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aprillynn's reviews
81 reviews
Mirror, Mirror by Jen Calonita
3.0
While "Mirror, Mirror" was a decent read it just left me wanting.... more.
While the story held my interest for the most part, I felt it was too close to the original telling with a few modifications. It could have used more twists and turns than what was provided to truly make it a "twisted tale."
I will say I did appreciate a glimpse into the Evil Queens past and why she became the way she did and the alternating between Snows view and Ingrids (Evil Queen) view was particularly enjoyable.
While the story held my interest for the most part, I felt it was too close to the original telling with a few modifications. It could have used more twists and turns than what was provided to truly make it a "twisted tale."
I will say I did appreciate a glimpse into the Evil Queens past and why she became the way she did and the alternating between Snows view and Ingrids (Evil Queen) view was particularly enjoyable.
The True Meaning of Smekday by Adam Rex
4.0
I truly enjoyed "The True Meaning of Smekday"! At first I wasn't sure about it as it is written my 13 yr old Gratuity Tucci so it's a bit rough at times, but I loved how it moved along. Now if you think this is going to be EXACTLY like the movie, you'd be very wrong. The only similarities are the name and description of the Boov, slushious, Pig the cat, the holes in everything from the Boovs weapons, and Gratuity Tuccis' name. They never leave the U.S. even though the premise is still Tip trying to find her mom. I actually enjoyed that the story line was so different as it held my attention more than it would have if it was exactly like the movie based off of it.
The comic strips throughout the book also added a bit of extra flare ❤
The comic strips throughout the book also added a bit of extra flare ❤
Dragonwatch by Brandon Mull
4.0
Originally my 8 yr old picked our Dragonwatch at our local library for me to read and I didn't plan to read it all the way. Mainly because I figured it wouldn't be something I'd enjoy, but I can admit when I am incorrect 😂
I thoroughly enjoyed following Kendra, Seth, Calvin, and all of the characters on their adventure to save the dragon sanctuary and keep the world safe. I will say, however, I did feel for the dragons and how they were placed in a sanctuary to keep the world safe. Much like other cultures were placed in "sanctuaries" to keep others safe throughout history. That being said, it was a great quick read that kept my attention page after page ❤
I thoroughly enjoyed following Kendra, Seth, Calvin, and all of the characters on their adventure to save the dragon sanctuary and keep the world safe. I will say, however, I did feel for the dragons and how they were placed in a sanctuary to keep the world safe. Much like other cultures were placed in "sanctuaries" to keep others safe throughout history. That being said, it was a great quick read that kept my attention page after page ❤
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
4.0
This was a bit slow going, but so glad I kept going! By the end I was completely hooked ❤
A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
5.0
SO much better than A Court of Thorns and Roses 🌹 ! I loved how Feyre came into her own and all the twists and turns it offered ❤
A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
4.0
This one was broken down into two parts of reading time for me due to having to turn it back into the library before finishing so my review may not be completely coherent.
While I enjoyed this book as a whole I feel like there was a lot of filler. I loved the first 1/3 and the last 1/3 of this book and how Feyre really came into her own and became the High Fae she was meant to be all along. I really couldn't stand Nesta and how she treated everyone like they were beneath her the whole time. I wish she could have just been left out altogether!!
I became impatient often throughout the book and had to resist skipping pages/chapters, but I didn't of course.
While I enjoyed this book as a whole I feel like there was a lot of filler. I loved the first 1/3 and the last 1/3 of this book and how Feyre really came into her own and became the High Fae she was meant to be all along. I really couldn't stand Nesta and how she treated everyone like they were beneath her the whole time. I wish she could have just been left out altogether!!
I became impatient often throughout the book and had to resist skipping pages/chapters, but I didn't of course.
A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas
3.0
I honestly went back and forth about reading this installment of the series since so many said you could move on to book four with out reading book 3.5, and in many ways I feel they were correct. I'm sure I'll know for certain once I read book 4 whether or not number 3.5 was a must read before moving forwards.
One thing this book did do was let us have a peak in Rhys, Mors, Cassians, and Azriel's pasts and what they have all over came to become what they now are. I will say I have more respect for "the family," but less respect for Nesta and how she treats everyone around her like garbage.
One thing this book did do was let us have a peak in Rhys, Mors, Cassians, and Azriel's pasts and what they have all over came to become what they now are. I will say I have more respect for "the family," but less respect for Nesta and how she treats everyone around her like garbage.
Bird Box by Josh Malerman
dark
slow-paced
4.0
Okay, Okay, I committed the ultimate bookworm sin, AGAIN! I read this book AFTER seeing the movie, but to be fair I didn’t know there was a book for about a year after seeing the movie. Watching the movie before reading the book is truly something I try to avoid, but it seems like in less than a month I have committed this sin TWICE!! OH THE HORROR!!!
With this one I found myself sayig, “But that is not how it happened in the movie!” in the best possible way. While the plot of the story and many of the characters were of the same nature, the book just added more details as usual. It was nice to see more depth to the characters where the reader got to know them as well as they got to know the main character, Malorie. The author also switched between Malorie’s time in the house with her “housemates” as well as her time on the river with “Boy” and “Girl” whereas in the movie it went straight through if I’m remembering correctly. I felt this added depth as well and kept the reader interested instead of just one long mundane story of strangers being brought together in an attempt of survival from something that cannot be seen or you otherwise go “mad.”
I rated “Bird Box” four out of five because while I enjoyed the story line and movement of the plot, there were a few chapters where I had to figure out WHO was speaking. The author threw in a couple chapters where someone other than Malorie was telling the story, and while I understand WHY those parts were important, it would have been nice to have a header or indicator that another character was speaking so the reader didn’t have to figure out while Malorie was doing what she was doing when it really wasn’t her at all.
All in all I will be reading the sequel once I read one other book I have queued for the month of February!
With this one I found myself sayig, “But that is not how it happened in the movie!” in the best possible way. While the plot of the story and many of the characters were of the same nature, the book just added more details as usual. It was nice to see more depth to the characters where the reader got to know them as well as they got to know the main character, Malorie. The author also switched between Malorie’s time in the house with her “housemates” as well as her time on the river with “Boy” and “Girl” whereas in the movie it went straight through if I’m remembering correctly. I felt this added depth as well and kept the reader interested instead of just one long mundane story of strangers being brought together in an attempt of survival from something that cannot be seen or you otherwise go “mad.”
I rated “Bird Box” four out of five because while I enjoyed the story line and movement of the plot, there were a few chapters where I had to figure out WHO was speaking. The author threw in a couple chapters where someone other than Malorie was telling the story, and while I understand WHY those parts were important, it would have been nice to have a header or indicator that another character was speaking so the reader didn’t have to figure out while Malorie was doing what she was doing when it really wasn’t her at all.
All in all I will be reading the sequel once I read one other book I have queued for the month of February!
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
dark
emotional
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I am not quite sure what I just finished reading...
This book definitely messed with my head and did NOT end the way I though it would. I really don't want to give spoilers, but be prepared for twists you may nit suspect and to be left without closure.
If you're like me too NEED closure or another book to follow after the one with the incomplete ending ends, then this may not be the book for you. The beginning was mediocre and somewhat boring. You pretty much hate both main characters from the get go and feel like their life is just stinking miserable. You'll indeed how miserable and neither one will let you forget it.... ever.
If you enjoy narcissistic characters with no depth then this book is for you. If not, then choose something else... quick.
The reason I'm giving 3 stars is mainly because the twists did keep me engaged... after the first half to three quarters was over.
This book definitely messed with my head and did NOT end the way I though it would. I really don't want to give spoilers, but be prepared for twists you may nit suspect and to be left without closure.
If you're like me too NEED closure or another book to follow after the one with the incomplete ending ends, then this may not be the book for you. The beginning was mediocre and somewhat boring. You pretty much hate both main characters from the get go and feel like their life is just stinking miserable. You'll indeed how miserable and neither one will let you forget it.... ever.
If you enjoy narcissistic characters with no depth then this book is for you. If not, then choose something else... quick.
The reason I'm giving 3 stars is mainly because the twists did keep me engaged... after the first half to three quarters was over.
If I Stay by Gayle Forman
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-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
Ok, I am about to admit to the ULTIMATE book worm sin.... I read this book AFTER seeing the moving several years ago... I know, I know, I should have my book work club membership revoked. My card shredded. My name black listed! But in all seriousness... always read the book first my booky friends.
I've owned this book for around 8 years (it was after the movie release that my sweet husband bought it for me once I realized the movie we'd just seen on our date night as adapted from a novel). I put the book on a shelf in hopes to read it after I had forgotten the movie since I wanted to go in with a fresh mind... I guess 8 years was long enough :,)
I honestly enjoyed "If I Stay" and it only took a little over 24 hours from start to finish. I loved how it was broken down by times of events instead of by chapters. Mia also switched from telling her story between the past and the current events and while I enjoyed this I wish there was more of her current story rather than what went on from age ten (only reason I gave 4 instead of 5 stars). I loved how the author used music as a common factor throughout and how things were compared to certain aspects of Mia playing cello. While I am 32 years old, music is one thing that I believe is NOT generational and that all generations can connect through in some shape and form. By the end of the book I felt like part of Mia's family and was rooting for her to fight. I cannot wait to read book number two within this duo!
I've owned this book for around 8 years (it was after the movie release that my sweet husband bought it for me once I realized the movie we'd just seen on our date night as adapted from a novel). I put the book on a shelf in hopes to read it after I had forgotten the movie since I wanted to go in with a fresh mind... I guess 8 years was long enough :,)
I honestly enjoyed "If I Stay" and it only took a little over 24 hours from start to finish. I loved how it was broken down by times of events instead of by chapters. Mia also switched from telling her story between the past and the current events and while I enjoyed this I wish there was more of her current story rather than what went on from age ten (only reason I gave 4 instead of 5 stars). I loved how the author used music as a common factor throughout and how things were compared to certain aspects of Mia playing cello. While I am 32 years old, music is one thing that I believe is NOT generational and that all generations can connect through in some shape and form. By the end of the book I felt like part of Mia's family and was rooting for her to fight. I cannot wait to read book number two within this duo!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Child death, and Death of parent