bookishwanderess's reviews
1467 reviews

Emily Wilde's Compendium of Lost Tales by Heather Fawcett

adventurous medium-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No

3.5

 This was an okay read for me. After loving the first book in the series, I’ve found myself enjoying each new installment a little less. I still really like Emily as a main character, her voice is compelling, the writing is strong, and I appreciated seeing familiar faces from the earlier books. That said, the plot in this one didn’t really grip me. The stakes felt low, and too many things seemed to fall into place a little too easily. I also really missed Emily and Wendell’s banter. Wendell was absent for a lot of the book, and when he was around, he mostly just praised Emily and followed her lead (for the most part), which was nice, but it wasn’t nearly as fun to read. 

Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

 I’d heard so many mixed reviews about this book, so I picked it up a little hesitantly. But I ended up really enjoying it. The author builds such a unique and fascinating magical world, the book is incredibly atmospheric, and at times, the writing is so beautiful that I found myself delighted and completely captivated.

The two main characters share an instant connection that definitely leans into the "insta-love" territory, which is something I usually struggle with. But in this case, it didn’t bother me. I think it worked because the whole story was so whimsical that the romance felt fitting.

Also, the ending was so well executed. There were so many reveals that I didn't see coming, and it kept surprising me. 

The Wedding People by Alison Espach

emotional funny hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No

4.5

 It took me a while to get into this, but I ended up loving it. I especially enjoyed the messy characters, sharp banter, and dark humor. I also appreciated the way it balanced serious themes with cheeky, lighthearted writing. It does a great job exploring human connection, and the friendships and romance the main character experiences with the wedding guests serve as a wonderful vehicle for those reflections. 

Before We Say Goodbye by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

reflective

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.0

 

The first story was good, and the last one was truly moving—it even made me cry. However, the second and third stories felt underwhelming. Additionally, the constant repetition of the café’s rules in every story became tiresome.

 

It by Stephen King

dark tense slow-paced

3.0

 After owning this book for years, I finally read it—and now I don’t even know how to feel about it. For most of the book, I was convinced it would be a solid 4-star read. While I didn’t find it particularly scary, it did a great job of building tension and dread. The alternating perspectives between the kids and the adults kept me hooked, always eager to see what was happening in the timeline I wasn’t currently reading. The lore surrounding Pennywise was fascinating, and the friendship between the main characters was so endearing.

That said, this book was much longer than it needed to be. At times, I was still invested in the story but felt tired of reading. There were also plot threads that went nowhere or made no sense—like the whole "Tom is in Derry" storyline, which was just kind of dropped. Even so, these things didn’t necessarily ruin my enjoyment.

But then came the ending. That one specific scene with Beverly made me feel so angry and disturbed. It was completely unnecessary. Why did King think that was a good idea? There are plenty of questionable moments in this book—some of which I can understand as reflections of the time period, clearly shown as wrong. But that scene wasn’t framed that way. Instead, it was romanticized, portrayed as some kind of noble, beautiful act to "save" her friends. And that is so incredibly messed up. 

Murder by Memory by Olivia Waite

mysterious medium-paced

4.0

Just like with the first book in the series, I enjoyed this one, but I never felt fully invested. I realized that's because spy stories just aren’t my favorite. While this has a cozier feel—which is probably why I do enjoy it—it’s still not quite my kind of story. That said, I really like Deanna Raybourn’s writing, the characters, and their relationships. It’s entertaining enough that I don’t feel like continuing the series would be a waste. 

Kills Well with Others by Deanna Raybourn

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

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

3.0

 Just like with the first book in the series, I enjoyed this one, but I never felt fully invested. I realized that's because spy stories just aren’t my favorite. While this has a cozier feel—which is probably why I do enjoy it—it’s still not quite my kind of story. That said, I really like Deanna Raybourn’s writing, the characters, and their relationships. It’s entertaining enough that I don’t feel like continuing the series would be a waste. 

First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison

lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

This book was absolutely lovely and heartwarming. The connection between the characters was clear from the very beginning. I really enjoyed Lucie as a main character and found her incredibly relatable, especially in her thoughts about dating and the disappointment that can come with it. The scenes where Aiden and Lucie co-hosted the radio show were a delight—I loved their banter both on air and off. The plot, centered around Lucie dating different people, was engaging without ever overshadowing the development of her relationship with Aiden. I always enjoy books where everyone except the main characters realizes they like each other, and this one executes that dynamic perfectly. Lucie's relationship with her daughter and co-parents was so sweet and added a wonderful layer to the story. 

Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies by Catherine Mack

adventurous funny mysterious medium-paced

4.0

This book's main strength lies in its interesting characters, which made it a fun read. I was entertained the whole time by the mystery, though it took a while for the plot to fully take off. Early on, it was fairly easy to predict some aspects of the resolution, though there were still a few surprises along the way. Overall, it was enjoyable enough that I want to continue with the series. 

Adrift in Currents Clean and Clear by Seanan McGuire

adventurous medium-paced

4.0

 

This book is another great installment in the Wayward Children series. I especially appreciated the thoughtful exploration of disability and adoption at the heart of the story. As always, Seanan McGuire’s writing is compelling, making you feel invested in characters’ lives even within a limited number of pages. The magical world she creates is mesmerizing—a lush water world inhabited by talking animals and turtles that form deep bonds with humans as lifelong companions. This is a beautifully crafted tale that lingers long after the final page.