avidbooknerd2028's reviews
19 reviews

Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim

adventurous emotional funny inspiring mysterious tense medium-paced

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

5.0

This book blew my mind. I have been having a really rough relationship with Young Adult lately, so I wasn't sure what to expect going into this one. Holy Heck was I impressed.

This book is beautiful in the descriptions, be that scenery or character. The author definitely has a way with her describing that makes it play out in my head better than most. She was descriptive without overdoing it, especially in a world with magic that needed to be somewhat built. Honestly, this was the best Young Adult world building I have seen in some time.

The character development in this book was astounding. I didn't really know who to root for for awhile. Just when I thought I had everything figured out the plot twist took me out. This was definitely not a plot twist I seen coming and so the shock had me in a choke hold. With that said the characters in here had some growing up to do, and the author definitely nailed that. It may have seemed almost too fast, though during such a situation it is understandable to be extremely fast in the process.

Overall this book was the best Young Adult book I have read in quite awhile and has given me renewed hope that I haven't fallen out of love with the YA genre yet. This book deserves all the love and so much more!!!

The Demon in the Wood by Leigh Bardugo

adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious tense fast-paced

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

3.75

I wish this story would have been longer. It was interesting to see the character development and his dreams. 

Leviathan Wakes by James S.A. Corey

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.75

Holy hell!!! 

Why did I put this off for so long?!? 

This book was amazing, entertaining and kept me on the edge of my seat. I can't wait to delve into book two! 

Defending Elysium by Brandon Sanderson

adventurous dark informative mysterious medium-paced

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

4.0

This was a good addition to the Skyward series. I cannot get enough Brandon Sanderson. His writing is amazing, story telling is even better! 

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

adventurous dark funny hopeful mysterious slow-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

3.5

I loved this book in high school, so decided a reread would be good. Now that I have read a lot of fantasy I found this book to be very slow.

My main issue was things that needed to be longer scenes just weren't but descriptions of things not always important were the longest. This bothered me more than it should've. 

Blush by Helen Hardt

adventurous emotional funny hopeful fast-paced

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

4.0

I received this book in exchange for an honest review. 

I had never read anything from this author before, so decided to give it a go. This book was better than I expected. While it still has flaws, they aren't over the top flaws to me. Most of the ones I can think of off the top of my head are minor. Such as repeating the fact that Jackson and Mandy are best friends, this isn't something the reader while reading a romance would necessarily forget. We get it, it doesn't need to be stated every couple of pages. The same goes for the fact that Mandy is secretly in love with her best friend but he can't / doesn't know it. We get it its an unrequited love so far, no need to rub our noses in it. Other than that I think this book was done properly and well written. 

The author has done some research as I found the BDSM seemingly healthy, there are a few hiccups but the book deals with those in a timely fashion. The relationship between the two main characters is slightly toxic, but I honestly think its a realistic toxic. The things they say and do are things I have seen other couples do, this doesn't excuse the toxic behaviour but I think it makes it more realistic and believable.

Overall this was a good book and I do plan to pick up more by this author.

ReDawn by Brandon Sanderson, Janci Patterson

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense slow-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

3.25

This novella moved a bit slower than the last one, but it definitely didn't take away any of my enjoyment. These are quick reads, and like I said prior they don't add a bunch of stuff to the story that I know of thus far but they are enjoyable. It's nice to see some of the side characters that I was curious about get a novella of their own. I learned so much about them and who they are, I think it will make the rest of the series more meaningful.

Sunreach by Brandon Sanderson, Janci Patterson

adventurous challenging emotional 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? No

3.5

I absolutely love the Skyward series, I had heard so many mixed reviews about this novellas that I kept putting them off. I'm glad I finally read them though, they don't add much to the story thus far. These are characters we were introduced to but didn't know a lot about. I'm really hoping we get more of their story.

The Butcher of Anderson Station by James S.A. Corey

adventurous dark emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This was definitely a good start to the series, it made me want to read more. I can't wait to delve into this entire universe. I really hope it lives up to the hype surrounding it!