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elizalicart's reviews
43 reviews
Hidden Monster by Amanda Strong
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Amanda Strong’s "Hidden Monster" grabs the reader’s attention from the first page with a chilling and riveting start. Seventeen-year-old Samantha Campbell’s ordinary morning run turns into a nightmare when she is abducted and held captive by a masked figure. This immediate plunge into suspense and danger is both captivating and disorienting, throwing readers into the deep end of the story without much preamble.
The portrayal of Samantha’s PTSD following her release is both believable and effectively rendered. Strong’s depiction of Samantha’s trauma and her struggles to adjust to her new reality is poignant and compelling. However, the narrative suffers from a lack of background on Samantha before her abduction, which makes it challenging to fully grasp the extent of her transformation post-trauma.
Despite being categorized under fantasy and sci-fi, the opening of "Hidden Monster" reads more like a thriller. This genre-blending may catch some readers off guard, especially those expecting a more traditional fantasy or sci-fi setup. Nevertheless, Strong’s descriptive prowess shines through, with beautiful and immersive descriptions that balance introspection, action, and grounding.
Samantha, the protagonist, is complex but occasionally falls into the "not like other girls" trope. Her tomboyish nature and disdain for traditionally feminine interests, combined with her negative views of other girls, may be off-putting to some readers. This aspect of her character feels somewhat dated and detracts from an otherwise strong portrayal.
The introduction of Blake Knightley, the charming new neighbor, adds a romantic subplot that, while bordering on insta-love, is refreshingly straightforward. Blake’s overt affection for Samantha and their budding relationship provide a softer counterpoint to the story’s darker elements. Their chemistry is believable and adds depth to the narrative.
One of the standout elements of "Hidden Monster" is Strong’s ability to convey Samantha’s paranoia. The sense of being watched and the constant tension are palpable, making for a genuinely unsettling reading experience. Strong maintains this suspense effectively throughout the book, keeping readers on edge.
The supporting characters are distinct and memorable, each with unique voices and styles that contribute to a dynamic and engaging cast. The relationships and interactions between characters feel authentic, enhancing the overall narrative.
The plot twists towards the end of the book are nothing short of spectacular, leaving readers reeling and eager for more. These twists add a layer of complexity and intrigue that elevates the story, making it a compelling read from start to finish.
In conclusion, Amanda Strong’s "Hidden Monster" is a gripping and well-written novel that successfully blends elements of thriller, romance, and suspense. While some aspects of the protagonist’s characterization and the genre-blending might not appeal to everyone, the book’s vivid descriptions, believable portrayal of trauma, and unforgettable plot twists make it a standout read.
The portrayal of Samantha’s PTSD following her release is both believable and effectively rendered. Strong’s depiction of Samantha’s trauma and her struggles to adjust to her new reality is poignant and compelling. However, the narrative suffers from a lack of background on Samantha before her abduction, which makes it challenging to fully grasp the extent of her transformation post-trauma.
Despite being categorized under fantasy and sci-fi, the opening of "Hidden Monster" reads more like a thriller. This genre-blending may catch some readers off guard, especially those expecting a more traditional fantasy or sci-fi setup. Nevertheless, Strong’s descriptive prowess shines through, with beautiful and immersive descriptions that balance introspection, action, and grounding.
Samantha, the protagonist, is complex but occasionally falls into the "not like other girls" trope. Her tomboyish nature and disdain for traditionally feminine interests, combined with her negative views of other girls, may be off-putting to some readers. This aspect of her character feels somewhat dated and detracts from an otherwise strong portrayal.
The introduction of Blake Knightley, the charming new neighbor, adds a romantic subplot that, while bordering on insta-love, is refreshingly straightforward. Blake’s overt affection for Samantha and their budding relationship provide a softer counterpoint to the story’s darker elements. Their chemistry is believable and adds depth to the narrative.
One of the standout elements of "Hidden Monster" is Strong’s ability to convey Samantha’s paranoia. The sense of being watched and the constant tension are palpable, making for a genuinely unsettling reading experience. Strong maintains this suspense effectively throughout the book, keeping readers on edge.
The supporting characters are distinct and memorable, each with unique voices and styles that contribute to a dynamic and engaging cast. The relationships and interactions between characters feel authentic, enhancing the overall narrative.
The plot twists towards the end of the book are nothing short of spectacular, leaving readers reeling and eager for more. These twists add a layer of complexity and intrigue that elevates the story, making it a compelling read from start to finish.
In conclusion, Amanda Strong’s "Hidden Monster" is a gripping and well-written novel that successfully blends elements of thriller, romance, and suspense. While some aspects of the protagonist’s characterization and the genre-blending might not appeal to everyone, the book’s vivid descriptions, believable portrayal of trauma, and unforgettable plot twists make it a standout read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping
Moderate: Schizophrenia/Psychosis and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Rape
Crisanta Knight: Protagonist Bound by Geanna Culbertson
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Crisanta Knight: Protagonist Bound by Geanna Culbertson offers a whimsical and fresh take on the enchanted realm of fairy tale characters. With Cinderella as her mother, Crisanta (Crisa) Knight is poised to be a great protagonist, yet she quickly shows readers that she is far from a typical princess. Opinionated, bold, and headstrong, Crisa’s journey at Lady Agnue's School for Princesses & Other Female Protagonists is anything but smooth.
From the very beginning, Culbertson establishes a strong and iconic voice for Crisa, which is immediately engaging. The prologue, though heavy on information, is delivered in such an entertaining manner that it draws readers into Crisa’s world effortlessly. This initial setup, filled with Crisa’s witty interjections, sets the tone for a story that promises both humor and adventure. However, as the narrative progresses, Crisa's interjections can start to feel repetitive, detracting from the overall pacing.
The early chapters of the book are slow, predominantly composed of info dumps and exposition with minimal action. For readers eager for plot development, these sections might feel tedious and skimmable. Yet, the introductions to various descendants of famous fairy tale characters add a layer of charm and curiosity, providing a glimpse into the book’s imaginative setting.
Midway through the book, the plot gains momentum, capturing the reader’s interest once more. The action-packed Twenty-three Skidd match and the subsequent drama are particularly engaging. Culbertson skillfully ramps up the stakes, and the revelation of Crisa's Prologue Prophecy adds a dramatic twist that leaves readers eager for more.
Despite these high points, the narrative occasionally bogs down with excessive thought tracking. Crisa often ruminates over the same ideas for lengthy paragraphs, which can feel redundant and may lead to readers skimming those sections.
Overall, the book shines in its imaginative world-building and the unique, spirited voice of its protagonist. While it has a slow start and a lot of repetitive introspection, the book ultimately delivers an entertaining and original story. Fans of fairy tale retellings and strong female leads will find much to enjoy in Crisa’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
From the very beginning, Culbertson establishes a strong and iconic voice for Crisa, which is immediately engaging. The prologue, though heavy on information, is delivered in such an entertaining manner that it draws readers into Crisa’s world effortlessly. This initial setup, filled with Crisa’s witty interjections, sets the tone for a story that promises both humor and adventure. However, as the narrative progresses, Crisa's interjections can start to feel repetitive, detracting from the overall pacing.
The early chapters of the book are slow, predominantly composed of info dumps and exposition with minimal action. For readers eager for plot development, these sections might feel tedious and skimmable. Yet, the introductions to various descendants of famous fairy tale characters add a layer of charm and curiosity, providing a glimpse into the book’s imaginative setting.
Midway through the book, the plot gains momentum, capturing the reader’s interest once more. The action-packed Twenty-three Skidd match and the subsequent drama are particularly engaging. Culbertson skillfully ramps up the stakes, and the revelation of Crisa's Prologue Prophecy adds a dramatic twist that leaves readers eager for more.
Despite these high points, the narrative occasionally bogs down with excessive thought tracking. Crisa often ruminates over the same ideas for lengthy paragraphs, which can feel redundant and may lead to readers skimming those sections.
Overall, the book shines in its imaginative world-building and the unique, spirited voice of its protagonist. While it has a slow start and a lot of repetitive introspection, the book ultimately delivers an entertaining and original story. Fans of fairy tale retellings and strong female leads will find much to enjoy in Crisa’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
Fire in Frost by Alicia Rades
challenging
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Fire in Frost takes readers into the world of Crystal Frost, a teenage girl grappling with her newfound psychic abilities amidst the challenges of her everyday adolescent life. Supported by her mother and friends, she navigates the possibilities that her unique powers have thrown her way. The book tackles both mature and juvenile topics, mimicking the chaotic time of life for teens Crystal's age. On top of that, Rades succeeds in creating a consistently creepy atmosphere throughout, almost to the extent that I had to keep my lights on while reading!
Although, one of the book's standout aspects was its sensitive exploration of an abusive relationship. Rades navigates Kelli's conflicting emotions towards Nate with authenticity, portraying the complexities of love, fear, and protection in such a situation. The gradual escalation of the abuse, how it affects others, and Nate's gaslighting tactics are depicted in a realistic and impactful manner, adding depth to the character dynamics.
However, most characters lacked individual depth. Kelli received the most characterisation, while Crystal (the protagonist), Emma, and even Derek could have quite easily switched places (exchanging the psychic power, of course), and the story would not have changed. Perhaps this makes Crystal relatable—any reader could picture themself in her shoes—but I feel it made her bland. The pacing of the plot is also somewhat slow, lacking in tension and urgency in such a way that I was battling between intrigue and boredom most of the way through. The stakes surrounding Kelli's situation and the danger posed by Nate could have been more clearly defined to create a sense of impending danger to drive the plot and its characters forward.
Looking ahead, the book does set the stage for development of Crystal's psychic abilities through aiding in police investigations, which could add a compelling layer to future instalments. Overall, Fire in Frost is a solid start to a series. While it may benefit from tighter pacing, heightened stakes, and deeper characterisation, its exploration of the supernatural makes it a worthwhile read for fans of paranormal fiction and coming-of-age stories alike.
Although, one of the book's standout aspects was its sensitive exploration of an abusive relationship. Rades navigates Kelli's conflicting emotions towards Nate with authenticity, portraying the complexities of love, fear, and protection in such a situation. The gradual escalation of the abuse, how it affects others, and Nate's gaslighting tactics are depicted in a realistic and impactful manner, adding depth to the character dynamics.
However, most characters lacked individual depth. Kelli received the most characterisation, while Crystal (the protagonist), Emma, and even Derek could have quite easily switched places (exchanging the psychic power, of course), and the story would not have changed. Perhaps this makes Crystal relatable—any reader could picture themself in her shoes—but I feel it made her bland. The pacing of the plot is also somewhat slow, lacking in tension and urgency in such a way that I was battling between intrigue and boredom most of the way through. The stakes surrounding Kelli's situation and the danger posed by Nate could have been more clearly defined to create a sense of impending danger to drive the plot and its characters forward.
Looking ahead, the book does set the stage for development of Crystal's psychic abilities through aiding in police investigations, which could add a compelling layer to future instalments. Overall, Fire in Frost is a solid start to a series. While it may benefit from tighter pacing, heightened stakes, and deeper characterisation, its exploration of the supernatural makes it a worthwhile read for fans of paranormal fiction and coming-of-age stories alike.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse
The primary investigation concerns domestic abuse, so this is consistently explored throughout the book.
The Institute by Kayla Howarth
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.0
Howarth's style is, in my opinion, the opposite of immersive. Throughout the story, I felt trapped in a featureless void. The majority of the story was told, rarely shown, with lengthy periods of introspection and unimaginative descriptions of the physical world and whoever or whatever is in it.
Ignoring the writing, the premise held promise. The story is set in a post-pandemic Australia, where citizens are developing sometimes dangerous powers, and need to be contained and monitored by the Institute for the safety of themselves and the population at large. These people are labelled "Defective." Allira, the MC, has never quite trusted the Institute, least of all because her family and her Defective brother have been hiding in plain sight all her life—until Allira accidentally draws unwanted attention their way.
Unfortunately, the handling of the plot and the story's structure wasted a lot of the promise the premise held. The story began with a prologue which would have been better suited as a simple memory tucked somewhere into Chapter One. But the early chapters themselves felt dull, not for the lack of action but for the handling of the action. The characters also felt one-dimensional and inconsistent. It was not until roughly halfway through that the story revealed itself to be interesting enough to somewhat hook me. But before I knew it, it was quite suddenly over on a cliffhanger that jumped out of nowhere. There was no rising action, no climax, and no clear direction for the story to go.
If Howarth were to pull this book and try again, revamping the structure and giving her writing some flavour, The Institute has the capacity to be a great book (and series). But as it stands, I can't be confident that the next books won't have the same weaknesses to let the story down.
Ignoring the writing, the premise held promise. The story is set in a post-pandemic Australia, where citizens are developing sometimes dangerous powers, and need to be contained and monitored by the Institute for the safety of themselves and the population at large. These people are labelled "Defective." Allira, the MC, has never quite trusted the Institute, least of all because her family and her Defective brother have been hiding in plain sight all her life—until Allira accidentally draws unwanted attention their way.
Unfortunately, the handling of the plot and the story's structure wasted a lot of the promise the premise held. The story began with a prologue which would have been better suited as a simple memory tucked somewhere into Chapter One. But the early chapters themselves felt dull, not for the lack of action but for the handling of the action. The characters also felt one-dimensional and inconsistent. It was not until roughly halfway through that the story revealed itself to be interesting enough to somewhat hook me. But before I knew it, it was quite suddenly over on a cliffhanger that jumped out of nowhere. There was no rising action, no climax, and no clear direction for the story to go.
If Howarth were to pull this book and try again, revamping the structure and giving her writing some flavour, The Institute has the capacity to be a great book (and series). But as it stands, I can't be confident that the next books won't have the same weaknesses to let the story down.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Torture
Sink by M.E. Rhines
lighthearted
medium-paced
3.0
Sink is a mermaid fantasy with a somewhat romantic subplot. I wouldn't call this a romance, because the relationship itself between the love interest (Eddie) and Pauline (the protagonist) was underdeveloped and largely unexplored. The two characters didn't get to spend any time together outside of chasing the main plot, meaning their chemistry was never established. Eddie—a fisherman who evidently cannot swim—was not particularly likeable character, either, expressing some chauvinistic traits, which didn't help me feel any better for Pauline's apparently intense attraction to him.
The main plot line sees Pauline seeking out a way to dethrone her evil mother, Queen Calypso. The story began with a distressing scene, establishing Pauline's motivation for change. When Eddie is thrown into the mix, things only become more tense and difficult. Unfortunately, as soon as the couple embark on their journey out of the kingdom, the story begins to deflate. Any tension developed is soon lost when obstacles are overcome with enormous ease. This trend continued into the climax, where I found myself thinking "That's all they had to do this whole time?"
Rhines's style was her saving grace. Her words flow smoothly, her style is engaging, and she has a talent for balancing introspection with vivid, grounding scenes. Her writing was easy to read, though lacked some attention to detail in areas (for example, the mermaid's legs or knees were referred to a few times, and some of the underwater physics didn't make much sense).
This book may appeal to readers who just want an innocent, easy fantasy read with simple world building and a taste of surface-level romance.
The main plot line sees Pauline seeking out a way to dethrone her evil mother, Queen Calypso. The story began with a distressing scene, establishing Pauline's motivation for change. When Eddie is thrown into the mix, things only become more tense and difficult. Unfortunately, as soon as the couple embark on their journey out of the kingdom, the story begins to deflate. Any tension developed is soon lost when obstacles are overcome with enormous ease. This trend continued into the climax, where I found myself thinking "That's all they had to do this whole time?"
Rhines's style was her saving grace. Her words flow smoothly, her style is engaging, and she has a talent for balancing introspection with vivid, grounding scenes. Her writing was easy to read, though lacked some attention to detail in areas (for example, the mermaid's legs or knees were referred to a few times, and some of the underwater physics didn't make much sense).
This book may appeal to readers who just want an innocent, easy fantasy read with simple world building and a taste of surface-level romance.