ashley_schulte's reviews
252 reviews

Out of the Shadows by Justina Ireland

adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.25

I ended up reading this one before the first of this series and did not enjoy it all that much. It was okay and you got to know some of the characters a bit more. I just didn't feel drawn into the characters or the story of this one. It is a box checked, but probably not one that I would pick up again.

Tatooine Ghost by Troy Denning

adventurous challenging tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and read it very quickly. I actually started reading this one while I was still reading another Star Wars book that took place before this but that I was getting bored with. This was the perfect antidote to get me motivated again. The story was interesting and colourful. The author did a great job in advancing the storyline and filling in gaps of the past for Leia. It was also an interesting glimpse into the development of Han and Leia's relationship. I would easily read this book again.

Star Wars the High Republic: Into the Dark by Claudia Gray

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.5

This is my favourite High Republic book so far. The others often lose me and I do not feel invested in them as I read. When I have read the others it has been more out of obligation and wanting to understand the whole story. This one though I actually enjoyed. It was an interesting story and it really grabbed my attention. The narration and music was wonderful. The characters were well developed throughout the book and I remember them now the most out of the many numerous characters in this series. This is the only one so far that I would read again and would want to buy for my collection.

Race To Crashpoint Tower by Daniel José Older

adventurous tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

This was another quick listen that added details to the main storyline. I didn’t love it at first, but it grew on me a bit. I am sure it is a great book for kids. 

A Test of Courage by Justina Ireland

adventurous dark fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

This was a very quick listen that added an interesting side story to the broader one of the adult novels. 

The Rising Storm by Cavan Scott

adventurous dark tense medium-paced

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

4.0

I was not loving this series, but it is starting to grow on me, especially since the audiobooks are done so well. The physical books might have had a harder time keeping my attention. The second book in this series was interesting and action packed. Having been introduced to most of the characters in the first book it was easier following along the carrots viewpoints. It also ended at an interesting cliffhanger that left me wanting to start on the next one. Still, I don’t think I’ll be rereading this series. 

The Truce at Bakura by Kathy Tyers

adventurous tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

I decided to listen to this audiobook as I was also reading the physical book. I will say I do not really love abridged versions of anything. The same thing with this one, it felt rushed the whole time. 

Fiber Fueled: The Plant-Based Gut Health Program for Losing Weight, Restoring Your Health, and Optimizing Your Microbiome by Will Bulsiewicz

informative inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

5.0

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this audiobook. It was very informative and I learned a lot. I am incredibly inspired to get my health back on track and now I feel like I have the knowledge to give it my best effort. I will definitely be purchasing the book so I can have the pdf of the 28 day plan. I highly recommend this book if you want to learn more about gut health and what you can do for yours!

I Am, I Am, I Am: Seventeen Brushes with Death by Maggie O'Farrell

adventurous emotional reflective fast-paced

3.5

This was definitely a different type of memoir. It was quite interesting, I mean 17 brushes with death! She has had quite a life so far.  I really went into this book wanting to like it, but in the end it was just an okay read for me and I wouldn’t choose to read it again. I thought it was well written and huge props to the author for all she put out there. It really does make one think about life a bit differently and ponder about our mortality. I didn’t identify with the book too often, but there were a couple parts where I did, which was interesting given that I peg myself being completely different from the author. I imagine this story is relatable in one way or another to just about anyone. 

Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen by Sarah Bird

adventurous emotional hopeful informative inspiring tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I absolutely loved this historical fiction book about Cathy Williams and cannot believe it is a story I had never heard. She was a fascinating and inspiring character and I could not put this book down. It was well written and completely pulled you into the world of Cathy. Hers is a story that should and needs to be told. It is a heart wrenching and inspiring life. I highly recommend everyone to read this book. It will definitely be going on my re-read list.