bladeofgrass's reviews
7 reviews

The Secret History by Donna Tartt

challenging dark emotional funny mysterious reflective sad tense slow-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? Yes

5.0

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

dark emotional funny mysterious reflective sad slow-paced

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

4.75

No Exit by Taylor Adams

adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

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

4.0

First of all, while I did love this book I brought it down to one star because the use of slurs throughout the book seemed to be dropped meaninglessly having no effect on the actual plot and no real significance in the characterization of certain characters. The n word with the hard r is used in the context of a joke and a derogatory word for chinese people is used multiple tomes in reference to a location. Then there was also some misogynistic jokes made and all of these things if taken away wouldnt have changed much if anything in the story, so for me, I’d have to take away at least a star for that because i think if any of those things are used in story telling at the very least they should be absolutely, without a doubt, necessary for the plot imo. Also it is a pretty gory and graphic book so if you have trouble reading any of those things i would recommended skipping this one.

 I have just finished this book and I have so many thoughts I’m not sure where to begin. First of all, I would have finished this in one sitting had I not had work today, but I will say at work i was looking forward to reading it all day. I read it on my breaks and when i got home i immediately got a drink and a snack and cozied up in my bed to finish reading the book.

This is not a whodunnit thriller. You find out fairly early on who the main perpetrator is in the story. However, this book kept me on the absolute edge constantly feeling dread and fear for the main character and wondering how things would work out. With that said, as the plot moves forward it makes sense logically while still being somewhat unexpected meaning for more deductive readers it feels very rewarding while still making you wonder. This book is definitely one of my favorite books I’ve read so far this year and if you like fast paced on the edge of your seat thrillers, you’ll definitely enjoy this.

Survive the Night by Riley Sager

dark mysterious medium-paced

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

1.75

The premise of this book really interested me and while some parts definitely made me feel suspense they would be quickly followed up by parts that absolutely took me out of the story.

For me, a major issue is the main character who comes off as an ‘I’m not like other girls’ kind of girl and

while in a way this is addressed towards the end with character development this is done in a way that makes it feel almost unreadable in some parts.

Also, the pacing felt really inconsistent which made it difficult to read, and unfortunately, as some twists happened, they became more and more unbelievable and it became more and more difficult to suspend my disbelief.

With that said there were some lovely and enjoyable moments throughout the book and some lovely moments of development with the characters.

Circe by Madeline Miller

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

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

4.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Misogyny, Rape, and Sexual assault

Catherine House by Elisabeth Thomas
Did not finish book. Stopped at 22%.

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

adventurous emotional funny sad medium-paced

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

4.5