alicia_ann_reads's reviews
481 reviews

The Sea Witch by Rebecca F. Kenney

2.5

Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

Part of my issue is that it took me 4 months to read this, so it being broken up like that made it more difficult to follow.

That being said I didn't feel particularly attached to any of the characters, there were a lot of POVs and there was one group of characters in not really even sure what they're purpose was... Felt more like they were there for plot development.

I did like the atmosphere though and I love a Rumpelstiltskin retelling though this was loosely based. 

Fifteen Dogs by André Alexis

challenging sad fast-paced

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

3.0

This was an interesting read. 

Corny by Sabrina Cross

lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.5

Listen for a sentient object I was pleasantly surprised with this one. 

Thornhedge by T. Kingfisher

adventurous dark fast-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

4.5

I quite liked this retelling from the other side. 

Not How I Pictured It by Robin Lefler

lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

This was okay for me..

I loved that it featured Canadian cities and I believe the author lives in my city.

It was an interesting plot but there were some weirdly unbelievable bits, and part of the flow wasn't there for me.

The Spear Cuts Through Water by Simon Jimenez

adventurous challenging dark emotional sad tense slow-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

4.75

This is nothing like I've ever read before. 

It took me a solid 60-70 pages to figure out what was happening in terms of the dialogue. 

With no chapters though it was a very long read for me, especially with my eyes. 

But it was such a rich story within a story and I absolutely enjoyed it. 

Secure Love: Create a Relationship That Lasts a Lifetime by Julie Menanno

hopeful informative medium-paced

4.5

I think this is an excellent book on helping couples navigate negative cycles and work through issues using an attachment theory lens.

I will say that focus is on fairly well established coupled or coupled with well established negative cycles.

So there are some activities to donin the book alone or with your partner but if you're in a newer relationship looking to pravtice how not to go into negative cycles this probably isn't really the book for you. 

While I did learn some things I found I couldn't do any of the activities. 

Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar

challenging emotional inspiring sad 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

5.0

I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook. 
It was interesting reading a book about several characters through a written book in the past, but also in the present.

I was shocked at the revelation but also it makes sense. Great read. 

Lights Out by Navessa Allen

adventurous dark funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I mean.. this was a weird one.. like a dark romance but also kind of squishy.. and also there's mafia and murders and cover ups?