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bringmybooks's reviews
1121 reviews
Crossings by Alex Landragin
the cons (read at your discretion):
Ultimately, I feel like I would recommend this book with the following caveats:
1. Try it in the baroness sequence, where you’re jumping around like a “choose your own adventure” novel - I feel like that helps keep you invested and draws you through any slower parts of the story.
2. If you’re not into it within the first 3-4 page jumps, I think you’re safe to DNF. *shrug*
Note: I read it in the baroness sequence as my first read of 2024, and plan to read it in the traditional front-to-back order for my last read of 2024!
Further note: IYL The Seven 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle, I think you would like this one!
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-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
3.5
I read the preface in one sitting and then the other 359 pages in another sitting so I was obviously very into it but also … wtf did I just read
B̷R̷I̷N̷G̷ ✨ 𝗕𝗢𝗥𝗥𝗢𝗪 ✨ B̷Y̷P̷A̷S̷S̷
the pros:
B̷R̷I̷N̷G̷ ✨ 𝗕𝗢𝗥𝗥𝗢𝗪 ✨ B̷Y̷P̷A̷S̷S̷
the pros:
- I love the idea of the Crossings, and every time I could sense one was coming I didn’t want to put the book down - there’s almost this plausibility to all of this; when was the last time you looked into someone’s eyes, and they back into yours, for 4-5 minutes straight?
- Even as I don’t know what I just read, and I’m not even 100% sure how much I genuinely enjoyed it (??), I know it’s a book that will stay with me for some time.
the cons (read at your discretion):
I think the entire novel could have been strengthened with more of the backstory of Alula & Koahu’s love story - flashbacks interspersed throughout, maybe? As it stands you’re kind of led to believe that this entire thing is driven by their love and connection for one another but also have nothing to give this credence. -
^ That being said, I think the strongest part of the book is dealing with the moral and ethical implications of the blind crossings, and in the initial crossing that Alula did to follow Koahu - I think (I got a little confused) that the reason she was so worried about him is that she knew he would not remember and be lost to her, but after a certain amount of time why are they still being drawn to one another (that goes back up to the point above). -
There’s a looootttttttt of moral ambiguity here - I don’t know that I particularly liked the characters, but I did think they were drawn well. -
I’m not really sure why the author chose to use Coco Chanel in the way he did; maybe because she would have had the clout to try and draw Madeline out? (also, Coco Chanel = not the best, and not because her soul was stolen by a time crossing madman - more so seems she was opportunistic no matter the harm it caused others, which was a lot) -
Unless I totally missed it, the book is left open ended in a way that is not enjoyable - what happened after he became the doctor and she was hiding out from Coco? Did they find one another again? Did the evil madman cross out of Coco right after the war, or stay with her until she died in 1971?
Ultimately, I feel like I would recommend this book with the following caveats:
1. Try it in the baroness sequence, where you’re jumping around like a “choose your own adventure” novel - I feel like that helps keep you invested and draws you through any slower parts of the story.
2. If you’re not into it within the first 3-4 page jumps, I think you’re safe to DNF. *shrug*
Note: I read it in the baroness sequence as my first read of 2024, and plan to read it in the traditional front-to-back order for my last read of 2024!
Further note: IYL The Seven 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle, I think you would like this one!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Colonisation, Body horror, Murder, Cultural appropriation, Grief, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Toxic friendship, War, Xenophobia, Suicidal thoughts, Racism, Gore, and Slavery
Minor: Drug abuse and Drug use
Good Night, Mr. Tom by Michelle Magorian
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-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 Holiday by Gaslight by Mimi Matthews
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
B̷R̷I̷N̷G̷ ✨ 𝗕𝗢𝗥𝗥𝗢𝗪 ✨ B̷Y̷P̷A̷S̷S̷
Very nice and relaxing Christmas novella - really enjoyed it!
Not a ton of character development, but it's a very quick read with some real delightful bits. If you're looking for something to get you in the Christmas spirit, it's definitely recommended :)
Very nice and relaxing Christmas novella - really enjoyed it!
Not a ton of character development, but it's a very quick read with some real delightful bits. If you're looking for something to get you in the Christmas spirit, it's definitely recommended :)
Holiday Romance by Catherine Walsh
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
✨ 𝗕𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 ✨ B̷O̷R̷R̷O̷W̷ B̷Y̷P̷A̷S̷S̷
Super adorable friends to lovers romance that was just so stinkin' sweet! I loved watching their friendship naturally evolve into something else, and really really liked their characters so much!
Out of the two books (the other being Snowed In, the second in this interconnected series), I preferred Snowed In juuussstttt the tinest bit more but honestly they're both super fun! Absolutely recommended if you're looking for holiday cheer.
(And as of December 2023 they're both on Kindle Unlimited!)
Super adorable friends to lovers romance that was just so stinkin' sweet! I loved watching their friendship naturally evolve into something else, and really really liked their characters so much!
Out of the two books (the other being Snowed In, the second in this interconnected series), I preferred Snowed In juuussstttt the tinest bit more but honestly they're both super fun! Absolutely recommended if you're looking for holiday cheer.
(And as of December 2023 they're both on Kindle Unlimited!)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Pregnancy, Alcoholism, Alcohol, and Addiction
Snowed In by Catherine Walsh
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
✨ 𝗕𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 ✨ B̷O̷R̷R̷O̷W̷ B̷Y̷P̷A̷S̷S̷
LOVE LOVE LOVEEEEEE
You mean you can have a full length romance book that is funny, heartwarming, sexy, and moving and it doesn't have to have some wildly unnecessary third act drama?? I mean???
Absolutely loved the characters, loved the way their relationship progressed, loved the families, loved the story, just freaking loved it.
(As a side note, I accidentally read this one before Holiday Romance, which is technically the first in the series but I am currently reading Holiday Romance and it doesn't seem to have been a problem!)
LOVE LOVE LOVEEEEEE
You mean you can have a full length romance book that is funny, heartwarming, sexy, and moving and it doesn't have to have some wildly unnecessary third act drama?? I mean???
Absolutely loved the characters, loved the way their relationship progressed, loved the families, loved the story, just freaking loved it.
(As a side note, I accidentally read this one before Holiday Romance, which is technically the first in the series but I am currently reading Holiday Romance and it doesn't seem to have been a problem!)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Gaslighting
The Good Part by Sophie Cousens
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Thank you to NetGalley, G.P. Putnam's Sons, & Penguin Random House for the opportunity to read and review this book before it's publication date! This in no way affected my review, opinions are my own.
B̷R̷I̷N̷G̷ ✨ 𝗕𝗢𝗥𝗥𝗢𝗪 ✨ B̷Y̷P̷A̷S̷S̷
Might not be for everyone (it’s a bit more women’s fiction than it is romance), but I really enjoyed this book! The themes about having to endure hard days/weeks/years to get to the “good part” were so well done!
I really enjoyed the relationships (the one between her and her future son? top notch!!). I also loved that she was honest with those she came into contact with and that they did not ridicule her, but took her at face value and tried to work with her.
I’m not going to say too much more, because Lucy’s journey is so heartwarming and lovely and I don’t. want. to. ruin. it. for. you. <3
B̷R̷I̷N̷G̷ ✨ 𝗕𝗢𝗥𝗥𝗢𝗪 ✨ B̷Y̷P̷A̷S̷S̷
Might not be for everyone (it’s a bit more women’s fiction than it is romance), but I really enjoyed this book! The themes about having to endure hard days/weeks/years to get to the “good part” were so well done!
I really enjoyed the relationships (the one between her and her future son? top notch!!). I also loved that she was honest with those she came into contact with and that they did not ridicule her, but took her at face value and tried to work with her.
I’m not going to say too much more, because Lucy’s journey is so heartwarming and lovely and I don’t. want. to. ruin. it. for. you. <3
The Girl from Widow Hills by Megan Miranda
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
B̷R̷I̷N̷G̷ ✨ 𝗕𝗢𝗥𝗥𝗢𝗪 ✨ B̷Y̷P̷A̷S̷S̷
Not her best, but still an enjoyable read!
The Only Survivors (2023)
The Perfect Stranger (2017)
All the Missing Girls (2016)
The Last House Guest (2019)
The Last to Vanish (2022)
The Girl from Widow Hills (2020)
Such a Quiet Place (2021)
(I am slightly concerned that I seem to prefer her older books to her newer ones ... but Only Survivors came out this year and it's my favorite so hopefully whatever one she writes next will be similar!)
Not her best, but still an enjoyable read!
The Only Survivors (2023)
The Perfect Stranger (2017)
All the Missing Girls (2016)
The Last House Guest (2019)
The Last to Vanish (2022)
The Girl from Widow Hills (2020)
Such a Quiet Place (2021)
(I am slightly concerned that I seem to prefer her older books to her newer ones ... but Only Survivors came out this year and it's my favorite so hopefully whatever one she writes next will be similar!)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Stalking, Murder, Gun violence, and Gaslighting
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
✨ 𝗕𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 ✨ B̷O̷R̷R̷O̷W̷ B̷Y̷P̷A̷S̷S̷
Look, I haven't felt the way I feel about this fantasy series since my heyday of fantasy, aka 15-20 years ago. Are these books <b>the best</b> books ever written? No, of course not. I, for one, have never tried to say that they were. BUT AS I HAVE SAID RE: FOURTH WING, THEY ARE FREAKING FUN.
And I love reading them! I love the story (yes, even the parts that make no sense to me or that I have to reread numerous times to make sure I've got it all down). I love the characters. I LOVE THE DRAGONS. The sexy times are v sexy, the tense times are v tense, the danger times are v danger.
It's. Just. Freaking. Fun.
And I can't wait for the next one.
Look, I haven't felt the way I feel about this fantasy series since my heyday of fantasy, aka 15-20 years ago. Are these books <b>the best</b> books ever written? No, of course not. I, for one, have never tried to say that they were. BUT AS I HAVE SAID RE: FOURTH WING, THEY ARE FREAKING FUN.
And I love reading them! I love the story (yes, even the parts that make no sense to me or that I have to reread numerous times to make sure I've got it all down). I love the characters. I LOVE THE DRAGONS. The sexy times are v sexy, the tense times are v tense, the danger times are v danger.
It's. Just. Freaking. Fun.
And I can't wait for the next one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Ableism, Grief, Death, Blood, Torture, War, Xenophobia, Violence, Cursing, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
A True Account: Hannah Masury's Sojourn Amongst the Pyrates, Written by Herself by Katherine Howe
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
B̷R̷I̷N̷G̷ ✨ 𝗕𝗢𝗥𝗥𝗢𝗪 ✨ B̷Y̷P̷A̷S̷S̷
If you're looking for an atmospheric novel rich in detail and intrigue, this is a solid bet - it does move fairly slow and is fairly dense, so it's a bit of an undertaking.
If you're looking for an atmospheric novel rich in detail and intrigue, this is a solid bet - it does move fairly slow and is fairly dense, so it's a bit of an undertaking.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Violence, Death, Misogyny, Murder, Slavery, Torture, Blood, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail, Sexism, Physical abuse, Body horror, Kidnapping, and Sexual assault
The Twelve Days of Murder by Andreina Cordani
✨ 𝗕𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 ✨ B̷O̷R̷R̷O̷W̷ B̷Y̷P̷A̷S̷S̷
YOOOOOOOOOO first things first I finished this in practically one sitting - absolutely could not put it down, super atmospheric whodunnit with twisty psychological wackadoodle red herrings and you think you’ve got it figured out and you mostly do but you DON’T, okay? You don’t.
(FYI: Check the content warnings)
Loved the nods to Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None (which I read earlier this year and LOVED), loved how creepy and atmospheric it was, loved the flashbacks.
(All of that being said, there was ONE character that I didn’t really get, a bit out of place with the rest of the story, but whatever, just moving on)
Also, this one might not be everyone’s cup of tea so normally I would have chosen “borrow” rather than “bring” but THIS COVER? Yeah. It’s gotta go on the shelves.
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Thank you to Edelweiss, Pegasus Books, and Simon & Schuster for the opportunity to read and review this book before it's publication date! This in no way affected my review, opinions are my own.
✨ 𝗕𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 ✨ B̷O̷R̷R̷O̷W̷ B̷Y̷P̷A̷S̷S̷
YOOOOOOOOOO first things first I finished this in practically one sitting - absolutely could not put it down, super atmospheric whodunnit with twisty psychological wackadoodle red herrings and you think you’ve got it figured out and you mostly do but you DON’T, okay? You don’t.
(FYI: Check the content warnings)
Loved the nods to Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None (which I read earlier this year and LOVED), loved how creepy and atmospheric it was, loved the flashbacks.
(All of that being said, there was ONE character that I didn’t really get, a bit out of place with the rest of the story, but whatever, just moving on)
Also, this one might not be everyone’s cup of tea so normally I would have chosen “borrow” rather than “bring” but THIS COVER? Yeah. It’s gotta go on the shelves.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Torture, Fire/Fire injury, Medical content, Toxic friendship, Violence, Vomit, Emotional abuse, Alcohol, Blood, Classism, Death, Confinement, Forced institutionalization, Injury/Injury detail, Stalking, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, Gore, and Gun violence