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cortanasreadingnook's reviews
345 reviews
Together We Rot by Skyla Arndt
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-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? Yes
4.25
What if Hereditary was YA? Together We Rot is a small town, paranormal mystery (with a side of romance) perfect for fans of Bittersweet In The Hollow. The writing is pretty fast-paced enough to keep a reader interested. The lore was fascinating, and the found family was fun to read about, especially their hilarious, sarcastic-filled banter. However, I felt that the buildup of the story and the writing could’ve used a little bit more polishing. It didn’t feel mysterious enough for me, and I thought it could’ve been way darker (despite being YA yes trust me it works just fine). Looking forward to this author’s future works, though!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Grief, Religious bigotry, and Death of parent
Minor: Bullying
Two Sides to Every Murder by Danielle Valentine
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Danielle Valentine welcomes another thriller perfect for fans of the Fear Street franchise in this summer murder-mystery standalone! This book started out strongly with very engaging storytelling, and I liked how the story was told in two alternating POVs. It was also so fast-paced given that the entire story spans only a literal day. It felt more like watching a movie than reading a book (which I didn’t mind). This book both felt like something that I’ve picked up in the past, and at the same time felt new (kind of feels like déjà vu in that way). The reveal for the actual murderer was sort of expected, but it didn’t diminish the thrill of the plot. So, if you’re seeking a quick read, then this might be a great choice because this thriller is a rollercoaster of twists and turns. The only thing I disliked was the ending itself. The conclusion she wrote for this book felt frustrating, but I think it’s kind of the way she writes finales (either pisses me off or my jaw drops whatever) Anyways, check out her other novel How To Survive Your Murder!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Murder, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Miscarriage and Injury/Injury detail
A Bingsu for Two by Sujin Witherspoon
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
5.0
I was provided a complimentary copy through NetGalley by Union Square & Co. in exchange for my honest review. I’m so excited for Bingsu for Two to hit the shelves on January 14, 2025!
Perfect for fans of Better Than The Movies and Fake Dates & Mooncakes, Sujin Witherspoon’s debut in the YA romcom universe is a delectable, adorable romance comedy between a grumpy goth girl and an adorable loser teaming up to save a family-owned Bingsu café from shutting down. What I loved about this book was how very lighthearted and hilarious it was. The yearning and the banter between the characters were something I cherished in every chapter. I could go on and on about this book for days and I will never get tired of saying how much I enjoyed this! The writer herself put so much love and appreciation of her heritage in the way she brought this book to life, and I could feel it in the moments between River, Sarang, and the rest of the crew. I also loved how she used Hangul to convey some words and phrases in this book (I got to use my Korean :D it was so fun). Lastly, as a child of immigrant parents, I always appreciate diaspora in literature, specifically those that highlight the experiences into shaping the way the characters navigate the story. I wholly recommend this tasty romcom! (I am not kidding with yall it was so so so good like perfectly cliché perfectly funny like yum I ate this entire thing up)
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying and Panic attacks/disorders
All About You by Shaina Veronica
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-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
4.5
First of all, thanks to Shai for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review. I’m not a romcom fan, and I’m possibly one of the most anti-romantic people out there, but this went way beyond my expectations as a reader, and I loved every single word poured into writing this book!
KINIKILIG PA RIN AKO GRABE TALAGA
Better than The Movies meets Love Next Door in this lighthearted and humorous read about two childhood frenemies unexpectedly becoming something more in the most cliché way possible. I cannot even begin to describe how much I relished in Jaslene and Marlon’s story. Ang ganda ng pagkakasulat ng kwento and I am not exaggerating. I received a deliciously satisfying slowburn. Shai really took her time giving us build-up instead of the insta-love that I so despise. The MMC was sweet and in his own way, perfectly contrasting the FMC who wears her heart out on her sleeve. For my hopeless romantics out there, y’all deserve this so much!
It also warmed my heart to read about my culture and heritage represented in literature. This book was not only one to give you butterflies, but it is loudly centered on family and the Asian diaspora. Anyone reading this could feel the writer’s love of being Filipino <3 I highly recommend this charming romcom to binge and scream about!
KINIKILIG PA RIN AKO GRABE TALAGA
Better than The Movies meets Love Next Door in this lighthearted and humorous read about two childhood frenemies unexpectedly becoming something more in the most cliché way possible. I cannot even begin to describe how much I relished in Jaslene and Marlon’s story. Ang ganda ng pagkakasulat ng kwento and I am not exaggerating. I received a deliciously satisfying slowburn. Shai really took her time giving us build-up instead of the insta-love that I so despise. The MMC was sweet and in his own way, perfectly contrasting the FMC who wears her heart out on her sleeve. For my hopeless romantics out there, y’all deserve this so much!
It also warmed my heart to read about my culture and heritage represented in literature. This book was not only one to give you butterflies, but it is loudly centered on family and the Asian diaspora. Anyone reading this could feel the writer’s love of being Filipino <3 I highly recommend this charming romcom to binge and scream about!
Out of the Woods by Hannah Bonam-Young
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I received an ARC from Random House Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my thoughts about the book in any way. (I am still INTERNALLY SCREAMING that I got an early copy from an author i so clearly love)
I was actually rolling on the floor desperate BEGGING for an early copy a few months ago and I eventually fucking got it so prepare for how insufferable I will be because I deserve it. Out of The Woods will be in shelves on January 28, 2025 and I cannot wait for everyone to get their hands on this angsty and hilarious companion novel to OOAL!
Before I begin, THIS should be the standard for a marriage in crisis romance novel. It wasn’t shit because I almost cried multiple times. I need fourteen more of them right about now (Hannah if you see this, please listen to my annoying ass) this was fucking flawless you guys <3
This portrays marriage in a flawed, emotional, and intimate manner. It perfectly portrays two married people in a flawed, emotional, and intimate manner. All throughout this book, I simultaneously felt both Sarah and Caleb’s shared pain, along with their grievances. Hannah definitely handled this book with care because anyone could feel her love in the characterization and writing (especially with the Win & Bo cameos!) Warning though that this book comes with depressing loss, the brutal hit of having an existential crisis, and rethinking your entire fucking existence (ngl it was what I needed). And yet, OOTW is hopeful and insightful, eventually changing my perspective on marriage. I mean, who wouldn’t want to get married to Caleb? I’m pretty sure anyone would love to get married to a nerd (that would be me, is anyone interested?)
I was actually rolling on the floor desperate BEGGING for an early copy a few months ago and I eventually fucking got it so prepare for how insufferable I will be because I deserve it. Out of The Woods will be in shelves on January 28, 2025 and I cannot wait for everyone to get their hands on this angsty and hilarious companion novel to OOAL!
Before I begin, THIS should be the standard for a marriage in crisis romance novel. It wasn’t shit because I almost cried multiple times. I need fourteen more of them right about now (Hannah if you see this, please listen to my annoying ass) this was fucking flawless you guys <3
This portrays marriage in a flawed, emotional, and intimate manner. It perfectly portrays two married people in a flawed, emotional, and intimate manner. All throughout this book, I simultaneously felt both Sarah and Caleb’s shared pain, along with their grievances. Hannah definitely handled this book with care because anyone could feel her love in the characterization and writing (especially with the Win & Bo cameos!) Warning though that this book comes with depressing loss, the brutal hit of having an existential crisis, and rethinking your entire fucking existence (ngl it was what I needed). And yet, OOTW is hopeful and insightful, eventually changing my perspective on marriage. I mean, who wouldn’t want to get married to Caleb? I’m pretty sure anyone would love to get married to a nerd (that would be me, is anyone interested?)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Terminal illness, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Blood
Dark Star Burning, Ash Falls White by Amélie Wen Zhao
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
4.75
This stunning, adventure-filled sequel to Song of Silver, Flame Like Night concludes the story of the girl holding the secrets to a lost kingdom and a boy reclaiming his heritage…one that could destroy them all. Lan and Zen’s story feels bitter and hopeless, and yet it is a sight to behold in its depiction of resistance. The author did not disguise the trauma and gruesomeness of ethnic cleansing but rather illustrated the characters’ desperate ambition to contest against colonizers. As someone who comes from a thrice occupied country in Southeast Asia, books that glorify defiance speak volumes to me. For me, the ending was quite predictable and there were gaps in the conclusion of the book, yet this fantasy duology properly featured illegal occupation and refused to romanticize its elements all the while including dragons, dark magic, and political intrigue in its pages.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation
Minor: Genocide
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Vol. 23 by Koyoharu Gotouge
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0