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frostyreads's reviews
34 reviews
Harborside Hatred: A Liars Island Suspense by Sarah A. Denzil
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
4.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
for such a short read, this novella was packed with suspense, twists and dark personalities. i found that there were a lot of classical thriller elements, such as breathing down the phone and tailgating, but this didn’t diminish my investment as i was absolutely hooked from the very first sentence. i haven’t read any liar’s island thrillers before, but the setting was both beautiful and vivid; i couldn’t think of anything better than living in a flat above an independent bookstore! and finally, the epilogue bought oakland’s story to tidy, yet eerie close.
for such a short read, this novella was packed with suspense, twists and dark personalities. i found that there were a lot of classical thriller elements, such as breathing down the phone and tailgating, but this didn’t diminish my investment as i was absolutely hooked from the very first sentence. i haven’t read any liar’s island thrillers before, but the setting was both beautiful and vivid; i couldn’t think of anything better than living in a flat above an independent bookstore! and finally, the epilogue bought oakland’s story to tidy, yet eerie close.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Stalking, and Murder
Minor: Cancer
The Existence Of Amy by Lana Grace Riva
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
3.0
tw: mental health issues, suicidal thoughts.
i was kindly sent a copy of this book from lana in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
finished in a gorgeous teal colour, the sophistication of the cover drew me to the book instantly. much like the cover, the plot is very simple (a bit too much for my personal liking). i know that this was done intentionally to capture the all-consuming nature of mental illness, and although this effective, it would have been nice to have another element to the story in my opinion.
despite this, the depictions of amy’s mental illnesses were raw, unedited and interesting. she was (sadly!) relatable, and i learnt a lot from her inner monologues and experiences. i loved that new information was slowly trickled into the book, keeping me on my toes until the end. as well, it was heart-warming to watch amy’s support network expand to provide her with a happy ending. overall, this is a good little debut novel, and a must-read if you want to expand your knowledge of mental health issues.
i was kindly sent a copy of this book from lana in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
finished in a gorgeous teal colour, the sophistication of the cover drew me to the book instantly. much like the cover, the plot is very simple (a bit too much for my personal liking). i know that this was done intentionally to capture the all-consuming nature of mental illness, and although this effective, it would have been nice to have another element to the story in my opinion.
despite this, the depictions of amy’s mental illnesses were raw, unedited and interesting. she was (sadly!) relatable, and i learnt a lot from her inner monologues and experiences. i loved that new information was slowly trickled into the book, keeping me on my toes until the end. as well, it was heart-warming to watch amy’s support network expand to provide her with a happy ending. overall, this is a good little debut novel, and a must-read if you want to expand your knowledge of mental health issues.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Suicidal thoughts
Charlotte Says by Alex Bell
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
tw: misogyny, violence, death, murder.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
it’s easy to assume that the second book written is always the worst, but this novel was the perfect prequel to frozen charlotte. set in the early 1900s, ‘charlotte says’ tells the chilling origin story of the dolls, and reveals the truth behind the events mentioned in frozen charlotte. the plots are tightly woven, but they’re so interchangeable that it doesn’t matter which you pick up first.
just like frozen charlotte, this novel was horrifically graphic (a few scenes made me shudder!), fast-paced and addictive, but was equally unique with hints of romance and mediumship. the gothic setting was perfect for setting up an eerie skin-crawling atmosphere. it was almost impossible for me to put this down!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
it’s easy to assume that the second book written is always the worst, but this novel was the perfect prequel to frozen charlotte. set in the early 1900s, ‘charlotte says’ tells the chilling origin story of the dolls, and reveals the truth behind the events mentioned in frozen charlotte. the plots are tightly woven, but they’re so interchangeable that it doesn’t matter which you pick up first.
just like frozen charlotte, this novel was horrifically graphic (a few scenes made me shudder!), fast-paced and addictive, but was equally unique with hints of romance and mediumship. the gothic setting was perfect for setting up an eerie skin-crawling atmosphere. it was almost impossible for me to put this down!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Gore and Misogyny
If I Can't Have You by Charlotte Levin
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-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? Yes
4.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
i must admit that my opinion fluctuated a lot whilst reading this novel. at first, i was vaguely interested in the plot, but the characters were so unlikeable that i couldn’t connect to them in a way that i value in a book.
however, as the story developed and unfolded, i started to appreciate the beauty of constance’s raw and unapologetic flaws. i couldn’t help but laugh, cry, grieve and scream in frustration alongside her. and her friendship with edward was definitely the light that filtered through her struggles, and allowed the reader a well needed break from the heavy topics that are addressed. the ending left me awe-struck, and it will definitely be a hard one to forget.
i must admit that my opinion fluctuated a lot whilst reading this novel. at first, i was vaguely interested in the plot, but the characters were so unlikeable that i couldn’t connect to them in a way that i value in a book.
however, as the story developed and unfolded, i started to appreciate the beauty of constance’s raw and unapologetic flaws. i couldn’t help but laugh, cry, grieve and scream in frustration alongside her. and her friendship with edward was definitely the light that filtered through her struggles, and allowed the reader a well needed break from the heavy topics that are addressed. the ending left me awe-struck, and it will definitely be a hard one to forget.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Death, Domestic abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Stalking, and Death of parent
Minor: Misogyny and Vomit
Frozen Charlotte by Alex Bell
dark
tense
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? No
5.0
for a beginner of reading horror, this book is absolutely perfect. it introduces you to the typical aspects - ouija board, creepy dolls - but has a uniqueness to it that puts it at the forefront of your mind.
‘frozen charlotte’ was so addictive that i finished it in just under 2 days. it throws you into the action, and maintains a fast pace throughout. it’s atmospheric and ridiculously creepy, with plot-twists that keep you on your toes.
the epilogue gave me huge jumanji vibes, and although i’m a little disappointed at the lack of a sequel, i’m equally glad that bell bought sophie’s tale to an exceptional close. i will definitely be keeping this to re-read in the future.
‘frozen charlotte’ was so addictive that i finished it in just under 2 days. it throws you into the action, and maintains a fast pace throughout. it’s atmospheric and ridiculously creepy, with plot-twists that keep you on your toes.
the epilogue gave me huge jumanji vibes, and although i’m a little disappointed at the lack of a sequel, i’m equally glad that bell bought sophie’s tale to an exceptional close. i will definitely be keeping this to re-read in the future.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, and Self harm
Moderate: Violence
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
medium-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? Yes
5.0
now i’ve got to start off and say that this wasn’t the most thrilling or intricate of mysteries. but for me, that didn’t take away the 5 star rating at all, as i was still fully immersed in the “whodunnit” and it had me guessing right to the end!
the characters felt so real that i could almost reach through the page and knock over a glass of their wine. the intimacy between the group, and an insight into joyce’s diary, allows you to feel part of it. i laughed with them, i grieved with them, and i started to miss them as soon as i turned the last page. i can’t wait to see them again in the sequel.
the characters felt so real that i could almost reach through the page and knock over a glass of their wine. the intimacy between the group, and an insight into joyce’s diary, allows you to feel part of it. i laughed with them, i grieved with them, and i started to miss them as soon as i turned the last page. i can’t wait to see them again in the sequel.
Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
inspiring
sad
fast-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
by far, ruin and rising is the greatest instalment in the shadow and bone series. unlike siege and storm, this book was fast-paced and had me racing to the end, with epic battles and romance in every crevice.
i formed an emotional attachment to every character, the most shocking of all being mal. i despised mal with a passion during the first 2 books, but the unravelling of his gentle, selfless and compassionate nature had me warming to him like i’d never expected. and the darkling? such an incredible villain. he held so much depth, and it was heart-breaking to see such a vulnerable core beneath his calculating and cruel persona.
i definitely know the full extent of a book hangover after finishing this series. the ending left me entirely numb, but nonetheless miles more excited for the netflix adaptation to release. i’d give this 10 stars if i could.
i formed an emotional attachment to every character, the most shocking of all being mal. i despised mal with a passion during the first 2 books, but the unravelling of his gentle, selfless and compassionate nature had me warming to him like i’d never expected. and the darkling? such an incredible villain. he held so much depth, and it was heart-breaking to see such a vulnerable core beneath his calculating and cruel persona.
i definitely know the full extent of a book hangover after finishing this series. the ending left me entirely numb, but nonetheless miles more excited for the netflix adaptation to release. i’d give this 10 stars if i could.
The Ones We're Meant to Find by Joan He
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
fast-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
4.0
“we are as real as we believe ourselves to be.”
i received this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
first of all, can we talk about how gorgeous this cover is? it’s possibly one of my favourite covers ever. 🥺
i went into this book not knowing what to expect. i’ve always been a fan of artificial intelligence/sci-fi but this is possibly the first book i’ve read regarding these topics... and it was phenomenal!
i’m such a fan of novels with multiple perspectives. both narrators, cee and kasey had so much depth, and i felt so protective of kasey as i saw a lot of my own characteristics in her. i loved the pace of this book, and the twist was so cleverly constructed that it had me reeling. but, overall, my favourite aspect of “the ones were meant to find” has to be the settings. the island was described so vividly that i could almost feel the salty sea air whipping my cheeks, and the eco-cities were unlike anything i’ve come across before.
the only reason i couldn’t give it 5 stars was just how complex the wording was at times. it stopped the otherwise gorgeous flow of the book, and simpler wording would have been enough. despite this, with sisterly love at its epicentre, this novel is so unique and beautifully crafted, and i’m eagerly awaiting the official release date for other’s to experience it with me.
i received this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
first of all, can we talk about how gorgeous this cover is? it’s possibly one of my favourite covers ever. 🥺
i went into this book not knowing what to expect. i’ve always been a fan of artificial intelligence/sci-fi but this is possibly the first book i’ve read regarding these topics... and it was phenomenal!
i’m such a fan of novels with multiple perspectives. both narrators, cee and kasey had so much depth, and i felt so protective of kasey as i saw a lot of my own characteristics in her. i loved the pace of this book, and the twist was so cleverly constructed that it had me reeling. but, overall, my favourite aspect of “the ones were meant to find” has to be the settings. the island was described so vividly that i could almost feel the salty sea air whipping my cheeks, and the eco-cities were unlike anything i’ve come across before.
the only reason i couldn’t give it 5 stars was just how complex the wording was at times. it stopped the otherwise gorgeous flow of the book, and simpler wording would have been enough. despite this, with sisterly love at its epicentre, this novel is so unique and beautifully crafted, and i’m eagerly awaiting the official release date for other’s to experience it with me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Death, and Terminal illness
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
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
2.5
this is probably the longest i’ve ever taken to read a book and all i can say is - what a bore. siege and storm is the very definition of “middle book syndrome”.
to say it was thicker than the first instalment, and had much longer chapters (which i personally hate!), the majority of the plot was so flat and un-engaging. i couldn’t find the motivation to pick it up at all until around 300 pages in, which is when the action finally picked up and i started to enjoy it more. however, by far, the worst part of this novel was mal. the way he treated alina absolutely infuriated me, and i probably ranted the ears off my poor boyfriend. 😅
nonetheless, the addition of the new characters was definitely the rose between a million thorns. nikolai and the twins carried storm and siege on their backs, and it’s solely due to them that i’ll be continuing with this series.
to say it was thicker than the first instalment, and had much longer chapters (which i personally hate!), the majority of the plot was so flat and un-engaging. i couldn’t find the motivation to pick it up at all until around 300 pages in, which is when the action finally picked up and i started to enjoy it more. however, by far, the worst part of this novel was mal. the way he treated alina absolutely infuriated me, and i probably ranted the ears off my poor boyfriend. 😅
nonetheless, the addition of the new characters was definitely the rose between a million thorns. nikolai and the twins carried storm and siege on their backs, and it’s solely due to them that i’ll be continuing with this series.
Kill Joy by Holly Jackson
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
i didn’t realise just how much i missed these characters until i picked up this book - pippa fitz-amobi definitely has my heart! for only 120 pages, the plot was full-fletched, suspenseful and interesting. the characters interactions were light-hearted and funny. i didn’t want this cute little prequel to end, and i’m now even more excited for the third and final instalment.