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amypalmer's reviews
83 reviews
Death Day by Shaun Hutson
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book was really fun, it is obviously a little dated however the horror elements are great, the characters are likable, and the book was very well paced.
I knocked off a star for the over-sexulisation of women. The women in the story are mostly described and characterised by their physical appearance.
I also felt the ending conflict was too fast, not enough of the mystery of the pendant was fleshed out, and the main villain was barely in the book. However the un-dead type creatures are very well explored and characterised.
I knocked off a star for the over-sexulisation of women. The women in the story are mostly described and characterised by their physical appearance.
I also felt the ending conflict was too fast, not enough of the mystery of the pendant was fleshed out, and the main villain was barely in the book. However the un-dead type creatures are very well explored and characterised.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Gun violence, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Sexual content, Sexual violence, and Torture
Minor: Sexism and Alcohol
A Good House for Children by Kate Collins
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
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
3.75
This is a slow paced book with horror elements. Though it is a ghost story of sorts, it is left to the interpretation of the reader what is really going on. At its core I think this is a book about grief. A house that is in itself a character and a monster of sorts.
Very poetically written and atmospheric.
Eg: "the large flagstones in the porch, so beautifully smooth, wore their treachery as a slick cloakand Orla fell more than once on her way out to the bins or the village."
The writing style is very methophorical and gets more so as the book goes on.
There are moments where I am still a little stumped and the ending is left very open. If you want a book that explains it all then this is jot for you.
Adding a few spoilers below of somethings I am pondering or didn't feel were wrapped up
Both stories are connected, ovjects travel through time, you get the impression that both "time zones" are connected, or that because the house is a "thin place" they are seeing moments of eachothers stories and are maybe being haunted by eachother. This is lightly focused on when Orla is loosing touch with reality and talking about holes through time. I felt this wasn't quite explained enough as well as who the other presences were.
Very poetically written and atmospheric.
Eg: "the large flagstones in the porch, so beautifully smooth, wore their treachery as a slick cloakand Orla fell more than once on her way out to the bins or the village."
The writing style is very methophorical and gets more so as the book goes on.
There are moments where I am still a little stumped and the ending is left very open. If you want a book that explains it all then this is jot for you.
Adding a few spoilers below of somethings I am pondering or didn't feel were wrapped up
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide, Mental illness, Child death, and Death of parent
Black Sheep by Rachel Harrison
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-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
3.5
I did enjoy this book though I felt it was slow, which is weird as I read this very fast and it has a low page count. It is full of internal monologue and is more about the characters view of the world than horror. I got this in my abominable book subscription and would say it has elements of horror. I found parts predictable though they were still amusing. I really liked the Vesper as a main character, her voice was fun and interesting.
The last 100 pages or so are really good and amp up the horror. I just think the pacing was a little slow.
The last 100 pages or so are really good and amp up the horror. I just think the pacing was a little slow.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and Violence
Moderate: Vomit
Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
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
4.0
This was an amazing finale. This was so much better than the TV shows end and had a lot of adventure and twists. I enjoyed the journey of this book and while extensive, they did not drag like the second book. This was the most fast paced of the three and had many moments of suprise.
My one issue was how Alina's story ended in this book
loosing all her powers which is a trope I hate. Lessened I would understand but completely is not fair on her growth.
though I am yet to read thr duologies.
My one issue was how Alina's story ended in this book
though I am yet to read thr duologies.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
4.0
This book has a lot of hype surrounding it and is both loved and hated by many people. I think this some (not all) of the people who judge this series judge mainly due to the film.
I have to agree that the film was a major disappointment and didn't include some of my favourite parts of the books Including all of the characters backstory's. This book Isn't just Bella pining over Edward, it has a lot of touching moments too. For example how Esme, Alice and Carlisle became vampires. Although this isn't the best book I have read I do still think it is a good book.
It is a romance, it isn't claiming to be anything else.
I have to agree that the film was a major disappointment and didn't include some of my favourite parts of the books Including all of the characters backstory's. This book Isn't just Bella pining over Edward, it has a lot of touching moments too. For example how Esme, Alice and Carlisle became vampires. Although this isn't the best book I have read I do still think it is a good book.
It is a romance, it isn't claiming to be anything else.
New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
2.0
My least favourite in the series, Bella is just empty and broke down. To be honest this book is pretty boring. Sure we get introduced to Jacob and the "Werewolves" however it still doesn't change the fact bella is depressing and moaning through at least 50% of the book.
Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer
4.0
This is so much better than New Moon and a little better than Twilight. It has a lot more build and tension in the story compared to the previous two. However I dislike the love triangle scenario. She seems to be leading Jacob on. The end is interesting and brings the three books together well.
The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer
5.0
I think this was better than all of the Twilight books. The characters story was short and tragic, also a lot of the characters were very interesting. You really felt sorry for Bree and she was a lot more likable than Bella. This novella exceeded my expectations and intrigued me to see what the army were like when being built. Seeing the viewpoint of he bad vampires was very interesting and darker than the original books too.
Marked by P.C. Cast, Kristin Cast
3.0
I read this quite a while ago when I was about 13. I found it quite an interesting viewpoint of vampires and enjoyed the way it involved magic. I thought the plot was well thought out and had a nice conclusion. It was a good introduction to the world of the house of night. The thing is it is for younger readers so I wouldn't really say anyone over the age of 18 would like it as much as I did when I was 13.
The Host by Stephenie Meyer
2.0
I don't even know what to say other than I have tried to read this book, I really have but I just cant get in to it. It hasn't drawn me in at all. I have only reached the part after the long drive in the car and walk in the desert but I just don't think I like it. Plus it is way too long. this book seems to be dragging on without anything happening. I will try again and update when I have the strength to try another time.