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chaptersofchase's Reviews (1.12k)
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-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
What fictional family has stuck with you long after finishing their story?
Thank you, Celadon Books, for the gifted copy of Mercury by Amy Jo Burns! {partner}
Genre: Fiction
Trope: Family drama
Format: ๐
Pub Date: 1.2.2024
Star Rating: โโโโโ
When I first started Mercury, I was baffled - it reminded me of a cold TV show opening; I was thrown into the middle of something happening without any idea who was who and what was happening. But, once I figured out everyone (I made myself a little character map), I fell into step with the complicated (and sometimes) lovable Joseph family.
What I truly loved and found so unique is how Mercury is told and how we (the reader) come to know the Joseph Family. We are first given a look at the family, but it's only the surface level. Something is off; grudges are held, and everyone carries a burden. Then, as the story unravels, we spend more time with the family and learn more about each member. By the end of Mercury, we are privy to the character's innermost thoughts, deepest regrets, and the uncertain futures that lay before them. It was beautiful, and I truly felt like getting to know someone.
โค๏ธโ๐ฉน Complicated family dynamics
๐๏ธ Small town setting
๐ฃ๏ธ Multiple POV's
๐ Mystery
๐ Coming-of-age (in a way)
As I mentioned, several Joseph family secrets are revealed, and some may be upsetting. If you have any concerns, please get in touch with me, and I'll share them with you. However, they are spoilers, so I don't want to put them in my review.
I highly recommend reading Mercury by Amy Jo Burns if you enjoyed reading We Are the Brennans or The Connellys of County Down by Tracey Lange.
_
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Thank you, Celadon Books, for the gifted copy of Mercury by Amy Jo Burns! {partner}
Genre: Fiction
Trope: Family drama
Format: ๐
Pub Date: 1.2.2024
Star Rating: โโโโโ
When I first started Mercury, I was baffled - it reminded me of a cold TV show opening; I was thrown into the middle of something happening without any idea who was who and what was happening. But, once I figured out everyone (I made myself a little character map), I fell into step with the complicated (and sometimes) lovable Joseph family.
What I truly loved and found so unique is how Mercury is told and how we (the reader) come to know the Joseph Family. We are first given a look at the family, but it's only the surface level. Something is off; grudges are held, and everyone carries a burden. Then, as the story unravels, we spend more time with the family and learn more about each member. By the end of Mercury, we are privy to the character's innermost thoughts, deepest regrets, and the uncertain futures that lay before them. It was beautiful, and I truly felt like getting to know someone.
โค๏ธโ๐ฉน Complicated family dynamics
๐๏ธ Small town setting
๐ฃ๏ธ Multiple POV's
๐ Mystery
๐ Coming-of-age (in a way)
As I mentioned, several Joseph family secrets are revealed, and some may be upsetting. If you have any concerns, please get in touch with me, and I'll share them with you. However, they are spoilers, so I don't want to put them in my review.
I highly recommend reading Mercury by Amy Jo Burns if you enjoyed reading We Are the Brennans or The Connellys of County Down by Tracey Lange.
_
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Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Hollow Heathens
Genre: Fantasy
Format: ๐ง๐
Pub Date: 10.13.2020
Star Rating: โโโโ
โYou believe youโre gazing at the stars, when, in all reality, the entire galaxy is gazing at you.โ
I was all for this Hollow Heathens, but it had moments of feeling too teen-angsty and drawn out. While I agree that Julian had the perfect โbad boyโ presence in the book, he grated my nerves on multiple occasions. I struggled with how quickly Fallon fell in love with him (at first sight) and how quickly she was willing to give away her life to make him whole.
World-building takes a tremendous amount of talent to pull off, especially if the reader is still trying to train their brain to adapt to the fantasy genre. Nicole Fiorina, the author of Hollow Heathens, did an outstanding job with some world-building aspects, but others felt lost. The magic was there but not fully understood. But, again, this may be due to me needing to entirely flip the switch to the fantasy genre. I plan to read the second book - Bone Island, so maybe itโll feel different!
๐ Gramps & Fallon
๐ซ Star-crossed lovers
๐ค Dark aesthetic
๐ญ Lots of drama between covens
๐ Felt teen angsty at times
I recommend reading Hollow Heathens if youโre looking for a dark fantasy setting about witch covens and a town that doesnโt seem too forgiving.
_____
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Genre: Fantasy
Format: ๐ง๐
Pub Date: 10.13.2020
Star Rating: โโโโ
โYou believe youโre gazing at the stars, when, in all reality, the entire galaxy is gazing at you.โ
I was all for this Hollow Heathens, but it had moments of feeling too teen-angsty and drawn out. While I agree that Julian had the perfect โbad boyโ presence in the book, he grated my nerves on multiple occasions. I struggled with how quickly Fallon fell in love with him (at first sight) and how quickly she was willing to give away her life to make him whole.
World-building takes a tremendous amount of talent to pull off, especially if the reader is still trying to train their brain to adapt to the fantasy genre. Nicole Fiorina, the author of Hollow Heathens, did an outstanding job with some world-building aspects, but others felt lost. The magic was there but not fully understood. But, again, this may be due to me needing to entirely flip the switch to the fantasy genre. I plan to read the second book - Bone Island, so maybe itโll feel different!
๐ Gramps & Fallon
๐ซ Star-crossed lovers
๐ค Dark aesthetic
๐ญ Lots of drama between covens
๐ Felt teen angsty at times
I recommend reading Hollow Heathens if youโre looking for a dark fantasy setting about witch covens and a town that doesnโt seem too forgiving.
_____
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mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Here's what I can't understand โ why aren't more people suggesting Discovery of Witches as the perfect fall read?
Genre: Fantasy
Format: ๐ง
Audiobook Narration: โโโโโ
Pub Date: 2.8.2011
Star Rating: โโโโโ
Genre: Fantasy
Format: ๐ง
Audiobook Narration: โโโโโ
Pub Date: 2.8.2011
Star Rating: โโโโโ
"Yes, I see that you are behaving like a prince, but that doesn't mean you won't behave like a devil at the first opportunity."
Discover of Witches was the PERFECT escape read and gave me hours (23 hours and 56 minutes, to be precise) of listening entertainment. The audiobook narration was exquisite and added so much to the storyline. While the story lags at times, it was just the moody read I was looking for in October.
I also loved all of the bits of history sprinkled throughout the book - there used to be this show called 'The Librarian', and Discovery of Witches reminded me of it. However, the way the author presented all of the histories wasn't overwhelming; instead, it was rather interesting.
๐ฅ Slow Burn
๐ History
โจ Witches + Vampires
๐ Matthew Clairmont
๐ค Dark academia vibes
I recommend reading it if you would like Outlander but with witches & and vampires!
_
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adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
โจ FIVE STARS โจ
Thank you, Delacorte Books, for the gifted copy of The Unmaking of June Farrow {partner}
Genre: Fiction
Trope: Magical Realism/Fantasy
Format: ๐
Pub Date: 10.17.2023
Star Rating: โโโโโ
Thank you, Delacorte Books, for the gifted copy of The Unmaking of June Farrow {partner}
Genre: Fiction
Trope: Magical Realism/Fantasy
Format: ๐
Pub Date: 10.17.2023
Star Rating: โโโโโ
"Their conversation grew louder as the song drew on, and I couldn't stop thinking that where we stood was the center of something, a place that created the kind of gravity that made galaxies."
The Unmaking of June Farrow is one of those books that is meant to be read unhurriedly, immersing yourself into the storyline one step at a time. I savored this book and read it over six days. June Farrow is undeniably Adrienne Young's best book yet, and I hope she continues writing these types of stories because she is so good at it.
But, what I loved most about this book is the stunning descriptions that Young used to illustrate the characters and setting. I felt like I could close my eyes and picture everything perfectly, feel the breeze on my face, and smell the flowers from the Adeline River Flower Farm. Young transported me directly into this book, and it's been a while since I've had that experience.
๐๏ธ Small town in NC
๐ฅฐ A little something for everyone
โจ Time travel
๐ Vivid descriptions
I highly recommend reading The Unmaking of June Farrow as there's a little something for every reader within the pages - mystery, romance, magic, family relationships, and self-discovery. It's one of those stories that will stick with you long after you've finished reading it.
_
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dark
tense
fast-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
Look at me enjoying something from the horror genre!
Thank you, St Martins Press, for the gifted copy of Hemlock Island {partner}
Genre: Horror
Trope: Mystery
Format: ๐ง๐
Audiobook Narration: โโโโ
Pub Date: 9.12.2023
Star Rating: โโโโ
Thank you, St Martins Press, for the gifted copy of Hemlock Island {partner}
Genre: Horror
Trope: Mystery
Format: ๐ง๐
Audiobook Narration: โโโโ
Pub Date: 9.12.2023
Star Rating: โโโโ
โSomething as brief as our marriage should die like a Roman candle. One blaze of glory imprinted on the retina for a few moments and then fading. This wasnโt that. This was a flash fire, and I am scarred for life, and I wouldnโt want it any other way.โ
Iโm on a horror story kick. But, surprisingly, I enjoyed reading Hemlock Island (if you follow me, you know that horror is usually a miss for me). But this whole thing actually worked for me!
I loved how the author, Kelley Armstrong, ended each chapter with a big cliffhanger. It was the definition of โone more chapterโ. I also rarely read physical books before bed because Iโm notorious for falling asleep while reading (my bed is super comfortable). Still, I opted to keep the lights on with Hemlock Island and stay up past my bedtime. But then, what about those pesky chores that I have to do? Well, thatโs where the audiobook came in. Iโm telling you, I was fully invested in this book and needed to know what was happening.
Thereโs one point in the story that the horror element was introduced (and promptly took off running with), and the more that I think about it, the more I realize that Hemlock Island is my first read with this particular trope. Maybe thatโs what I need: horror genre + x (I donโt want to give away the plot here).
I also thoroughly enjoyed the element of respecting nature. Several times throughout the book, weโre reminded that the world around us needs to be protected and cherished because, in its ways, nature can (and will fight back).
๐จ Quick read ( finished in 2 days)
๐คช Surprise trope that I didnโt hate
๐ Romantic element
๐ณ Power of Nature
โ rape (but not detailed)
Hemlock Island is my first book from Kelley Armstrong, and I can promise you it wonโt be my last!
_
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Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore
Minor: Rape
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Unpopular Opinion Alert || Starling House
Genre: Fantasy
Trope: Horror
Format: ๐ง๐
Audiobook Narration: โโโโ
Pub Date: 10.3.2023
Star Rating: โโโ.5
"They averted their eyes from evil and, in doing so, became complicit in it."
If only I could review this book solely based on the gorgeous cover ๐คฉ But, unfortunately, I'm reviewing the story between.
For me, Starling House started so strong! I was hooked and loved the way the author was telling the story. Usually, footnotes are just not my thing - but these added to the book and gave it more of an air of mystery. I had no idea Starling House was set in Kentucky (in a very real town), so the bits about the area really stuck out.
It was interesting how the author took pieces of the state's history and twisted them just the tiniest of bits to make them fit her story. For example, a John Prine song is mentioned, but Harrow changed the lyrics just a fraction and then a few pages later mentioned the actual lyric in passing. It was unique; only someone familiar with the area would pick up on that change.
However, what lost me was that the author paid too much attention to detail, leaving me feeling like I needed to reread because I had missed something important. There was more of a focus on creating a complex story than a complex one that made sense. There were a lot of things that became lost in the weeds as I read. I opted to switch to audio about 65% of the way through, hoping it would pull me out of the funk. The audio did help, but I never found the connection to the story I had found at the beginning.
๐ซ Too much detail
๐ Based in Kentucky
๐ Interesting footnotes
๐ Slow
I'm definitely in the minority on this one, but The Starling House wasn't for me for some reason! I'm glad I gave it my all and switched up reading formats because I was happy with how the ending turned out. Overall, I need to avoid the horror genre because I always feel this way.
_
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Genre: Fantasy
Trope: Horror
Format: ๐ง๐
Audiobook Narration: โโโโ
Pub Date: 10.3.2023
Star Rating: โโโ.5
"They averted their eyes from evil and, in doing so, became complicit in it."
If only I could review this book solely based on the gorgeous cover ๐คฉ But, unfortunately, I'm reviewing the story between.
For me, Starling House started so strong! I was hooked and loved the way the author was telling the story. Usually, footnotes are just not my thing - but these added to the book and gave it more of an air of mystery. I had no idea Starling House was set in Kentucky (in a very real town), so the bits about the area really stuck out.
It was interesting how the author took pieces of the state's history and twisted them just the tiniest of bits to make them fit her story. For example, a John Prine song is mentioned, but Harrow changed the lyrics just a fraction and then a few pages later mentioned the actual lyric in passing. It was unique; only someone familiar with the area would pick up on that change.
However, what lost me was that the author paid too much attention to detail, leaving me feeling like I needed to reread because I had missed something important. There was more of a focus on creating a complex story than a complex one that made sense. There were a lot of things that became lost in the weeds as I read. I opted to switch to audio about 65% of the way through, hoping it would pull me out of the funk. The audio did help, but I never found the connection to the story I had found at the beginning.
๐ซ Too much detail
๐ Based in Kentucky
๐ Interesting footnotes
๐ Slow
I'm definitely in the minority on this one, but The Starling House wasn't for me for some reason! I'm glad I gave it my all and switched up reading formats because I was happy with how the ending turned out. Overall, I need to avoid the horror genre because I always feel this way.
_
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mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Well, this was a surprise!
Thank you, Celadon Books, for the gifted copy of The Fury by Alex Michaelides {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Format: ๐
Pub Date: 1.16.2024
Star Rating: โโโโ.5
The thriller/mystery genre is my favorite, so it takes a lot to get me excited and surprise me. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides is one of those books I still talk about (even though I read it four years ago) because it truly surprised me. I canโt say I had that same shock in The Fury, but it was pretty dang close to it.
I LOVE a good unreliable narrator, and Elliot Chase provided just that throughout this book. I know some people wonโt love the โstorytellingโ vibe that he offered (and his constant interruptions), but it did make for an entertaining read. Was he telling the truth, or was it a flair for the dramatics? I flew through reading The Fury and was so grateful to have read it with two friends because I immediately needed to discuss that ending!
Itโs one of the reasons that I think The Fury will make for a perfect book club discussion. I saw the ending in one way: my friends picked up on something I had missed, and those compounded things made me bump this one up from a 4 to a 4.5 star. I canโt wait for more people to read The Fury so we can discuss!
๐ตโ๐ซ Complex characters
๐ Slow burn
๐ฃ๏ธ Unreliable narrator
๐ Book connections
๐๐ผ Short chapters
โ๏ธ Perfect for a book club
I recommend reading The Fury if youโre looking for the perfect mystery to get lost in on the weekend - I say weekend because once you start, youโre going to want to keep reading until the very end.
_
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Thank you, Celadon Books, for the gifted copy of The Fury by Alex Michaelides {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Format: ๐
Pub Date: 1.16.2024
Star Rating: โโโโ.5
The thriller/mystery genre is my favorite, so it takes a lot to get me excited and surprise me. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides is one of those books I still talk about (even though I read it four years ago) because it truly surprised me. I canโt say I had that same shock in The Fury, but it was pretty dang close to it.
I LOVE a good unreliable narrator, and Elliot Chase provided just that throughout this book. I know some people wonโt love the โstorytellingโ vibe that he offered (and his constant interruptions), but it did make for an entertaining read. Was he telling the truth, or was it a flair for the dramatics? I flew through reading The Fury and was so grateful to have read it with two friends because I immediately needed to discuss that ending!
Itโs one of the reasons that I think The Fury will make for a perfect book club discussion. I saw the ending in one way: my friends picked up on something I had missed, and those compounded things made me bump this one up from a 4 to a 4.5 star. I canโt wait for more people to read The Fury so we can discuss!
๐ตโ๐ซ Complex characters
๐ Slow burn
๐ฃ๏ธ Unreliable narrator
๐ Book connections
๐๐ผ Short chapters
โ๏ธ Perfect for a book club
I recommend reading The Fury if youโre looking for the perfect mystery to get lost in on the weekend - I say weekend because once you start, youโre going to want to keep reading until the very end.
_
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mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Midnight is the Darkest Hour || Sourcebooks {partner}
Genre: Mystery/Fiction
Format: ๐ง๐
Audiobook Narration: โโ
Pub Date: 10.3.2023
Star Rating: โโโ
Genre: Mystery/Fiction
Format: ๐ง๐
Audiobook Narration: โโ
Pub Date: 10.3.2023
Star Rating: โโโ
โMy mother always told me night was when the world became the devilโs playground.โ
If youโre familiar with the author of this book, Ashley Winstead, you may be aware that she has dabbled a bit in every genre. She is not afraid to tackle complex (and uncomfortable) subjects. I finished reading The Last Housewife earlier this year and was so disturbed by the book that I had to break it into sections as I couldnโt handle the graphic nature.
While reading Midnight is the Darkest Hour, I was prepared for the same experience, but this was way more tame than The Last Housewife. However, it was not for me. I found the story predictable, challenging to follow, and drawn out. The characters were one-dimensional, and the romance felt very young adult. The book had all of this build-up to some big moment, but when the moment finally arrived, it was rushed. I was completely let down.
๐๏ธ Small town secrets
๐คซ Forbidden love
๐ Rushed/Predictable ending
๐ ๐ฝโโ๏ธ Avoid the audiobook
๐ Slow
โ substance abuse, family violence, sexual violence, child abuse
As always, Iโm not trying to prevent anyone from reading Midnight is the Darkest Hour; I am solely sharing my opinion of the book. I plan to read Winsteadโs future books as I think she has a lot of talent as a writer. This one just wasnโt my cup of tea.
_
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funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
Paybacks a Witch
Genre: Romance
Trope: Fantasy
Format: ๐ง
Audiobook Narration: โโโโ
Pub Date: 10.5.2021
Star Rating: โโโ
Genre: Romance
Trope: Fantasy
Format: ๐ง
Audiobook Narration: โโโโ
Pub Date: 10.5.2021
Star Rating: โโโ
โPlaces from the past are usually much smaller than you remember when you return to them years later.โ
Paybacks a Witch was the perfect fall witchy romance read that provided just the right amount of romance and fantasy. I know there are other books in the series, and Iโm genuinely looking forward to reading them this season!
I thoroughly enjoyed the moments between Emmy and Talia. Itโs interesting because Talia originally came across as the โbad girl,โ but in my opinion, Emmy is that, and Talia is the character most faithful to who she is. While their romance was more of a closed-door story, a few open-door moments were ๐ฅ
The only aspect of Paybacks a Witch I didnโt love was the spell-casting tournament. It seemed to be a mix between Hunger Games and Goblet of Fire, but it was too cheesy and took away from the story.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
The Lighthouse Witches
Thank you, Berkley Publishing, for the gifted copy of Lighthouse Witches {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Trope: Witches
Format: ๐ง
Audiobook Narration: โโโโ
Pub Date: 9.30.2021
Star Rating: โโโโ
Thank you, Berkley Publishing, for the gifted copy of Lighthouse Witches {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Trope: Witches
Format: ๐ง
Audiobook Narration: โโโโ
Pub Date: 9.30.2021
Star Rating: โโโโ
โLife continues outrageously, in whatever form it can. An unstoppable circularity: the past always in the present.โ
If youโre looking for a spooky, witchy read to add to your reading list, I highly recommend adding The Lighthouse Witches. Several moments left me wholly uneasy and had me looking over my shoulder. Itโs the first witchy read that gave me the creepy crawlies instead of the warm and fuzzies.
Several timelines are sprinkled throughout the book, which lead to me being confused occasionally, but that may be due to the audiobook format. If I can reread this, I will read the physical copy rather than the audio! But the narration was excellent - the time jumping didnโt translate as well.
๐ง๏ธ Remote Scottish island
โจ History of witchcraft
๐ณ Missing children
๐ซฃ Truly tense moments
๐ฑ Dark & atmospheric
The Lighthouse Witches makes for the perfect spooky read, as CJ Cooke is genuinely a master of eerie and unsettling!
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