emmafishhh's reviews
136 reviews

Second First Impressions by Sally Thorne

funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

2.0

I did not like this, and I will never read it again. Everything about this was so boring, and in time, I don’t think I’ll remember anything about it. Teddy and Ruthie had no chemistry, and I just did not like the plot of this. I didn’t like the Hating Game, but I think I liked this even less. It was very boring, and the characters were very annoying. I didn’t like the ending, and this was just a sign to not read or purchase anything from Sally Thorne again.

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

dark emotional sad slow-paced

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

3.75

I read this twice in two weeks, and I am very conflicted about it. Critically, I actually liked the book. The motifs and symbolism were really well done, and the theme was overall, really good and interesting. I picked up Holdens protection of the innocent in both main motifs and conversations or offhand comments. I liked the stream of consciousness style, but the worst part about it was Holden’s character. At times, he was insufferable, annoying, and rude to those around him. In the end, it was a pretty good read!

The Way of Kings, Part One by Brandon Sanderson

adventurous challenging dark mysterious slow-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? No

5.0

This was fantastic! Although I must say at times, I was extremely confused, this was just incredible! Kaladin, Shallan, Adolin and Dalinar were all really interesting characters to read from the perspective of, and I found this to be thrilling. The last 200 pages of this were where I started to feel like ur really picked up, and I loved the attention to detail. The maps/art pieces were beautiful, and the break left such a cliffhanger!

The Wicked King by Holly Black

adventurous dark emotional mysterious 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

3.5

This was good! I found myself we times, slightly bored with this, but it had a great premise and good execution. Jude and Cardan’s relationship seemed to be more stable, and the plot was better than in the first book. The story flowed quite nicely, and the ending was enough of a hook to make me want to read The Queen of Nothing. Jude was a more tolerable character in this, but I just found this to be boring at times, or I would just zone out from it.

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

adventurous dark mysterious 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? It's complicated

4.25

I quite enjoyed this! I had never read a fantasy that takes place in the human world and in the Faerie world, but I thought that this was really good! Jude was a well developed character, and I liked that she was brave enough to defy the Faerie. Cardan was a good character in that he resisted the cruel acts of his friends and family around him. The plot was good, and it is definitely something that could make a good series. I liked it, and I'll definitely read The Wicked King.

The Toll by Neal Shusterman

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense 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? Yes

5.0

This was fantastic! It was an amazing end to the scythe series, and I really enjoyed this! Citra and Rowan finally got the ending that they deserved, and I couldn't be more happy for them. Te ending was so sad, and I thought that it ended amazingly. The plot was great, and this was my favourite out of all of the Scythe series. I was so sad to learn about Marie's death, and I thought that Goddard made a horrible character revolution, however I expected him to. Amazing series, and I know that I will definitely pick it up again in the future.

Jay's Gay Agenda by Jason June

funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I thought that this was okay, but definitely nothing special. Although I liked the premise, I didn't love the execution. I thought that on the whole, this was very messy. I didn't see any real development in Jay's character; this was just a book about a boy who hasn't fallen in love yet, and is blaming it on his identity. I don't think that I'll ever read this again, but it wasn't terrible. I think that this could have been better with more character development.

We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han

lighthearted fast-paced

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

1.5

I did not like this at all. The plot was not only stupid, but the whole book was poorly written and annoying, Belly was just so irrational, and I do not like either one of the brothers. The ending was just as bad, and I did not like a single part of this. They were irresponsible, and she was blind to how terrible Jeremiah was. I didn't like Conrad at all, and I'm just glad that this series is now over. I definitely do not recommend this series to anyone.

The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli

emotional funny 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? No

3.75

This was cute! I really liked the first Simonverse book, and although this wasn't quite as good, I still enjoyed it. Molly was a dynamic character, and I liked that Reid loved for her personality, and they had some great quality time throughout the novel. Abby's debuts were fun, and i really liked Cassie - she was a supportive sister and friend. I wish that this was set back in Creekwood, but I also know that there will be more of it in Leah on the Offbeat! So excited for it!

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab

adventurous 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

This was phenomenal! Everything about this book felt well thought out, and it was powerful in its meaning. I loved the premise, and the plot was maintained throughout the novel. Addie was a dynamic character - we saw her during weakness, strength, and how she transformed over the three hundred years of her life. She was brave and defiant to Luc, which was the ultimate area of strength that she had. Henry's sub-plot was also very well written, and the chemistry between them was great. They were both desperately waiting for the quality that the other had (and some would say that it diminished the connection between them), but I am willing to believe that it was an element that brought them closer together. If Addie weren't in love with Henry, she would have never chosen the ending that she did. I found the writing to be profound, and the pieces of art were a great addition to show the time throughout the novel.

This was a fairly long book, and it wouldn't be for everyone. I think that it hits a sweet spot of science fiction, fantasy and romance (three of the best genres). V.E. Schwab is great at writing, and she is able to create characters that feel human. Vicious was my favourite read of last year, and I think that this has a very high chance to be in my top 10 of 2023 (I am aware that the year just started). It was fantastic, and I will probably be something that I think about everyday for a long time. Marvelous!