elaine707's reviews
517 reviews

His Majesty's Dragon by Naomi Novik

adventurous informative medium-paced

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

4.0

England vs. France during Napoleon’s era but add dragons. 

Extra star for the bond between dragon and human. Kinda dry at times. It’s reads like a historical fiction but with dragons for real

An Echo of Things to Come by James Islington

adventurous tense 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? Yes

4.75

You would have come to the wrong spot if you wanted answers! While it definitely answered many questions, it also left us with a million more questions in the best way possible. 

The character development is so complex as they struggle with philosophical and moral issues. 

This book is building up to the big finale, so it did drag on a bit. I'm excited to see how it all wraps up. 

Persuasion by Jane Austen

emotional reflective slow-paced

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

5.0

Anne lives a life of loss, change, regret, and yearning. 

As Jane Austen’s last novel before her death, it is no wonder to me that this is called her most mature book. There are fewer lighthearted vibes than in her earlier works. The final recollection and conversation between the two main characters is my favorite of Jane Austen’s. 

The entire vibe is deep and melancholy. 

A Letter to the Luminous Deep by Sylvie Cathrall

inspiring lighthearted mysterious 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? Yes

4.5

Scholarly pen pals embark on a mysterious journey that their siblings must unfold and solve when the two disappear. 

I loved how the anxieties and OCD thoughts are represented and written. It is in a realistic way that doesn't make E. seem any less than or weak. 

The underlying romance and yearning within the letters exist to satiate the hopeless romantic in us all. But the friendship that buds from the respective siblings left in the wake of the disappearance is also masterful and heartwarming. 

I would say that while the dialogue helped the story move along tremendously, I don't know how likely it is for people to recount an entire conversation with another in a letter. However, the correspondence between Vy and Sophe mitigates this with their short missives, which I appreciate.  

Ashen Son by Carissa Broadbent

adventurous lighthearted fast-paced

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

4.0

A prequel that follows Max before the Civil War begins. I love how we get to see inside Max’s immature and naive brain before his entire life changes. He still has his trademark cynicism but with an air of innocence that makes it a lil heartbreaking thinking what the next decade will do to him. 

The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

emotional informative mysterious reflective 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

4.75

A young boy goes to the Cemetery of Forgotten Books and unknowingly embarks on a mystery that may be more dangerous than he realized, especially when the bad guy from the book is seemingly coming to life. 

The writing was breathtaking. I cannot imagine the original translation in Spanish. The descriptions were so illustrative and detailed. 

As the mystery unraveled and more questions kept popping up, I was utterly captivated and unsure where the book would take me.

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

adventurous emotional funny inspiring reflective sad medium-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

4.5

The journey of a dog named Enzo teaches us what it's like to be human. Its simplicity is perfect for the mind of a dog and reminds us of the basics of living.

The Idea of You by Robinne Lee

medium-paced

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

2.75

A 40yr old mom lives out her 13yr old daughter's dream with a 20yr old boy band idol.

Regardless of the icky feeling I felt the entire book, I have read better fanfic. 

The Shadow of What Was Lost by James Islington

adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

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

5.0

The Gifted are in metaphorical chains because the rest of the world despises and mistrusts them, but they are controlled because of their use. Despite being Gifted, Davian struggles to utilize his powers. He finds solace in his two best friends. One night, he must decide whether to run away on an unknown mission or face an unkind fate. 

This trio of friends is in for a world of hurt, change, and surprise. The bonds of friendship and loyalty will be tested. 

I loved everything about this book. 

All Systems Red by Martha Wells

adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

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

4.0

Murderbot must decide if these humans are worth their time despite wanting to be left alone. When a mission goes awry, Murderbot has to do more than the bare minimum.

The monologue of Murderbot is funny yet analytical. 

A question of humanity and a critique of corporations - a fast read.