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bookishdaylight's reviews
303 reviews
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
I was not prepared for the emotional turmoil this book had put me through. It was so beautifully written however it can be alarming at some points in which there were so many heavy topics and events that happened that when I think about it, it makes me tear up again.
It's about family, love, and loss and how the characters experienced one of the most traumatic things a child, a woman could ever go through. This was set in Afghanistan in where this was during a war that occurred in that country that changed the lives of so many people.
I couldn't imagine thinking about being a woman in that time and in that place going through so many hardships in life where they hardly even lived. They were disregarded and had to go abide by a lot of regulations and if those rules were broken, even if it was simply going outside then they would be punished, beaten, or terminated. So many cruelties that women had to suffer through at the hand of men.
The most inspiring thing that happened was how resilient Mariam and Laila were despite all the things that they had to went through. They had each other when no one could even save them where It was such comfort how they found solace in one another.
This was truly an amazing read and it has touched my heart and will forever be remembered.
It's about family, love, and loss and how the characters experienced one of the most traumatic things a child, a woman could ever go through. This was set in Afghanistan in where this was during a war that occurred in that country that changed the lives of so many people.
I couldn't imagine thinking about being a woman in that time and in that place going through so many hardships in life where they hardly even lived. They were disregarded and had to go abide by a lot of regulations and if those rules were broken, even if it was simply going outside then they would be punished, beaten, or terminated. So many cruelties that women had to suffer through at the hand of men.
The most inspiring thing that happened was how resilient Mariam and Laila were despite all the things that they had to went through. They had each other when no one could even save them where It was such comfort how they found solace in one another.
This was truly an amazing read and it has touched my heart and will forever be remembered.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Body shaming, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Slavery, Violence, Blood, Grief, Gaslighting, Abandonment, War
The Final Gambit by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
2.0
One of my most anticipated reads of the year and I was disappointed, to say the least. I know that even if my main ship wasn't going to happen, I was still expectant of the mystery aspect of it.
At the beginning of reading the book, I know that I wasn't a fan of Jameson and Avery's relationship and it was tolerable in the second book but I forgot how they can both be annoying and I forgot to mention it in my other review. I acknowledged the fact that the romance aspect isn't the main thing about the story but it still affects the storyline and finding out the real reason why Jameson and Avery were in a relationship, to begin with, was the worse thing to ever happen to me so if you read the exclusive edition with bonus content of the book in the Walmart edition then you know what I'm talking about.
Moving on the plot, there was so much potential in the mystery and thrill of it but there were a lot of moments that dragged and were anticlimactic making some of the situations pointless. I also keep asking myself about the wine cellar scene and how I don't remember it in the previous books and somehow it was explained by some random scene in the book and the reason why Jameson was still doubtful of his relationship with Avery.
Lastly, why should Avery end up with any of the brothers? looking back at the previous two books, they are both traumatized about a lot of stuff so maybe it was better to not make her choose between the two of them because she was stringing them both along and we all knew it. Literally, one of the reasons why I hate love triangles and how it's always the main character's fault why she was in that position in the first place.
p.s chapter 69 was genius and I still can't get over it.
" folklore songs as characters "
Jameson - betty
Grayson - Augustine
Avery - James
Every scene when Grayson was with Evie and how close they were was a stab in the heart. I hated what JLB put me through and how she did Grayson's character so dirty. I almost DNF this book because of it and how I couldn't take it anymore but I still got through with it because I had to, for Grayson.
In the bonus edition of the Walmart exclusive, JLB says that the reason why she made Avery and Jameson the main couple or the endgame was because when she was writing the story and how she'll make the mystery aspect of it, Avery and Jameson would have the most interactions and it would seem fitting that they would end up together. She was also looking into the compatibility between the two and she knows that Avery was suitable for both of the brothers but the main reason was because of the interactions of the characters so that's why we didn't get Grayson as the main love interest. I'm sorry Grayson girlies, we deserve better! Grayson deserves better and I stand by it.
At the beginning of reading the book, I know that I wasn't a fan of Jameson and Avery's relationship and it was tolerable in the second book but I forgot how they can both be annoying and I forgot to mention it in my other review. I acknowledged the fact that the romance aspect isn't the main thing about the story but it still affects the storyline and finding out the real reason why Jameson and Avery were in a relationship, to begin with, was the worse thing to ever happen to me so if you read the exclusive edition with bonus content of the book in the Walmart edition then you know what I'm talking about.
Moving on the plot, there was so much potential in the mystery and thrill of it but there were a lot of moments that dragged and were anticlimactic making some of the situations pointless. I also keep asking myself about the wine cellar scene and how I don't remember it in the previous books and somehow it was explained by some random scene in the book and the reason why Jameson was still doubtful of his relationship with Avery.
Lastly, why should Avery end up with any of the brothers? looking back at the previous two books, they are both traumatized about a lot of stuff so maybe it was better to not make her choose between the two of them because she was stringing them both along and we all knew it. Literally, one of the reasons why I hate love triangles and how it's always the main character's fault why she was in that position in the first place.
p.s chapter 69 was genius and I still can't get over it.
Jameson - betty
Grayson - Augustine
Avery - James
Every scene when Grayson was with Evie and how close they were was a stab in the heart. I hated what JLB put me through and how she did Grayson's character so dirty. I almost DNF this book because of it and how I couldn't take it anymore but I still got through with it because I had to, for Grayson.
In the bonus edition of the Walmart exclusive, JLB says that the reason why she made Avery and Jameson the main couple or the endgame was because when she was writing the story and how she'll make the mystery aspect of it, Avery and Jameson would have the most interactions and it would seem fitting that they would end up together. She was also looking into the compatibility between the two and she knows that Avery was suitable for both of the brothers but the main reason was because of the interactions of the characters so that's why we didn't get Grayson as the main love interest. I'm sorry Grayson girlies, we deserve better! Grayson deserves better and I stand by it.
Lovely War by Julie Berry
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
slow-paced
4.0
" And you understand now why they lost their minds and fought the wars,
and why I spent my whole life trying to put into words. "
- You are in love by Taylor Swift
This is my second time reading this and it never seems to fail me. It was a bittersweet romance regarding how the characters were portrayed in the story. The struggles that they faced and the tragedies of the war make it seem as if their relationship was doomed from the start. It was such an eye-opener how it was told from a god's perspective, with aphrodite playing cupid.
This was so beautifully written and I was fully immersed with the characters themselves. You can really feel the heartbreak and sorrow of the people's lives during the war and how it impacts the story itself.
When it comes to the romance aspect, it was slow and I was not bothered by it since it's all about the MCs finding the confidence to love themselves despite the war making them feel scarred and if love is truly worth taking a chance on during the hardest times of their lives.
and why I spent my whole life trying to put into words. "
- You are in love by Taylor Swift
This is my second time reading this and it never seems to fail me. It was a bittersweet romance regarding how the characters were portrayed in the story. The struggles that they faced and the tragedies of the war make it seem as if their relationship was doomed from the start. It was such an eye-opener how it was told from a god's perspective, with aphrodite playing cupid.
This was so beautifully written and I was fully immersed with the characters themselves. You can really feel the heartbreak and sorrow of the people's lives during the war and how it impacts the story itself.
When it comes to the romance aspect, it was slow and I was not bothered by it since it's all about the MCs finding the confidence to love themselves despite the war making them feel scarred and if love is truly worth taking a chance on during the hardest times of their lives.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Sexual harassment, War
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
adventurous
fast-paced
3.0
The premise itself is very intriguing, yet the lack of presentation of world-building and character development that was showcased in the story made it seem as if the conflict and the troubles that they experienced were too easy.
This was also a polyamory romance in which the main character is open to having multiple romances at the same time. I was also having trouble understanding the system of the battle scenes that were happening.
Lastly, the ending was rushed making me confused.
This was also a polyamory romance in which the main character is open to having multiple romances at the same time. I was also having trouble understanding the system of the battle scenes that were happening.
Lastly, the ending was rushed making me confused.
A Broken Blade by Melissa Blair
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
3.0
Starting from the beginning, it focused more on Keera's character showcasing her flaws and internal conflict about what she does. There were moments where the situation of how she handles things can get questionable in a way that can cause suspicion to others but it was mostly disregarded. I know that she holds power but there are also limits to it and I also wanted to know how the system works in the arsenal and her duty as a blade but there was little to grasp about how it really works.
The world-building was average considering it was mostly skimmed in a way you know there is so much more to unpack leaving you with so many questions with no answers. The other characters were alright and the relationships that were showcased can be dull or forced sometimes.
The way it ended was unnecessary to me and I understand that the author needed to do a twist of some sort to hook you into reading book 2 but that was not it. I could think of so many ways to not make the situation unbearable and let everyone be on good terms but it was as if the whole point of the plot was a joke. Only if you leave a crown to claim he said but the actions at the end defy that for some reason. I can't tell much due to spoilers but I hated the ending.
The world-building was average considering it was mostly skimmed in a way you know there is so much more to unpack leaving you with so many questions with no answers. The other characters were alright and the relationships that were showcased can be dull or forced sometimes.
The way it ended was unnecessary to me and I understand that the author needed to do a twist of some sort to hook you into reading book 2 but that was not it. I could think of so many ways to not make the situation unbearable and let everyone be on good terms but it was as if the whole point of the plot was a joke. Only if you leave a crown to claim he said but the actions at the end defy that for some reason. I can't tell much due to spoilers but I hated the ending.
Violet Made of Thorns by Gina Chen
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
2.0
The concept sounds promising yet the execution was absolute trash. There was no world-building with the plot being tedious and predictable. The love interest himself was shallow to the bone. The only appeal to me about him is his death and I was denied that when that is mainly why he is cursed.
Now, I understand why he is cursed and needs to die and I have so many reasons why he needs to die because the mere mention of his name makes me want to kill him myself. The relationship he has with Violet barely exists and I refuse to believe he even likes her because he is a womanizer and expects everyone to do his bidding. He is also a stuck-up brat and thinks his good looks can get him anywhere but only with his fangirls.
This book itself felt underwhelming to read and there was nothing and I mean nothing that made me grasp the whole point of the curse if they just end up being stupid in the end. Dante should've taken me with him and I wouldn't regret anything.Violet could've been a villain and she fucked that up too.
Now, I understand why he is cursed and needs to die and I have so many reasons why he needs to die because the mere mention of his name makes me want to kill him myself. The relationship he has with Violet barely exists and I refuse to believe he even likes her because he is a womanizer and expects everyone to do his bidding. He is also a stuck-up brat and thinks his good looks can get him anywhere but only with his fangirls.
This book itself felt underwhelming to read and there was nothing and I mean nothing that made me grasp the whole point of the curse if they just end up being stupid in the end. Dante should've taken me with him and I wouldn't regret anything.
The Stranger in Seat 8B by Nikki Castle
fast-paced
4.0
I wish it was longer because it was that good!
Hunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton
dark
tense
slow-paced
3.0
Addy annoyed me and the thing that she did near the end is called stupidity. The book was also a little longer and there were some parts that were unnecessary. At the end with Sibby and that random guy, what was that? There was also no explanation about the guy of some sort.
Haunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
4.0
This book is very dark and has many trigger warnings that you should be aware of. If this is your first time reading this genre then I suggest you do not read this book. Details are very graphic and can make you uncomfortable so be warned.
I think this book should be categorized as a thriller than a romance so the themes wouldn't mislead others and think that the actions made by the protagonist are acceptable. The thing is that there are so many moments that place doubts on the main character's beliefs where over time she makes an effort to accept her situation which is not fine at all.
I hate that there were moments that should be taken seriously but instead, they romanticize them.
It makes the readers think that the action that was made by the predator is fine which makes them ignore the other red flags that were present throughout the whole book. I also didn't like that there was little discussion about Adeline's situation and it was disregarded at times or brushed off by her.
If the predator himself should be considered a savior for the reason he saves sex-trafficked girls and women from men who abused them then sure he can be called a savior but if he does save women and children and have this particular liking towards this one woman and tries to stalk her and force her in a relationship then how can he be a good guy if what he does is save people then does this traumatizing stuff to this one woman.
I'm fine with him killing other people and stuff but her not giving consent and him forcing himself on her is not acceptable but he still continues to do throughout the whole book. I researched topics and themes that this book has so I am aware of some of the things that this book talks about but still questionable stuff.
In some way, the stalking part traumatize me a bit since I also experienced it recently and it made me remember the times when it happened to me...
I think this book should be categorized as a thriller than a romance so the themes wouldn't mislead others and think that the actions made by the protagonist are acceptable. The thing is that there are so many moments that place doubts on the main character's beliefs where over time she makes an effort to accept her situation which is not fine at all.
I hate that there were moments that should be taken seriously but instead, they romanticize them.
It makes the readers think that the action that was made by the predator is fine which makes them ignore the other red flags that were present throughout the whole book. I also didn't like that there was little discussion about Adeline's situation and it was disregarded at times or brushed off by her.
If the predator himself should be considered a savior for the reason he saves sex-trafficked girls and women from men who abused them then sure he can be called a savior but if he does save women and children and have this particular liking towards this one woman and tries to stalk her and force her in a relationship then how can he be a good guy if what he does is save people then does this traumatizing stuff to this one woman.
I'm fine with him killing other people and stuff but her not giving consent and him forcing himself on her is not acceptable but he still continues to do throughout the whole book. I researched topics and themes that this book has so I am aware of some of the things that this book talks about but still questionable stuff.
In some way, the stalking part traumatize me a bit since I also experienced it recently and it made me remember the times when it happened to me...
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Chronic illness, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gun violence, Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Cannibalism, Stalking, Murder, Gaslighting, Sexual harassment
I Wish You All the Best by Mason Deaver
challenging
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
4.0
This was a big warm hug that I needed! I was so touched and inspired by a lot of the characters that were present in the story. I loved the pacing and the excellent representation of aspects of being a nonbinary.
There were so many heart-warming moments and essential topics of coming out which our main character Ben struggled with. I cherish the moments when he had the confidence to adjust to so many new situations and people. He was such an inspiration!
There were so many heart-warming moments and essential topics of coming out which our main character Ben struggled with. I cherish the moments when he had the confidence to adjust to so many new situations and people. He was such an inspiration!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Mental illness, Gaslighting