Scan barcode
ddnreads's reviews
338 reviews
Lights by Brenna Thummler
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? No
5.0
I love the Ghostly series with my whole heart 💖💖
Guardians of Dawn: Zhara by S. Jae-Jones
adventurous
slow-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? No
2.5
2,5 ⭐
My 14yo self might love this book, but the first two chapters (teens reading smut, etc) might contradict the idea.
First, I think the market was overclaim. I was sold by the mention of sailor moon and turned out the story is below my expectations.
The premise is pretty simple. Zhara is a young woman with magical ability in a land where magic was unacknowledged. Her magic turned out to be crucial and greater than what she can imagine. Suprise, turned out there are magicians everywhere. And where there are magicians, there are demons too. Zhara and her friend tried to fight the abomination. She found love and family and group where she belonged to. A light whismical romanfantasy for teens.
It doesn't really suit me.
I found the characters cringey and lack of depth. Xu was the most interesting one. Everyone else's felt one dimensional and typical. Don't get me started with good looking giggles or whatever that is.
The story telling isn't gripping enough to invest with the characters and the plot.
It has such a great potential with the setting and magical ability and the beasts and the abomination. Sadly, for me, it wasn't well executed. The world building is the most exciting idea of this book.
What really turned me off is at the end of this book, the author chose to portray, I believe, one of the KPop idol group. The author didn't even change the group name. I don't know if that's wise to include real life idols in a commercial book. And... I'm not a fan. The exaggerating description of how handsome and awesome was not selling. And Im confuse how in the end they suddenly have a big role toward the plot and follow Zhara's next journey like what's for. It's understandable if u want to put them in a plot as performers, but to include them all the way to the next adventure sounds very childish imo. Nope nope
Im giving this book a second chance bcs I'm still going to read Ami. But if I see those 7 boys out of nowhere I might dnf early.
My 14yo self might love this book, but the first two chapters (teens reading smut, etc) might contradict the idea.
First, I think the market was overclaim. I was sold by the mention of sailor moon and turned out the story is below my expectations.
The premise is pretty simple. Zhara is a young woman with magical ability in a land where magic was unacknowledged. Her magic turned out to be crucial and greater than what she can imagine. Suprise, turned out there are magicians everywhere. And where there are magicians, there are demons too. Zhara and her friend tried to fight the abomination. She found love and family and group where she belonged to. A light whismical romanfantasy for teens.
It doesn't really suit me.
I found the characters cringey and lack of depth. Xu was the most interesting one. Everyone else's felt one dimensional and typical. Don't get me started with good looking giggles or whatever that is.
The story telling isn't gripping enough to invest with the characters and the plot.
It has such a great potential with the setting and magical ability and the beasts and the abomination. Sadly, for me, it wasn't well executed. The world building is the most exciting idea of this book.
What really turned me off is at the end of this book, the author chose to portray, I believe, one of the KPop idol group. The author didn't even change the group name. I don't know if that's wise to include real life idols in a commercial book. And... I'm not a fan. The exaggerating description of how handsome and awesome was not selling. And Im confuse how in the end they suddenly have a big role toward the plot and follow Zhara's next journey like what's for. It's understandable if u want to put them in a plot as performers, but to include them all the way to the next adventure sounds very childish imo. Nope nope
Im giving this book a second chance bcs I'm still going to read Ami. But if I see those 7 boys out of nowhere I might dnf early.
Behind You Is the Sea by Susan Muaddi Darraj
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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? It's complicated
5.0
Behind You is the Sea is an adult slice of life fiction revolving around Palestinian Americans communicate in Baltimore. It consists of short stories focusing on one character and the next, finding out as the pages revealed that they know each other.
Plotwise, the story stands on its own~
I didn't set any expectations from this book and it turned out to be an enjoyable read.
The conflicts are mostly family drama. Some are hopeful, the some are bitter, the others make me wonder bcs I want the their story to keep going. We get to see various generations of Palestinians weaving through their life. The different concern is quite striking. We also got to see the how the wealth and social gap played a big role on interlocking their connection.
It's like peeking through the life of Palestinians as they are. I need y'all to read this book to remind that they should have a life as normal as what we. Fall in love the way we do. Having family the way we do. I hate how israhell propaganda and genoci e dehumanize them or forced them to be the perfect heroes. They didn't deserve it. Please keep them in your do'a ✨
Plotwise, the story stands on its own~
I didn't set any expectations from this book and it turned out to be an enjoyable read.
The conflicts are mostly family drama. Some are hopeful, the some are bitter, the others make me wonder bcs I want the their story to keep going. We get to see various generations of Palestinians weaving through their life. The different concern is quite striking. We also got to see the how the wealth and social gap played a big role on interlocking their connection.
It's like peeking through the life of Palestinians as they are. I need y'all to read this book to remind that they should have a life as normal as what we. Fall in love the way we do. Having family the way we do. I hate how israhell propaganda and genoci e dehumanize them or forced them to be the perfect heroes. They didn't deserve it. Please keep them in your do'a ✨
Minor Detail by Adania Shibli
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
It left me utterly devastated. I'm desperate for the next page. I NEED the author's note. Anything.
If she didn't make it then why am I here.... The first POV didn't help. I'm left hollow and sorrowful.
But probably it portrayed the reality. We don't always get the hopeful ending we're so craving for. This is what happens daily there. This is what will happen to you once you cross the border and try to find the truth.
If she didn't make it then why am I here.... The first POV didn't help. I'm left hollow and sorrowful.
But probably it portrayed the reality. We don't always get the hopeful ending we're so craving for. This is what happens daily there. This is what will happen to you once you cross the border and try to find the truth.
What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
I was so excited with all the marketings, cover, and timeline at the front of this book. However, the reading experience itself is such a let down.
I can't stand the FMC. She's far too naive and gullible. The MMC didn't impressive at all and there's no chemistry between them.
The history has a potential to be better written and make it more exciting. The whole vibe is flat and gloomy and I don't like to be in Inez's head much longer.
There are a lot of plot twists which for me personally, didn't work out. The sacrifice in the end was unnecessary and despite everything they've been through, come in just passing in the end.
Idk I don't understand the author's stand does it mean the characters in this story are another visitors digging up Egypt's rich history and jeweleries??? If indeed the author is with the Egyptians, it would be much better to include native Egyptians in the books, and I don't vibe with the book revolving Egypt mythology without Egyptian characters.
Oh, and the magic system!!!! It could be better written bcs it started off good but didn't really useful when needed in the crucial time.
The only thing I like is how Inez is excellent at drawing.
If you're into character driven story started in Egypt laced with murder mystery and plot twist, with a smallest hint of magic and strangers to lovers romance, you might want to give this book a go.
And please don't buy from Wednesday Books. We're still doing SMP boycott~ thankyou for the arc
I can't stand the FMC. She's far too naive and gullible. The MMC didn't impressive at all and there's no chemistry between them.
The history has a potential to be better written and make it more exciting. The whole vibe is flat and gloomy and I don't like to be in Inez's head much longer.
There are a lot of plot twists which for me personally, didn't work out. The sacrifice in the end was unnecessary and despite everything they've been through, come in just passing in the end.
Idk I don't understand the author's stand does it mean the characters in this story are another visitors digging up Egypt's rich history and jeweleries??? If indeed the author is with the Egyptians, it would be much better to include native Egyptians in the books, and I don't vibe with the book revolving Egypt mythology without Egyptian characters.
Oh, and the magic system!!!! It could be better written bcs it started off good but didn't really useful when needed in the crucial time.
The only thing I like is how Inez is excellent at drawing.
If you're into character driven story started in Egypt laced with murder mystery and plot twist, with a smallest hint of magic and strangers to lovers romance, you might want to give this book a go.
And please don't buy from Wednesday Books. We're still doing SMP boycott~ thankyou for the arc
Against the Loveless World by Susan Abulhawa
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
5.0
My heart ache for Nahr and Bilal 🥺🥺
But this book is much more than the love story of Nahr and Bilal (eventhough their love is extraordinarily tender and healing).
Unputdownable and sharp, Against the Loveless World told a life of a woman who tried to find her way among the generational trauma of colonialism, refugee, and occupation.
I love how the characters are flawed. How bare and jarring they told their lives. I love the raw honesty, the swearing, the curses.
This is a feminist book in its own way.
I wept for the love mothers share. Their toughness through the worst of conditions. They're the real world's strongest soldiers.
But this book is much more than the love story of Nahr and Bilal (eventhough their love is extraordinarily tender and healing).
Unputdownable and sharp, Against the Loveless World told a life of a woman who tried to find her way among the generational trauma of colonialism, refugee, and occupation.
I love how the characters are flawed. How bare and jarring they told their lives. I love the raw honesty, the swearing, the curses.
This is a feminist book in its own way.
I wept for the love mothers share. Their toughness through the worst of conditions. They're the real world's strongest soldiers.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Deportation, Emotional abuse, Murder, Physical abuse, Police brutality, Racism, Rape, Toxic relationship, Violence, Sexism, Sexual harassment, Drug use, Grief, Cursing, War, Colonisation, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Deadnaming, Genocide, Islamophobia, and Misogyny
America is a Zoo by Andre Soares
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
America is A Zoo is a sharp satirical literary fiction mirroring the debauchery of United States. In short, under a secret operation, a special chemical turn the govt officials into animals. It personified each person with different animal and lead the country into progressive change. The politicians, combined with their beastly desires, delivered their sins one by one.
As the page turned, we've got to see the background and significant figure behind the operation. This book tackled the bad stereotypes and terrorism narratives placed upon Muslim and Black people.
Personally, I wouldn't say this book is a light read. It's that kind of food for thought and I think I need someone to discuss the content. Definitely not English beginning friendly. It will be much more compelling if you're following US political dynamics. I don't, but I get the whole message it tried to send through (I felt like it mirrored my own gov system lol)
The science was too good to be true, and sometimes I lost in the process of who's who.
Bottom line, I know that this is a well researched book. Still enjoyable despite the heavy theme.
The message was strong and well delivered.
What I don't really get is the self-insertion the author did . It didn't vibe well😅
If you like book about politic, secret operation agents, satirical work, give this book a go!!!!
Thank you Process Protocol LLC and netgalley for the arc. I had so much fun and can't wait to browse and dive further in America is a zoo dot com
As the page turned, we've got to see the background and significant figure behind the operation. This book tackled the bad stereotypes and terrorism narratives placed upon Muslim and Black people.
Personally, I wouldn't say this book is a light read. It's that kind of food for thought and I think I need someone to discuss the content. Definitely not English beginning friendly. It will be much more compelling if you're following US political dynamics. I don't, but I get the whole message it tried to send through (I felt like it mirrored my own gov system lol)
The science was too good to be true, and sometimes I lost in the process of who's who.
Bottom line, I know that this is a well researched book. Still enjoyable despite the heavy theme.
The message was strong and well delivered.
What I don't really get is the self-insertion the author did . It didn't vibe well😅
If you like book about politic, secret operation agents, satirical work, give this book a go!!!!
Thank you Process Protocol LLC and netgalley for the arc. I had so much fun and can't wait to browse and dive further in America is a zoo dot com
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Classism, Vomit, Animal cruelty, Body horror, Murder, Pedophilia, Colonisation, Death, and Misogyny
Moderate: Rape and Xenophobia
The Gulf by Adam de Souza
adventurous
challenging
emotional
lighthearted
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? No
5.0
First, I like the artsyle 👌
Second, I love COMING OF AGE STORY and this graphic novel delivered!!!!
The theme it discussed is super relatable. It didn't just about teengers willing to runaway to find the commune, this is actually what's corrupting in our society. Why do they have to demand us to do things as soon as possible. Why cant we just live???? I feel you Oli 🥺🫶🏽
It contained lots of quotable conversation.
I love the friendship dynamics between Olivia, Milo and Alvin (but I'm still not sure about Liam and Mom. I actually would love to see more Olivia background in her family).
I wouldn't say this is a light book, however, it's still super enjoyable 👌✨
Thankyou netgalley and Penguin Random House for the arc✨
Second, I love COMING OF AGE STORY and this graphic novel delivered!!!!
The theme it discussed is super relatable. It didn't just about teengers willing to runaway to find the commune, this is actually what's corrupting in our society. Why do they have to demand us to do things as soon as possible. Why cant we just live???? I feel you Oli 🥺🫶🏽
It contained lots of quotable conversation.
I love the friendship dynamics between Olivia, Milo and Alvin (but I'm still not sure about Liam and Mom. I actually would love to see more Olivia background in her family).
I wouldn't say this is a light book, however, it's still super enjoyable 👌✨
Thankyou netgalley and Penguin Random House for the arc✨
House of Odysseus by Claire North
challenging
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I enjoyed it overall~ however, in terms of phrases and dictions I prefer the first book Ithaca. It doesn't as poetic 🥲 I have a bit of problem with the pace of this book. I found it quite dragging, and the end didn't really as I expected. However, it delved to the characters' thought better. We saw clearly all the behind the scenes of the decision and it was a good thing. I liked how Penelope and Elektra finally bound with each other. I would like it better if Penelope became more cunning and showed her ruling bolder.
If you finished with Ithaca, go definitely get this book.
This is a long die review, thank you so much netgalley and Redhook books for the arc ✨
If you finished with Ithaca, go definitely get this book.
This is a long die review, thank you so much netgalley and Redhook books for the arc ✨
Sergius Mencari Bacchus by Norman Erikson Pasaribu
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
I LOVE IT. I'm no poetry master tapi aku cocok sama puisi-puisinya kak Norman 🥺 it speaks feelings to me.
Sebenernya mostly isinya angst, but it's beautifully written. It's painful, and sad, and blue, and grey, and all the colours before the rain.
I will sure look forward to his other works!!! Salah satu buku yg ga nyesel beli di semesta 🥺🫶🏽
Sebenernya mostly isinya angst, but it's beautifully written. It's painful, and sad, and blue, and grey, and all the colours before the rain.
I will sure look forward to his other works!!! Salah satu buku yg ga nyesel beli di semesta 🥺🫶🏽
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Grief, and Suicidal thoughts