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gissellereads's reviews
250 reviews
Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman
adventurous
slow-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? No
4.0
This book and the entire series is very much outside of my reading comfort zone. I have a hard time with fantasy or magic books but I was pleasantly surprised with this one. I loved immersing myself in the Owen sister’s world and ended up really enjoying Alice Hoffman’s writing.
The story was a little bit slow but I didn’t mind it. There is still a plot and I was entertained. I loved the magic and actually wished there was more. I have already started reading The Rules of Magic (second book published in the series but it is a prequel) and I am loving it because there is a lot more magic there. Who knew I was going to want more magic?
I would say it took me a second to get used to Alice Hoffman’s writing but I am in love with it. It is different so I can see some people not loving it but it worked for me and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the series.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Grief, Emotional abuse, and Death
The Pact by Sharon Bolton
adventurous
dark
mysterious
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Loved this thriller! Its not out in the US yet but you can get it on Kindle. It is twisty and fun.
As Good As Dead by Holly Jackson
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
I was so disappointed with how this series ended. I loved the first book in the series but this one was not good. I think Pip (the main character) was just not smart on this one and the book dragged a lot. This one felt more YA than the other two books in the series and I think the author didn't think the reader was smart to figure some things out.
They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
emotional
sad
tense
slow-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
The Rules of Magic, Volume 1 by Alice Hoffman
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I loved this book! This book is a prequel to Practical Magic and it was published second in the series. I really loved getting the backstory of Franny and Jet (the aunts) who embrace their magic as opposed to try to escape it. We follow their story from when they were kids to all grown adults and it was magical. I mentioned in my Practical Magic review that I wished it had more magic. Well, this one delivered on the magic!
I also enjoyed the writing of this book better than Practical Magic. Maybe I was just used to it but I found it beautiful. I love all three main characters, Franny, Jet and Vincent, and I thought the character development is great. I already miss them so much!
If you are someone that doesn’t read much Fantasy I think this is a great book to read and still get that “magical world” feeling without being too overwhelmed by the fantasy world. I am not a huge fantasy fan and I love these books so much. A lot of people read these books in October for Halloween but I think these are great fall books (not just Halloween). If I had to describe this book in one word I’d say: Enchanting!
Beautiful Country by Qian Julie Wang
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
5.0
One of my favorite books of 2021! I loved listening to this on audio. It is a heartbreaking story but full of hope. I really enjoyed the writing.
Wine Girl: The Trials and Triumphs of America's Youngest Sommelier by Victoria James
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
I really enjoyed reading Victoria James story. It was sad but so inspiring. This book covers her life (up until now), her upbringing and her career as a sommelier. If you want a book about wine only this is not it, it is very much about her life and how she got there.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Abandonment, and Alcoholism
Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-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
3.5
I enjoyed this audiobook but I didn't love it as much as bookstagram seems to love it so it was too hyped for me. I think it is mainly because it was too far-fetched for me and there were too many characters. I don't like when there are too many characters to keep up with especially when listening to the audiobook. Overall, it was entertaining but not amazing.