candycains's reviews
80 reviews

Alas de Sangre by Rebecca Yarros

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

It may be because I read this in Spanish, but this was one of the most predictable and lackluster books I've read in ages.  

Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Just For the Summer by Abby Jimenez

emotional hopeful reflective 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

4.0

A four for romance books, but a five in themes that make you think about your life.

Secretly Yours by Tessa Bailey

lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

0.5

The WORST BOOK I HAVE EVER ACTUALLY FULLY FINISHED. It's like every decision each character made was in a battle to be the stupidest decision ever made. And the author's writing style is giving middle school self-insert fanfiction. The VA is also so cringy. Save yourself and don't read it.

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

adventurous emotional lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren

medium-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? No

3.25

Super fun! Love it when the villain is an actual uncomplicated villain. Pure beach read vibes.

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

relaxing 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? No

2.75

It's a bland mesh of cuteness 

The New Couple in 5B by Lisa Unger

mysterious tense slow-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

3.75

As far as mysteries, this was one of the best build ups I've read in a while. But the reveal felt soft, and really didn't make any sense at all.

I was totally expecting a cult, so the fact that it was just one couple that wanted an apartment??? Like, I understand why, but you're right next door, deal with it??

Great otherwise.

The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz

dark mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Starts off so slow and with such an annoying character that I almost DNF'd a few times. Luckily I stuck it out because the end is very entertaining, but WOOF the first half is tough. Also I haven't seen that sad of queer representation in a minute. Why was everyone somehow a predatory lesbian???

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Bullying, Death, and Emotional abuse

Moderate: Lesbophobia

When Among Crows by Veronica Roth

adventurous dark emotional fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I adored this book. It's so short that I miss it. I need more