pertinent_sonder's reviews
40 reviews
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
The Burning Maze by Rick Riordan
adventurous
emotional
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Fire/Fire injury, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Gore and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Body shaming, Gaslighting, Emotional abuse, and Death of parent
Coraline by Neil Gaiman
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
The Hidden Oracle by Rick Riordan
adventurous
funny
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? Yes
4.25
It's fascinating to me how Rick Riordan manages to make me laugh even in the most tense parts of his books.
Apollo's character is really interesting. In the beginning he's pretty stuck up and self-centred. Soon though, he comes to terms with the mistakes he's made and the defects in his character. It's a pretty face-paced book and is only the first of a series, so I'm eager to see how this character arc proceeds.
All I can say for Meg right now is that she's cute and I hope she finds lovable people at CHB!
Apollo's character is really interesting. In the beginning he's pretty stuck up and self-centred. Soon though, he comes to terms with the mistakes he's made and the defects in his character. It's a pretty face-paced book and is only the first of a series, so I'm eager to see how this character arc proceeds.
All I can say for Meg right now is that she's cute and I hope she finds lovable people at CHB!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Gore, and Murder
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
I didn't like many things in this book, so let's start with what I did like. Meyer's writing itself is very good. She has this pleasantly descriptive writing style, suitable for a romance book.
The plot, however, I didn't like. It felt like I was chasing a climax throughout the entire book. I'd always expect something plot-twist-like happening, only to be let down. I even made up a term for it, climax-baiting.
The romance... where was it? It seemed to me that Bella and Edward were only physically attracted to each other (inspite of their "sexual and romantic attraction go hand-in-hand for me" discussion).
Don't even let me get started on why the entire premise of a 100-something y/o vampire lusting for a 17 y/o's blood and falling in love with her is wrong. And that's BESIDES his stalking and possessiveness.
I finished the book, but didn't feel like it. Not in a good way. More like a "there was nothing to miss" kind of way.
The last 100 or so pages were intriguing. The first 300-odd were plain boring and at points frustrating.
The plot, however, I didn't like. It felt like I was chasing a climax throughout the entire book. I'd always expect something plot-twist-like happening, only to be let down. I even made up a term for it, climax-baiting.
The romance... where was it? It seemed to me that Bella and Edward were only physically attracted to each other (inspite of their "sexual and romantic attraction go hand-in-hand for me" discussion).
Don't even let me get started on why the entire premise of a 100-something y/o vampire lusting for a 17 y/o's blood and falling in love with her is wrong. And that's BESIDES his stalking and possessiveness.
I finished the book, but didn't feel like it. Not in a good way. More like a "there was nothing to miss" kind of way.
The last 100 or so pages were intriguing. The first 300-odd were plain boring and at points frustrating.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Gaslighting, and Stalking
Minor: Murder, Blood, and Miscarriage
Transformed: The Perils of the Frog Prince by Megan Morrison
adventurous
inspiring
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
5.0
Aaand Morrison has done it again.
This book probably has the most delightful character development so far in the series. And I love good cahracter arcs.
Syrah starts off as an arrogant... well, jerk. He doesn't want to accept responsibility, neither for work nor for his mistakes.
As he progresses through the story, trying to uncover the mystery behind the plague and poisoning of the Governor, he starts seeing things with a more mature mindset. Frequently, he asks himself, "Why was I like that?" something most young people can probably relate to on some level.
The supporting characters are amazing and loveable. The blossoming of Syrah and Harrow's friendship is truly endearing.
Morrison uses the story of the Frog Prince to address the pertinent issue of the merits of democracy by encouraging the reader to dwell on it's different facets.
I really like how Morrison doesn't write to convince readers of one set opinion, but to encourage them to expand their view. A great message for not only young kids still figuring out the world, but also for adults who sometimes forget to change their perspective.
This book series has quickly climbed my list of favourite book series. Until the next one comes out, I'll be convincing everyone who'll listen to give these a try.
This book probably has the most delightful character development so far in the series. And I love good cahracter arcs.
Syrah starts off as an arrogant... well, jerk. He doesn't want to accept responsibility, neither for work nor for his mistakes.
As he progresses through the story, trying to uncover the mystery behind the plague and
The supporting characters are amazing and loveable. The blossoming of Syrah and Harrow's friendship is truly endearing.
Morrison uses the story of the Frog Prince to address the pertinent issue of the merits of democracy by encouraging the reader to dwell on it's different facets.
I really like how Morrison doesn't write to convince readers of one set opinion, but to encourage them to expand their view. A great message for not only young kids still figuring out the world, but also for adults who sometimes forget to change their perspective.
This book series has quickly climbed my list of favourite book series. Until the next one comes out, I'll be convincing everyone who'll listen to give these a try.
Content Warnings
Minor: Vomit and Death
Disenchanted: The Trials of Cinderella by Megan Morrison
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-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
5.0
I think I can safely expect to not be disappointed by Morrison, even though this is only the second of her books. This is a Cinderella retelling, but if you're looking for romance, it's not here (as the genre tags clued me in). Morrison takes the original whimsical story of Cinderella and turns it completely around.
The characters are, yet again, real, relatable, and inspiring. Almost all of the main characters grow throughout the book, whether it be in how they judge or act. I really liked the way she wrote Ella's step-family.
The world building was thorough, while not being too much.
The only thing I didn't like was the lack of romance between Dash and Ella. I guess I get it though, since they were pretty awkward around each other at first, and neither had any real experience.
The relationship between Serge and Jasper was on the other end of the spectrum. At first, I shipped them as a joke. As the story progressed, though, their chemistry was palpable. Unfortunately, it was not clear if they actually ended up together. Maybe it was to keep the Karens from complaining :p
Overall, I loved it. Read the second half in almost one sitting.
The characters are, yet again, real, relatable, and inspiring. Almost all of the main characters grow throughout the book, whether it be in how they judge or act. I really liked the way she wrote Ella's step-family.
The world building was thorough, while not being too much.
The only thing I didn't like was the lack of romance between Dash and Ella. I guess I get it though, since they were pretty awkward around each other at first, and neither had any real experience.
Overall, I loved it. Read the second half in almost one sitting.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Classism, Death, Dysphoria, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Death of parent, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Body horror, and Bullying
Minor: Kidnapping, Vomit, War, and Injury/Injury detail