Reviews tagging 'Confinement'

If You Could See the Sun by Ann Liang

20 reviews

koiolee's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny inspiring lighthearted reflective tense medium-paced

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

3.5

I really enjoyed this story. It was so fun and refreshing, so why such a low rating?
A few things confused me while reading this story, namely, why don't these rich people have kidnapping insurance? Ik it's not like common knowledge, but so many rich people/billionaires have it. I would've expected at least Henry to mention it.
Speaking of Henry, I was really looking forward to learning the depth of his character, any secrets minus his daddy issues. I wanted to know his background too, learn more about his sister, etc. He kinda just felt flat in my opinion. Hell even Chanel had more information than him.
Also Alice was really annoying to me. Like i understand the drive and the need to prove yourself and all that, but idk she just irritated the crap out of me. I almost DNFed because Alice was so annoying. I didn't because I needed to learn more about Henry, then eventually Alice stopped being annoying and it was fine.

Content Warnings

kaneebli's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny inspiring tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Content Warnings

alicia_g's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional medium-paced

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

4.25

really a slow burn
the way the food is described in this book 🤤

Content Warnings

bujo_bellel's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted reflective fast-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

4.0

OMG I LOVE THEM, THEY'RE SO CUTE I CANNOT AHHHHH! I really loved this book, I really enjoyed seeing the characters grow and seeing them get closer together dksnxksbdbd. I liked seeing their competitiveness and watching being in Alice's head as she is thinking of things. I like that they are there for each other and she's kind of oblivious to him :) I love Henry for being so sweet and gentlemanly towards Alice and for helping her out :( I like how Alice is smarter than him and thought of a way out at the end, I really like Alice's character and her family dynamics, it's makes them seem very real. The teachers are quite fleshed out too, and it makes the setting really feel like a classroom and they're in a school. I really loved Chanel in here and I like how supportive she is, seeing how Chanel and Alice got closer and closer together :D. I really like the Author's writing style, and all the little details and hints she outs in, really helped me visualise what is happening :)) I really liked learning about Alice's life in her international school and the different experiences she had. I am looking forward to read the rest of her backlist hehe!

Content Warnings

daenerystargaryen's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny reflective fast-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

4.0

Content Warnings

saoreads's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny inspiring reflective sad tense fast-paced

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

4.5

It masterfully combined elements of the modern century and Gen Z, speaking about instances that involved disparities among the rich, poor, and middle class, addressing issues such as racism, and prompting questions about one's own conscience. Despite involving superpowers, it presented realistic points and maintained a friendly, amiable tone, even if it might be a bit cliché and cringe-worthy. Although I'm not a big fan of how the storyline unfolded, the main character's commendable actions in shouldering responsibility while facing disadvantages are noteworthy. It's not solely due to her decisions but also influenced by other adults, creating the environment in which she navigates. It is relatable, especially for Asians. For instance, in a conversation with Henry, Alice exclaimed, "Why do I feel so f*cking tired all the time?" and I couldn't not relate that badly. The book is filled with impactful and impressionable lines that stir emotions, and I'm pleased with how it concluded. The open ending leaves room for improvement, noting that accepting uncertainties is crucial for personal growth.

Content Warnings

nightstitch96's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful 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? Yes

3.75

Content Warnings

city_girl_writer's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional funny 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? Yes

4.5

This was a really fun but emotional read. One can empathize with Alice on her reasons to monetize her powers like this. The ending was quite satisfying on dealing with the consequences. It is not a full 5-star read because she was a little too oblivious for me. Nonetheless, I am glad I gave this book a second chance via audio instead.

Content Warnings

evelynyle_88's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional fast-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

4.0

Content Warnings

dianavdavidson_'s review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced

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

2.0

The premise is interesting, but I wasn’t satisfied with not knowing where the invisibility powers come from, or why Alice is literally the only one in the story world who has a superpower. I didn’t find the rivals-to-lovers arc (one-sided) particularly believable but I do nonetheless ship Henry and Alice (I wanted more! Too little, too late). Listening to the audiobook made the book sound thrilling, I’ll give you that. And the descriptions of Beijing were amazing.

Content Warnings

More...