dennasus's reviews
673 reviews

The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb

mysterious medium-paced

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

I enjoyed this one for the most part as a story of a young black man who overcomes many obstacles to succeed in the classical music world. I'm well aware that it's a privileged perspective to say that the blatant racism he faces (based on real life experience of the author) surprised and shocked me. And it broke my heart from time to time. I don't know a lot about classical music, but I tried to listen to the pieces that are mentioned in this novel while reading it and I enjoyed that as well. The end of the story left me a bit underwhelmed though, to find out who stole the violin and why. But all in all an entertaining and informative read for me. (20 May 2024)

[I've stopped rating books in May 2024]  

When a Child is Born by Jodi Taylor

hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

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

That was another lovely and quite fun story from the St Mary's canon. I loved that it paid tribute to the so often overlooked women in historical records.  (written 14 May 2024)

  [I've stopped rating books in May 2024] 

A Symphony of Echoes by Jodi Taylor

lighthearted medium-paced

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

That was another enjoyable visit at St. Mary's present and future, but my head spins a bit from the back and forth. I like that they DO try and interfere with history after all, though of course they might not do it the way they'd like as all in all self-preservation is the main objective. (written 14 May 2024)

  [I've stopped rating books in May 2024] 

The Very First Damned Thing by Jodi Taylor

lighthearted medium-paced

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

That was a fun quick read to get a bit more background of how St. Mary's came to be. Maybe with a bit too much exposition for future stories?  [I've stopped giving star ratings in May 2024] 

What Happened to Ruthy Ramirez by Claire Jiménez

emotional reflective 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

To me this was a powerful story about siblings and families and also for me a valuable insight into the difficult life of a Puerto Rican family in the US, doing their best to get by. It's mostly told from the point of view of Ruthy's older and younger sisters and while the drive of the story of course was to find Ruthy or get her back, we also learned a lot about what it is like to grow up in the US, when you're not part of the white middle-class. It also made me feel sad for all the thousands or more "Ruthy's" who disappear every year in the US and elsewhere. I thought the whole reality show bit - including the showdown - was a bit over-the-top and often silly. I don't know anything about the current state of reality shows., though. Maybe they actually are like that. (Written on 10 May 2024)

[I've stopped giving star ratings in May 2024] 

Just One Damned Thing After Another by Jodi Taylor

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

I really, really enjoyed this one. I had heard about this series a long time ago, but was hesitant at first, because I sort of lost interest in this blend of sci-fi / history stories. But I finally got around to start with this and I got hooked quickly. I liked the narrator's "Max" voice quite a bit, not too serious, but not too superficial either. The sci-fi / "time-travel" bit was explained easily enough, the characters were quirky and lovable, there was/is a romance aspect, which I always like. The pacing of the story was well done as well, I did not get bored at all, but there were still enough quiet and tender moments. The next book of the series is ordered already. [written 9 May 2024]

[I've stopped giving star ratings in May 2024] 

The Great Divide by Cristina Henríquez

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? N/A

I had left a review, accidentally deleted it (long story) can't be bothered to type it all again. I enjoyed learning more about that period of time in that region. On the one hand I liked the writing and the various points of views and the small insights into the people's past and future. On the other hand there were so many people and points of view, that it was hard to get attached to anyone. [Written 5 May 2024]

 [I've stopped giving star ratings in May 2024] 

Date with Justice by Julia Chapman

emotional medium-paced

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

3.75

Another quite enjoyable story from the Dales Detective / Dating Agency. I was wondering which sort of story it would be without the big archenemy out of the way and I have to say this still worked for me in the most part. Some connections - Sarah knowing Louise Dinsdale (listened to the audiobook, so not 100% sure on spelling) and also the victim from uni - felt a bit far-fetched. I loved the whole "Who's the owner of Fellside Court?" plot and even the cupcake thief, though the revelations fell a bit short. Still haven't figured out how they actually got into the cafe? But it moved another romantic plot forward, finally! 

All in all, this would work well for me as a finale to the whole series. But of course I'd also like to hear more about all of the characters I've grown to love over the years

Happiness Falls by Angie Kim

challenging mysterious 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? It's complicated

3.75

I was hooked on this story for most of the time I read it. I loved the narrator's voice and all the family members. The investigation had enough twists and turns to stay interesting. I also appreciated the insight this story gave me into the world of nonspeaking people. The "HQ" storyline was super interesting at first, but got a bit much in the end. And I admit  I had hoped for a different kind of ending,  so the way it DID end left me a bit disappointed.

Rise to the Sun by Leah Johnson

medium-paced

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

2.25

This obviously wasn't for me. I had enjoyed Jackson's previous one, but to me this plot felt all over the place and tried too include too many current social issues. I also didn't like either main characters all that much