alicia_simons's reviews
444 reviews

Next by Michael Crichton

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

3.0

This was an interesting concept that struggled with delivery due to the amount of characters and storylines in the book. Listening to it, it got very confusing at times, especially with two characters having the exact same name. However, despite all of that, I was able to understand the criticism that Crichton was trying to convey about patenting and selling genes and gene therapy. As with his other books that I have read, this was incredibly well researched and that is what keeps me picking up his books. 

The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro

slow-paced

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

2.0

This was not the book for me. The writing was very beautiful and flowing and made it have a fairytale like quality. However the concept of the book made it a bit confusing and the plot felt convoluted. I wasn’t able to connect to any of the characters due to the main theme of memories and losing memories. I also found the ending to be unsatisfying. 

Angels & Demons by Dan Brown

adventurous mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

This wasn’t as fast paced as I remember it being. The story is good and I really enjoyed it. But at times it felt like it was dragging and that parts were unnecessary. The action also ended quite a bit before the end of the book which made it drag a lot more. 

The Unsinkable Greta James by Jennifer E. Smith

funny lighthearted reflective sad 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

4.0

I really enjoyed this! I really liked that it took a lighter approach to dealing with grief and showed more of the not immediate aspects and emotions surrounding grief. The Alaskan cruise setting was a fun backdrop for the plot and emotions happening. The relationships between all the characters really drive the story and make it an excellent read. 

The Reformatory by Tananarive Due

challenging dark emotional 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? It's complicated

5.0

This book was so incredibly well written. The story itself is dark and chilling and can be hard to read knowing it is United States history. I would highly recommend this to lovers of historical fiction and horror. 

Over the Influence by Joanna "JoJo" Levesque

emotional reflective medium-paced

Listening to Joanna tell her life story was powerful. Remembering when I fell in love with her music and films and hearing her experiences surrounding them was an interesting look inward and at society at the time. It is incredibly inspiring to hear everything she has been through and how she has grown through the experiences. 

Wordslut: A Feminist Guide to Taking Back the English Language by Amanda Montell

informative fast-paced

This was a very interesting read. If you want to know more about language this would be the perfect read for you. If vulgar words offend you, this is not the book for you. It was fascinating to learn about how language can be used in derogatory ways but then changed to have different meanings. 

This is How You Lose the Time War by Max Gladstone, Amal El-Mohtar

adventurous challenging mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.0

This is a book that will make you think. I would say this is more of a love  story than anything else. It was fascinating to watch the love between the two main characters grow and see how it changed them. I loved the back and forth writing style and how it was just glimpses into what was happening in the world. This was incredibly well written and I would highly recommend it!

Extinction by Douglas Preston

adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No

2.5

I wanted this to be better than it was. The concept was great, the execution was a flop. I didn’t like the way Douglas Preston described characters and situations. The putting down of Jurassic Park when that was clearly his inspiration left a bad taste in my mouth. The blatant sexism was also obnoxious. 

The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent

adventurous dark fast-paced

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

4.0

I really enjoyed this! I loved seeing the relationship grow between our two main characters. The kejari was I thought a unique take on the trope of competing to the death to win that has become a staple in young adult and new adult fantasy. I liked the slow burn of the romance and that it wasn’t too spicy. I look forward to picking up the next one!