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bookmarkedjosie's reviews
145 reviews
The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell
fast-paced
3.5
The Family Upstairs, by Lisa Jewell, is a fast-paced mystery/thriller, with short chapters.
I'm quite conflicted with this one. I enjoyed the plot but I also expected more.
I like the cult vibes and it was getting dark, but then I felt like we were missing out on things. Some parts of the plot were not developed enough. There were also a couple plot holes.
The ending, however, left me hanging a little. I didn't see everything coming, but some of it. So it's still good! But the more details we got, the more it was too good to be true. A lot of things were unrealistic. I let most of it slide because it's a book afterall, but it took some stars away nonetheless.
It's a multiple POV story, and I saw some people saying it was a bit confusing to figure out who was who at first. I can understand why, so be prepared for that!
I still enjoyed it and wanted to know what was going to happen!
The short chapters and the fast pace make it very easy to keep reading, and it falls right into my alley.
I know it's a 2 book series, and I already put it on my TBR! As if it wasn't long enough already 🤣
I'm quite conflicted with this one. I enjoyed the plot but I also expected more.
I like the cult vibes and it was getting dark, but then I felt like we were missing out on things. Some parts of the plot were not developed enough. There were also a couple plot holes.
The ending, however, left me hanging a little. I didn't see everything coming, but some of it. So it's still good! But the more details we got, the more it was too good to be true. A lot of things were unrealistic. I let most of it slide because it's a book afterall, but it took some stars away nonetheless.
It's a multiple POV story, and I saw some people saying it was a bit confusing to figure out who was who at first. I can understand why, so be prepared for that!
I still enjoyed it and wanted to know what was going to happen!
The short chapters and the fast pace make it very easy to keep reading, and it falls right into my alley.
I know it's a 2 book series, and I already put it on my TBR! As if it wasn't long enough already 🤣
A Legacy of Storms and Starlight by Victoria J. Price
medium-paced
3.75
A Legacy of Storms and Starlight, by Victoria J. Price, is a medium-paced fantasy, with short chapters.
You get magic, fae and other creatures, in a world where humans despise the Faes and eradicated them.
I really enjoyed the story, right from the start, as it sucked you in immediately with the Prince's killing, the -almost- hanging, and the mysterious Fae man.
However, I did take some points away because although I was really interested in the plot, it got a bit dull afterwards and I started losing interest. BUT, it got better by 70% of the book and I was invested again. Maybe if the book was shorter, we wouldn't have that "boring" section in the middle? Some parts of the plots felt a little cliché too, but nothing too prevailing.
Zylah has a small owl companion and I loved him 🥹🦉. She meets other Faes and get close to them. You get romance, and to my surprise, a touch of spice 🌶️. I really wasn't expecting it, so when it came, let's just say I was pleasantly surprised!
I'm not a fantasy avid reader, but from what I've read so far, this book has its own stamp on the Fae world and Zylah's botanical touch is a great addition.
I was really surprised with the ending and I'd be interested to see what happens in book 2! But I also feel like it could be a stand alone as well, if you're not into series.
You get magic, fae and other creatures, in a world where humans despise the Faes and eradicated them.
I really enjoyed the story, right from the start, as it sucked you in immediately with the Prince's killing, the -almost- hanging, and the mysterious Fae man.
However, I did take some points away because although I was really interested in the plot, it got a bit dull afterwards and I started losing interest. BUT, it got better by 70% of the book and I was invested again. Maybe if the book was shorter, we wouldn't have that "boring" section in the middle? Some parts of the plots felt a little cliché too, but nothing too prevailing.
Zylah has a small owl companion and I loved him 🥹🦉. She meets other Faes and get close to them. You get romance, and to my surprise, a touch of spice 🌶️. I really wasn't expecting it, so when it came, let's just say I was pleasantly surprised!
I'm not a fantasy avid reader, but from what I've read so far, this book has its own stamp on the Fae world and Zylah's botanical touch is a great addition.
I was really surprised with the ending and I'd be interested to see what happens in book 2! But I also feel like it could be a stand alone as well, if you're not into series.
The Vacancy in Room 10 by Seraphina Nova Glass
4.0
The Vacancy in Room 10, by Seraphina Nova Glass is a fast-paced thriller, with short chapters.
It's the first book I read by this author and I'm pleasantly surprised! I went into it completely blind and I'm not disappointed I did.
The setting is really well written and I could picture the Sycamores perfectly. It's as if you were really there. The crappy, run-down motel apartments, the occupants... It's just perfection.
Both Anna and Cass were strong female characters, in their own way.
The characters, as many as they are, are ALL well developed and even if there are a lot, they all add non-negotiable layers to the plot. I loved that every single one of them were complex and three dimensional, even if they didn't appear much.
The plot was gripping right from the start. You get blackmail, lies, secrets, murder, whodunit, whydunnit, the whole shebang! You want to know what happens at the end of every chapter and the last 50% of the book? Unputdownable! A real page turner. I guessed a couple twists but overall they were well delivered! I thought a couple things were far-fetched but I'll let it slide, just because of how it was written.
Now mark your calendars because on April 9th, you'll want to add that book to your shelves!
Thank you so much @netgalley, @seraphinanovaglass and @graydonhousebooks for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
It's the first book I read by this author and I'm pleasantly surprised! I went into it completely blind and I'm not disappointed I did.
The setting is really well written and I could picture the Sycamores perfectly. It's as if you were really there. The crappy, run-down motel apartments, the occupants... It's just perfection.
Both Anna and Cass were strong female characters, in their own way.
The characters, as many as they are, are ALL well developed and even if there are a lot, they all add non-negotiable layers to the plot. I loved that every single one of them were complex and three dimensional, even if they didn't appear much.
The plot was gripping right from the start. You get blackmail, lies, secrets, murder, whodunit, whydunnit, the whole shebang! You want to know what happens at the end of every chapter and the last 50% of the book? Unputdownable! A real page turner. I guessed a couple twists but overall they were well delivered! I thought a couple things were far-fetched but I'll let it slide, just because of how it was written.
Now mark your calendars because on April 9th, you'll want to add that book to your shelves!
Thank you so much @netgalley, @seraphinanovaglass and @graydonhousebooks for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Powerless by Lauren Roberts
4.0
Powerless, by Lauren Roberts is a fast-paced YA Romantasy, with short to medium-sized chapters.
For all of you smut readers out there, there's no spice here, although there's a slow burn and allusions. The tension and teasing are real but no open doors or 18+ content.
I really enjoyed the story line and the whole world, with the different powers and ranks. BUT I have to say it's very similar to The Hunger Games. You get deadly games and people fighting to survive and win trials. The main difference here is that people have powers and there's magic, but even then, when I talked to my boyfriend about it, he said that it's pretty much Mistborn, by Brandon Sanderson.
Although the main female character doesn't have powers of her own, she's still fierce and strong and she's not scared to say what she thinks. The characters are all well developed and I cared for all of them (or hated them depending on who we're talking about).
It doesn't make it bad at all, it's just that, in my opinion, it's not really deserving of a 5⭐ because of the lack of originality.
The slow burn was really good though and the ending was unexpected! Now I'm excited to read the next book, but also really sad that it's only coming out in July 😭
In the end, do I recommend this book? Yes, definitely!
For all of you smut readers out there, there's no spice here, although there's a slow burn and allusions. The tension and teasing are real but no open doors or 18+ content.
I really enjoyed the story line and the whole world, with the different powers and ranks. BUT I have to say it's very similar to The Hunger Games. You get deadly games and people fighting to survive and win trials. The main difference here is that people have powers and there's magic, but even then, when I talked to my boyfriend about it, he said that it's pretty much Mistborn, by Brandon Sanderson.
Although the main female character doesn't have powers of her own, she's still fierce and strong and she's not scared to say what she thinks. The characters are all well developed and I cared for all of them (or hated them depending on who we're talking about).
It doesn't make it bad at all, it's just that, in my opinion, it's not really deserving of a 5⭐ because of the lack of originality.
The slow burn was really good though and the ending was unexpected! Now I'm excited to read the next book, but also really sad that it's only coming out in July 😭
In the end, do I recommend this book? Yes, definitely!
The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager
slow-paced
2.75
The Last Time I Lied, by Riley Sager, is a slow-paced mystery/thriller, with short chapters.
Don't come at me guys... I really wanted to love that book, but I just didn't....
I didn't feel anything for the main characters and felt quite bored throughout the story. It's a very slow start and, in my opinion, a slow plot all along. I still kept reading it because I wanted to see what was going to happen, but I'd say I was disappointed.
It all felt very scattered to me. I felt like a lot of information or "plot twists" were not necessary and they felt more like fillers rather than being actually useful to the plot. Many things also felt unbelievable and didn't make much sense.
The plot twist in the end wasn't surprising to me. I saw it coming and it was too little too late, in my opinion...
Maybe it was just a hit and miss for me, and I'm sure his other books are good, but this one just wasn't a hit in my case....
Don't come at me guys... I really wanted to love that book, but I just didn't....
I didn't feel anything for the main characters and felt quite bored throughout the story. It's a very slow start and, in my opinion, a slow plot all along. I still kept reading it because I wanted to see what was going to happen, but I'd say I was disappointed.
It all felt very scattered to me. I felt like a lot of information or "plot twists" were not necessary and they felt more like fillers rather than being actually useful to the plot. Many things also felt unbelievable and didn't make much sense.
The plot twist in the end wasn't surprising to me. I saw it coming and it was too little too late, in my opinion...
Maybe it was just a hit and miss for me, and I'm sure his other books are good, but this one just wasn't a hit in my case....
Where Magic Begins by Faith Prince
4.0
Where Magic Begins, by @faithprincewrites , is a fast-paced YA paranormal romantasy, with short chapters.
I was contacted by Faith Prince to read and review one of her books. If I am completely honest, I wasn't really attracted to it at first, mainly because of the cover... It's not one I'm usually attracted to, but maybe that's a personal preference! In my opinion, the cover would attract more middle graders but not necessarily older readers?
After reading the synopsis however, I felt like it was something I could like! And I did!
You get magic, witches, werewolves, vampires, romance and siblings rivalry (between twins). The book also talks about loyalty, power, self-confidence and the need to fit in.
It's quite a small book (about 200 pages), so don't expect a lot of world building and descriptions. But, the plot was interesting and sucked me in! I wanted to know what was gonna happen.
However, I have to warn you: the writing did feel like it was hovering between middle grade and YA fiction, so just be aware of that going in and you'll enjoy it too!
I did not expect the plot twist in the end and it made me want to read more! @faithprincewrites when are we getting book 2??
I was contacted by Faith Prince to read and review one of her books. If I am completely honest, I wasn't really attracted to it at first, mainly because of the cover... It's not one I'm usually attracted to, but maybe that's a personal preference! In my opinion, the cover would attract more middle graders but not necessarily older readers?
After reading the synopsis however, I felt like it was something I could like! And I did!
You get magic, witches, werewolves, vampires, romance and siblings rivalry (between twins). The book also talks about loyalty, power, self-confidence and the need to fit in.
It's quite a small book (about 200 pages), so don't expect a lot of world building and descriptions. But, the plot was interesting and sucked me in! I wanted to know what was gonna happen.
However, I have to warn you: the writing did feel like it was hovering between middle grade and YA fiction, so just be aware of that going in and you'll enjoy it too!
I did not expect the plot twist in the end and it made me want to read more! @faithprincewrites when are we getting book 2??
A Taxonomy of Love by Rachael Allen
3.5
A Taxonomy of Love, by Rachael Allen, is a medium-paced YA contemporary romance. It consists of short chapters and various forms of writing support. You get regular chapters, as well as taxonomies, letters and text messages.
I found the book really cute and interesting. I loved how the main character has Tourette's syndrome but it doesn't define him. It's just part of who he is. I don't know anyone with Tourette's, but it felt like a good representation of it and I grew attached to Spencer.
The book is separated into different parts, following Spencer's age. We see him grow up, going from 13 years old, to 19. The language and writing style evolves accordingly and it really feels like we watch him grow up and mature.
Although it was cute and fun to read, I felt like the plot and/or the characters were missing depth. I would've wanted more. I would still recommend it for romance lovers as it is a nice read overall.
I found the book really cute and interesting. I loved how the main character has Tourette's syndrome but it doesn't define him. It's just part of who he is. I don't know anyone with Tourette's, but it felt like a good representation of it and I grew attached to Spencer.
The book is separated into different parts, following Spencer's age. We see him grow up, going from 13 years old, to 19. The language and writing style evolves accordingly and it really feels like we watch him grow up and mature.
Although it was cute and fun to read, I felt like the plot and/or the characters were missing depth. I would've wanted more. I would still recommend it for romance lovers as it is a nice read overall.
Bound by Treason by Eliza Tilton
2.0
Bound by Treason, by Eliza Tilton, is a fast-paced romantasy, with short chapters.
It was quite a miss for me, unfortunately... It's a very short book (120 pages on the Kindle), and it was plenty. It didn't feel like much happened, and it was all pretty predictable.
The ending left me unsatisfied and there were a lot of things that didn't make sense or they felt like they were there "just because", if it makes sense?
It felt like reading a children's tale but without much morale.
I wouldn't recommend this. I was this close 🤏 tod DNF it, but since it's really small, I forced myself to go through with it. Maybe I'm too harsh, but it didn't feel like a good read at all. It felt like something the author was asked to write, just to write something. It didn't have any depth at all. In my humble opinion of course 😅
It was quite a miss for me, unfortunately... It's a very short book (120 pages on the Kindle), and it was plenty. It didn't feel like much happened, and it was all pretty predictable.
The ending left me unsatisfied and there were a lot of things that didn't make sense or they felt like they were there "just because", if it makes sense?
It felt like reading a children's tale but without much morale.
I wouldn't recommend this. I was this close 🤏 tod DNF it, but since it's really small, I forced myself to go through with it. Maybe I'm too harsh, but it didn't feel like a good read at all. It felt like something the author was asked to write, just to write something. It didn't have any depth at all. In my humble opinion of course 😅
This Is Where It Ends by Marieke Nijkamp
4.5
This is Where it Ends, by Marieke Nijkamp is a fast-paced emotional thriller, with short chapters.
It's about a very hard subject: school shootings. You follow the four POVs of students during a shooting in their school. It reads really quickly and I've pretty much read it in one sitting. Since the events occur in the span of 54 minutes, I do recommend reading it in one sitting. Be warned though that you won't read it in 54 minutes hahah
I'm lucky enough to have lived in countries where school shootings are extremely rare, but I know the US is not the same. It was hard to read because we see it all the time on the news, but here, it's a little as if you are living it.
I did take a half star off, because I feel like the shooter's POV would have added so much. Also, there were a couple details that didn't make a lot of sense, BUT, they're details really so with everything else happening, you just let it slide.
Overall, I really recommend this book, at your own risk, because it is a challenging book after all.
It's about a very hard subject: school shootings. You follow the four POVs of students during a shooting in their school. It reads really quickly and I've pretty much read it in one sitting. Since the events occur in the span of 54 minutes, I do recommend reading it in one sitting. Be warned though that you won't read it in 54 minutes hahah
I'm lucky enough to have lived in countries where school shootings are extremely rare, but I know the US is not the same. It was hard to read because we see it all the time on the news, but here, it's a little as if you are living it.
I did take a half star off, because I feel like the shooter's POV would have added so much. Also, there were a couple details that didn't make a lot of sense, BUT, they're details really so with everything else happening, you just let it slide.
Overall, I really recommend this book, at your own risk, because it is a challenging book after all.
The Escape Room by Megan Goldin
2.75
The Escape Room by Megan Goldin, is a medium-paced mystery/thriller. It has somewhat short chapters, so it's easy to go through.
Unfortunately, I can't say this book was "it" for me. I expected a lot from the synopsis. I expected a more "Saw"-like book, with gore and extreme thrill and biting-my-nails moments, but there weren't any.
We're alternating between two timelines: the past, from a specific character's POV; and the present, with other characters, stuck in an elevator, told in the third person, from their POV.
For people looking for an escape game environment and movie-like experience, I don't recommend this book.
For people looking for an investment bankers/wall street vibe, I do recommend this book.
The financial, hard-working environment is what you get the most of. You don't see many riddles, games or dilemmas at all, if any.
I didn't feel like much happened at all. According to StoryGraph, it's a fast-paced novel, but since there isn't much happening, it felt medium-paced to me.
I figured out the plot twist pretty early on, but kept reading just to get the full explanations. I was, however, disappointed as nothing shocked me and I even thought some things were far-fetched.
I still finished the book, and found it interesting enough to keep going. The short chapters make it easy to fly through and even if it's predictable, you still want to keep going, for the most part. There were some parts that felt repetitive or dragged on (especially the past timeline), but the elevator parts were more interesting.
Unfortunately, I can't say this book was "it" for me. I expected a lot from the synopsis. I expected a more "Saw"-like book, with gore and extreme thrill and biting-my-nails moments, but there weren't any.
We're alternating between two timelines: the past, from a specific character's POV; and the present, with other characters, stuck in an elevator, told in the third person, from their POV.
For people looking for an escape game environment and movie-like experience, I don't recommend this book.
For people looking for an investment bankers/wall street vibe, I do recommend this book.
The financial, hard-working environment is what you get the most of. You don't see many riddles, games or dilemmas at all, if any.
I didn't feel like much happened at all. According to StoryGraph, it's a fast-paced novel, but since there isn't much happening, it felt medium-paced to me.
I figured out the plot twist pretty early on, but kept reading just to get the full explanations. I was, however, disappointed as nothing shocked me and I even thought some things were far-fetched.
I still finished the book, and found it interesting enough to keep going. The short chapters make it easy to fly through and even if it's predictable, you still want to keep going, for the most part. There were some parts that felt repetitive or dragged on (especially the past timeline), but the elevator parts were more interesting.