Scan barcode
bibliorama's reviews
156 reviews
Know My Name by Chanel Miller
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Again another story that is hard for me to give a star rating to because this story is beyond star pixels on a screen. It's a lot of truth to the emotions that survivors of sexual violence feel, and I can only hope that this book was a therapeutic experience for Chanel.
One of the many things I gathered from this book is that Chanel is a powerful writer and also a very normal human. Which just goes to show that sexual assault can happen to anyone and victims shouldn't be put into stereotypes that are used against them. I recommend this read for everyone. It will affirm your feelings whether they're anger, sorrow, hopefulness, or happiness. I think this book is a good read for someone at any stage of processing trauma.
I recommend the audiobook as Chanel is the narrator.
One of the many things I gathered from this book is that Chanel is a powerful writer and also a very normal human. Which just goes to show that sexual assault can happen to anyone and victims shouldn't be put into stereotypes that are used against them. I recommend this read for everyone. It will affirm your feelings whether they're anger, sorrow, hopefulness, or happiness. I think this book is a good read for someone at any stage of processing trauma.
I recommend the audiobook as Chanel is the narrator.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Sexual violence, Rape, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Bullying, Classism, Medical content, Gaslighting, and Alcohol
Know what this book is about before going into it.
One by One by Ruth Ware
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I'm giving as much in this review as the book gave.
Enjoyment - 3
Just an eh book. Definitely not the worst thriller I've read and the writing was okay, just nothing extraordinary or surprising.
Start - 3
Fine setup with some okay characters.
Characters - 3
One of the POVs was kind of grating to be in as they were repetitive and more of a recluse, so we didn't get to see enough of the more interesting characters.
Atmosphere - 4
I do like a snowy environment. Give me all the blizzards, freezing temps, and mother nature trying to go after humans.
Plot - 2
None of the plot twists were shocking and the ending wrap-up was too long after the final ski. The biggest waste was the incorporation of the app Snoop. It wasn't used nearly as much as it should have been. If you're going to have a gimmick as least go all the way with it right?!
Ending - 4
The full scene of the final ski was great to read, I'll give this book that. However, the ending wrap-up was too long and dragged.
Also the trope of the overweight, antisocial, recluse being the killer is overdone and not interesting. There wasn't anything new added to the conversation of that kind of character.
Style - 3
Repetitive lines here and there. Not memorable, but still readable.
Overall - 3
Enjoyment - 3
Just an eh book. Definitely not the worst thriller I've read and the writing was okay, just nothing extraordinary or surprising.
Start - 3
Fine setup with some okay characters.
Characters - 3
One of the POVs was kind of grating to be in as they were repetitive and more of a recluse, so we didn't get to see enough of the more interesting characters.
Atmosphere - 4
I do like a snowy environment. Give me all the blizzards, freezing temps, and mother nature trying to go after humans.
Plot - 2
None of the plot twists were shocking and the ending wrap-up was too long after the final ski. The biggest waste was the incorporation of the app Snoop. It wasn't used nearly as much as it should have been. If you're going to have a gimmick as least go all the way with it right?!
Ending - 4
The full scene of the final ski was great to read, I'll give this book that. However, the ending wrap-up was too long and dragged.
Style - 3
Repetitive lines here and there. Not memorable, but still readable.
Overall - 3
Red Rising by Pierce Brown
adventurous
dark
tense
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
4.5
Now that was fun!
Enjoyment - 5
I put this off for so long -- I'm talking years -- because I was intimidated by it being in the Sci Fi genre. That is a genre I'm not entirely interested in and the few books I have read in that area were a little heavy with the lingo. However, this felt like the perfect mix between having Sci Fi elements that felt Fantasy esq. I had a fun time with the progression of this story and the book is really high on Darrow like he's the best, but that was part of the fun for me. He does some rad stuff along with Sevro and Virginia. I would ride or die for Sevro and Virginia. This book feels like the high of reaching the mountain top only for you to get to the second book to then realize this is only the first, tinier peak in a larger mountain range. This was a fun ride.
Start - 4
My least favorite part of the book. The beginning is fine though the writing was a little grating at times, this went away as the book went on. I didn't like how Darrow's wife was fridged. For being the character that Darrow's entire arc hinges upon, she wasn't very fleshed out and was more superficial. Maybe in the third book Darrow will see how little he actually new about her, because he didn't seem to know much. Or at least, not a lot of info was given to us about who she actually was. This section only gets a 4 instead of a 3 for the the Charlie Chaplin "machine minds and machine hearts" reference. It fits the theme.
Characters - 5
Virginia and Sevro *chef's kiss* and Darrow was cool to. I didn't mind that he was a Gary Stu, it meant we got scenes that were very satisfying to watch go down. Overall, the characters feel very theatrical in how they act, like the whole Gold society is a play.
Atmosphere - 4
I can't say the physical world overall is one I completely can visual without adding my own imagination to it because we didn't see much of it. The competition part I felt was described well, but it definitely invokes more of a typical Fantasy setting rather than a Sci Fi one. The political and societal atmosphere is laid out in a clear way and impacted all the characters realistically.
Plot - 5
Hmm, was this really a plot? I'm not sure. All I know is it was fun to be swept away by the actions of these characters and their little war games. Strange for that to be fun because the reality of those theories and actions is dark, but the characters had goals and acted towards reaching them and that gave the book movement.
Ending - 5
Satisfying and what I wanted to see go down. Rooted for Darrow the whole time and dammit I fell for the trap of being suspicious of Virginia.
Style - 4
The writing was serviceable and I didn't have any issues with the made up slang parts. The beginning writing with the Reds felt a bit off and stilted, so not my favorite. This seems like a good YA/Adult crossover book. It uses some pretty common YA tropes, but adds in some Adult ones as well.
Overall - 4.5
Enjoyment - 5
I put this off for so long -- I'm talking years -- because I was intimidated by it being in the Sci Fi genre. That is a genre I'm not entirely interested in and the few books I have read in that area were a little heavy with the lingo. However, this felt like the perfect mix between having Sci Fi elements that felt Fantasy esq. I had a fun time with the progression of this story and the book is really high on Darrow like he's the best, but that was part of the fun for me. He does some rad stuff along with Sevro and Virginia. I would ride or die for Sevro and Virginia. This book feels like the high of reaching the mountain top only for you to get to the second book to then realize this is only the first, tinier peak in a larger mountain range. This was a fun ride.
Start - 4
My least favorite part of the book. The beginning is fine though the writing was a little grating at times, this went away as the book went on. I didn't like how Darrow's wife was fridged. For being the character that Darrow's entire arc hinges upon, she wasn't very fleshed out and was more superficial. Maybe in the third book Darrow will see how little he actually new about her, because he didn't seem to know much. Or at least, not a lot of info was given to us about who she actually was. This section only gets a 4 instead of a 3 for the the Charlie Chaplin "machine minds and machine hearts" reference. It fits the theme.
Characters - 5
Virginia and Sevro *chef's kiss* and Darrow was cool to. I didn't mind that he was a Gary Stu, it meant we got scenes that were very satisfying to watch go down. Overall, the characters feel very theatrical in how they act, like the whole Gold society is a play.
Atmosphere - 4
I can't say the physical world overall is one I completely can visual without adding my own imagination to it because we didn't see much of it. The competition part I felt was described well, but it definitely invokes more of a typical Fantasy setting rather than a Sci Fi one. The political and societal atmosphere is laid out in a clear way and impacted all the characters realistically.
Plot - 5
Hmm, was this really a plot? I'm not sure. All I know is it was fun to be swept away by the actions of these characters and their little war games. Strange for that to be fun because the reality of those theories and actions is dark, but the characters had goals and acted towards reaching them and that gave the book movement.
Ending - 5
Satisfying and what I wanted to see go down. Rooted for Darrow the whole time and
Style - 4
The writing was serviceable and I didn't have any issues with the made up slang parts. The beginning writing with the Reds felt a bit off and stilted, so not my favorite. This seems like a good YA/Adult crossover book. It uses some pretty common YA tropes, but adds in some Adult ones as well.
Overall - 4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Murder, Grief, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Colonisation, Gore, Slavery, Excrement, Classism, War, and Death
Moderate: Death of parent, Fatphobia, and Sexual violence
Five Total Strangers by Natalie D. Richards
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.5
Enjoyment - 2
It was a quick audiobook to get through which is why I decided to finish it rather than dnf. There were some moments at the beginning where I had hope and could see some foundation for a good time, but as the book drug along that dwindled.
Start - 3
The start was the best part for me because I was excited and interested in the premise. It's why the logistics of taking a ride during a blizzard with strangers doesn't bother me. I think that's a cool setup that could lead to some fun character interactions. The writing also was fine in the beginning as well.
Characters - 1
These characters aren't developed past the intial impression Mira has of them, and we don't really learn much about their backstory. When we get the miniscule amount of backstory for each it doesn't change the characters in any meaningful way, nor does it really enhance what we already know about them. Mira stays at the same emotional level pretty much the entire time, she started out regretting her decision to take the ride and it stays like that for the rest of the book. I liked her being a painter, and what we learned about her mom and aunt. She just has an extremely repetitive inner dialog.
Atmosphere - 2
The only part of the Atmosphere that I enjoyed was the snowy environment. I love extreme snowy/freezing settings that force you to survive against mother nature, but the snow really only affected this story by making it hard to get to Mira's destination. There was a lot of plot armor for this Honda. I mean running up against the rail of a bridge and almost being a part of a pile up, to the extreme gas mileage this car must get considering they were driving in what felt like circles for forever. They would stop driving and pull over to do the most random stuff that rarely felt like the logical option. It also never felt tense. The majority of the "tenseness" was Mira saying she felt like she was being watched over and over again. Even though that feeling initially came out of the blue and when she'd look around no one in the car was ever watching her.
Plot - 1
I could get over the intial premise which is already pretty unrealistic. I was down to see what kind of chaos would ensue from that initial scenario of taking a car ride with strangers during a blizzard, but man this missed the mark. It was so repetitive and barely anything happened. I wanted the drama to be with the people in the car, but the majority of the plot was just dealing with driving in the snow and the author telling us about "feeling off" and "I'm just being paranoid." The stuff with the gas station dad/son duo and the yellow hat guy was also just not interesting. It felt so forced just to add drama when in reality I didn't want them, I wanted the characters in the car to do something rather then just complain. Plus the yellow hat guy makes no logistical sense. This had the ability to be something really good that just fell flat.
Ending - 1
Wasn't a mind blowing twist and felt pretty basic. The resolution and ending also happened very quickly. The buildup outweighed the payoff and it wasn't balanced at all.
Style - 1
This is told in first person which I'm fine with. The repetitive writing as I've mentioned is just what killed it for me. The writing also doesn't stand out in any way, which wouldn't be an issue except I was grasping at straws for something to entertain me.
This is for the audiobook only. The narrator imo was not great. The way it was read fet monotonous and lacked emotion. Especially considering the last audiobook I read was also a YA thriller where I did like the narrator, this is just not it.
Overall - 1.5
It was a quick audiobook to get through which is why I decided to finish it rather than dnf. There were some moments at the beginning where I had hope and could see some foundation for a good time, but as the book drug along that dwindled.
Start - 3
The start was the best part for me because I was excited and interested in the premise. It's why the logistics of taking a ride during a blizzard with strangers doesn't bother me. I think that's a cool setup that could lead to some fun character interactions. The writing also was fine in the beginning as well.
Characters - 1
These characters aren't developed past the intial impression Mira has of them, and we don't really learn much about their backstory. When we get the miniscule amount of backstory for each it doesn't change the characters in any meaningful way, nor does it really enhance what we already know about them. Mira stays at the same emotional level pretty much the entire time, she started out regretting her decision to take the ride and it stays like that for the rest of the book. I liked her being a painter, and what we learned about her mom and aunt. She just has an extremely repetitive inner dialog.
Atmosphere - 2
The only part of the Atmosphere that I enjoyed was the snowy environment. I love extreme snowy/freezing settings that force you to survive against mother nature, but the snow really only affected this story by making it hard to get to Mira's destination. There was a lot of plot armor for this Honda. I mean running up against the rail of a bridge and almost being a part of a pile up, to the extreme gas mileage this car must get considering they were driving in what felt like circles for forever. They would stop driving and pull over to do the most random stuff that rarely felt like the logical option. It also never felt tense. The majority of the "tenseness" was Mira saying she felt like she was being watched over and over again. Even though that feeling initially came out of the blue and when she'd look around no one in the car was ever watching her.
Plot - 1
I could get over the intial premise which is already pretty unrealistic. I was down to see what kind of chaos would ensue from that initial scenario of taking a car ride with strangers during a blizzard, but man this missed the mark. It was so repetitive and barely anything happened. I wanted the drama to be with the people in the car, but the majority of the plot was just dealing with driving in the snow and the author telling us about "feeling off" and "I'm just being paranoid." The stuff with the gas station dad/son duo and the yellow hat guy was also just not interesting. It felt so forced just to add drama when in reality I didn't want them, I wanted the characters in the car to do something rather then just complain. Plus the yellow hat guy makes no logistical sense. This had the ability to be something really good that just fell flat.
Ending - 1
Wasn't a mind blowing twist and felt pretty basic. The resolution and ending also happened very quickly. The buildup outweighed the payoff and it wasn't balanced at all.
Style - 1
This is told in first person which I'm fine with. The repetitive writing as I've mentioned is just what killed it for me. The writing also doesn't stand out in any way, which wouldn't be an issue except I was grasping at straws for something to entertain me.
This is for the audiobook only. The narrator imo was not great. The way it was read fet monotonous and lacked emotion. Especially considering the last audiobook I read was also a YA thriller where I did like the narrator, this is just not it.
Overall - 1.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction and Stalking
Minor: Cancer, Car accident, Death, Drug abuse, Injury/Injury detail, and Blood
Nothing was too graphic if any of those warnings give you pause. Here were the two most uncomfortable injuries to me a character cuts their hand on the blade of a windshield wiper and a car runs over the leg of a character. While these scenes do have some detail given over the injuries, it wasn't over the top or overly descriptive. This is still a YA book and even with the tags I listed, I think a teen reader wouldn't have much issue with what's covered.
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
adventurous
challenging
emotional
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? Yes
3.75
Enjoyment - 4
This brought back good memories from my childhood. I didn't read much (I liked to play outside more and make up stories, but I think I just wasn't very good at picking books that I'd like), but this was one of the early books in my reading journey that I remember being mindblown at the ending. The imagery of all the children bouncing the balls at the same time became a core memory. Rereading it, I think it actually held up to what I remembered reading as a kid. It didn't disappoint or fall a part, which I give it major credit for. I don't think I could same the same for other books that I enjoyed during this era. . .
Start - 3.75
The start wasn't slow, but it's also not the most interesting part of the book. It does what it needs, but I wouldn't say it goes above and beyond. I do remember thinking it was a slog to get through when I was younger, can't say my kid brain was accurate in that because it went by super fast this time around.
Characters - 4
I don't have as much to say here. I liked the main three overall, though Charles Wallace sometimes got on my nerves. I'll leave it at that.
Atmosphere - 4
The descriptions of Meg's bedroom and of the Murry house were so comforting and cozy. That ended up being on of my favorite parts.
Plot - 4
The most interesting part of the book in my opinion. I almost wish there was more time spent on Camazotz because it's so ominous and spooky. When the kids were there, that was when I felt the most tension and fear for them, even though I knew how it ended.
Ending - 3.75
Effective in what needs to be done, but also very quick.
Style - 3.5
Simple and easy to read.
Overall - 4 rounded up
This brought back good memories from my childhood. I didn't read much (I liked to play outside more and make up stories, but I think I just wasn't very good at picking books that I'd like), but this was one of the early books in my reading journey that I remember being mindblown at the ending. The imagery of all the children bouncing the balls at the same time became a core memory. Rereading it, I think it actually held up to what I remembered reading as a kid. It didn't disappoint or fall a part, which I give it major credit for. I don't think I could same the same for other books that I enjoyed during this era. . .
Start - 3.75
The start wasn't slow, but it's also not the most interesting part of the book. It does what it needs, but I wouldn't say it goes above and beyond. I do remember thinking it was a slog to get through when I was younger, can't say my kid brain was accurate in that because it went by super fast this time around.
Characters - 4
I don't have as much to say here. I liked the main three overall, though Charles Wallace sometimes got on my nerves. I'll leave it at that.
Atmosphere - 4
The descriptions of Meg's bedroom and of the Murry house were so comforting and cozy. That ended up being on of my favorite parts.
Plot - 4
The most interesting part of the book in my opinion. I almost wish there was more time spent on Camazotz because it's so ominous and spooky. When the kids were there, that was when I felt the most tension and fear for them, even though I knew how it ended.
Ending - 3.75
Effective in what needs to be done, but also very quick.
Style - 3.5
Simple and easy to read.
Overall - 4 rounded up
That Weekend by Kara Thomas
emotional
mysterious
tense
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? No
4.0
Enjoyment - 4.5
The audiobook narrator was quite good and brought a lot of emotion to the performance. I also liked the look at grief this book brings. Some of the tropes this book covers is memory loss, friends go missing in the woods during a camping trip, complicated friend dynamics.
Start - 5
We start out with our mc not remembering anything, and where she is initially found adds a lot of tension to the plot. There is a sense of threat to her, but based on her not being able to remember anything the feeling lingers.
Characters - 4
These were pretty rounded characters for ya mystery -- and I only say that not to rag on ya, but because right after this I read 5 Total Strangers. Now that was the opposite of well-rounded. Without giving away spoilers, I felt for the main character and by the end was like girl it's time for you to move on and find some new friends.
Atmosphere - 2.75
This was the lowest score simply because it felt like this plot could have happened anywhere, and there isn't anything super specific about the location or vibe that makes it stand out. Which is fine. The story was still enjoyable without that.
Plot - 4
There were some twists that I could see coming, but they were still executed well. And, there were some twists that I didn't guess entirely. How the main character found clues also felt natural and not out of thin air.
Ending - 3.75
I liked the final conflict between the mc and a few other characters. It didn't go down how I was expecting and yet it felt real to who the characters are. I think there was room for this story to push the thriller parts even further to make the stakes rise higher.
Style - 4
Easy and digestible without being too simple.
Overall - a solid 4
The audiobook narrator was quite good and brought a lot of emotion to the performance. I also liked the look at grief this book brings. Some of the tropes this book covers is memory loss, friends go missing in the woods during a camping trip, complicated friend dynamics.
Start - 5
We start out with our mc not remembering anything, and where she is initially found adds a lot of tension to the plot. There is a sense of threat to her, but based on her not being able to remember anything the feeling lingers.
Characters - 4
These were pretty rounded characters for ya mystery -- and I only say that not to rag on ya, but because right after this I read 5 Total Strangers. Now that was the opposite of well-rounded. Without giving away spoilers, I felt for the main character and by the end was like girl it's time for you to move on and find some new friends.
Atmosphere - 2.75
This was the lowest score simply because it felt like this plot could have happened anywhere, and there isn't anything super specific about the location or vibe that makes it stand out. Which is fine. The story was still enjoyable without that.
Plot - 4
There were some twists that I could see coming, but they were still executed well. And, there were some twists that I didn't guess entirely. How the main character found clues also felt natural and not out of thin air.
Ending - 3.75
I liked the final conflict between the mc and a few other characters. It didn't go down how I was expecting and yet it felt real to who the characters are. I think there was room for this story to push the thriller parts even further to make the stakes rise higher.
Style - 4
Easy and digestible without being too simple.
Overall - a solid 4
Content Warnings
Moderate: Physical abuse, Toxic friendship, Addiction, Domestic abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Alcoholism, Car accident, Cursing, and Death of parent
Minor: Blood, Bullying, and Incest
Nothing really explicit or sensationally described. A teen reader most likely wouldn't have any issues.
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
A lackluster review thrown into the ether.
Enjoyment - 3.5
This book was fine. There were some good character interactions between the love interests. Considering it's been over a month since I finished the audiobook and the fact that I had to look up the main characters' names, this book isn't going to be one that sticks with me. The conflict is really barely there which makes this a low stakes read. Which could be exactly what some are looking for in a romance, but the romance books that I go back to reread have more conflict in them. What can I say, I like drama.
Start - 4
I went in excited to read this since I really liked Beach Read. But, this is my hot take, I like Beach Read more. It felt like it had heavier emotions, which is interesting since both books touch on themes of loosing a parent. I also liked Beach Read's love interest more. (However I've also forgotten their names as well, so maybe Emiky Henry's books just don't stick with me in the long term). Still, the setup is good and I liked the characters enough.
Characters - 3
I liked that Nora was different than the typical heroine and that these characters poke fun at a lot of tropes relating to romance heroes. They just are cute and not much more for me, but again if that's what you need in a romance read at the moment then I totally recommend. The characters are light and fluffy despite the cold appearance the book tries to sell.
Atmosphere - 3
Small town, funny business names, good pond scene. That's the extent.
Plot - 3.5
There is a plot. It exists and it does keep the story moving.
Ending - 3
A bit too long and drawn out for what the ultimate conflict is. This is what really brought the enjoyment down and made the read a bit more of a slog. I think I just don't like overly done endings, it throws off the pacing.
Style - 3.5
I like Emily Henry's writing. It's not intimidating to get into and is easy to consume while not being overly simple. Plus she does have some funny dialog thrown in, though sometimes it's a bit chessy. That makes it endearing.
Overall - 3.5 rounded up
Enjoyment - 3.5
This book was fine. There were some good character interactions between the love interests. Considering it's been over a month since I finished the audiobook and the fact that I had to look up the main characters' names, this book isn't going to be one that sticks with me. The conflict is really barely there which makes this a low stakes read. Which could be exactly what some are looking for in a romance, but the romance books that I go back to reread have more conflict in them. What can I say, I like drama.
Start - 4
I went in excited to read this since I really liked Beach Read. But, this is my hot take, I like Beach Read more. It felt like it had heavier emotions, which is interesting since both books touch on themes of loosing a parent. I also liked Beach Read's love interest more. (However I've also forgotten their names as well, so maybe Emiky Henry's books just don't stick with me in the long term). Still, the setup is good and I liked the characters enough.
Characters - 3
I liked that Nora was different than the typical heroine and that these characters poke fun at a lot of tropes relating to romance heroes. They just are cute and not much more for me, but again if that's what you need in a romance read at the moment then I totally recommend. The characters are light and fluffy despite the cold appearance the book tries to sell.
Atmosphere - 3
Small town, funny business names, good pond scene. That's the extent.
Plot - 3.5
There is a plot. It exists and it does keep the story moving.
Ending - 3
A bit too long and drawn out for what the ultimate conflict is. This is what really brought the enjoyment down and made the read a bit more of a slog. I think I just don't like overly done endings, it throws off the pacing.
Style - 3.5
I like Emily Henry's writing. It's not intimidating to get into and is easy to consume while not being overly simple. Plus she does have some funny dialog thrown in, though sometimes it's a bit chessy. That makes it endearing.
Overall - 3.5 rounded up
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Death of parent
Crier's War by Nina Varela
dark
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? Yes
3.5
Enjoyment - 3.75
I quite enjoyed this book. I don't really reach for sci fi often, but this struck a nice balance between the sci fi elements and the fantasy ones. With all the alchemy and clockwork mechanics, it felt like it had a dash of steampunk strewn in, which I don't read as much as I should. The story kept me intrigued and I liked the historical document pieces that came after Crier's chapters, it was a nice touch and helped build the world. This world did feel like it had a history behind it and that the characters are living with the past's decisions. It wasn't a story that completely sucked me in to were I could forget that I was reading, but it wasn't one that I kept putting down either.
Start - 4
This start was strong and the world around these characters was built up quite well. Nothing ever felt like an info dump and information was revealed in a natural way.
Characters - 3.75
Now here I have to say Ayla was the least interesting POV to me, and if this book were told from just her perspective I probably wouldn't have enjoyed it as much. She starts the book out by wanting revenge against the Automae ruler because humans are in the lower class. That's a completely understandable want/desire, but it's a pretty common one in stories today. So she felt more bland and like other characters I've read. She did still have a personality that was consistent though, so it wasn't like she was poorly written just not the special sauce in this book.
Crier on the other hand was my favorite. I liked getting to learn about the automae and how they lived and what their thought process was like. They were the unique part to this book and I thought they were well done. It also doesn't hurt that most of the tension comes from Kinok and Hesod because they always are a little unhinged, and Crier has a close proximity to them. That makes her scenes pretty interesting especially since Crier is technically one of them, but never is fully brought in to that Automae circle.
With Ayla and Crier together, they were cute and pretty wholesome really. I found they were easy to root for.
Atmosphere - 2.5
I did like the history of how the Automae were created and the characters that went along with it. They built the world, but as far as the actual setting, it wasn't super vibrant. It was enough to let the characters to their thing, but not a showstopper in itself.
Plot - 4
At the heart of this story is a romance, but ultimately the plot is way more complex and deep than many YA fantasy romances I've read. The side characters have a lot of their own motivations going on. I'm excited to see where the second book takes the story.
Ending - 4
Left me wondering how the next book would proceed, so I'm definitely continuing on.
Style - 3
The writing was good and didn't distract from the story. I could see some differences in the writing for each perspective which was nice. It just wasn't something distinct from other stories, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.
Overall - 3.5 rounded down
I quite enjoyed this book. I don't really reach for sci fi often, but this struck a nice balance between the sci fi elements and the fantasy ones. With all the alchemy and clockwork mechanics, it felt like it had a dash of steampunk strewn in, which I don't read as much as I should. The story kept me intrigued and I liked the historical document pieces that came after Crier's chapters, it was a nice touch and helped build the world. This world did feel like it had a history behind it and that the characters are living with the past's decisions. It wasn't a story that completely sucked me in to were I could forget that I was reading, but it wasn't one that I kept putting down either.
Start - 4
This start was strong and the world around these characters was built up quite well. Nothing ever felt like an info dump and information was revealed in a natural way.
Characters - 3.75
Now here I have to say Ayla was the least interesting POV to me, and if this book were told from just her perspective I probably wouldn't have enjoyed it as much. She starts the book out by wanting revenge against the Automae ruler because humans are in the lower class. That's a completely understandable want/desire, but it's a pretty common one in stories today. So she felt more bland and like other characters I've read. She did still have a personality that was consistent though, so it wasn't like she was poorly written just not the special sauce in this book.
Crier on the other hand was my favorite. I liked getting to learn about the automae and how they lived and what their thought process was like. They were the unique part to this book and I thought they were well done. It also doesn't hurt that most of the tension comes from Kinok and Hesod because they always are a little unhinged, and Crier has a close proximity to them. That makes her scenes pretty interesting especially since Crier is technically one of them, but never is fully brought in to that Automae circle.
With Ayla and Crier together, they were cute and pretty wholesome really. I found they were easy to root for.
Atmosphere - 2.5
I did like the history of how the Automae were created and the characters that went along with it. They built the world, but as far as the actual setting, it wasn't super vibrant. It was enough to let the characters to their thing, but not a showstopper in itself.
Plot - 4
At the heart of this story is a romance, but ultimately the plot is way more complex and deep than many YA fantasy romances I've read. The side characters have a lot of their own motivations going on. I'm excited to see where the second book takes the story.
Ending - 4
Left me wondering how the next book would proceed, so I'm definitely continuing on.
Style - 3
The writing was good and didn't distract from the story. I could see some differences in the writing for each perspective which was nice. It just wasn't something distinct from other stories, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.
Overall - 3.5 rounded down
Content Warnings
Minor: Blood, Death of parent, Mental illness, and Violence
Nothing super graphic or overly described that I noted.
The Rose & the Dagger by Renée Ahdieh
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Enjoyment - 4
I really flew through this audiobook. I enjoyed the writing, and even though I didn't remember much of the plot from the first book going in, I picked up on what was happening quickly. This duology gives me soapy, melodramatic vibes but in an endearing way.
Start - 3
This is the lowest rating for me simply because it took me some time to remember the side characters and where the plot left off from the first book, but the writing really swept me in and allowed me to figure it out.
Characters - 3.5
I really enjoy these characters. They have over the top moments and the relationship between the main characters isn't the most believable, but again its a soap opera. I think I was able to accept the characters as they were written because of the writing style, it's flowery and not trying to be "gritty" and "hard-hitting." It works for this story.
Atmosphere - 5
This is the best point of the book, it gives so many tiny details that all build on each other like the food, tents, clothes, Shazi making the wrong kind of bread. It was very visual and I didn't have any trouble imagining what was happening. With how flowery the writing is, the setting and descriptions still felt very grounded.
Plot - 4
I can say I'm happy this book didn't end in a big war. I don't feel that would've fit the story, but the plot definitely had the option to go that way and I'm glad it swerved away. It's not the most complex, but the showcase is more about the writing anyway. If there was more going on I think it might have taken away from the vibes of the story. I also enjoyed the plot with Despina.
Ending - 4.5
I guessed the final sacrifice early on, but it was still a satisfying conclusion.
Style - 4
The writing is flowery but still connected to the setting and characters, which imo is the only way to do it successfully. The metaphors don't feel like out of context connections that the characters wouldn't make etc. It was easy to get wrapped up in, and I like when stories can suck me in.
Overall - 4
I really flew through this audiobook. I enjoyed the writing, and even though I didn't remember much of the plot from the first book going in, I picked up on what was happening quickly. This duology gives me soapy, melodramatic vibes but in an endearing way.
Start - 3
This is the lowest rating for me simply because it took me some time to remember the side characters and where the plot left off from the first book, but the writing really swept me in and allowed me to figure it out.
Characters - 3.5
I really enjoy these characters. They have over the top moments and the relationship between the main characters isn't the most believable, but again its a soap opera. I think I was able to accept the characters as they were written because of the writing style, it's flowery and not trying to be "gritty" and "hard-hitting." It works for this story.
Atmosphere - 5
This is the best point of the book, it gives so many tiny details that all build on each other like the food, tents, clothes, Shazi making the wrong kind of bread. It was very visual and I didn't have any trouble imagining what was happening. With how flowery the writing is, the setting and descriptions still felt very grounded.
Plot - 4
Ending - 4.5
I guessed the final sacrifice early on, but it was still a satisfying conclusion.
Style - 4
The writing is flowery but still connected to the setting and characters, which imo is the only way to do it successfully. The metaphors don't feel like out of context connections that the characters wouldn't make etc. It was easy to get wrapped up in, and I like when stories can suck me in.
Overall - 4