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alliesannotation's reviews
159 reviews
The Hidden Palace by Helene Wecker
adventurous
challenging
informative
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
⭐️: 3.25/5
🌶️: spice-free
Format: 📖 (Physical TBR #3 for 2024)
I came into this book having absolutely loved the first book, "The Golem and the Jinni." And I just didn't love this one as much. I really, really wanted to, but Wecker's writing was too slowly paced for me to be able to get into this one as much.
I do have to say, the last, like, ten pages were where I really wanted more. The last interaction between Chava and Ahmad was so sad to me, and really tugged my heartstrings. And I really love Wecker's description--it's so vivid, and you can tell exactly how well-researched it is. I truly felt like I was weaving the streets of WW1 New York. I also really appreciated, especially given the current state of the world, the glimpse into historic Syria.
What I struggled with was that, since this book really embraced an ensemble cast, the lengthy description was often too long, and it took a very long time to really get into the meat of what was happening. I ultimately didn't feel like there was a super-clear rising action, and only recognized the major climax of the story toward the end of it. I didn't get a mounting feeling of engagement as the book built.
The human characters were very well fleshed-out and developed, and really, the supernatural characters were as well, but it was just harder to relate to them...which I guess is the point--they're not human! The only thing I struggled with for Chava and Ahmad's development was that I didn't truly understand their motivation for their decisions at the end of the book. It was written in a way that made me think it ought to have been clear, but I'm still a bit lost!
At the end of the day, this series is so original, with beautiful imagery, I just had trouble getting through this installment!
🌶️: spice-free
Format: 📖 (Physical TBR #3 for 2024)
I came into this book having absolutely loved the first book, "The Golem and the Jinni." And I just didn't love this one as much. I really, really wanted to, but Wecker's writing was too slowly paced for me to be able to get into this one as much.
I do have to say, the last, like, ten pages were where I really wanted more. The last interaction between Chava and Ahmad was so sad to me, and really tugged my heartstrings. And I really love Wecker's description--it's so vivid, and you can tell exactly how well-researched it is. I truly felt like I was weaving the streets of WW1 New York. I also really appreciated, especially given the current state of the world, the glimpse into historic Syria.
What I struggled with was that, since this book really embraced an ensemble cast, the lengthy description was often too long, and it took a very long time to really get into the meat of what was happening. I ultimately didn't feel like there was a super-clear rising action, and only recognized the major climax of the story toward the end of it. I didn't get a mounting feeling of engagement as the book built.
The human characters were very well fleshed-out and developed, and really, the supernatural characters were as well, but it was just harder to relate to them...which I guess is the point--they're not human! The only thing I struggled with for Chava and Ahmad's development was that I didn't truly understand their motivation for their decisions at the end of the book. It was written in a way that made me think it ought to have been clear, but I'm still a bit lost!
At the end of the day, this series is so original, with beautiful imagery, I just had trouble getting through this installment!
Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
⭐️: 4.75/5
🌶️: 3/5
Format: 🎧
ANOTHA ONE. Hibbert does not miss.
I loved, loved, loved this one. As a 32yo woman who was diagnosed with ADHD and ASD when I was 28, this book hit home big time. And I'll say it in every review: Hibbert writes diverse characters without making their only purpose or plot development about "overcoming" whatever makes them diverse, and it makes all the difference. In this book, I got to read about a Black woman learning about her Autism, without her race or neurodivergence ever being a big "obstacle" she needs to get over. I got to read Black, Autistic joy.
I have only one teeny tiny gripe about this book, but it wasn't enough to drop down my star rating: the premise is a liiiiittle more unrealistic than the previous books. The small-town-inn thing just felt like it deserved a lil bit of side-eye, but I got over it.
The star here was the character development for both Jacob and Eve. Hibbert shows, so well, what it's like to be Autistic, and more importantly, how ASD looks different in different people, and that's okay. It was so important for Eve to learn that ASD manifests differently in women, so a lot of diagnostic symptoms are missed. And both characters, through their POV narration, refer to childhood and family experiences that just hit home so hard.
Again, I really liked the side characters, too. I desperately want books for Tessa and Alex, and even Eric, too! I want to go back and visit the cottage more in future books, so I'm a little sad that this is the last in the Brown sisters' trilogy. I can't ask for more than a book making me want to keep reading even after it's done.
🌶️: 3/5
Format: 🎧
ANOTHA ONE. Hibbert does not miss.
I loved, loved, loved this one. As a 32yo woman who was diagnosed with ADHD and ASD when I was 28, this book hit home big time. And I'll say it in every review: Hibbert writes diverse characters without making their only purpose or plot development about "overcoming" whatever makes them diverse, and it makes all the difference. In this book, I got to read about a Black woman learning about her Autism, without her race or neurodivergence ever being a big "obstacle" she needs to get over. I got to read Black, Autistic joy.
I have only one teeny tiny gripe about this book, but it wasn't enough to drop down my star rating: the premise is a liiiiittle more unrealistic than the previous books. The small-town-inn thing just felt like it deserved a lil bit of side-eye, but I got over it.
The star here was the character development for both Jacob and Eve. Hibbert shows, so well, what it's like to be Autistic, and more importantly, how ASD looks different in different people, and that's okay. It was so important for Eve to learn that ASD manifests differently in women, so a lot of diagnostic symptoms are missed. And both characters, through their POV narration, refer to childhood and family experiences that just hit home so hard.
Again, I really liked the side characters, too. I desperately want books for Tessa and Alex, and even Eric, too! I want to go back and visit the cottage more in future books, so I'm a little sad that this is the last in the Brown sisters' trilogy. I can't ask for more than a book making me want to keep reading even after it's done.
Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
⭐️: 4.25/5
🌶️: 3.5/5
Format: 🎧
Hibbert does it again! I suspect I'm going to love everything she writes.
Like the first book in the series, I just adored this. Hibbert writes diverse characters without making their only purpose or plot development about "overcoming" whatever makes them diverse, and it makes all the difference. I love getting to simply read Black joy.
I do think that I didn't personally related as strongly to Dani as I did Chloe, which is fine--I'm a hopeless romantic, so Zaf was much more my speed! But because I didn't relate to Dani as much, this felt a bit slower than others. The back and forth about not wanting a relationship dragged on a bit long for me!
But I still really loved the settings--I could really clearly visualize everything--and the character development. We get development that's well-rounded, both for main characters and for the side ones, too. I actually would love to see a spin-off series about Zaf's family, both for his SIL/Best Friend, and for Fatima. The book made them so real I want to read them, too 😭.
Big fan of the Brown sisters, and I can't wait for Eve's story!
🌶️: 3.5/5
Format: 🎧
Hibbert does it again! I suspect I'm going to love everything she writes.
Like the first book in the series, I just adored this. Hibbert writes diverse characters without making their only purpose or plot development about "overcoming" whatever makes them diverse, and it makes all the difference. I love getting to simply read Black joy.
I do think that I didn't personally related as strongly to Dani as I did Chloe, which is fine--I'm a hopeless romantic, so Zaf was much more my speed! But because I didn't relate to Dani as much, this felt a bit slower than others. The back and forth about not wanting a relationship dragged on a bit long for me!
But I still really loved the settings--I could really clearly visualize everything--and the character development. We get development that's well-rounded, both for main characters and for the side ones, too. I actually would love to see a spin-off series about Zaf's family, both for his SIL/Best Friend, and for Fatima. The book made them so real I want to read them, too 😭.
Big fan of the Brown sisters, and I can't wait for Eve's story!
Invocation by Aileen Erin
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
⭐️: 2.75/5
🌶️: spice-free!
Format: 📱 eARC
This was really interesting! I was drawn in initially by the absolutely STUNNING cover art, and the really cool premise. Erin builds on her previous omegaverse series "Alpha Girl," but in a standalone focusing on a spiritual battle between good and evil, Angels and Demons. Fans of James Patterson's "Maximum Ride" will love FMC Sam's badass chic energy and save-the-world attitude!
For me, I did want a little bit more from this book. I think my expectations were a little bit misaligned, and while I did enjoy it, it just wasn't for me! I was thrown off a bit by the characters' ages (they're 23 and 28), but this is a YA novel, and the characters will definitely appeal more to younger readers. At times, I felt like they were still teenagers. I also had issues with the pacing and development. This went by very quickly, because the whole book focuses on three major events--with no transitional scenes in between. Because we only see the characters in three events and settings, I needed more development. Since most of the book is from Sam's perspective, we do get more of her inner monologue and thought process, as well as some flashbacks, which helped some, but the development of relationships, decisions, and more felt very sudden and rushed. I wanted a lot more.
What I did really like was the "Part One"- the book starts with the first third when Sam is 17, and I was INTO it. I was hooked really early on, and loved the expositional scene. I felt it tee'd things up really well for the main relationship, had great action, and the characters fit their ages. I was super engaged. But the six-year time jump threw me a lot, and the characters still acted the same way as when they were younger. My engagement dropped off as things progressed.
I think this is one of those YA books that I am just struggling to get into as an adult, and the target audience will enjoy it more. The premise and ideas were really cool, I just wasn't personally engaged with how they were executed. I'd recommend if you've got a teen who likes the paranormal and a little romantic twist!
🌶️: spice-free!
Format: 📱 eARC
This was really interesting! I was drawn in initially by the absolutely STUNNING cover art, and the really cool premise. Erin builds on her previous omegaverse series "Alpha Girl," but in a standalone focusing on a spiritual battle between good and evil, Angels and Demons. Fans of James Patterson's "Maximum Ride" will love FMC Sam's badass chic energy and save-the-world attitude!
For me, I did want a little bit more from this book. I think my expectations were a little bit misaligned, and while I did enjoy it, it just wasn't for me! I was thrown off a bit by the characters' ages (they're 23 and 28), but this is a YA novel, and the characters will definitely appeal more to younger readers. At times, I felt like they were still teenagers. I also had issues with the pacing and development. This went by very quickly, because the whole book focuses on three major events--with no transitional scenes in between. Because we only see the characters in three events and settings, I needed more development. Since most of the book is from Sam's perspective, we do get more of her inner monologue and thought process, as well as some flashbacks, which helped some, but the development of relationships, decisions, and more felt very sudden and rushed. I wanted a lot more.
What I did really like was the "Part One"- the book starts with the first third when Sam is 17, and I was INTO it. I was hooked really early on, and loved the expositional scene. I felt it tee'd things up really well for the main relationship, had great action, and the characters fit their ages. I was super engaged. But the six-year time jump threw me a lot, and the characters still acted the same way as when they were younger. My engagement dropped off as things progressed.
I think this is one of those YA books that I am just struggling to get into as an adult, and the target audience will enjoy it more. The premise and ideas were really cool, I just wasn't personally engaged with how they were executed. I'd recommend if you've got a teen who likes the paranormal and a little romantic twist!
Kilt Trip by Alexandra Kiley
emotional
inspiring
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
4.5
⭐️: 4.5/5
🌶️: 3/5
Format: 📱 eARC
Wow wow wow wow wow, I LOVED this! This book made me FEEL. And I'm talking, like, fully engaged. I cried no fewer than 7 times. At 30% in, I'd already cried three times. There's almost no higher compliment I can give than to say that a book moved me.
Often, romance novels have us working through something internal to find our worth, but Kiley takes us on a journey with Addie through her grief, a darker journey than we usually get, and it's exquisite. We truly get to grow with Addie as she works through grief she'd packed away for so long after losing her mom. Logan also worked through things, and he was by no means one-dimensional, but Addie's development is what drew me in.
I definitely would have liked to learn more about other characters more in-depth, but Kiley has left the door open for spin-offs, with multiple characters that we'd love to hear about as well, with brothers and coworkers still single and potentially looking. I hope to get that additional development somehow, but the supporting cast was strong in driving Addie and Logan's stories in a way that wasn't completely predictable.
As someone without much knowledge of Scotland, I can't speak to accuracy, but I did enjoy the setting, the language, and learning. It gave things a very romantic and wistful vibe, which definitely helped the tension. There was a looot of sexual tension and banter, so the spice was good! It wasn't super graphic and remained solidly in the vanilla range, so I'd rate it medium salsa!
Overall, I just really, really enjoyed this. Highly recommend!
"She'd shown him her broken pieces and her sharp edges, and maybe that was enough. They could give in, and it wouldn't pull her under."
🌶️: 3/5
Format: 📱 eARC
Wow wow wow wow wow, I LOVED this! This book made me FEEL. And I'm talking, like, fully engaged. I cried no fewer than 7 times. At 30% in, I'd already cried three times. There's almost no higher compliment I can give than to say that a book moved me.
Often, romance novels have us working through something internal to find our worth, but Kiley takes us on a journey with Addie through her grief, a darker journey than we usually get, and it's exquisite. We truly get to grow with Addie as she works through grief she'd packed away for so long after losing her mom. Logan also worked through things, and he was by no means one-dimensional, but Addie's development is what drew me in.
I definitely would have liked to learn more about other characters more in-depth, but Kiley has left the door open for spin-offs, with multiple characters that we'd love to hear about as well, with brothers and coworkers still single and potentially looking. I hope to get that additional development somehow, but the supporting cast was strong in driving Addie and Logan's stories in a way that wasn't completely predictable.
As someone without much knowledge of Scotland, I can't speak to accuracy, but I did enjoy the setting, the language, and learning. It gave things a very romantic and wistful vibe, which definitely helped the tension. There was a looot of sexual tension and banter, so the spice was good! It wasn't super graphic and remained solidly in the vanilla range, so I'd rate it medium salsa!
Overall, I just really, really enjoyed this. Highly recommend!
"She'd shown him her broken pieces and her sharp edges, and maybe that was enough. They could give in, and it wouldn't pull her under."
The Space Between Us by Melanie Summers
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- 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
⭐️: 3.5/5
🌶️: 2.5/5
Format: 📱 eARC
Now I have to say, I was pretty skeptical when this started. The expositional action in the book is a series of far-fetched premises, which I found pretty unrealistic, even for a billionaire romance. But, as the book wore on, what I did really like was a lot of the emotion the two main characters faced in their development. The FMC deal with very relatable issues with her relationship with her parents, and the MMC works through grief that I absolutely cried at toward the end.
I did enjoy the romantic build-up and tension a lot!! There were a lot of little moments throughout that build up nicely, so when the main pairing did get together, it gave what it needed to. We didn't get a *ton* of true spice, though, and I wish there'd been more.
Overall, the pace was really quick, and I did enjoy myself, but it was just a bit wacky for me. Sometimes the setting took away from the story. But it gave me the feels and I always love that!
🌶️: 2.5/5
Format: 📱 eARC
Now I have to say, I was pretty skeptical when this started. The expositional action in the book is a series of far-fetched premises, which I found pretty unrealistic, even for a billionaire romance. But, as the book wore on, what I did really like was a lot of the emotion the two main characters faced in their development. The FMC deal with very relatable issues with her relationship with her parents, and the MMC works through grief that I absolutely cried at toward the end.
I did enjoy the romantic build-up and tension a lot!! There were a lot of little moments throughout that build up nicely, so when the main pairing did get together, it gave what it needed to. We didn't get a *ton* of true spice, though, and I wish there'd been more.
Overall, the pace was really quick, and I did enjoy myself, but it was just a bit wacky for me. Sometimes the setting took away from the story. But it gave me the feels and I always love that!
Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
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? No
4.0
⭐️: 4/5
🌶️: Spice-Free!
Format: 📖
This book was the second of my physical-TBR reads this year--making the smallest of dents!
I'm going to give this rating of four-stars a tiny caveat: I judged this at face value. I didn't give this rating comparatively to other four-star reads in the fantasy genre, because this doesn't read the same as a more complex faerie-tale novel.
The book's premise is set in regency-era London, with a girl who's unable to feel the full strength of her emotions as a result of an encounter with a faerie when she was young. We follow a Bridgerton-esque fake-dating romance plotline with Lord Sorcier who doesn't want to face women of the ton, and our FMC Dora needing his help with her missing half of a soul. The latter half of the book moves into Folk of the Air territory driving the main conflict plot of children being stolen into faerie.
I really enjoyed this. Truly, it was a fairy tale, and read like one. It was very fast-paced, and there wasn't as much world-building or character deveopment beyond the two main characters, because the focus was the events occurring. In this case, I liked it, because it's the type of plot in faerie I like to read. If you like more depth to the characters and world, however, this might not be for you!
I do see that the next in the series doesn't follow this, but the third does, and I likely will get around to reading them soon!
🌶️: Spice-Free!
Format: 📖
This book was the second of my physical-TBR reads this year--making the smallest of dents!
I'm going to give this rating of four-stars a tiny caveat: I judged this at face value. I didn't give this rating comparatively to other four-star reads in the fantasy genre, because this doesn't read the same as a more complex faerie-tale novel.
The book's premise is set in regency-era London, with a girl who's unable to feel the full strength of her emotions as a result of an encounter with a faerie when she was young. We follow a Bridgerton-esque fake-dating romance plotline with Lord Sorcier who doesn't want to face women of the ton, and our FMC Dora needing his help with her missing half of a soul. The latter half of the book moves into Folk of the Air territory driving the main conflict plot of children being stolen into faerie.
I really enjoyed this. Truly, it was a fairy tale, and read like one. It was very fast-paced, and there wasn't as much world-building or character deveopment beyond the two main characters, because the focus was the events occurring. In this case, I liked it, because it's the type of plot in faerie I like to read. If you like more depth to the characters and world, however, this might not be for you!
I do see that the next in the series doesn't follow this, but the third does, and I likely will get around to reading them soon!
Cabin Fever by Sierra Dean
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
⭐️: 3.75/5
🌶️: 3/5
Format: 🎧
A romance?? Featuring a plus-size gal?? Where the plot doesn't RELY on her size as a device?????? WOW, it CAN be done!
I always love seeing myself represented in books, and while Dylan's a size 18/20 (so like, a normal size), and her curves are in the "right" places (read: conventional shapeliness), I love that her size is talked about as a description for her, and not used as like her major hurdle or a device to drive the plot forward. She still loves to wear high heels and short shorts and normal things, and just happens to also be plus size.
Now, I have to say, I probably wouldn't have rated this as highly if I had read instead of listened to this book. The audiobook helped to keep me engaged, because I listen to things near 2x speed, and I don't hone in on the language directly. There is virtually no development of character--they are the same people as when the book begins, with a slight exception on Mal's part--but I'm okay with it. The romance development, same. The relationship itself moved way too fast to be any kind of realistic, BUT, I liked the sexual tension enough that it didn't bother me.
This was an enjoyable listen. I loved the summer camp aesthetic, and I'd listen to the spinoffs for sure. Spice was there, and Medium salsa, nothing too graphic.
A romance?? Featuring a plus-size gal?? Where the plot doesn't RELY on her size as a device?????? WOW, it CAN be done!
I always love seeing myself represented in books, and while Dylan's a size 18/20 (so like, a normal size), and her curves are in the "right" places (read: conventional shapeliness), I love that her size is talked about as a description for her, and not used as like her major hurdle or a device to drive the plot forward. She still loves to wear high heels and short shorts and normal things, and just happens to also be plus size.
Now, I have to say, I probably wouldn't have rated this as highly if I had read instead of listened to this book. The audiobook helped to keep me engaged, because I listen to things near 2x speed, and I don't hone in on the language directly. There is virtually no development of character--they are the same people as when the book begins, with a slight exception on Mal's part--but I'm okay with it. The romance development, same. The relationship itself moved way too fast to be any kind of realistic, BUT, I liked the sexual tension enough that it didn't bother me.
This was an enjoyable listen. I loved the summer camp aesthetic, and I'd listen to the spinoffs for sure. Spice was there, and Medium salsa, nothing too graphic.
Marriage of Inconvenience by Penny Reid
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
⭐️: 3/5
🌶️: 3/5
Format: 🎧
This was very middle-of-the-road romance for me--I enjoyed it, and while I wouldn't re-read this one in particular, I would definitely read more by the author, and I plan to!
First off, the audiobook narrator for Dan's Boston accent drove me up a wall. That's not the author's fault. The narrator for Kat was great. Just fair warning that the Boston accent wears on you after awhile...or two minutes.
I really liked the level of detail we got from this. While the plot starts off really quickly--we get straight to the setting of the main conflict, setting up the marriage of convenience--Reid does take time to give us a strong and thorough setting and character details and relationships. I also liked the gender-swap on the traditional billionaire trope, however, I didn't love that we didn't get the same level of power from Kat as the billionaire. Yes, we got a female rich gal, but she wasn't able to own that power until the very end of the book.
The characters' personal and relationship development moved at a good pace--it felt realistic, even if some of the plot actions weren't. We got a good look at how and why they developed the way they did!
Overall, this was cute, enjoyable, and I would recommend!
This was very middle-of-the-road romance for me--I enjoyed it, and while I wouldn't re-read this one in particular, I would definitely read more by the author, and I plan to!
First off, the audiobook narrator for Dan's Boston accent drove me up a wall. That's not the author's fault. The narrator for Kat was great. Just fair warning that the Boston accent wears on you after awhile...or two minutes.
I really liked the level of detail we got from this. While the plot starts off really quickly--we get straight to the setting of the main conflict, setting up the marriage of convenience--Reid does take time to give us a strong and thorough setting and character details and relationships. I also liked the gender-swap on the traditional billionaire trope, however, I didn't love that we didn't get the same level of power from Kat as the billionaire. Yes, we got a female rich gal, but she wasn't able to own that power until the very end of the book.
The characters' personal and relationship development moved at a good pace--it felt realistic, even if some of the plot actions weren't. We got a good look at how and why they developed the way they did!
Overall, this was cute, enjoyable, and I would recommend!
Redsight by Meredith Mooring
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
⭐️: 3.5/5
🌶️: 2/5
Format: 📱
Redsight is a super creative new space opera with roots in ancient religions. Perfect for lovers of Ender's Game and Starglass, but with a sapphic twist and femme-forward cast of characters. What I loved most about Redsight was the original plot. Although there were a couple of overall points I could see coming a bit, I really enjoyed the narrative as a whole. Mooring created a new, original world and the storyline was fresh as well.
The main thing that I didn't love was that the style of writing was a little too direct and matter-of-fact for me. I wanted more descriptive language, more emotional language. I believe that with the strength of the plot and complex characters, this book could have been a duology or trilogy, easily. I could identify points where it would make sense for a whole new book to start, and I'd have been satisfied with the sub-plots within. Because everything was in one book, the pace felt rushed, and some things felt very sudden because we didn't get enough of a lead-in, foreshadowing, or development of news. There were several times where the author described something relatively horrific happening, but the tone was so matter-of-fact that it just sped by. Later, we'd learn about the relevant character being so affected by witnessing the horrific thing, but because it wasn't described with enough emotion, I failed to grasp the gravity of those items--I didn't engage with why they impacted the character so much. Ultimately, if this book were expanded into more, it would have gripped me and engaged me more with the writing.
What I am going to say is that despite this writing snag, I find myself unable to stop thinking about the book and the plot, which is impressive.
I did really like reading the characters. I won't say that I liked the characters, because Mooring didn't write them to be likeable--she wrote them to be real. While some of the side and tertiary characters were a bit one-dimensional, the main characters had a *lot* of depth and complexity to them. There was a lot of moral greyness that I loved a lot. The characters felt so much more realistic because no one is black and white (no pun intended!). There were actions they took that I liked, actions I disagreed with, actions that confused me, and I just really enjoyed reading them.
Spice is very minimal, and very mild!
**I was granted an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review**
🌶️: 2/5
Format: 📱
Redsight is a super creative new space opera with roots in ancient religions. Perfect for lovers of Ender's Game and Starglass, but with a sapphic twist and femme-forward cast of characters. What I loved most about Redsight was the original plot. Although there were a couple of overall points I could see coming a bit, I really enjoyed the narrative as a whole. Mooring created a new, original world and the storyline was fresh as well.
The main thing that I didn't love was that the style of writing was a little too direct and matter-of-fact for me. I wanted more descriptive language, more emotional language. I believe that with the strength of the plot and complex characters, this book could have been a duology or trilogy, easily. I could identify points where it would make sense for a whole new book to start, and I'd have been satisfied with the sub-plots within. Because everything was in one book, the pace felt rushed, and some things felt very sudden because we didn't get enough of a lead-in, foreshadowing, or development of news. There were several times where the author described something relatively horrific happening, but the tone was so matter-of-fact that it just sped by. Later, we'd learn about the relevant character being so affected by witnessing the horrific thing, but because it wasn't described with enough emotion, I failed to grasp the gravity of those items--I didn't engage with why they impacted the character so much. Ultimately, if this book were expanded into more, it would have gripped me and engaged me more with the writing.
What I am going to say is that despite this writing snag, I find myself unable to stop thinking about the book and the plot, which is impressive.
I did really like reading the characters. I won't say that I liked the characters, because Mooring didn't write them to be likeable--she wrote them to be real. While some of the side and tertiary characters were a bit one-dimensional, the main characters had a *lot* of depth and complexity to them. There was a lot of moral greyness that I loved a lot. The characters felt so much more realistic because no one is black and white (no pun intended!). There were actions they took that I liked, actions I disagreed with, actions that confused me, and I just really enjoyed reading them.
Spice is very minimal, and very mild!
**I was granted an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review**