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dejreads's reviews
34 reviews
Reel by Kennedy Ryan
5.0
I dnf'd this book so many times because childishly enough, the font for the physical copy was too small for me to binge-read like I usually do. But when I had spare time at work, I finally sat and started reading and couldn't put the book down. Kennedy Ryan always has a way with her words that I simply can't describe, but just know if I did—it'd be nothing but wonderful things. I adored the world-building of this story despite the fact that I am sure that everyone is familiar with how Hollywood works, Kennedy's way of building up the world around Canon and Naveeh was amazing. I also loved the idea of incorporating the script of the movie that is being created by Canon and them in the novel. I'm extremely excited for the next book in this series also. Another book of Kennedy Ryan's where it's 10's all across the board.
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
5.0
Suzanne Collins continues to be one of my favorite dystopian authors. It's just something about the words that she puts in her books that makes me not want to put them down. I first read her Hunger Games series when I was a teenager and am picking this book up as a grown adult now. It's amazing to know that she, as an author, still can tug an emotion out of me when I read. Such a wonderful read even after watching the movie first.
P.S. District 11 continues to be one of my favorite districts with well-rounded tributes from that district.
P.S. District 11 continues to be one of my favorite districts with well-rounded tributes from that district.
You're Not Supposed to Die Tonight by Kalynn Bayron
4.0
This was one of the first horror books I've read. I enjoyed it quite well, and it was close to being a perfect five-star for me, but when it comes to the horror genre—I tend to bump down ratings if I can guess the ending/if the ending is predictable. I loved the characters and I loved that the FMC was a lesbian. The book did keep me on the edge of my seat because I was expecting a 80's type slasher killer, but it wasn't that. That is one thing that shocked me, but as soon as I grasped at who was doing the killing, I pretty much predicted the ending and the plot twist tbh.
Twisted Lies by Ana Huang
4.0
I started this book last year and then dnf'd because I entered a major reading slump. With the new year, I decided to pick up this book and start rereading it from the beginning. I surely underestimated Ana as an author because I enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the building of Stella and Christian's relationship. It made me feel so warm inside. Granted, some 'touch her and you'll die' type of male characters make me internally cringe sometimes. Christian motherf*cking Harper was written so well with that character trope.
Now on to the criticism.
I must note first, that this is the first book I have read in the Twisted series. I know, it's insane to read the very last book of a series because you practically have spoiled the three previous books. But that's beside the point. One criticism of the book is that I feel like within all the guys (except for Josh) they seem to have the same personality. Frankly, every scene where the guys interacted with each other wasn't as interesting as the girls' scenes because I felt a sense that it was just the same guy talking to each other. How is it that when you read scenes where all the Twisted girls are interacting with each other, each girl you can point out their personality and how different they are compared to each other? However, with the guys...just by reading this one book, I can't do the same with the guys. My opinion may change when if I read the other books, but I will be strangely disappointed if my viewpoint stands correct.
The traitor reveal was super obvious. It's always the right-hand man. I kinda suspected it to be Brock or Kage as soon as the traitor plot was brought up.
The stalker reveal was underwhelming for me. The build-up and the fear that Stella has been through and then when her stalker is revealed, I kinda just said 'oh'. But it wasn't a shocked 'oh', it was more so, an 'oh okay' and just kept reading. I think it would been more suspenseful and gut-wrenching if the stalker wasn't just someone Stella had forgotten about from college. If it was someone she'd known longer than her getting the feature piece written about her. Someone she worked with at the job she got fired with? A male nurse at the retirement home Maura resided in? Julian being the stalker did not build the suspenseful feeling in my gut the way I wanted it to be.
Anyway, other than those two things—I truly enjoyed this being my first read of the new year. I'm still on the fence about if I want to get the other books if I'm going to be honest with myself. But Ana Huang, you did your big one with Twisted Lies.
mage:
Now on to the criticism.
I must note first, that this is the first book I have read in the Twisted series. I know, it's insane to read the very last book of a series because you practically have spoiled the three previous books. But that's beside the point. One criticism of the book is that I feel like within all the guys (except for Josh) they seem to have the same personality. Frankly, every scene where the guys interacted with each other wasn't as interesting as the girls' scenes because I felt a sense that it was just the same guy talking to each other. How is it that when you read scenes where all the Twisted girls are interacting with each other, each girl you can point out their personality and how different they are compared to each other? However, with the guys...just by reading this one book, I can't do the same with the guys. My opinion may change when if I read the other books, but I will be strangely disappointed if my viewpoint stands correct.
The traitor reveal was super obvious. It's always the right-hand man. I kinda suspected it to be Brock or Kage as soon as the traitor plot was brought up.
The stalker reveal was underwhelming for me. The build-up and the fear that Stella has been through and then when her stalker is revealed, I kinda just said 'oh'. But it wasn't a shocked 'oh', it was more so, an 'oh okay' and just kept reading. I think it would been more suspenseful and gut-wrenching if the stalker wasn't just someone Stella had forgotten about from college. If it was someone she'd known longer than her getting the feature piece written about her. Someone she worked with at the job she got fired with? A male nurse at the retirement home Maura resided in? Julian being the stalker did not build the suspenseful feeling in my gut the way I wanted it to be.
Anyway, other than those two things—I truly enjoyed this being my first read of the new year. I'm still on the fence about if I want to get the other books if I'm going to be honest with myself. But Ana Huang, you did your big one with Twisted Lies.
mage:
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
5.0
This book has been sitting in my TBR since I started back up reading books again and I am now sending out a formal apology on me taking so long to pick up this book. I now understand why some people have multiple copies and editions of this book.
Although the font was extremely small for me so I had to get the audiobook also to follow along....the audiobook simply helped me become even more immersed in the world that Bree Matthews was navigating through.
Now, let's talk about Bree Matthews. The GOAT herself! By the end of the book, she became one of my favorite book protagonists. From the longing of wanting to know what happened to her mother to her development by the end of the book, it was just such a fun experience watching her grow as a character. Especially as the chapter went on and she connected more and more about her roots.
This story just kept me on my toes as each chapter went on. From the plot to the world-building, it was such a roller coaster that I didn't want to get off because I was so eager to know what was going to be next.
I loved the side characters in the book. Sel had me side eyeing him the first half but he grown on me. Nick just deserve best fantasy boyfriend award tbh. Matter of fact, him, Bree, and Sel should just be a trouple or something. I loved that Tracy included so much about Bree and her interactions with other characters. I feel like it made Bree so much more human to see her have a fight with her best friend and see her conversations with her father (the scene in the Waffle House was my favorite).
Overall,
Tracy Deonn...I wasn't familiar with your game. I am seated for the rest of this series. On to the next...aka Bloodmarked.
Although the font was extremely small for me so I had to get the audiobook also to follow along....the audiobook simply helped me become even more immersed in the world that Bree Matthews was navigating through.
Now, let's talk about Bree Matthews. The GOAT herself! By the end of the book, she became one of my favorite book protagonists. From the longing of wanting to know what happened to her mother to her development by the end of the book, it was just such a fun experience watching her grow as a character. Especially as the chapter went on and she connected more and more about her roots.
This story just kept me on my toes as each chapter went on. From the plot to the world-building, it was such a roller coaster that I didn't want to get off because I was so eager to know what was going to be next.
I loved the side characters in the book. Sel had me side eyeing him the first half but he grown on me. Nick just deserve best fantasy boyfriend award tbh. Matter of fact, him, Bree, and Sel should just be a trouple or something. I loved that Tracy included so much about Bree and her interactions with other characters. I feel like it made Bree so much more human to see her have a fight with her best friend and see her conversations with her father (the scene in the Waffle House was my favorite).
Overall,
Tracy Deonn...I wasn't familiar with your game. I am seated for the rest of this series. On to the next...aka Bloodmarked.
Tokyo Ghoul, Tome 1 by Sui Ishida
5.0
I’m doing a reread of Tokyo Ghoul and just rereading it is just reminding me how good the series is. I watched the anime first before reading the manga and it’s just so insane how many details the anime has left out. I am truly hoping Tokyo Ghoul get a reboot in the future so everyone can see how wonderful the series is.