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227 reviews
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Some say this book lacks a traditional plot and relies solely on atmosphere, but I disagree. While the plot unfolds slowly, Erin Morgenstern's writing is so enchanting that you often don’t realize how much the story has progressed. I ended up tabbing many pages because there are so many mesmerizing quotes I want to remember.
Although I’m not particularly a fan of the central characters (I felt their romance was a bit forced and was too convenient for the plot) the supporting characters are incredibly lovable, especially Poppet and Widget.
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
It usually takes me about 30 to 50 pages to become fully captivated by a book. However, The Night Circus grabbed my attention right from page one. It’s been a while since I’ve experienced that.
Some say this book lacks a traditional plot and relies solely on atmosphere, but I disagree. While the plot unfolds slowly, Erin Morgenstern's writing is so enchanting that you often don’t realize how much the story has progressed. I ended up tabbing many pages because there are so many mesmerizing quotes I want to remember.
“I am tired of trying to hold things together that cannot be held,” Celia says when he approaches her. “Trying to control what cannot be controlled. I am tired of denying myself what I want for fear of breaking things I cannot fix. They will break no matter what we do.”
Although I’m not particularly a fan of the central characters (I felt their romance was a bit forced and was too convenient for the plot) the supporting characters are incredibly lovable, especially Poppet and Widget.
“Someone needs to tell those tales. When the battles are fought and won and lost, when the pirates find their treasures and the dragons eat their foes for breakfast with a nice cup of Lapsang souchong, someone needs to tell their bits of overlapping narrative. There’s magic in that. It’s in the listener, and for each and every ear it will be different, and it will affect them in ways they can never predict. From the mundane to the profound. That tale will move them and drive them and who knows what they might do because of it, because of your words.”
The Night Circus left me feeling book-drunk; I savored every page and was completely absorbed in the story, unaware of how quickly I read through it until it was done.
I understand this book might not appeal to everyone, but if you enjoy atmospheric writing, beautiful prose, and reading as an escape from reality, then this book is definitely for you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Blood, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Murder, Fire/Fire injury
Cinder by Marissa Meyer
funny
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? No
5.0
If there's one thing Marissa Meyer excels at, it's breaking your heart.
Cinder is the second book I've read by her (the first was Heartless), and just like before, her dialogues and scenes tug at your heartstrings. I lost count of how many times I felt enraged by Adri and Queen Levana. I blushed and kicked my feet every time Kai spoke to Cinder. I felt genuine pain when Cinder was sad and when people were unkind to her. Meyer has a remarkable ability to make readers feel the emotions of her characters. As a reader, I know that's a challenging feat for an author, but Meyer consistently achieves it.
I also enjoyed the concept of a fairy tale retelling with a sci-fi twist. I love retellings because they allow me to explore different possibilities and scenarios based on the original story. I've read many Cinderella retellings, but this was my first experience with a sci-fi version. I wasn't sure how it would work, but Meyer pulled it off brilliantly.
I'm eager to read the rest of the Lunar Chronicles series. I audibly gasped when I turned the page and instead of a new chapter, I saw the acknowledgments. Meyer is a talented storyteller, and I have high hopes that I won't be disappointed with the upcoming books (here's to hoping!).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Terminal illness
Minor: Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury
All by My Elf by Olivia Dade
lighthearted
fast-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
2.75
Dialogue was a bit cringey. Nice novella to pass the time, though.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Merry Ever After by Tessa Bailey
lighthearted
fast-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
1.25
Thoughts while reading:
5% Oh look. Another male main character that is more than 6 feet tall.
11% This is starting to get cringey.
28% A Tessa Bailey book is not complete without sexual content, but right now it just reads like 🌽
40% At this point this novella is just laughable. I don't know if it's trying to be unserious on purpose, but it is.
56% I'm sorry, what?! You'll marry her on the basis of her guessing how many grilled cheeses can you eat in one sitting? Aside from the lust you feel for her?
86% Glad they had their happy ending. Glad to know they proved it was love. It doesn't take away the fact that what they initially portrayed during the earlier chapters was only plain, old lust. I also stand by my earlier statement that it was a 🌽 novella.
11% This is starting to get cringey.
28% A Tessa Bailey book is not complete without sexual content, but right now it just reads like 🌽
40% At this point this novella is just laughable. I don't know if it's trying to be unserious on purpose, but it is.
56% I'm sorry, what?! You'll marry her on the basis of her guessing how many grilled cheeses can you eat in one sitting? Aside from the lust you feel for her?
86% Glad they had their happy ending. Glad to know they proved it was love. It doesn't take away the fact that what they initially portrayed during the earlier chapters was only plain, old lust. I also stand by my earlier statement that it was a 🌽 novella.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Sexual content
The Stall by Susan Ulrich Kruse
mysterious
fast-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
2.0
What was the point of this book?
While Lauren's (the female main character) "realizations" were mentioned, they weren’t effectively shown in the story. Instead of letting readers piece things together, the narrative explicitly explained them. This approach made Lauren’s journey feel less impactful.
I’ll give credit to Susan Ulrich Kruse for crafting a quick read that kept me on edge at times. However, the overall mystery fell flat. The resolution lacked depth, and the story left me questioning its purpose.
Though it’s a fast read, it’s not a particularly satisfying way to pass the time.
While Lauren's (the female main character) "realizations" were mentioned, they weren’t effectively shown in the story. Instead of letting readers piece things together, the narrative explicitly explained them. This approach made Lauren’s journey feel less impactful.
I’ll give credit to Susan Ulrich Kruse for crafting a quick read that kept me on edge at times. However, the overall mystery fell flat. The resolution lacked depth, and the story left me questioning its purpose.
Though it’s a fast read, it’s not a particularly satisfying way to pass the time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Death, Vomit
Moderate: Car accident, Murder
Minor: Death of parent
Cruel Winter with You by Ali Hazelwood
Cruel Winter with You is a perfect short novella for a quick, cheesy read. Though brief, I thoroughly enjoyed following Marc and Jamie's story. Ali Hazelwood has a talent for making readers smile and swoon, and I lost count of how often I was grinning while reading.
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
But it’s okay. I see these things. I’ve always seen them, and I love you because of, not despite, them. Because they’re what makes you you.
Cruel Winter with You is a perfect short novella for a quick, cheesy read. Though brief, I thoroughly enjoyed following Marc and Jamie's story. Ali Hazelwood has a talent for making readers smile and swoon, and I lost count of how often I was grinning while reading.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Alcohol
Minor: Abandonment
The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore
lighthearted
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
3.0
It was just alright. A decent way to kill some time while I did chores (I went with the audiobook version). Honestly, not sure if I'll keep going with the series since I've seen a bunch of reviews saying the next books aren't much better.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Death of parent, Abandonment
The Answer is No by Fredrik Backman
You can't deny the way Backman masterfully weaves words. His writing is both humorous and deeply moving — even a short story left me in tears. The message, though simple, is always profound.
As an introvert, I found myself particularly connected to this story. Who would have thought that a tale about Lucas and a frying pan could have such a powerful impact?
I'm now fully convinced that nothing could ever make me dislike Backman's work.
emotional
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
You can make yourself happy if you don't let others make you unhappy.
You can't deny the way Backman masterfully weaves words. His writing is both humorous and deeply moving — even a short story left me in tears. The message, though simple, is always profound.
As an introvert, I found myself particularly connected to this story. Who would have thought that a tale about Lucas and a frying pan could have such a powerful impact?
I'm now fully convinced that nothing could ever make me dislike Backman's work.
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal death
The Dog Next Door: And Other Stories of the Dogs We Love by
emotional
funny
inspiring
fast-paced
4.0
The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-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
2.75
The Boyfriend is one of McFadden's weakest books. I used to turn to her novels to help with my reading slumps, but this book has actually put me in one. I just can't get engrossed in it like I have with her other works.
Sydney, the female main character, is one of the least likable protagonists I've encountered. While the plot is wild, it's not in a good way for a psychological thriller.
I'm not sure if I've read too many of McFadden's books by now or if the storyline in The Boyfriend really lacks strength, but her recent works seem to lack the surprise factor they used to have.
I think it might be time for me to take a break from reading McFadden's books for a while.
Sydney, the female main character, is one of the least likable protagonists I've encountered. While the plot is wild, it's not in a good way for a psychological thriller.
I'm not sure if I've read too many of McFadden's books by now or if the storyline in The Boyfriend really lacks strength, but her recent works seem to lack the surprise factor they used to have.
I think it might be time for me to take a break from reading McFadden's books for a while.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Blood, Death of parent, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Stalking