daffodils_and_books's reviews
149 reviews

Rule of Wolves by Leigh Bardugo

adventurous dark emotional funny 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

5.0

Somebody's Someone by Linda Oatman High

emotional sad tense fast-paced

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

1.0

I think this story had so much potential but ultimately fell flat in my expectations. I loved the concept of a main character navigating her feelings about having a parent with mental illness. There were many scenes where I teared up for Ruby and it could have been really impactful but it was overshadowed by the eccentric storytelling. I was very disappointed by the use of stereotypes throughout the book which could have easily been fixed with critical thinking. I was hoping that the ending would redeem the story, but ultimately all the adults in the story were unsafe and enabled dangerous behavior. 

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying me an advanced reader copy of Somebody’s Someone. 

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Content Warnings

Minor: Addiction, Alcoholism, Cancer, Child abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Gaslighting, and Abandonment

A Curse for True Love by Stephanie Garber

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

Caraval by Stephanie Garber

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

Legendary by Stephanie Garber

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

Finale by Stephanie Garber

5.0

Nobody in Particular by Sophie Gonzales

funny inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

Nobody in Particular is a sapphic royalty romance which is perfect for teens during Valentine’s Day. It is not only a romance, but also a coming of age story that many LGBT teens can relate to. Danni and Rose are absolutely lovable and I was rooting for them the whole time. Their relationship has a natural flow and undeniable chemistry. The author, Sophie Gonzales, touches on other important topics including bullying, social media, and teen substance use. I appreciate how these topics were handled with tact and grace, leaving many lessons learned for the characters and the reader. 

I received a free arc copy of Nobody in Particular from NetGalley and the publisher. 

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

adventurous 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

5.0

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

adventurous dark tense medium-paced

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

5.0

Fourth Wing (Part 2 of 2) (Dramatized Adaptation) by Rebecca Yarros

5.0