Scan barcode
elisa_menz's reviews
146 reviews
Easy Guide to Escape Hell by Elisa Menz
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
5.0
The Bloody Rose (The Madness of Miss Rose #1) by Christopher Stanfield
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
4.75
Something I don't usually do as a reader is stepping out of my comfort zone. Reading about a teenage serial killer definitely falls in the "uncomfortable" category.
By no means I am implying this book isn't short of amazing. Apple Rose is one of the trickiest and most brilliant characters I've read of late.
Do I feel some sort of affinity toward her personality? Oh, gods, no!
Okay, maybe a little.
You can hardly deny the satisfaction behind her kills. Who wouldn't want to punish those monsters after all? While most of us wouldn't go down the serial killer rabbit hole, some dark fantasies do come to life between these pages.
Apple isn't a deranged creature. She's smart, careful, and surprisingly kind. With those who deserve it.
The thriller elements in this book are exciting but the nuances of each character are what makes it a winner.
By no means I am implying this book isn't short of amazing. Apple Rose is one of the trickiest and most brilliant characters I've read of late.
Do I feel some sort of affinity toward her personality? Oh, gods, no!
Okay, maybe a little.
You can hardly deny the satisfaction behind her kills. Who wouldn't want to punish those monsters after all? While most of us wouldn't go down the serial killer rabbit hole, some dark fantasies do come to life between these pages.
Apple isn't a deranged creature. She's smart, careful, and surprisingly kind. With those who deserve it.
The thriller elements in this book are exciting but the nuances of each character are what makes it a winner.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying and Blood
Minor: Alcoholism, Sexual violence, Suicide, and Toxic relationship
A Dash of Romance by Paullett Golden
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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
4.75
A very simple story, but in a heartfelt, wholesome way. Both Abbie and Percy are charming and witty, a perfect yet mismatched couple. How the story unraveled towards the life they both... didn't exactly dream, but deserved, was excellent. I kept waiting for the heartbreaking drama to ensue, but the author was kind enough to spare my romantic little heart.
With books like these, I fall irrevocably in love with a new genre.
With books like these, I fall irrevocably in love with a new genre.
Realm of Darkness by J.A. Culican
adventurous
inspiring
fast-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
4.5
Splitting Dawn This novel was a great example of what "fast-paced" means. Kierra is either jumping or being violently tossed from one dangerous situation to another one. There's not a moment of rest for this princess. There is a wonderfully magical world-building around this story. The many glimpses of different cultures and fantasy tropes leave your head spinning, trying to catch up to the narrative that relies heavily on foreshadowing and fragmented memories. I particularly loved that not one of her possible love interests are "the good guy". They all have flaws and they all lie, and because of this, Kierra goes from damsel in distress to "I'll lead from here, gentlemen". Wonderful! Also, Team Draco Forever!!
Eighteen Wishes This is my first time reading about genies and wishes. I'll avoid comparing it to Aladin because that wouldn't make justice to the beautiful complexity of this story and its characters. The visual image for Isra is absolutely bewitching. If a world with djinn, magic, and sorcerers is already amazing, the description of this reluctant genie earns all five stars all on its own. I loved the layers of secret and deceit around these characters, and the satisfaction the big reveals brought. Jacoa wins the award for Most Sensitive and Wise Eighteen-Year-Old in literature, that's for sure.
Eighteen Wishes This is my first time reading about genies and wishes. I'll avoid comparing it to Aladin because that wouldn't make justice to the beautiful complexity of this story and its characters. The visual image for Isra is absolutely bewitching. If a world with djinn, magic, and sorcerers is already amazing, the description of this reluctant genie earns all five stars all on its own. I loved the layers of secret and deceit around these characters, and the satisfaction the big reveals brought. Jacoa wins the award for Most Sensitive and Wise Eighteen-Year-Old in literature, that's for sure.
Fractured & renewed by Natalie Cammaratta
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
5.0
A masterful conclusion for the Falling & Uprising trilogy!
If you're looking for an emotional wild ride, your search has ended.
This book will give you:
*Tears. So many tears.
*Swoon-worthy slow-burn romance. And chickens. Loved the chickens.
*Action and danger and super high stakes. Ay caramba!
*Intrusive thoughts of murder and revenge when THAT death happens Silence! We love the author!
*Cozy feelings only interrupted by a searing desire to overthrow the government.
I'm so happy when a great story comes my way. Fractured & Renewed honors its title by rearranging the little pieces of your soul that the previous (also wonderful) book scattered.
Appreciative thumbs up! Highly recommend! I need therapy! All hail Natalie Cammaratta!
If you're looking for an emotional wild ride, your search has ended.
This book will give you:
*Tears. So many tears.
*Swoon-worthy slow-burn romance. And chickens. Loved the chickens.
*Action and danger and super high stakes. Ay caramba!
*Intrusive thoughts of murder and revenge when THAT death happens Silence! We love the author!
*Cozy feelings only interrupted by a searing desire to overthrow the government.
I'm so happy when a great story comes my way. Fractured & Renewed honors its title by rearranging the little pieces of your soul that the previous (also wonderful) book scattered.
Appreciative thumbs up! Highly recommend! I need therapy! All hail Natalie Cammaratta!
Wild Dawn by K. Panikian
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
5.0
This is a magnificent and fulfilling conclusion for the Yellowstone Shifters novels!
The packs' political intrigues reach a dangerous point when the mysterious Council summons the alphas, and OMG I do love some good bicker and muscle flexing while everyone is trying not to rip each other's heads off! Kudos to the author for not falling on the open war path and keeping us on our intrigue-lover toes instead.
One of my favorite things about Sienna is how straightforward she is with her principles. Her utmost concern is the safety of her friends and the packless shifters. Her freedom, her safety, and all the power she could wield, all come after, and that's what makes her such an incredible character.
I wholeheartedly recommend this series to those who search for "strong female leads" who could be bloodthirsty murderous beasts but prefer to sit down with a glass of wine and watch the sunset.
The packs' political intrigues reach a dangerous point when the mysterious Council summons the alphas, and OMG I do love some good bicker and muscle flexing while everyone is trying not to rip each other's heads off! Kudos to the author for not falling on the open war path and keeping us on our intrigue-lover toes instead.
One of my favorite things about Sienna is how straightforward she is with her principles. Her utmost concern is the safety of her friends and the packless shifters. Her freedom, her safety, and all the power she could wield, all come after, and that's what makes her such an incredible character.
I wholeheartedly recommend this series to those who search for "strong female leads" who could be bloodthirsty murderous beasts but prefer to sit down with a glass of wine and watch the sunset.
The Demon, the Hero, and the Secret of the Stones by A.E. Kincaid
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
5.0
We're back on the road with Mal & Reg! This book starts with some pretty shocking revelations and a handful of near-death experiences. While book one was all about laughs and eye rolls, this one has loads of amazing characters and character development. I'm not saying this lightly. Frilly, elegant princesses who ride bulls and cliff dive. Fragile-looking grannies who can beat anyone's ass in a fight. A wealthy dwarf merchant with more common sense than the entire dwarvish race in The Silmarillion. An academic chicken (you'll have to read the novella to figure that one out!).
The story is simple and their task clear, but since Mal & Reg can't do simple, we have ourselves an adventure with extra drama.
I loved the evolution these two are going through. Not only Mal, realizing he might have a place in Widdershins, but also Reg, coming to terms with the real world and its many ups and downs.
While the first book was leaning toward the absurd, this one feels more realistic and thus, more relatable. I mean... the bad guy rallying common people under the pretense of fighting for their rights, telling nothing but lies? Wasn't this supposed to be fantasy?
And it has dragons! This has to be the first dragon I'd be happy to invite for brunch!
The story is simple and their task clear, but since Mal & Reg can't do simple, we have ourselves an adventure with extra drama.
I loved the evolution these two are going through. Not only Mal, realizing he might have a place in Widdershins, but also Reg, coming to terms with the real world and its many ups and downs.
While the first book was leaning toward the absurd, this one feels more realistic and thus, more relatable. I mean... the bad guy rallying common people under the pretense of fighting for their rights, telling nothing but lies? Wasn't this supposed to be fantasy?
And it has dragons! This has to be the first dragon I'd be happy to invite for brunch!
The Oath by Jillian Bondarchuk
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
medium-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
After reading The Shield and the Thistle (A Grey Tower Chronicle #1) I ended up with a full heart, and a very unhealthy crush on Malcolm. When I learned he would get his own book, I jumped at the chance of reading an advanced copy of The Oath. And, boy, did I enjoy it!
Malcolm already had become one of my favorite characters of late, but when paired with Coira it's hard to decide which one is best.
The emotional development Coira goes through is heartbreaking and heartwarming in equal measure. She goes from fierce and powerful, to fearful and dejected, and back to a devastating force of nature.
On the other hand, the horrible reality of witch hunting and the persecution and murder of thousands of innocent lives, mostly women, made my blood boil. It's so hard to wrap your head around the cruelty and ignorance of that time, and it's even worse when you see humanity is yet to overcome hateful beliefs.
There is no shortage of breathtaking descriptions, playful banter, and heated moments between Coira and Malcolm. Old lovable characters are back, and a few interesting new ones arrive.
I'm not ready for this story to be over, and luckily for me... book 3 is coming!
Malcolm already had become one of my favorite characters of late, but when paired with Coira it's hard to decide which one is best.
The emotional development Coira goes through is heartbreaking and heartwarming in equal measure. She goes from fierce and powerful, to fearful and dejected, and back to a devastating force of nature.
On the other hand, the horrible reality of witch hunting and the persecution and murder of thousands of innocent lives, mostly women, made my blood boil. It's so hard to wrap your head around the cruelty and ignorance of that time, and it's even worse when you see humanity is yet to overcome hateful beliefs.
There is no shortage of breathtaking descriptions, playful banter, and heated moments between Coira and Malcolm. Old lovable characters are back, and a few interesting new ones arrive.
I'm not ready for this story to be over, and luckily for me... book 3 is coming!
All the Stars by Duckie Mack
hopeful
lighthearted
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
Sweet and uplifting, this very romantic Friends-to-Lovers story is perfect for a cozy day.
With the right amount of steam and many charming characters, I glided through the pages effortlessly and reached The End with a smile on my face.
Great start for the Love Bank Romance series!
With the right amount of steam and many charming characters, I glided through the pages effortlessly and reached The End with a smile on my face.
Great start for the Love Bank Romance series!
Fyrebyrne Island by Ash Oldfield
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Beautiful and exciting story, perfect for children and young adults.
It reads like classical fantasy, and it's easy to follow. The characters are charming, and the plot of this first book leaves you wanting for more.
It is a bit fast-paced, and I would have loved to read more about the dragon school but overall, I truly enjoyed it.
It reads like classical fantasy, and it's easy to follow. The characters are charming, and the plot of this first book leaves you wanting for more.
It is a bit fast-paced, and I would have loved to read more about the dragon school but overall, I truly enjoyed it.