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arrcristi's reviews
421 reviews
Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-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? No
5.0
5/5 - If you've never read this author, I highly recommend that you give this book a shot. I guess I'm probably way too late to say this, but I still had to say it. I'm very glad I listened to people when they recommended this book to me because the story is so beautiful!
When Fitz is taken to court, he can't even imagine that the only way he'll get to keep his life is by agreeing to being trained to become an assassin. What other choice does he have being a mere bastard who's just been repudiated by his own family? And when they find out he has The Wit, what will become of him then? Will the king's will be enough to placate everyone else's wishes to get rid of him?
In this first book, the author presents us with a story of court intrigue and the constant threat of a barbaric invasion. I got Game of Thrones vibes while reading it, which I didn't mind at all. Although high fantasy is one of my all-time favorite genres, I tend to leave this type of books for moments when I'm clear-headed, as they tend to have complex plots and dense narrations. However, I basically binge-read this one and it didn't feel tiresome. The first half is a bit slower, but then it's madness (the good kind).
And what about the characters? Man, I was super interested in all of them. I both suffered and celebrated with them. I gotta admit I even cried out of joy when I read the last chapters of the book (OK, I'm an emotional person but it was just so beautiful, I swear). It's great to find such an extraordinary book, considering all the ordinary ones out there in the market these days. For me, this one's a gem and I'm already considering starting the next one, even if the size does intimidate me a bit. But I just can't get this story out of my head...
When Fitz is taken to court, he can't even imagine that the only way he'll get to keep his life is by agreeing to being trained to become an assassin. What other choice does he have being a mere bastard who's just been repudiated by his own family? And when they find out he has The Wit, what will become of him then? Will the king's will be enough to placate everyone else's wishes to get rid of him?
In this first book, the author presents us with a story of court intrigue and the constant threat of a barbaric invasion. I got Game of Thrones vibes while reading it, which I didn't mind at all. Although high fantasy is one of my all-time favorite genres, I tend to leave this type of books for moments when I'm clear-headed, as they tend to have complex plots and dense narrations. However, I basically binge-read this one and it didn't feel tiresome. The first half is a bit slower, but then it's madness (the good kind).
And what about the characters? Man, I was super interested in all of them. I both suffered and celebrated with them. I gotta admit I even cried out of joy when I read the last chapters of the book (OK, I'm an emotional person but it was just so beautiful, I swear). It's great to find such an extraordinary book, considering all the ordinary ones out there in the market these days. For me, this one's a gem and I'm already considering starting the next one, even if the size does intimidate me a bit. But I just can't get this story out of my head...
Ajuar funerario by Fernando Iwasaki
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Horrid by Katrina Leno
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
5/5 - This short contemporary novella has won me over completely! It's definitely one of my favorite reads in 2022 and I really hope everyone gives this author a chance because I can assure you that you won't feel disappointed.
Two Black British people meet in a pub in London and there's a spark between them. He's a photograph and she's a dancer, but apart from being artists, they also share the sour experience of trying to be seen in a city that pushes them to remain hidden and unseen.
Before getting to what this book is about, I must say that it's one of the most beautifully written books I've ever read. I almost couldn't believe this was a debut, but it is. And what a way to go! There's so much beauty, meaning and emotion behind each one of these words...behind every single sentence really.
The reader is presented with a slow burn romance that ends up overshadowed by the theme of racism. I don't normally read romance books because they normally lack substance (especially contemporary romances, sorry), but this book is round and complete. Rather than a romance (even if there's some romance included), I'd say this book is a cry out for freedom, for the necessity of existing and being. Not being able to do so, just exist or be, not only opresses, but it also tears you apart.
The author includes a lot of references to jazz and soul music, which I found a lot of fun since I could read the novella while listening to the mentioned songs and/or artists.
It may not be an idyllic love story, but it radiates truth and honesty. So much that it hurts.
Two Black British people meet in a pub in London and there's a spark between them. He's a photograph and she's a dancer, but apart from being artists, they also share the sour experience of trying to be seen in a city that pushes them to remain hidden and unseen.
Before getting to what this book is about, I must say that it's one of the most beautifully written books I've ever read. I almost couldn't believe this was a debut, but it is. And what a way to go! There's so much beauty, meaning and emotion behind each one of these words...behind every single sentence really.
The reader is presented with a slow burn romance that ends up overshadowed by the theme of racism. I don't normally read romance books because they normally lack substance (especially contemporary romances, sorry), but this book is round and complete. Rather than a romance (even if there's some romance included), I'd say this book is a cry out for freedom, for the necessity of existing and being. Not being able to do so, just exist or be, not only opresses, but it also tears you apart.
The author includes a lot of references to jazz and soul music, which I found a lot of fun since I could read the novella while listening to the mentioned songs and/or artists.
It may not be an idyllic love story, but it radiates truth and honesty. So much that it hurts.
Los peligros de fumar en la cama by Mariana Enríquez
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Joyland by Stephen King
mysterious
slow-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? No
2.25
I was so looking forward to reading this one, maybe that's why I was very disappointed. Who doesn't wanna read about someone reminicing about their happiest and most traumatic summer ever? It's true that no one writes stories the way King does and that I did like the narration and structure of this book, but it doesn't make up for the rest in my opinion.
For me, this book has two main issues: the first one is that I can't stand the main character. Devin is presented to us as a victim just because his girlfriend won't have sexual relationships with him and she ends up dumping him. OK, I get that may be hard but I don't like hearing you whining about it on and on. Throughout the story, the only memories or comments our main character makes about his ex are toxic and full of reproach. The bit in which the author says "gentlemen rarely get p*ssy" still lingers in my mind. I'm sorry, King, but WTF is this?! It's funny how this theme is still relevant by the time Devin gets to know Annie. Oh poor guy must finally get what he was going after... *rolls eyes* Apart from that, I highly disliked how the subplot about the murder was solved. It's unfortunate it went almost unnoticed, as it was the part I was most interested in.
While a lot of people classify this book within the horror category, I'd say this is a thriller with those supernatural touches us King fans are so used to and love. If you aren't keen on horror stories but still want to read something by this author, I'd highly recommend Misery.
Sadly, it wasn't a book that got me hooked and I didn't really care for the characters. It's very slow at the beginning and nothing happens in the first 150 pages or so. Also, I found myself confused at time since the author makes up a lot of stuff about amusement parks that actually happen in circuses. That didn't really help me stay focused on the story.
Hope I'll enjoy my next King much more than this one...
For me, this book has two main issues: the first one is that I can't stand the main character. Devin is presented to us as a victim just because his girlfriend won't have sexual relationships with him and she ends up dumping him. OK, I get that may be hard but I don't like hearing you whining about it on and on. Throughout the story, the only memories or comments our main character makes about his ex are toxic and full of reproach. The bit in which the author says "gentlemen rarely get p*ssy" still lingers in my mind. I'm sorry, King, but WTF is this?! It's funny how this theme is still relevant by the time Devin gets to know Annie. Oh poor guy must finally get what he was going after... *rolls eyes* Apart from that, I highly disliked how the subplot about the murder was solved. It's unfortunate it went almost unnoticed, as it was the part I was most interested in.
While a lot of people classify this book within the horror category, I'd say this is a thriller with those supernatural touches us King fans are so used to and love. If you aren't keen on horror stories but still want to read something by this author, I'd highly recommend Misery.
Sadly, it wasn't a book that got me hooked and I didn't really care for the characters. It's very slow at the beginning and nothing happens in the first 150 pages or so. Also, I found myself confused at time since the author makes up a lot of stuff about amusement parks that actually happen in circuses. That didn't really help me stay focused on the story.
Hope I'll enjoy my next King much more than this one...
Me quiero, te quiero: Una guía para desarrollar relaciones sanas by María Esclapez
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
5.0
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-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
5.0
5/5 - I picked up this book after not reading for over a month and I was quite worried it wouldn't get me out of my reading slump. Although I'd loved [book:The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo|32620332], let's just say my expectations with this one weren't over the roof...I expected it to be the typical summer story that was just a quick, unsubstantial read. And man, I couldn't have been more wrong...
With a party that will start the fire of this city in 1983 as the main protagonist, we find a story of brightness and darkness, love and betrayal, excess and scarcity. The Rivas children have an encounter with their father after having been raised without him and this end-of-summer celebration will be a turning point for Mick Riva's eldest daughter, Nina, who will be reborn from her own ashes, just like the city she grew up in.
I think what I like most about this author is how you can tell her stories are written with so much love and care (apart from her beautiful writing style, obviously). I just love how everything in her stories is intertwined. For me, this has been a moving story, full of meaning even in the most subtle details. Because even the characters with the briefest appearances are made to be meaningul and convey emotions.
As for something I didn't love, I guess I'd have to say the main characters seem a bit clichéd and that their development is rather predictable. Despite this, I just couldn't put it down!
This is one of those books you could read in one sitting (if you're that type of reader - I'm not lol) because the plot is absolutely gripping. In terms of the setting and the plot, I think the author has done a wonderful job and I think it's super cool that she added references to characters in her other works. I guess this book is responsible for my wanting to read abour Carrie Soto...
All in all, I couldn't give it less than a five-star rating because I think it's a very complete book and it managed to make me feel I was right there in Malibu watching the demise and rebirth of the Rivas family. If only all contemporary summer reads were a bit like this one...
PS - For nostalgics like myself, this could be a great pick to read during any season of the year...Who knows, maybe reading about beaches, surf and parties is just what you need in the middle of January.
With a party that will start the fire of this city in 1983 as the main protagonist, we find a story of brightness and darkness, love and betrayal, excess and scarcity. The Rivas children have an encounter with their father after having been raised without him and this end-of-summer celebration will be a turning point for Mick Riva's eldest daughter, Nina, who will be reborn from her own ashes, just like the city she grew up in.
I think what I like most about this author is how you can tell her stories are written with so much love and care (apart from her beautiful writing style, obviously). I just love how everything in her stories is intertwined. For me, this has been a moving story, full of meaning even in the most subtle details. Because even the characters with the briefest appearances are made to be meaningul and convey emotions.
As for something I didn't love, I guess I'd have to say the main characters seem a bit clichéd and that their development is rather predictable. Despite this, I just couldn't put it down!
This is one of those books you could read in one sitting (if you're that type of reader - I'm not lol) because the plot is absolutely gripping. In terms of the setting and the plot, I think the author has done a wonderful job and I think it's super cool that she added references to characters in her other works. I guess this book is responsible for my wanting to read abour Carrie Soto...
All in all, I couldn't give it less than a five-star rating because I think it's a very complete book and it managed to make me feel I was right there in Malibu watching the demise and rebirth of the Rivas family. If only all contemporary summer reads were a bit like this one...
PS - For nostalgics like myself, this could be a great pick to read during any season of the year...Who knows, maybe reading about beaches, surf and parties is just what you need in the middle of January.