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cath_reads_books's reviews
28 reviews
My Sweet Girl by Amanda Jayatissa
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This was a wild ride! I think it’s my favorite of Amanda Jayatissa’s so far.
The story follows Paloma, a Sri Lankan orphan, who is adopted by the Evans couple and moved to the United States. There’s clearly something in Paloma’s past that haunts her; she has a terrible relationship with her adoptive parents, she drinks on medication that have interactions with alcohol, and she doesn’t seem to have any real friends. She also judges every person she comes across extremely harshly, as though she’s the best person on the planet, when in reality she’s an absolute asshole. She’s also extremely manipulative and conniving, and will do anything to keep herself in a good position. I found myself wondering many times if she was legitimately a psychopath.
The book goes back-and-forth between telling the story of present day Paloma and young Paloma living at the Sri Lankan orphanage.As I continued to hear more of the experiences about the orphanage, I started to suspect that Paloma wasn’t really Paloma at all, but instead was a close childhood friend posing as her to get their shot at a better life. By the end of the book I found out that this was absolutely the case.
What I didn’t expect was that the real Paloma was still alive and had planned on elaborate revenge scheme to try to take her place back from the pretender. The REAL Paloma was even more insane than the pretend one too, and layered on her own schemes to make the pretend Paloma look unhinged. The last few chapters of this book were beyond intense, and I had no idea which Paloma I was actually reading about for a while there. The last chapter had me grinning ear to ear when I figured it out.
4.25 of 5 stars from me! Top-notch writing with an insane cat and mouse game between two psychopaths lol.
The story follows Paloma, a Sri Lankan orphan, who is adopted by the Evans couple and moved to the United States. There’s clearly something in Paloma’s past that haunts her; she has a terrible relationship with her adoptive parents, she drinks on medication that have interactions with alcohol, and she doesn’t seem to have any real friends. She also judges every person she comes across extremely harshly, as though she’s the best person on the planet, when in reality she’s an absolute asshole. She’s also extremely manipulative and conniving, and will do anything to keep herself in a good position. I found myself wondering many times if she was legitimately a psychopath.
The book goes back-and-forth between telling the story of present day Paloma and young Paloma living at the Sri Lankan orphanage.
What I didn’t expect was that the real Paloma was still alive and had planned on elaborate revenge scheme to try to take her place back from the pretender. The REAL Paloma was even more insane than the pretend one too, and layered on her own schemes to make the pretend Paloma look unhinged. The last few chapters of this book were beyond intense, and I had no idea which Paloma I was actually reading about for a while there. The last chapter had me grinning ear to ear when I figured it out.
4.25 of 5 stars from me! Top-notch writing with an insane cat and mouse game between two psychopaths lol.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Gaslighting, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Drug abuse, Pedophilia, Sexual assault, Vomit, and Death of parent
The Queen by Kiera Cass
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The Selection series has been on my reading list for a while, and today is the day I thought I’d finally start it. According to online forums, The Queen is the best place to start for chronological reading.
I thought this was a solid novella! It explained concepts just enough for me to understand a bit about the fantasy world, but not enough to take away from the story or make it seem rushed. Amberly had great character development throughout. Clarkson was more astute and wise than I gave him credit for in the beginning. It was also nice to read a romance novel that wasn’t super spicy for a change. I’m curious how much more of Amberly and Clarkson I’ll see in the coming books and novellas. And if the sweetness of their love story is anything to judge by, I’m in for a treat as I keep reading.
I thought this was a solid novella! It explained concepts just enough for me to understand a bit about the fantasy world, but not enough to take away from the story or make it seem rushed. Amberly had great character development throughout. Clarkson was more astute and wise than I gave him credit for in the beginning. It was also nice to read a romance novel that wasn’t super spicy for a change. I’m curious how much more of Amberly and Clarkson I’ll see in the coming books and novellas. And if the sweetness of their love story is anything to judge by, I’m in for a treat as I keep reading.
Content Warnings
Minor: Vomit, Medical content, and Alcohol
Housebroke by Jaci Burton
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This book was so, so cute! I might be biased because I have such a soft spot for animals, but overall this book was more than just a romance with puppies on the side.
I really enjoyed Hazel as a character. Her life isn’t fully together and some things REALLY fall apart, but she was resilient and persevered through it all. She was intent on not taking handouts, providing for herself, and her dogs, and generally just being a decent person. What’s not to love about that?Even when she and Linc fall in love, she still wants to provide for herself and earn what she has rather than just letting Linc buy her things. It was awesome to see Hazel’s independence take center stage all the way through the end of the book, while also not getting that “picture perfect” ending I had assumed was coming.
Of course I have to say something about the dogs too! Each one had their quirks and uniqueness that made them so lovable. And the book showcased how dogs and their nature can be heavily influenced by environment and the people around them - not every person can have four or five dogs in a house and have them all get along and behave/listen to commands. The pack clearly respected Hazel and it showed. It was so refreshing to see dog ownership/fostering portrayed from this lens rather than the dogs being absolute terrors.
If you’re looking for a cute, easy romance read that also involves animals, this is the book for you!
I really enjoyed Hazel as a character. Her life isn’t fully together and some things REALLY fall apart, but she was resilient and persevered through it all. She was intent on not taking handouts, providing for herself, and her dogs, and generally just being a decent person. What’s not to love about that?
Of course I have to say something about the dogs too! Each one had their quirks and uniqueness that made them so lovable. And the book showcased how dogs and their nature can be heavily influenced by environment and the people around them - not every person can have four or five dogs in a house and have them all get along and behave/listen to commands. The pack clearly respected Hazel and it showed. It was so refreshing to see dog ownership/fostering portrayed from this lens rather than the dogs being absolute terrors.
If you’re looking for a cute, easy romance read that also involves animals, this is the book for you!
Turtles All the Way Down by John Green
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
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
3.0
give this a solid 3 of 5 stars. The characters in the book are fully developed, but honestly some of them are a little insufferable. I found myself questioning through the entire book whether Daisy was actually a good friend to Aza. Oftentimes Daisy was just straight up mean; as someone who claims to understand how Aza’s mind works and to be accommodating of that, she sure wasn’t at times. Re-framing this story as coming from the perspectives of children rather than mini-adults did help some.
In addition to being a coming of age novel, this book was also a portrait of grief. It showed how people don’t ever really move on from a loss, it just fits into their life in a different way as time goes by. The grief in this book didn’t absolutely rip my heart out like The Fault In Our Stars did, but it did make me feel things. I think I also have a better idea of what it’s like to live with chronic anxiety now; I love when books have something to teach me.
Overall a decent book, but not my favorite by John Green. He’s written better in my opinion.
In addition to being a coming of age novel, this book was also a portrait of grief. It showed how people don’t ever really move on from a loss, it just fits into their life in a different way as time goes by. The grief in this book didn’t absolutely rip my heart out like The Fault In Our Stars did, but it did make me feel things. I think I also have a better idea of what it’s like to live with chronic anxiety now; I love when books have something to teach me.
Overall a decent book, but not my favorite by John Green. He’s written better in my opinion.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Abandonment
Moderate: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Car accident, and Death of parent
The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
I wanted to like this book; unfortunately it was not meant to be.
The world building leaves a lot to be desired. I found myself constantly confused when new terms or creatures were introduced. This continued throughout the book and new creatures were even introduced in the last 30 pages, in a way that makes it seem as if you should have understood what they were the entire time.
The concepts of oppression, misogyny, and colorism are heavy throughout the novel, which is what originally drew me to it. The characters and relationships in the novel, unfortunately, are not developed enough to do these concepts justice. Each character seemed extremely one-dimensional, as if they were only there as plot devices. There’s a forced almost-romance.The main character has an epiphany near the end of the novel that is not at all in line with her thinking or development throughout the book. Loyalty is given and friendships are formed without any shared experience to base them on. The lack of character development contributed to the hollowing-out of important concepts, resulting in this feeling like a book without purpose.
There’s also a LOT of plot holes. Why are women not allowed to touch sharp objects if their monthly menses can reveal impurity just as clearly as a cut? Why are girls impure from their first period if menstruation is supposed to start the process of the blood becoming impure, not finish it?How did Umu fake her death so convincingly? She is said to be truly “gone”, but if all alaki come back as deathshrieks, why didn’t she? How did Fatu escape imprisonment and then convince her same captors, who KNEW she was dangerous and not to be trusted, to put her back in a position of power where she could overthrow them? The list goes on.
Overall, not impressed with this book. Kinda shocked it’s been made into a series when it absolutely didn’t have to be. Will not be reading the others.
The world building leaves a lot to be desired. I found myself constantly confused when new terms or creatures were introduced. This continued throughout the book and new creatures were even introduced in the last 30 pages, in a way that makes it seem as if you should have understood what they were the entire time.
The concepts of oppression, misogyny, and colorism are heavy throughout the novel, which is what originally drew me to it. The characters and relationships in the novel, unfortunately, are not developed enough to do these concepts justice. Each character seemed extremely one-dimensional, as if they were only there as plot devices. There’s a forced almost-romance.
There’s also a LOT of plot holes. Why are women not allowed to touch sharp objects if their monthly menses can reveal impurity just as clearly as a cut? Why are girls impure from their first period if menstruation is supposed to start the process of the blood becoming impure, not finish it?
Overall, not impressed with this book. Kinda shocked it’s been made into a series when it absolutely didn’t have to be. Will not be reading the others.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Torture, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Violence, Blood, and War
Minor: Forced institutionalization
Pretty Boys Are Poisonous: Poems by Megan Fox
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
4.25
This collection of poems is full of vitriol and feminine rage. I did not expect to like it as much as I did. There were so many poems that really hit hard. And the titles?!?! “You’d be so much more handsome if you’d get an exorcism”. WOW.
I didn’t know Megan Fox could write like this. Honestly want a copy of this collection for my home library.
Also, as a heads up, the last two poems on the collection will emotionally destroy you. I was sobbing.
I didn’t know Megan Fox could write like this. Honestly want a copy of this collection for my home library.
Also, as a heads up, the last two poems on the collection will emotionally destroy you. I was sobbing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Miscarriage and Pregnancy
Finding Perfect by Colleen Hoover
hopeful
fast-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
1.75
Short and unbelievably trite novella. This book tackled some very adult concepts in a juvenile, surface-level way. I’m glad I’m done with this series and will never have to come back to it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship and Pregnancy
A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-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
4.0
4/5 stars; now to explain why lol.
A lot of people told me they didn’t like this book. After reading it, I can understand why they might not; it’s a different kind of book when compared to the series. This one (at least in my opinion) was meant to show the softer side of some characters as well as shed light on their mental health struggles. It wasn’t meant to be a fantasy novel. It wasn’t meant to be about a huge buildup, conflict, and resolution. It was meant to show that even fantastical character have struggles. Even High Fae have to deal with the mundane/boring parts of life. The novel was meant to humanize the series, not continue to storyline.
I truly enjoyed getting to know each beloved character better. Everybody’s personality quirks really got their moment to shine! Relationships between a lot of the characters were deepened, some rifts widened in heartbreaking ways, and ALL the characters were addressing some heavy feelings/emotions. A huge thank you to SJM for taking the time to acknowledge, complicated emotions and concepts like grief, guilt, PTSD, and self esteem.
So, 4 of 5 stars for the book this is, not for the series people want it to fit into.
A lot of people told me they didn’t like this book. After reading it, I can understand why they might not; it’s a different kind of book when compared to the series. This one (at least in my opinion) was meant to show the softer side of some characters as well as shed light on their mental health struggles. It wasn’t meant to be a fantasy novel. It wasn’t meant to be about a huge buildup, conflict, and resolution. It was meant to show that even fantastical character have struggles. Even High Fae have to deal with the mundane/boring parts of life. The novel was meant to humanize the series, not continue to storyline.
I truly enjoyed getting to know each beloved character better. Everybody’s personality quirks really got their moment to shine! Relationships between a lot of the characters were deepened, some rifts widened in heartbreaking ways, and ALL the characters were addressing some heavy feelings/emotions. A huge thank you to SJM for taking the time to acknowledge, complicated emotions and concepts like grief, guilt, PTSD, and self esteem.
So, 4 of 5 stars for the book this is, not for the series people want it to fit into.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Grief
The Haunting of Ashburn House by Darcy Coates
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Solid book; 3 of 5 stars. I had previously read Darcy Coates’ Gravekeeper series and decided to give her one-off books a shot as well.
Addy, upon inheriting her great-aunt Edith’s house, moves to Ashburn in the small town of Ipson. She has some difficulties making friends in the neighborhood and also quickly discovers Ashburn’s haunted, murderous history. Addy believes for most of the story that it’s Edith who’s haunting the property, but it turns out the malevolent presence is Edith’s twin sister Eleanor. Edith was the only thing stopping Eleanor from rising again, and now that she’s gone Addy must take on Eleanor herself.
I found this book to be a fun, engaging read. The pacing was a little slower than what I anticipated, but it didn’t end up being a problem as the slower bits explained the history of the house, the family and the town. Everything mentioned in the book had a purpose and was involved in the final payoff at the end. I couldn’t predict every twist, though I could predict quite a few things from even the beginning of the novel. Overall, recommend this book to anyone looking to dip a toe into the horror/haunting genre. It wasn’t too scary but also had some chilling moments. Perfect for beginners.
I found this book to be a fun, engaging read. The pacing was a little slower than what I anticipated, but it didn’t end up being a problem as the slower bits explained the history of the house, the family and the town. Everything mentioned in the book had a purpose and was involved in the final payoff at the end. I couldn’t predict every twist, though I could predict quite a few things from even the beginning of the novel. Overall, recommend this book to anyone looking to dip a toe into the horror/haunting genre. It wasn’t too scary but also had some chilling moments. Perfect for beginners.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Death, and Murder
Moderate: Gore and Car accident
All Your Perfects by Colleen Hoover
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
I give this book 2.25 out of five stars. Though I feel this is the least toxic, trauma-bonded relationship to be displayed in this particular Colleen Hoover series thus far, the individuals themselves are still practicing toxic behaviors, feed into trauma bonding, and are unbelievably poor communicators. Instead of communicating, they repeatedly hurt their partner.
I am starting to wonder if CoHo has written about any healthy relationships.
I am starting to wonder if CoHo has written about any healthy relationships.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Infertility, Miscarriage, Toxic relationship, and Grief