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shelbisreading's reviews
95 reviews
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
“A Wrinkle in Time” made it easy to see why this classic is beloved across generations. It beautifully blends fantasy and science fiction, weaving a thought-provoking plot that explores timeless themes. Although I wish I had read this as a child, I found its message of responsibility, love, and the feeling of helplessness just as impactful now. It’s a story that resonates at any age, reminding us of the power of courage and connection.
1984 by George Orwell
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I found 1984 to be a powerful and unsettling look at a dystopian future, eerily relevant to today. However, my enjoyment of the story was disrupted by Winston's line to Julia: 'I wanted to rape you and then murder you.”
Regardless of when this was written, that line felt jarring and deeply off-putting. That aside, Orwell's novel serves as a haunting warning about authoritarian control, propaganda, and the erasure of truth. It's left me motivated to preserve and protect the aspects of our culture that are being threatened this very moment.
Juniper & Thorn by Ava Reid
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I've always wondered what my limit for horror was—and I found it in Juniper & Thorn. This book is written with breathtaking, lyrical prose, but for me, it didn’t offset the sheer intensity of the graphic horrors portrayed. The story’s dark themes, including sexual abuse, rape, and animal mutilation, are described with a level of detail that made me feel physically ill; I nearly stopped reading several times. However, I continued, captivated by the beauty of the writing itself. The narrative, based on a Hungarian folktale, carries a haunting authenticity that feels both compelling and deeply tragic. While the prose deserves a solid 5/5, it wasn't enjoyable.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child abuse, Eating disorder, Rape, and Sexual assault
The Dunwich Horror by H.P. Lovecraft
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
What I truly appreciated about The Dunwich Horror was the author’s captivating writing style, which drew me in more than the storyline itself. While the narrative certainly delivered on the spooky front, it didn’t quite align with my preferred flavor of creepiness. It leaned a bit too heavily into the unsettling vibe reminiscent of The Hills Have Eyes, which isn't entirely to my taste. However, for those who enjoy that particular brand of eerie, it might be a perfect fit.
The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
“The Phantom of the Opera” is an absolute masterpiece. Reading this book was like stepping into a world of mystery, romance, and suspense that I didn’t want to leave. Written in 1910, it’s amazing how daring and layered Gaston Leroux’s storytelling feels even today. The humor and risks he took with his characters and plot twists are a testament to his bold creativity. Every chapter was packed with intrigue, making it impossible to put down. I was captivated by the haunting allure of the Phantom and the shadowy allure of the opera house. A thrilling read from start to finish. 10/10.
House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Like Zootopia 😭 last 100 pages were very entertaining though.
Eruption by James Patterson, Michael Crichton
adventurous
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
The Only One Left by Riley Sager
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The Only One Left was so enjoyable! Full of neck breaking twists and amazing character development. Read it alongside my Dad and husband. We all loved it!
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Some spooky bits, but didn’t pass the Bechdel test. A man contemplating the duality of…man. With lots of men. Talking to other men. Violence towards a little girl, because…duality?