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_chrstnlvly's reviews
216 reviews
The Co-op by Tarah DeWitt
Did not finish book. Stopped at 20%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 20%.
LaRynn is an annoying FMC. I can't handle reading about her anymore. What a spoiled brat.
I'm thinking of unfollowing one of the popular booktokers I follow. This is her 3rd book recommendation that I found unbearable. Another book she hyped up because "it was so great. Both enemies to lovers and marriage of convenience tropes done well."
Firstly, THIS IS NOT ENEMIES TO LOVERS. It's just two people being irritated at each other. They are NOT enemies. Secondly, It seems that the marriage of convenience trope was shoved down our throat, putting it there even if it's unnecessary and it didn't made sense. Don't get me wrong. I love the fake dating/marriage of convenience trope. But I have a beef with authors who throw popular tropes just because they're popular, hoping to gain more readers and to gain hype.
I'm thinking of unfollowing one of the popular booktokers I follow. This is her 3rd book recommendation that I found unbearable. Another book she hyped up because "it was so great. Both enemies to lovers and marriage of convenience tropes done well."
Firstly, THIS IS NOT ENEMIES TO LOVERS. It's just two people being irritated at each other. They are NOT enemies. Secondly, It seems that the marriage of convenience trope was shoved down our throat, putting it there even if it's unnecessary and it didn't made sense. Don't get me wrong. I love the fake dating/marriage of convenience trope. But I have a beef with authors who throw popular tropes just because they're popular, hoping to gain more readers and to gain hype.
Never Lie by Freida McFadden
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-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
2.0
It was an addicting read (read it in less than a day), but predictable. I was able to guess the plot a couple of pages in.
There were also some inconsistencies that made me bothered. One sample was that the furniture in the house was covered with dust, but several pages later, the MCs are now sitting/relaxing on the couch without any mention how the dust was cleaned off (as far as I remember).
Still yet to find a new mystery/thriller book that will keep me on my toes and is unpredictable.
There were also some inconsistencies that made me bothered. One sample was that the furniture in the house was covered with dust, but several pages later, the MCs are now sitting/relaxing on the couch without any mention how the dust was cleaned off (as far as I remember).
Still yet to find a new mystery/thriller book that will keep me on my toes and is unpredictable.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Murder
Savage Lover by Sophie Lark
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Sexual content, and Violence
Moderate: Cancer
If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio
ATTENTION
I kept falling asleep whenever I read it. It was the trying-hard writing, the one that tried so hard to make it dark academia and a thriller that bored me to death. Also, it was the unnecessary quoting of Shakespeare to the point that instead of trying to decipher what they were talking about, I found myself skimming the pages because it was way. too. much. I know they are "theatre kids," and they are "die hard Shakespeare fans," but come on. No one talks like that.
RIP-OFF
People saying If We Were Villians is THE dark academia book? Nope. It's The Secret History. I read somewhere that this is "The Secret History for Dummies edition," and I'm so sorry... that's a perfect description of this book. I must admit that because it's a copycat of The Secret History, it's more accessible to readers (which is the main reason why, in my personal opinion, this is highly rated by people).
If I'll recommend a true dark academia book, it's The Secret History. It has more fleshed out characters, and it's the original/mother/blueprint of dark academia. Why settle for less?
It's a good thing I kept my copy pristine. I can easily sell or donate my copy (yes, I hated it that much).
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I'm rating this 3 stars because 1) I don't think the characters were fleshed out enough (-0.5 star), 2) it was boring (-0.5 star), and 3) it's a rip-off of The Secret History (-1 star). I would've rated it lower, but I'm trying to be more objective.
CHARACTERS
There is a lack of constant characterization. Oh, so this Richard is bad and abusive to his friends. Why? There's no reason. He's just bad. There is no need to discuss what made him that way. For a book that is so engrossed in quoting Shakespeare, I found it odd that you can't even find the time to explain the hows and whys. Disappointingly, the author did not explore or bother to explain what made them the way they were (their younger years were only told in passing). This is important for books that are character-focused. Why were the characters not fleshed out enough?
Before starting this book, I kept thinking I would not compare it to The Secret History. However, it's difficult not to, since the book clearly is a The Secret History wannabe. Case in point: If We Were Villains as The Secret History characters:
CHARACTERS
There is a lack of constant characterization. Oh, so this Richard is bad and abusive to his friends. Why? There's no reason. He's just bad. There is no need to discuss what made him that way. For a book that is so engrossed in quoting Shakespeare, I found it odd that you can't even find the time to explain the hows and whys. Disappointingly, the author did not explore or bother to explain what made them the way they were (their younger years were only told in passing). This is important for books that are character-focused. Why were the characters not fleshed out enough?
Before starting this book, I kept thinking I would not compare it to The Secret History. However, it's difficult not to, since the book clearly is a The Secret History wannabe. Case in point: If We Were Villains as The Secret History characters:
- Oliver = Richard
- Richard = Henry + Bunny
- Alexander = Charles
- James = Francis
- Meredith = Camilla
ATTENTION
I kept falling asleep whenever I read it. It was the trying-hard writing, the one that tried so hard to make it dark academia and a thriller that bored me to death. Also, it was the unnecessary quoting of Shakespeare to the point that instead of trying to decipher what they were talking about, I found myself skimming the pages because it was way. too. much. I know they are "theatre kids," and they are "die hard Shakespeare fans," but come on. No one talks like that.
RIP-OFF
People saying If We Were Villians is THE dark academia book? Nope. It's The Secret History. I read somewhere that this is "The Secret History for Dummies edition," and I'm so sorry... that's a perfect description of this book. I must admit that because it's a copycat of The Secret History, it's more accessible to readers (which is the main reason why, in my personal opinion, this is highly rated by people).
If I'll recommend a true dark academia book, it's The Secret History. It has more fleshed out characters, and it's the original/mother/blueprint of dark academia. Why settle for less?
It's a good thing I kept my copy pristine. I can easily sell or donate my copy (yes, I hated it that much).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Drug use, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Suicide attempt, Murder, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
***************************************************************
First read review:
I should get this out of the way: this is not young adult. I think it's more fitting to be new adult.
At first, I was bored to death. I know this is the first book in the series, so world-building was needed. The world-building didn't bother me - the pacing of the story did. It was too slow for my liking, that it put me in a reading slump. However, about 60% in, the story picked up, and it kept me interested.
The writing was good and easy to understand (this is my first SJM book). The fantasy elements were great. The fight/action scenes, especially the 3 trials, kept me on my toes. During the first half of the book, I was questioning the hype. Now, I understand it.
It was my first time reading this series and I'm glad I finally gave in. I'm glad I have the complete set, so I'll get to read the next books anytime I want.
I read some people were irritated with Feyre because she didn't solve the riddle immediately. I think they forgot she was basically illiterate. She didn't know how to read so figuring out the riddle was hard for her. Still, I do agree that she was sometimes an idiot, not because she was uneducated, but because she was too focused on her emotions (I guess that's her I'm-not-like-other-girls story).
As for Rhysand, I was indifferent at first. But by page 382, he won me over.
I was expecting to hate Nesta because many people said they hated her even in ACOTAR. Unsuprisingly, I didn't hate her because I related to her.
I could have rated this 5 stars, but the pacing at the first half really bothered me.
Now I can finally watch Cari Can Read's "here's the entire plot of ACOTAR so you don't have to read 500 pages (a court of thorns and roses)" video.
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Reread review:
So, I reread this, and I gotta say, she's really getting on my nerves with the way she's been acting. Do you think she'll wise up in the next books, or am I stuck with her foolishness? It's seriously making me grind my teeth.
So, I reread this, and I gotta say, she's really getting on my nerves with the way she's been acting. Do you think she'll wise up in the next books, or am I stuck with her foolishness? It's seriously making me grind my teeth.
***************************************************************
First read review:
Be glad of your human heart, Feyre. Pity those who don't feel anything at all.
I should get this out of the way: this is not young adult. I think it's more fitting to be new adult.
At first, I was bored to death. I know this is the first book in the series, so world-building was needed. The world-building didn't bother me - the pacing of the story did. It was too slow for my liking, that it put me in a reading slump. However, about 60% in, the story picked up, and it kept me interested.
The writing was good and easy to understand (this is my first SJM book). The fantasy elements were great. The fight/action scenes, especially the 3 trials, kept me on my toes. During the first half of the book, I was questioning the hype. Now, I understand it.
It was my first time reading this series and I'm glad I finally gave in. I'm glad I have the complete set, so I'll get to read the next books anytime I want.
I read some people were irritated with Feyre because she didn't solve the riddle immediately. I think they forgot she was basically illiterate. She didn't know how to read so figuring out the riddle was hard for her. Still, I do agree that she was sometimes an idiot, not because she was uneducated, but because she was too focused on her emotions (I guess that's her I'm-not-like-other-girls story).
As for Rhysand, I was indifferent at first. But by page 382, he won me over.
I was expecting to hate Nesta because many people said they hated her even in ACOTAR. Unsuprisingly, I didn't hate her because I related to her.
I could have rated this 5 stars, but the pacing at the first half really bothered me.
Now I can finally watch Cari Can Read's "here's the entire plot of ACOTAR so you don't have to read 500 pages (a court of thorns and roses)" video.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Confinement, Death, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: War
Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett
Did not finish book. Stopped at 21%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 21%.
Too juvenile characters (if they're about 15 years old, I'll let it pass). Porter is annoying and mean AF. Don't try telling me that "it's because he likes Bailey that's why he's mean." No. Just no.
Stolen Heir by Sophie Lark
I liked Nessa when she was a side character in Brutal Prince. I didn't like her in Stolen Heir. She was so naive and innocent. I can't shake the feeling that her naivety led her to fall in love with Miko - a classic Stockholm syndrome storyline. I know this was inspired by Beauty and the Beast. I was just hoping Nessa was at least a bit braver and stronger.
Still, Sophie's writing was gripping. But it did bother me that some of the things Nessa did are out of her character.
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The dead are no danger because they don’t exist anymore. I’m concerned only with the living.
I liked Nessa when she was a side character in Brutal Prince. I didn't like her in Stolen Heir. She was so naive and innocent. I can't shake the feeling that her naivety led her to fall in love with Miko - a classic Stockholm syndrome storyline. I know this was inspired by Beauty and the Beast. I was just hoping Nessa was at least a bit braver and stronger.
Still, Sophie's writing was gripping. But it did bother me that some of the things Nessa did are out of her character.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Kidnapping, and Murder
Brutal Prince by Sophie Lark
This is my first Sophie Lark book, and honestly? I liked it. Her writing was good. She knows how to write real enemies to lovers romance (and not just other romance books who consider being irritated with each other "enemies to lovers").
I liked the dynamics of the Gallo family. I liked the banter between Cal and Aida. I liked that her characters are diverse. Both the romance and the smut were good.
I can't wait to read the rest of the series and her other books.
funny
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
4.0
Trust is rarer than love. It’s putting your fate, your happiness, your life in someone’s hands. Hoping they keep it safe.
This is my first Sophie Lark book, and honestly? I liked it. Her writing was good. She knows how to write real enemies to lovers romance (and not just other romance books who consider being irritated with each other "enemies to lovers").
I liked the dynamics of the Gallo family. I liked the banter between Cal and Aida. I liked that her characters are diverse. Both the romance and the smut were good.
I can't wait to read the rest of the series and her other books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Stalking, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
They Never Learn by Layne Fargo
It is so satisfying to read a serial killer killing awful men.
dark
mysterious
tense
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? It's complicated
4.0
They [Men] want us to bend and bend, let them say and do whatever they want to us. They get away with it, over and over again.
It is so satisfying to read a serial killer killing awful men.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, Blood, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Misogyny, Physical abuse, Car accident, and Death of parent
Better Than the Prom by Lynn Painter
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I can't get enough of Liz and Wes. I will never complain about reading more about them.