tessa_talks_books's reviews
1153 reviews

Long Live Evil by Sarah Rees Brennan

5.0

One-word review:  Mesmerizing

Emojis: 🥺😈💔

Rating: 5 🌟s

Favorite Quote: "A long-ago teacher had told Rae stories were created by villains. Their desires and evil deeds ignited the plot, while the hero only wanted to stop them. At least, to begin with, villains were in charge."

My Top-Five-style Review:

5. The setting and tone were fun because they were so fairytale-like. I felt like I was entering a fairytale, just on the opposite side from where I normally sit.

4. The characters in this story are not just amazing, they're complex in a way that truly engages the reader. Their layers and nuances are revealed in such insightful ways, making them more than just characters, but real people with their own unique traits and struggles.

3. The relationship between Rae and Key is so complex that it held me riveted.  I had no idea how it would turn out, and I loved that uncertainty.

2. I loved how Rae embraced the villain role. I don't think I ever rooted for the villain before, but how it's handled in this story totally flips that norm on its head.

1. This story's underlying heart-wrenching narrative truly resonated with me. It's not just a fun read; it's a deeply emotional journey that builds subtly until it reaches a point that absolutely wrecks my heart. The layers of this story are incredible, a testament to the author's storytelling prowess.

 

My Vampire Plus-One by Jenna Levine

4.0

 One-word review:  Fun

Emojis: 👰🏻🤭🥰🧛‍♂️

Rating:  4 🌟s

Favorite Character: Reggie, a character who stands out with his unique traits, became my favorite. His zest for life and his ability to march to the beat of his own drum, not to mention his flying ability, make him a truly intriguing character.

My Top-Five-style Review:

5. I love how Levine continued this series and told Reginald's (Reggie)story. I had so much fun getting to know him better and learning more about Fredrick and Cassie from book one, My Roommate is a Vampire.

4. The fake dating trope is one of my favorites, and it‘s done to perfection in this paranormal romcom.

3. While My Vampire Plus-One is not a steamy read overall, it does have one open-door steamy sexy scene. This scene is tastefully written and adds a dash of spice to the otherwise light and fun narrative. The rest of the book is a delightful, campy, and quirky love story.

2. The romance in this book is not just any romance, it's fun, flirty, and entertaining.  Reggie and Amelia's relationship, despite their differences, is a joy to watch as it blossoms.

1. Sometimes, all you need is a book that can whisk you away, make you laugh, and fill your heart with love. My Vampire Plus-One is a delightful, light-hearted read that does all this and more.

 

An Academy for Liars by Alexis Henderson

4.5

One-word review:  Immersive

Emojis: 🤔🤐🥰😱

Rating: 4.5 🌟s

Tropes:

• Dark Academia
• Forbidden love
• Rivalry

Favorite Quote: “We’re not good people, Lennon.  None of us. Not you…Good people don’t wield power like this. We’re all dangerous. You should know that by now.”

My Top-Five-style Review:

5. The romance in this novel is a captivating experience. It kept me on my toes, constantly oscillating between feeling destined and feeling like it was never meant to be. The amount of back-and-forth was truly dizzying!

4. The pacing and thrills in this novel are relentless, keeping you on the edge of your seat.  I found myself unable to put it down, even in the dentist's office (for which I do not apologize! Especially since I hope the dental assistant who loves fantasy and stopped to talk to me about it - reads it 😀). The unexpected twists and turns kept me hooked.

3. The only aspect that gave me pause was how Lennon Carter (FMC) would struggle with different skills and couldn't even do them a little bit. Then, a chapter later - suddenly, I had mastered the skill with no in-between progression.  This happened more than once and threatened to pull me out of my suspended disbelief each time.

2. The setting of this novel is truly fascinating. As someone who is very familiar with Savannah, Georgia, I was captivated by the idea of a street block in the old town center taken out of time and space. The setting added an intriguing element to the story that I couldn't get enough of.

1. The moral grayness of this novel is a standout feature for me. The academy, the characters, the title, and even the story itself all exist in a morally gray area, and it's incredibly compelling.  There's nothing more complex than moral ambiguity, and I absolutely adored the moral grayness of it all.

How to Hide in Plain Sight by Emma Noyes

5.0

One-word review:  Moving

Emojis: 🤔🥺🥰

Rating:  5🌟s

Favorite Quote: “Before I learned to ignore the siren call of my memories, their taunts, daring me to jump down, down, down, into that all-to-familiar place - a hole into which at times I fell accidently and at others I climbed willingly, allowing the rest of the soil to tumble in after me, shutting off all oxygen and blotting out the sun.”

My Top-Five-style Review:

5. The romance plot thread warmed my heart and made it grow exponentially. Eliot (FMC) and Manuel’s story have so much beauty. I just loved it!

4. The family themes, with their raw authenticity, created a connection that resonated deeply. The messiness and love that make for a good story were beautifully portrayed.  I cherished the evolution of their bonds throughout the narrative.

3. The pacing, while leisurely at times, compensated with its intellectually stimulating exploration of topics and themes.

2. The book offers a unique and in-depth perspective on a commonly referenced mental health disorder - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or OCD. It reframes the disorder, shedding light on lesser-known symptoms that pose significant challenges for sufferers and their loved ones.  While it can be difficult to delve into a mental health disorder through a story, it is also crucial.

1. Emma Noyes’ courage in sharing this story, which is deeply personal and informative about a complex mental health disorder, is truly admirable.  It’s never easy to admit one's struggles, as it opens up a world of uncertainty and fear. However, to go a step further and share it with the world in a moving and informative fictional story is a testament to the book's importance for society.

Talking to Strangers by Fiona Barton

4.0

One-word review:  Timely

Emojis: 😟😥🧐🫣

Rating: 4 🌟s

My Top-Five-style Review:

5. Detective Elise King, a character so relatable, her journey through a slow recovery from successful cancer treatment feels authentically emotive. Her story is handled with such empathy that it's easy to feel like you're right there with her, championing her when the situation calls for it.

4. The plot, a slow-burn procedural, is made even more engaging by the short chapters and the deeply relevant societal issues that easily hold your attention. These issues are not just part of the story, but they resonate with the current world, making the narrative more compelling and relatable.

3. I could never have predicted that conclusion, and I love how crafty and clever the author was in coming up with such an ending. The unexpected twist will keep you on the edge of your seat, eager to unravel the mystery.

2. This is book two in a series but can easily be read as a stand-alone novel. I also listened to parts of the audiobook and found it very well done, with a narrator who was able to hold my attention, which is no easy task.

1. I love the look at the different challenges women in their forties go through, particularly those who have gone through divorce and now are single parents, trying to navigate the digital world and dating, and dealing with the challenges of recovery. It's timely and authentic to a bone-chilling degree.

 

A Touch of Shadows by Jessica Thorne

4.0

 One-word review:  wonderful-escape

Emojis: 🤔😳🫣

Rating: 4 🌟s

Favorite Character: 

My favorite character was not Wren—at least not in this first book in the trilogy—but Elodie, who is the mother or mother figure (that's one of the mysteries that needs to be solved) of Wren and a powerful wielder of magic. She is fascinating and powerful, with a past full of mystery and a power that can change the fate of everyone she comes into contact with. She is a supporting character with definite main-character energy.

My Top-Five-style Review:

5. The world-building, while in need of more development, holds great potential. With two books to go, there's a sense of anticipation. The basic introduction was sufficient to prevent confusion or frustration, leaving room for more to be unveiled.

4. The romance, though rapid, is a whirlwind that worked for me. In a fantasy story like this, the concept of insta-love is easily believable and can engulf you like no other emotion, adding to the immersive experience.

3. The story pulled me in from page 1 and thoroughly entertained me from start to finish.  Its entertainment level is perfect for an afternoon read.

2. I'm never a fan of a cliffhanger ending, and boy, did this have one. Fortunately, I will be delving into book 2 in just a few days, making the impact not as bad as it would have been otherwise.

1. I loved the story's pacing, which is enhanced by loads of high-stakes situations such as life-threatening battles and intense magical confrontations, and plenty of tension. The fast pace kept the pages turning rapidly, and I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next. 

The Dungeon Anarchist's Cookbook by Matt Dinniman

5.0

One-word review:  Fascinating
Emojis: 🤭🫣😏
Rating: 5 🌟s

Favorite Character: In this third book in the series, I have to say my favorite character wasn’t Carl or Donut.  It was actually Katia, who I loved seeing grow and become a force in her own right.  I met her in book 2, where she was a bit of a wallflower - unsure how to use her powers, stand up to others, and what her role should be. In book 3, she learns to embrace her power with inner strength and self-confidence. Her transformation is truly inspiring, even if it meant Donut had to take a back seat.

My Top-Five-style Review:

5. I loved the overall tone of this installment. There were many positives to counter the increasing challenges, and the floor was extra fascinating—much more puzzle-like.

4. I didn’t learn as much about the aliens as I hoped to in this installment. I felt like that part of the world-building stalled, but not completely.

3. This is a story of survival, and the way it is portrayed is a testament to the author's skill. The themes that play into survival are covered so artfully that a reader might not even realize they are there. The resilience of the human spirit is a strong undercurrent, and I predict it will take the aliens by even more surprise than it already has.

2. There is still plenty of snark to make my sarcastic heart happy. However, it has died down primarily because Donut is a less prominent character. The achievements still make me laugh every time they are read.

1. The progression of humanity and Carl’s pivotal role in it was a narrative I particularly enjoyed.  The question of whether they would succumb to the 'Lord of the Flies' route or be convinced to take a more Quixotic/Three Musketeers approach was a compelling one.  The aliens' desire to see humanity turn against each other was a constant threat, but the potential for humanity to rise above it is a powerful theme.

De-Witched by Sophie H. Morgan

4.5

 Genre: Witchy RomCom

Trope(s): Grumpy/Sunshine, Opposites Attract

One-word review:  Charming

Emojis: 😉😂🥰🫠

Rating: 4.5 🌟s

Favorite Character: Tia Hightower. She's a witch and a confident, determined, and straightforward woman. No one is more loyal than Tia; I love her energy and strength. The main character of this story, Leah Turner, is a close second. She is human, and everything is upbeat and light, with a heart that shines as brightly as the rest.

My Top-Five-style Review:

5. I'm eagerly anticipating booking 3 to delve deeper into Tia's story and the High Family of the Witching World. The prospect of finally meeting the enigmatic and always-absent Henry is also a thrilling thought!

4. The found-family themes in this story are not just heartwarming, they're downright soul-stirring. They beautifully illustrate the unbreakable strength of these bonds.

3. The chemistry between Leah and Gabriel is so authentic, it's palpable.  She fills the void in his life, and her unwavering determination to help him brings about a genuine transformation.

2. I'm a sucker for a story full of magic, and De-witched doesn't disappoint despite the premise.  This story's magical world still holds some mysteries, but I enjoy its many facets.

1. I love an excellent grumpy/sunshine romance, and this one always delivers.  Leah is everything sunshine should be, and Gabriel, well…his baggage definitely weighs down his disposition.  I always enjoy the transition from the grumpy character to an individual who is complex, nuanced and has learned to laugh.

Sync by Ellen Hopkins

5.0

 One-word review:  Emotive

Emojis: 🥹😢😭

Rating:  5🌟s

Favorite Quote: "All those things / are so simple, yet perfect, / and in those moments / happiness shivers."

My Top-Five-style Review:

5. I marveled at Hopkins’ use of dual POVs (twin siblings) in a story told through poems.  This technique is new to me, and I would never have guessed how effective it could be.

4. Several trigger warnings are understandable, considering the dark scope of the story, so potential readers should be sure to check them. StoryGraph is a great place to easily find them.

3. The book skillfully weaves in more hopeful themes of friendship, love, and resilience,  providing a stark contrast to the darker, heart-wrenching moments. This emotional rollercoaster, with its highs and lows, had me bawling as my heart ached for these very realistic characters.

2.The palpable authenticity of this story is a testament to the author's courage.  The author fearlessly delves into the harsh realities of the twins’ lives, a rare but much-needed experience for teenagers and society at large. Their courage is something to be respected and admired, fostering empathy in all who read.

1. The raw, relatable, and emotive nature of this story, told through poems, is truly transformative.  Each poem had the power to reach in and grab my heart, leaving me inspired and deeply moved.

The Forgotten Italian Restaurant by Barbara Josselsohn

5.0

One-word review:  Poignant
Emojis: 🤔🥺 🥰
Rating:  5🌟s

My Top-Five-style Review:

5. The unique tone and plot of this story have completely captivated me. It's a narrative unlike any other, with dual timelines and a character's journey from the US to Italy to uncover what happened to the youngest of the three sisters the series is based around.  This approach vividly underscores the diverse impacts of WWII on individuals, keeping me intrigued throughout.

4. The setting, so idyllic, serves as the perfect foil for the WWII timeline. The contrast between the serene beauty of the setting and the harsh realities of war in the timeline creates a compelling backdrop, immersing readers in the story's world and enhancing their reading experience.

3. I highly recommend reading the series in order, so I would only read this book after reading the other two books. However, this story is so well-crafted that it can be enjoyed as a standalone without any confusion about the plot or characters.

2.The research and portrayal of the events and, more importantly, the experiences during WWII are not just phenomenal, they are enlightening. The characters in this series could easily be real people alive during that time. The authenticity is practically palpable, connecting readers to the characters and their experiences in a way that few other books can.

1. The series' themes of family, found family, and sisterhood are not just moving, they are deeply touching. They resonated with me in a way that few other series have. This story didn't just allow me to imagine, it made me truly feel the realities of that time.