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thebonsaibook's reviews
69 reviews
The Cry of Dry Bones: a novel by N.T. McQueen, N.T. McQueen
emotional
inspiring
tense
slow-paced
3.5
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Set in Ethiopia, among the Akara tribe, The cry of dry bones is a coming of age story of young Tesfahun who starts questioning his beliefs and the style of life he leads with his tribe full of revenge and killing.
The story teaches us about the biases and what lays beyond them, though it is slow paced, it can help the reader question different events happening and why the tribe and characters have these perceived ideas. it's the exploration of a culture that many of us today do not know or are unfamiliar with.
although the story itself is intriguing, the pacing is slow and the writing style is lacks a depth of emotions that doesn't convey well for me. it feels detached in certain moments which breaks the flow of immersion for the reader.
overall, it's an interesting book to read on themes of revenge, survival, tribes and coming of age.
Set in Ethiopia, among the Akara tribe, The cry of dry bones is a coming of age story of young Tesfahun who starts questioning his beliefs and the style of life he leads with his tribe full of revenge and killing.
The story teaches us about the biases and what lays beyond them, though it is slow paced, it can help the reader question different events happening and why the tribe and characters have these perceived ideas. it's the exploration of a culture that many of us today do not know or are unfamiliar with.
although the story itself is intriguing, the pacing is slow and the writing style is lacks a depth of emotions that doesn't convey well for me. it feels detached in certain moments which breaks the flow of immersion for the reader.
overall, it's an interesting book to read on themes of revenge, survival, tribes and coming of age.
Dear Lover: A Woman's Guide to Men, Sex, and Love's Deepest Bliss by David Deida
informative
reflective
medium-paced
2.5
I'm skeptical about this book still. I can't put away some of the good points it brings out but its approach is narrows down women to love only. Plus it speaks to a specific category though he tried to include single women sometimes but it felt more like a filler less like a real approach
It felt redundant and repetitive especially the first chapters, so pushing through it was a hassle. The mid and kast chapters have a more or less practical approach and of course you need to do your homework to dig deeper.
The insights offering male perspectives is interesting, it doesn't dive as deep but it explains more or less the common approach of heterosexual men to a relationship.
I can't say for sure if it is recommended for everyone, so it's up to you to pick it up.
It felt redundant and repetitive especially the first chapters, so pushing through it was a hassle. The mid and kast chapters have a more or less practical approach and of course you need to do your homework to dig deeper.
The insights offering male perspectives is interesting, it doesn't dive as deep but it explains more or less the common approach of heterosexual men to a relationship.
I can't say for sure if it is recommended for everyone, so it's up to you to pick it up.
Archer's Voice by Mia Sheridan
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-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? Yes
2.5
The bar was set so high I was disappointed.
We follow Archer and Bree as they each try to navigate their life and trauma mostly together and seperately. Bree shows up in town and meets with the mysterious Archer Hale, she's drawn to him and eventually learns he's mute due to a past accident. Having fled her hometown due to her own traumas and experiences, she is better placed to understand him.
I expected this book to dive deeper into their traumas or to explore more of their past, mke the plot thickens slightly but it felt predictable in many cannon events and ended on an expected note.
Having a mute character with so many intense emotions is quite fresh compared to other romance books, but in other aspects it felt rushed. Everything about him seems so convenient it just helps the story, he's a quick learner, he knows his ways and such.
Too many filler chapters of them making love, we could've explored many more themes in between.
The main characters are lovable and though it felt like we brushed a surface level subjects, their personalities make up for it cause they feel like golden retrievers.
We follow Archer and Bree as they each try to navigate their life and trauma mostly together and seperately. Bree shows up in town and meets with the mysterious Archer Hale, she's drawn to him and eventually learns he's mute due to a past accident. Having fled her hometown due to her own traumas and experiences, she is better placed to understand him.
I expected this book to dive deeper into their traumas or to explore more of their past, mke the plot thickens slightly but it felt predictable in many cannon events and ended on an expected note.
Having a mute character with so many intense emotions is quite fresh compared to other romance books, but in other aspects it felt rushed. Everything about him seems so convenient it just helps the story, he's a quick learner, he knows his ways and such.
Too many filler chapters of them making love, we could've explored many more themes in between.
The main characters are lovable and though it felt like we brushed a surface level subjects, their personalities make up for it cause they feel like golden retrievers.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Sexual assault and Murder
Sand Roses by Hamza Koudri
dark
emotional
sad
tense
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? No
5.0
SPOILER FREE
In a sentence: a historical criminal fictional masterpiece deserving of all prizes.
We embark on a journey back in time in the 30's to discover a past many people try to hide. a piece of history that weaves french colonial era in Algeria, Ouled Nail Dancers past and a touch of thrill, murder and revenge in the city of joy, Boussada.
With a delicate writing style, we meet the Ammarriyas, two sisters who dream of becoming Nailiya dancers and quickly meet with the harsh truth of what this entails. Our protagonists trail a new destiny when they kill a french soldier for self defense and this encounter will change their lives forever.
We explore many themes: french colonialism in Boussada and the atrocities the locals endured due to the colonial army. the hidden history of Nailiya dancers and their work that often required way more than just dancing. We also learn the intense link of sisterhood, motherhood and the closely knit relation between it all.
Written in 3rd person POV, we're offered a glance from different characters with smooth transitions and a pace that keeps rising as we inch closer to the end and many questions that rise with it as well all to be answered as the novel ends.
It's a historical fiction but it holds much more than just a piece of history woven in a tale, it's a past we often omit to look at, we often shy away from. It's a story from the people who decided not to endure their destiny and work to always rise from the ashes.
Definitely a book I recommend and will keep recommending for anyone into history, murder, crimes, thriller and anyone who wants to read an amazing book.
In a sentence: a historical criminal fictional masterpiece deserving of all prizes.
We embark on a journey back in time in the 30's to discover a past many people try to hide. a piece of history that weaves french colonial era in Algeria, Ouled Nail Dancers past and a touch of thrill, murder and revenge in the city of joy, Boussada.
With a delicate writing style, we meet the Ammarriyas, two sisters who dream of becoming Nailiya dancers and quickly meet with the harsh truth of what this entails. Our protagonists trail a new destiny when they kill a french soldier for self defense and this encounter will change their lives forever.
We explore many themes: french colonialism in Boussada and the atrocities the locals endured due to the colonial army. the hidden history of Nailiya dancers and their work that often required way more than just dancing. We also learn the intense link of sisterhood, motherhood and the closely knit relation between it all.
Written in 3rd person POV, we're offered a glance from different characters with smooth transitions and a pace that keeps rising as we inch closer to the end and many questions that rise with it as well all to be answered as the novel ends.
It's a historical fiction but it holds much more than just a piece of history woven in a tale, it's a past we often omit to look at, we often shy away from. It's a story from the people who decided not to endure their destiny and work to always rise from the ashes.
Definitely a book I recommend and will keep recommending for anyone into history, murder, crimes, thriller and anyone who wants to read an amazing book.
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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? It's complicated
3.5
All These Sunken Souls by Circe Moskowitz
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
ARC REVIEW / SPOILER FREE
For fans of horror, this book is the golden ticket. Blood freezing horror stories with different tropes to suit every taste. All These Sunken Souls is an anthology of horror that shifts the narrative of black characters and takes you on a deep dive to chill your bones with every story. Thrilling moments and different writing styles that blend greatly together from well known and new debut authors.
As a beginner in horror (I've read one or two Stephen King for my defense), this book is a delightful discovery for me, and I recommend it whether you're only starting with horror or it's your favorite genre, All These Sunken Souls is a sublime addition to your reading and to the shelves as well with a beautiful cover that translates the essence of the book.
For fans of horror, this book is the golden ticket. Blood freezing horror stories with different tropes to suit every taste. All These Sunken Souls is an anthology of horror that shifts the narrative of black characters and takes you on a deep dive to chill your bones with every story. Thrilling moments and different writing styles that blend greatly together from well known and new debut authors.
As a beginner in horror (I've read one or two Stephen King for my defense), this book is a delightful discovery for me, and I recommend it whether you're only starting with horror or it's your favorite genre, All These Sunken Souls is a sublime addition to your reading and to the shelves as well with a beautiful cover that translates the essence of the book.
The knit killer by Samia habet
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
SPOILER FREE REVIEW
Two murder cases are open at the APD as our detectives Sam and Deena try to find leads on who are the murders and whether it is related at all.
We dive straight ahead into crime and investigation with thrilling events that leave you on your toes. The clues are very few and the question hovers over the entire novel "who is the knit killer?"
We track our killer through the POV of Detective Sam mostly, which offers an intriguing perspective on the case's evidence and how to approach the clues collected. At the same time the rest of the information is restricted, we only know what our detectives know which makes it the more thrilling as we try to solve the case with them.
The only thing lacking is character development, the characters' cast is diverse but we do not dive into any of them or see any arc unfolding. For 127 pages of murder mystery it's logical that it would be more plot driven.
Overall, it's a novel worth diving in that will leave you quite satisfied yet hanging, especially the ending.
a little side note worth taking in consideration, the editing house should do a better job in term of editing, formatting and correction.
Two murder cases are open at the APD as our detectives Sam and Deena try to find leads on who are the murders and whether it is related at all.
We dive straight ahead into crime and investigation with thrilling events that leave you on your toes. The clues are very few and the question hovers over the entire novel "who is the knit killer?"
We track our killer through the POV of Detective Sam mostly, which offers an intriguing perspective on the case's evidence and how to approach the clues collected. At the same time the rest of the information is restricted, we only know what our detectives know which makes it the more thrilling as we try to solve the case with them.
The only thing lacking is character development, the characters' cast is diverse but we do not dive into any of them or see any arc unfolding. For 127 pages of murder mystery it's logical that it would be more plot driven.
Overall, it's a novel worth diving in that will leave you quite satisfied yet hanging, especially the ending.
a little side note worth taking in consideration, the editing house should do a better job in term of editing, formatting and correction.
The juncture by L.D. Boston
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
ARC REVIEW/ SPOILER FREE
Through the juncture, we follow the path of Dr Scott, a researcher who tries his best to undo the consequence of his part actions, and there is no better way to change the past than going back to it.
so we embark on a journey of time travel as we follow our protagonist and his friends to try and undo what has been done. whether they succeed or not, only the reader can find out.
The plot is heavily packed with events, the reader moves back and forth from place to place, moment to moment, there are time stamps that help keep track of it but it also sets up a tone of urgency and chronology as we read. It is an enjoyable read with a great storytelling that keeps you engaged quite easily. the pacing is medium and there is enough thrill with many chapters ending on cliffhangers which makes you turn to the next page instantly.
The characters are curious with different but close backgrounds and missions to accomplish, however what the novel fails to deliver is character development. Although major events do happen throughout the book, which create crucial changes, the character doesn't seem to change much, and the way the 3rd person point of view is used doesn't allow and in depth exploration of the characters or the protagonist. in addition there is a lack of diversity in characters, very few female characters in the story.
For readers who enjoy Sci-fiction, dystopian and action based novels with plot development, you are mostly definitely well served by this novel and it will deliver an incredible story.
Through the juncture, we follow the path of Dr Scott, a researcher who tries his best to undo the consequence of his part actions, and there is no better way to change the past than going back to it.
so we embark on a journey of time travel as we follow our protagonist and his friends to try and undo what has been done. whether they succeed or not, only the reader can find out.
The plot is heavily packed with events, the reader moves back and forth from place to place, moment to moment, there are time stamps that help keep track of it but it also sets up a tone of urgency and chronology as we read. It is an enjoyable read with a great storytelling that keeps you engaged quite easily. the pacing is medium and there is enough thrill with many chapters ending on cliffhangers which makes you turn to the next page instantly.
The characters are curious with different but close backgrounds and missions to accomplish, however what the novel fails to deliver is character development. Although major events do happen throughout the book, which create crucial changes, the character doesn't seem to change much, and the way the 3rd person point of view is used doesn't allow and in depth exploration of the characters or the protagonist. in addition there is a lack of diversity in characters, very few female characters in the story.
For readers who enjoy Sci-fiction, dystopian and action based novels with plot development, you are mostly definitely well served by this novel and it will deliver an incredible story.
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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? It's complicated
5.0
We follow Alex Stern into the secret societies of Yale and their nocturnal activities.
From the start we know our protagonist is going through many trials, and indeed it's the case because she's nothing of a normal human, and of course there is a murder mystery to solve, not one but many.
the book is woven like a spider web, you walk on thin lines everywhere and secrets are revealed about the societies, about the murders, the characters, it rises so many questions and then slowly show how each one is related to another.
The characters are either extremely lovable or gruesome, and the main protagonist is a female with grey morals, willingly to go miles into danger for her own convictions.
There are some trigger warnings to consider so please look them up before you dive into it.
From the start we know our protagonist is going through many trials, and indeed it's the case because she's nothing of a normal human, and of course there is a murder mystery to solve, not one but many.
the book is woven like a spider web, you walk on thin lines everywhere and secrets are revealed about the societies, about the murders, the characters, it rises so many questions and then slowly show how each one is related to another.
The characters are either extremely lovable or gruesome, and the main protagonist is a female with grey morals, willingly to go miles into danger for her own convictions.
There are some trigger warnings to consider so please look them up before you dive into it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Drug abuse, Gore, Rape, and Sexual assault