tattedtrashreader's reviews
71 reviews

Losers: Part II by Harley Laroux

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez

challenging emotional funny inspiring lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Don't Let the Forest In by C.G. Drews

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-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

I typically do not read horror novels but the cover grabbed me from the beginning and I gave it a shot. Drews did not disappoint. The writing was beautiful and dream-like, the twist was heart-wrenching, and tying it all together in the end was just *chefs kiss*. 

Don’t Let the Forest In will sit with me for a while. I appreciated the representation for ace people, grief, and mental health. Drews brought the monsters to life and had me rooting all the way to the end for Andrew and Thomas’s love. Truly, I was enraptured by this novel. 

On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong

challenging emotional inspiring reflective tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

The House in the Pines by Ana Reyes

challenging dark emotional mysterious tense slow-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

One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig

adventurous dark mysterious reflective tense medium-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

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Did not finish book. Stopped at 15%.

I was listening to this book on audio and I think it just requires more brainpower than passively listening. I will probably try this one again later and dedicate time to reading it rather than listening. 

His Bloody Project: Documents Relating to the Case of Roderick Macrae by Graeme Macrae Burnet
Did not finish book. Stopped at 15%.

I was listening to this book on audio and I think it just requires more brainpower than passively listening. I will probably try this one again later and dedicate time to reading it rather than listening. 

Bride to the Fox Demon by Alex Perez

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted mysterious tense medium-paced

4.0

I received a copy of the book in advance from the author. My opinion is my own. 

🌶️🌶️

Alex Perez’s debut novel is original and fun. The plot started off strong on the spice and then simmered throughout the story. The characters meshed so well together and the found family is just oh-so-cute. The characters show a playful side we don’t often see in more brooding or troubled-past characters. 

I appreciated that the world building was integrated within the story and didn’t take a chapter or more to fully explain. I sometimes struggle with over-detailed world building and Perez nails this just right.  The politics kept me engaged and added more depth to Killthali. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the next one. 

My only wish was that the book was fleshed out a bit more because for being a medium-paced read, I was still left wanting more from the characters because I found them so lovable and wanted to spend more time with them. 

Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

dark emotional funny lighthearted medium-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? No

4.0

This was a lighter, fun read! Some of the elements were cartoonish, but I think that was the point. I found it humorous. 

I appreciated the author’s slow building of tension without any spice. I was afraid at first this was going to be that and I’m glad that this was tamer. It’s sweet.