exteenawreads's reviews
341 reviews

Thrum by Meg Smitherman

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adventurous dark mysterious tense 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? It's complicated

3.25

Fundamental Magics by Alex Evans

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adventurous lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

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

3.5

(3.5 ⭐ - ARC) I really enjoyed the story and the steampunk/Arcane magical science vibes of this book, but it definitely needs more editing. I'm having a hard time summarizing my thoughts so I'll break it down a bit:

Characters - I really love our MC, Adrienne, a dedicated scientist who is essentially studying the niche equivalent of magic theoretical physics. Her life is formulaic and mundane and she's content with that - until her niche abilities are suddenly very sought after by some powerful people. She has her work and her handful of acquaintances, and couldn't be bothered by socializing or wearing corsets or courting a man. It's not until she finds someone who is as deeply dedicated to research as she is where her interests are piqued, though that doesn't change who she is. She's just a huge nerd (kind of reminded me of Bones or Elizabeth Zott), love that about her and enjoyed reading her POV.
"To me, a man was just a waste of time. Not that I was completely devoid of experience in this area. I had tried a few things during my second year of college , more out of scientific curiosity than lust. I had concluded that sex was a complicated, uncomfortable, slimy business, much less interesting than what we were led to believe. No comparison with the exhilarating thrill of research or the sharp pleasure of discovery."
Some other characters were fun, but a lot were introduced and we don't get to see enough development or spend enough time with each one to see their impact.

World - we are introduced to a large world that has many places, cultures, political strife, religions, differing tech, and war. And then there's magic or "the Power", which isn't well understood, and even other planes where magical creatures like demons, jinn, and unicorns preside. It's hard to get the full picture from a short book, but it felt like a rich lore is there ready to be explored. It maybe needs to be called a bit in this first introduction, though, to focus more on building where the story takes place.

Writing - another reviewer said this was translated from French, and it is self published, so what is here is impressive. I do think it needs more help in terms of editing, though. There are misused words, repeated paragraphs that seem like rewrites that weren't deleted, and other various typos. I think with some more serious polish, it would be a great read

Content Warnings

The Scientist by Kristen B. Cole

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emotional funny lighthearted 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? No

4.25

This is an excellent debut from Kristen B. Cole and a fun, respectfully spicy romance I'd recommend for fans of Ali Hazelwood and Christina Lauren (although, I was bummed that "The Scientist" was only the MMC, because I love a STEM female main character).

Overall I enjoyed the story, and especially was impressed by how much personality we get from the cast of side characters. It's a pet peeve of mine when the mains have one or two token friends who feel like they exist only to serve the protagonist's story, but here we have several people - the mom, Sarah, Nicky, etc - who all have fleshed out and unique personalities. Special shout out to Stuart (who was giving Jonah Hill from Accepted vibes) and Lionel - I'd read another book just centered around one of those two.

Things I like:
- the cover! Honestly its so pretty and unique, I was instantly intrigued
- the mains development a friendship first. There is essentially no lusting or flirting between them until maybe 40% in. I appreciate when there's some build up before a relationship happens.
- Lex, our MMC, is fully *obsessed* with her. He simps, he pines, he flaunts. It's very cute.
- Hadley, our FMC, is snarky and clever, and constantly dishing out the goofiest jokes. I will admit, at first I found her humor sort of too cheesy and dad-jokey, but it grew on me.

Things not for me:
- the way every male has to flirt with and comment on Hadley (and every other woman's) appearance. It felt like high school boy behavior, not post-graduate men. And they just never stop. It would make me so uncomfortable to be around these guys if I were her.
- I'm personally not a fan of third act breakups, although it was clear that where this was heading for a while
- although I love how obsessed Lex is, I got the ick from how overly possessive and sensitive he got (esp with Hadley's ex). You can't love and respect your lady if you aren't going to trust her and communicate with her!
- the pacing in the second half. I wish the main conflict at the end was teased sooner so there was some suspense or thread pulling us through

Thank you so much NetGalley and My Trope Productions for the ARC! Definitely check this out when it comes out in January 2025.💙

Content Warnings

The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective 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? No

4.25

really liked this, and great as an audiobook! Emma, the FMC, is lovely and hilarious and kind. Charlie, the MMC, however, I found to be too much of an asshole and undeserving of her, hence the -0.75⭐. Solid writing and plot, though, for a silly lil romcom that celebrates silly lil romcoms. There were some very serious and sad moments, decently developed side characters, and (almost) no tropes I hate. Felt definitely in the vein of Emily Henry, who I adore, so I'll absolutely be checking out more of her books.

The Divine Flesh by Drew Huff

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adventurous dark funny lighthearted medium-paced

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

4.75

I think I may be obsessed with this book? Has the Divine Flesh Herself gotten Her loving tendrils into me and assimilated me? Maybe?

This book is an absolutely unhinged, deranged wild ride, following a junkie and her ex-husband as they combat - but also love - a cosmic Eldritch murderess monster goddess called the Divine Flesh. Although truly horrific and disturbing, I often was laughing out loud and could not put this book down. I also had no idea what was happening or where it was heading - though it does eventually make sense in the end and wrap up nicely (?). There were several points I was thinking "my God, this is insane, this must be the finale" but then I'd realize I was only 38% or 56% through, and it only got more insane as I went.

The Divine Flesh, who is trapped inside Jennifer the Junkie's body and fighting for control, talks like a silly little kawaii princess who just wants to PLAY with FLESH please Jennifer let her OUT! TEEHEE! it was just so ridiculously silly and I dunno, I just love her. Flesh abominations and brutal murder sprees and all.

It is absolutely not for the squeamish or faint of heart - there is gore, body horror, sexual violence, violence against children, drug addicts, religious zealous, racists, homophobic hillbillies - truly check your trigger warnings before diving in. It reminded me a bit of Chuck Palahniuk's early writing (Guts, Invisible Monsters, Snuff). But also like, if Venom and Men in Black had a crazy meth horror baby. Take that how you will.

I was happy to receive a review copy / ARC from Netgalley, thank you NG, Drew Huff, and Dark Matter INK!

Content Warnings

Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren

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adventurous dark 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? No

2.5

(2.5⭐) I love Christina Lauren's writing but the vibes here just weren't for me. The smut to plot ratio was pretty extreme - I think almost every chapter was mostly just a smut scene - and I get the big ick from the "big corporate boss X intern" power dynamic. I don't believe this couple actually likes each other or would last once the lust wore off.

The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced