cassiecollins's reviews
267 reviews

Capturing the Baron's Heart by Gwyneira Blythe

dark emotional tense fast-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

4.0

I really enjoyed this! The chemistry between "Kate" and Dorian was excellent, and I really adored Kate herself as a character. The ending was a bit abrupt, but there is a whole series after this so I don't think it's too big an issue. Looking forward to reading about Victoria!

The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins

adventurous dark mysterious 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

This was one of those books I just didn't fully vibe with. I guess the only way I could describe it is...discordant? That's the main word that comes to mind. It's a little out there, but I wouldn't say it's hard to follow even when things get a little hand-wavey with regard to explanations. Yet, I was left scratching my head at the reasonings of some of the narrative/character choices. I think that may just be a byproduct of cramming so much world-building and character development and epic scope in less than 400 pages. Overall just not my taste.

The Shuddering by Ania Ahlborn

dark tense slow-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? No

3.0

Well, I definitely enjoyed this more than the first book I read by this author. (I do have a soft spot for creature features, though.) I think my main criticism with this one is that there are way too many of the side vignettes. They're all decently written, but they started to distract from the main group—especially since there were some genuinely interesting relationship dynamics that I liked seeing explored even if there wasn't much "action". And, the vignettes ultimately took away some of the shock value when the creatures finally show themselves to the main group since we'd already seen so much of them.

Fool's Fate by Robin Hobb

adventurous dark emotional slow-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

4.5

The first half is a bit tedious, but once Fitz and everyone reach Aslevjal, things pick up quickly. As always, the character work is incredible, and there were several moments that had me tearing up. I found the ending charming and well-earned. Very excited to see where the series goes after this.

The Witches: Salem, 1692 by Stacy Schiff

informative sad slow-paced

2.5

I think my main issue with this piece is simply this: I don't know what the goal was here. If it was meant to be a layman's recounting for those unfamiliar with the trials, it's far too long-winded and meandering. If it supposed to be aimed as something for those familiar and wanting to see new perspectives, there's far too little analysis and a distinct lack of new/original takes to make reading the whole thing worthwhile. Ultimately, I just found this to be boring.

Golden Fool by Robin Hobb

dark mysterious slow-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

This one felt less focused than the first book. There's a lot of interesting plot threads and character arcs introduced, but there's no solid throughline for the narrative to keep it grounded. So, for a lot of the book, it just feels like lots of things are happening without much genuine progress. I do trust that Hobb will bring everything together eventually, just here it was a bit disjointed. Also I was not a huge fan of the homophobia from Fitz and some other characters (it was handled well for what it is, mind you, just unpleasant and kind of unnecessary, in my opinion). Beyond those things, as always, the characters and world-building are just incredible and absolutely carried the whole piece.

Fool's Errand by Robin Hobb

adventurous dark emotional slow-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

4.5

This series is becoming one of those where it just feels like coming home. The pacing definitely drags a bit at points, especially at the beginning (I mean, really, it took my man Fitz 200 pages to leave his damn house). But, that's really the only knock against it I have. The characters are excellent, as always. I loved that Hobb took the Wit magic and is really pushing and exploring that concept to its fullest potential. And, of course, she had me sobbing—and it's only the first book in the trilogy! Can't wait to see what else she's got in store for this one.

Piranesi by Susanna Clarke

mysterious reflective slow-paced

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

5.0

This was lovely. I was worried when I started that I might have problems following along with the whimsical setting and unreliable narrator, but I'm happy to report that neither of those caused any issue. Despite the ethereal nature of the House, the prose is clear, if not always concise, so everything still felt grounded. I loved the ending—

the way the narrator navigates his existence as a sort of bridge, between Piranesi and Matthew, our world and the House, brought everything together just perfectly.

I also appreciated that even when the narrative/mysteries became distinctly human, the otherworldliness of both the setting and Piranesi's character were never compromised. 

Just Like Home by Sarah Gailey

dark emotional mysterious slow-paced

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

4.5

I really enjoyed this! The pacing is a bit slow, but I think there's just enough mystery and character work to propel interest. I liked Vera's narrative arc a lot. (And, I always appreciate when characters lean in to the dark side, so to speak.) I think Vera's complicated emotions toward and relationships with both parents were handled really well and were nuanced. I can definitely see where people might be love-it-or-hate-it with this, but I'm definitely of the former.

Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher

funny lighthearted reflective fast-paced

3.5

So, this was adapted from the author's stage show of the same name, and honestly? The whole time I kept thinking I'd rather have watched the show. I did love Fisher's narration and her wit and humor of the myriad situations she describes. The anecdotes are fun, but they are usually short and don't go into too much depth beyond getting to a punchline. I think that works for a 3-hour stage show, but I like a little more detail if I'm going to read a book. I had fun and was laughing throughout, but like I said, I think you'd be better off finding a recording of the original show instead.