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holdenwunders_'s reviews
332 reviews
Tell Them You Lied by Laura Leffler
2.5
I really wanted to like this book but went in with little to no expectations and came out on the other side still not pleased with my experience.
I always hate giving a negative review but there was little here that I felt intrigued by or left in the end with any positive feelings toward having read it.
A lot of the negative reviews harped on the unlikeability of characters but that’s one of the few things I didn’t hate about this. I went in thinking this would almost be a mix of Anna Delvy smashed with the “older” movie The Roommate. I absolutely love heinous characters and they shouldn’t have to be likeable to be apart of an amazing book.
Mainly, I wish there was just more intention here. From the “unlikeable” characters to the writing and technique, to the 9/11 backdrop to overall plot devices. Everything was met with a caveat in a plot device that I just felt were strung together in a way that wasnt enjoyable for me to read.
I can see this book doing well on booktok and feel like maybe I’m just not the right target audience for it. I do enjoy a good thriller and a mindless read but I still require a depth I couldn’t find here.
I always hate giving a negative review but there was little here that I felt intrigued by or left in the end with any positive feelings toward having read it.
A lot of the negative reviews harped on the unlikeability of characters but that’s one of the few things I didn’t hate about this. I went in thinking this would almost be a mix of Anna Delvy smashed with the “older” movie The Roommate. I absolutely love heinous characters and they shouldn’t have to be likeable to be apart of an amazing book.
Mainly, I wish there was just more intention here. From the “unlikeable” characters to the writing and technique, to the 9/11 backdrop to overall plot devices. Everything was met with a caveat in a plot device that I just felt were strung together in a way that wasnt enjoyable for me to read.
I can see this book doing well on booktok and feel like maybe I’m just not the right target audience for it. I do enjoy a good thriller and a mindless read but I still require a depth I couldn’t find here.
I'm Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This has been on my list for years mainly because the title and insinuation of suicide, I knew I’d need to be in a particular headspace to read it. The irony was that the intention in the beginning was “ending it” relationship wise but the twist being my original perception in reading the title.
With that said, I absolutely loved this. Reid’s writing is so smooth and lovely and accessible to read while also being extremely in depth and philosophical. And not in the way most people think, saying “smart” things but having a depth that sparks a conversation and deep thought.
I loved the twists and turns, the creepiness that I wasn’t expecting at all and how quickly it ramped up in that aspect. There are little hints throughout and then in one catapulting moment, the bricks tumble down. It was quick, fresh, insightful, and horrifying. Everything that makes a well rounded story and I’m so excited to read everything he’s done now! This is my first by him but definitely not the last.
With that said, I absolutely loved this. Reid’s writing is so smooth and lovely and accessible to read while also being extremely in depth and philosophical. And not in the way most people think, saying “smart” things but having a depth that sparks a conversation and deep thought.
I loved the twists and turns, the creepiness that I wasn’t expecting at all and how quickly it ramped up in that aspect. There are little hints throughout and then in one catapulting moment, the bricks tumble down. It was quick, fresh, insightful, and horrifying. Everything that makes a well rounded story and I’m so excited to read everything he’s done now! This is my first by him but definitely not the last.
Mickey 7 by Edward Ashton
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This has been on my list for a while especially with the movie coming out. One of my favourite actors, favourite director, AND my favourite genre?! The bar was high to say the least and it did not disappoint. I feel like I can let out my sigh of relief.
This book was what I call grounded science fiction. It’s in a world that we are familiar with, and while not earth it wasn’t the main part of the story. There was enough science fiction to be informative, make you curious, but not take you out of the plot.
The back and forth between the Mickeys and other characters was so visceral, I could see it. No wonder it’s being made into a movie. The sarcasm, the gall, the audacity in this book is everything and it’s definitely a new favourite.
This book was what I call grounded science fiction. It’s in a world that we are familiar with, and while not earth it wasn’t the main part of the story. There was enough science fiction to be informative, make you curious, but not take you out of the plot.
The back and forth between the Mickeys and other characters was so visceral, I could see it. No wonder it’s being made into a movie. The sarcasm, the gall, the audacity in this book is everything and it’s definitely a new favourite.
The Staircase in the Woods by Chuck Wendig
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? No
2.0
DNF at 55%
I am over half way through and I think it’s time to finally give up on this one. Grounded science fiction stories are my very favourite genre and I was so excited for my first book by Chuck Wendig but it’s time to give up. I absolutely love the premise of this book but in reading it feels superfluous to the actual plotline.
My problems with this are not few and far between so I’ll try to make it quick. The synopsis and the mysterious nature of the staircase and what’s behind it feels very much on the back burner here and it is much more in the vein of a character heavy plotline but that’s not what the synopsis gives us. While I don’t mind a character driven story, it’s not what I was expecting and it’s taking me so far out of the book that the “science fiction” and mysterious staircase feel unnecessary to the story. There are so many flashbacks that every time something interesting starts happening, I got ripped out to have a flashback of the characters years ago. If it felt relevant or did something to enhance the plot, I could get down on a couple of these happening, but it’s every chapter and feels pointless to everything else that’s happening.
With so many issues with stylistic choices, to writing choices, and characters it feels nitpicky to hate the cover as well, but here I am. At first it feels fun but then the fact the staircase is described in the book and doesn’t match the staircase on the cover REALLY irks me. Was it AI? Was it them not working together? I’m not sure but it really rubs me the wrong way.
I haven’t completely given up on Wendig as an authour and will try another of his older books but I wish there was a singular thing I liked here and just couldn’t even finish it which is disappointing in itself.
I am over half way through and I think it’s time to finally give up on this one. Grounded science fiction stories are my very favourite genre and I was so excited for my first book by Chuck Wendig but it’s time to give up. I absolutely love the premise of this book but in reading it feels superfluous to the actual plotline.
My problems with this are not few and far between so I’ll try to make it quick. The synopsis and the mysterious nature of the staircase and what’s behind it feels very much on the back burner here and it is much more in the vein of a character heavy plotline but that’s not what the synopsis gives us. While I don’t mind a character driven story, it’s not what I was expecting and it’s taking me so far out of the book that the “science fiction” and mysterious staircase feel unnecessary to the story. There are so many flashbacks that every time something interesting starts happening, I got ripped out to have a flashback of the characters years ago. If it felt relevant or did something to enhance the plot, I could get down on a couple of these happening, but it’s every chapter and feels pointless to everything else that’s happening.
With so many issues with stylistic choices, to writing choices, and characters it feels nitpicky to hate the cover as well, but here I am. At first it feels fun but then the fact the staircase is described in the book and doesn’t match the staircase on the cover REALLY irks me. Was it AI? Was it them not working together? I’m not sure but it really rubs me the wrong way.
I haven’t completely given up on Wendig as an authour and will try another of his older books but I wish there was a singular thing I liked here and just couldn’t even finish it which is disappointing in itself.
Elphie by Gregory Maguire
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.0
My darling and dearest little asparagus, Elphaba, how I’ve missed you.
When I first saw Gregory Macguire was writing an “origin” story of Elphie, I thought eh I don’t need it. Then I kept on seeing it and I have to admit, over time my curiousity peaked and I couldn’t resist more Elphaba in my life. If you have read the other books in the Wicked series this is a treat, and if you haven’t, this is the perfect place to start.
We get to witness the evolution of our greenest girl in Elphie and establish the connections with her father, Nessa, and mischievous baby brother Shell before all the “turmoil” in the later stories begin. We get to see her first interactions with talking animals and the reactions and culture that shapes Elphaba’s personality and reactions to those around her. There were so many nuances in this story that further shapes the story we are already so familiar with and there were some easter eggs if you love the Wicked The Musical too! It was the perfect place to start and I have to admit, it being available right as the movie came out shaped my wanting in reading this ARC.
I absolutely love Maguire’s writing and always have and he does not disappoint when it comes to writing style. One of the true joys in reading him is learning so many new words and witnessing him play with dialect and shape words into new amalgamations that never stops you from giggling with joy.
Overall, I’m so pleased to have another book by him and especially one that centers Elphaba. The biggest question though, was it necessary? And while I enjoyed it I don’t think my answer would be a resounding yes, but I’m also not mad that it exists. Sometimes getting more of something you love can be an exquisite little treat and Elphie was exactly that.
When I first saw Gregory Macguire was writing an “origin” story of Elphie, I thought eh I don’t need it. Then I kept on seeing it and I have to admit, over time my curiousity peaked and I couldn’t resist more Elphaba in my life. If you have read the other books in the Wicked series this is a treat, and if you haven’t, this is the perfect place to start.
We get to witness the evolution of our greenest girl in Elphie and establish the connections with her father, Nessa, and mischievous baby brother Shell before all the “turmoil” in the later stories begin. We get to see her first interactions with talking animals and the reactions and culture that shapes Elphaba’s personality and reactions to those around her. There were so many nuances in this story that further shapes the story we are already so familiar with and there were some easter eggs if you love the Wicked The Musical too! It was the perfect place to start and I have to admit, it being available right as the movie came out shaped my wanting in reading this ARC.
I absolutely love Maguire’s writing and always have and he does not disappoint when it comes to writing style. One of the true joys in reading him is learning so many new words and witnessing him play with dialect and shape words into new amalgamations that never stops you from giggling with joy.
Overall, I’m so pleased to have another book by him and especially one that centers Elphaba. The biggest question though, was it necessary? And while I enjoyed it I don’t think my answer would be a resounding yes, but I’m also not mad that it exists. Sometimes getting more of something you love can be an exquisite little treat and Elphie was exactly that.
The Dollhouse Academy by Margarita Montimore
adventurous
dark
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
I have officially found a new favourite authour in Margarita Montimore!
When I saw the cover of this novel I was intrigued but after the synopsis, I assumed this was yet another dark academia and blew it off. I’m so glad I looked at the authour and rethought that idea because I’ve never been so wrong. After realizing this was the same authour from Oona Out of Order, I decided to give this novel a shot and I’m so glad I did because it’s become one of my favourite books I’ve read all year.
If you’ve ever heard of the conspiracy theory that Avril Lavigne died and was replaced by a copy, this is practically the premise of this absolutely bonkers book. In a world where this company rules over the lives of its stars from diets, projects, “supplements”, they also rule over their very existence. Our main characters think they’re getting the shot of a lifetime into stardom and they’re not necessarily wrong.
I’m absolutely enthralled by the entire premise of this book but what I am enamored by is Montimore’s delivery. Instead of serving us with a unique plot alone, we are also treated with spectacular writing and a combination of genres that makes this book thrilling and impossible to put down. It’s always impressive when an authour can write in any genre and Montimore has the chops to do exactly that.
This is one of the shelves and I will absolutely be purchasing this to reread when it officially comes out but I am so excited I got this ARC. If you have the privilege to read it early like I did, take it, because this is gonna be a hit when it comes out next year.
When I saw the cover of this novel I was intrigued but after the synopsis, I assumed this was yet another dark academia and blew it off. I’m so glad I looked at the authour and rethought that idea because I’ve never been so wrong. After realizing this was the same authour from Oona Out of Order, I decided to give this novel a shot and I’m so glad I did because it’s become one of my favourite books I’ve read all year.
If you’ve ever heard of the conspiracy theory that Avril Lavigne died and was replaced by a copy, this is practically the premise of this absolutely bonkers book. In a world where this company rules over the lives of its stars from diets, projects, “supplements”, they also rule over their very existence. Our main characters think they’re getting the shot of a lifetime into stardom and they’re not necessarily wrong.
I’m absolutely enthralled by the entire premise of this book but what I am enamored by is Montimore’s delivery. Instead of serving us with a unique plot alone, we are also treated with spectacular writing and a combination of genres that makes this book thrilling and impossible to put down. It’s always impressive when an authour can write in any genre and Montimore has the chops to do exactly that.
This is one of the shelves and I will absolutely be purchasing this to reread when it officially comes out but I am so excited I got this ARC. If you have the privilege to read it early like I did, take it, because this is gonna be a hit when it comes out next year.
The Unworthy by Agustina Bazterrica
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
HOLY MOTHER OF *#^%*. And when I say Holy Mother, of course I’m referring to Agustina Bazterrica Patron Saint of Horror. Tender is the Flesh is a unique and horrifying story blessed upon us from Bazterrica and The Unworthy is truly worthy of standing right next to Tender in the hall of fame of fucked up-ness.
The Unworthy takes us on a journey of total cataclysms and what can stem from that complete destruction. Think, the worst religious cult that stems from a decimated world, a true apocalypse and you just start to scratch the story of The Unworthy.
I don’t want to delve too deeply into the plot but surprisingly this was a story of love. If you read this you may be thinking I’m completely batshit by saying that, but stay with me. What happens when you lose complete hope in everything including humanity? The full rot and desolation of humanity is on full, sickening display here but is also the thing that may well save us all.
We get a disturbing display of events written in the blood of one of our “unworthy” and while there’s about one singular character who is likeable, the desperation and total destruction has you begging for any glimmer of hope. Bazterrica withholds and withholds, but I do have to say it felt like relief finishing this short novel. There are certain authours that change your DNA with their writing and just like Tender is the Flesh, this story will stick with me, whether I like it or not, forever.
The Unworthy takes us on a journey of total cataclysms and what can stem from that complete destruction. Think, the worst religious cult that stems from a decimated world, a true apocalypse and you just start to scratch the story of The Unworthy.
I don’t want to delve too deeply into the plot but surprisingly this was a story of love. If you read this you may be thinking I’m completely batshit by saying that, but stay with me. What happens when you lose complete hope in everything including humanity? The full rot and desolation of humanity is on full, sickening display here but is also the thing that may well save us all.
We get a disturbing display of events written in the blood of one of our “unworthy” and while there’s about one singular character who is likeable, the desperation and total destruction has you begging for any glimmer of hope. Bazterrica withholds and withholds, but I do have to say it felt like relief finishing this short novel. There are certain authours that change your DNA with their writing and just like Tender is the Flesh, this story will stick with me, whether I like it or not, forever.