saoreads's reviews
137 reviews

The Graham Effect by Elle Kennedy

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

3.5

Evidently, I'm not a huge fan of foul language, but it leaves an impression and has some compelling qualities. The sexual tension and romance portrayed align with liberal perspectives, which can be perceived as common and cliché. However, the plot provides sufficient background for the main characters, making it easy to root for them. There were surprising twists, and it's great that the focus was on the evolution of the characters' personalities and behaviors, rather than solely the romantic aspects. Although I'm not knowledgeable about hockey, it appears to be well-represented in the narrative.
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The Red Palace by June Hur

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective 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

5.0

If you're familiar with historical K-dramas and enjoy them, this one is a treat. It introduces a seemingly ordinary, low-ranked character of a palace nurse who pursues the truth for someone she has no blood ties with. The character development is solid, providing a humane touch to her reactions and quick wit. The story teaches us that serving justice doesn't necessarily have to involve vengeance, and the plot addresses revenge through the central event of a massacre. How the protagonist responds to these situations, combined with elements of mystery and romance, makes for a delightful read. This fast-paced narrative can truly take your breath away. I've discovered a new author whose works I'll continue to enjoy in genres I truly love.
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What You Are Looking For Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama

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challenging emotional inspiring lighthearted reflective sad 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

It gave "Before the coffee gets cold" vibes, and I absolutely love it. The story is tackled in phases, exploring varying ages and backstories that accumulate over time. While it may have magical realism elements, it also contains realistic aspects that are moving, not in a magical way, but in a way that challenges rigid thought processes. The struggles and worries from different age brackets are introduced, offering numerous valuable lessons. It reminds me of the saying that whoever we meet, there is always a lesson to be learned. The people we encounter, although seemingly insignificant, always make a difference in ways we may never know.
Witherward by Hannah Mathewson

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adventurous challenging funny reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

It was all-consuming to a hazy point and never stopped moving with action. The story was filled with plentiful movements and characters intertwined, making it whole. The introduction to a certain world through a portal and sects that fight for balance within the city in their powerful forces. Although it was dynamic with the characters and plot, there were shallow edges that needed room for improvement to take advantage of the said powers. It had plenty of twists, which became draining with the sequential aspects of it through the deceit, making it possible for a book 2. Though, quite frankly, the way it ended does not really entice me to continue with the other installation.
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If You Could See the Sun by Ann Liang

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny inspiring reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

It masterfully combined elements of the modern century and Gen Z, speaking about instances that involved disparities among the rich, poor, and middle class, addressing issues such as racism, and prompting questions about one's own conscience. Despite involving superpowers, it presented realistic points and maintained a friendly, amiable tone, even if it might be a bit cliché and cringe-worthy. Although I'm not a big fan of how the storyline unfolded, the main character's commendable actions in shouldering responsibility while facing disadvantages are noteworthy. It's not solely due to her decisions but also influenced by other adults, creating the environment in which she navigates. It is relatable, especially for Asians. For instance, in a conversation with Henry, Alice exclaimed, "Why do I feel so f*cking tired all the time?" and I couldn't not relate that badly. The book is filled with impactful and impressionable lines that stir emotions, and I'm pleased with how it concluded. The open ending leaves room for improvement, noting that accepting uncertainties is crucial for personal growth.
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The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller

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adventurous challenging dark sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

It's an easy read that catapults with a strong heroine, who considers herself sexually empowered. She is on a mission to rule the kingdom by seducing the shadow king and killing him to gain control and power. The planning it took for her and overall resolve were there. Although she seemed to be a villainess type, she had principles that didn't make you hate her in a way. I'm not a big fan of some parts, especially the peak of the plot, but the little twist saved it, and it's fast to finish if you're in for a quick read. 
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Time Is a Mother by Ocean Vuong

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dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

3.5

Solid collection; some are my cup of tea, while others are not. However, there's no debate that Ocean Vuong's strong vocabulary, combined with intense and spontaneous story-filled imagery, is a treat for poetic liberation. The vast array of wisdom-filled quotes leaves you pausing to reflect. These experiences are deeply personal, making it understandable why some parts may seem detached and unrelatable. Following the theme, the pleas and pieces dedicated to his mother evoke both ecstatic feelings and a tug at the heartstrings.
The Hawthorne Legacy by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

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adventurous challenging emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

It was packed with more mystery and always had to insert a twist than the normal plot twists in history. Many side characters were introduced, and the characters from book 1 stayed true to their personalities. Although there's the frustration of the heroine's confusions and doubts, it showed readers that everything is not as it seems. This was good enough as a duology, but knowing it still has another installment is not so bad as well.
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You're Not Enough (and That's Ok): Escaping the Toxic Culture of Self-Love by Allie Beth Stuckey

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challenging emotional informative inspiring reflective sad tense fast-paced

5.0

This book shattered every fragmentary thought and rigid principle that used to hang loosely in my head. It affirmed logic, reason (not feeling), and the Almighty for what we believe in. 'You are not enough, and you will never be, and it's okay because God is.' This phrase guided the path of the book, and every chapter prompted self-reflection on our own self-ejected miseries and journeys to self-discovery, often leaving us with more questions than answers. In our pursuit to gain control, we become miserable. The book imparts simple yet effective lessons that, at times, we might have taken for granted–how uncertainties lie in our lives and how the author's experiences carry readers through relatability. In the end, God is the finishing line, just as He was in the beginning. Bible verses and scriptures intertwine throughout the chapters, and it's rare to find one that presents points well, encouraging us to reflect and ponder.
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The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman

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challenging reflective fast-paced

4.5

It provided an in-depth conversation that delved into the real idea of being a stoic, of which at first, I simply had no clue. There are many pieces that one can always get back into and sought out with action effectively. The last chapter left a more significant impact than all the other goodies found in the book. 'Words turn to works,' according to Seneca, and that will be a new addition to my mantra for 2024.