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bubblewombat's reviews
2393 reviews
Reckless by Lauren Roberts
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Did I love the numerous quotes we got from Kai? Yes. Did I have fun listening to this book? Also yes. Did anything important happen? Not really. But I enjoyed it more than the first book anyway.
I'm a character oriented reader so if I like them, I don't even need a strong plot to enjoy the story, which worked in this book's favour, because the same thing kept happening over and over and I was like "cool beans"!!
We got a lot of relationship development, which was the best part of the book, though I was expecting it to be more action-y after the way Powerless ended.
Most of the plot development happened at the end, there was even a scene that made me cry. And that whole ending I actually was not expecting, I don't know if it's because it's been a while since I listened to the first book or what but...It's an even worse place to leave us hanging on than the Powerless cliffhanger was.
Luckily for me, the next book is out in April so it's not a very long wait. Sorry to everyone who read it when it was released and had to suffer all this time!!
In the past, this series reminded me of different books, Reckless was no different, and reminded me a bit of The Halfling Saga? Don't ask me why, maybe it was the vibes.
The one thing I minded was how many times both Paedyn and Kai said the word "pretend", it was grinding my ears.
Oh, and also, WHERE IS MAK?? Not here, that's for certain. I was really hoping we'd see him. Either way, I'm excited for the next book.
I'm a character oriented reader so if I like them, I don't even need a strong plot to enjoy the story, which worked in this book's favour, because the same thing kept happening over and over and I was like "cool beans"!!
We got a lot of relationship development, which was the best part of the book, though I was expecting it to be more action-y after the way Powerless ended.
Most of the plot development happened at the end, there was even a scene that made me cry. And that whole ending I actually was not expecting, I don't know if it's because it's been a while since I listened to the first book or what but...It's an even worse place to leave us hanging on than the Powerless cliffhanger was.
Luckily for me, the next book is out in April so it's not a very long wait. Sorry to everyone who read it when it was released and had to suffer all this time!!
In the past, this series reminded me of different books, Reckless was no different, and reminded me a bit of The Halfling Saga? Don't ask me why, maybe it was the vibes.
The one thing I minded was how many times both Paedyn and Kai said the word "pretend", it was grinding my ears.
Oh, and also, WHERE IS MAK?? Not here, that's for certain. I was really hoping we'd see him. Either way, I'm excited for the next book.
Dirt: Growing Strong Roots in What Makes the Broken Beautiful by Mary Marantz
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
Absolutely loved the writing & the childhood parts, which were the most compelling. I found myself unable to stop listening until I got through the whole thing. I also cried...A LOT.
What really got me is the boots section, where she didn't understand why she had to help her dad at the end of his work day, then thought of what Jesus would do, and it was as if a dam burst open from me, I couldn't stop crying. It was such a beautiful image.
Even though the author grew up across the world from me, there are parts of her story that I can relate to, and I feel like anyone who reads this will be able to as well.
I love the emphasis on family, and the reminder that your ancestors paved the way for you, so you shouldn't take what you have for granted.
There's this one metaphor, where it sounds like she got assaulted, but even when I relistened to that part, I couldn't make complete sense of it. So if someone did understand what really happened there, please let me know.
But yeah, this was such a great memoir, I'd love to read even more stories by Mary Marantz in the future.
What really got me is the boots section, where she didn't understand why she had to help her dad at the end of his work day, then thought of what Jesus would do, and it was as if a dam burst open from me, I couldn't stop crying. It was such a beautiful image.
Even though the author grew up across the world from me, there are parts of her story that I can relate to, and I feel like anyone who reads this will be able to as well.
I love the emphasis on family, and the reminder that your ancestors paved the way for you, so you shouldn't take what you have for granted.
There's this one metaphor, where it sounds like she got assaulted, but even when I relistened to that part, I couldn't make complete sense of it. So if someone did understand what really happened there, please let me know.
But yeah, this was such a great memoir, I'd love to read even more stories by Mary Marantz in the future.
Moon of the Turning Leaves by Waubgeshig Rice
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Nobody speak to me, I've been HURT by that ending.
I loved this, it was just as atmospheric as the first book, the narration was on point, and I love that we got to see what became of our beloved characters a decade down the line. It was a bit slower though, and I think it could've been a teensy bit shorter (more like the first book), but I had a good time either way and would read more books by Waubgeshig Rice in the future.
I loved this, it was just as atmospheric as the first book, the narration was on point, and I love that we got to see what became of our beloved characters a decade down the line. It was a bit slower though, and I think it could've been a teensy bit shorter (more like the first book), but I had a good time either way and would read more books by Waubgeshig Rice in the future.
Duet of Pernicious Eels by Kaden Love
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
“What kind of captain cries before his people?”
“The best kind.”
There were so many quotes I could've picked to put at the top of my review, but I picked this one, because I got punched in the feels, hard. And it wasn't the only time either!! Was I expecting everyone to survive? No. Am I still sad? Yes.
But to start this off on a lighter note, I am absolutely obsessed with the world & lore expansion we got, Kaden Love's attention to detail is one of my favourite things about his books. I feel so immersed whenever I read a story set in his world, I can picture everything vividly and feel as if I'm there myself.
You may have noticed the (not so little, wingspan the size of a house) flying critter on the cover. That, my friends, is one of many new interesting creatures we get to meet, called a zlatog. Now me being me, I found it immensely satisfying that they're called zlatogs and have golden horns, because zlato in my language means gold.
Speaking of, AVRA IS THE CUTEST ZLATOG IN ALL THE LANDS!! Her bond with Yetrik? The duo I never knew I needed. She must be protected at all costs.
The scene where they met reminded me a lot of Harry (Potter) meeting the Hippogriff, showing proper respect etc. It was so sweet.
Zlatogs even have their own humming language, and the person bound to them pats them to communicate back, how cool is that? AND, they're very loyal creatures, so they're THE perfect companions.
Character wise, we're still following Aerhee, Phenmir and Yetrik, but we also have a few more PoVs added that bring so much to the story.
After reading Beastcall, I was looking forward to seeing Runith again and this book delivered! Semi got a much bigger role as well, I enjoyed seeing more of her.
Which reminds me, my favourite chapter in the whole book? Chapter 26. Nobody is surprised, hah. BUT LISTEN, the reason it resonated with me so strongly is because it was like a little slice of peace and comfort amidst all the chaos. A moment where only the two of them existed, for a little while.
Anyway, the character development in this one guys...I can't pick a favourite anymore (except my little horned bat baby, Avra). My eyes were literally glued to the screen for every PoV switch, they were all so compelling.
I would say that I have a new appreciation for Aerhee after finishing though, especially with that ending. I cried because of her in book one, and the cycle continues in book two.
I'm going to miss a certain PoV character, I really got attached *sniff sniff*. I'm telling you, when you pick up this series you're going to fall in love with everyone and it's going to be hard to let them go. It doesn't even matter what side they're on.
The humour does make it a bit more bearable, I found myself laughing at certain lines and highlighting them so I could go back and laugh again.
And to my friends who love book politics, I AM BEGGING YOU TO READ PALADINS OF THE HARVEST, YOU WILL BE FED AND FED WELL!!!
This time, the ending is a proper cliffhanger and I can't wait until book three, because WHAT?! I MUST KNOW MORE. I am humming with anticipation (yes, I had to).
Bonus points for including a recap at the start (and the lovely map I can't stop staring at).
*Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
“The best kind.”
There were so many quotes I could've picked to put at the top of my review, but I picked this one, because I got punched in the feels, hard. And it wasn't the only time either!! Was I expecting everyone to survive? No. Am I still sad? Yes.
But to start this off on a lighter note, I am absolutely obsessed with the world & lore expansion we got, Kaden Love's attention to detail is one of my favourite things about his books. I feel so immersed whenever I read a story set in his world, I can picture everything vividly and feel as if I'm there myself.
You may have noticed the (not so little, wingspan the size of a house) flying critter on the cover. That, my friends, is one of many new interesting creatures we get to meet, called a zlatog. Now me being me, I found it immensely satisfying that they're called zlatogs and have golden horns, because zlato in my language means gold.
Speaking of, AVRA IS THE CUTEST ZLATOG IN ALL THE LANDS!! Her bond with Yetrik? The duo I never knew I needed. She must be protected at all costs.
The scene where they met reminded me a lot of Harry (Potter) meeting the Hippogriff, showing proper respect etc. It was so sweet.
Zlatogs even have their own humming language, and the person bound to them pats them to communicate back, how cool is that? AND, they're very loyal creatures, so they're THE perfect companions.
Character wise, we're still following Aerhee, Phenmir and Yetrik, but we also have a few more PoVs added that bring so much to the story.
After reading Beastcall, I was looking forward to seeing Runith again and this book delivered! Semi got a much bigger role as well, I enjoyed seeing more of her.
Which reminds me, my favourite chapter in the whole book? Chapter 26. Nobody is surprised, hah. BUT LISTEN, the reason it resonated with me so strongly is because it was like a little slice of peace and comfort amidst all the chaos. A moment where only the two of them existed, for a little while.
Anyway, the character development in this one guys...I can't pick a favourite anymore (except my little horned bat baby, Avra). My eyes were literally glued to the screen for every PoV switch, they were all so compelling.
I would say that I have a new appreciation for Aerhee after finishing though, especially with that ending. I cried because of her in book one, and the cycle continues in book two.
I'm going to miss a certain PoV character, I really got attached *sniff sniff*. I'm telling you, when you pick up this series you're going to fall in love with everyone and it's going to be hard to let them go. It doesn't even matter what side they're on.
The humour does make it a bit more bearable, I found myself laughing at certain lines and highlighting them so I could go back and laugh again.
And to my friends who love book politics, I AM BEGGING YOU TO READ PALADINS OF THE HARVEST, YOU WILL BE FED AND FED WELL!!!
This time, the ending is a proper cliffhanger and I can't wait until book three, because WHAT?! I MUST KNOW MORE. I am humming with anticipation (yes, I had to).
Bonus points for including a recap at the start (and the lovely map I can't stop staring at).
*Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Bloodbath by Molly Doyle
dark
slow-paced
3.0
Okayyyy, we finally got some answers in this one and learned why Quinn needed protection in the first place. I probably should've seen it coming, but I didn't.
Bloodbath felt very dragged out and slow to me though, I didn't have much of a desire to keep reading, even with the potential reveals hanging over me. I don't feel like the story progressed as much as it was supposed to, except at the very end.
I liked the addition of Omen, and that's about it? I'll still read whatever's next because we've been left on a cliffhanger, but it's definitely going downhill.
Bloodbath felt very dragged out and slow to me though, I didn't have much of a desire to keep reading, even with the potential reveals hanging over me. I don't feel like the story progressed as much as it was supposed to, except at the very end.
I liked the addition of Omen, and that's about it? I'll still read whatever's next because we've been left on a cliffhanger, but it's definitely going downhill.
Da Baddest by Trina
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
4.0
Learning about Trina's life was so interesting, especially through the audiobook which she narrated herself. I didn't know much about her, so I probably enjoyed this more than someone who's been listening to her since the start, but I think it's worth reading either way.
We learn about her childhood, what it was like growing up in Miami, how she got into rap and became the icon she is today, her relationships - both personal and professional, and all the losses she's experienced throughout her life. I couldn't help crying at the end, that was so heartbreaking.
There's a big theme of female empowerment throughout which I also really appreciate. You can tell Trina wants to see everyone succeed and will do what she can to help them. I only wish the book was a bit longer & went a tiny bit deeper, but I'm glad we got what we did anyway.
We learn about her childhood, what it was like growing up in Miami, how she got into rap and became the icon she is today, her relationships - both personal and professional, and all the losses she's experienced throughout her life. I couldn't help crying at the end, that was so heartbreaking.
There's a big theme of female empowerment throughout which I also really appreciate. You can tell Trina wants to see everyone succeed and will do what she can to help them. I only wish the book was a bit longer & went a tiny bit deeper, but I'm glad we got what we did anyway.
The House of My Mother: A Daughter's Quest for Freedom by Shari Franke
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
I've never watched family vloggers and I had no idea who Ruby Franke was until she got arrested, but I've been following the story since, and obviously had to give Shari's book a read.
It was incredibly heartbreaking and hard to listen to at times, because of what she and her siblings went through.
The book is narrated by the author, which made the listening experience more personal, and we got to see what her family's life was like pre vlogging, during vlogging and gaining popularity, when Jodi entered the picture and after everything went down.
It shows us that the abuse didn't start with Jodi, Ruby had been abusive loooong before she met her. I can't even imagine treating your own kids like that, and exploiting them for content the way she did.
I'm glad that both of them are behind bars (hopefully for a very long time) so the kids can try to heal as much as possible. And I'm grateful Shari got to share this with us, she didn't have to, but she decided to be brave it and let it all out anyway.
I'd love to see an updated memoir a decade or two down the line to see how she's doing, I'm sincerely hoping that she's going to thrive and live her best life, she deserves it.
It was incredibly heartbreaking and hard to listen to at times, because of what she and her siblings went through.
The book is narrated by the author, which made the listening experience more personal, and we got to see what her family's life was like pre vlogging, during vlogging and gaining popularity, when Jodi entered the picture and after everything went down.
It shows us that the abuse didn't start with Jodi, Ruby had been abusive loooong before she met her. I can't even imagine treating your own kids like that, and exploiting them for content the way she did.
I'm glad that both of them are behind bars (hopefully for a very long time) so the kids can try to heal as much as possible. And I'm grateful Shari got to share this with us, she didn't have to, but she decided to be brave it and let it all out anyway.
I'd love to see an updated memoir a decade or two down the line to see how she's doing, I'm sincerely hoping that she's going to thrive and live her best life, she deserves it.
Jet by Jay Crownover
emotional
funny
hopeful
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Wow, what a difference from Rule, you can't go wrong with a rockstar romance.
Jet was my favourite character in book one, so I'm glad his own story delivered. I wasn't sure about Ayden, because we didn't get to know her properly in Rule, and I was worried she'd be annoying, but I loved her too. I think it helps that I'm a huge metal and country fan, so their pairing was hilariously perfect to me.
I was so invested that I didn't even care about the little things that would normally bug me, except that "rating" of other girls at the start, I couldn't ignore that. But I would say it's been toned down compared to the previous book, even if Jet constantly had girls throwing themselves at him.
I don't agree with all of Ayden's choices, especially the timing of some of them, but I can understand where she was coming from, and I can see why some readers disliked her.
What I loved most about Jet, was the depth both characters got, it felt realistic and tugged at my heartstrings. I also loved the playlists, all three of them. I can finally say I found some book playlists without a single bad song or artist, hah.
The audiobook performance was excellent, and helped me to get immersed in the story. If you do read this series, do it on audio.
As a side note, I need a few of these books to have pairings where both characters are alt, please and thank you.
Jet was my favourite character in book one, so I'm glad his own story delivered. I wasn't sure about Ayden, because we didn't get to know her properly in Rule, and I was worried she'd be annoying, but I loved her too. I think it helps that I'm a huge metal and country fan, so their pairing was hilariously perfect to me.
I was so invested that I didn't even care about the little things that would normally bug me, except that "rating" of other girls at the start, I couldn't ignore that. But I would say it's been toned down compared to the previous book, even if Jet constantly had girls throwing themselves at him.
I don't agree with all of Ayden's choices, especially the timing of some of them, but I can understand where she was coming from, and I can see why some readers disliked her.
What I loved most about Jet, was the depth both characters got, it felt realistic and tugged at my heartstrings. I also loved the playlists, all three of them. I can finally say I found some book playlists without a single bad song or artist, hah.
The audiobook performance was excellent, and helped me to get immersed in the story. If you do read this series, do it on audio.
As a side note, I need a few of these books to have pairings where both characters are alt, please and thank you.