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bexthebookworm's reviews
34 reviews
House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
emotional
funny
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
But wherever you’re headed when this life is over, Quinlan, that’s where I want to be, too.----
⭐⭐⭐✨ 3.75 stars
Okay imma get the bad for me out the way first. I feel like this had too many subplots ; I feel like there was so much happening at once I got massive confusion. For the size of this chonky book... Lots of it. Was. Not. Needed. Only subplot I really enjoyed was Night & Days romance 🥺🩷
Now the good:
The ending made me SQUEAL with excitement to read the next book, I won't spoil but if you've read other works from SJM you'll love this ending, cried at work the minute everything started clicking with the last chapter. I loooooved seeing furys soft side and romance 🤗🏳️🌈 my gaydar just KNEW I was gonna eat it up and I did. Loved getting to see Bryce & Hunt being together again.. ugh I just love this world and characters so much, very excited but terrifed to read the final chapter
⭐⭐⭐✨ 3.75 stars
Okay imma get the bad for me out the way first. I feel like this had too many subplots ; I feel like there was so much happening at once I got massive confusion. For the size of this chonky book... Lots of it. Was. Not. Needed. Only subplot I really enjoyed was Night & Days romance 🥺🩷
Now the good:
The ending made me SQUEAL with excitement to read the next book, I won't spoil but if you've read other works from SJM you'll love this ending, cried at work the minute everything started clicking with the last chapter. I loooooved seeing furys soft side and romance 🤗🏳️🌈 my gaydar just KNEW I was gonna eat it up and I did. Loved getting to see Bryce & Hunt being together again.. ugh I just love this world and characters so much, very excited but terrifed to read the final chapter
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Sexual content, Grief, and War
Speak: The Graphic Novel by Laurie Halse Anderson
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Beautiful illustrations throughout this book , very emotional and moving plot. Wasn't really shocked with anything since I have seen the movie with Kristen. Such a powerful book that shows the difficulty of highschool while also experiencing trauma. Would recommend but please read the trigger warnings ❤️🩹
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Mental illness, Rape, and Self harm
Love in the Time of Serial Killers by Alicia Thompson
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
I don't regret giving you my heart, Phoebe. I just wish you'd taken more care with it.
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Man what the fuck what this. I really really hate giving bad reviews cause writers put their hard work into it. The main character is so obnoxious and this writing is low-key giving being a feminist as being annoying. Every single couple chapters was the main character either accusing someone of true crime or being a shitty human to people when they are just literally existing. Only good thing I liked from this book was the spice being somewhat good and the fact that there was a cat.
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Man what the fuck what this. I really really hate giving bad reviews cause writers put their hard work into it. The main character is so obnoxious and this writing is low-key giving being a feminist as being annoying. Every single couple chapters was the main character either accusing someone of true crime or being a shitty human to people when they are just literally existing. Only good thing I liked from this book was the spice being somewhat good and the fact that there was a cat.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Death of parent
The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Do you want to change this world, little serpent? Then climb your cage until you are so high no one can catch you. Break its bars and make them your weapons. Nothing is sharper. I know because I did it
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-Raihn I'm on my knees for you and you're so sexy but if you say "there she is" one more time 🧎🏼♀️.. that was my only ick with this book but I know it's just a me thing but I don't like it when characters repeat phrases alot.
- Loved the banter, fight scenes, and characters! I feel like it touched well on having complications with parental figures. Main character gave me massive Nesta Archeron energy and I love her for that. Can definitely see myself recommending these to adult fantasy lovers and also finishing the series myself!
------
-Raihn I'm on my knees for you and you're so sexy but if you say "there she is" one more time 🧎🏼♀️.. that was my only ick with this book but I know it's just a me thing but I don't like it when characters repeat phrases alot.
- Loved the banter, fight scenes, and characters! I feel like it touched well on having complications with parental figures. Main character gave me massive Nesta Archeron energy and I love her for that. Can definitely see myself recommending these to adult fantasy lovers and also finishing the series myself!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual assault, Violence, Abandonment, and War
Minor: Rape
Leap by Simina Popescu
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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
4.0
Adorable plot and the iconic "am I gay quiz"
Loved the ending and may have teared up a bit .. sidenote Stunning illustrations!
Loved the ending and may have teared up a bit .. sidenote Stunning illustrations!
Counting the Cost by Jill Duggar
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
“You don’t need to go back into battle. You need to heal. Really heal.”
————
I don’t like rating memoirs as a feel like it’s not kind nor fair to the writer so I will not be adding stars.
This discussed being brainwashed by religion in such a direct yet fragile manner, and I very much enjoyed it. It touched on guilt of disobeying your parental figures and how much that truly can eat you alive. I grew up borderline fundamentalist evangelical and deconstruction of being a part of the religion is still something I continue struggle with after 24 years on this planet. I cope through this by listening to lots of discussion of religious cults knowing I’m not alone in my struggles and thus brought on me reading this. If you also have religious trauma or sexual abuse , especially if by family, please read with caution.
I’m beyond proud of Jill Duggar and her sister Jessa for coming forward with their trauma and taking that voice back. I also am so glad that she found such a kind loving husband who truly is her safety in life, one who believed her. 🩷
- if you love all things true crime, cults, and the horrifying reality of (some) TV Childhood Stars give this a shot! -
————
I don’t like rating memoirs as a feel like it’s not kind nor fair to the writer so I will not be adding stars.
This discussed being brainwashed by religion in such a direct yet fragile manner, and I very much enjoyed it. It touched on guilt of disobeying your parental figures and how much that truly can eat you alive. I grew up borderline fundamentalist evangelical and deconstruction of being a part of the religion is still something I continue struggle with after 24 years on this planet. I cope through this by listening to lots of discussion of religious cults knowing I’m not alone in my struggles and thus brought on me reading this. If you also have religious trauma or sexual abuse , especially if by family, please read with caution.
I’m beyond proud of Jill Duggar and her sister Jessa for coming forward with their trauma and taking that voice back. I also am so glad that she found such a kind loving husband who truly is her safety in life, one who believed her. 🩷
- if you love all things true crime, cults, and the horrifying reality of (some) TV Childhood Stars give this a shot! -
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Religious bigotry, and Pregnancy
The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas
also I dead ass thought that this was going to go a queer route with the pastors character and I’m kind of upset that it didn’t. The way that religion was discussed in the atmosphere of him, revealing that he’s a witch truly made me think religious guilt for being gay… also wasn’t a fan of the random romance happening between the two characters, I feel like they should’ve just stayed acquaintances and not have any attraction.
challenging
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
“ I needed help. And no one at Hacienda San Isidro was going to give it to me.”
——————
Emojis to describe without spoilers: 🥀🇲🇽🚪🔥👩🏽🍳🧙🏽♂️😳
—————-
Holy shit. I was on the edge of my seat so much in this book it gave me clammy hands y’all. The discussion of racism and the difficulty of being a woman in Hispanic and male dominated society was handled with care and executed very well.
Wasn’t a fan of the ending felt like it was a bit too rushed from a massive intensive scene happening like two chapters beforehand, would have preferred at least four more chapters… other than the ending feeling rushed and the unexpected romance I really enjoyed it!
——————
Emojis to describe without spoilers: 🥀🇲🇽🚪🔥👩🏽🍳🧙🏽♂️😳
—————-
Holy shit. I was on the edge of my seat so much in this book it gave me clammy hands y’all. The discussion of racism and the difficulty of being a woman in Hispanic and male dominated society was handled with care and executed very well.
Wasn’t a fan of the ending felt like it was a bit too rushed from a massive intensive scene happening like two chapters beforehand, would have preferred at least four more chapters… other than the ending feeling rushed and the unexpected romance I really enjoyed it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexism, Blood, Religious bigotry, and Murder
The Book Witch by Melanie Karsak
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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? It's complicated
3.0
"Because more than anything, I wanted to fix that smile-forever"
Stone ..the man that YOU ARE 🥵❤️ He's sweet, a great dad, and handsome?
This was an adorable clean romance , no spice, but I still highly enjoyed it. I'm giving it three however cause I do wish it talked more about the brewery and what exactly happens more to income for stone. As well as there was a scene regarding Paige reading in her store with magic that just wasnt my cup of tea with how it played out. Other than those short spots though I highly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to any! Sidenote while it does take around place in Christmas time this was not overboardvholiday themed and I really enjoyed that as I read it after the holidays 🤗🩷
Stone ..the man that YOU ARE 🥵❤️ He's sweet, a great dad, and handsome?
This was an adorable clean romance , no spice, but I still highly enjoyed it. I'm giving it three however cause I do wish it talked more about the brewery and what exactly happens more to income for stone. As well as there was a scene regarding Paige reading in her store with magic that just wasnt my cup of tea with how it played out. Other than those short spots though I highly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to any! Sidenote while it does take around place in Christmas time this was not overboardvholiday themed and I really enjoyed that as I read it after the holidays 🤗🩷
Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
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
4.0
When someone dies, everything about them becomes past tense. Except for the grief. Grief stays in the present. It’s even worse when you’re angry at the person. Not just for dying. But for how.
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
The story that was within this book was beautiful, easy to follow, and beyond important. Boulley discussed Native American culture in a must read way, describing their culture to where I truly felt like I was there witnessing everything. The mystery and the romance made this very enjoyable but also a good tense at times. Please read the trigger warnings as always. Highly recommend this one! ❤️🪶
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
The story that was within this book was beautiful, easy to follow, and beyond important. Boulley discussed Native American culture in a must read way, describing their culture to where I truly felt like I was there witnessing everything. The mystery and the romance made this very enjoyable but also a good tense at times. Please read the trigger warnings as always. Highly recommend this one! ❤️🪶
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Rape, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Death, Drug abuse, Gun violence, Kidnapping, Grief, and Gaslighting
Resting Scrooge Face by Meghan Quinn
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Eh. Not the greatest and pretty cringe but nice book to read in the holiday time and quick read