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aahrobot's Reviews (123)
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Hi - I absolutely devoured this book. Tatiana is a genius and I simply cannot get enough of her work; I can only ever hope to see more from her. Truly, this was a perfect summer camp, folklore, cult horror book.
One of my favorite things about how Tatiana writes is just showing the endless stream of thought, how our very own minds can jump from one subject to the next or make connections that are so miniscule. Not only did Tatiana achieve this in The Mean Ones, but she also achieved it in Such Lovely Skin.
This makes her characters, especially Sadie, feel so absolutely real. She's just trying to live a normal life after an incredibly traumatic event. We see and feel her struggle and frustration. We can sense her fear and unease; it is truly just so well done. While this book is short (200+ pages), it is all encompassing. The timeline switching flowed really well and I felt the ending was truly an ending, but in that cool way where it could be over, but there could also be more.
If Tatiana Schlote-Bonne doesn't get a movie deal for this book one day, I will riot. This book had the best dialogue. If you're looking for a summertime horror book with incredible folklore/cult elements and the funniest line I've ever read, be sure to read The Mean Ones.
One of my favorite things about how Tatiana writes is just showing the endless stream of thought, how our very own minds can jump from one subject to the next or make connections that are so miniscule. Not only did Tatiana achieve this in The Mean Ones, but she also achieved it in Such Lovely Skin.
This makes her characters, especially Sadie, feel so absolutely real. She's just trying to live a normal life after an incredibly traumatic event. We see and feel her struggle and frustration. We can sense her fear and unease; it is truly just so well done. While this book is short (200+ pages), it is all encompassing. The timeline switching flowed really well and I felt the ending was truly an ending, but in that cool way where it could be over, but there could also be more.
If Tatiana Schlote-Bonne doesn't get a movie deal for this book one day, I will riot. This book had the best dialogue. If you're looking for a summertime horror book with incredible folklore/cult elements and the funniest line I've ever read, be sure to read The Mean Ones.
emotional
tense
fast-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
I only read this because book one ended on a cliffhanger. I did not like it. I felt like these characters were 20 years old with their level of immaturity going on.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
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
I really liked this graphic novel. Adorable and fun.
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A cliff hanger?! Immediately downloaded book two because oh my god!!! Seriously can’t think of a single book I’ve read that was a cliffhanger. I’m not hating this series for sure. But there are some parts I’m not so thrilled about.
Sometimes it feels like I’m reading the same paragraph written in different ways. Like, we get it. You’re obsessed with each other, it’s all consuming and scary and I don’t need to read it four times over on the same page. I understand inner monologue, but I found myself skipping sentences.
I’ll also say this is like beginners dark romance in a way? Some violence, stalking, murder (off page) and a man destroys his home office. Like def not the best I’ve read, but I read the last 3/4 of it in one sitting. Not bad, not great. I was entertained and I’ll finish the series.
Sometimes it feels like I’m reading the same paragraph written in different ways. Like, we get it. You’re obsessed with each other, it’s all consuming and scary and I don’t need to read it four times over on the same page. I understand inner monologue, but I found myself skipping sentences.
I’ll also say this is like beginners dark romance in a way? Some violence, stalking, murder (off page) and a man destroys his home office. Like def not the best I’ve read, but I read the last 3/4 of it in one sitting. Not bad, not great. I was entertained and I’ll finish the series.
adventurous
emotional
funny
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:
Complicated
The absolute FIRST thing I want to say is this: Kayla Grosse, if you don't give me a book all about Joey, I will RIOT!!!! Joey is my precious baby, bisexual icon. He's so funny and sweet and southern (the audiobook is truly so great). Ugh, he might just be my favorite fiction man ever.
Okay, on to the review: I loved this book. The audiobook was so cool. Not only did we have 3 narrators to bring this story to life, but there were sound effects for the storm warnings and I just thought that was so unique and made it more immersive. This book had me in a chokehold, man. It was funny and entertaining, a little angsty at times. The spice was spicing. Just genuinely such a fun read (or listen in my case).
Ryker and Finley were truly adorable. Their genuine connection was so captivating and I only wanted to yell at Ryder a little bit lol. The forbidden aspect adds that extra stake without it being too stressful, the side characters add so much to the story, the storm chasing is fun and wild, and it is just such a breath of fresh air. I read a lot of tense or dark books, so it's always nice to escape to something very low stakes.
This also fulfilled a long time fantasy for me - I wanted to be a storm chaser when I was younger 😂
If you're looking for a fun/funny read (or listen), with spice, some mild drama, tornado action, and southern charm then this is absolutely the book for you.
Okay, on to the review: I loved this book. The audiobook was so cool. Not only did we have 3 narrators to bring this story to life, but there were sound effects for the storm warnings and I just thought that was so unique and made it more immersive. This book had me in a chokehold, man. It was funny and entertaining, a little angsty at times. The spice was spicing. Just genuinely such a fun read (or listen in my case).
Ryker and Finley were truly adorable. Their genuine connection was so captivating and I only wanted to yell at Ryder a little bit lol. The forbidden aspect adds that extra stake without it being too stressful, the side characters add so much to the story, the storm chasing is fun and wild, and it is just such a breath of fresh air. I read a lot of tense or dark books, so it's always nice to escape to something very low stakes.
This also fulfilled a long time fantasy for me - I wanted to be a storm chaser when I was younger 😂
If you're looking for a fun/funny read (or listen), with spice, some mild drama, tornado action, and southern charm then this is absolutely the book for you.
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Short, sweet, dark, and to the point! Abby and Alex were adorable.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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:
Complicated
hi~ this is going to be LONG!
Firstly, this is an incredible book. Suzanne Collins is an expert at world building. I truly don't think that a lot of people understand the Appalachian culture that Suzanne (a woman from Connecticut) brings to this series. It's more than coal miners and bootleggers and booker boys and poverty. It's the kindness of Haymitch, even when he dislikes some of his fellow tributes at first. It's giving Wellie chocolate and even throwing some to Silka. It's Maysilee experiencing hunger for the first time and Haymitch knowing that pain all too well; Wyatt's family tradition of betting on the Games. It's ham hock and bean soup. It's in their mannerisms, their actions, their ability to survive, their desire to be seen as more than just some kids from District 12. It's the defiance and eventual rebellion; deep rooted in Katniss and seeing that same spark in Haymitch then watching it die out. He felt powerless, but always wanted to be free. He is a haunted man saved by a girl who's father he once called a friend; a child much like Louella. That is Appalachia.
Sorry - I just really needed to get that out. I could talk for hours about the cultural significance (especially the Covey!) Anyway, I loved this book, if you couldn't tell. Learning and experiencing Haymitch's pain helped make things make so much more sense. His heartbreak is so tangible in the best and worst ways. We all know how the story is going to end, but feeling that hurt? A necessary evil. I appreciate that Suzanne Collins doesn't write a standard happy ending. Because, much like the Hunger Games, there are no winners. Not in a place like Panem.
I enjoyed the other characters as well, seeing new and old was refreshing and heartwarming in a way. Maysilee will always be my favorite; her snippy attitude was perfect and I loved every interaction with her, even the most painful one. Beetee and Effie, Mags and Wiress, Plutark (who I will always have mixed feelings about). It was nice to watch this connect and intersect, really bringing the whole story together.
I've seen some other reviews talking about how this is more of a fan service book than an actual story. And I get that, truly. But I don't think I care. My one and only qualm will always be about wanting more. It's heartbreaking nostalgia wrapped in a purple cover.
Firstly, this is an incredible book. Suzanne Collins is an expert at world building. I truly don't think that a lot of people understand the Appalachian culture that Suzanne (a woman from Connecticut) brings to this series. It's more than coal miners and bootleggers and booker boys and poverty. It's the kindness of Haymitch, even when he dislikes some of his fellow tributes at first. It's giving Wellie chocolate and even throwing some to Silka. It's Maysilee experiencing hunger for the first time and Haymitch knowing that pain all too well; Wyatt's family tradition of betting on the Games. It's ham hock and bean soup. It's in their mannerisms, their actions, their ability to survive, their desire to be seen as more than just some kids from District 12. It's the defiance and eventual rebellion; deep rooted in Katniss and seeing that same spark in Haymitch then watching it die out. He felt powerless, but always wanted to be free. He is a haunted man saved by a girl who's father he once called a friend; a child much like Louella. That is Appalachia.
Sorry - I just really needed to get that out. I could talk for hours about the cultural significance (especially the Covey!) Anyway, I loved this book, if you couldn't tell. Learning and experiencing Haymitch's pain helped make things make so much more sense. His heartbreak is so tangible in the best and worst ways. We all know how the story is going to end, but feeling that hurt? A necessary evil. I appreciate that Suzanne Collins doesn't write a standard happy ending. Because, much like the Hunger Games, there are no winners. Not in a place like Panem.
I enjoyed the other characters as well, seeing new and old was refreshing and heartwarming in a way. Maysilee will always be my favorite; her snippy attitude was perfect and I loved every interaction with her, even the most painful one. Beetee and Effie, Mags and Wiress, Plutark (who I will always have mixed feelings about). It was nice to watch this connect and intersect, really bringing the whole story together.
I've seen some other reviews talking about how this is more of a fan service book than an actual story. And I get that, truly. But I don't think I care. My one and only qualm will always be about wanting more. It's heartbreaking nostalgia wrapped in a purple cover.
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
Good graphic novel! Very informative. Beautiful artwork.
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This was an okay read. Definitely some plot holes. Cute. Easy. Nothing to write home about.