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booksbasilbabies's reviews
197 reviews
The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I picked up this book thinking this was a horror story about a serial killer and a missing child. What this actually is…it’s a lyrical study of humanity, abuse, and strength of a different kind. About surviving and thriving when the darkness is too thick to breathe.
This may be one of the richest most intense powerful books I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. Absolutely exceptional—and without sharing too many spoilers, handles delicate intense subjects WELL vs. using it as trope or a villainous twist.
It’s great. It’s phenomenal.
This may be one of the richest most intense powerful books I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. Absolutely exceptional—and without sharing too many spoilers, handles delicate intense subjects WELL vs. using it as trope or a villainous twist.
It’s great. It’s phenomenal.
Verity by Colleen Hoover
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Speechless.
I don’t even know what to think or how to feel after reading this book. My fingers are shaking. One whiplash after another, one sickening stomach lurch after another.
This was my first Coleen Hoover book and I’m genuinely stunned at how GOOD it was.
I went in blind. You need to go in blind. This was incredible. Sickening, horrifying, twisty — incredible.
I don’t even know what to think or how to feel after reading this book. My fingers are shaking. One whiplash after another, one sickening stomach lurch after another.
This was my first Coleen Hoover book and I’m genuinely stunned at how GOOD it was.
I went in blind. You need to go in blind. This was incredible. Sickening, horrifying, twisty — incredible.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Child death, and Child abuse
Cinder by Marissa Meyer
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
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? It's complicated
4.0
I. Finally. Read. Cinder.
And I’m livid it took me this long because I absolutely loved it. I have had this book on my TBR since 2013, and I know I missed the glory days when this was The Series. But I’m just so glad I picked it up now.
I’m in love. The characters, the relationships, the legit tear-jerker moments…I’m floored that it took me so long. I didn’t honestly expect such a great retelling that still feels familiar without making me feel like I’m being spoon-fed an old favorite. It feels fresh and authentically new, dealing with topics like ableism in a way that is pertinent and timely.
This is an astounding book and I cannot wait to get into the rest of the series.
And I’m livid it took me this long because I absolutely loved it. I have had this book on my TBR since 2013, and I know I missed the glory days when this was The Series. But I’m just so glad I picked it up now.
I’m in love. The characters, the relationships, the legit tear-jerker moments…I’m floored that it took me so long. I didn’t honestly expect such a great retelling that still feels familiar without making me feel like I’m being spoon-fed an old favorite. It feels fresh and authentically new, dealing with topics like ableism in a way that is pertinent and timely.
This is an astounding book and I cannot wait to get into the rest of the series.
The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vo
I literally just finished this book. I’m still speechless.
I went into this book almost completely blind with only a vague understanding that it somehow tied into The Great Gatsby—one of my favorite classics as a teen.
What I didn’t know was this hypnotic dark alluring lyrical book was almost a retelling of the original story, with a ribbon of dark magic woven into the story. It’s told from the perspective of Jordan, once a minor character now turned into a focal point—a beautiful rich Vietnamese adoptee, connected to Daisy, Nick, Tom, and of course, Jay Gatsby.
It’s effortless, gorgeous, and absolutely heartbreaking. 10/10. 5 stars. Could not recommend higher.
adventurous
emotional
slow-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? It's complicated
5.0
I literally just finished this book. I’m still speechless.
I went into this book almost completely blind with only a vague understanding that it somehow tied into The Great Gatsby—one of my favorite classics as a teen.
What I didn’t know was this hypnotic dark alluring lyrical book was almost a retelling of the original story, with a ribbon of dark magic woven into the story. It’s told from the perspective of Jordan, once a minor character now turned into a focal point—a beautiful rich Vietnamese adoptee, connected to Daisy, Nick, Tom, and of course, Jay Gatsby.
It’s effortless, gorgeous, and absolutely heartbreaking. 10/10. 5 stars. Could not recommend higher.
Nothing But Blackened Teeth by Cassandra Khaw
This book is what would happen if the trashiest horror movie you’ve ever seen with the greatest effects available had a love child with the most beautiful chaotic poetry you’ve ever read.
I loved it.
A handful of old “friends” fly to Japan to have two of them get married in a Heinian-era haunted house filled with bones and dead brides. It goes about how you’d expect. Except also really not? I’m trying so hard to be direct without spoiling stuff.
I honestly didn’t go in with much expectation or much real knowledge but oh my goodness. It was graphic and foul, lyrically poetic, filled with characters I despised but somehow…felt for? How is that a thing?
I loved it. I didn’t mean to. But I adored it.
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book is what would happen if the trashiest horror movie you’ve ever seen with the greatest effects available had a love child with the most beautiful chaotic poetry you’ve ever read.
I loved it.
A handful of old “friends” fly to Japan to have two of them get married in a Heinian-era haunted house filled with bones and dead brides. It goes about how you’d expect. Except also really not? I’m trying so hard to be direct without spoiling stuff.
I honestly didn’t go in with much expectation or much real knowledge but oh my goodness. It was graphic and foul, lyrically poetic, filled with characters I despised but somehow…felt for? How is that a thing?
I loved it. I didn’t mean to. But I adored it.
Reckless Girls by Rachel Hawkins
This book has all the trappings of a simple beachy read. A tropical paradise, a vacation with a lover, making new friends…turned into a twisted dark nightmare.
The climax gave us plenty of time to get to know the characters as well as you can in a “locked room” book like this one. Their dynamics were engaging and there was a good amount of relationship building.
However because of that, it unfortunately left little time for a flushed out ending. The climax had to be rushed and as such, everything kinda tumbled all together like puppies all trying to get out of the basket at once. It made for a weirdly dramatic ending after the previous slow build in the first 3/4ths of the book.
All in all, go in blind, and it’s an enjoyable read with an albeit cacophonous and messy ending.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This book has all the trappings of a simple beachy read. A tropical paradise, a vacation with a lover, making new friends…turned into a twisted dark nightmare.
The climax gave us plenty of time to get to know the characters as well as you can in a “locked room” book like this one. Their dynamics were engaging and there was a good amount of relationship building.
However because of that, it unfortunately left little time for a flushed out ending. The climax had to be rushed and as such, everything kinda tumbled all together like puppies all trying to get out of the basket at once. It made for a weirdly dramatic ending after the previous slow build in the first 3/4ths of the book.
All in all, go in blind, and it’s an enjoyable read with an albeit cacophonous and messy ending.
A Flicker in the Dark by Stacy Willingham
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was a BOTM book that I missed but frantically pre-ordered the minute I could. I went in mostly blind without a whole lot of knowledge about the plot, which frankly was the best choice I could have made.
This book gave me thriller whiplash and might be one of the best thrillers I’ve read ever—let ALONE for a debut novel. Holy damn. I thought I knew what was happening but then I didn’t, and then I didn’t again, and then the ending ka-pow’d in. This is what I mean when I ask for a thriller rec. This book right here.
Fabulous plot, excellent depth, enough plot twists to make a country road feel jealous. Hands down fantastic, highly recommended.
This book gave me thriller whiplash and might be one of the best thrillers I’ve read ever—let ALONE for a debut novel. Holy damn. I thought I knew what was happening but then I didn’t, and then I didn’t again, and then the ending ka-pow’d in. This is what I mean when I ask for a thriller rec. This book right here.
Fabulous plot, excellent depth, enough plot twists to make a country road feel jealous. Hands down fantastic, highly recommended.
Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Stan and Joy Delaney are retired tennis instructors, parents of four adult children, and living their lives day to day…until a young woman named Savannah shows up on their doorstop asking for help.
And then Savannah moves in.
And then Joy goes missing.
This book whirled all over the place, the love child of a domestic thriller and a contemporary fiction dysfunctional family novel. It’s a WILD ride, literally until the very last chapter that left my jaw hanging and a cold chill on my spine. Ooof.
This was a damn. good. book.
And then Savannah moves in.
And then Joy goes missing.
This book whirled all over the place, the love child of a domestic thriller and a contemporary fiction dysfunctional family novel. It’s a WILD ride, literally until the very last chapter that left my jaw hanging and a cold chill on my spine. Ooof.
This was a damn. good. book.
The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Ooof. Wow. This one is going to sit in my gut for a WHILE. Absolutely excellent.
Granted, this is told with Blackfoot voices and I am not Blackfoot myself, so being allowed to bear witness to a story like this was a privilege. And it was a beautiful horrifying terrifying story.
The first little bit was confusing and I found myself wondering if I was mistaken in picking it up. Nope. By 1/3 of the way in, I was slack jawed and fully engrossed.
Very scary. Very dark. Very VERY good.
Granted, this is told with Blackfoot voices and I am not Blackfoot myself, so being allowed to bear witness to a story like this was a privilege. And it was a beautiful horrifying terrifying story.
The first little bit was confusing and I found myself wondering if I was mistaken in picking it up. Nope. By 1/3 of the way in, I was slack jawed and fully engrossed.
Very scary. Very dark. Very VERY good.
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Gorgeous cover. That’s what drew me into this book if I’m honest. The first two thirds of this book were great, and the character of Noemí was well written and engaging. The topics of family abuse, gaslighting, trauma, and generational curses was WELL done.
But unfortunately the climax of this book fizzled out dramatically for me. It just wasn’t the horror fierce ending I was anticipating. I wanted the intensity that this book was building to…that just wasn’t there.
It just didn’t feel horror enough or Gothic enough to fit the categories. I wanted to fall in love with this one but the darkness just faded away too quickly for me to give it a full rave rating.
But unfortunately the climax of this book fizzled out dramatically for me. It just wasn’t the horror fierce ending I was anticipating. I wanted the intensity that this book was building to…that just wasn’t there.
It just didn’t feel horror enough or Gothic enough to fit the categories. I wanted to fall in love with this one but the darkness just faded away too quickly for me to give it a full rave rating.