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readundancies's reviews
1599 reviews
Love in the Time of Serial Killers by Alicia Thompson
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
I mean this was basically no plot, low vibes.
It’s like the author didn’t really know what they wanted this story to be. There was an avenue to explore grief that was a path not ventured, a pretty solid sibling relationship that wasn’t really based on anything concrete which made it seem less genuine than it appeared, and a romance that was just serviceable mostly because the lead character was a bit of a mess.
It wasn’t unreadable though. I didn’t even really hate what I was reading, I just didn’t really see the point.
I’m still open to reading from Alicia Thompson, and this just wasn’t for me.
It’s like the author didn’t really know what they wanted this story to be. There was an avenue to explore grief that was a path not ventured, a pretty solid sibling relationship that wasn’t really based on anything concrete which made it seem less genuine than it appeared, and a romance that was just serviceable mostly because the lead character was a bit of a mess.
It wasn’t unreadable though. I didn’t even really hate what I was reading, I just didn’t really see the point.
I’m still open to reading from Alicia Thompson, and this just wasn’t for me.
The Last Close Call by Laura Griffin
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Oof.
This was genuinely subpar in the worst ways possible.
I’m almost in awe that I finished the whole thing because I really didn’t enjoy it at all.
The pacing is not even the least bit fluid; it jumps and flits about, skipping moments in time without a care in the world. It’s too bad I couldn’t give the same number of non-existent shits about it too, because oh my word did I despise it.
The romance was equally disappointing in that the leads had no chemistry whatsoever with one another at all. I didn’t particularly care about the leads individually in the first place, but I cared even less about their relationship because it was not believable and not particularly worthy of shipping. It’s one of the more negative aspects in reading a lot of romance novels that one learns that if a romance is going to be incorporated into a story it has to have purpose. The romance here didn’t seem to have much purpose at all, in fact one could argue that the only reason it was added was because it felt convenient.
The only thing I even vaguely enjoyed was the plot surrounding the serial killer, and even that somehow turning into a boring ending with a decidedly disappointing anti-climactic catching of a killer all rolled into one.
So yeah, maybe steer clear of this one because it’s not worth your time.
This was genuinely subpar in the worst ways possible.
I’m almost in awe that I finished the whole thing because I really didn’t enjoy it at all.
The pacing is not even the least bit fluid; it jumps and flits about, skipping moments in time without a care in the world. It’s too bad I couldn’t give the same number of non-existent shits about it too, because oh my word did I despise it.
The romance was equally disappointing in that the leads had no chemistry whatsoever with one another at all. I didn’t particularly care about the leads individually in the first place, but I cared even less about their relationship because it was not believable and not particularly worthy of shipping. It’s one of the more negative aspects in reading a lot of romance novels that one learns that if a romance is going to be incorporated into a story it has to have purpose. The romance here didn’t seem to have much purpose at all, in fact one could argue that the only reason it was added was because it felt convenient.
The only thing I even vaguely enjoyed was the plot surrounding the serial killer, and even that somehow turning into a boring ending with a decidedly disappointing anti-climactic catching of a killer all rolled into one.
So yeah, maybe steer clear of this one because it’s not worth your time.
Swiped by L.M. Chilton
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
This started out strong - great tone and a sense of humour that pairs so well with the plot and premise. Heck, the first two-thirds alone I was enjoying myself so much because it was fast-moving, my brand of ridiculous and just pure fun.
Unfortunately, the last third of the novel with that rather anticlimactic reveal and even less appealing explanation really highlighted all the flaws of the novel - the character dynamics were really weak and underdeveloped (see: a romance which was so tepid it might've well just not have existed in the first place and a best-friendship which deteriorates exponentially and that’s when it already starts as a relationship that is very meh to begin with), the MC makes some of the worst life/plot decisions I think I’ve come across in a LONG while which results in an ending that I’m still a little shellshocked at how apathetic I am towards it because it is, and I mean this without a hint of farce or exaggeration, just plain BAD, and it all doesn't even really amount to anything, any sort of solid conclusion because there’s no consequences, just a littering of progressively middling excuses as to why different characters made the poor decisions that they made because of the rather boring motivations they were allotted. And it’s all doused in this supposed set of high stakes due to all the murder that occurs except at no point did I ever feel like the lead character, Gwen, was ever in any danger.
I’d say that I’m disappointed by it all, but I’m more befuddled as to how I got here in the first place.
I will say that if the absurdity of the premise and the whole serial killer angle is something you’re looking to explore more, this isn’t the worst thing you could pick up. But I’d also direct you to another novel with the same vibes but an entirely more compelling execution in Killing Me by Michelle Gagnon because that one does it better.
Unfortunately, the last third of the novel with that rather anticlimactic reveal and even less appealing explanation really highlighted all the flaws of the novel - the character dynamics were really weak and underdeveloped (see: a romance which was so tepid it might've well just not have existed in the first place and a best-friendship which deteriorates exponentially and that’s when it already starts as a relationship that is very meh to begin with), the MC makes some of the worst life/plot decisions I think I’ve come across in a LONG while which results in an ending that I’m still a little shellshocked at how apathetic I am towards it because it is, and I mean this without a hint of farce or exaggeration, just plain BAD, and it all doesn't even really amount to anything, any sort of solid conclusion because there’s no consequences, just a littering of progressively middling excuses as to why different characters made the poor decisions that they made because of the rather boring motivations they were allotted. And it’s all doused in this supposed set of high stakes due to all the murder that occurs except at no point did I ever feel like the lead character, Gwen, was ever in any danger.
I’d say that I’m disappointed by it all, but I’m more befuddled as to how I got here in the first place.
I will say that if the absurdity of the premise and the whole serial killer angle is something you’re looking to explore more, this isn’t the worst thing you could pick up. But I’d also direct you to another novel with the same vibes but an entirely more compelling execution in Killing Me by Michelle Gagnon because that one does it better.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity
Bless Your Heart by Lindy Ryan
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
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? It's complicated
4.0
Fast-paced, almost too much one could say, especially at the end, this horror novel had a very classic feel to it that made it really easy to just speed through the whole thing.
Procedural in execution, with some really strong character work, alongside some pretty gory descriptions of a lot of quick deaths - it was fun, with a pretty blatant cliffhanger that makes me want to continue the series.
Procedural in execution, with some really strong character work, alongside some pretty gory descriptions of a lot of quick deaths - it was fun, with a pretty blatant cliffhanger that makes me want to continue the series.
Road to Ruin by Hana Lee
Did not finish book. Stopped at 35%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 35%.
This cover story is trying so hard to be Mad Max meets magic, when the real magic behind Mad Max is that the post-apocalyptic dystopian vibes never had magic to begin with.
Hedging Your Bets by Jayne Denker
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-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? It's complicated
3.25
The Calculation of You and Me by Serena Kaylor
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
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
3.75
This is arguably one of the quirkier YA contemporary romances I’ve indulged in before, and I’m still toeing the line between whether or not that’s a positive or negative.
But ultimately I did end up really enjoying it for the autism rep, the classic teen romance tone of the novel and some truly annoying but endearing characters. Think shades of From All the Boys I’ve Loved Before meets 10 Things I Hate About You but mostly based on vibes.
That first chapter though?
A fucking TRIAL to get through that I almost DNF’d.
It was worth it in the end.
But ultimately I did end up really enjoying it for the autism rep, the classic teen romance tone of the novel and some truly annoying but endearing characters. Think shades of From All the Boys I’ve Loved Before meets 10 Things I Hate About You but mostly based on vibes.
That first chapter though?
A fucking TRIAL to get through that I almost DNF’d.
It was worth it in the end.
The Small Hands of Chokedamp by Josiah Bancroft
adventurous
funny
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
This very much reads as the prologue chapter for the first novel and it’s doing its job in making me excited to pick it up off my shelf.
Love the mystery angle, the characters, the humour and will definitely be continuing on with the main story in the near future.
Love the mystery angle, the characters, the humour and will definitely be continuing on with the main story in the near future.
Immortal, Invisible by Tade Thompson
mysterious
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? No
3.75
Oh how I wish this was longer.
I wanted more character development - which is to say, I loved what had been cultivated in the few pages we got and I wanted the chance to really revel in the characters and see them grow a bit more naturally and over a longer period time. Especially Gita. I imagine if this was even a fully fledged novella I would be saying the same about Robin too, it’s just Gita made a murderously masterful entrance and I adored her to bits.
I wanted more science - the small explanation at the end regarding portal technology was screaming for an opportunity to lay down some physics and really have it from a sci-fi perspective.
I wanted more villainy - Buki was just asking to be delved into further to analyze his convictions and motivations and general background as to how he came to be a serial kidnapper. He came across as wanting to be revered as a god but nothing ever really breached into cult vibes or culture which was fascinating, and I would’ve loved to see what this could’ve evolved into.
This was such an interesting world we only got a glimpse to see as readers, but I would’ve happily gone down the rabbit hole if it had developed into a longer, more drawn out story, and I’m a bit bummed it didn’t.
Still had a fun time though.
I wanted more character development - which is to say, I loved what had been cultivated in the few pages we got and I wanted the chance to really revel in the characters and see them grow a bit more naturally and over a longer period time. Especially Gita. I imagine if this was even a fully fledged novella I would be saying the same about Robin too, it’s just Gita made a murderously masterful entrance and I adored her to bits.
I wanted more science - the small explanation at the end regarding portal technology was screaming for an opportunity to lay down some physics and really have it from a sci-fi perspective.
I wanted more villainy - Buki was just asking to be delved into further to analyze his convictions and motivations and general background as to how he came to be a serial kidnapper. He came across as wanting to be revered as a god but nothing ever really breached into cult vibes or culture which was fascinating, and I would’ve loved to see what this could’ve evolved into.
This was such an interesting world we only got a glimpse to see as readers, but I would’ve happily gone down the rabbit hole if it had developed into a longer, more drawn out story, and I’m a bit bummed it didn’t.
Still had a fun time though.
The Best Friend and the Shortstop by Ginger Scott
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
This was basically a PwP except the plot existed it just wasn’t very compelling.
It didn’t really do anything for me, and the fact that I saw a medical term spelt incorrectly (see: PICC line) hurt my not-a-nurse feelings.
Not for me, and would not recommend.
It didn’t really do anything for me, and the fact that I saw a medical term spelt incorrectly (see: PICC line) hurt my not-a-nurse feelings.
Not for me, and would not recommend.