diadandy's reviews
1019 reviews

Saints and Monsters by Ellen McGinty

adventurous lighthearted

• 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? Yes

2.5

I so wanted to love this book! The first few chapters were original and interesting. After that it plummeted. The writing was poor and full of plot holes. The magic needed a lot more fleshing out.

The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien

adventurous challenging dark inspiring slow-paced

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

5.0

Ahh, my winter comfort read. (Or re-read technically)

Anne of Ingleside by L.M. Montgomery

lighthearted

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

2.5

Anne was cute and charming when she was little. Now these book either ignore her entirely (mostly about her children) or make her feel like a very immature 40 year old. 

A Winter's Promise by Christelle Dabos
Did not finish book. Stopped at 44%.

Half way through this book and I was still not invested in ANY of the characters. There was almost no world building, no relationship development, and the main character was kept in the dark about literally everything. Which means I didn't have enough info to even come up with questions and guesses. Ophelia herself was a boring pushover. It took 200 pages before she finally tried to get some answers on her own. All in all, her scarf was the only thing I cared about.

The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson

adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious fast-paced

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

4.5

Unfortunately I now have yet another series to finish. LOL I enjoyed the world, the magic system is creative and logical, and the characters were multi dimensional. However, a part of my investment in the story died with Kelsier. I was definitely not ready for his story to be over.

The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

4.0

One of the most common opinions I get asked for as a librarian - what age is the diary of Anne Frank appropriate for? I finally read it myself so I can give an educated recommendation: 16+ years

Anne's House of Dreams by L.M. Montgomery

3.5

Lore Olympus: Volume One by Rachel Smythe

3.0

I can mark off reading a Graphic Novel from my challenge now. 

Out of the Woods by Hannah Bonam-Young
Did not finish book. Stopped at 18%.

DNF Couldn't get into the characters or the storyline. Felt like the author couldn't get her mind out of the gutter long enough to create an actual story.

Yellow Wife by Sadeqa Johnson

dark emotional tense fast-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

3.5

My coworker gave me this book because she, "Didn't know how she felt about it and wanted someone else to hurt with her." I hated the story, was relieved at the ending, and couldn't put the book down. I'm not a crier, but this book had me teared up several times. Definitely not a pleasant read.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Death, Hate crime, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Violence, Excrement, Grief, Murder