booksanddopamine's reviews
237 reviews

Accidental Demons by Clare Edge

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adventurous hopeful 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? No

5.0

I read this book with my 11yo who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes three months prior at the time of reading. We both loved this book. My child loved having an insulin-dependent diabetic character they could relate to - and an accurate portrayal of diabetes that could actually be informative for someone who doesn't know anything about insulin-dependent diabetes. 

The story itself is great. I thoroughly enjoyed it as much as my 11yo did. We were emotionally invested and loved the characters. It never felt bogged down by a somewhat larger cast of characters, and it never felt like a character was pointless to have included. The different flavors of representation felt authentic and not forced.

It was fun to have different types of witches and magical abilities. The first person narrative worked well for this story. Overall, a really solid book. 

We're both excited that there is a sequel in the works!
Weak Heart by Ban Gilmartin

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes

3.75

This book took me a month to finish because it didn't grab me in a way where I was itching to pick it up. There were too many, "Well, isn't that convenient," moments, I was lukewarm toward Isla's POV, and I was disappointed there wasn't more interaction with the villain. I also don’t think the first person narration worked in this book. But it's a decent read with some enjoyable moments. 

(As an aside, do not go into this expecting a horror novel - I'm confused as to how it got shelved as horror.) 


Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

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3.0

An interesting idea that was quietly revealed throughout the book, but unfortunately that's all it was for me. The book was too quiet and the characters too one-dimensional leaving me bored. I wanted more.