amy_harboredinpages's reviews
1335 reviews

The Dead Cat Tail Assassins by P. Djèlí Clark

adventurous dark funny mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.25

I was not expecting to laugh so much reafing this novella. Eveen was so snarky in much of her dialog.  I just couldn't help but laugh. I hope Clark gives us a bit more someday, because there were some interesting side characters.

Shōgun by James Clavell

adventurous challenging dark emotional lighthearted mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

4.0

Great epic story.  I can see why people gravitate to it. I think my foray into grimdark helped prepare me for some of the really gross atrocities. 

Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang

adventurous dark emotional hopeful lighthearted mysterious sad medium-paced

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

4.0

My time with this book was well worth it. I felt the characters were interesting. I think I suspected a few keys things before they were revealed, and mostly felt validated when I was right. I liked the story arc for the protagonist, and her character growth. I also wished I had more from the supporting characters. Just a little more.#

The Echo of Old Books by Barbara Davis

emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced

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

4.5

Great story. I loved the dual timeline and found the period of time that the earliest dates took place interesting.  I  liked the story uncovered by the people who found the books and the way our protagonist, through the investigation, found healing for themselves.  I may have shed a tear with the last chapter.

Adrift in Currents Clean and Clear by Seanan McGuire

adventurous hopeful lighthearted sad tense fast-paced

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

4.0

I became fully invested in the book, and then it ended and... I wanted more...

Things My Son Needs to Know about the World by Fredrik Backman

funny inspiring lighthearted reflective sad fast-paced

5.0

This collection of essays for his son was so funny most of the time. There were a couple of serious moments, but overall so so funny.

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

adventurous 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? It's complicated

4.0

Love re-reading this book so much.
Recommend for people starting out reading fantasy.  Would also recommend for middle grade reading. 

The Wideness of the Sea by Katie Curtis

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted sad medium-paced

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

3.5

When I found a book where a woman returns to here Coastal Maine home I had to add it to my list. I'm happy to have the opportunity to finally read it while listening to the audio... I loved the dynamics between the characters and how grief wax handled. I loved seeing the places I've visited as a child mentioned in the story.
My only gripe was the narration of the audiobook. The mispronouncing of Damariscotta. 🤣🤣🤣

Paladin's Grace by T. Kingfisher

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious sad 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

4.0

The inner dialog of the two protagonists was often hilarious.  I loved all the laugh out loud moments. Well worth the read. Felt like a fantasy rom-com.

The Lord of The Rings: The Complete Best-Selling Classic by J.R.R. Tolkien

adventurous dark funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted sad tense medium-paced

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

5.0

I waited 30 years to re-read this trilogy! And it was like reading it for the first time! I wanted to pay attention to Samwise this time. He truly is the heart.