thebookishatelier's reviews
82 reviews

Threads That Bind by Kika Hatzopoulou

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adventurous dark 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? Yes

4.5

Is Love the Answer? by Uta Isaki

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emotional informative inspiring reflective 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

4.0

Shanghai Immortal by A.Y. Chao

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adventurous mysterious medium-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

Honestly, I was quite excited for this book, especially since it was the Fairyloot pick for June. However, this book felt very juvenile/YA when I was expecting an adult fantasy book. As a YA book, the main character's (Jing) actions fit. As an adult book, she is incredibly immature and almost unbearable to read. There were many times I debated DNF'ing this book, but thought maybe it would get better later on.

The final few chapters of the book were interesting, but the ending felt very rushed. The plot was very predictable but still had some interesting parts. Jing's romance felt odd and forced as she acts like a petulant 16 year old (despite being 100 years old), while Mr. Lee is supposedly in his 30s. For most of the middle, it felt like things were happening in the story that didn't have much rhyme or reason. Jing's constant misogynistic remarks about other women's "ta-tas" (I never want to read those words again) and slight "I'm not like the other girls" attitude was tiring to read. I usually like reading books with unlikable main characters, but Jing was just annoying. She gets a bit better towards the end of the book, but it wasn't worth having to read the rest.

The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston

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adventurous emotional hopeful medium-paced