charlee92's reviews
279 reviews

The Book of Cold Cases, by Simone St. James

dark mysterious medium-paced

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

2.0

this took a wrong turn for me. it's a fictional true crime book, but with a paranormal element. however, I just don't think true crime and paranormal go together. it lost me at that point. the writing felt very meh, the characters felt like caricatures. the overall "crime" and background were fine.

Kingdom of the Feared, by Kerri Maniscalco

mysterious tense fast-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? Yes

3.5

very fast paced. happy ending to the trilogy which I am thankful for. some things felt rushed or unsure how they just ended. not all questions were answered, which is something that I don't want. overall happy to wrap this trilogy up.

Parable of the Sower, by Octavia E. Butler

dark reflective sad slow-paced

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

3.5

 while very eerie to read about the dystopian future she created I just didn't connect with it as strongly as others had. I think it was just too sad. and maybe that's the point. 

The Last House on Needless Street, by Catriona Ward

dark mysterious medium-paced

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

5.0

its hard to say much without spoilers so I will just say I loved this. I was guessing until the very end. creepy but not over the top. felt very authentic. I read through it so quickly. 

Moon of the Crusted Snow, by Waubgeshig Rice

dark mysterious tense slow-paced

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

3.0

this was very slow going to get to the action although the last 50 pages went very fast. it didnt feel very chilling or suspenseful at first. the ending was predictable. but I enjoyed reading from an indigenous perspective. 

Resist Me, by Lauren Connolly

lighthearted tense medium-paced

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

3.0

this one was just ok. it was sort of if the roles reversed in the first book. very easy read. as I am not taiwanese or black I am not sure how accurate her portrayal of either race was, but it didn't feel icky which I am taking as a good sign. happy ending, fake marriage trope, and another cute pit bull. 

Rescue Me, by Lauren Connolly

lighthearted medium-paced

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

3.5

equally as cute and cheesy as #2 but I just liked the characters more in #2. this definitely had me grinning and I love a happy ending. I'd recommend it :) 

A Game of Retribution, by Scarlett St. Clair

mysterious reflective medium-paced

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

3.5

I am still partial to persephone's side of the story. I enjoyed as always how thoughtful the author is and how truthful she tries to stay to the original mythology. I appreciate her takes when she does slightly change things.

there were definitely some good quotes in here. and as always hades is mega swoonworthy. but I did feel some parts ended abruptly while the spicy scenes sometimes felt thrown in just to have a spicy scene. hades was sometimes thinking with his other head, which maybe is normal for guys but doesn't make it less annoying.

overall ready for the next one but mostly anticipating the dual pov finale 

Tomorrow Will Be Different: Love, Loss, and the Fight for Trans Equality, by Sarah McBride

emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

this was a great book! very easily digestible. bring tissues. even though there is still plenty of positivity to counteract the sadness highly recommend it to those looking to make political progress, fight for lgbtq rights, or better understand trans people. 

The Last One, by Alexandra Oliva

mysterious tense medium-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

3.0

 
there are definitely some squeamish hunting scenes which I had to skip. overall if you like alone, survivor, or other reality TV like that I think you'd like this. while entertaining I felt the ending was a bit lacking. and I didn't enjoy some of the more grotesque stuff.