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fullybookedpenguin's reviews
127 reviews
Once I Knew by Victoria Lynn
dark
emotional
tense
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
2.0
I really wanted to like this book going into it, but although I soldiered on through, it fell super flat in the end.
(Please check trigger warnings if you choose to read this book! I went in thinking it wouldn't have some stuff, like sexual harassment, etc. but there are unexpected, rather confronting scenes)
There is a lot of monologue in this, you are in the characters heads more than following any action and for me, it made the story drag, especially when some of the monologues felt repetitive after a while.
The repetitiveness isn't helped by the fact:
1. The characters feel like throwing up every chapter pretty much.
2. The main characters get hit over the head, punched in the gut, slapped or faint, every second chapter.
I think this book would have been helped by a severe structural edit, a close line edit, etc. (On top of pacing issues, there were so many clunky sentences, incorrect punctuation and grammar mistakes).
I'll touch on the characters briefly:
I think my review is telltale when I say my only liked characters, were: a Horse, a Blacksmith and a character that didn't appear until near the very end.
I assume Violet isn't meant to be a character you dislike...but she really wasn't likeable. If you look at her reasoning for everything it's very self-focused.
Obed was really lovable in the beginning and when he gave Violet a reality check, but he seemed a token lover boi, despite Violets cold attitude, and then kind of lost his unique spark after the 50% mark.
The ending was very lacklustre, as the author threw in almost a final chapter conflict that didn't make sense and really just hammered the nail into the coffin of disliking Violet. I wasn't cheering them on in Chapter 30 at all.
There are a few Biblical things that didn't sit right either but ultimately you get enough of an idea from the rest of my review, if you care. 😅
The repetitiveness isn't helped by the fact:
1. The characters feel like throwing up every chapter pretty much.
2. The main characters get hit over the head, punched in the gut, slapped or faint, every second chapter.
I think this book would have been helped by a severe structural edit, a close line edit, etc. (On top of pacing issues, there were so many clunky sentences, incorrect punctuation and grammar mistakes).
I'll touch on the characters briefly:
I think my review is telltale when I say my only liked characters, were: a Horse, a Blacksmith and a character that didn't appear until near the very end.
I assume Violet isn't meant to be a character you dislike...but she really wasn't likeable. If you look at her reasoning for everything it's very self-focused.
Obed was really lovable in the beginning and when he gave Violet a reality check, but he seemed a token lover boi, despite Violets cold attitude, and then kind of lost his unique spark after the 50% mark.
The ending was very lacklustre, as the author threw in almost a final chapter conflict that didn't make sense and really just hammered the nail into the coffin of disliking Violet. I wasn't cheering them on in Chapter 30 at all.
There are a few Biblical things that didn't sit right either but ultimately you get enough of an idea from the rest of my review, if you care. 😅
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Death of parent
Moderate: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Violence, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Bullying, Child death, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Sexual harassment, and War
Yona of the Dawn, Vol. 26 by Mizuho Kusanagi
adventurous
emotional
funny
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Ah, what a fun wrap to the Xing tension and gotta love that ending~ The crews reactions are priceless.
I love how when the dragons can't be with Yona, Ao is right there with her, such a strong, protector.
I love how when the dragons can't be with Yona, Ao is right there with her, such a strong, protector.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Violence, and War
The Burning Bridge by John Flanagan
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This book took a moment to get in to. I think the last 4 sentences of the prologue could have been left out, so that the 'twist' later on could have had a flying chance of being surprising (for those not naturally suspicious-minded, and already suspecting it). It would have been fun to discover the twist alongside the characters rather than waiting for the penny to drop.
I was enjoying the brief following of Halt more than adventuring with Will, but fortunately after a bit Will, Horace, and a newly introduced character, started getting down to business and things moves swiftly on from there.
A lot of lore, countries and characters are introduced in this book.
As other reviews say, the ending is a cliffhanger, so be forewarned.
I was enjoying the brief following of Halt more than adventuring with Will, but fortunately after a bit Will, Horace, and a newly introduced character, started getting down to business and things moves swiftly on from there.
A lot of lore, countries and characters are introduced in this book.
As other reviews say, the ending is a cliffhanger, so be forewarned.
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Anne of Green Gables shall always be a book of inspiration and joy to me.
Anne encapsulates a wonder of the world, of both nature's beautiful and the human characters living amongst it.
There are so many underline worthy quotes in this, spun together with wit and poetic musings.
I laughed, learnt lessons and cried alongside Anne, and, as the ages pass, this book shall forever remain a recommendable favourite~
Anne encapsulates a wonder of the world, of both nature's beautiful and the human characters living amongst it.
There are so many underline worthy quotes in this, spun together with wit and poetic musings.
I laughed, learnt lessons and cried alongside Anne, and, as the ages pass, this book shall forever remain a recommendable favourite~
Magic Unleashed by K.M. Shea
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This is a super fun trilogy, it's fast paced to read and I really liked the lore of vampires, etc in this. You got the Supernatural element without the weird stuff some novels include, so definitely suited my taste.
I'm still not completely won over to Killian, (maybe I'm a bit more grudgeful than Hazel) but they work for them and for Hazel's character, while I hoped she'd stick to her guns a little longer, the way things played out probably suited her best, given her kind, understanding nature.
I did foresee their twist for the final battle, but it was amusing to read.
This final book introduces more elements which I'm sure will lead into future books in the Magiford series, but it did interrupt/drag this books plot a bit, but I'm sure I'll be grateful for the info reading the rest of the series.
I'm still not completely won over to Killian, (maybe I'm a bit more grudgeful than Hazel) but they work for them and for Hazel's character, while I hoped she'd stick to her guns a little longer, the way things played out probably suited her best, given her kind, understanding nature.
I did foresee their twist for the final battle, but it was amusing to read.
This final book introduces more elements which I'm sure will lead into future books in the Magiford series, but it did interrupt/drag this books plot a bit, but I'm sure I'll be grateful for the info reading the rest of the series.
Shadowgate by Emily Rodda
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This book got especially dark and creepy. I mean the Deltora series definitely dabbles in dark powers etc, I mean the bad guy is called The Shadow Lord.
We follow Lief and the crew as they seek out the next witch at the Shadowgate but they also come across a weird masked circus troupe along the way.
Our crew seem pretty prone to falling for traps but when spooky dark powers are at play manipulating thoughts, desires and sensibility, I suppose things can be pretty tough.
Looking forward to seeing where the crew goes next.
We follow Lief and the crew as they seek out the next witch at the Shadowgate but they also come across a weird masked circus troupe along the way.
Our crew seem pretty prone to falling for traps but when spooky dark powers are at play manipulating thoughts, desires and sensibility, I suppose things can be pretty tough.
Looking forward to seeing where the crew goes next.
The Far Side of the Loch by Renée Graef, Melissa Wiley
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Martha is a fun-filled lively character to follow.
This book focused less on her highland adventurings but still captured our beloved main character in her light-hearted admiration of where she lives and the characters around her.
Grisie was extra annoying in this book and for some reason her parents never called her out on her attitude, they just discipline Martha when she reacts to her sisters attitude.
Also my favourite lad, Duncan, had a really small role in this book. 🥲
This book focused less on her highland adventurings but still captured our beloved main character in her light-hearted admiration of where she lives and the characters around her.
Grisie was extra annoying in this book and for some reason her parents never called her out on her attitude, they just discipline Martha when she reacts to her sisters attitude.
Also my favourite lad, Duncan, had a really small role in this book. 🥲
A Little Bush Maid by Mary Grant Bruce
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This book started a little slow but after the first 1/3 I got into it more.
Most of the book is Jim & Norah recalling past adventures to Jim's school pals, Wally and Harry.
Then we have a mystery? plot in the last half.
Honestly it gave nostalgic tones of Australian storytelling. If you know country/outback characteristics, this is very reminiscent of the era of sheep and cattle stations with horses, camping and the aura of rural land. Very old Australian terms and quotes too, might confuse younger readers or overseas audiences a little.
There are a few questionable moments that haven't aged well, but it's a historical feature rather than innate cruelty, this doesn't excuse the attitude of the 1900s but it is accurate for the thinking of the time. It's something we can be thankful is changing with time and a warning of how social attitudes can be widely spread and accepted as the norm despite their twisted nature.
Most of the book is Jim & Norah recalling past adventures to Jim's school pals, Wally and Harry.
Then we have a mystery? plot in the last half.
Honestly it gave nostalgic tones of Australian storytelling. If you know country/outback characteristics, this is very reminiscent of the era of sheep and cattle stations with horses, camping and the aura of rural land. Very old Australian terms and quotes too, might confuse younger readers or overseas audiences a little.
There are a few questionable moments that haven't aged well, but it's a historical feature rather than innate cruelty, this doesn't excuse the attitude of the 1900s but it is accurate for the thinking of the time. It's something we can be thankful is changing with time and a warning of how social attitudes can be widely spread and accepted as the norm despite their twisted nature.
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal cruelty, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, and Murder
Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Magic Redeemed by K.M. Shea
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5