nelnjali's reviews
140 reviews

A Thousand Steps into Night by Traci Chee

adventurous 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? No

3.75

This was a fun and enjoyable book. I especially loved the variety of mythical/supernatural creatures in the book. The fae-like beings, gods, and spirits were not what you typically see in fantasy literature, and I appreciated the culturally appropriate and diverse cast of fantasy characters. 

While the story and it's conclusion we're nothing unexpected or awe-inspiring, I thought it was a solid story from beginning to end with a strong heroine that was a pleasure to root for. I won't be thrusting it to everyone's hands and saying it is a must read, but I will happily recommend it to anyone looking for a fast and unique fantasy story with a fairytale feel. 

The Ferryman by Justin Cronin

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.0

This was a quick and extremely fascinating read that kept me guessing about what would happen almost to the very end. It is definitely a trippy read that makes one think, but is not so surreal to be alienating. I think fans of Blake Crouch's Recursion and Dark Matter would really enjoy this one too. It has that same fast-paced, mind-bending atmosphere. The audio is also quite solid and enjoyable to listen to. 

In Deeper Waters by F.T. Lukens

adventurous emotional 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

4.75

This book was like a warm hug -- a perfect palate cleanser after reading more serious works. It is heartwarming and sweet, and there is great chemistry between the characters. While the magical world isn't delved into in-depth, it is diverse and interesting enough to add a good backdrop to the adventure and romance in the book.

See You Yesterday by Rachel Lynn Solomon

emotional 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

4.5

I thoroughly enjoyed this quirky love story. I think the time loop trope is executed uniquely and really well, and the characters are so dang likeable that I became quite invested in their happily ever after.

Meet Me in the Margins by Melissa Ferguson

emotional lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.25

This was an enjoyable book to listen to while completing chores and crafting. The characters were likeable enough to cheer for them, and the premise of falling in love through the editing process was clever--though, as an editor, I know I'm biased. It probably isn't for everyone, but it was a fun listen. 

Redshirts by John Scalzi

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

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

4.75

Any book that can grab my attention and keep me reading or thinking about it all day is a winner in my book, and this story did just that. It has a levity and hilarity that was much needed but a thought-provoking absurdity that kept me thinking and philosophizing. This book has made me a Scalzi fan and now I want to see out more. 

The Kiss Curse by Erin Sterling

adventurous lighthearted mysterious 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

4.25

I actually enjoyed this book better than the first. I found the chemistry between the MCs more compelling, and the enemies-to-lovers trope is a fun one, especially when combined with the opposites attract trope. I did find the reasons for the animosity to be a bit thin and nonsensical, but the fun story and bit of mystery more than made up for it. 

The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling

adventurous funny lighthearted 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

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It had the typical sudden romance that doesn't make complete sense, like so many romances, but the characters were likeable and had great chemistry, and the story itself was quite fun. The magical mishap plotline was an enjoyable deviation from romance novel norms. 

Monster on the Hill by Rob Harrell

adventurous funny fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

This story about a depressed town monster is quite funny. It has a snarky, quirky, and a bit absurd comedy, and the illustrations are a delight. It was a bit predictable, but the amount of enjoyment I had while reading it made up for this. 

The Love Con by Seressia Glass

emotional fast-paced

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

3.25

The plot of this book was fun and nerdy enough to complete, but it wasn't something I'd necessarily recommend or read again. It was enjoyable while doing chores, and the characters were likeable, so I rooted for their happy ending. Some things felt forced, especially the ending, which seemed to be going for tidy, rather than believable.