whiskedawayreads's reviews
552 reviews

The Big Four by Agatha Christie

mysterious slow-paced

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

2.0

Compared to some of Christie’s other novel, this one seemed a bit too slow and drawn out. There were large passages of time but it was difficult to know how much time had passed. The case presented as overly complex at times, but then also amazingly simple with how pieces would fall together. The case did not have the same intrigue as that present in other novels. I also struggle with the character of Hastings as, despite being the MC’s friend, the tone and verbiage used to describe Poirot is less than stellar.

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

adventurous dark funny sad medium-paced

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

4.0

The first 1/4 of the book was a bit slow. I think this was due to continued world building within the novel. However, there are plenty of twists and surprises through the remainder of the read to more than make up for it. The characters remain well developed, with some fun and interesting additions as new cadets join the mix. There are some well done redemption arcs for a few characters as well. Overall, the writing was well down and the plot line was definitely interesting. I’m not sure that I’m a fan of the major cliff hanger at the end. For those you know, it seems a bit out of the character.

Cress by Marissa Meyer

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

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

4.5

This was such a great YA read. I have throughly enjoyed the progression of world building through the three books in the series. The expansion of worlds, characters, and countries have been very intriguing. There is a good combination of humor, suspense and romance rolled into one. I found the writing enjoyable and entertaining. I would definitely recommend this one!

A Sticky Situation by Jessie Crockett

funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

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

3.0

This was a cozy read, and the review reflects such. The characters were charming but without a ton of depth. The plot was interesting but not overly intriguing. I appreciated the new characters for the twists and turns they introduced which complimented the storylines continuing from books 1 and 2. I was disappointed by that lack of wild game present, although Graham was utilized well as a character. 

Vicious by V.E. Schwab

dark sad slow-paced

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

1.0

There was a small cast of characters but not many with positive redeeming qualities. The tale was presented as a villain versus villain, with both sides willing to torture, torment and abuse others if they did not meet a need. Perhaps that makes me basic, but I prefer to explore characters with some redeeming or positive qualities. Which was generally lacking. While I typically enjoy non linear timelines and dual perspectives, it was incredibly hard to follow switches between perspectives and to remember the timeline accurately. I imagine some of this is due to the audiobook format, but it was still disappointing.

All the Stars and Teeth by Adalyn Grace

adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious sad slow-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

2.25

I found the plot to be fairly slow, and it was hard for me to get into. I found the characters enjoyable, but also experiencing some age-based immaturity that was repetitive and irritating at times. As the story progressed, particularly toward the end of the novel, created some intrigue. I preferred the end of the novel for this reason. I’m slightly disappointed as I’ve enjoyed other reads by this author, and was expecting more. 

Death by Iced Coffee by Alex Erickson

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

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

3.5

This was an enjoyable read. It was relaxing, with bits of suspense and humor woven throughout. I can’t say that there was anything majorly stand out about the book, but there wasn’t anything that was terrible or completely lacking either. There was increased focus on some side characters, when was a nice change of pace. The MC’s level of insight into their nosiness and behaviors relating to investigation was refreshing, compared to other mystery novels where the MC run head along into danger through sheer stubbornness.

Final Offer by Lauren Asher

funny lighthearted slow-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

2.25

It was meh. There wasn’t anything terrible about the book, but there also wasn’t anything that was stand out. I wasn’t a fan of true female MC. As someone working in the mental health field, I also did not see an accurate portrayal of substance use- particularly through the perspectives of the characters. There were some humorous moments and pieces of good writing. But unfortunately I didn’t love this read.

Pink Lemonade Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke

lighthearted slow-paced

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

0.25

I was so disappointed in this read. I have read every Hannah Swenson mystery since I started the series over 10 years ago. However, this book seemed like it was written by a different author, with no thought put to the plot line, repetitive nature of information, or characters at all. The jokes are overused and fall flat after the fourth time they are used, let alone the 100th by the end of the novel. The sexism and shaming present toward the young female characters was terrible to read, and completely unnecessary. There was more attention to the recipes and eating than the storyline. And the attention to the food and eating was so repetitive that it was not enjoyable to read. I wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone unfortunately.

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

adventurous dark emotional sad fast-paced

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

5.0

This was a great follow up to the first book in the series. The plot and characters kept me intrigued and wanting to learn and read more. Despite the popularity of the series, I found myself being surprised at the storyline’s progression. It was also interesting to see more of this created world.