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finozbleck's reviews
48 reviews
A Mango-Shaped Space by Wendy Mass
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
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? It's complicated
5.0
It's still as good as I remembered it! It was a good book when I read it as a child and it still holds up for me today. Still love this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Animal death, Grief
Moderate: Bullying, Death, Death of parent
Minor: Terminal illness, Vomit, Alcohol
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Initially, I listened to this book when I was returning from a trip to an anime convention and was intrigued enough to invest in it because it's a book that falls into one of my preferred genres of fantasy. It's a solid book.
However, my biggest problems with it came about when I fully devoted my attention to listening to the audiobook.
Firstly, the characters, even Kvothe as the main character, felts a little one-dimensional focusing on some sort single trope or idea and felt a bit disappointing. All minor female characters were described and defined by their beauty, such as Denna and Fela, even if they have at least some interesting ideas to back them up. The supporting cast feels a little bit lackluster compared to Kvothe. Even then, Kvothe feels very much like a Gary Stu/Marty Stu/etc. simply because he feels very one-dimensional and excels at everything without virtually any flaws.
Secondly, the prose feels a bit repetitive towards the end of the book with some sections feeling like it stretches on a little bit too long or tediously. While the world-building and the descriptions were pretty good, it felt a little bit too forced into one perspective, the perspective of Kvothe and his retelling of his life. It probably would've been immensely better if it wasn't a retelling as it would've helped resolve some of the mysteries that weren't explained.
However, my biggest problems with it came about when I fully devoted my attention to listening to the audiobook.
Firstly, the characters, even Kvothe as the main character, felts a little one-dimensional focusing on some sort single trope or idea and felt a bit disappointing. All minor female characters were described and defined by their beauty, such as Denna and Fela, even if they have at least some interesting ideas to back them up. The supporting cast feels a little bit lackluster compared to Kvothe. Even then, Kvothe feels very much like a Gary Stu/Marty Stu/etc. simply because he feels very one-dimensional and excels at everything without virtually any flaws.
Secondly, the prose feels a bit repetitive towards the end of the book with some sections feeling like it stretches on a little bit too long or tediously. While the world-building and the descriptions were pretty good, it felt a little bit too forced into one perspective, the perspective of Kvothe and his retelling of his life. It probably would've been immensely better if it wasn't a retelling as it would've helped resolve some of the mysteries that weren't explained.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Death of parent
Moderate: Bullying, Grief, Alcohol
Minor: Addiction, Drug use, Sexism
A Grown-Up Guide to Dinosaurs by Ben Garrod
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
5.0
It was very entertaining to listen to this as an audiobook. It was engaging and descriptive. I really enjoyed learning a bit more about dinosaurs.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Originally, I read this book when I was in high school and enjoyed it then. Back then, I regretted not reading the second book immediately as it would've saved me from the slight reading slump this book put me in.
Now, after listening to the audiobook (I don't have my physical copy at the moment), it feels very nostalgic of the time and emotions of when I'd initially read the book. It's a solid book, but as an adult re-reading it, it's not as impactful as it once was. It's still a pretty good book that I would like to have a physical copy again, but not good enough for me to buy the rest of the series.
Now, after listening to the audiobook (I don't have my physical copy at the moment), it feels very nostalgic of the time and emotions of when I'd initially read the book. It's a solid book, but as an adult re-reading it, it's not as impactful as it once was. It's still a pretty good book that I would like to have a physical copy again, but not good enough for me to buy the rest of the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence
Moderate: Incest, Antisemitism, Murder
Minor: Eating disorder, Car accident, Abortion
Dinosaur Sanctuary Vol. 6 by Itaru Kinoshita
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Another wholesome installment in Dinosaur Sanctuary! This series continues to be a very good read! Continues to make my inner child and adult self very happy!
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Did not finish book. Stopped at 40%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 40%.
I accidentally spoiled the end by reading it before getting to it via naturally reading it.
To Sleep in a Sea of Stars by Christopher Paolini
Did not finish book. Stopped at 36%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 36%.
I accidentally spoiled the end by reading it instead of continuing the book from where I had stopped.
Beauty and the Feast 01 by Satomi U
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
It was a cute story that kept me entertained. It felt a bit childish, but only because most of the characters were high school aged students, minus the main character. It reminds me of high school, for obvious reasons, but kind of feels weird in a sense that my curious mind is wanting to find out more at some point in the future while simultaneously staying entertained. I probably won't continue reading the series, but I will keep the first volume on hand in case I do want to keep going with the series.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief, Toxic friendship
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Body shaming, Cursing
Thigh High: Reiwa Hanamaru Academy Vol. 1 by Kotobuki
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
It's a very cute and adorable manga! Definitely was an unexpectedly good manga that my roommate had just pulled off the shelf randomly and handed it to me on a whim and was surprised that I wanted it, especially considering I had put back (almost) every other one that they had handed me. Plot and characters was/were cute and the main character is relatable. It was a very satisfying read!
Content Warnings
Minor: Cultural appropriation
The Return Of The Native by Thomas Hardy
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
The only real reason why I picked up this as an audiobook was because of Alan Rickman narrating this audiobook. I would absolutely listen to anything Alan Rickman reads as his voice is super soothing for me. I had already read this book for one of my Literature classes in University and thought it was okay both in audiobook form and in physical form. The prose is very long and descriptive. I normally don't mind if it's a science fiction book that's heavy on the world building, but as a more classical book, I'm not too overly fond of the use of the prose and kind of bored me a little bit too much.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Death, Infidelity, Suicide
Minor: Grief, Death of parent