alysereadsbooks's reviews
367 reviews

The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown

adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

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

4.5

 This was one of my favorite books I've read this year! I love the time travel trope and occasionally it can feel repetitive, but this book had such an unique plot. The ending was perfect and I can't wait to read it again! 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Gore, Grief, and Death of parent

The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez

emotional reflective sad fast-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

3.75

I'm becoming a huge fan of Abby Jimenez. She reminds me a lot of a more mature Sarah Dessen with complex characters with believable flaws and elements of romance. I found their relationship sweet - overall it was a cute book. Can't wait to read her next one! 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Grief

Moderate: Death

Minor: Mental illness and Sexual content

Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto

emotional funny lighthearted 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? Yes

4.25

I listened to the audiobook - the voice acting was amazing! Sutanto's books are always heartwarming and funny. I also love the cozy elements. The book has depth and humor without being overly heavy. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Death

Minor: Domestic abuse

Firestarter by Tara Sim

adventurous dark emotional reflective tense 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? Yes

3.5

Surprisingly, this was my favorite book of the series. The audiobook was great. There was a lot going on at times (subplots, traveling), but it engaging and a little dark for YA.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Gore, Gun violence, Grief, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail

Moderate: War

Grief Is for People by Sloane Crosley

challenging dark emotional reflective sad slow-paced

3.25

I had high hopes for this one! Overall, poignant and heartbreaking. I loved the metaphor about death/burglary. It did feel slow paced and dense at times, but I think it deserves another read through. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Suicide, and Grief

Moderate: Pandemic/Epidemic

Cackle by Rachel Harrison

dark emotional mysterious reflective tense slow-paced

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

3.25

I wanted to love this book, but I found it disappointing. I’m honestly not sure what to make of it. I did like the vibes and the sapphic friendship but not sure I liked the ending. May need to reread it again to get the full context.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Gore, Blood, Gaslighting, and Toxic friendship

What My Bones Know: A Memoir of Healing from Complex Trauma by Stephanie Foo

challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

4.5

One of my favorite books of this year. This book is such a raw, vulnerable, and beautiful examination of mental health and trauma.  

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Physical abuse, and Abandonment

Moderate: Rape, Suicide, Grief, and Toxic friendship

Homecoming by Kass Morgan

adventurous emotional fast-paced

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

3.0

Fast read, and I liked it. 

The 100 Rebellion by Kass Morgan

adventurous tense fast-paced

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

3.0

 

The 100 series was a very fast read, the books are VERY different from the show, but still enjoyed it.

 

Chainbreaker by Tara Sim

adventurous challenging fast-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

Listened to the audiobook and enjoyed it even more than the first. Liked the setting change of India, and discussion of political unrest

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Blood and Kidnapping