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brittneedsbooks's reviews
373 reviews
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
5.0
Cassandra Clare's writing is fast-paced and filled with intricate world-building, seamlessly blending the supernatural with the familiar. The characters, from the feisty and determined Clary to the brooding and enigmatic Jace, are well-developed and engaging. The book is packed with suspense, action, and twists, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they navigate the mysteries of this urban fantasy realm.
While some readers may find certain elements of the plot predictable or reminiscent of other fantasy series, "City of Bones" offers a captivating mix of paranormal elements, romance, and mystery that sets the stage for the rest of the series. It explores themes of identity, family, and the duality of good and evil. Overall, "City of Bones" is a thrilling start to "The Mortal Instruments" series, leaving readers eager to delve further into the complex and fascinating world created by Cassandra Clare.
While some readers may find certain elements of the plot predictable or reminiscent of other fantasy series, "City of Bones" offers a captivating mix of paranormal elements, romance, and mystery that sets the stage for the rest of the series. It explores themes of identity, family, and the duality of good and evil. Overall, "City of Bones" is a thrilling start to "The Mortal Instruments" series, leaving readers eager to delve further into the complex and fascinating world created by Cassandra Clare.
Pokémon Adventures (Gold and Silver), Vol. 8 by Hidenori Kusaka
5.0
"Pokémon Adventures: Gold & Silver, Vol. 8" is a thrilling addition to the beloved Pokémon manga series. The eighth volume continues the epic journey of the main characters, Gold and Silver, as they face new challenges and adversaries in the Johto region. The storytelling is engaging and immersive, capturing the essence of the Pokémon world and its captivating creatures. The artwork is vibrant and dynamic, bringing the battles and interactions between trainers and their Pokémon to life. The volume effectively balances action-packed sequences with moments of character development, adding depth to the protagonists' motivations and relationships. The pacing is well-executed, keeping readers hooked from start to finish. Whether you're a longtime fan of the Pokémon franchise or new to the series, "Pokémon Adventures: Gold & Silver, Vol. 8" is a must-read for its exciting plot, stunning artwork, and nostalgic appeal.
When Sorrows Come by Katie M. John
5.0
An “upper YA” retelling from Ophelia’s POV. I read this book back in 2016 and I still think about it today. It was one of my first “darker themed” books I read and I ate it up. The back of the book warned me it is considered upper YA and is 15+ but in my mind This book is no doubt NA (New Adult). The fact I read this eight years ago and still remember scenes and where I was reading this book means its just perfection.
"When sorrows come they come not single spies but as Battalions"
"When sorrows come they come not single spies but as Battalions"
No Small Sin by Genna Black
3.0
This fast-paced read captivated me with instant attraction, spice, and an undeniable allure. The side characters were fantastic, and I would gladly read any books centered around them as well. While I didn't get to know the female main character (FMC) as deeply as I had hoped, I still had questions about some of her choices. Nevertheless, anyone can breeze through this book. "No Small Sin" proved to be an excellent dark romantic comedy with frequent laughter and outstanding spicy dark romance elements and scenes. Moreover, the storyline skillfully set the stage for future books in the Fate Trace series, which I'm looking forward to.
Irish by Brittanée Nicole
3.0
We have a single mom on the run from her abusive mafia don of a husband. We have the head of the Irish mob that is supposed to be dead and was her childhood best friend/crush. What could possibly happen? That’s right! forced proximity, nightmares, cute moments with children, rekindling of feelings and so much baggage to unpack!
I absolutely loved this story and spent a four hour car ride explaining the entire plot to my friend who doesn’t read books with spice. The cons with the book are the following: I felt like it needed another round with an editor, the author seemed to get Lo and Leo mixed up at points so I didn’t know who was speaking, and a lot of tell vs show went on. However that did not keep me from giggling and kicking my feet at Franks attempts to win our girl over.
I absolutely loved this story and spent a four hour car ride explaining the entire plot to my friend who doesn’t read books with spice. The cons with the book are the following: I felt like it needed another round with an editor, the author seemed to get Lo and Leo mixed up at points so I didn’t know who was speaking, and a lot of tell vs show went on. However that did not keep me from giggling and kicking my feet at Franks attempts to win our girl over.
Chasers of the Light: Poems from the Typewriter Series by Tyler Knott Gregson
4.0
"Chasers of the Light: Poems from the Typewriter Series" is a beautiful collection of poetry by Tyler Knott Gregson that offers a unique and refreshing perspective on love, life, and the human experience. With its raw emotions and evocative imagery, this book captivates readers and invites them into a world of introspection and heartfelt expression.
The poems in this collection are characterized by their simplicity and brevity, often written on a typewriter, which adds a nostalgic charm to the presentation. Tyler Knott Gregson's writing style is accessible, allowing readers to easily connect with the emotions and themes conveyed in each piece. The concise and fragmented nature of the poems adds to their impact, leaving an impression long after the words have been read.
One of the highlights of "Chasers of the Light" is the author's ability to capture profound emotions in a concise and relatable manner. The poems explore themes of love, heartbreak, hope, and self-discovery, resonating with readers on a deeply personal level. The language used is both lyrical and accessible, evoking vivid imagery and emotions that linger in the mind.
The book's layout and visual presentation further enhance the reading experience. The inclusion of the original typewritten versions of the poems adds a tactile and authentic feel, giving readers a glimpse into the creative process. The accompanying photographs and illustrations complement the poetry, adding an additional layer of depth and visual appeal to the collection.
While "Chasers of the Light" is a captivating collection overall, there may be instances where certain poems resonate more strongly with readers than others. The subjective nature of poetry means that personal preferences and individual interpretations may vary. Some readers might have wanted a more varied structure or more diverse themes explored throughout the book.
In conclusion, "Chasers of the Light: Poems from the Typewriter Series" is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant collection of poetry. Tyler Knott Gregson's words have the power to touch hearts and evoke a range of emotions. If you appreciate heartfelt and introspective poetry that delves into themes of love, longing, and self-reflection, this four-star book is well worth exploring. Prepare to be moved by the raw and poignant verses that illuminate the beauty and complexities of the human experience.
The poems in this collection are characterized by their simplicity and brevity, often written on a typewriter, which adds a nostalgic charm to the presentation. Tyler Knott Gregson's writing style is accessible, allowing readers to easily connect with the emotions and themes conveyed in each piece. The concise and fragmented nature of the poems adds to their impact, leaving an impression long after the words have been read.
One of the highlights of "Chasers of the Light" is the author's ability to capture profound emotions in a concise and relatable manner. The poems explore themes of love, heartbreak, hope, and self-discovery, resonating with readers on a deeply personal level. The language used is both lyrical and accessible, evoking vivid imagery and emotions that linger in the mind.
The book's layout and visual presentation further enhance the reading experience. The inclusion of the original typewritten versions of the poems adds a tactile and authentic feel, giving readers a glimpse into the creative process. The accompanying photographs and illustrations complement the poetry, adding an additional layer of depth and visual appeal to the collection.
While "Chasers of the Light" is a captivating collection overall, there may be instances where certain poems resonate more strongly with readers than others. The subjective nature of poetry means that personal preferences and individual interpretations may vary. Some readers might have wanted a more varied structure or more diverse themes explored throughout the book.
In conclusion, "Chasers of the Light: Poems from the Typewriter Series" is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant collection of poetry. Tyler Knott Gregson's words have the power to touch hearts and evoke a range of emotions. If you appreciate heartfelt and introspective poetry that delves into themes of love, longing, and self-reflection, this four-star book is well worth exploring. Prepare to be moved by the raw and poignant verses that illuminate the beauty and complexities of the human experience.
The Raven and the Dove by Kaitlyn Davis
4.0
"The Raven and The Dove" is an engaging and enjoyable book that deserves recognition. While I ultimately enjoyed my reading experience, I did have a few reservations that prevented me from awarding it a full five-star rating.
The primary issue I encountered was the pacing of the story. The narrative moved at a fast pace, almost as if I was rushing to keep up with the events unfolding. This made it difficult for me to fully immerse myself in the world and connect with the characters on a deeper level. The rapid pace also made it challenging to keep track of the various points of view (POVs) presented throughout the story. Juggling multiple perspectives can be an enriching storytelling technique, but in this case, it occasionally proved overwhelming.
Despite these concerns, "The Raven and The Dove" has many redeeming qualities that make it a worthwhile read. The book shines in its imaginative and well-crafted world-building, transporting readers to a unique and vividly depicted setting. The author's attention to detail is commendable, allowing readers to easily envision the enchanting realms and landscapes.
Moreover, the characters within the story are complex and multi-dimensional, each with their own struggles and motivations. Although the fast pacing hindered my ability to fully connect with them, they were still intriguing and well-developed. The romantic elements in the plot were skillfully integrated and added depth to the relationships between the characters, enhancing the overall reading experience.
In terms of writing style, the author demonstrates a mastery of descriptive language, painting vivid pictures with their words. The prose is evocative and engaging, drawing readers deeper into the story. Additionally, the world-building and lore were well-researched, providing a solid foundation for the narrative.
In addition to the written version, I also had the opportunity to experience "The Raven and The Dove" as an audiobook, and I must say that the narration greatly enhanced the overall enjoyment of the story. The choice of narrator was excellent, as their voice and delivery captured the essence of the characters and brought them to life. The narrator's skillful interpretation of emotions, accents, and dialogue added depth and authenticity to the listening experience. It was a pleasure to listen to their soothing and engaging voice, making the audiobook an immersive and pleasurable way to experience the book. The audio production quality was top-notch, ensuring a clear and professional recording. Overall, the audiobook version of "The Raven and The Dove" is highly recommended, particularly for those who appreciate the immersive nature of audio storytelling.
In conclusion, "The Raven and The Dove" is a solid four-star read. Despite the issues with pacing and multiple POVs, the book offers a captivating world, complex characters, and a well-crafted narrative. Readers who enjoy immersive fantasy novels with a touch of romance will likely find themselves enthralled by this tale.
The primary issue I encountered was the pacing of the story. The narrative moved at a fast pace, almost as if I was rushing to keep up with the events unfolding. This made it difficult for me to fully immerse myself in the world and connect with the characters on a deeper level. The rapid pace also made it challenging to keep track of the various points of view (POVs) presented throughout the story. Juggling multiple perspectives can be an enriching storytelling technique, but in this case, it occasionally proved overwhelming.
Despite these concerns, "The Raven and The Dove" has many redeeming qualities that make it a worthwhile read. The book shines in its imaginative and well-crafted world-building, transporting readers to a unique and vividly depicted setting. The author's attention to detail is commendable, allowing readers to easily envision the enchanting realms and landscapes.
Moreover, the characters within the story are complex and multi-dimensional, each with their own struggles and motivations. Although the fast pacing hindered my ability to fully connect with them, they were still intriguing and well-developed. The romantic elements in the plot were skillfully integrated and added depth to the relationships between the characters, enhancing the overall reading experience.
In terms of writing style, the author demonstrates a mastery of descriptive language, painting vivid pictures with their words. The prose is evocative and engaging, drawing readers deeper into the story. Additionally, the world-building and lore were well-researched, providing a solid foundation for the narrative.
In addition to the written version, I also had the opportunity to experience "The Raven and The Dove" as an audiobook, and I must say that the narration greatly enhanced the overall enjoyment of the story. The choice of narrator was excellent, as their voice and delivery captured the essence of the characters and brought them to life. The narrator's skillful interpretation of emotions, accents, and dialogue added depth and authenticity to the listening experience. It was a pleasure to listen to their soothing and engaging voice, making the audiobook an immersive and pleasurable way to experience the book. The audio production quality was top-notch, ensuring a clear and professional recording. Overall, the audiobook version of "The Raven and The Dove" is highly recommended, particularly for those who appreciate the immersive nature of audio storytelling.
In conclusion, "The Raven and The Dove" is a solid four-star read. Despite the issues with pacing and multiple POVs, the book offers a captivating world, complex characters, and a well-crafted narrative. Readers who enjoy immersive fantasy novels with a touch of romance will likely find themselves enthralled by this tale.
Queen of The Reapers by Jessa Halliwell
4.0
The first book I wanted to shake our MFC a little bit. This time around I wanted to shake her a lot. I found myself still invested in the story but not wanting MFC's POV because she was getting annoying. I get that you love your sister, you want your sister, but like you left her weeks ago and didn't find this hard until now it suddenly matters.
The Bookbinder by Pip Williams
4.0
Pip Williams takes readers on a poignant journey through history and the lives of two resilient women in her novel, The Bookbinder. Set against the backdrop of World War I, Williams skillfully explores themes of knowledge, empowerment, and the impact of war on individuals and society.
The story revolves around twin sisters, Peggy and Maude, who work in the bindery at Oxford University press during a time when men are being sent off to war. Peggy, ambitious and intelligent, dreams of a different future where she can expand her horizons beyond the bindery's confines. Meanwhile, Maude finds solace and purpose in the meticulous work of folding pages. Their lives are forever altered when refugees from war-torn Belgium arrive, bringing with them new perspectives and challenges.
Williams' prose is evocative and immersive, effectively transporting readers to early 20th-century Oxford. The historical setting is meticulously researched and vividly portrayed, capturing the atmosphere of the time and the struggles faced by women in their pursuit of education and independence. The author's attention to detail shines through in her descriptions of bookbinding processes, creating a sense of craftsmanship and reverence for the art.
The characters, especially Peggy and Maude, are complex and well-developed, offering contrasting perspectives on the role of women in society. Peggy's desire for knowledge and intellectual growth resonates with readers, highlighting the inequalities and limitations faced by women during that era. Maude, on the other hand, finds fulfillment and contentment within the confines of her work, representing a different path to personal satisfaction. Their relationship as sisters is beautifully depicted, with Peggy's protective nature towards Maude adding emotional depth to the story.
The exploration of the power of knowledge and access to education is a central theme in The Bookbinder. Williams raises thought-provoking questions about who gets to create knowledge and who is privileged enough to access it. Through Peggy's aspirations and encounters with the refugees, the novel delves into the transformative nature of education and its potential to shape lives and challenge societal norms.
The pacing of the novel is steady, allowing the narrative to unfold gradually while maintaining a sense of intrigue. However, there are moments when the plot feels slightly predictable, particularly regarding Peggy's romantic involvement with a Belgian soldier. Nevertheless, the emotional depth and the exploration of broader social issues compensate for any predictability.
In summary, The Bookbinder is a beautifully written historical novel that transports readers to a bygone era. With its compelling characters, meticulous attention to detail, and exploration of important themes, Pip Williams once again demonstrates her ability to shed light on hidden histories through the eyes of strong and resilient women.
The story revolves around twin sisters, Peggy and Maude, who work in the bindery at Oxford University press during a time when men are being sent off to war. Peggy, ambitious and intelligent, dreams of a different future where she can expand her horizons beyond the bindery's confines. Meanwhile, Maude finds solace and purpose in the meticulous work of folding pages. Their lives are forever altered when refugees from war-torn Belgium arrive, bringing with them new perspectives and challenges.
Williams' prose is evocative and immersive, effectively transporting readers to early 20th-century Oxford. The historical setting is meticulously researched and vividly portrayed, capturing the atmosphere of the time and the struggles faced by women in their pursuit of education and independence. The author's attention to detail shines through in her descriptions of bookbinding processes, creating a sense of craftsmanship and reverence for the art.
The characters, especially Peggy and Maude, are complex and well-developed, offering contrasting perspectives on the role of women in society. Peggy's desire for knowledge and intellectual growth resonates with readers, highlighting the inequalities and limitations faced by women during that era. Maude, on the other hand, finds fulfillment and contentment within the confines of her work, representing a different path to personal satisfaction. Their relationship as sisters is beautifully depicted, with Peggy's protective nature towards Maude adding emotional depth to the story.
The exploration of the power of knowledge and access to education is a central theme in The Bookbinder. Williams raises thought-provoking questions about who gets to create knowledge and who is privileged enough to access it. Through Peggy's aspirations and encounters with the refugees, the novel delves into the transformative nature of education and its potential to shape lives and challenge societal norms.
The pacing of the novel is steady, allowing the narrative to unfold gradually while maintaining a sense of intrigue. However, there are moments when the plot feels slightly predictable, particularly regarding Peggy's romantic involvement with a Belgian soldier. Nevertheless, the emotional depth and the exploration of broader social issues compensate for any predictability.
In summary, The Bookbinder is a beautifully written historical novel that transports readers to a bygone era. With its compelling characters, meticulous attention to detail, and exploration of important themes, Pip Williams once again demonstrates her ability to shed light on hidden histories through the eyes of strong and resilient women.
Forbidden Freedom by Jasmin Miller
3.0
There are two types of books out in the world. Fun books and good books. Forbidden Freedom is a fun book. Easy, quick read that was really enjoyable. I liked the characters although I wanted more from Z and Ash. The book was 70% spice and 30% plot which I was not expecting. But this is also my first book that is a darker romance so that could just be me not knowing this genre well. The pacing I felt was a little fast but that also helped me stay plugged into the book. I find myself at 1am writing this review as soon as I finished the book, which I would recommend to anyone who needs a good pallet cleanser. Overall I really enjoyed it and will be picking up more of her books in the future.