard to believe how he—despite his vast scientific knowledge and being untrained to be an astronaut—could solve highly complicated problems and survive the way he did. I mean, he was a last-minute replacement and was hardly trained for 5 days!
But like I said: suspension of disbelief is required.
Ryland Grace’s journey is key to the novel’s themes of resilience, sacrifice, ingenuity, and teamwork. The story is about his self-discovery and survival as he faces space challenges, loneliness, and a mission to save humanity.
He makes some foolish mistakes for someone who is supposedly so brilliant, but I found this trait believable. After all, the guy lost his memory, and the higher-ups didn’t leave a manual for him when he woke up from his coma!
Rocky:
I just love him. Period.
This book is perfect for you if you love:
Weir takes us through a journey packed with space drama, humor, surprising friendships, and plenty of world-saving adventure.
Should you choose the audiobook?
Yes! It was so captivating that I actually looked forward to my daily chores just to put on my headphones and listen to 'Project Hail Mary.' This book is pure storytelling and entertainment! Ray Porter delivers an outstanding performance. He doesn't just read the story; he feels it, and you will too! He skillfully handles the international cast in Grace’s flashbacks, giving each character a distinct accent.
The story:
This book does need some suspension of disbelief which, I suppose, is typical for science fiction. As someone new to the genre, I actually enjoyed the science parts! Weir presented them in a fun way, and it was nice revisiting familiar concepts from school. I found myself looking forward to the technical details of the story.
And that ending? I think it was perfect for this story.
Dr. Ryland Grace:
This story follows Ryland's epic journey from an ordinary primary science teacher with a deep knowledge of science to an unexpected superhero (albeit reluctantly). Yes, it's hard to believe how he—despite his vast scientific knowledge and being untrained to be an astronaut—could solve highly complicated problems and survive the way he did. I mean, he was a last-minute replacement and was hardly trained for 5 days!
But like I said: suspension of disbelief is required.
Ryland Grace’s journey is key to the novel’s themes of resilience, sacrifice, ingenuity, and teamwork. The story is about his self-discovery and survival as he faces space challenges, loneliness, and a mission to save humanity.
He makes some foolish mistakes for someone who is supposedly so brilliant, but I found this trait believable. After all, the guy lost his memory, and the higher-ups didn’t leave a manual for him when he woke up from his coma!
Rocky:
I just love him. Period.
This book is perfect for you if you love:
- space adventures
- stories featuring clever solutions to complex problems
- science and technology
- thrilling, high-stakes missions with a mix of drama and humor
Catch the Sun by Jennifer Hartmann
I agree with reviewers who say that this book shouldn't be classified as a YA novel. I understand YA novels are generally targeted at readers aged 12 to 18. Well, despite the main characters being 17 and 18 for most of the story, the heavy themes and multiple sexually explicit content are clearly not appropriate for younger readers.
Too much emphasis on the orange color. We get it, she loves everything orange but we don't need a reminder every few pages. And then there's "Brynn!" (yes, with an apostrophe) that I found quite irritating, to be honest.
Is this book for you?
There is a satisfying happily ever after, so if enjoy stories of troubled teens overcoming adversity and finding something good in their lives, this book's for you.
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
If you tend to cry easily, have a box of tissues nearby! This book will shatter your heart. There's a lot of emotional trauma, angst, pain, loss, and betrayal. But then there's also hope, moving on, healing, and love.
This angst-filled, contemporary YA survivor romance features main characters who are 17/18-year-olds. For such young individuals, their lives are filled with such an overwhelming amount of pain! I particularly found the second half of the book more compelling, with plenty of action and significant character growth.
Max Manning. The male protagonist is such an amazing character! He embodies the ultimate green flag—someone you should never let go of once you find them. He is what kept me hooked and the reason I was able to finish this book. Max is truly the heart and soul of this story.
Some of my issues with this book:
This angst-filled, contemporary YA survivor romance features main characters who are 17/18-year-olds. For such young individuals, their lives are filled with such an overwhelming amount of pain! I particularly found the second half of the book more compelling, with plenty of action and significant character growth.
Max Manning. The male protagonist is such an amazing character! He embodies the ultimate green flag—someone you should never let go of once you find them. He is what kept me hooked and the reason I was able to finish this book. Max is truly the heart and soul of this story.
Some of my issues with this book:
I agree with reviewers who say that this book shouldn't be classified as a YA novel. I understand YA novels are generally targeted at readers aged 12 to 18. Well, despite the main characters being 17 and 18 for most of the story, the heavy themes and multiple sexually explicit content are clearly not appropriate for younger readers.
Too much emphasis on the orange color. We get it, she loves everything orange but we don't need a reminder every few pages. And then there's "Brynn!" (yes, with an apostrophe) that I found quite irritating, to be honest.
Is this book for you?
There is a satisfying happily ever after, so if enjoy stories of troubled teens overcoming adversity and finding something good in their lives, this book's for you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Sexual content
Moderate: Bullying, Cursing, and Murder
Bone on Bone: An Orthopedic Surgeon's Guide to Avoiding Surgery and Healing Pain Naturally by Meredith Warner, MD
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
5.0
Goodnight Tokyo by Atsuhiro Yoshida, Haydn Trowell
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
Through this book, Yoshida will transport you into his whimsical and unconventional worldview, giving you a unique perspective on reality.
The stories in this book take place between 1 am and 4:30 am over several nights. Each chapter begins precisely at 1 am. Although the stories may seem unrelated initially, they are, in fact, interconnected.
As I continued reading the series of short stories, I noticed how Yoshida likes introducing a wide array of characters who find themselves alone at night and are either searching for someone to talk to or searching for something. These characters seem to jump from place to place within each story.
And these are also the reasons why this book didn't work for me. First, some stories are weird and after reading a few, I lost interest and got bored. Second, there are too many characters with similar-sounding names that it became a chore to keep track of them.
Perhaps the best way to enjoy Goodnight Tokyo is to slow down, read it slowly, and focus on the characters’ thoughts. So if you enjoy whimsical short stories, you may want to add this book to your TBR.
The stories in this book take place between 1 am and 4:30 am over several nights. Each chapter begins precisely at 1 am. Although the stories may seem unrelated initially, they are, in fact, interconnected.
As I continued reading the series of short stories, I noticed how Yoshida likes introducing a wide array of characters who find themselves alone at night and are either searching for someone to talk to or searching for something. These characters seem to jump from place to place within each story.
And these are also the reasons why this book didn't work for me. First, some stories are weird and after reading a few, I lost interest and got bored. Second, there are too many characters with similar-sounding names that it became a chore to keep track of them.
Perhaps the best way to enjoy Goodnight Tokyo is to slow down, read it slowly, and focus on the characters’ thoughts. So if you enjoy whimsical short stories, you may want to add this book to your TBR.
Woeful Verses: A Sad Poetry Assemblage by Bipasha Bhattacharjee
dark
emotional
sad
tense
5.0
Raw, haunting, evocative, and heartbreaking.
This book delves into dark themes, which may not appeal to everyone. However, for individuals navigating similar experiences, it could serve as a reminder that they are not alone in their struggles.
The author's use of language is both elegant and accessible, allowing readers to connect with the poems on a deeply personal level. The verses flow seamlessly from one to the next, creating a sense of continuity and cohesion that enhances the overall impact of the collection.
When reading the poems, one can easily tell that these are words that come from the deepest recesses of a person's soul—words that are born from profound sadness and pain.
If you appreciate poems that resonate with raw honesty and vulnerability, I recommend reading this book. It invites you to embark on a journey through the shadowy realms of sorrow and despair.
This book delves into dark themes, which may not appeal to everyone. However, for individuals navigating similar experiences, it could serve as a reminder that they are not alone in their struggles.
The author's use of language is both elegant and accessible, allowing readers to connect with the poems on a deeply personal level. The verses flow seamlessly from one to the next, creating a sense of continuity and cohesion that enhances the overall impact of the collection.
When reading the poems, one can easily tell that these are words that come from the deepest recesses of a person's soul—words that are born from profound sadness and pain.
If you appreciate poems that resonate with raw honesty and vulnerability, I recommend reading this book. It invites you to embark on a journey through the shadowy realms of sorrow and despair.
Content Warnings
Minor: Mental illness and Grief
White Mulberry by Rosa Kwon Easton
There's mention of the death of her spouse and the protagonist goes through a brief period of depression as a result.
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
This is a novel inspired by the true-to-life story of a young Korean woman who defied all odds and overcame poverty, patriarchy, and the racism that threatened to shatter her dreams and destroy her spirit.
Miyoung's story is marked by heartache and loss, and this profound sadness is so palpable that I, as a reader, found myself wholeheartedly rooting for her until the very end!
I loved that she's a woman who refuses to give up and she's loyal to those she loves. This wasn't easy, especially given the challenging circumstances of the story's setting in 1928, during Japan's occupation of Korea. Amidst rising anti-Korean sentiment, Koreans residing in Kyoto were forced to conceal their true identities, learn to speak the Japanese language flawlessly, and adopt Japanese names to avoid arousing suspicion and secure employment.
Midway through the book, I felt the pacing slow down and some parts felt repetitive, but despite that, I found it to be a satisfying read on the whole.
Some parts of this book reminded me of Min Jin Lee's Pachinko. So if you have enjoyed that book, you'll love White Mulberry.
I secured a digital e-ARC of this book from Netgalley.
Miyoung's story is marked by heartache and loss, and this profound sadness is so palpable that I, as a reader, found myself wholeheartedly rooting for her until the very end!
I loved that she's a woman who refuses to give up and she's loyal to those she loves. This wasn't easy, especially given the challenging circumstances of the story's setting in 1928, during Japan's occupation of Korea. Amidst rising anti-Korean sentiment, Koreans residing in Kyoto were forced to conceal their true identities, learn to speak the Japanese language flawlessly, and adopt Japanese names to avoid arousing suspicion and secure employment.
Midway through the book, I felt the pacing slow down and some parts felt repetitive, but despite that, I found it to be a satisfying read on the whole.
Some parts of this book reminded me of Min Jin Lee's Pachinko. So if you have enjoyed that book, you'll love White Mulberry.
I secured a digital e-ARC of this book from Netgalley.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent
Homes: A Refugee Story by Winnie Yeung, Abu Bakr Al Rabeeah
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
This is a must-read book. It's a quick and easy read despite the heavy themes.
Abu Bakr's story is a source of hope for those who have endured war and are seeking a safe haven for their loved ones, a revelation for those who do not understand the gravity of the refugee crisis in different parts of the world, and an inspiration for those who dedicate their time and skill teaching English to refugees, helping them understand and navigate their new surroundings.
While war is a prominent theme in this book, it also emphasizes the importance of family and resilience.
Abu Bakr's story is a source of hope for those who have endured war and are seeking a safe haven for their loved ones, a revelation for those who do not understand the gravity of the refugee crisis in different parts of the world, and an inspiration for those who dedicate their time and skill teaching English to refugees, helping them understand and navigate their new surroundings.
While war is a prominent theme in this book, it also emphasizes the importance of family and resilience.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War
The River Against the Sea by Z. Lindsey
This story isn't all smooth sailing—it also features murder, betrayal, and a civil war. However, I appreciate how the author managed to keep the humor consistent throughout the book. Watching Essie’s character evolve is pure satisfaction!
Give this book a try if you don't mind longer reads, enjoy quirky characters, a weird-yet-fun lighthearted fantasy, and a smart FMC.
Thank you Hidden Gems Books for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
A whimsical and delightfully unhinged new adult, alternate universe fantasy guaranteed to make you laugh out loud!
I absolutely LOVED Essimore Darkenchyl! She's a law-abiding devil (complete with horns and glowing red eyes!) who works as a regulation-obsessed bureaucrat. As a fully licensed shipping coordinator, her job is to ensure the crew and cargo comply with all legalities and are properly documented and reported to the authorities.
What you'll find in this book:
I absolutely LOVED Essimore Darkenchyl! She's a law-abiding devil (complete with horns and glowing red eyes!) who works as a regulation-obsessed bureaucrat. As a fully licensed shipping coordinator, her job is to ensure the crew and cargo comply with all legalities and are properly documented and reported to the authorities.
What you'll find in this book:
- A strong (and geeky) devil-woman of color who wields a magical pen
- A colorful cast of weirdos you'll eventually come to love like family
- An island plagued by a body-snatching virus
- Quirky humor
- Enemies-to-besties
This story isn't all smooth sailing—it also features murder, betrayal, and a civil war. However, I appreciate how the author managed to keep the humor consistent throughout the book. Watching Essie’s character evolve is pure satisfaction!
Give this book a try if you don't mind longer reads, enjoy quirky characters, a weird-yet-fun lighthearted fantasy, and a smart FMC.
Thank you Hidden Gems Books for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
The Prince And The Nightingale by Abhishek Bhatt
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
medium-paced
5.0
Though this is a timeless tale of forbidden love between a prince and a commoner, what sets it apart is the blend of real-life history, India's rich culture, the thrill of cricket, and the glamour of Bollywood.
This book took me by surprise. I expected the typical prince-and-commoner love story, but it delivered so much more! The characters are beautifully flawed, the circumstances feel realistic, and the ending is imperfectly perfect. Did I mention that I enjoyed Abhishek Bhatt's writing style, too?
Our main characters' journey is one of love, duty, and heartbreak. Both are strong and passionate, and I loved how they brought out the best in each other. Abhimanyu chooses family and duty above all else (which is what a prince in real life would do), and Meera stays strong and pursues her dream. She's young yet I like how sensible she is despite her circumstances. She's strong, protective, and loyal.
Cricket is a huge part of Abhimanyu's story. I'm not a fan of cricket and have limited knowledge of the sport, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story. I would advise not to skip those sections entirely because crucial, life-altering scenes unfold during those games!
I found the Bollywood aspect of the story particularly fascinating! It provided a glimpse into how soundtracks are created and the behind-the-scenes of recording songs for films. We get to see Meera's transformation from an Indian classical prodigy to a sought-after playback singer.
The Indian politics and history in the story might not appeal to everyone, but they provide context for the time our characters lived in. It was a period right after India gained independence, formed a new parliamentary government, and stripped the royals of their powers. Elections were held for the first time, yet many people were still illiterate.
This book was an easy read with characters you can easily connect with and a realistic conclusion. I enjoyed its straightforward language and well-balanced pacing. The poetic verses in Hindi/Urdu sprinkled throughout added a delightful touch.
If you're in the mood for a genuine love story featuring flawed yet relatable characters, and if you're interested in exploring India's rich history and culture, this book is worth picking up.
This book took me by surprise. I expected the typical prince-and-commoner love story, but it delivered so much more! The characters are beautifully flawed, the circumstances feel realistic, and the ending is imperfectly perfect. Did I mention that I enjoyed Abhishek Bhatt's writing style, too?
Our main characters' journey is one of love, duty, and heartbreak. Both are strong and passionate, and I loved how they brought out the best in each other. Abhimanyu chooses family and duty above all else (which is what a prince in real life would do), and Meera stays strong and pursues her dream. She's young yet I like how sensible she is despite her circumstances. She's strong, protective, and loyal.
Cricket is a huge part of Abhimanyu's story. I'm not a fan of cricket and have limited knowledge of the sport, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story. I would advise not to skip those sections entirely because crucial, life-altering scenes unfold during those games!
I found the Bollywood aspect of the story particularly fascinating! It provided a glimpse into how soundtracks are created and the behind-the-scenes of recording songs for films. We get to see Meera's transformation from an Indian classical prodigy to a sought-after playback singer.
The Indian politics and history in the story might not appeal to everyone, but they provide context for the time our characters lived in. It was a period right after India gained independence, formed a new parliamentary government, and stripped the royals of their powers. Elections were held for the first time, yet many people were still illiterate.
This book was an easy read with characters you can easily connect with and a realistic conclusion. I enjoyed its straightforward language and well-balanced pacing. The poetic verses in Hindi/Urdu sprinkled throughout added a delightful touch.
If you're in the mood for a genuine love story featuring flawed yet relatable characters, and if you're interested in exploring India's rich history and culture, this book is worth picking up.