ciciforreal's reviews
646 reviews

The Great Sex Rescue: The Lies You've Been Taught and how to Recover what God Intended by Sheila Wray Gregoire

informative reflective medium-paced

5.0

This book is amazing for all married couples, but especially for those who have been told harmful messages by evangelical circles about sex, lust, and passion. 

Well-Behaved Women Seldom Make History by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

informative reflective slow-paced

3.5

This was a neat history of women and women’s movements through time.

Artemis Fowl 2: The Arctic Incident by Eoin Colfer

funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.75

This story had everything you want in a sequel: return of favourite characters, continuation of unfinished plot points, and all the witty dialogue you could dream of. It’s very cute and very entertaining. I just wish I knew more about the father and how he was found and kidnapped, but I suppose that was a setup for book 3. 

Legendary by Stephanie Garber

challenging emotional mysterious fast-paced

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

4.75

Oh my gosh this book took me by surprise. Every time I thought I figured something out, another twist would pop up. I love almost everything about this story (Dante is my favourite until, well, you’ll know when you read it). The only thing that bugged me was how Scarlett was a completely different character from the last book—I wish she’d been more consistent. Other than that, though, this book is an amazing sequel and I need to read the next one pronto. 

The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church's Complicity in Racism by Jemar Tisby

challenging informative reflective tense medium-paced

4.5

This book contained a great history about the Christian church in America from the beginning to 2019. It especially focused on how the church has hurt their black and POC brothers and sisters whether intentionally or not. There was so much in here that I hadn’t heard before and, while some of it was hard to read, it was so good for me to hear.

Crabgrass by Tauhid Bondia

adventurous fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.0

Oathbringer by Brandon Sanderson

emotional reflective slow-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

Very good addition to the series. The plot was slower to develop than previous ones, but it is still engaging. I look forward to Rhythm of War. 

Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree

adventurous funny reflective relaxing 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

3.5

This book was more cutesy and cozy than I expected of an action fantasy. I liked the side plot of fixing up the bookstore more than the main storyline which bummed me a bit because the necromancer plot should have been more intriguing. The ending was rushed to finish it all in the last 50 pages. I also couldn’t get into the romance plot. It seemed forced and unrealistic. 

That being said, I loved all the different characters (and especially that most of the important ones were women). They were very diverse with their own voice and personalities. 

Caraval by Stephanie Garber

adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious tense fast-paced

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

3.75

Despite the fact that I usually love this style of book, it took me forever to get through this one. I think my issue with it was that the family background of the main character hit a bit close to home for me, so I had to take breaks from it every once in a while. That being said, I still love the story here and recommend it to all fantasy lovers. The main character is witty and likeable, the setting and world building is awesome, the plot twists are mind blowing, and the dresses are so very beautiful. 

My biggest issues are that I wish there were more consequences for the abusive father, and I wish the love interest had grovelled more. I get forgiveness is a big motif in the story, but I wanted to see some warning of trust back. The romance happened very fast and I wanted to see it earned more. 

Other than that, though, I think the story was beautiful and the sisters are great. The sibling love is a wonderful and heartfelt theme that I never see enough. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Suicide

Moderate: Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Violence

The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis

adventurous funny 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

4.5

I love all the Narnia books, but this is one of my favourites. The characters and plot and world building are reminiscent of the classic Narnia but expounds on it in a beautiful way. Also, Aravis and Shasta are great.