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dmackreads's reviews
110 reviews
The Housemaid's Secret by Freida McFadden
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
This one didn’t hit as hard as the first one for me but it was still insane and super good. I didn’t predict much in this one and it was pretty shocking. I love the writing style, I stayed engaged and wanting to finish it asap. It also reads super quick so it doesn’t drag on.
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Even with so many good reviews, I’ve seen a LOT of bad talk about this book also and I’ve put off reading it for a long time just because of all the back and forth I’ve heard about it.
I’m gonna be so real rn, I do not understand the negative shit talk about this book?? Like basically any fantasy book, I had a hard time following for the first 50 pages. Learning so much weird terminology or crazy long, unpronounceable names makes it hard to follow but I caught on quicker than usual and I was sucked in so bad I couldn’t get the book out of my head any time I wasn’t reading and I wanted to do nothing other than binge read it.
I personally love seeing an underestimated fmc grow and become stronger and more confident. I love an enemies to lovers plot. I love a misunderstood mmc. The PLOT itself was incredible in my opinion, like sure the writing itself could’ve been a little better but the story was so fucking good.
Now I’m pissed because I refuse to buy hardcover books and I still cannot buy the second one in paperback so I will be waiting like almost five months to continue in the series 😫
I’m gonna be so real rn, I do not understand the negative shit talk about this book?? Like basically any fantasy book, I had a hard time following for the first 50 pages. Learning so much weird terminology or crazy long, unpronounceable names makes it hard to follow but I caught on quicker than usual and I was sucked in so bad I couldn’t get the book out of my head any time I wasn’t reading and I wanted to do nothing other than binge read it.
I personally love seeing an underestimated fmc grow and become stronger and more confident. I love an enemies to lovers plot. I love a misunderstood mmc. The PLOT itself was incredible in my opinion, like sure the writing itself could’ve been a little better but the story was so fucking good.
Now I’m pissed because I refuse to buy hardcover books and I still cannot buy the second one in paperback so I will be waiting like almost five months to continue in the series 😫
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I figured out the majority of the plot about halfway through but there it was still a tiny twist at the end I wasn’t expecting and it was so good I read it in a day. Honestly such a good thriller. I don’t like the cheating trope, even in situations like these, so that irritated me. The writing style was good and it was easy to follow also.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Infertility, Infidelity, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Self harm, Torture, Forced institutionalization, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Gaslighting
Minor: Deportation
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
adventurous
challenging
tense
fast-paced
3.5
I think I only liked this as much as I did because I’ve seen all the movies so it made it easier to envision but there were some key differences between the two. The book felt rushed and like it was lacking something I can’t put my finger on.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
adventurous
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was such an interesting way to go about giving a lesson on learning to appreciate yourself and your life. It makes you sit and genuinely think and not only appreciate your triumphs but also your mistakes. Life can be so hard and overwhelming and mental health is a real problem especially these days. It can be so hard to stay positive and find reasons to keep living. We get so wrapped up in all we want but not appreciating what we have or seeing everything we lack instead of the potential to be more. This book gives good insight on how we should start appreciating ourselves, our path, and our life in general more. It also reminds us how every choice we make in life can change your whole life path. I think it’s a concept everyone should read about at least once.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt
Love in the Time of Serial Killers by Alicia Thompson
emotional
funny
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I’ll be honest, at first I thought this was only going to get 1 or 2 stars from me. The true crime aspect got really annoying and I wasn’t sure where the story was going.
But as I kept reading I saw depth and a better plot. I didn’t care for Phoebe at first but I started to relate more to her later in the book. She’s been through a lot that makes emotions, feelings, relationships etc., hard for her. Essentially it’s a story about learning to overcome those things and rebuild relationships whether it’s friends, family, or potential partners.
I ended up enjoying it and think there’s some lessons to be learned!
But as I kept reading I saw depth and a better plot. I didn’t care for Phoebe at first but I started to relate more to her later in the book. She’s been through a lot that makes emotions, feelings, relationships etc., hard for her. Essentially it’s a story about learning to overcome those things and rebuild relationships whether it’s friends, family, or potential partners.
I ended up enjoying it and think there’s some lessons to be learned!
Court of the Vampire Queen by Katee Robert
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.0
I wasn’t sure about this one at first but pages 50-70 is about where I started getting more into it. I’m not usually into immediate smutty behavior/comments but given the nature of the characters I suppose it makes sense. However, as time went on the amount of smut in this book started to get extremely annoying. There quite literally was some form of sex scene like every 10 pages and it was so unnecessary. I usually DNF books like that but I enjoyed the plot. It was interesting and included some suspense.
Personally, I think this could’ve been turned into something crazy cool. If there had been some more depth, world / character building, a way more detailed ending, a little more suspense during action moments etc.
Personally, I think this could’ve been turned into something crazy cool. If there had been some more depth, world / character building, a way more detailed ending, a little more suspense during action moments etc.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, Murder, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury
Exodus by Kate Stewart
Did not finish book.
Did not finish book.
DNF @ 27%.
I just CANNOT get into a book where you start dating a man, then start fucking his “brother” at the same time, now you’re basically dating them both, then when you’re pulled away from them because of who controls them you start fucking him. So now you have a thing for 3 different men and they’re all shit really. And I’m just over it. The reading is hard to follow, you’re sleeping with your arch enemy every 5 pages of this book, I fear I’ve lost the plot. Goodbye
I just CANNOT get into a book where you start dating a man, then start fucking his “brother” at the same time, now you’re basically dating them both, then when you’re pulled away from them because of who controls them you start fucking him. So now you have a thing for 3 different men and they’re all shit really. And I’m just over it. The reading is hard to follow, you’re sleeping with your arch enemy every 5 pages of this book, I fear I’ve lost the plot. Goodbye
My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I didn’t find the humor in this and it was so unrealistic, yes I get it’s fiction, but come on. I kept waiting for there to be a point, some added plot, but there was none. I really thought I’d love this so I’m a little disappointed. I did enjoy the first half, but it just fell off for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Cancer, Drug abuse, Eating disorder, Infidelity, Mental illness, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Abortion, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Toxic friendship
Flock by Kate Stewart
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
2.0
I like the concept of this. It has so much potential but I literally hate the way it was written. I struggled to follow what was even going on multiple times and that doesn’t happen to me. I started this book almost a month ago and paused multiple times to read other books in between because I just couldn’t get invested. The only reason I didn’t dnf is because I like the story itself. I was immediately intrigued then lost the plot after a couple chapters and didn’t really get into it again until towards the end. I really hope the 2nd book is written better.