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craftysnailtail's reviews
35 reviews
This Is How You Lose the Time War by Max Gladstone, Amal El-Mohtar
adventurous
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0
I gave myself a while to process this one before rating. Most of the stars are for how unique this book was, and the rest are for the passion between Blue and Red, which I adored. Although the format was difficult to follow (as an audiobook, especially), I still think it's an interesting spin on your typical romance novel. I had fun reading this book! It's a perfect book club pick, because I suspect people have a lot to say after they finish and it's a quick read.
However, I'm struggling with whether I think this book is well written or overly pretentious. Maybe it's both! The lack of explanation, background, world building, etc kind of drove me crazy. The writing itself often felt convoluted. Like they were going for deep poetry, but only had those single word fridge magnets to do it with. Sometimes I had absolutely no idea what was going on plot wise, but it kind of didn't matter? And I can't decide if the fact it didn't matter is a good thing or a bad thing lol
I don't think this book was as great as it was trying to be. But I still appreciate it. It made me stop and reconsider what I need from a sci-fi novel, or from a romance novel, in order to enjoy it. Because for all that I felt it was lacking, I STILL enjoyed it.
However, I'm struggling with whether I think this book is well written or overly pretentious. Maybe it's both! The lack of explanation, background, world building, etc kind of drove me crazy. The writing itself often felt convoluted. Like they were going for deep poetry, but only had those single word fridge magnets to do it with. Sometimes I had absolutely no idea what was going on plot wise, but it kind of didn't matter? And I can't decide if the fact it didn't matter is a good thing or a bad thing lol
I don't think this book was as great as it was trying to be. But I still appreciate it. It made me stop and reconsider what I need from a sci-fi novel, or from a romance novel, in order to enjoy it. Because for all that I felt it was lacking, I STILL enjoyed it.
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.25
Usually I have no problem with YA or middle grade books, but I really struggled to get through this. I think I would've enjoyed it as a 9-12 year old. But I never read it as a kid, so I had no nostalgia.
The pacing was so fast that no character felt at all fleshed out, the environments were difficult to mentally picture, and the writing was unnecessarily simplistic. Maybe good for kids with no attention span? Percy annoyed me the entire time and I'm not interested in continuing the series, despite being a fan of Greek mythology.
However, I do think this is a good kid's book for an audience that struggles to follow more complex writing. I also think the humor is very fun for that age group. A shame I hadn't read this as a kid, but adult me just wasn't into it.
The pacing was so fast that no character felt at all fleshed out, the environments were difficult to mentally picture, and the writing was unnecessarily simplistic. Maybe good for kids with no attention span? Percy annoyed me the entire time and I'm not interested in continuing the series, despite being a fan of Greek mythology.
However, I do think this is a good kid's book for an audience that struggles to follow more complex writing. I also think the humor is very fun for that age group. A shame I hadn't read this as a kid, but adult me just wasn't into it.
Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig
Did not finish book. Stopped at 29%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 29%.
This book was recommended to me, so I didn't realize it was mostly a memoir. I could see it helping someone who feels no one else is going through what they are, but as someone who has been through decades of therapy, it wasn't helpful. It was also male centric. I might go back to it to see if it changes in the second half, but for now it doesn't feel worth the time
Abarat by Clive Barker
adventurous
dark
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Funny enough, I had no idea who Barker was before I read this eons ago. The cover caught my attention at the library and that was it- I read it and fell in love. My partner gifted me the set with the original art and that's really the best way to read it. His art is amazing and added so much to the experience.
This book is Alice in Wonderland meets Neverwhere and I adore it. Barker's world building is so trippy and fantastical that sometimes the plot seems to be completely lost in the oddities of his world, but not in a bad way. I REALLY hope he eventually finishes this series, but even if he doesn't, I'll continue to recommend them. There is a horror sort of undercurrent to them, but nothing like his adult works. I scare very easily, but this is more... disconcerting with mildly disturbing elements every once in a while. If the rest of the trippy fantasy vibes seem like your type of book, then definitely give it a try! It's truly in a class of its own.
This book is Alice in Wonderland meets Neverwhere and I adore it. Barker's world building is so trippy and fantastical that sometimes the plot seems to be completely lost in the oddities of his world, but not in a bad way. I REALLY hope he eventually finishes this series, but even if he doesn't, I'll continue to recommend them. There is a horror sort of undercurrent to them, but nothing like his adult works. I scare very easily, but this is more... disconcerting with mildly disturbing elements every once in a while. If the rest of the trippy fantasy vibes seem like your type of book, then definitely give it a try! It's truly in a class of its own.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism
Moderate: Bullying and Body horror
Minor: Child abuse and Toxic relationship
Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
This book was rather delightful. It's absolute brain candy, but I really appreciated the uniqueness of a main female love interest being chronically ill and disabled.
I also liked Red quite a bit, which is surprising because I'm usually not a big fan of men in romance novels. But he reminded me of my partner, with his compassion and always paying close attention to Chloe and anticipating her needs. I saw some reviews complaining that he was a mind reader, but I disagree. He simply paid attention to her physical signs of pain and exhaustion and acted accordingly. Literally the least we can expect from a devoted partner, in my opinion.
The smut wasn't for me, but that's not unusual. It also was unnecessarily dramatic at times, but I feel like that's easily forgiven with books like this.
Overall, I found it to be a very relaxing and fun read with much appreciated diversity and accurate disability representation.
I also liked Red quite a bit, which is surprising because I'm usually not a big fan of men in romance novels. But he reminded me of my partner, with his compassion and always paying close attention to Chloe and anticipating her needs. I saw some reviews complaining that he was a mind reader, but I disagree. He simply paid attention to her physical signs of pain and exhaustion and acted accordingly. Literally the least we can expect from a devoted partner, in my opinion.
The smut wasn't for me, but that's not unusual. It also was unnecessarily dramatic at times, but I feel like that's easily forgiven with books like this.
Overall, I found it to be a very relaxing and fun read with much appreciated diversity and accurate disability representation.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness and Sexual content
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Classism, Medical content, Toxic relationship, and Emotional abuse
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This book was almost a DNF for me. I'm glad I finished it, but I honestly did not like it until I was at least 80% of the way through. I simply did not like Ove. I know you're supposed to grow to love him, but I didn't. Maybe that makes me a monster, and I can accept that. His curmudgeonly traits were fine and a little endearing by the end, but sometimes he was flat out mean. I can't get behind that.
I'm also fairly convinced that Backman has never met a cat before in their entire lives. A cat that licks steering wheels passive aggressively, happily wears socks, and calmly sits on bar stools in cafes they've never been in before was so out of left field. The rest of the book is very realistic, so the cartoon cat threw me in every scene they were in.
The use of similes to describe every single disgruntled expression this man has ever had in his life drove me mad as well, but that's clearly a personal writing style preference, so to each their own.
The overall message of the book is... nice. And I think it gives the reader a nuanced perspective of what it's like to be a senior that society seems to have given up on. But the road to get there was gritty and uncomfortable. I mean I was rooting for Ove getting what he wanted for the vast majority of the book because it felt like his right to make that decision. At least I appreciated the ending, though. I don't think it's a book I would recommend to friends, but it was different from other books I've read recently, so that made it worth it for me in the end.
I'm also fairly convinced that Backman has never met a cat before in their entire lives. A cat that licks steering wheels passive aggressively, happily wears socks, and calmly sits on bar stools in cafes they've never been in before was so out of left field. The rest of the book is very realistic, so the cartoon cat threw me in every scene they were in.
The use of similes to describe every single disgruntled expression this man has ever had in his life drove me mad as well, but that's clearly a personal writing style preference, so to each their own.
The overall message of the book is... nice. And I think it gives the reader a nuanced perspective of what it's like to be a senior that society seems to have given up on. But the road to get there was gritty and uncomfortable. I mean I was rooting for Ove getting what he wanted for the vast majority of the book because it felt like his right to make that decision. At least I appreciated the ending, though. I don't think it's a book I would recommend to friends, but it was different from other books I've read recently, so that made it worth it for me in the end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Death, and Grief
Minor: Fatphobia, Dementia, Fire/Fire injury, Infertility, Xenophobia, Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Miscarriage, Racism, Ableism, Animal cruelty, Car accident, Cancer, Chronic illness, Terminal illness, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.0
So initially, I thought this book would be about 3⭐ for me. It was very difficult to follow as an audiobook, with it jumping back and forth in time and character focus. It was also painstakingly slow and long-winded. I started it in Sept and let the rental lapse twice over the course of 5 months before I finally finished it.
But I think if I had read this rather than listened, I would've liked it a lot more. And even more confusingly, I keep thinking about this freaking book! I've read several very good books since this one, but whenever I space out throughout the week, this book is what pops into my head. The fanciful descriptions of the circus have burrowed under my skin. And that ending! Unlike any other book I've read. I think I would have been missing out if I hadn't gotten to that ending.
This novel really felt like a meandering dream in the most frustrating yet fascinating way... So I have to bump up my rating. I think maybe the author achieved exactly what they meant to. It was just very difficult to stick with it in audiobook form. And you have to be in the mood for a book this unique. Do you want to feel like you're tripping through a magical circus where time moves incredibly slowly? Then this is the book for you!
But I think if I had read this rather than listened, I would've liked it a lot more. And even more confusingly, I keep thinking about this freaking book! I've read several very good books since this one, but whenever I space out throughout the week, this book is what pops into my head. The fanciful descriptions of the circus have burrowed under my skin. And that ending! Unlike any other book I've read. I think I would have been missing out if I hadn't gotten to that ending.
This novel really felt like a meandering dream in the most frustrating yet fascinating way... So I have to bump up my rating. I think maybe the author achieved exactly what they meant to. It was just very difficult to stick with it in audiobook form. And you have to be in the mood for a book this unique. Do you want to feel like you're tripping through a magical circus where time moves incredibly slowly? Then this is the book for you!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, Child abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Death, and Mental illness
Unnatural Magic by C.M. Waggoner
adventurous
dark
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
I found this book easy and rather relaxing to read, even though it was decently violent at parts. The world and characters were fun and interesting, but I'm not sure if it's the sort of book I would recommend, especially with such a predictable ending. I found the sexual tension entirely over the top and thus mildly hilarious, but I'm sure that's partially due to my own orientation. Overall, I'm not upset I read it, but I also wasn't blown away.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Blood, Gore, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, and Sexual content
Moderate: Mental illness, Xenophobia, Chronic illness, Death of parent, War, Grief, Misogyny, Murder, Infertility, and Sexism
Minor: Hate crime, Alcohol, and Pregnancy
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
I wasn't sure what to expect before going into this book. A friend recommended it, but didn't give me much context other than it being an important read for LGBTQIA+. It ended up being quite emotional and honestly rather sad.
The characters were so vibrant and their stories absolutely captivated me. Evelyn is unlike any other main character I've ever encountered. The nuance of love and loss and all the gray areas found in those things are highlighted beautifully in this novel. At times I was frustrated with Evelyn's choices, but once I finished it, I couldn't stop thinking about it. About her.
If you're in the mood for a reflective, historical, and rather melancholy read- I'd recommend it. I also think it's an important read if you're part of the LGBTQIA+ community.
The characters were so vibrant and their stories absolutely captivated me. Evelyn is unlike any other main character I've ever encountered. The nuance of love and loss and all the gray areas found in those things are highlighted beautifully in this novel. At times I was frustrated with Evelyn's choices, but once I finished it, I couldn't stop thinking about it. About her.
If you're in the mood for a reflective, historical, and rather melancholy read- I'd recommend it. I also think it's an important read if you're part of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Homophobia, Physical abuse, and Domestic abuse
Moderate: Infidelity, Lesbophobia, Car accident, Death, Alcoholism, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, and Terminal illness
Minor: Cancer, Child abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Toxic friendship, Abortion, Suicide, Alcoholism, Pregnancy, Blood, Miscarriage, Adult/minor relationship, and Death of parent
The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A wholesome book about death. Some parts were a bit sad, as you'd expect, but it's not a depressing read.
I love the uniqueness of a main character who's a death doula, and Clover wasn't at all what I expected someone in that profession to be like. This book made me reflect on my own relationships and potential life regrets, as I think was the point. But it didn't feel preachy- just incredibly human.
Several books I've read recently felt far too drawn out, but this one was perfect and really held my attention. If a slightly emotional, but still lighthearted read about someone who surrounds themselves with death learning how to truly live sounds like your cup of tea, then I'd highly recommend it!
I love the uniqueness of a main character who's a death doula, and Clover wasn't at all what I expected someone in that profession to be like. This book made me reflect on my own relationships and potential life regrets, as I think was the point. But it didn't feel preachy- just incredibly human.
Several books I've read recently felt far too drawn out, but this one was perfect and really held my attention. If a slightly emotional, but still lighthearted read about someone who surrounds themselves with death learning how to truly live sounds like your cup of tea, then I'd highly recommend it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Terminal illness, and Death
Moderate: Misogyny and Medical content
Minor: Alcoholism, Miscarriage, Abandonment, Death of parent, Addiction, and Cancer