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vaniavela's reviews
714 reviews
In the Shadow of the Mountain: A Memoir of Courage by Silvia Vasquez-Lavado
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Hay libros que se leen, y hay libros que se sienten. El Abrazo de la Montaña de Silvia Vázquez pertenece a esa segunda categoría, donde cada página te abraza, te confronta y, finalmente, te sana. Este libro no solo es una historia poderosa, sino un viaje profundo que, al menos en mi caso, resonó de maneras que jamás pensé posibles.
Encontrar una autora que no solo comparte su historia, sino que lo hace con una sensibilidad y valentía como lo hace Silvia Vázquez, me tocó profundamente. El libro refleja un camino hacia la sanación, pero también la dureza y el desafío de esa ruta. Es como si Silvia hubiera puesto en palabras emociones que muchas veces son difíciles de articular, pero que necesitaba escuchar.
Lo que más me impactó de El Abrazo de la Montaña es la autenticidad con la que Silvia nos lleva a través de su experiencia, su dolor, y su proceso de reconstrucción personal. El abuso sexual es un tema difícil, y Silvia lo aborda con una honestidad que no se siente invasiva, sino profundamente empática. Cada frase está cargada de significado, de verdad, de esa clase de sabiduría que solo se obtiene cuando has atravesado una experiencia tan devastadora y has salido del otro lado, aunque no sin cicatrices.
Muchísimas de las frases del libro me llegaron al corazón, y encontré consuelo en sus palabras. Silvia tiene una habilidad única para transmitir con sencillez lo que significa enfrentarse a tus demonios internos, y al mismo tiempo encontrar la fuerza para seguir adelante. Sentí que este libro me hablaba directamente, como si comprendiera exactamente lo que he vivido, lo que he sentido.
El Abrazo de la Montaña es un testamento a la resiliencia humana. La manera en que Silvia entrelaza la naturaleza con su proceso emocional es hermosa; el paisaje montañoso se convierte en un espejo de su lucha interna, y al mismo tiempo, un símbolo de la superación. Es imposible no sentirte acompañado por la montaña en cada etapa de la narrativa, como un reflejo de las alturas que podemos alcanzar incluso después de haber tocado fondo.
Este escrito no es solo para nosotros que hemos pasado por experiencias similares; es para cualquiera que busque una historia de lucha, de esperanza y, sobre todo, de renacimiento. Es una lectura a la que volveré en los momentos en los que necesite un recordatorio de que, como Silvia, también puedo abrazar mi montaña personal.
El Abrazo de la Montaña ha sido más que un libro: es una experiencia que te envuelve y te desafía a mirar tu propio proceso de sanación con ojos nuevos. Gracias a Silvia Vázquez por haber compartido su historia de una manera tan auténtica y por haber escrito un testimonio que, para mí, y para muchos otros, se convierte en una fuente de fortaleza.
Encontrar una autora que no solo comparte su historia, sino que lo hace con una sensibilidad y valentía como lo hace Silvia Vázquez, me tocó profundamente. El libro refleja un camino hacia la sanación, pero también la dureza y el desafío de esa ruta. Es como si Silvia hubiera puesto en palabras emociones que muchas veces son difíciles de articular, pero que necesitaba escuchar.
Lo que más me impactó de El Abrazo de la Montaña es la autenticidad con la que Silvia nos lleva a través de su experiencia, su dolor, y su proceso de reconstrucción personal. El abuso sexual es un tema difícil, y Silvia lo aborda con una honestidad que no se siente invasiva, sino profundamente empática. Cada frase está cargada de significado, de verdad, de esa clase de sabiduría que solo se obtiene cuando has atravesado una experiencia tan devastadora y has salido del otro lado, aunque no sin cicatrices.
Muchísimas de las frases del libro me llegaron al corazón, y encontré consuelo en sus palabras. Silvia tiene una habilidad única para transmitir con sencillez lo que significa enfrentarse a tus demonios internos, y al mismo tiempo encontrar la fuerza para seguir adelante. Sentí que este libro me hablaba directamente, como si comprendiera exactamente lo que he vivido, lo que he sentido.
El Abrazo de la Montaña es un testamento a la resiliencia humana. La manera en que Silvia entrelaza la naturaleza con su proceso emocional es hermosa; el paisaje montañoso se convierte en un espejo de su lucha interna, y al mismo tiempo, un símbolo de la superación. Es imposible no sentirte acompañado por la montaña en cada etapa de la narrativa, como un reflejo de las alturas que podemos alcanzar incluso después de haber tocado fondo.
Este escrito no es solo para nosotros que hemos pasado por experiencias similares; es para cualquiera que busque una historia de lucha, de esperanza y, sobre todo, de renacimiento. Es una lectura a la que volveré en los momentos en los que necesite un recordatorio de que, como Silvia, también puedo abrazar mi montaña personal.
El Abrazo de la Montaña ha sido más que un libro: es una experiencia que te envuelve y te desafía a mirar tu propio proceso de sanación con ojos nuevos. Gracias a Silvia Vázquez por haber compartido su historia de una manera tan auténtica y por haber escrito un testimonio que, para mí, y para muchos otros, se convierte en una fuente de fortaleza.
She Started It by Sian Gilbert
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The Last Chance by Winter K. Willis
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Amelia and Garrett's marriage has been falling apart for years. In an attempt to reignite their passion, Amelia books them a weekend getaway at a resort to celebrate their anniversary. But things take a dark turn when someone turns up dead. Now Amelia must figure out if she can save her marriage—or at least save herself.
This book was supposed to be a psychological thriller, and while it did have some interesting twists, it also felt a bit melodramatic. I didn’t really like any of the main characters. Garrett was a liar, Amelia was trying too hard to be someone she wasn’t, and Kora played the victim while also being part of the problem. Honestly, I saw most of the twists coming, but it was still well done. A prison-themed cabin, a liar, and a snowy weekend—it's the perfect recipe for disaster.
Pub Date: 3 feb 25
This book was supposed to be a psychological thriller, and while it did have some interesting twists, it also felt a bit melodramatic. I didn’t really like any of the main characters. Garrett was a liar, Amelia was trying too hard to be someone she wasn’t, and Kora played the victim while also being part of the problem. Honestly, I saw most of the twists coming, but it was still well done. A prison-themed cabin, a liar, and a snowy weekend—it's the perfect recipe for disaster.
Pub Date: 3 feb 25
Wolf's Path by Joyce Chng
Wolf's Path by Joyce Chng is a vibrant and heartfelt anthology. Blending short stories, poetry, personal reflections, and artwork, this collection feels like stepping into a world where culture, mythology, and identity collide in unexpected ways.
At its heart, the book explores themes of transformation, identity, and the overlap between the everyday and the mythical. Chng’s poetry is especially striking, capturing moments of change, the beauty of nature, and the pain of losing pieces of one's cultural identity.
What makes this collection stand out is how personal it feels. Through essays and reflections, Chng shares glimpses of their life and creative journey. These moments are sometimes funny, sometimes bittersweet, but always insightful. They give the stories and poems a richer context, helping readers connect with the author on a more intimate level.
The artwork is another highlight, adding layers to the stories and poems. Whether through simple sketches or detailed illustrations, the visuals feel like extensions of the text, pulling you deeper into the world Chng has created. They’re not just extras—they’re an essential part of the experience.
Wolf’s Path asks navigates a world where cultures mix, clash, and evolve. It’s a celebration of Southeast Asian heritage while also exploring the challenges of living in a changing, multicultural world.
This collection is thought-provoking and emotional without feeling overly heavy. It’s the kind of book you’ll want to return to, discovering something new each time. Joyce Chng has created something truly special—a beautifully woven blend of words and art that invites readers to see the world through their eyes.
At its heart, the book explores themes of transformation, identity, and the overlap between the everyday and the mythical. Chng’s poetry is especially striking, capturing moments of change, the beauty of nature, and the pain of losing pieces of one's cultural identity.
What makes this collection stand out is how personal it feels. Through essays and reflections, Chng shares glimpses of their life and creative journey. These moments are sometimes funny, sometimes bittersweet, but always insightful. They give the stories and poems a richer context, helping readers connect with the author on a more intimate level.
The artwork is another highlight, adding layers to the stories and poems. Whether through simple sketches or detailed illustrations, the visuals feel like extensions of the text, pulling you deeper into the world Chng has created. They’re not just extras—they’re an essential part of the experience.
Wolf’s Path asks navigates a world where cultures mix, clash, and evolve. It’s a celebration of Southeast Asian heritage while also exploring the challenges of living in a changing, multicultural world.
This collection is thought-provoking and emotional without feeling overly heavy. It’s the kind of book you’ll want to return to, discovering something new each time. Joyce Chng has created something truly special—a beautifully woven blend of words and art that invites readers to see the world through their eyes.
Birthday Party Demon by Wendy Dalrymple
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Birthday Party Demon is a quick, campy, and fun read that takes slumber-party chaos to supernatural levels.
The story follows best friends Tina, Eve, and Lacey as they gather for a Sweet 16 celebration that goes wildly wrong when an accidental summoning leads to Lacey’s possession. Things take a quirky twist as Tina and Eve find themselves trapped in a fashion catalog straight out of the ’90s. As the duo navigates this fabulous but dangerous world, they must hurry to save Lacey before the demon takes over completely.
Packed with ’90s nostalgia—think video rental stores, beepers, and clothing catalogs bursting with throwback trends—the book will delight readers who enjoy a blast from the past. However, the frequent pop culture references can feel a bit heavy-handed at times, detracting from the story’s overall voice.
While marketed as YA, Birthday Party Demon leans more toward a middle-grade audience in tone and execution. The premise is clever and entertaining, but the story would’ve benefited from being a full-length novel, giving more room for character development and heightening the emotional impact of the ending.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this nostalgic, supernatural romp! Fans of campy horror and throwback vibes will find plenty to enjoy.
The story follows best friends Tina, Eve, and Lacey as they gather for a Sweet 16 celebration that goes wildly wrong when an accidental summoning leads to Lacey’s possession. Things take a quirky twist as Tina and Eve find themselves trapped in a fashion catalog straight out of the ’90s. As the duo navigates this fabulous but dangerous world, they must hurry to save Lacey before the demon takes over completely.
Packed with ’90s nostalgia—think video rental stores, beepers, and clothing catalogs bursting with throwback trends—the book will delight readers who enjoy a blast from the past. However, the frequent pop culture references can feel a bit heavy-handed at times, detracting from the story’s overall voice.
While marketed as YA, Birthday Party Demon leans more toward a middle-grade audience in tone and execution. The premise is clever and entertaining, but the story would’ve benefited from being a full-length novel, giving more room for character development and heightening the emotional impact of the ending.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this nostalgic, supernatural romp! Fans of campy horror and throwback vibes will find plenty to enjoy.
A Beautiful Way to Die by Eleni Kyriacou
dark
emotional
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? No
5.0
Set in 1954, A Beautiful Way To Die, follows the story of Stella Hope, a star who has fallen from grace after a car accident left her ex-husband, Max, disfigured. Now, making low-budget films, she’s trying to reclaim some of her former glory. Earlier that year, Virginia Rose, a naïve English actress, finds herself caught in the charm of a handsome star—none other than Stella’s ex, Max. But as is often the case in this world, nothing is as it seems.
The pacing of the book is fantastic. The way the author shifts between perspectives keeps the story moving at a perfect speed—enough to keep you hooked and wanting more. What I really appreciated was how the author balanced the glamour of Hollywood with the industry's darker, more corrupt side. It’s an honest look at how power, fame, and the people behind it all can be dangerous, especially for women.
The characters are incredibly well-developed, particularly Ginny and Stella. Both women are complex—sympathetic yet deeply flawed. Watching them navigate an industry built on manipulation and exploitation is both engaging and eye-opening.
And then there’s the twist—something I didn’t see coming at all. I spent much of the book wondering who would end up in a certain position, but the way things unfolded left me with a rather shocking—and somewhat bittersweet—reveal. I liked the twist, but wow, it was so unexpected in the best way.
This was my first book by this author, and I’m definitely excited to read more of her work. From start to finish, A Beautiful Way To Die is an unforgettable and captivating read, filled with suspense, emotion, and plenty of Hollywood secrets.
The pacing of the book is fantastic. The way the author shifts between perspectives keeps the story moving at a perfect speed—enough to keep you hooked and wanting more. What I really appreciated was how the author balanced the glamour of Hollywood with the industry's darker, more corrupt side. It’s an honest look at how power, fame, and the people behind it all can be dangerous, especially for women.
The characters are incredibly well-developed, particularly Ginny and Stella. Both women are complex—sympathetic yet deeply flawed. Watching them navigate an industry built on manipulation and exploitation is both engaging and eye-opening.
And then there’s the twist—something I didn’t see coming at all. I spent much of the book wondering who would end up in a certain position, but the way things unfolded left me with a rather shocking—and somewhat bittersweet—reveal. I liked the twist, but wow, it was so unexpected in the best way.
This was my first book by this author, and I’m definitely excited to read more of her work. From start to finish, A Beautiful Way To Die is an unforgettable and captivating read, filled with suspense, emotion, and plenty of Hollywood secrets.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Homophobia, Suicide, and Car accident
The Quiet Wife by Diane Saxon
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
The story follows Soriah, told through alternating timelines spanning 20 years. In the past, Soriah endured a harrowing experience at the hands of a fellow student obsessed with her. Fast-forward to the present: she’s married, trying to start a family, and doing her best to keep her traumatic past buried—until her assailant is released from prison.
This book tackles heavy themes such as abuse, sexual assault, and the effects of obsessive, toxic behavior. The Quiet Wife is not for the faint of heart, as it delves into subjects that could provoke feelings of discomfort or distress, especially for those who’ve experienced similar situations.
A major plot twist is revealed, though it fell flat for me—I saw it coming almost as soon as the first clue was dropped. It might be because I’ve read too many books with similar twists, or perhaps the narrative didn’t build enough suspense around the reveal.
Soriah’s husband, Marcus, is as unlikable as expected, but even his ending didn’t deliver the satisfaction I was hoping for. Soriah herself is a deeply complex character. She endured unimaginable pain, and I can’t say what I’d do in her shoes. Some of her decisions didn’t resonate with me, but it’s important to acknowledge that victims respond to trauma in varied ways, and her reactions felt authentic, even if they didn’t align with what I might have chosen.
That said, the ending left me wanting. It lacked the closure I felt the story deserved, and something critical seemed to be missing, preventing it from fully landing its emotional impact.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book tackles heavy themes such as abuse, sexual assault, and the effects of obsessive, toxic behavior. The Quiet Wife is not for the faint of heart, as it delves into subjects that could provoke feelings of discomfort or distress, especially for those who’ve experienced similar situations.
A major plot twist is revealed, though it fell flat for me—I saw it coming almost as soon as the first clue was dropped. It might be because I’ve read too many books with similar twists, or perhaps the narrative didn’t build enough suspense around the reveal.
Soriah’s husband, Marcus, is as unlikable as expected, but even his ending didn’t deliver the satisfaction I was hoping for. Soriah herself is a deeply complex character. She endured unimaginable pain, and I can’t say what I’d do in her shoes. Some of her decisions didn’t resonate with me, but it’s important to acknowledge that victims respond to trauma in varied ways, and her reactions felt authentic, even if they didn’t align with what I might have chosen.
That said, the ending left me wanting. It lacked the closure I felt the story deserved, and something critical seemed to be missing, preventing it from fully landing its emotional impact.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Underwood Tapes by Amanda DeWitt
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
5.0
The Underwood Tapes explores grief and trauma, connecting the lives of two teenagers from different eras through a stack of cassette tapes discovered in a small-town historical society.
Despite being decades apart, the bond they develop is heartwarming and beautifully tender. Jake, in particular, is such a charming and likable character. I couldn’t help but root for him so fiercely, even as the story kept me on edge, knowing his fate was already sealed. The author masterfully threads this tension throughout the novel, unraveling the town’s hidden truths piece by piece—cassette tape by cassette tape.
The older secondary characters were intriguing as well, though I wish they’d had more of the spotlight.
As for the ending... it completely wrecked me. It was painful and heartfelt in the most cathartic way. I cried—a lot. It was beautiful, realistic, and felt like the only conclusion that truly fit the story. Still, a part of me couldn’t help but wish for an alternate, happier ending where Jake could live and continue his friendship with Grace—even if it was impossible.
This book deserves all the recognition when it hits shelves in February—it’s an absolute gem!
Pub Date: 4 Feb 25
Despite being decades apart, the bond they develop is heartwarming and beautifully tender. Jake, in particular, is such a charming and likable character. I couldn’t help but root for him so fiercely, even as the story kept me on edge, knowing his fate was already sealed. The author masterfully threads this tension throughout the novel, unraveling the town’s hidden truths piece by piece—cassette tape by cassette tape.
The older secondary characters were intriguing as well, though I wish they’d had more of the spotlight.
As for the ending... it completely wrecked me. It was painful and heartfelt in the most cathartic way. I cried—a lot. It was beautiful, realistic, and felt like the only conclusion that truly fit the story. Still, a part of me couldn’t help but wish for an alternate, happier ending where Jake could live and continue his friendship with Grace—even if it was impossible.
This book deserves all the recognition when it hits shelves in February—it’s an absolute gem!
Pub Date: 4 Feb 25
How to Slay on Holiday by Sarah Bonner
Chloe Cooper, has a marital dilemma: she's spent months meticulously planning the murder of her husband, Scott. To pull it off without suspicion—after all, they're supposed to be madly in love—she devises the perfect alibi: a week-long family getaway to Greece. What could go wrong?
The book's pacing is quick, with tension simmering beneath Chloe's fraught interactions with Scott, her overly curious sister-in-law Tori, and the enigmatic villa concierge, Grace. Initially, I was hooked, but as the story unfolded, I found myself lost in the labyrinth of plot twists and developments.
While the premise offers the promise of a deliciously dark tale, the execution fell flat for me as the story progressed. The secondary characters bring intriguing dynamics to the table but lack the depth to fully engage. I picked up this book ready to root for Chloe and her sinister plan, but the narrative didn't deliver the thrill I'd expected based on its description and cover.
The twist, while undeniably surprising, felt like it came out of nowhere. In hindsight, I can see the breadcrumbs leading to it, but the ending didn’t feel earned or satisfying. It left me wanting more cohesion and payoff from such an intriguing setup.
Thanks NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Pub Date: 27 feb 25
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Chloe Cooper, has a marital dilemma: she's spent months meticulously planning the murder of her husband, Scott. To pull it off without suspicion—after all, they're supposed to be madly in love—she devises the perfect alibi: a week-long family getaway to Greece. What could go wrong?
The book's pacing is quick, with tension simmering beneath Chloe's fraught interactions with Scott, her overly curious sister-in-law Tori, and the enigmatic villa concierge, Grace. Initially, I was hooked, but as the story unfolded, I found myself lost in the labyrinth of plot twists and developments.
While the premise offers the promise of a deliciously dark tale, the execution fell flat for me as the story progressed. The secondary characters bring intriguing dynamics to the table but lack the depth to fully engage. I picked up this book ready to root for Chloe and her sinister plan, but the narrative didn't deliver the thrill I'd expected based on its description and cover.
The twist, while undeniably surprising, felt like it came out of nowhere. In hindsight, I can see the breadcrumbs leading to it, but the ending didn’t feel earned or satisfying. It left me wanting more cohesion and payoff from such an intriguing setup.
Thanks NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Pub Date: 27 feb 25
Mondays are Murder by Ravena Guron
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
Mondays are Murder follows Kay, who after losing her best friend and aunt—both tragically on a Monday—moves away from Longrove to escape the painful memories. When her parents go on an anniversary cruise, Kay is sent back to Longrove to stay with her grieving uncle and cousin. But the past quickly catches up with her, and what she thought were the worst memories to resurface turn out to be nothing compared to what’s coming. Someone wants her dead.
The cover alone is stunning, and the entire book gave me strong Holly Jackson and Karen M. McManus vibes—two authors I really enjoy.
As I followed Kay through the twists and turns, I found myself suspecting everyone. Honestly, I didn’t expect the story to get so tangled up, and that's exactly why I’m not a fan of small towns! Guron does a brilliant job of weaving multiple layers into the story, keeping you hooked with every page turn while also tackling other teenage struggles and dilemmas.
A key element of Kay’s emotional journey is her relationship with her parents and her aunt. She holds her aunt in high regard, but she’s often critical of her parents. Over time, Kay begins to realize that her idealized view of her aunt, as well as her negative perception of her parents, might not be as straightforward as she thought. This personal growth is so relatable.
Another powerful theme in the book is how difficult things are often kept buried. The characters don’t talk about the painful experiences they’ve had, and instead, only the worst aspects of their lives surface. This leads to a deeper reflection on how avoiding hard conversations can affect relationships and our healing process.
I’m definitely going to check out more of Ravena Guron’s books in the future!
The cover alone is stunning, and the entire book gave me strong Holly Jackson and Karen M. McManus vibes—two authors I really enjoy.
As I followed Kay through the twists and turns, I found myself suspecting everyone. Honestly, I didn’t expect the story to get so tangled up, and that's exactly why I’m not a fan of small towns! Guron does a brilliant job of weaving multiple layers into the story, keeping you hooked with every page turn while also tackling other teenage struggles and dilemmas.
A key element of Kay’s emotional journey is her relationship with her parents and her aunt. She holds her aunt in high regard, but she’s often critical of her parents. Over time, Kay begins to realize that her idealized view of her aunt, as well as her negative perception of her parents, might not be as straightforward as she thought. This personal growth is so relatable.
Another powerful theme in the book is how difficult things are often kept buried. The characters don’t talk about the painful experiences they’ve had, and instead, only the worst aspects of their lives surface. This leads to a deeper reflection on how avoiding hard conversations can affect relationships and our healing process.
I’m definitely going to check out more of Ravena Guron’s books in the future!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death of parent, and Alcohol
Minor: Drug use