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gmberbaum's reviews
77 reviews
Daughter of Calamity by Rosalie M. Lin
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I was immediately engrossed in this book! I felt completely immersed in the setting and loved following the cabaret and gangster scene in Shanghai. The author does not waste time propelling the story forward and I could not put this book down. I audibly gasped multiple times while reading and felt the pain and conflict that Jingwen experienced. Overall, the story progressed really well. Towards the end, it felt a little rushed. I wanted more explanation and to be eased to the conclusion. I so enjoyed this book, that I would have wanted to read 100 pages more to get the ending that I think this book deserved. If you are looking for a magical realism story set in the hustle and bustle of Shanghai nightlife, this book will serve you an absolute adventure!
The Golden Enclaves by Naomi Novik
adventurous
dark
emotional
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? It's complicated
5.0
The Last Graduate by Naomi Novik
adventurous
funny
medium-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
A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-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
I really enjoyed the world Novik built, but it took awhile for the action to really pick up. That said, I wanted to keep reading and was rooting for the characters.
House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
The Pairing by Casey McQuiston
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Perfection. Casey McQuiston has truly outdone themself in this novel. I instantly fell in love with Kit and Theo. The characters were so real and relatable and incredibly charming. All the small details that showed the lifelong friendship of Kit and Theo were amazing. And all of this set on a breathtaking food tour of Europe.
The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
5.0
The Kingdom of Copper by S.A. Chakraborty
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
5.0
Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands by Heather Fawcett
adventurous
funny
mysterious
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
4.0
Shit Cassandra Saw by Gwen E. Kirby
challenging
emotional
funny
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? It's complicated
4.0