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davinareads's reviews
847 reviews
The Enchanted Garden Cafe by Abigail Drake
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
3.5
A Hallmark summer movie where the plot is extremely predictable which wouldn't be bad if the main character was likeable
Like
- Love the atmosphere, the cafe itself and everyone else except for our main character
- This was a well written and cozy read. The entire setting is absolutely perfect and I want an Enchanted Garden Cafe to be a real thing. From the garden, the delicious sounding baked goods to the events. Everything!
- When the community came together I gor teary eyed and emotional
Dislike
- I didn't like Fiona - our main character - at the start, warmed up to her and then went back to disliking her and ended up feeling "meh"
- I think the story was too predictable that I was getting frustrated that Fiona is so blind to everything happening. She's so negative and unbelieving that she felt sucked up as a character
Like
- Love the atmosphere, the cafe itself and everyone else except for our main character
- This was a well written and cozy read. The entire setting is absolutely perfect and I want an Enchanted Garden Cafe to be a real thing. From the garden, the delicious sounding baked goods to the events. Everything!
- When the community came together I gor teary eyed and emotional
Dislike
- I didn't like Fiona - our main character - at the start, warmed up to her and then went back to disliking her and ended up feeling "meh"
- I think the story was too predictable that I was getting frustrated that Fiona is so blind to everything happening. She's so negative and unbelieving that she felt sucked up as a character
The Girl from Silent Lake by Leslie Wolfe
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The Girl from Silent Lake is a gripping serial killer mystery that perfectly caters to enthusiasts of the genre. The narrative skillfully intertwines a chilling case with unexpected plot twists, leaving readers on the edge of their seats.
The author masterfully crafts detailed descriptions of the crimes, creating a haunting atmosphere that adds to the intensity of the story. Kay, the protagonist, shines as a well-developed character with a fascinating backstory. Her expertise in profiling the killer adds depth to her character, showcasing her experience and knowledge in the field.
The story maintains a medium pace, allowing for both character and plot development. The cleverly placed clues and leads keep readers engaged, meticulously tying up loose ends throughout the narrative. The shocking plot twist towards the end, cleverly linking to Kay's past, adds an unforeseen dimension to the story, leaving a lasting impact.
While the resolution might feel somewhat fortuitous in catching the murderer, the overall journey remains immensely enjoyable. The Girl from Silent Lake is a must-read for those who relish well-written, intense mysteries with unexpected turns that keep you guessing until the very end.
The author masterfully crafts detailed descriptions of the crimes, creating a haunting atmosphere that adds to the intensity of the story. Kay, the protagonist, shines as a well-developed character with a fascinating backstory. Her expertise in profiling the killer adds depth to her character, showcasing her experience and knowledge in the field.
The story maintains a medium pace, allowing for both character and plot development. The cleverly placed clues and leads keep readers engaged, meticulously tying up loose ends throughout the narrative. The shocking plot twist towards the end, cleverly linking to Kay's past, adds an unforeseen dimension to the story, leaving a lasting impact.
While the resolution might feel somewhat fortuitous in catching the murderer, the overall journey remains immensely enjoyable. The Girl from Silent Lake is a must-read for those who relish well-written, intense mysteries with unexpected turns that keep you guessing until the very end.
The Universe Doesn't Give a Flying Fuck About You by Johnny B. Truant
inspiring
3.5
This is the shortest book I'll ever pick up but it was a quick yell into the universe to live the life you want to live. It's just too short
Like
- A book I would throw at anyone who thinks the universe isn't fair - because it's not fair and as the title says, the universe doesn't give a flying fuck about you
- I love the straight bluntness. It was to the point
Dislike
- It's not anything new but a good reminder
- Way too short to be a book, maybe more appropriate for a blog post
Like
- A book I would throw at anyone who thinks the universe isn't fair - because it's not fair and as the title says, the universe doesn't give a flying fuck about you
- I love the straight bluntness. It was to the point
Dislike
- It's not anything new but a good reminder
- Way too short to be a book, maybe more appropriate for a blog post
One Left Alive by Helen Phifer
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
"One Left Alive" by Helen Phifer is a captivating murder mystery that successfully blends a medium-paced narrative with a delightful focus on character development. The author skillfully constructs a loveable team of detectives, and the emotional journey, particularly with Morgan's relationships, is commendable. The book maintains a mysterious allure from the very start, thanks to Phifer's descriptive writing and meticulous layout of events. While there are instances of repetition and occasional contradictions in sentences, they don't significantly detract from the overall engaging story. In essence, Phifer has crafted a compelling tale that balances plot intricacies with endearing characters, making "One Left Alive" a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Mystery on Hidden Lane by Clare Chase
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Clare Chase weaves a delightful tapestry of charm and mystery in her latest novel, a captivating country murder mystery that left me thoroughly enchanted. The author's skillful storytelling transforms this cozy read into a page-turner, making it a joy to navigate through the twists and turns of the plot.
From the outset, it's evident that Chase has struck the perfect balance between coziness and intrigue. Eve Mallow, the protagonist, instantly becomes a lovable companion, and what sets this book apart is the constant presence of her faithful canine companion, Gus. The daily actions of a dog owner are seamlessly integrated into the narrative, adding a touch of warmth and authenticity to the story.
Chase's writing is a testament to her craftsmanship, with a keen ability to introduce characters in a way that feels both natural and engaging. The periodic mentions of characters, previously in the shadows, serve as effective reminders of their relevance to the unfolding mystery. This thoughtful approach keeps the reader connected to the intricate web of relationships surrounding the victim.
The pacing of the novel is another triumph. A medium-paced narrative allows for the gradual but effective development of both characters and plot. The careful attention to detail pays off as the story unfolds, and the reader becomes increasingly invested in the lives of the characters. The culmination of events in the ending is executed with finesse, delivering a satisfying and smooth resolution that ties up loose ends seamlessly.
In summary, Clare Chase's country murder mystery is a triumph of cozy storytelling with a dash of intrigue. The well-crafted characters, coupled with a meticulously plotted narrative, make for an engaging read that will undoubtedly leave readers eagerly anticipating Chase's next literary venture.
From the outset, it's evident that Chase has struck the perfect balance between coziness and intrigue. Eve Mallow, the protagonist, instantly becomes a lovable companion, and what sets this book apart is the constant presence of her faithful canine companion, Gus. The daily actions of a dog owner are seamlessly integrated into the narrative, adding a touch of warmth and authenticity to the story.
Chase's writing is a testament to her craftsmanship, with a keen ability to introduce characters in a way that feels both natural and engaging. The periodic mentions of characters, previously in the shadows, serve as effective reminders of their relevance to the unfolding mystery. This thoughtful approach keeps the reader connected to the intricate web of relationships surrounding the victim.
The pacing of the novel is another triumph. A medium-paced narrative allows for the gradual but effective development of both characters and plot. The careful attention to detail pays off as the story unfolds, and the reader becomes increasingly invested in the lives of the characters. The culmination of events in the ending is executed with finesse, delivering a satisfying and smooth resolution that ties up loose ends seamlessly.
In summary, Clare Chase's country murder mystery is a triumph of cozy storytelling with a dash of intrigue. The well-crafted characters, coupled with a meticulously plotted narrative, make for an engaging read that will undoubtedly leave readers eagerly anticipating Chase's next literary venture.
Animal Farm by George Orwell
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
"Animal Farm" by George Orwell is a striking and concise allegory that explores the complexities of power and knowledge through the lens of a group of farm animals seeking to improve their lives. This unexpected yet engaging narrative takes readers on a thought-provoking journey into a world where animals overthrow their human oppressors, only to discover that education becomes the defining factor in their new hierarchy.
Orwell's storytelling is deceptively simple, making it accessible to a wide range of readers. He skillfully conveys the central theme of how education, particularly the ability to read, think critically, and plot, distinguishes leaders from followers among the animals. This division of knowledge and its impact on the lives of the characters is a thought-provoking commentary on equality and power dynamics.
The book's strength lies in its ability to spark meaningful discussions about the transformative potential of knowledge and the consequences of its application. The events in the story are presented in a straightforward and digestible manner, allowing readers to grasp the underlying themes with ease.
While "Animal Farm" may not be hailed as the best read in the world, it remains an intriguing and valuable short story. George Orwell's narrative, though simple, manages to resonate on a profound level by raising questions about the influence of education and the dynamics of leadership. This classic work continues to be a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, cleverly disguised within a tale of farm animals.
Orwell's storytelling is deceptively simple, making it accessible to a wide range of readers. He skillfully conveys the central theme of how education, particularly the ability to read, think critically, and plot, distinguishes leaders from followers among the animals. This division of knowledge and its impact on the lives of the characters is a thought-provoking commentary on equality and power dynamics.
The book's strength lies in its ability to spark meaningful discussions about the transformative potential of knowledge and the consequences of its application. The events in the story are presented in a straightforward and digestible manner, allowing readers to grasp the underlying themes with ease.
While "Animal Farm" may not be hailed as the best read in the world, it remains an intriguing and valuable short story. George Orwell's narrative, though simple, manages to resonate on a profound level by raising questions about the influence of education and the dynamics of leadership. This classic work continues to be a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, cleverly disguised within a tale of farm animals.
The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder by C.L. Miller
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
"The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder" by C.L. Miller begins with a very strong start, immersing the reader in a captivating London atmosphere that promises an exciting murder mystery. The setting is one of the book's highlights, providing that enjoyable London vibe that draws you in. The concept and potential of the story are also commendable, suggesting a great idea at the core.
However, the book falls short in several aspects. One of the main drawbacks is the writing quality, which often feels repetitive and disjointed, with sentences that don't flow well and occasional contradictions. This significantly impacts the overall reading experience, and it's surprising to encounter multiple sentence errors in an advanced reader's copy.
Additionally, the pacing of the story feels stagnant, as the narrative fails to progress adequately, leaving the reader wanting more in terms of plot development. The inclusion of Freya's backstory, while a promising idea, appears haphazardly inserted and distracts from the main storyline.
The use of fortune cookie sayings at the beginning of each chapter, particularly towards the end of the book, feels weak and doesn't add to the narrative. Furthermore, the main characters lacked depth and maturity, making it challenging to connect with or care about their fates.
In summary, "The Antique Hunter's Guide To Murder" shows promise with a captivating start and a great concept, but it's let down by issues in writing quality, pacing, character development, and the integration of certain elements. This murder mystery, in the end, falls short of its potential, resulting in a somewhat weak and disjointed story.
However, the book falls short in several aspects. One of the main drawbacks is the writing quality, which often feels repetitive and disjointed, with sentences that don't flow well and occasional contradictions. This significantly impacts the overall reading experience, and it's surprising to encounter multiple sentence errors in an advanced reader's copy.
Additionally, the pacing of the story feels stagnant, as the narrative fails to progress adequately, leaving the reader wanting more in terms of plot development. The inclusion of Freya's backstory, while a promising idea, appears haphazardly inserted and distracts from the main storyline.
The use of fortune cookie sayings at the beginning of each chapter, particularly towards the end of the book, feels weak and doesn't add to the narrative. Furthermore, the main characters lacked depth and maturity, making it challenging to connect with or care about their fates.
In summary, "The Antique Hunter's Guide To Murder" shows promise with a captivating start and a great concept, but it's let down by issues in writing quality, pacing, character development, and the integration of certain elements. This murder mystery, in the end, falls short of its potential, resulting in a somewhat weak and disjointed story.
River Sing Me Home by Eleanor Shearer
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
"River Sing Me Home" is a highly emotional and poignant journey through history, where we accompany Rachel on her escape from slavery and her quest to reunite with her scattered children in the Caribbean. The depiction of the physical and emotional hardships endured by slaves is both heart-wrenching and almost unfathomable, serving as a stark reminder of a dark chapter in history.
The story of Rachel and her children is undoubtedly the highlight of this book. Their narratives are masterfully crafted, demonstrating a significant amount of effort and dedication by the author to bring their stories to life. The emotional depth and connection between the characters are truly moving, evoking tears at various points in the narrative.
However, the novel falls short in terms of pacing and consistency in the writing. There are moments where the narrative seems to lose its flow, and the writing, although powerful, lacks the consistency that would have made it an even more captivating read. This inconsistency can sometimes detract from the overall experience.
In conclusion, "River Sing Me Home" is a deeply emotional and well-crafted exploration of a painful period in history, with a powerful focus on the characters of Rachel and her children. While it is a moving and impactful read, the uneven pacing and occasional inconsistencies in the writing may leave readers longing for a more polished narrative.
The story of Rachel and her children is undoubtedly the highlight of this book. Their narratives are masterfully crafted, demonstrating a significant amount of effort and dedication by the author to bring their stories to life. The emotional depth and connection between the characters are truly moving, evoking tears at various points in the narrative.
However, the novel falls short in terms of pacing and consistency in the writing. There are moments where the narrative seems to lose its flow, and the writing, although powerful, lacks the consistency that would have made it an even more captivating read. This inconsistency can sometimes detract from the overall experience.
In conclusion, "River Sing Me Home" is a deeply emotional and well-crafted exploration of a painful period in history, with a powerful focus on the characters of Rachel and her children. While it is a moving and impactful read, the uneven pacing and occasional inconsistencies in the writing may leave readers longing for a more polished narrative.
The Storm We Made by Vanessa Chan
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
"The Storm We Made" by Vanessa Chan is an emotional and well-written historical fiction set in Malaysia during the Japanese occupation, offering a unique perspective on the takeover of a British-dominated country.
This unforgettable narrative weaves a gripping tale with compelling characters that will move you to tears. Vanessa's vivid and uncomfortable portrayal of the brutality and unimaginable events showcases her exceptional writing skills. The story's well-paced plot creates a snowball effect, keeping readers engaged throughout.
The novel successfully explores a multitude of themes and viewpoints, blurring the lines between good and bad, challenging our perception of what defines a good person.
Overall, "The Storm We Made" is a wonderful and highly recommended read for anyone seeking a thought-provoking historical fiction experience.
Thank you Simon and Schuster for providing me with this ARC!
This unforgettable narrative weaves a gripping tale with compelling characters that will move you to tears. Vanessa's vivid and uncomfortable portrayal of the brutality and unimaginable events showcases her exceptional writing skills. The story's well-paced plot creates a snowball effect, keeping readers engaged throughout.
The novel successfully explores a multitude of themes and viewpoints, blurring the lines between good and bad, challenging our perception of what defines a good person.
Overall, "The Storm We Made" is a wonderful and highly recommended read for anyone seeking a thought-provoking historical fiction experience.
Thank you Simon and Schuster for providing me with this ARC!
Wellness by Nathan Hill
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I have been loving reflective reads and Wellness did an excellent job in making me think. It was also a beautiful story
Like
- I love Jack and Elizabeth, devouring their story from the start
- The psychology and information on the evolution of emotions and human behavior was interesting to get through and I found myself reflecting on my own actions and thoughts throughout the read
- I throughly enjoyed the random tidbits of human interactions shared
- This is a medium paced book that balanced a reflective story that was fun to read. It was humorous in certain areas and eye watering in others and overall touched on the topics of love, relationships, marriage and how to environment we grow up in can effect tbe person we grow up to be
Dislike
- A few parts felt unnecessarily, making the parts of the story feel dragged out
Like
- I love Jack and Elizabeth, devouring their story from the start
- The psychology and information on the evolution of emotions and human behavior was interesting to get through and I found myself reflecting on my own actions and thoughts throughout the read
- I throughly enjoyed the random tidbits of human interactions shared
- This is a medium paced book that balanced a reflective story that was fun to read. It was humorous in certain areas and eye watering in others and overall touched on the topics of love, relationships, marriage and how to environment we grow up in can effect tbe person we grow up to be
Dislike
- A few parts felt unnecessarily, making the parts of the story feel dragged out