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eetishmeh's reviews
21 reviews
The Sun and the Star by Rick Riordan, Mark Oshiro
adventurous
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I'm gonna give it to you straight (even though we all know how not-straight this book is) (sorry): This book did not meet my expectations.
Don't get me wrong; I love Nico and I've been dying to read this for YEARS. Unfortunately, the plot was clunky and there were scenes that should've been cut. There were also some mistakes towards the end which really should've been weeded out by a round of editing. These all made the book feel like an unpolished draft instead of a final version. Also, is it just me or do they pass out a lot? They're gonna give Jason a run for his money!
Okay, now I've gotten that out of the way, I gotta give some praise to the book. I loved it mostly because IP works on me and Nico has been one of my favourites since The Titan's Curse, but that doesn't mean I don't love other things about it too. I liked Gorgyra, though I don't really know how to feel about how her segments were structured. And also, having this book be written by an author who isn't Riordan truly shows how different writing styles can be. It made me reflect a lot on my own writing (especially since Oshiro's voice reminds me of my own lol!)
All right, that's all from me. Bob says goodbye~ ⭐☀️
Don't get me wrong; I love Nico and I've been dying to read this for YEARS. Unfortunately, the plot was clunky and there were scenes that should've been cut. There were also some mistakes towards the end which really should've been weeded out by a round of editing. These all made the book feel like an unpolished draft instead of a final version. Also, is it just me or do they pass out a lot? They're gonna give Jason a run for his money!
Okay, now I've gotten that out of the way, I gotta give some praise to the book. I loved it mostly because IP works on me and Nico has been one of my favourites since The Titan's Curse, but that doesn't mean I don't love other things about it too. I liked Gorgyra, though I don't really know how to feel about how her segments were structured. And also, having this book be written by an author who isn't Riordan truly shows how different writing styles can be. It made me reflect a lot on my own writing (especially since Oshiro's voice reminds me of my own lol!)
All right, that's all from me. Bob says goodbye~ ⭐☀️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Grief, Death of parent, and Outing
Minor: Eating disorder, Homophobia, and Injury/Injury detail
Please research the content warnings for this book if you are worried you may be affected by them, as my list may not be entirely comprehensive due to it being constructed from memory.
Just Our Luck by Julia Walton
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
This was my first YA book in a long while, and honestly I forgot YA characters can swear so much (I usually read middle grade lol) (I am not a middle schooler.)
I loved reading about Leo's journey of dealing with anxiety, grief and the expectations of his father. This is also the first time I've read anything that touches heavily on Greek culture, and I always love learning about other cultures, especially through stories!
I originally picked up this book because its synopsis told of a boy who does needlework and has anxiety, whose parent doesn't like how not-traditionally-masculine he is, and these highlighted traits are also shared by a character of my own, who has his own story. I was curious to see how similar and different they were. (Answer: They're a lot different!)
Also, I've been wondering if I have a form of anxiety for quite a few years now, and I was hoping this book could lend some insight. Of course, a fictional book is no mental health diagnosis, but it's nice to know that Leo and I go through some of the same things.Speaking of, I enjoyed the part where Drake understood what Leo meant when he was getting a panic attack from sensory overload, since Drake probably has to deal with something similar as he'a implied to have ADHD :'D ADHD is another thing I've been wondering about too hahaha
About Drake, I've seen people say in other reviews that he has more romantic chemistry with Leo than Evey does, and while I could see Drake and Leo as romantic partners, I disagree that Evey is a bad love interest for Leo. In a similar vein, I've seen people call Evey a 2D character, and that's just not true! She's stoic and reserved, so I think people have been mistaking that for lack of personality.
However, this also brings me to my next point: I believe Leo and Evey's relationship could be better developed. Don't get me wrong: I love their current dynamic and how it unfolded, but I do think it could've had more depth. I didn't like how a lot of what Leo found out about Evey wasn't shared with him by Evey herself, which lessened her presence a little. There were three big things that, in my opinion at least, should've been addressed by Evey herself, and in the end only one of them was. BIG SPOILER: What happened with her ex that caused her to break things off with him, her ambition, and her ex leaking her private photos.
That's why their chemistry felt shallow; while they didn't lack communication, it was mostly done for them. Another thing ai didn't like was that the Big Mystery of her real motives behind the revenge photoshoot felt really dragged out and anticlimactic
Oh, I wanna mention that I like the inclusion of the March 25th Greek Independence celebration, and the Greek superstitions Leo's Yia Yia told him about. Thanks to the author once again for sharing her culture through Evey and Leo!
This review got way longer than intended, oopsie. That's all from me, haha!
I loved reading about Leo's journey of dealing with anxiety, grief and the expectations of his father. This is also the first time I've read anything that touches heavily on Greek culture, and I always love learning about other cultures, especially through stories!
I originally picked up this book because its synopsis told of a boy who does needlework and has anxiety, whose parent doesn't like how not-traditionally-masculine he is, and these highlighted traits are also shared by a character of my own, who has his own story. I was curious to see how similar and different they were. (Answer: They're a lot different!)
Also, I've been wondering if I have a form of anxiety for quite a few years now, and I was hoping this book could lend some insight. Of course, a fictional book is no mental health diagnosis, but it's nice to know that Leo and I go through some of the same things.
Oh, I wanna mention that I like the inclusion of the March 25th Greek Independence celebration, and the Greek superstitions Leo's Yia Yia told him about. Thanks to the author once again for sharing her culture through Evey and Leo!
This review got way longer than intended, oopsie. That's all from me, haha!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Grief, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Ableism, Death, Vomit, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Cancer, Blood, and Alcohol
Please research if you're concerned about the topics this book touches on, as this is not an extensive list and is only based on what I can remember. Stay safe! <3
The Chalice of the Gods by Rick Riordan
I forgot to add this as my last 2023 read noo 😭😭
I love love LOVED this book. As a Percy Jackson girlie you know I had to rate high anyway, but I was definitely not expecting such poignant messages from a book that was published to push the TV show's publicity
I wasn't expecting such deep themes in this.I loved how it explored the thing about demigods dying young, and how Percy wants to grow old. In a meta way it's also symbolic of how the series has held up through the years and I think there's something so special about that
Love the Percabeth moments in these. Haven't been able to root for a m/f couple in a while because of all those toxic heteronormative tropes common in media, so seeing them be cute and caring restored my faith in humanity
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
I wasn't expecting such deep themes in this.
Love the Percabeth moments in these. Haven't been able to root for a m/f couple in a while because of all those toxic heteronormative tropes common in media, so seeing them be cute and caring restored my faith in humanity
The Dragon's Promise by Elizabeth Lim
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
A thrilling sequel to Six Crimson Cranes and a nice ending to Shiori's journey.
I spent a little longer than I'd've liked to finish this book due to school and life stuff in general... but also because some parts of the book were a little bit slow. That might just be a personal preference, though.
I think Seryu's storyline ended to quickly. I felt robbed of an ending where he fought alongside Shiori, Takkan and her brothers 🥲 I loved him a lot and was super sad to see him go in just the first half of the book 😭 The way they closed the curtains of his stage made it feel like it was the end of the book already, haha. Shiori's time in Ai'long and her time in Kiata felt like they were split into two different arcs, which overall wasn't the best pacing choice. (I think that's why it felt draggy in certain areas :'D)
I love Shiori and Takkan's relationship, but I think Shiori acts a little too mature in the romantic relationship aspect considering how she has no prior dating experience and she's only 17. Just a little pet peeve of mine that didn't affect my rating of this book; I know a lot of fantasy books have this type of characterisation anyway.
As always, I'd like to appreciate the worldbuilding, especially since I rarely see Asian takes on typical fantasy tropes (made-up names inspired by real-life things, mythological beings inspired by legends etc) that are usually used in Western settings. (I'm sure that non-English books must do this too, based on their own culture, but this is one of the first times I've seen this in an English book.)
I liked the conclusion to Shiori's journey. It was bittersweet, yet felt more sweet than bitter because of the character reactions and the nice little bows tied onto each character arc.
Overall, I preferred book 1 more due to its pacing and the plot structure, but I enjoyed this book as well. Goodbye, Lor'yan. I enjoyed traversing your land alongside Shiori <3
I spent a little longer than I'd've liked to finish this book due to school and life stuff in general... but also because some parts of the book were a little bit slow. That might just be a personal preference, though.
As always, I'd like to appreciate the worldbuilding, especially since I rarely see Asian takes on typical fantasy tropes (made-up names inspired by real-life things, mythological beings inspired by legends etc) that are usually used in Western settings. (I'm sure that non-English books must do this too, based on their own culture, but this is one of the first times I've seen this in an English book.)
I liked the conclusion to Shiori's journey. It was bittersweet, yet felt more sweet than bitter because of the character reactions and the nice little bows tied onto each character arc.
Overall, I preferred book 1 more due to its pacing and the plot structure, but I enjoyed this book as well. Goodbye, Lor'yan. I enjoyed traversing your land alongside Shiori <3
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Death of parent
Moderate: Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Pregnancy and War
Please look up content warnings if you are concerned! It's possible that I missed a few. Stay safe!
The Never List by Koethi Zan
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.25
I'll start by saying that this book shouldn't have been in my school library (especially when its copyright page literally says it contains Bondage (sexual)). But did I read it anyway? Yes! (Probably not the most responsible idea . . . .)
Overall it was a good book, with an intriguing mystery and a cast of interesting characters. I had mo problem following Sarah through her highs and lows in the journey.
There were some points in the book where the writing seemed amateurish—stilted dialogue, questionable formatting etc—but that didn't kick me out of the immersion too much.
It also gave me more anxiety than thrills (y'know, because it's in the thriller genre), but I think that's the point, actually.
It ended somewhat open-endedly, with a bit too much still hidden in the shadows for my liking. It felt like there wasn't enough explanation and closure. I'd've liked if there was another chapter or two to wrap it up, though the ending premise was good.
I could smell a potential romance between Sarah and Jim (because of rhe set-up), but I'm glad it never happened and was just very basically established instead. I was worries it'd distract from the main plot and conflicts, phew. Sarah already has enough on her plate without having to deal with romance—especially considering her traumas.
In conclusion, I quite enjoyed reading this, and it opened my eyes to some aspects of psychology and criminal thinking. It also touches on trauma quite respectfully, which was nice. Would recommend to those looking for a dark psychological mystery.
Overall it was a good book, with an intriguing mystery and a cast of interesting characters. I had mo problem following Sarah through her highs and lows in the journey.
There were some points in the book where the writing seemed amateurish—stilted dialogue, questionable formatting etc—but that didn't kick me out of the immersion too much.
It also gave me more anxiety than thrills (y'know, because it's in the thriller genre), but I think that's the point, actually.
It ended somewhat open-endedly, with a bit too much still hidden in the shadows for my liking. It felt like there wasn't enough explanation and closure. I'd've liked if there was another chapter or two to wrap it up, though the ending premise was good.
In conclusion, I quite enjoyed reading this, and it opened my eyes to some aspects of psychology and criminal thinking. It also touches on trauma quite respectfully, which was nice. Would recommend to those looking for a dark psychological mystery.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gore, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Torture, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Grief, Stalking, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Car accident, Suicide attempt, and Alcohol
Minor: Abortion and Pregnancy
Please please please look up content warnings for this book if you're concerned! It contains many, many dark scenes and I may have missed some warnings. Stay safe! <3
Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
[This review was written before reading the second book in the duology.]
I absolutely loved this book.
The worldbuilding was vast and beautiful, and showed me that an intricate fantasy world could be crafted without having to be rooted in Western tradition.
Shiori was an incredibly strong main character, and I enjoyed reading her journey immensely.
To be honest, when I first started reading, I was worried that the middle would drag, since I've seen a few reviews say so. Thankfully, I didn't get that sense! Yes, it was harder to get through than the rest of the book, but only marginally. Definitely not as bad as what I'd anticipated.
Another thing I was worried about was the sadness levels. Now, I haven't read Elizabeth Lim's other novels, but my friend has read both books in her previous series and told me that the first book was depressing to the point of being dull. I was concerned going in because I don't like stories that are too sad, but it turns out that this is more like... hurt-comfort, I suppose? Shiori hurts for a while, then later some turn of events makes the tone less sad so we don't dwell on her suffering for too long. (Sorry, Shiori!)
I normally am iffy with the arranged marriage trope, but this one won me over! Mainly because Takkan's amazing haha. I also love the way Shiori sees Takkan in a different light as they grow closer, and she progressively thinks of him less as her betrothed and more as her friend... then something more, too. It's realistic and it makes me feel soft and fuzzy inside <3
I thoroughly enjoyed the way Elizabeth Lim writes hints at future subplots. They weren't too predictable, yet it was amazing how I could look back at the clues that were there all along!
As for the retelling aspect, it kept close to the original folktale (or the Hans Christian Anderson version, I suppose) while also adding a lot of its own spectacular elements.
Also, I've seen some people mention it already, but in terms of swear words and explicit scenes, this book is entirely clean!
Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to those who love East Asian fantasy and retellings of classic fairytales! As someone who falls into both categories, I know I loved it a lot.
I absolutely loved this book.
The worldbuilding was vast and beautiful, and showed me that an intricate fantasy world could be crafted without having to be rooted in Western tradition.
Shiori was an incredibly strong main character, and I enjoyed reading her journey immensely.
To be honest, when I first started reading, I was worried that the middle would drag, since I've seen a few reviews say so. Thankfully, I didn't get that sense! Yes, it was harder to get through than the rest of the book, but only marginally. Definitely not as bad as what I'd anticipated.
Another thing I was worried about was the sadness levels. Now, I haven't read Elizabeth Lim's other novels, but my friend has read both books in her previous series and told me that the first book was depressing to the point of being dull. I was concerned going in because I don't like stories that are too sad, but it turns out that this is more like... hurt-comfort, I suppose? Shiori hurts for a while, then later some turn of events makes the tone less sad so we don't dwell on her suffering for too long. (Sorry, Shiori!)
I thoroughly enjoyed the way Elizabeth Lim writes hints at future subplots. They weren't too predictable, yet it was amazing how I could look back at the clues that were there all along!
As for the retelling aspect, it kept close to the original folktale (or the Hans Christian Anderson version, I suppose) while also adding a lot of its own spectacular elements.
Also, I've seen some people mention it already, but in terms of swear words and explicit scenes, this book is entirely clean!
Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to those who love East Asian fantasy and retellings of classic fairytales! As someone who falls into both categories, I know I loved it a lot.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Bullying, and Murder
Minor: Death and Death of parent
I may have missed some warnings, so please look them yo if you're concerned! Stay safe out there :D
Any Way the Wind Blows by Rainbow Rowell
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
A great conclusion to the trilogy! When I started the first book, I was worried that there were 86 chapters, because I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy it. When I saw that this book had 92 chapters, I was overjoyed because I couldn't bear to part with my favourite characters too quickly.
Also quick warning to those who venture into the spoiler tags prior to reading the book: there's smut, which I wasn't expecting because the past 2 books didn't have any. I should've expected it, really. I just skimmed through them (I'm sex-repulsed) djjdjd. 16 years avoiding smut books and this one isn't one but still broke my streak all the same /lh
I love Shepard. Just had to say this.
I love any and all scenes with Baz's family, because I love Baz and I love Fiona and I kinda like Daphne (maybe? jury's still out) and like Baz's half-siblings and I don't really like Baz's dad because he's homophobic but I guess he's just there. It's all so realistic (as much as it can be , with magic and vampires, I suppose).
I'm probably going to start using brackets a lot more often now, thans to Rainbow Rowell's writing style. (It's already kicking in.)
I like how the ending is sorta open, with some questions unanswered. It gives good food for thought.(Like, why did Let it all out make Simon invincible to magic?? Does he have in-built defence? And did Lucy put her rosebus boy into the care system to protect him from Davy, or did Davy put him there after Lucy died so he could recollect hm once Simon turned 11?
It was an awesome wrap-up, though the main plot was a bit flat.Like, I actually think the B-plot with Shepard's demon fiancée was more interesting than the Chosen One charlatan. Both interesting all the same, though, so I suppose I shouldn't complain.
I'll miss the World of Mages. Goodbye, my friends.
I love Shepard. Just had to say this.
I love any and all scenes with Baz's family, because I love Baz and I love Fiona and I kinda like Daphne (maybe? jury's still out) and like Baz's half-siblings and I don't really like Baz's dad because he's homophobic but I guess he's just there. It's all so realistic (as much as it can be , with magic and vampires, I suppose).
I'm probably going to start using brackets a lot more often now, thans to Rainbow Rowell's writing style. (It's already kicking in.)
I like how the ending is sorta open, with some questions unanswered. It gives good food for thought.
It was an awesome wrap-up, though the main plot was a bit flat.
I'll miss the World of Mages. Goodbye, my friends.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Mental illness, and Blood
Minor: Death and Death of parent
Please look up warnings for this book if necessary! I likely missed a few (if not many) tags!
Wayward Son by Rainbow Rowell
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
[This review was written after reading the entire Simon Snow trilogy. It doesn't contain spoilers of the last book.]
A great bridge book*!
But a bridge book all the same.
(*Sometimes, 2nd books in series—especially triolgies—tend to drag a little, and act more as a bridge between the 1st and 3rd book than as a book in itself, so I call them bridge books. Not all bridge books are horrible—this one certainly isn't!—but they still don't feel as fulfilling as the 1st or 3rd books.)
I was gonna rate this 4.5 stars then remembered all the Simon and Baz moments and pulled the rating up by 0.25 stars. What can I say—I'm biased.
Here's some thoughts I had while reading:
I will forever be 10% activated. Or less.
An excessive amount of vampires. Excellent!
Interesting to know that Simon is the more jealous one...
Started to understand the pop culture references more in this one. I didn't get most of the ones in the 1st book. Probably because I was like 8 when it was published and am neither British nor American
Also, truth be told, I was worried Shepard was only going to be along for the ride just to be a rebound from Micah. I suppose I've been rendered paranoid after so many YA romance stories with this trope... Anyway, he grew on me!
I like how this book addresses the toll our main characters took on after the events of the first book. I didn't really like the plot that much, but it was all right. Also, loving how it started with an epilogue and ended with a prologue! All endings are beginnings, vice versa and all that! Overall a very good read!
A great bridge book*!
But a bridge book all the same.
(*Sometimes, 2nd books in series—especially triolgies—tend to drag a little, and act more as a bridge between the 1st and 3rd book than as a book in itself, so I call them bridge books. Not all bridge books are horrible—this one certainly isn't!—but they still don't feel as fulfilling as the 1st or 3rd books.)
I was gonna rate this 4.5 stars then remembered all the Simon and Baz moments and pulled the rating up by 0.25 stars. What can I say—I'm biased.
Here's some thoughts I had while reading:
An excessive amount of vampires. Excellent!
Interesting to know that Simon is the more jealous one...
Started to understand the pop culture references more in this one. I didn't get most of the ones in the 1st book. Probably because I was like 8 when it was published and am neither British nor American
I like how this book addresses the toll our main characters took on after the events of the first book. I didn't really like the plot that much, but it was all right. Also, loving how it started with an epilogue and ended with a prologue! All endings are beginnings, vice versa and all that! Overall a very good read!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Death, Violence, and Blood
Minor: Death of parent
Please look up warnings for this book before reading! I likely missed a few tags
Carry On by Rainbow Rowell
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
[This review was written after finishing the whole Simon Snow trilogy. It does not contain spoilers for the other books.]
This book was awesome! I love the trope subversion and this take on the Chosen One trope. (I also love golden retriever and wet cat dynamics so you've got me there. Also, I love Penny as well, so really I just love basically everything about this book.)
I accidentally sped through the entire trilogy—200+ chapters!—within 4 days, a feat which I'm pretty sure I haven't achieved before.
Some thoughts I had while reading this book, to sate your curiosity if you're like me and can't resist clicking all the spoiler tags in the review section:
Baz stop simping for Simon for two seconds challenge (impossible)
Glad they portray the manipulative mentor as a manipulative mentor, unlike some people *cough*JKRfailingtowriteDumbledore*cough*
I have a soft spot for sarcastic gay vampires with dark hair and magic
I still don't know if I'm pronouncing the name Bunce properly.
Anyway, 10/10 would recommend. If you want a humorous Romeo-and-Juliet, enemies-to-lovers story (with less tragedy for the lovers) paired with fantasy happenings, banter between friends, a super epic magic system and much better representation than Harry Potter, this is the book for you!
This book was awesome! I love the trope subversion and this take on the Chosen One trope. (I also love golden retriever and wet cat dynamics so you've got me there. Also, I love Penny as well, so really I just love basically everything about this book.)
I accidentally sped through the entire trilogy—200+ chapters!—within 4 days, a feat which I'm pretty sure I haven't achieved before.
Baz stop simping for Simon for two seconds challenge (impossible)
Glad they portray the manipulative mentor as a manipulative mentor, unlike some people *cough*JKRfailingtowriteDumbledore*cough*
I have a soft spot for sarcastic gay vampires with dark hair and magic
I still don't know if I'm pronouncing the name Bunce properly.
Anyway, 10/10 would recommend. If you want a humorous Romeo-and-Juliet, enemies-to-lovers story (with less tragedy for the lovers) paired with fantasy happenings, banter between friends, a super epic magic system and much better representation than Harry Potter, this is the book for you!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Animal death, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, and Murder
Minor: Homophobia, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, and Pregnancy
Please look further into what warnings come with this book if necessary! I likely forgot a few things
Morrighan by Mary E. Pearson
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
An awesome prequel to the Remnant Chronicles' main series! I loved Morrighan and Jafir, and of course the chemistry they had together. I loved the tribe, and I love how I didn't really know what to think of Jafir's clan. I love how it shows two sides of the Remnant—the scavengers, desperate; the tribespeople, overly placating. I love the bravery of our main characters, and the voice of the narration.
One qualm I have is the trope where part of the relationship's basis was "this is the first time they've interacted with someone around their age who is the opposite gender". However, this book delivers the trope quite well because it didn't feel forced down my throat, and that's definitely something because I despise this set-up with every fibre of my being. (Sorry for being harsh but it's true :'D)
On the other hand, while I also hate how many misunderstanding tropes are written, this was one of the rare exceptions where I actually enjoyed its execution!
Overall, the verdict is that it was a spectacular read, truly.
On the other hand, while I also hate how many misunderstanding tropes are written, this was one of the rare exceptions where I actually enjoyed its execution!
Overall, the verdict is that it was a spectacular read, truly.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Death
Minor: Death of parent
Please look up warnings for this book if you're concerned! I may have left some things out by accident