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holdenwunders_'s reviews
336 reviews
The Black Bird Oracle by Deborah Harkness
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
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? Yes
4.0
The Devil by Name by Keith Rosson
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Oh Keith, you sick bastard (she says lovingly). Stumbling upon Fever House was such a unique experience, quite like reading the love baby story of Stephen King and Chuck Palahniuk. And luckily for readers, The Devil By Name doesn’t pull any punches and truly blesses us with a solid sequel.
If you loved Fever House, The Devil By Name is truly a continuation that makes you want to read them back to back so it’s just one long book. Through the use of multiple POVs we get saints and sinners alike in a world gone completely to shit. The trifecta of the devils artifacts are abound in the world and wreaking a true hell on earth.
The quick paced, action packed plethora of weirdness ensues keeping readers on their tippiest of toes. I was gasping out loud, widening my eyes, and reacting to this novel like watching a horror punk apocalypse movie in theaters. I’m now a Keith Rosson fan through and through and will devour whatever he decides to serve us next.
If you loved Fever House, The Devil By Name is truly a continuation that makes you want to read them back to back so it’s just one long book. Through the use of multiple POVs we get saints and sinners alike in a world gone completely to shit. The trifecta of the devils artifacts are abound in the world and wreaking a true hell on earth.
The quick paced, action packed plethora of weirdness ensues keeping readers on their tippiest of toes. I was gasping out loud, widening my eyes, and reacting to this novel like watching a horror punk apocalypse movie in theaters. I’m now a Keith Rosson fan through and through and will devour whatever he decides to serve us next.
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A Deathly Compendium of Poisonous Plants: Wicked Weeds and Sinister Seeds by Rebecca E. Hirsch
fast-paced
4.0
There are a lot of things I really enjoyed about this book so I’m going to start with the positives. This is an absolutely stunning and unique collection of deadly plants. This would be one to put on the coffee table because it is so stunning. The artwork is gorgeous, the photographs of the plants alongside famous counterparts who have played parts in the history of said plants are also quite enjoyable.
I also love the collection of plants chosen. On a nitpicky note I would’ve liked a little bit of a separation on certain plants. We have everything here from Coca to Poison Ivy to the big daddy killers like Castor Beans and Nightshade. I would’ve loved a section of plants that are used purposefully versus the ones that will outright kill you ie a chapter that has Cocaine, Peppers, etc.
The book is separated into sections dedicated to each plant and while there are a lot, I wish this was a bit more condensed. Each plant gets a couple pages that includes a blurb on human interaction with the plant, scientific information on the plant, a quote from a famous work that references the plant, and just basic information on each one. I wish there were about 5-7 less plants included so that each dedicated plant had more space, time, history, antidotes about it.
My biggest problem was the writing. I know this is a book that the main points are to teach about these deadly and unique species but the writing was delivered like a power point presentation in high school and left a lot to be wanted. There were multiple times there were asides that “gross information was coming” but I chose this book. Give me the dirty, gross, heinous effects from these plants and please don’t treat me like I’m ignorant. Typically I would take multiple stars off for this but as all the other aspects were highly enjoyable it made up for the lack. I enjoyed it a lot but also prefer books that are similar in nature with a more scientific and eloquent writing style.
I also love the collection of plants chosen. On a nitpicky note I would’ve liked a little bit of a separation on certain plants. We have everything here from Coca to Poison Ivy to the big daddy killers like Castor Beans and Nightshade. I would’ve loved a section of plants that are used purposefully versus the ones that will outright kill you ie a chapter that has Cocaine, Peppers, etc.
The book is separated into sections dedicated to each plant and while there are a lot, I wish this was a bit more condensed. Each plant gets a couple pages that includes a blurb on human interaction with the plant, scientific information on the plant, a quote from a famous work that references the plant, and just basic information on each one. I wish there were about 5-7 less plants included so that each dedicated plant had more space, time, history, antidotes about it.
My biggest problem was the writing. I know this is a book that the main points are to teach about these deadly and unique species but the writing was delivered like a power point presentation in high school and left a lot to be wanted. There were multiple times there were asides that “gross information was coming” but I chose this book. Give me the dirty, gross, heinous effects from these plants and please don’t treat me like I’m ignorant. Typically I would take multiple stars off for this but as all the other aspects were highly enjoyable it made up for the lack. I enjoyed it a lot but also prefer books that are similar in nature with a more scientific and eloquent writing style.
The Perfect Couple by Elin Hilderbrand
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
My first ever Elin Hilderbrand book and the covers are SO different than the actual material to me but I do understand the “beach read” trend. This particular book has been on my tbr for YEARS but with the show coming out I really wanted to give it a read and I’m even more excited for the show now.
I do love they had to change Celeste’s name in the show to something else given Nicole Kidman is known for playing Celeste in Big Little Lies.
Counting down the days.
I do love they had to change Celeste’s name in the show to something else given Nicole Kidman is known for playing Celeste in Big Little Lies.
Counting down the days.
Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This is honestly a hard one for me because I went in super hesitantly as I am a swer and knew this could go off the rails or even get dangerous in messaging for unwitting young women. I don’t hate it and I quite like the writing and will check out her other books but I also have some serious problems with this as well.
I’m not someone who believes you have to be X to write about X but as swers are so marginalized and sensationalized, only interviewing some Onlyfans girls for this didn’t feel like enough to me to capture the dynamic, dangers, and hard work it takes to survive as a sex worker.
As I don’t want to rant forever so I’m going to bullet point for the first time ever.
Pros :
*Margos situation is set up for her to become a swer and her journey into it is fun and messy
*The characters are incredibly enjoyable to read about in all their mess
*The writing was accessible and had me easily going back and never wanting to stop
Cons:
*Out of nowhere, multiple times, Margo becomes a super savvy businesswoman and makes thousands upon thousands of dollars relatively easy. This is rare and a dangerous message as sw isn’t easy and can take YEARS to buildup anywhere near where Margo gets and the cons of living as a swer for measly money isn’t worth the catastrophic damage as a trade off.
*As someone who got kicked off of multiple platforms on social media due to sw even when abiding by guidelines made these TikTok storylines unbearable to me. Everyone in the industry has to do social media but it doesn’t work like Margo’s journey does.
*I enjoyed the plotlines of CPS and the dangers of losing her child and life but it felt incredibly easy to get out of. SW is FOREVER. And it’s dangerous. So in general it felt too “sunshine-y” and unrealistic
*The fact she met a man on OF to then have him fly out and date him? To then stop dating him and they’re starting a company together? Insane and dangerous storyline that had me wanting to throttle the authour.
*She got doxxed and I really appreciate this storyline but the dangerousness of it didn’t land but it was more inconvenient and embarrassing. And then she doxxes herself to a client to hook up with?? UGH.
Overall I know the authour had a fun idea and interviewed swers for it but the nuance wasn’t there enough to make me feel like it was truly done by someone in the industry (because it wasn’t) and that was glaring. It makes me worry for young women to see this message and think it’s easy, it won’t follow them for life, etc. I absolutely love sw and there should always be fun and light and connection which was there but it wasn’t underlined with the cons in a way that felt serious and for that it loses a couple stars.
I’m not someone who believes you have to be X to write about X but as swers are so marginalized and sensationalized, only interviewing some Onlyfans girls for this didn’t feel like enough to me to capture the dynamic, dangers, and hard work it takes to survive as a sex worker.
As I don’t want to rant forever so I’m going to bullet point for the first time ever.
Pros :
*Margos situation is set up for her to become a swer and her journey into it is fun and messy
*The characters are incredibly enjoyable to read about in all their mess
*The writing was accessible and had me easily going back and never wanting to stop
Cons:
*Out of nowhere, multiple times, Margo becomes a super savvy businesswoman and makes thousands upon thousands of dollars relatively easy. This is rare and a dangerous message as sw isn’t easy and can take YEARS to buildup anywhere near where Margo gets and the cons of living as a swer for measly money isn’t worth the catastrophic damage as a trade off.
*As someone who got kicked off of multiple platforms on social media due to sw even when abiding by guidelines made these TikTok storylines unbearable to me. Everyone in the industry has to do social media but it doesn’t work like Margo’s journey does.
*I enjoyed the plotlines of CPS and the dangers of losing her child and life but it felt incredibly easy to get out of. SW is FOREVER. And it’s dangerous. So in general it felt too “sunshine-y” and unrealistic
*The fact she met a man on OF to then have him fly out and date him? To then stop dating him and they’re starting a company together? Insane and dangerous storyline that had me wanting to throttle the authour.
*She got doxxed and I really appreciate this storyline but the dangerousness of it didn’t land but it was more inconvenient and embarrassing. And then she doxxes herself to a client to hook up with?? UGH.
Overall I know the authour had a fun idea and interviewed swers for it but the nuance wasn’t there enough to make me feel like it was truly done by someone in the industry (because it wasn’t) and that was glaring. It makes me worry for young women to see this message and think it’s easy, it won’t follow them for life, etc. I absolutely love sw and there should always be fun and light and connection which was there but it wasn’t underlined with the cons in a way that felt serious and for that it loses a couple stars.
Old Soul by Susan Barker
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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
4.0
This was an excepted and wild ride that took me places I never would have guessed. Old Soul takes the trope of a beautiful woman who passes through time, think Addie LaRue and The Age of Adaline (why is it always that name)? Instead of taking the turn we have come to except from a character of this caliber, Susan Barker gives us a more complex and sinister character and delves into a myriad of horror aspects.
I absolutely love the way that this is written from the prose to stylistic techniques and even point of view. We have a present point of view that is a thread throughout the book while each rotating chapter gives us a testimony from someone who was affected by our ghoulish antagonist Eve. It is written like a crime procedural in this way without ever being boring or making me wish we were in present day again. I truly cannot tell you which aspect of the book I loved more as the testimonies were so unbelievably riveting while adding context to the agonizing present day storyline that had me at the edge of my seat/bed.
It was a weird, in a good way, choice to give us an antagonist with no true main character. There were a slew of characters introduced that could be considered a “main” but our Eve was the antagonist to humanity in general and I loved that perspective.
The ending isn’t a miss for me but WOAH, it was harsh. It reads like a gothic thriller or a ghost story so it could be slower for some but give yourself over to the plot and enjoy what is in front of you otherwise you’ll be missing out on a true gem. I will definitely be checking out previous and later releases from this authour, I’m hooked
I absolutely love the way that this is written from the prose to stylistic techniques and even point of view. We have a present point of view that is a thread throughout the book while each rotating chapter gives us a testimony from someone who was affected by our ghoulish antagonist Eve. It is written like a crime procedural in this way without ever being boring or making me wish we were in present day again. I truly cannot tell you which aspect of the book I loved more as the testimonies were so unbelievably riveting while adding context to the agonizing present day storyline that had me at the edge of my seat/bed.
It was a weird, in a good way, choice to give us an antagonist with no true main character. There were a slew of characters introduced that could be considered a “main” but our Eve was the antagonist to humanity in general and I loved that perspective.
The ending isn’t a miss for me but WOAH, it was harsh. It reads like a gothic thriller or a ghost story so it could be slower for some but give yourself over to the plot and enjoy what is in front of you otherwise you’ll be missing out on a true gem. I will definitely be checking out previous and later releases from this authour, I’m hooked
Shock Induction by Chuck Palahniuk
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
There’s something about reading a Chuck Palahniuk book that has me saying “Oh Chuck” about a thousand times and the first page had me cackling so much that I had to stop and read it aloud to my partner. I am always enthralled and perpetually floored by the technique and style choices Palahniuk uses to get a point across and that’s the epitome of Shock Induction.
I’ve been a fan of Palahniuk since reading Invisible Monsters Remix and have been die hard ever since, I’m a genuine believer that Palahniuk is a genius writer that few are able to actually grasp. With that being said, especially in comparison to Not Forever, But For Now, this is his most accessible read that he’s released in years.
The plot is easy to follow, the main character is loveable and the stylistic choices are hilarity built out of pure chaos and satire. For fans, Palahniuk pulls no punches but he’s also reigned in enough that the masses can enjoy and follow his commentary on the billionaires that seem to rule our world.
Also that cover!!
I’ve been a fan of Palahniuk since reading Invisible Monsters Remix and have been die hard ever since, I’m a genuine believer that Palahniuk is a genius writer that few are able to actually grasp. With that being said, especially in comparison to Not Forever, But For Now, this is his most accessible read that he’s released in years.
The plot is easy to follow, the main character is loveable and the stylistic choices are hilarity built out of pure chaos and satire. For fans, Palahniuk pulls no punches but he’s also reigned in enough that the masses can enjoy and follow his commentary on the billionaires that seem to rule our world.
Also that cover!!