df_reads's reviews
44 reviews

The House of Lost Secrets by Anstey Harris

challenging emotional funny hopeful reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The detail, depth & description within this story creates the most vivid imagery. You really feel like you’re there, on the waters edge, smelling the salt of the sea and feeling the sand smoosh beneath your feet. It’s really a meditative experience. 

The dissection of very real, relatable & difficult family, social & culture dynamics is also vivid. There is a thrill of mystery etched within the storyline that keeps you on your toes and wondering what’s really going on. The breadcrumbs are eluding yet enthralling. 

Pour a cup of tea, get comfy & wade into this. It takes you under, but you’ll resurface feeling fresh. 

The Bastard King by Donna Grant

lighthearted medium-paced

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

2.0

If you are new to romance and the fantasy realm of magic and dragons, this is a great intro story. The plot is easy to follow & the world building singular, and easy to follow with a slow, heavy burn and modest spice. 

Deep Dive by Karen Carter

emotional inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

3.0

This collection of poetry is refreshingly wholesome. Several of the revelations within definitely 'Awakened' my own. Having read this during the back to school season, It was easier to connect to the consciousness this collection embodied. The collection as a whole tells a story, and each entry provoked a unique level of perspective and emotion. 

The Witch Collector by Charissa Weaks

5.0

This Woven Kingdom by Tahereh Mafi

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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? Yes

5.0

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶️🌶️ 

A very mysterious introduction to the plot, you get spun in so many directions. Just when you think you start to understanding what’s going on, another layer peels back. As you get into the heart of the story, the breadcrumbs start to connect and the pace picks up quickly. The banter is bantering and the tension is steamy! 

These Infinite Threads by Tahereh Mafi

adventurous emotional funny hopeful 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

With a FMC thats relatable and easy to  root for and two MMC you’ll quickly get torn between, this is an epic sequel that leaves you hanging on edge - literally & figuratively. 

Everything We Never Said by Sloan Harlow

challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

IMO It’s less of a dark romance and more of a dark thriller. There’s zero smut - a very modest spice level 🌶️🌶️  but the twists and turns were wild🥴🤌. 

It’s very DV centric and doesn’t have a trigger warning page on the Libby version - that’s important to highlight IMO. 

Overall, it’s a YA and definitely reads that way, but the plot is thrilling it keeps you guessing. It is an HEA too. ❤️‍🩹

Catch the Sun by Jennifer Hartmann

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This was a cliffhanger! Pun intended. If you read it you get it. Seriously though. Two scenes in particular in this book had me hanging off the edge of my seat, sobbing & hoping for a different turn of events than what you’re being lead into….if you read it you can probably guess what two scenes did it to me. Overall It’s tragically beautiful. To the very last word. 

Better Small Talk: Talk to Anyone, Avoid Awkwardness, Generate Deep Conversations, and Make Real Friends by Patrick King

funny informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

3.75

I love the blunt delivery of this book - how often do you really listen to someone else’s story openly,  VS just waiting for your chance to talk again. I think most of us will be surprised by how often we listen to speak, not to hear & that’s a powerful perspective shift that this book does a great job at calling attention to. 

Red Rabbit by Devyn Rivers

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Definitely dark and challenging, but absolutely riveting! The ending was epic and delicious.