bethanyangharads's reviews
662 reviews

Tender Is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica

challenging dark sad tense

5.0

In a dystopian future where animal meat is toxic and human meat is legalized, Marcos works in the business of slaughtering humans. When he receives a captive woman as a deal-closing gift, he locks her away, but her fearful presence begins to haunt him. Struggling with guilt, he confronts his role in the brutal system and wonders if redemption is possible. 

Reading Tender is the Flesh by Augustina Bazterrica left me shaken in a way I can’t quite shake off. The premise—a world where humans are farmed for meat—feels uncomfortably possible, especially with the unsettling laws and ethical shifts happening in our own world. The graphic, unromanticized writing doesn’t shy away from the horror, forcing you to face it head-on. It’s twisted, yes, but I found myself unable to look away, haunted by its chilling portrayal of a dark, possible future. I’ll never forget it, but a warning: check the triggers before diving in. 

The Memory Police by Yōko Ogawa

dark mysterious reflective tense

3.75

On an unnamed island, objects begin mysteriously disappearing, and while most people remain unaware, a few can recall what’s been lost, living in fear of the oppressive Memory Police. When a struggling novelist learns her editor is at risk of being erased, she hides him beneath her floorboards, and together they cling to her writing as their only way of preserving the past in a world that seeks to forget.

I was captivated by the premise of this novel, particularly the concept of disappearing objects and the eerie turning point when books start to vanish. However, I did feel a sense of frustration as the reason behind the disappearances remained unexplained, leaving me with lingering questions. Additionally, while the main character’s struggle as a writer adds an interesting layer, I found it difficult to fully connect with the significance of her own novel within the story. Despite these uncertainties, the novel's unique concept and emotional depth make it a memorable read that stays with you long after finishing.

DallerGut Dream Department Store by Miye Lee

hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No

4.0

Drawn in by the cover, this novel is set in a magical store where dreams of all kinds are sold, new employee Penny must solve the mystery of a stolen, coveted dream. Set in a whimsical town hidden in the subconscious, the story follows Penny and her eccentric colleagues as they navigate a world full of strange customers and mysterious happenings.

When I first picked up this novel, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I found it fascinating. Each chapter felt like a self-contained short story, yet the overall narrative required a more cohesive approach. Already, I can tell this is a book I’ll remember. The premise is unique and intriguing, offering something refreshingly different. While I struggled at times with the writing style—possibly due to translation—it’s hard to say if that’s a result of the text not flowing as smoothly in English or a deliberate choice. Though there are darker moments, like dying people sending dreams to loved ones, the novel maintains an overall sense of hope and calm.

The Book Swap: A Funny and Uplifting Romance for Book Lovers! by Tessa Bickers

adventurous emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

3.5

The concept of this novel is so epic; getting to know other people through leaving notes and annotations in the column of novels, so cool! It does make me wonder about how a cool gift could be sending a friend a novel, with your own annotations in it. 

In terms of the novel itself, this is definitely not a cozy and lighthearted read. This isn't necessarily a bad thing! It looks at the love best friends share and the heartbreak when once passes away. It's a heavy novel. We also witness the unfurling of heavy truths that have ruined friendships, bullying that has left scars, and infidelity that has caused family rifts. It's a pretty well written story about healing and being real with yourself; recognising your own faults. 

Something I've learnt about myself and romance books is that I'm definitely more of a fluffy and light-hearted romance reader. I'm saying this because I think many people could really like this novel and my rating is just reflective of my own preferences.

The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave

adventurous mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No

3.25

I was so hooked into this book within the first 100 pages. The relationship between the step mother and daughter was so interesting and I was looking forward to seeing how it developed. Mystery wise, I did find myself wanting to know what happened next, which kept this novel a page turner. I will admit that, since this book is marketed as a thriller, that I was waiting for some more action to happen. Since I'm a mood reader, and was in the mood for more THRILL, this does mean that I felt a little bored at times. 

In terms of the ending, I did feel like things were a bit rushed. The step-mother daughter relationship felt like it developed TOO quickly at the end and lost some of its believability. I also can't help but feel like there was a lot left unsaid. Like one of my mates in bookclub mentioned, I would have enjoyed a look at what happened next.

The Au Pair Affair by Tessa Bailey

emotional funny hopeful inspiring medium-paced

3.5

Sleeping Worlds Have no Memory by Yaroslav Barsukov

adventurous challenging dark mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.5

Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey

emotional funny hopeful fast-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? It's complicated

5.0

Something that I love about this novel is that the blurb lures you in, and all the set up mentioned in the blurb, is over with in the first 10%. The plot continues, the drama increases, and the romance continues to bloom... or explode. Thank you Bailey, for not dragging this on! Also, heads up, this one is SPICY. 

Also, if you're worried about the golf terminology perhaps being hard to understand, don't worry about it. I know a very minimal amount of golf jargon and I understood what was happening just fine. Reading this was wholly immersive. Once I started reading, it felt like I was in a chick-flick and I hardly came up for air until I had finished the whole thing.

I also love the characters for who they are. Josephine has type-1 diabetes (something close to home for Bailey since her daughter has the same condition) but doesn't let it stop her. In fact, there's a good level of conversation about how she ISN't soft. Then, with Wells, he has a rough childhood but learns to not let this be an excuse for his bad behaviour. 

I've already put book 2 on hold and am excited to see this is becoming a trilogy next year!

Storm and Fury by Jennifer L. Armentrout

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

3.5

I picked this novel up after loving Armentrout’s ‘From Blood and Ash’ series (well the four I’ve read) and honestly, I just prefer that series.

There isn’t anything fundamentally wrong with this, it’s a good ole paranormal fantasy romance where the enemy factions have to work together to beat the bigger bad guy. I just think that the Blood and Ash series is extremely similar and written better, with a more satisfying romance and complex plot. 

I don’t think I’m super interested in continuing the series as I’m pretty sure I can guess what’s going to happen; as I guessed multiple plot points in this one. 

Paper Covers Rock by Jenny Hubbard

3.0

I believe that I would of enjoyed this novel more if I was after a more intelligent book. The appeal is there for people who enjoy poetry and intellectual thoughts. I think this book is most definitely one to be read by somebody with time on their hands and the patience to understand. Would of rated this higher if I had understood more of the content, but am not entirely familiar with Moby Dick and the rest. Thought it was a good story line and had a good moral behind it.