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ashleyj_reads's reviews
335 reviews
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
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
AAAAAHHHH!!
Let's start with the request for the art department: please update the map for book four. Thanks.
ANDARNA! I bawled like a baby, may have thrown the book across the room. I am not okay.
OS is amazingly written, and is definitely my favorite book of the series so far. I am fascinated by the world, politics, and society building that's just packed into the plot of the Quest Squad's adventures. Keep Ridoc safe. Bring back Garrick.
I have so many questions and need book four now please. Oh, and more of Broccoli.
Let's start with the request for the art department: please update the map for book four. Thanks.
ANDARNA! I bawled like a baby, may have thrown the book across the room. I am not okay.
OS is amazingly written, and is definitely my favorite book of the series so far. I am fascinated by the world, politics, and society building that's just packed into the plot of the Quest Squad's adventures. Keep Ridoc safe. Bring back Garrick.
I have so many questions and need book four now please. Oh, and more of Broccoli.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Death, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
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? Yes
4.0
Phoebe is the character I feel for but also want to shake some sense into. Thank goodness she found her sense and adjusted her lifestyle choices! The growth is epic and as odd as the friendship and found family personalities are in contrast to Phoebe's, it works so well.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide attempt
Crank by Ellen Hopkins
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
What an absolute roller coaster of a plot! It's entirely character-based and this poor child is going through it. The emotions that come with reading this are many, and come from every part of my own history (teenager, mom, girlfriend, etc.). From one POV Hopkins allows you to see and feel how so many can be affected by one very distinct moment in time.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Drug abuse, and Drug use
Not If I Save You First by Ally Carter
adventurous
emotional
sad
tense
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? No
4.0
I haven't read an Ally Carter book in years, decades maybe, but I now remember why I used to love them. Such good characters, plot, development of both, and just good writing.
Dual POV of two friends caught in the middle of an international Problem. They lose each other but are, thankfully, forced back together just in time to save the world and each other. A cute, actually realistic (looking at you, every girl-finds-out-she's-a-princess trope (but honestly ILY too)) coming of age/YA love story.
Dual POV of two friends caught in the middle of an international Problem. They lose each other but are, thankfully, forced back together just in time to save the world and each other. A cute, actually realistic (looking at you, every girl-finds-out-she's-a-princess trope (but honestly ILY too)) coming of age/YA love story.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Kidnapping
Minor: Blood
Glass by Ellen Hopkins
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Well. I was gutted by Crank, but this one is so, so much worse. Watching Kristina continue down the path that is addiction and its consequences is heartbreaking. This installment of the series hurts more because of the motherhood piece of it all. Kristina's journey is captivating, heart wrenching, and written in beautiful verse.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Drug abuse, Drug use, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Body shaming and Sexual content
The Crash by Freida McFadden
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Predictable in a I’ve read lots of this author and understand her style way, but still has twists and surprises. I loathe all but two of these characters.
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
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
4.0
Kya is a STRONG human being with and incredible talent and accompanying intelligence. This is a beautiful love letter to nature (both wild and human).
Destroy the evidence.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Death and Domestic abuse
Minor: Sexual assault, Sexual content, Death of parent, and Murder
An Academy for Liars by Alexis Henderson
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
The ending!!!
I was not emotionally attached to these characters as I usually would be, so their story didn't hurt me but damn it should have.
In this not-magic-magical-world of reality bending, the Chosen One goes through a roller coaster of emotional and physical exhaustion and torture.
I was not emotionally attached to these characters as I usually would be, so their story didn't hurt me but damn it should have.
In this not-magic-magical-world of reality bending, the Chosen One goes through a roller coaster of emotional and physical exhaustion and torture.
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal cruelty, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
A Daughter of Fair Verona by Christina Dodd
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- 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
This is a fascinating what-if imagining of Romeo and Juliet. Although I caught myself not paying attention for some of book around 70% (I listened to the audio), I still found it very likeable.
The characters are well written, keeping their quirks and passions from the original play while also showing growth over the years unseen.
Rosie is a rockstar and independent AF! Romeo and Juliet are just as annoying in their late 30s as they are in their teens (eww). And the antagonist of it all - I didn't see it coming! I was simultaneously surprised and pleased! The ending is fantastically satisfying for girl power.
The characters are well written, keeping their quirks and passions from the original play while also showing growth over the years unseen.
Rosie is a rockstar and independent AF! Romeo and Juliet are just as annoying in their late 30s as they are in their teens (eww). And the antagonist of it all - I didn't see it coming! I was simultaneously surprised and pleased! The ending is fantastically satisfying for girl power.
Content Warnings
Minor: Violence and Murder
Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A huge thanks to Book of the Month for the early release access to this novel (December 2024)!
No details in this review because I'm afraid it will spoil the good parts.
There wasn't a single moment in this story when I thought I knew what was happening and ended up being right. Every page is an unexpected twist written in a beautifully captivating way. I absolutely LOVE that the switch in POVs occurred on the page through font switch; this is the first time I've seen it done and it should be common practice. Feeney is a master at weaving every piece together. I will think about this book for a while.
Book 1 of 2025, and it's going to be hard to top!
No details in this review because I'm afraid it will spoil the good parts.
There wasn't a single moment in this story when I thought I knew what was happening and ended up being right. Every page is an unexpected twist written in a beautifully captivating way. I absolutely LOVE that the switch in POVs occurred on the page through font switch; this is the first time I've seen it done and it should be common practice. Feeney is a master at weaving every piece together. I will think about this book for a while.
Book 1 of 2025, and it's going to be hard to top!
Content Warnings
Minor: Cursing, Death, Pedophilia, Sexual content, Grief, Murder, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, and Abandonment