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charlotte113's reviews
37 reviews
Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James
dark
emotional
medium-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
3.5
This is a difficult book to review, because the plot could have been really well written, however I just felt it got repetitive and the same language was used again and again (creating the feeling that it belonged on Wattpad or A03, not a published book). And then when there was an opportunity to expand the plot further and develop the relationship with the characters, it was rushed and thrown away before you were able to appreciate it. James did do a good job of creating a sense of mystery about Grey, and made me want to get to know his history more, but only providing enough for me to have half answers and not be able to work out the full backstory has been fustrating.
I feel many of the other character were wasted, there was potential to develop relationships to enhance the plotline, but after Ana started to get to know Grey, the scenes with other characters became few and far between.
I did enjoy the develop of the relationship with Grey, feeling it grow and change as they got to know each other, but the ending was definitely rushed, and felt like 100 pages (minimum) had been crammed into 15, leaving me wanting answers and wanting to find out more than just how it ended - even just Ana's feelings.
I can't believe I say I will read the next book, but I will, because James did a brilliant job at leaving me wanting answers to questions she created.
I feel many of the other character were wasted, there was potential to develop relationships to enhance the plotline, but after Ana started to get to know Grey, the scenes with other characters became few and far between.
I did enjoy the develop of the relationship with Grey, feeling it grow and change as they got to know each other, but the ending was definitely rushed, and felt like 100 pages (minimum) had been crammed into 15, leaving me wanting answers and wanting to find out more than just how it ended - even just Ana's feelings.
I can't believe I say I will read the next book, but I will, because James did a brilliant job at leaving me wanting answers to questions she created.
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This novel really brings light to the brutal truth of life as a black citizen in old America (and possibly part of current America too). I really enjoyed Jones' use of letters at particular times in the book to create a palpable sense of distance between the characters and to leave us playing catch up with some information - I suppose just like the tension of waiting for the next letter to arrive really would be. The characters' problems were painfully true, however the storyline was still engaging (even if it wasn't my usual thriller!).
A lovely (and ocassionally very sad) novel to open my eyes to the harsh reality people in the world have to unfortunately experience.
A lovely (and ocassionally very sad) novel to open my eyes to the harsh reality people in the world have to unfortunately experience.
Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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? Yes
4.5
Steadman strikes again with another incredible book....
I think this is possibly one of my favourite Steadman books. She starts with the ending which left me constantly questioning how it was going to reach that point as I read, and of course, I was wrong, and Steadman implimented some brilliant plot twists to keep the reader on their toes. The ending was dramatic and definitely worth the wait - and the wait wasn't even bad!
I loved this, and struggled to put it down, easily losing track of time when I started reading, getting lost in the story. Incredible
I think this is possibly one of my favourite Steadman books. She starts with the ending which left me constantly questioning how it was going to reach that point as I read, and of course, I was wrong, and Steadman implimented some brilliant plot twists to keep the reader on their toes. The ending was dramatic and definitely worth the wait - and the wait wasn't even bad!
I loved this, and struggled to put it down, easily losing track of time when I started reading, getting lost in the story. Incredible
Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo
challenging
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I did enjoy reading this overall, however it did take me quite some time to actually want to pick up the book and read. The plot is very well written and has unexpected twists and turns which I enjoyed, it is just a bit too slow to pick up at the start (having said that, I don't think waiting a year between reading Six of Crows and this was a particularly good call on my behalf, oops!). The ending was very heartwarming in some senses, but also left me with many questions unanswered, and lacking closure for some characters which makes it not quite feel like an end but a long pause.
It's taken time for me to read, and I'm glad I finished, but at least the book can have pride of place on my bookshelf now!
It's taken time for me to read, and I'm glad I finished, but at least the book can have pride of place on my bookshelf now!
All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
emotional
sad
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? Yes
4.0
What an emotional rollercoaster. the balance between each character chapter is well written so it doesnt become boring and i really enjoyed developing my own reader opinions using both character POVs. NIven brings a light to a really sensitive topic without using rose-tinted glasses to hide the brutal truth of it. Her words are so perfectly used to create a tragic, heart-breaking story without moving away from the sadness of it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, and Suicide
You'll Never See Me Again by Lesley Pearse
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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? No
4.0
This was a beautiful book that has made me fall in love with reading again.
Mabel's character is admirable and seeing her take every step of her life in her stride is incredible to read. I particularly enjoyed reading about the Spanish flu pandemic, written pre-Covid but being so similar to the tough times we all endured from March 2020.
Mabel's character is admirable and seeing her take every step of her life in her stride is incredible to read. I particularly enjoyed reading about the Spanish flu pandemic, written pre-Covid but being so similar to the tough times we all endured from March 2020.
A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro
mysterious
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
4.0
This book took a while for me to start to enjoy, however as I learnt more about the characters and the plot I wanted to pick it up more and more. Cavallaro creates a novel which is told through one character's eyes, which cleverly allows you to only understand their thoughts, feelings, and opinions - an aspect I enjoyed. It was beautifully written so at the end the pieces of the puzzles fell neatly into place and the case was solved.
I loved the hints of romance and comedy which were sneakily wound into the story.
I can't wait to see where Holmes and Watson's story goes next...
I loved the hints of romance and comedy which were sneakily wound into the story.
I can't wait to see where Holmes and Watson's story goes next...
The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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
4.0
Wow what an ending to another incredible Foley book.
Foley creates the right amount of slow burn to keep the reader intruiged and also allow them to question what they know. She balances thriller with romance so cleverly, it's truly incredible.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and the ending was quite the plot twist as always, which I really liked.
Foley creates the right amount of slow burn to keep the reader intruiged and also allow them to question what they know. She balances thriller with romance so cleverly, it's truly incredible.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and the ending was quite the plot twist as always, which I really liked.
War Doctor: Surgery on the Front Line by David Nott
challenging
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
4.5
Dr Nott explores the harsh reality of trauma medicine on the front line and exposed the truth he faced whilst supporting local doctors in various war zones. Learning about the emotional impacts this had on him as a doctor was fascinating and I really enjoyed reading his book. Being able to follow the stories into the present through his YouTube has also been incredibly moving. He is such an inspiration for an aspiring medical student.
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Wow! Wow! Wow! What a book!
This is such a cleverly written novel. Owens develops characters that you developed a really close understanding of. I felt like I knew Kya as a friend, and wanted to meet up with her again.
The story didn't rush and the ending (Although unexpected) was beautiful.
The development of the plot was so cleverly done, moving through the two separate time lines was well written so that it wasn't confusing but the earlier time helped develop and enhance the present.
Additional characters didn't feel forced in and really added to the plot.
A book I really enjoyed reading and cannot wait to watch the film now!
This is such a cleverly written novel. Owens develops characters that you developed a really close understanding of. I felt like I knew Kya as a friend, and wanted to meet up with her again.
The story didn't rush and the ending (Although unexpected) was beautiful.
The development of the plot was so cleverly done, moving through the two separate time lines was well written so that it wasn't confusing but the earlier time helped develop and enhance the present.
Additional characters didn't feel forced in and really added to the plot.
A book I really enjoyed reading and cannot wait to watch the film now!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Racism, Rape, Racial slurs, Child abuse, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Adult/minor relationship