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annagwritesandreads's reviews
244 reviews
The Lost City of Faar by D.J. MacHale
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Wow with this re-read, I still rated this 5 stars. It is my favorite series, but let me sell you on why you should be reading this series. Note: This is the 2nd book in a series, there may be spoilers, be aware!
Description: Welcome to Cloral! The territory where everyone lives on floating habitats because there is no land. Bobby and Press follow the evil Saint Dane to this magnificent territory. However, it's not clear how Saint Dane will stir up trouble in Cloral right away. Good thing Bobby and Press get a break right? WRONG. They must work with Spader, a young man on Cloral who is going to be a Traveler but has no idea what that means. When everything comes to a head, can Bobby get Spader on his side and work together to defeat Saint Dane?
ALL the goods:
- Mark and Courtney (the folks Bobby writes his letters to) are getting a more advanced storyline that keeps you wanting more.
- Bobby's personal progression in this book and his path of stepping into his Traveller role is exciting to read.
- The action scenes in this book are descriptive and I can see them in my head.
- Cloral is one of my favorite territories. It's described beautifully with unique technology that makes me want to go there today.
- This book gets emotional but in a way that makes sense and opens more doors than it closes.
Overall: PLEASE REASE THIS SERIES IF YOU EVEN HALF LIKE FANTASY AND SCI-FI, this series will take you on a journey.
Description: Welcome to Cloral! The territory where everyone lives on floating habitats because there is no land. Bobby and Press follow the evil Saint Dane to this magnificent territory. However, it's not clear how Saint Dane will stir up trouble in Cloral right away. Good thing Bobby and Press get a break right? WRONG. They must work with Spader, a young man on Cloral who is going to be a Traveler but has no idea what that means. When everything comes to a head, can Bobby get Spader on his side and work together to defeat Saint Dane?
ALL the goods:
- Mark and Courtney (the folks Bobby writes his letters to) are getting a more advanced storyline that keeps you wanting more.
- Bobby's personal progression in this book and his path of stepping into his Traveller role is exciting to read.
- The action scenes in this book are descriptive and I can see them in my head.
- Cloral is one of my favorite territories. It's described beautifully with unique technology that makes me want to go there today.
- This book gets emotional but in a way that makes sense and opens more doors than it closes.
Overall: PLEASE REASE THIS SERIES IF YOU EVEN HALF LIKE FANTASY AND SCI-FI, this series will take you on a journey.
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- 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 Stars
Note: This is the 2nd book in a series, so there will inherently be spoilers. Be aware!
Description: Violet has woken up healed but feeling betrayed. But OH WELL, back to school! Time to blend in with the crowd even though two folks from the War Games aren't returning. Violet enters her second year being expected to balance school work, visiting Xaden, and working on her keeping her dragons under control. However, when the world outside of Basgaith becomes more dangerous, can Violet continue to just be a second year student? Who will actually protect the citizens of the continent?
The goods:
- The action scenes are some of my favorites. I can see them in my head and honestly, I hate being pulled away from them...
- The dragon's storyline was the best storyline in this book. Hands down. I love the exploration of not only dragons but griffins in the book as well.
- The world does grow in this book, which was fantastic to see and I want to spend more time in different places in this world.
The loss of a star and a half
- I'm sorry, but the ending of this book made me SO MAD. I was so enthralled after the ending of book 1, but the book 2 I was rolling my eyes.
- Maybe romantasy is not for me, but I really felt some of the 'spicier' scenes were unnecessary, poorly timed, and added just to add length to the novel.
Overall: I think if you liked Fourth Wing, you'll like this, but I'm not sure if I'll pick up book 3.
Note: This is the 2nd book in a series, so there will inherently be spoilers. Be aware!
Description: Violet has woken up healed but feeling betrayed. But OH WELL, back to school! Time to blend in with the crowd even though two folks from the War Games aren't returning. Violet enters her second year being expected to balance school work, visiting Xaden, and working on her keeping her dragons under control. However, when the world outside of Basgaith becomes more dangerous, can Violet continue to just be a second year student? Who will actually protect the citizens of the continent?
The goods:
- The action scenes are some of my favorites. I can see them in my head and honestly, I hate being pulled away from them...
- The dragon's storyline was the best storyline in this book. Hands down. I love the exploration of not only dragons but griffins in the book as well.
- The world does grow in this book, which was fantastic to see and I want to spend more time in different places in this world.
The loss of a star and a half
- I'm sorry, but the ending of this book made me SO MAD. I was so enthralled after the ending of book 1, but the book 2 I was rolling my eyes.
- Maybe romantasy is not for me, but I really felt some of the 'spicier' scenes were unnecessary, poorly timed, and added just to add length to the novel.
Overall: I think if you liked Fourth Wing, you'll like this, but I'm not sure if I'll pick up book 3.
Magnolia Parks: Into the Dark by Jessa Hastings
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
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
Note: This is the 5th book in a series, so there inherently will be spoilers. Be aware!
Description: Magnolia and BJ had their world rocked by death a second time in their relationship. However, as they work to solidify their relationship through marriage, Magnolia has a lot of work to do on herself as the public refuses to give her a break. Will BJ be able to support her? Can Magnolia trust BJ completely in order to heal? Will they make it down the aisle?
The goods:
- BJ's self-growth is extremely evident in this book and I loved to see it.
- Magnolia's journey with dealing with so much grief and trauma from her life was such a beautiful arc that I can't wait to re-read the series again.
- I actually liked focusing much more on BJ and Magnolia. Yes, we see the box set of course, but there was a much more laser focus on the couple and I appreciated that focus, it made the book a bit easier to follow.
- The emotions I experienced reading this book felt so personal and I don't think this book would have dug as deep into my little heart as it has because of Jessa's writing. however...
The loss of a star:
- The book could have been about 70 pages shorter. I just felt some of the writing went on a bit too long and found myself getting disengaged from the book.
Overall: If you've read the first 4 books, this 5th book will not be a disappointment to you, but if you already don't like the series, this most likely won't win you over.
Description: Magnolia and BJ had their world rocked by death a second time in their relationship. However, as they work to solidify their relationship through marriage, Magnolia has a lot of work to do on herself as the public refuses to give her a break. Will BJ be able to support her? Can Magnolia trust BJ completely in order to heal? Will they make it down the aisle?
The goods:
- BJ's self-growth is extremely evident in this book and I loved to see it.
- Magnolia's journey with dealing with so much grief and trauma from her life was such a beautiful arc that I can't wait to re-read the series again.
- I actually liked focusing much more on BJ and Magnolia. Yes, we see the box set of course, but there was a much more laser focus on the couple and I appreciated that focus, it made the book a bit easier to follow.
- The emotions I experienced reading this book felt so personal and I don't think this book would have dug as deep into my little heart as it has because of Jessa's writing. however...
The loss of a star:
- The book could have been about 70 pages shorter. I just felt some of the writing went on a bit too long and found myself getting disengaged from the book.
Overall: If you've read the first 4 books, this 5th book will not be a disappointment to you, but if you already don't like the series, this most likely won't win you over.
Our Wives Under The Sea by Julia Armfield
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
Bookclub has happened. Time to rant.
Description: What would you do if your significant other was lost at sea for 6 months, and then returned out of seemingly thin air? Miri must handle that question once she gets the phone call that Leah has returned. However, Leah isn't exactly how Miri remembers her. What did Leah go through in the submarine for 6 months and can Miri get the old Leah back?
The good?
- I liked Leah's perspective, it was very creepy when in the sub.
- The people on the actual sub were very interesting.
The loss of 3 stars:
- Miri SUCKED. I did not like her character from the get-go and I tried to put myself in her shoes, but I couldn't because from the beginning she wants her old Leah back, but how did she even think that would be possible after the trauma Leah must have gone through?
-There is no resolution. Absolutely none. I have a million questions and about zero answers. Extremely irritating, having one storyline closed and answered would have maybe given this book back a half-star.
- I'm salty because there was way too much salt mentioned in this book and I did not understand it at all. It's not like Leah was in the water? They had fresh water in the sub? I was lost, which is a great summary of my whole feelings for this book.
Overall: There are other horror books out there that I think are a bit easier to understand if you are someone that needs a touch more structure and explanation in a book. Clearly people love the writing, but I didn't, so if you like beautiful writing, maybe this is for you...?
Description: What would you do if your significant other was lost at sea for 6 months, and then returned out of seemingly thin air? Miri must handle that question once she gets the phone call that Leah has returned. However, Leah isn't exactly how Miri remembers her. What did Leah go through in the submarine for 6 months and can Miri get the old Leah back?
The good?
- I liked Leah's perspective, it was very creepy when in the sub.
- The people on the actual sub were very interesting.
The loss of 3 stars:
- Miri SUCKED. I did not like her character from the get-go and I tried to put myself in her shoes, but I couldn't because from the beginning she wants her old Leah back, but how did she even think that would be possible after the trauma Leah must have gone through?
-There is no resolution. Absolutely none. I have a million questions and about zero answers. Extremely irritating, having one storyline closed and answered would have maybe given this book back a half-star.
- I'm salty because there was way too much salt mentioned in this book and I did not understand it at all. It's not like Leah was in the water? They had fresh water in the sub? I was lost, which is a great summary of my whole feelings for this book.
Overall: There are other horror books out there that I think are a bit easier to understand if you are someone that needs a touch more structure and explanation in a book. Clearly people love the writing, but I didn't, so if you like beautiful writing, maybe this is for you...?
If Only I Had Told Her by Laura Nowlin
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
4.5
Note: This was the first book I cried to in 2024. I only cried to 3 in 2023, so crying is not a common occurrence for me when reading! ALSO: This is a sequel, so there will inherently be spoilers of If He Had Been With Me in the description of this book. LASTLY: check the content warnings before reading. They are at the beginning of the physical copy of the book.
General Description:
Told from three perspectives, you get a unique insight into all the characters from If He Had Been With Me. First up: Finn. The last day of his life is looked at in-depth and we get a unique look at his and Autumn's past, as well as his relationship with Sylvie. Second up, Jack. College was supposed to be an escape, but how can Jack escape when Finn is forever on his mind? How do you deal with the grief of losing your best friend? Lastly: Autumn. When faced with the unexpected, can Autumn cope with all the twists and turns life throws at her?
The goods:
- Finn's part was perfect, gave me closure and answers to numerous questions. It wasn't the exact format I was expecting it in, but I thoroughly feel it was the perfect way to hear from him.
- While Jack's perspective was unexpected to me, it was my favorite of the three. such a unique position to be in that I think Laura captured with grace and excellence.
- Autumn's and Angie's relationship was spectacular to see, especially considering the circumstances they sort of reconnected during.
- It was fantastic to see all the side characters (the moms, Slyvie) get their piece during this book as well and I think Laura chose the right 3 perspectives to have this through.
The loss of
- While I don't think I needed full closure on this book (and I feel like we get full closure on Finn and Jack), I guess I wish it was a bit more wrapped up with Autumn. However, I'm sure that was the point of the book to have an open ending but I am still not a fan of them.
Overall: I liked this a lot better than If He Had Been With Me, so if you've read the first book, I'd highly recommend this one.
General Description:
Told from three perspectives, you get a unique insight into all the characters from If He Had Been With Me. First up: Finn. The last day of his life is looked at in-depth and we get a unique look at his and Autumn's past, as well as his relationship with Sylvie. Second up, Jack. College was supposed to be an escape, but how can Jack escape when Finn is forever on his mind? How do you deal with the grief of losing your best friend? Lastly: Autumn. When faced with the unexpected, can Autumn cope with all the twists and turns life throws at her?
The goods:
- Finn's part was perfect, gave me closure and answers to numerous questions. It wasn't the exact format I was expecting it in, but I thoroughly feel it was the perfect way to hear from him.
- While Jack's perspective was unexpected to me, it was my favorite of the three. such a unique position to be in that I think Laura captured with grace and excellence.
- Autumn's and Angie's relationship was spectacular to see, especially considering the circumstances they sort of reconnected during.
- It was fantastic to see all the side characters (the moms, Slyvie) get their piece during this book as well and I think Laura chose the right 3 perspectives to have this through.
The loss of
- While I don't think I needed full closure on this book (and I feel like we get full closure on Finn and Jack), I guess I wish it was a bit more wrapped up with Autumn. However, I'm sure that was the point of the book to have an open ending but I am still not a fan of them.
Overall: I liked this a lot better than If He Had Been With Me, so if you've read the first book, I'd highly recommend this one.
Electric Idol by Katee Robert
emotional
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? It's complicated
4.5
4.5/5 Stars
General Description: When Demeter goes at it once again to try to marry off her daugther, Psyche isn't sure what to do. So while escaping a party, Psyche runs into Eros and helps him after he's run one of his errands for his mother, Aphrodite. After Eros and Psyche are photographed today, Aphrodite demands Psyche's heart. Eros's solution? Psyche will be his bride and then Aphrodite will leave her alone...right? What could possibly go wrong in this fake marriage? But, what could go right?
The goods:
- I love a good marriage of convenience trope/fake marriage. I definitely think it's starting to be one of my favorites.
- I loved how this for me isn't a story I've heard time and time again, it felt fresh even though it's based on mythology that I'm sure people have heard before.
- Psyche's personality for me is goals.
- Eros's character progression was honestly so fun to read, I loved seeing him grow.
The loss of a half-star:
- don't hate me. They say the term "milk" and I just CAN'T. Thanks my one of two words when I hear in a spicier scene that I will gag and it's an instant half-star off. Totally a personal preference, but I stand by it.
Overall: If you're looking for books that use spicy as part of the plot, while keeping an interesting plot, pick up the Dark Olympus series.
General Description: When Demeter goes at it once again to try to marry off her daugther, Psyche isn't sure what to do. So while escaping a party, Psyche runs into Eros and helps him after he's run one of his errands for his mother, Aphrodite. After Eros and Psyche are photographed today, Aphrodite demands Psyche's heart. Eros's solution? Psyche will be his bride and then Aphrodite will leave her alone...right? What could possibly go wrong in this fake marriage? But, what could go right?
The goods:
- I love a good marriage of convenience trope/fake marriage. I definitely think it's starting to be one of my favorites.
- I loved how this for me isn't a story I've heard time and time again, it felt fresh even though it's based on mythology that I'm sure people have heard before.
- Psyche's personality for me is goals.
- Eros's character progression was honestly so fun to read, I loved seeing him grow.
The loss of a half-star:
- don't hate me. They say the term "milk" and I just CAN'T. Thanks my one of two words when I hear in a spicier scene that I will gag and it's an instant half-star off. Totally a personal preference, but I stand by it.
Overall: If you're looking for books that use spicy as part of the plot, while keeping an interesting plot, pick up the Dark Olympus series.
The Teacher by Freida McFadden
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Note: Please check content warnings before reading this. If you cannot read about student-teacher relationships in any context, I would skip this. however, if you can handle the content and love mysteries, I'd highly recommend it.
General Description: Eve is back for her 8th year of teaching, alongside her husband Mr. Bennett. Eve teaches math and unfortunately, she lost her mentor because of a "relationship" a student was having with them. That student happens to be in Eve's math class. Addie doesn't want to be back in high school, everyone judges her for her "relationship" with her math teacher last year. However, when Addie gets into Mr. Bennett's class, school doesn't seem so terrible anymore. How will Eve feel when Addie starts to mess with her life?
The five stars:
- THE. TWISTS. WERE. INSANE. and I'm sure there will be some reviews where they call the twists predictable, but not for me. I was shocked.
- The pacing is always quick and I could not put the book down.
- The two perspectives have such distinct voices, which I feel like I personally haven't seen from Freida before and I was sold.
- The vibes of this book did make me angry, as Freida wanted readers to be, and I was emotionally invested in the entire book.
- The description of high school felt very real to me, which I think made the book easier to read.
Overall: Freida keeps elevating herself and I cannot wait to see what else she does. If you're looking for quick thrillers, Freida should be your go-to.
General Description: Eve is back for her 8th year of teaching, alongside her husband Mr. Bennett. Eve teaches math and unfortunately, she lost her mentor because of a "relationship" a student was having with them. That student happens to be in Eve's math class. Addie doesn't want to be back in high school, everyone judges her for her "relationship" with her math teacher last year. However, when Addie gets into Mr. Bennett's class, school doesn't seem so terrible anymore. How will Eve feel when Addie starts to mess with her life?
The five stars:
- THE. TWISTS. WERE. INSANE. and I'm sure there will be some reviews where they call the twists predictable, but not for me. I was shocked.
- The pacing is always quick and I could not put the book down.
- The two perspectives have such distinct voices, which I feel like I personally haven't seen from Freida before and I was sold.
- The vibes of this book did make me angry, as Freida wanted readers to be, and I was emotionally invested in the entire book.
- The description of high school felt very real to me, which I think made the book easier to read.
Overall: Freida keeps elevating herself and I cannot wait to see what else she does. If you're looking for quick thrillers, Freida should be your go-to.
My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
dark
mysterious
tense
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
4.0
General Description:
Korede gets a frantic call from her sister, who said her boyfriend was getting violent so Korede's sister killed him. However, that's the 3rd man Korede's sister has killed. Korede realizes her sister is a serial killer for men she's in a relationship with. When Korede's crush becomes entranced by her sister, Korede is caught between keeping her crush alive or keeping her sister happy in a new relationship. Which will she choose?
The goods:
- The short chapter style made this book fast paced and packed a punch.
- Korede is such a strong voice and seeing her explain the events related to her sister felt honest in the beginning...
- TBH, I thought the mom was a great point of comedic relief in the book and I enjoyed her personality.
- The subplot of Korede talking to a coma patient made my heart warm a bit.
The loss of a star:
- The character progression of Koredejust hasn't sat well with me? I wasn't 100% sure how the book would end, but I did not think there would be such a u-turn in the character progression and it's stuck as a sore spot in my mind.
Overall, if you're looking for a snappy, quick mystery read, this is what you should pick up next.
Korede gets a frantic call from her sister, who said her boyfriend was getting violent so Korede's sister killed him. However, that's the 3rd man Korede's sister has killed. Korede realizes her sister is a serial killer for men she's in a relationship with. When Korede's crush becomes entranced by her sister, Korede is caught between keeping her crush alive or keeping her sister happy in a new relationship. Which will she choose?
The goods:
- The short chapter style made this book fast paced and packed a punch.
- Korede is such a strong voice and seeing her explain the events related to her sister felt honest in the beginning...
- TBH, I thought the mom was a great point of comedic relief in the book and I enjoyed her personality.
- The subplot of Korede talking to a coma patient made my heart warm a bit.
The loss of a star:
- The character progression of Koredejust hasn't sat well with me? I wasn't 100% sure how the book would end, but I did not think there would be such a u-turn in the character progression and it's stuck as a sore spot in my mind.
Overall, if you're looking for a snappy, quick mystery read, this is what you should pick up next.
Sex Cult Nun by Faith Jones
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
fast-paced
5.0
General Description:
Faith Jones was born into a cult. Her grandfather is the creator of the cult. Faith did not know there was much more out there, until she started to grow up and the cult started to falter. You get to grow up with Faith in this book to see how someone stays in a cult and then eventually gets out. How does one cope after leaving a cult? Faith is open and honest in her own journey and she graciously takes us along her very personal story.
All the stars:
- I personally loved the initial history section giving us background. I know that part can be dry to folks and luckily I don't think you need to read the history section to get the story, so it's nice if you want to skip it!
- Faith's voice grows with her and she grows up in the book and I enjoyed seeing that progression.
- This book sparks deeper thoughts around religion and as someone who enjoys self-reflection, I appreciated the thought processes I had based on this book and reflecting on my own relationship with God.
- The pacing was excellent to me, i read it within a 24 hour time period and did not want to put it down.
- this felt like a fictional story and at points I wish it was, but that kept me engaged and led me to want to research the cult further to see what others say about it from a different perspective. This book will stick with me.
Overall, if you're looking to get back into nonfiction, I feel this is a book that could spark your interest back into non-fiction!
Faith Jones was born into a cult. Her grandfather is the creator of the cult. Faith did not know there was much more out there, until she started to grow up and the cult started to falter. You get to grow up with Faith in this book to see how someone stays in a cult and then eventually gets out. How does one cope after leaving a cult? Faith is open and honest in her own journey and she graciously takes us along her very personal story.
All the stars:
- I personally loved the initial history section giving us background. I know that part can be dry to folks and luckily I don't think you need to read the history section to get the story, so it's nice if you want to skip it!
- Faith's voice grows with her and she grows up in the book and I enjoyed seeing that progression.
- This book sparks deeper thoughts around religion and as someone who enjoys self-reflection, I appreciated the thought processes I had based on this book and reflecting on my own relationship with God.
- The pacing was excellent to me, i read it within a 24 hour time period and did not want to put it down.
- this felt like a fictional story and at points I wish it was, but that kept me engaged and led me to want to research the cult further to see what others say about it from a different perspective. This book will stick with me.
Overall, if you're looking to get back into nonfiction, I feel this is a book that could spark your interest back into non-fiction!
Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
General Description:
Bernadette is infamous among the Seattle elite. However, one day, she goes missing. B, her daughter, receives a lot of documents leading up to Bernadette's disappearance that she explores in order to hopefully find her mother. Will B be able to track her down, even if she's all the way across the work? Bernadette has disappeared once before, so will she be able to do it again?
The goods:
- This was such a fun format book between the emails, letters, and transcripts. I couldn't put it down!
- The adventure you go on in this book and the character development is a bit confusing but engaging at the same time.
- I really like B's perspective of the entire situation and am glad we get to hear her voice.
The loss of two stars:
- There is some outdated language that did make me a bit uncomfortable while reading.
- IT JUST ENDS, there is no resolution. I mean this is probably one of the books that will stick with me simply because I have a million questions.
Overall, do not pick up this book if you need everything wrapped up in a nice bow. It will haunt you, but if you like books with open endings and quirky adventures, this could be the book for you!
Bernadette is infamous among the Seattle elite. However, one day, she goes missing. B, her daughter, receives a lot of documents leading up to Bernadette's disappearance that she explores in order to hopefully find her mother. Will B be able to track her down, even if she's all the way across the work? Bernadette has disappeared once before, so will she be able to do it again?
The goods:
- This was such a fun format book between the emails, letters, and transcripts. I couldn't put it down!
- The adventure you go on in this book and the character development is a bit confusing but engaging at the same time.
- I really like B's perspective of the entire situation and am glad we get to hear her voice.
The loss of two stars:
- There is some outdated language that did make me a bit uncomfortable while reading.
- IT JUST ENDS, there is no resolution. I mean this is probably one of the books that will stick with me simply because I have a million questions.
Overall, do not pick up this book if you need everything wrapped up in a nice bow. It will haunt you, but if you like books with open endings and quirky adventures, this could be the book for you!