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alexalala's reviews
197 reviews
The Jasad Heir by Sara Hashem
Did not finish book. Stopped at 30%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 30%.
In an Egyptian inspired world, Sylvia is hiding her magic as one of the last of the Jasadi - a group of powerful magic wielders that were destroyed years before - and its heir along with it. When she is chosen as the champion of the Nizahl Heir. Together, they must unleash her magic so she can win the competition.
The main character and her friends at the beginning were heartwarming. You could see Sylvia's struggle to hide her magic and keep it hidden so she could continue her life. I loved her character and watching her grow throughout the book.
However, the pacing of this book is everywhere. At times extremely slow and then very fast. The main love interest gave me red flags and I didn't grow to like him much. Additionally, there are soo many names throughout this that it gets confusing at times - and this is coming from someone who likes complicated fantasy. It also had very similar plot points to another well known fantasy novel so it felt like it had been done before.
You will like this if you like: enemies to lovers, forbidden magic, a lost heir, slow burn, and competitions/champions.
The main character and her friends at the beginning were heartwarming. You could see Sylvia's struggle to hide her magic and keep it hidden so she could continue her life. I loved her character and watching her grow throughout the book.
However, the pacing of this book is everywhere. At times extremely slow and then very fast. The main love interest gave me red flags and I didn't grow to like him much. Additionally, there are soo many names throughout this that it gets confusing at times - and this is coming from someone who likes complicated fantasy. It also had very similar plot points to another well known fantasy novel so it felt like it had been done before.
You will like this if you like: enemies to lovers, forbidden magic, a lost heir, slow burn, and competitions/champions.
Zhara by S. Jae-Jones
Did not finish book. Stopped at 44%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 44%.
Magic is forbidden. Zhara is a girl from a poor family who just wants to take care of her blind sister - while keeping her magic hidden from authorities. When a mysterious plague hits, Zhara must help a secret society stop it with her magic.
My expectations were really high for this book and it was al little underwhelming. The banter in the book is hilarious and I really liked all the characters.
The characters seemed a little younger than their stated ages based on the way they were acting. Zhara stumbles through half her words and giggles every time she sees someone attractive. The plot was a little slow and I didn't feel like I NEEDED to read like I do with some other books.
You will like this if you enjoy: elemental magic, forbidden magic, tame romance, monsters and demons, YA, and banter.
My expectations were really high for this book and it was al little underwhelming. The banter in the book is hilarious and I really liked all the characters.
The characters seemed a little younger than their stated ages based on the way they were acting. Zhara stumbles through half her words and giggles every time she sees someone attractive. The plot was a little slow and I didn't feel like I NEEDED to read like I do with some other books.
You will like this if you enjoy: elemental magic, forbidden magic, tame romance, monsters and demons, YA, and banter.
Queen Charlotte by Shonda Rhimes, Julia Quinn
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
4.0
Against all odds, the German Charlotte is chosen as the bride for King George of England. She must navigate court politics, adapting to a new culture, and the secrets of her new husband.
The good: I liked this book a lot, it was beautiful to read. Very simply written, it was a breeze to get through. I loved its acceptance of mental health and the characters. The dialogue between Charlotte and George was very good. We also got a deeper look into their characters than in the show.
The meh: I don't have anything bad to say about the book, but it wasn't a high piece of literature, and that's why I didn't give it four stars. It was nice, but didn't blow my mind or anything.
The verdict: You will like this if you enjoy: historical fiction, romance, mental health rep, acceptance of mental health issues, and court politics.
The good: I liked this book a lot, it was beautiful to read. Very simply written, it was a breeze to get through. I loved its acceptance of mental health and the characters. The dialogue between Charlotte and George was very good. We also got a deeper look into their characters than in the show.
The meh: I don't have anything bad to say about the book, but it wasn't a high piece of literature, and that's why I didn't give it four stars. It was nice, but didn't blow my mind or anything.
The verdict: You will like this if you enjoy: historical fiction, romance, mental health rep, acceptance of mental health issues, and court politics.
Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-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
4.0
When Takako's boyfriend suddenly dumps her and plans on marrying another girl in her office, her life falls apart. She loses her boyfriend and job in one fell swoop. When her eccentric uncle calls her and asks her to help him with his bookshop, she goes reluctantly. As she works through her depression and learns to love books, we meet a cast of characters that help her. But then her uncle's wife who left him 5 years ago returns, and his life falls apart. He tasks her with finding out what her motives are, and she must learn about her estranged aunt even more.
The good: This is such a sweet tale. I loved the characters and Takako's journey. The book is short and sweet and can be read in one or two sittings. However, I wanted to savor this comforting book so it took me a little longer.
The meh: Maybe this is because its a translation, but the writing felt a little flat to me.
The verdict: You'll like this book if you like Japanese literature, books, rebuilding, eccentric characters, and easy reads.
The good: This is such a sweet tale. I loved the characters and Takako's journey. The book is short and sweet and can be read in one or two sittings. However, I wanted to savor this comforting book so it took me a little longer.
The meh: Maybe this is because its a translation, but the writing felt a little flat to me.
The verdict: You'll like this book if you like Japanese literature, books, rebuilding, eccentric characters, and easy reads.
Artificial Condition by Martha Wells
adventurous
challenging
dark
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
5.0
All Systems Red by Martha Wells
adventurous
challenging
dark
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
5.0
On a planet far away from their own, a group of scientists are studying the surface to see if their planet should buy it. As required, they have to hire a security robot known as SecUnit. Unbeknownst to the company that owns them or the scientists, this particular SecUnit is sentient and loves to watch TV shows on the job. When the planet has unknown entities and they lose contact with another group of scientists, Murderbot and the scientists must work together to get off the planet.
The good: I adored this book. Murderbot is such a fun character and I loved seeing her thought processes throughout the book (and the rest of the series). I, too, don't want to work and would rather watch tv or read. Murderbot is just so charming and a character you really want to root for as they grapple with how human they may be, and with their responsibility to the human crew. The cast of characters was fun and I enjoyed seeing their humanity and kindness. I can see why this book has been nominated for so many awards.
The meh: This book is too short! I know there are like 7 books but I wish I had 7 full-length books because I love these characters and the world so much. I'm halfway through the fourth book and dreading when I hit the end of the currently written series. I was surprised how much I loved this book as I didn't enjoy other books by this author.
The verdict: You will like this book if you enjoy robots, questions about humanity and sentience, action and adventure, unique narrators, and sci fi.
The good: I adored this book. Murderbot is such a fun character and I loved seeing her thought processes throughout the book (and the rest of the series). I, too, don't want to work and would rather watch tv or read. Murderbot is just so charming and a character you really want to root for as they grapple with how human they may be, and with their responsibility to the human crew. The cast of characters was fun and I enjoyed seeing their humanity and kindness. I can see why this book has been nominated for so many awards.
The meh: This book is too short! I know there are like 7 books but I wish I had 7 full-length books because I love these characters and the world so much. I'm halfway through the fourth book and dreading when I hit the end of the currently written series. I was surprised how much I loved this book as I didn't enjoy other books by this author.
The verdict: You will like this book if you enjoy robots, questions about humanity and sentience, action and adventure, unique narrators, and sci fi.
The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-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
4.75
WOW guys I've never been drawn into a book so much in a long time. I read this 651 page book in just 2 days.
Misaki has put down her sword to become a housewife in the greatest warrior family in Kaigen. Her son is trying to live up to the shadow of his older relatives and facing the fact that his worldview may be propaganda. When everything in their Japan-inspired world changes, they all must grow and face the challenges that come with finding out your world isn't what you thought it was.
The good: I INHALED this book in just two days, which for me was very fast for a 651-page book. The characters sucked me right in and I was rooting for them throughout. Misaki especially stood out as an incredible character who grows, leads, and teaches with grace throughout the book. Given that about half this book is a battle scene, I was amazed with the author's ability to keep the narrative going and keep the reader on their toes with everything that happens. I've never read a better battle sequence in any other fantasy book. The worldbuilding is subtle and easy to pick up. The writing is also beautiful and its take on relationships, motherhood, and family duty to your community was very beautiful as well.
The meh: THIS SERIES IS DISCONTINUED! The author has decided to table the universe so some threads that are left open at the end of the book likely won't be answered. There are a few short stories that should be emailed to me soon, but for now, I haven't gotten anything. I want more of this universe or a standalone that doesn't leave you with questions unanswered. The last 100 pages felt like a lead-up to something that is never coming. I was sure this would be a 5-star read until this ending.
The verdict: This is an incredible, immersive, experience that centers on relationships and duty - you will enjoy it if you like themes of motherhood, battle and war, state propaganda, powerful warriors, and family.
Misaki has put down her sword to become a housewife in the greatest warrior family in Kaigen. Her son is trying to live up to the shadow of his older relatives and facing the fact that his worldview may be propaganda. When everything in their Japan-inspired world changes, they all must grow and face the challenges that come with finding out your world isn't what you thought it was.
The good: I INHALED this book in just two days, which for me was very fast for a 651-page book. The characters sucked me right in and I was rooting for them throughout. Misaki especially stood out as an incredible character who grows, leads, and teaches with grace throughout the book. Given that about half this book is a battle scene, I was amazed with the author's ability to keep the narrative going and keep the reader on their toes with everything that happens. I've never read a better battle sequence in any other fantasy book. The worldbuilding is subtle and easy to pick up. The writing is also beautiful and its take on relationships, motherhood, and family duty to your community was very beautiful as well.
The meh: THIS SERIES IS DISCONTINUED! The author has decided to table the universe so some threads that are left open at the end of the book likely won't be answered. There are a few short stories that should be emailed to me soon, but for now, I haven't gotten anything. I want more of this universe or a standalone that doesn't leave you with questions unanswered. The last 100 pages felt like a lead-up to something that is never coming. I was sure this would be a 5-star read until this ending.
The verdict: This is an incredible, immersive, experience that centers on relationships and duty - you will enjoy it if you like themes of motherhood, battle and war, state propaganda, powerful warriors, and family.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Child death, Death, Miscarriage, Violence, War, Suicide, Injury/Injury detail, Rape, Sexual violence, Genocide, and Sexual assault
Ninefox Gambit by Yoon Ha Lee
Did not finish book. Stopped at 11%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 11%.
May return to this later but holy crap I don't understand what's going on at all.
A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Effy Sayre is a failing architecture student who dreams of being in the literature college that is for men only. When she gets the opportunity to help rebuild her favorite late author's estate, she jumps at the chance. But she has to deal with a broody literature student trying to tear down the author's legacy, and the author's strange son in a falling apart house in this gothic/dark academia setting. The house is not all it seems and Effy will have to figure out what is real and what is in her imagination.
The good: I really enjoyed this book from start to finish. The themes of feminism, gothic lit, discrimination, fairy tales, and mental health were strong throughout the book. Effy was a relatable character (I, too, want to cry at every small and large inconvenience) who went through many struggles in her world. This is very character-driven, and Effy stands out as a realistic heroine. The writing was beautiful and the setting very haunting.
The meh: This did feel relatively YA which isn't my favorite. I would've loved an adult take on this book. At the end, it felt like there was a lot of explaining and telling which was a lost opportunity for the pair to do some more detective work and figure things out for themselves. Instead, we're told the entire mystery's resolution in a few pages.
The verdict: You will like this book if you like gothic settings, mental health and medicine taking rep, YA, literature and dark academia, and light enemies to lovers romance.
Effy Sayre is a failing architecture student who dreams of being in the literature college that is for men only. When she gets the opportunity to help rebuild her favorite late author's estate, she jumps at the chance. But she has to deal with a broody literature student trying to tear down the author's legacy, and the author's strange son in a falling apart house in this gothic/dark academia setting. The house is not all it seems and Effy will have to figure out what is real and what is in her imagination.
The good: I really enjoyed this book from start to finish. The themes of feminism, gothic lit, discrimination, fairy tales, and mental health were strong throughout the book. Effy was a relatable character (I, too, want to cry at every small and large inconvenience) who went through many struggles in her world. This is very character-driven, and Effy stands out as a realistic heroine. The writing was beautiful and the setting very haunting.
The meh: This did feel relatively YA which isn't my favorite. I would've loved an adult take on this book. At the end, it felt like there was a lot of explaining and telling which was a lost opportunity for the pair to do some more detective work and figure things out for themselves. Instead, we're told the entire mystery's resolution in a few pages.
The verdict: You will like this book if you like gothic settings, mental health and medicine taking rep, YA, literature and dark academia, and light enemies to lovers romance.
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Juniper Hayward is a failed author and a college friend of Athena Liu, a publishing darling who is highly successful and critically acclaimed. When Athena dies in a freak accident, Juniper steals her unfinished manuscript and publishes it as her own to big accolades. But as her secret threatens to come out, June starts to unravel.
The Good: I loved this book so much I read it in a day. Its pace never lets up and it feels like it's meant to be devoured. Kuang has a greatly honed craft and a big message about who is allowed to tell stories. Every character in this book is morally grey, even the victim herself, which added so much depth. It's a huge indictment of the publishing industry and was a pleasure to read, even if I thoroughly hated the main character and narrator.
The Meh: I really don't have any complaints about this book. Perhaps some of the writing was heavy handed but I didn't find this to be an issue for me.
The Verdict: You will like this book if you like deep questioning, unlikeable MCs, fast paced books, horror like intensity, and the publishing industry.
The Good: I loved this book so much I read it in a day. Its pace never lets up and it feels like it's meant to be devoured. Kuang has a greatly honed craft and a big message about who is allowed to tell stories. Every character in this book is morally grey, even the victim herself, which added so much depth. It's a huge indictment of the publishing industry and was a pleasure to read, even if I thoroughly hated the main character and narrator.
The Meh: I really don't have any complaints about this book. Perhaps some of the writing was heavy handed but I didn't find this to be an issue for me.
The Verdict: You will like this book if you like deep questioning, unlikeable MCs, fast paced books, horror like intensity, and the publishing industry.