grapeapril75's reviews
4294 reviews

The Teacher by Freida McFadden

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? It's complicated

5.0

You Shouldn't Have Come Here by Jeneva Rose

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

I was really annoyed at how predictable the books was in the end. I feel like the author may have gone a little too hard with the foreshadowing and it definitely had an effect on how I viewed the outcome. Even with the foreshadowing it was kind of a back and forth struggle for the book to decide if it was a thriller or a romance. Sadly I also found all the characters unlikeable, which made me not really care what happened to them in the end. It was blessedly a quick read and did hold my interest but not overly memorable in the end. I may be a little jaded as I read a lot of the thriller genre and wasn’t surprised by anything that happened. Maybe someone who read less would like this and find it shocking.

Witch Hunt by S.M. Reine

medium-paced

3.0

This series is a blend of urban fantasy and detective noir, and my feelings about it are mixed; I don’t love it, but I want to finish the books I've purchased on Audible.

Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune

challenging reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

I struggled with this book because I did not like the main character. He had growth and change that made the book worth reading, but I disliked him for more than half of it. I am happy to have finished the book, but it was not easy. The first half was tough due to Wallace being unlikable. It was a journey, and I am glad he changed to a point where I no longer hated him. The book features beautiful cover art and great writing.

Weyward by Emilia Hart

emotional hopeful inspiring 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

5.0

This was a truly uplifting read, one that I did not anticipate would resonate with me so deeply. The way the author intertwined the stories of the three women, slowly revealing their connections, was a testament to their skill. I am hesitant to reveal too much, but suffice it to say that the narrative arc is both surprising and satisfying. The writing was descriptive, the historical details were meticulously rendered, and the storytelling was compelling. Nonlinear storytelling is a particular favorite of mine, and this did not disappoint.

The Hitchcock Hotel by Stephanie Wrobel

dark mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I just finished this and it's safe to say my brain is still reeling, I had no idea what to expect, but it was a wild ride, if nonlinear storytelling, slow burn thrillers, and guessing games are your thing, then you need to get your hands on this book

The Dallergut Dream Department Store by Miye Lee

hopeful lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I enjoyed the world building in this book and the creativity. It did throw me a bit that it seemed lacking in any climactic moments, no big drama to move the story along more. This is the first Korean story I have read, so perhaps it is getting used to the style and lack of any crucial moment to move the plot. I kept expecting something like a romance or a mystery to solve, but perhaps that was my fault and not the books. I did enjoy the story and it was a lovely immersive world. I hope there is more to come and perhaps I see the characters grow and the world progress. Right now though it feels like I went to dinner hungry and instead of getting a big meal I was only served one small appetizer.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

5.0

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

5.0

Lord of the Flies by William Golding

5.0