I started this book for a class but found that I really enjoyed finishing it outside of the classroom setting. It offers great commentary on racism, survival, capitalism, and the darker side of the American Dream. This book had some very enlightening points about the oppression of POC and impoverished people, as well as how those two points correlate. It's a book that still holds relevance in our society today and is worth reading.

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Clown in a Cornfield by Adam Cesare

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adventurous dark tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

This book was an enjoyable read and a good introduction to horror for people who don't have a lot of experience in the genre. It reads a lot like an 80s slasher film which I found to be more entertaining than I thought I would. It also has some elements that are a little far-fetched but just crazy enough to be viable for the plot. It was a fast-paced read, would definitely recommend for horror readers dipping their toe in or for someone feeling nostalgic for slasher movies.

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The Evolution of Mara Dyer, Volume 2 by Michelle Hodkin

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challenging dark mysterious sad tense slow-paced

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

2.0

After devouring the first book in this series, I am disappointed to say that I barely enjoyed this installment. The only enjoyable part of this book was the twist at the end and at that, it didn't make up for the rest of the book. The build-up felt extremely slow for the sudden twist at the end, there was a lot of filler and knowledge that was provided that didn't feel cohesive to the plot or the progression of the plot. This book just felt like a filler book in the series to take up space until the ending. I don't know if I will be continuing with this series if the third book is anything like this one.

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Blood Mercy by Vela Roth

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adventurous dark funny mysterious reflective tense slow-paced

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

4.0

I had a hard time with the slow build in this book, the plot didn't really pick up until about the fifty to sixty percent mark. I am glad that I persevered and pushed on despite the extremely slow burn, by the end of it I couldn't put it down. The magic system is interesting and unique while not being overwhelming and the romance developed very slowly but realistically. I also enjoyed a different take on vampires and their culture in this book. Definitely, an enjoyable read if you can push through the hefty percentage of slow world-building and plot setup.

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These Hollow Vows by Lexi Ryan

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I enjoyed this book for the fae drama and the struggles with the romance but other than that it really wasn't that great of a read for me. I didn't find the character development enjoyable and the plot didn't kick in until the last thirty percent of the book or so.

Even though one of the big plot points was getting MC's sister back, she's completely forgotten about often throughout the progression of the story.

All in all it was enjoyable but not one of my favorite reads.

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booksarefriends_notfood's reviews 267 reviews

booksarefriends_notfood's reviews
267 reviews