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booksbyjess__'s reviews
25 reviews
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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? Yes
5.0
No words. I’m a mess. This book is heartbreaking and incredible. The tie ins from the other books were expertly woven in and made me gasp, cry, and have chills throughout. Suzanne Collins wrote a masterpiece of a book— I have never felt more devastated for a character. I’m eager to reread the original series, but through a new lens of understanding Haymitch and his actions and trauma. What a book, what an author, and what a tale. If Suzanne Collins never “has something to say” after this, I think we can all agree that this was a heck of a book to go out on. Excuse me while I cry for the next week… bravo, Suzanne, bravo.
The Will of the Many by James Islington
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-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? Yes
5.0
OH. MY. WORD.
ALL THE STARS IN THE WORLD FOR THIS BOOK.
It is a magnificent epic fantasy and I was completely enthralled. Characters— phenomenal. World building— incredible. Plot— had me hooked from page 1. Plot twists— 10/10. Writing— meticulous and fast paced.
I absolutely loved this story— I have fallen in love with the world, story, and characters. It was so incredibly well-written…I have a whole note in my Notes App dedicated to quotes from this book that’s how much I adored it. Plus, the ending— my mind is blown (though I had a theory and I think it was proven correct by the ending) and my heart strings have been pulled.
Now I have to wait for book 2 and I’m not sure what to do with myself… probably read James’ other works cause man, can he write. So…I’ll leave this review with a handful of my favorite quotes:
“There can be no love without honesty.”
“‘The power to protect is the highest of responsibilities…’”
“‘There comes a point in every man’s life where he can rail against the unfairness of the world until he loses, or he can do his best in it. Remain a victim, or become a survivor.’”
“‘If all you’re trying to do is change who’s in control, then you don’t really want to change anything.’”
“‘Violence is no answer to grief…’”
ALL THE STARS IN THE WORLD FOR THIS BOOK.
It is a magnificent epic fantasy and I was completely enthralled. Characters— phenomenal. World building— incredible. Plot— had me hooked from page 1. Plot twists— 10/10. Writing— meticulous and fast paced.
I absolutely loved this story— I have fallen in love with the world, story, and characters. It was so incredibly well-written…I have a whole note in my Notes App dedicated to quotes from this book that’s how much I adored it. Plus, the ending— my mind is blown (though I had a theory and I think it was proven correct by the ending) and my heart strings have been pulled.
Now I have to wait for book 2 and I’m not sure what to do with myself… probably read James’ other works cause man, can he write. So…I’ll leave this review with a handful of my favorite quotes:
“There can be no love without honesty.”
“‘The power to protect is the highest of responsibilities…’”
“‘There comes a point in every man’s life where he can rail against the unfairness of the world until he loses, or he can do his best in it. Remain a victim, or become a survivor.’”
“‘If all you’re trying to do is change who’s in control, then you don’t really want to change anything.’”
“‘Violence is no answer to grief…’”
Toxic Empathy: How Progressives Exploit Christian Compassion by Allie Beth Stuckey
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
5.0
Fighting the Fire: BIblical Strategies for Overcoming Anger by Phil Moser
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
5.0
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: War
Moderate: Death, Violence
Minor: Rape, Sexual assault, Death of parent
The Blooms That Broke Us by Ashley Dill
miscarriages
infertility
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A big thank you to the author, Ashley Dill, for sending me an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed below are my own.
While this book was not a typical genre I read in, I absolutely adored it. It made me emotional time and time again— from laughter to tears. So please have a box of tissues for this one 🤧
The Blooms That Broke Us is not only well-written; it brings out so many emotional and poignant themes throughout the story as we follow Jack and Miranda’s stories. It was gripping and had me flying through the pages to know what would happen next. I honestly could not put the book down once I was halfway through— it kept me up well past midnight 😅
Jack and Miranda are incredible characters with even better character arcs. Their growth over the course of the story is both compelling and tore at my heart strings more than once. I absolutely appreciated the delicate way their relationship was portrayed and how deeply the sanctity of marriage came across in the book. Through reading this book, I came to realize just how much secular books downplay marriage which is saddening. So getting to read a book with a Christian take was refreshing!
While a clean read, the book has grit. But that’s what makes the story feel real and raw. It’s beautifully told and handled so well.
If you’re looking for a gritty story that tugs on your heart and doesn’t let you go long after you turned the final page, I would absolutely suggest picking up this title! 💜💐
PS: If you want more details on tropes— swipe right! If you want to go in blind like I did (which 10/10 do recommend) go grab your copy and start reading now!
While this book was not a typical genre I read in, I absolutely adored it. It made me emotional time and time again— from laughter to tears. So please have a box of tissues for this one 🤧
The Blooms That Broke Us is not only well-written; it brings out so many emotional and poignant themes throughout the story as we follow Jack and Miranda’s stories. It was gripping and had me flying through the pages to know what would happen next. I honestly could not put the book down once I was halfway through— it kept me up well past midnight 😅
Jack and Miranda are incredible characters with even better character arcs. Their growth over the course of the story is both compelling and tore at my heart strings more than once. I absolutely appreciated the delicate way their relationship was portrayed and how deeply the sanctity of marriage came across in the book. Through reading this book, I came to realize just how much secular books downplay marriage which is saddening. So getting to read a book with a Christian take was refreshing!
While a clean read, the book has grit. But that’s what makes the story feel real and raw. It’s beautifully told and handled so well.
If you’re looking for a gritty story that tugs on your heart and doesn’t let you go long after you turned the final page, I would absolutely suggest picking up this title! 💜💐
PS: If you want more details on tropes— swipe right! If you want to go in blind like I did (which 10/10 do recommend) go grab your copy and start reading now!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Domestic abuse
N/A -FIRST DRAFT by
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
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Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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