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path_through_pages's reviews
209 reviews
Beholder by Ryan La Sala
dark
emotional
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? Yes
3.0
I genuinely enjoyed this book. I thought it was a really unique concept and the POVs were done in a really intriguing way!
But I just can't pinpoint why I didn't love it. Something about the book made it really hard for me to focus.
It wasn't boring, and it was engaging, but I kept feeling my mind wander. It was hard for me to just sit down and go through it for some reason and I can't figure out why.
P s. No MC pregnancy tropes
But I just can't pinpoint why I didn't love it. Something about the book made it really hard for me to focus.
It wasn't boring, and it was engaging, but I kept feeling my mind wander. It was hard for me to just sit down and go through it for some reason and I can't figure out why.
P s. No MC pregnancy tropes
The Dissonance: A Novel by Shaun Hamill
For a book that is nearly 500 pages, this story honestly just FLEW by!
I know a lot of readers struggle with multiple POV and flashback storylines, but this was done so well that it felt like the book was broken up into bite-sized stories.
The different time period storylines were so well developed that at times, it felt like I was reading a prequel and a sequel at the same time.
The magic system was really well devised. There were complex magical aspects that were explained in a way that you could understand without feeling panderred to.
I also really like how the teenagers were written because they actually felt like teenagers! They weren't annoying for the sake of trying to show a lack of maturity. The author gave credit to the intelligence that teens actually have while still balancing it with angst, uncertainty, and a lack of life experience.
The only true fault I have with it is that at the end, I still had SO many questions! This feels like a stand-alone, but I almost wish there were some novellas where I could get just a smidgen more answers so I can feel complete 😅
But I will say! There is a vocally CF FMC and no MC pregnancy tropes!
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
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
For a book that is nearly 500 pages, this story honestly just FLEW by!
I know a lot of readers struggle with multiple POV and flashback storylines, but this was done so well that it felt like the book was broken up into bite-sized stories.
The different time period storylines were so well developed that at times, it felt like I was reading a prequel and a sequel at the same time.
The magic system was really well devised. There were complex magical aspects that were explained in a way that you could understand without feeling panderred to.
I also really like how the teenagers were written because they actually felt like teenagers! They weren't annoying for the sake of trying to show a lack of maturity. The author gave credit to the intelligence that teens actually have while still balancing it with angst, uncertainty, and a lack of life experience.
The only true fault I have with it is that at the end, I still had SO many questions! This feels like a stand-alone, but I almost wish there were some novellas where I could get just a smidgen more answers so I can feel complete 😅
But I will say! There is a vocally CF FMC and no MC pregnancy tropes!
White Trash Warlock by David R. Slayton
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
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
3.5
3.5!
I think I had the wrong expectations going into this book, and that's 100% my fault. The title plus people referring to it as a 'fun read' led me to expect something lighter, maybe even cozy.
That absolutely was not this book, haha
But! It was well written, unique, imaginative, and touched on a lot of complicated and difficult themes while still keeping the focus on the story.
For the first in the series, I think it did an excellent job at both setting the stage, building characters, and diving into a unique magical world.
Ps. TW, TTC, miscarriages, not tokophobia friendly
I think I had the wrong expectations going into this book, and that's 100% my fault. The title plus people referring to it as a 'fun read' led me to expect something lighter, maybe even cozy.
That absolutely was not this book, haha
But! It was well written, unique, imaginative, and touched on a lot of complicated and difficult themes while still keeping the focus on the story.
For the first in the series, I think it did an excellent job at both setting the stage, building characters, and diving into a unique magical world.
Ps. TW, TTC, miscarriages, not tokophobia friendly
Wanted: A Roommate Who Isn't Evil by Jennifer Kropf
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.0
For such a short book, it is 100% jam-packed with adventure!
The different storylines are so well formed and blend together in a way that feels full without it feeling rushed.
I am always sad when there isn't more Shayne in the story, but knowing that the next book is going to be Shayne heavy makes me so excited to read the next book in the series!
It was so nice to get to know Dranian more, and the addition of Dog-Shayne is a whole new favorite of mine! Not to mention the 100% real and undeniably true enchanted nature of ice cream.
We've heard of enemies to lovers, but enemies to frenemies is such an underutilized trope, and this book does it so well!
Can't wait for what's next!
PS. No MC pregnancy tropes
The different storylines are so well formed and blend together in a way that feels full without it feeling rushed.
I am always sad when there isn't more Shayne in the story, but knowing that the next book is going to be Shayne heavy makes me so excited to read the next book in the series!
It was so nice to get to know Dranian more, and the addition of Dog-Shayne is a whole new favorite of mine! Not to mention the 100% real and undeniably true enchanted nature of ice cream.
We've heard of enemies to lovers, but enemies to frenemies is such an underutilized trope, and this book does it so well!
Can't wait for what's next!
PS. No MC pregnancy tropes
The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.0
I am delighted to say that this is the first romance book I have ever read cover to cover and thoroughly enjoyed! As someone who isn't a fan of romance but is a fan of cozy and romcoms, this book was fun, entertaining, and just overall a joy of a read.
The characters were well written, the relationship was genuine, the misunderstanding was brief and actually held rational context and was based on character history and development, and I wasn't stuck in a world of smart people doing stupid things for the sake of conflict.
The dual POV was perfectly done and I have to say i am shocked at how much I enjoyed it!
The characters were well written, the relationship was genuine, the misunderstanding was brief and actually held rational context and was based on character history and development, and I wasn't stuck in a world of smart people doing stupid things for the sake of conflict.
The dual POV was perfectly done and I have to say i am shocked at how much I enjoyed it!
The Hollow Places by T. Kingfisher
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
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
5.0
Once again, another home run for Kingfisher!
Loveable characters, unique story, horror and humor, and a snarky kitty, what more could you possibly want in an endlessly entertaining popcorn horror?
Well written and easy to read, Kingfisher always finds a way to weave a unique story without making it overly complex or convoluted.
Absolute recommend for fans of popcorn horror!
Ps. No MC pregnancy tropes
Loveable characters, unique story, horror and humor, and a snarky kitty, what more could you possibly want in an endlessly entertaining popcorn horror?
Well written and easy to read, Kingfisher always finds a way to weave a unique story without making it overly complex or convoluted.
Absolute recommend for fans of popcorn horror!
Ps. No MC pregnancy tropes
The Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields
emotional
hopeful
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? Yes
3.0
I'm a bit torn with this one.
I liked the story, the characters, the love, and the whole magical concept.
But there was something about it that just didn't click for me. I think my main issue is I found it very predictable and with the writing style that just made me impatient for it all to just play out.
Also, near the end, how the curse was lifted, it just didn't make sense. Why would an evil witch throw away such a great bargaining chip?
I think the author just wasn't entirely sure how to wrap it up in a HEA, and that gap I think is going to keep bothering me.
Ps. not tokophobia friendly
I liked the story, the characters, the love, and the whole magical concept.
But there was something about it that just didn't click for me. I think my main issue is I found it very predictable and with the writing style that just made me impatient for it all to just play out.
Also, near the end, how the curse was lifted, it just didn't make sense. Why would an evil witch throw away such a great bargaining chip?
I think the author just wasn't entirely sure how to wrap it up in a HEA, and that gap I think is going to keep bothering me.
Ps. not tokophobia friendly
Sincerely, Secretary of Doom by Jennifer Kropf
funny
lighthearted
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? Yes
3.0
I am an absolute massive fan of Welcome to Fae Cafe and was so incredibly excited for book 2!
My favorite part of WTFC was how so incredibly well developed the characters were! Their relationships were natural, comedic, and so touching!
I feel like we lost a bit of that in SSoD. This time, I feel like the author had just so many amazing ideas, and it was hard to pack them all in, in a way that felt as seamless as WTFC.
The actual story was great! It was well thought out and covered so many unique and complex sub-narratives! But connecting and unifying is where there was a bit of struggle.
I also feel like the author just tried much too hard to keep emphasizing that they were fae. We very much know they are fae! But adding 'fairy' to the beginning of everything or using the word 'faeborn' 2 times in what felt like every paragraph became super redundant. There was also a continuity error where Mor's blood went from purple to red to purple again.
Other than that, the story is so worth it, and I'm very excited for book 3! Shayne is my favorite character and I NEED MORE OF HIM!!!
Ps. No MC pregnancy tropes
My favorite part of WTFC was how so incredibly well developed the characters were! Their relationships were natural, comedic, and so touching!
I feel like we lost a bit of that in SSoD. This time, I feel like the author had just so many amazing ideas, and it was hard to pack them all in, in a way that felt as seamless as WTFC.
The actual story was great! It was well thought out and covered so many unique and complex sub-narratives! But connecting and unifying is where there was a bit of struggle.
I also feel like the author just tried much too hard to keep emphasizing that they were fae. We very much know they are fae! But adding 'fairy' to the beginning of everything or using the word 'faeborn' 2 times in what felt like every paragraph became super redundant. There was also a continuity error where Mor's blood went from purple to red to purple again.
Other than that, the story is so worth it, and I'm very excited for book 3! Shayne is my favorite character and I NEED MORE OF HIM!!!
Ps. No MC pregnancy tropes
Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
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 was such a great sequel, and I am so glad it went in the direction it did!
The one major flaw I will give is that they tried to address so many complex and nuanced social issues in one novel. Although they succeeded and they did so with much grace and consideration, you could tell the author wanted to say more and do more, which left a few moments feeling slightly unfinished as you knew there was so much more to say.
In this book, we get a much more intimate look at Arthur, and we start to see the children in their full, hilarious, mischievous, and loving glory!
The governmental battle felt so real and so frustrating, and it was such a great way to capture the very real struggle so many communities face when fighting against corrupt and bigoted systems.
As much as I loved the fanciful ending, I wish it was grounded in a bit more realism like the beginning of the book was. A smaller victory or using the system to actually make strides and build a foundation for change.
That being said, it's hard. These are hard topics and hard stories, and I think the goal was just to give some hope.
Ps. No MC pregnancy tropes
The one major flaw I will give is that they tried to address so many complex and nuanced social issues in one novel. Although they succeeded and they did so with much grace and consideration, you could tell the author wanted to say more and do more, which left a few moments feeling slightly unfinished as you knew there was so much more to say.
In this book, we get a much more intimate look at Arthur, and we start to see the children in their full, hilarious, mischievous, and loving glory!
The governmental battle felt so real and so frustrating, and it was such a great way to capture the very real struggle so many communities face when fighting against corrupt and bigoted systems.
As much as I loved the fanciful ending, I wish it was grounded in a bit more realism like the beginning of the book was. A smaller victory or using the system to actually make strides and build a foundation for change.
That being said, it's hard. These are hard topics and hard stories, and I think the goal was just to give some hope.
Ps. No MC pregnancy tropes