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phoenix2's reviews
1179 reviews
The Rich Boy by F. Scott Fitzgerald
2.0
"The Rich Boy" is a short story that chronicles the life of a rich boy and his love endeavors. The story reminded me of 'This side of Paradise' only shorter.
Crazy Sunday by F. Scott Fitzgerald
2.0
"Crazy Sunday" is a short story about a series of crazy sundays that lead to a tragic conclusion. I loved the ending, but wasn't that big engaged with the first half of it.
Babylon Revisited by F. Scott Fitzgerald
2.0
"Babylon Revisited" is a short story that builds up to be a family drama. I wish the story was more lengthy, as there was a lot of drama to deal with, but the characters were interesting, and the story was deep, despite its length.
A Magical Girl Retires by Park Seolyeon
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
"A Magical Girl Retires" is a fantasy novella which deals with a lot of real-life issues.
The story is original, using the ever-so-enjoyable and lately criticized theme of magical girls as a vehicle to serve the themes that the novella dealt with, like climate change.
The author also does an amazing job managing to present a cohesive story with a smooth beginning and a nice ending. The story was also fast and easy to read.
The story is original, using the ever-so-enjoyable and lately criticized theme of magical girls as a vehicle to serve the themes that the novella dealt with, like climate change.
The author also does an amazing job managing to present a cohesive story with a smooth beginning and a nice ending. The story was also fast and easy to read.
Betting On You by Lynn Painter
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
"Betting on You" is a YA romantic comedy.
The story is cute and, yes, predictable, but the banter was fun and the main characters were adorable. The family drama was actually pretty solid, and, halfway through, it became the most interesting part of the story.
The romance, in addition, was a slow burn, allowing the characters to bond, and the two of them had some cute moments.
But, overall, the start and finish were enjoyable, but the middle part was a bit boring.
The story is cute and, yes, predictable, but the banter was fun and the main characters were adorable. The family drama was actually pretty solid, and, halfway through, it became the most interesting part of the story.
The romance, in addition, was a slow burn, allowing the characters to bond, and the two of them had some cute moments.
But, overall, the start and finish were enjoyable, but the middle part was a bit boring.
Wisteria by Adalyn Grace
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-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
3.75
"Wisteria" is the third and final book of the Belladonna series and this time we follow a new pov (actually two povs at some point) and a fresh new romance.
The book is atmospherical, just like the rest of the series. It is lush and beautifully imaginary, with gothic mansions and an interesting magic system.
Also, the characters were energetic, and feisty and had great chemistry. On the other hand, the 'mystery' case was boring, but it had an original conclusion.
The romance, finally, was delightful, dramatic and funny at times. I actually liked it better than the original one, mainly because I couldn't overcome the whole death thing...
So, 3.75 for the final book of the series.
The book is atmospherical, just like the rest of the series. It is lush and beautifully imaginary, with gothic mansions and an interesting magic system.
Also, the characters were energetic, and feisty and had great chemistry. On the other hand, the 'mystery' case was boring, but it had an original conclusion.
The romance, finally, was delightful, dramatic and funny at times. I actually liked it better than the original one, mainly because I couldn't overcome the whole death thing...
So, 3.75 for the final book of the series.
The Red Palace by June Hur
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
'The Red Palace' is a mystery historical drama with roots in Korean History.
The main character, first of all, is pretty interesting and lovable and I enjoyed her character development.
Also, I liked the ending as it was unexpected and original and fitted the story nicely.
However, I didn't like the mystery that much...
But, it was nice that the author uses real historical events in her stories.
The main character, first of all, is pretty interesting and lovable and I enjoyed her character development.
Also, I liked the ending as it was unexpected and original and fitted the story nicely.
However, I didn't like the mystery that much...
But, it was nice that the author uses real historical events in her stories.
The Diamond as Big as the Ritz by F. Scott Fitzgerald
2.0
Didn't like it as much as his other works.
The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
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? It's complicated
2.0
'The Ministry of Time' is a time travel, sci fi melodrama.
The story has a strong start and a strong ending. It was dramatic, and emotional, and the main theme was interesting and original.
On the other hand, I didn't like the way the story was narrated. It was messy and I often lost track of where we were on the timeline (or was this on propose?). That deprived me of connecting with the characters and the story (romance) as we jumped from one event to another, from one month to another.
The story has a strong start and a strong ending. It was dramatic, and emotional, and the main theme was interesting and original.
On the other hand, I didn't like the way the story was narrated. It was messy and I often lost track of where we were on the timeline (or was this on propose?). That deprived me of connecting with the characters and the story (romance) as we jumped from one event to another, from one month to another.
The Cut-Glass Bowl by F. Scott Fitzgerald
4.0
'The Cut Glass Bowl' is a short story with a psychological drama at its center, as we follow the main character through her married life and how it develops. Well crafted, sad, and dramatic.