Scan barcode
cocopuff3438's reviews
79 reviews
Everything You Ever Wanted by Luiza Sauma
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Explores the very raw and dark reality of escapism and depression. Not for the faint of heart đŠ
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, and Death of parent
Everything I Know About Love: A Memoir by Dolly Alderton
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia and Sexism
Moderate: Child death and Physical abuse
A Master of Djinn by P. Djèlà Clark
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Loved this! The author is such a craftsmen at detailing an intricate and vibrant world. Every little atmospheric point, no matter how small brought the world to life in a way I can only compare to watching something on the big screen. The magic was charming and deep-rooted in history and lore. I loved that this author spent so much time developing such rich world-building because even though this is only one book, it felt like it had the makings of an entire series. (I think he has other standalone set in this universe with some of the characters)
It starts as a murder mystery set in a historical fantasy Cairo (1912) the pacing is exciting at first. I agree with some of the other reviews that there is a bit of stagnation in the middle. But the wonderful and lovable characters are the shining star. As well as the alluring world and rich history.
My main complain would be however that I predicted the plot twist wayyyy too early. I think writing mysteries is fickle because if you want to achieve a true jaw-dropping reveal, you realllyyy gotta keep the reader in the dark and the author gave us quite a lot of info to figure it out ourselves. Red herrings and misdirection is also vital and unfortunately the misdirect was incredibly obvious which did take me out of the book a bit because Fatma wouldnât have been fooled so easily imo.
But other than that, a fantastic story!! Will definitely be reading more of this authorâs works.
It starts as a murder mystery set in a historical fantasy Cairo (1912) the pacing is exciting at first. I agree with some of the other reviews that there is a bit of stagnation in the middle. But the wonderful and lovable characters are the shining star. As well as the alluring world and rich history.
My main complain would be however that I predicted the plot twist wayyyy too early. I think writing mysteries is fickle because if you want to achieve a true jaw-dropping reveal, you realllyyy gotta keep the reader in the dark and the author gave us quite a lot of info to figure it out ourselves. Red herrings and misdirection is also vital and unfortunately the misdirect was incredibly obvious which did take me out of the book a bit because Fatma wouldnât have been fooled so easily imo.
But other than that, a fantastic story!! Will definitely be reading more of this authorâs works.
Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
Lore of the Wilds by Analeigh Sbrana
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
This book had so much potential. I think itâs quite a wonderful thing to be able to witness peopleâs passion projects and dreams come to fruition. I could tell the author had seeds of creativity that probably birthed this cute, fantastical premise. However, as many other reviewers commented I think she just needed a little more time to cultivate and polish these ideas!
I love that on the surface, the story is nothing more than an ode to old fairytales and nostalgic fantasy; an enchanted library, fae and human villages, lost magics, a charming tavern, a kind-hearted MC on an adventure across whimsical lands. Love love love it.
But I agree with everyone else, the pacing at times was a bit off-putting. At times, we had areas that felt lacking richness and depth that the author could have leaned more into! I donât think books do well when they are purely based off aesthetics and âcozyâ scenarios. Those are great features, great tools for storytelling but they donât make the story itself. Starting off this book with commentary on power imbalances, critiquing imperial reigns and occupations gave it a great fire, but that fire burned out quickly when that was something that was only brushed upon here and thereâtold, not delved into when brought up. Would have loved more of this (how it effected the rest of the world, generations, traditions, mythology and magics, political systems, aspects of symbolism or references and allusionsâŚany complexity that could trickle down into our cast of characters to add richness)
Emotion is a huge driving force in storytelling, whether thatâs the voice of our MC, the unspoken voice of the themes and messages sewn into the tale, and this story couldâve done with just a bit more of that. The romance would have been a great element to draw readers in but it felt extremely rushed and for that reason became unsatisfying. Especially now knowing about the plot twist (which was really clever and my favorite part) the character dynamics would have been much more enriching had she woven in those complex details instead of leaving it for a simple reveal at the end!! Foreshadowing and mystery are your best friends when readingâ they keep us gripped and turning pages, questions unanswered in our heads, eager to find out more. perhaps from the beginning Asher could have been ominously shifty in his personality since we find out it was mainly a facade. It would give us an air of mystery, whatâs his backstory? Why does he sometimes seem cruel and cold, then almost painfully kind in the same breath? Is he hiding something? Itâs not enough to spoil the plot twist but enough to have us intrigued by their dynamic.
Lore was most lovable and most alive as a character when she made decisions for herselfwhen she went to go save Gray for example this gave us more world-building and adventure while simultaneously building our bond with the MC and demonstrating her strengths so that we can root for her!
Overall, love the heart that birthed this story but it was so hard to connect with that passion when it was riddled with a few too many pacing and depth issues. The author has a talent for writing, there were many points of description that were perfectly detailed and pretty but also simple and concise. I think as she continues this series her writing will only get better.
I love that on the surface, the story is nothing more than an ode to old fairytales and nostalgic fantasy; an enchanted library, fae and human villages, lost magics, a charming tavern, a kind-hearted MC on an adventure across whimsical lands. Love love love it.
But I agree with everyone else, the pacing at times was a bit off-putting. At times, we had areas that felt lacking richness and depth that the author could have leaned more into! I donât think books do well when they are purely based off aesthetics and âcozyâ scenarios. Those are great features, great tools for storytelling but they donât make the story itself. Starting off this book with commentary on power imbalances, critiquing imperial reigns and occupations gave it a great fire, but that fire burned out quickly when that was something that was only brushed upon here and thereâtold, not delved into when brought up. Would have loved more of this (how it effected the rest of the world, generations, traditions, mythology and magics, political systems, aspects of symbolism or references and allusionsâŚany complexity that could trickle down into our cast of characters to add richness)
Emotion is a huge driving force in storytelling, whether thatâs the voice of our MC, the unspoken voice of the themes and messages sewn into the tale, and this story couldâve done with just a bit more of that. The romance would have been a great element to draw readers in but it felt extremely rushed and for that reason became unsatisfying. Especially now knowing about the plot twist (which was really clever and my favorite part) the character dynamics would have been much more enriching had she woven in those complex details instead of leaving it for a simple reveal at the end!! Foreshadowing and mystery are your best friends when readingâ they keep us gripped and turning pages, questions unanswered in our heads, eager to find out more.
Lore was most lovable and most alive as a character when she made decisions for herself
Overall, love the heart that birthed this story but it was so hard to connect with that passion when it was riddled with a few too many pacing and depth issues. The author has a talent for writing, there were many points of description that were perfectly detailed and pretty but also simple and concise. I think as she continues this series her writing will only get better.
Starling House by Alix E. Harrow
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
artfully woven tale of magic and mystery; love and myth; the plights of poverty and cooperate greed. The characters are charming, raw and real and beautifully imperfect. As Opal digs deeper into the ever-strange secrets enveloped in the town and its haunting manor, we also witness heartfelt relationships both gentle and tumultuous.