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154 reviews
Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
What I enjoyed the most about this book are the characters and relationships between them. In fact, I loved to follow older women, at their retiring age, instead of teenagers or new adults that have all their lives ahead of them. The protagonists’ age also brought to the surface many discussions around grief, love, aging, family, regret, life choices and many other topics that wouldn’t have been discussed if the characters had been younger.
Unfortunately, reading this book via audio probably wasn’t the best choice, because I wasn’t paying my full attention to what was happening in the book and therefore I didn’t grasp some plot twists nor connected much with the story. As an example, by the end of the book I still hadn’t learned the names of the protagonist nor could I tell which point of view were we reading from. For this reason, some twists didn’t hit for me as much as they could have and the overall plot was quite vague in my mind.
Nevertheless, I found the original idea quite intriguing and I am planning to do a reread of this novel in the future, but in physical format.
Unfortunately, reading this book via audio probably wasn’t the best choice, because I wasn’t paying my full attention to what was happening in the book and therefore I didn’t grasp some plot twists nor connected much with the story. As an example, by the end of the book I still hadn’t learned the names of the protagonist nor could I tell which point of view were we reading from. For this reason, some twists didn’t hit for me as much as they could have and the overall plot was quite vague in my mind.
Nevertheless, I found the original idea quite intriguing and I am planning to do a reread of this novel in the future, but in physical format.
Lies Like Wildfire by Jennifer Lynn Alvarez
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Overall, I enjoyed my experience with this book, but, even though I finished it only a couple weeks ago, I have already forgotten most of the plot. In fact, I think that this is a perfect summer read to binge in a single day, but not necessarily one that will stick with you for long.
In addition, I found some plot twist a little predictable and the general story very average.
What actually entertained me the most is probably the exploration of the toxic group of friends that we follow as main characters.
I would recommend this book when looking for a fast paced and no-brain mystery to get out of a reading slump, since the writing style flows really well and easily.
Le trame del regno by Tahereh Mafi
adventurous
slow-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
4.5
Despite of what I heard from some people about this book not being worth the hype, I really enjoyed the story, even though it moved quite slowly, especially for its first half.
The cliffhanger in the last pages left me wanting to pick up the second book immediately. Unfortunately I still haven’t gotten to the sequel, but I am planning to do so as soon as possible.
What I enjoyed a lot about this book is probably its plot, with political intrigues and scheming, but I was also particularly entertained by the romance plot, even though it still hasn’t developed yet. In fact, this book is a very slow born enemies to lovers and, by the end of the first instalment, very little had happened between the two main characters. In addition, something that came into play in the last pages will probably slow everything down even more in the series.
I also appreciated that the author invented words in a new language thought expressly for this series.
Something that scares me though, is the fact that I have seen that the second book is significantly shorter that the first one, and I am afraid that the development of the plot will be too rushed.
The cliffhanger in the last pages left me wanting to pick up the second book immediately. Unfortunately I still haven’t gotten to the sequel, but I am planning to do so as soon as possible.
What I enjoyed a lot about this book is probably its plot, with political intrigues and scheming, but I was also particularly entertained by the romance plot, even though it still hasn’t developed yet. In fact, this book is a very slow born enemies to lovers and, by the end of the first instalment, very little had happened between the two main characters. In addition, something that came into play in the last pages will probably slow everything down even more in the series.
I also appreciated that the author invented words in a new language thought expressly for this series.
Something that scares me though, is the fact that I have seen that the second book is significantly shorter that the first one, and I am afraid that the development of the plot will be too rushed.
Il Custode by Francesca Tamburini
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
4.0
I bought this book because of the love that I have for the author, an Italian writer that I have been following on social media since I was a child. I was very intrigued when I found out she was coming out with her own novel, but I wanted to go into the book without knowing anything about it.
The characters are what I connected with the most, and I felt seen by many of the protagonist’s, Leo, thoughts. In fact, I appreciated the discussions about feeling like you don’t belong anywhere or getting bullied or judged for who you are.
The plot was very engaging, especially in the last 150 pages, when the story took an unexpected turn that I absolutely adored. Some plot twists were predictable but that didn’t take the enjoyment away from the book.
Even though this book has been thought to be a standalone, the ending leaves many doors open in case the author ever wanted to continue with Leo’s story, as I suspect.
Unfortunately, since the author is Italian, there isn’t any English edition about this book, but if any of you are fluent in this language, I really recommend trying this novel out.
The characters are what I connected with the most, and I felt seen by many of the protagonist’s, Leo, thoughts. In fact, I appreciated the discussions about feeling like you don’t belong anywhere or getting bullied or judged for who you are.
The plot was very engaging, especially in the last 150 pages, when the story took an unexpected turn that I absolutely adored. Some plot twists were predictable but that didn’t take the enjoyment away from the book.
Even though this book has been thought to be a standalone, the ending leaves many doors open in case the author ever wanted to continue with Leo’s story, as I suspect.
Unfortunately, since the author is Italian, there isn’t any English edition about this book, but if any of you are fluent in this language, I really recommend trying this novel out.
Taylor Swift is Life by Kathleen Perricone
lighthearted
4.0
This book is the perfect palate cleanser between challenging reads, perfect for all the swifties who want to find out more about their favourite blondie. It is a very quick read, perfect even for people who usually don’t read much.
I enjoyed a lot the biography part but what had me mostly excited was her discography. I loved reading about all the albums (even the tortured poet’s department is included) and their covers, titles, lyrics and other anecdotes.
I found the explanation about the different Easter eggs particularly helpful to take some of the hints that Taylor dropped without me noticing.
Last but not least, I appreciated the idea of putting a “Taylorscope” in the end, that assigned a song from Tay to each zodiac sign with even an explanation and description.
To sum up, I would recommend this book particularly to those who are new to this fandom or want to discover more about Taylor both as a person and as an artist.
I enjoyed a lot the biography part but what had me mostly excited was her discography. I loved reading about all the albums (even the tortured poet’s department is included) and their covers, titles, lyrics and other anecdotes.
I found the explanation about the different Easter eggs particularly helpful to take some of the hints that Taylor dropped without me noticing.
Last but not least, I appreciated the idea of putting a “Taylorscope” in the end, that assigned a song from Tay to each zodiac sign with even an explanation and description.
To sum up, I would recommend this book particularly to those who are new to this fandom or want to discover more about Taylor both as a person and as an artist.
Aurora Burning by Jay Kristoff, Amie Kaufman
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I really enjoyed listening to this book and what kept me hooked the most were the characters’ interactions and their unconventional found family. Objectively the plot is also well thought out and developed as the many intrigues between the different planets but, to be honest, I didn’t pay much attention to it while listening. In fact, I think that reading this book has been a pleasant experience and especially listening to it (thanks to the full cast of narrators), but it probably isn’t something I will think about ever again. Nevertheless, I recommend it to those who are dipping their toes into the sci-fi genre and are not bothered by YA books that actually feel YA.
You Could Be So Pretty by Holly Bourne
challenging
emotional
inspiring
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Even though I gave 5 stars to this book, I cannot say that reading it has been an enjoyable experience. In fact, this novel made me often feel uncomfortable and sometimes it hit too close to home. In fact, even though I believe that everyone should read it at least once in their lifetime, I must warn you to check the trigger warnings before getting into it. Personally, if I had read it a couple years ago, I would’ve been destroyed by it.
The book should become a feminist manifesto because, as the author said at the end, that is not dystopia but our sad reality. It centres body and beauty standards in our society, it questions our way of viewing women, sex, love and many other things. It’s not just a beautiful story of two girls finding themselves, but also an invitation to consider how many of the things they say seem exaggerated but are actually part of our culture.
The author writing also really struck me and her way to represent perfectly how girls feel everyday.
I’m really looking forward to reading another of her books, but I have to wait to be in the mood for it otherwise I won’t be able to stand the read.
The book should become a feminist manifesto because, as the author said at the end, that is not dystopia but our sad reality. It centres body and beauty standards in our society, it questions our way of viewing women, sex, love and many other things. It’s not just a beautiful story of two girls finding themselves, but also an invitation to consider how many of the things they say seem exaggerated but are actually part of our culture.
The author writing also really struck me and her way to represent perfectly how girls feel everyday.
I’m really looking forward to reading another of her books, but I have to wait to be in the mood for it otherwise I won’t be able to stand the read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Sexual assault, Body shaming, and Sexism
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling
adventurous
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? Yes
4.25
This is the first book in the saga that I hadn’t read before and I am really glad I decided to, because, contrarily to what happens in the movie, in this instalment the pieces of the puzzle finally start to come together. The plot escalated and, by the end of the novel, the tension had build up enormously. In addition, even though this book is 800 pages long, it didn’t seem so long because the characters were never left without something to do since many different storylines were developing at once. Nevertheless, the experience of reading this book has not been completely enjoyable for me. This is due to the fact that I personally do not like reading about a frustrating character like Umbridge, who should be by the protagonist’s side but is actually just putting a stick in his wheel. In addition, I didn’t particularly appreciated being in Harry’s mind and reading from his point of view. In fact, I found him offer irritating and his thoughts were often selfish, egocentric and childish. Despite this, I loved to finally understand some plot points and I cannot wait to get to the next instalment.
Aurora's End by Jay Kristoff, Amie Kaufman
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I think that this last book is the best of the trilogy but also the most complicated one. I often felt disoriented and I am still not sure I grasped every information necessary to understand the plot twists fully, but overall I had lots of fun whilst reading it. There were in fact many storylines developing all at once and the continue change of POV confused me sometimes.
Just like in the other two instalments, what stand out to me the most were the protagonists and their banters and found family. I probably won’t think again about the plot of this trilogy, but I will never forget about its cast. I also particularly enjoyed the humor in this books, but I can understand that it’s not for everyone. In fact, this novels are YA and really feel YA and, personally I don’t care about it since I love YA, but others may find the characters childish or irritating.
I would say that this trilogy is perfect if you want to start reading sci fi without having to commit to huge series.
Just like in the other two instalments, what stand out to me the most were the protagonists and their banters and found family. I probably won’t think again about the plot of this trilogy, but I will never forget about its cast. I also particularly enjoyed the humor in this books, but I can understand that it’s not for everyone. In fact, this novels are YA and really feel YA and, personally I don’t care about it since I love YA, but others may find the characters childish or irritating.
I would say that this trilogy is perfect if you want to start reading sci fi without having to commit to huge series.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
As I noticed also in the previous Harry Potter book, the beginning is quite slow and I found challenging to get through the middle part. Nevertheless, as soon as I hit the 400 page mark, I couldn’t stop reading. The last 200 were in fact particularly intriguing and, since, when I was little, I never finished the saga and stopped at this fourth book, now I cannot wait to continue with the next instalment. The characters and setting always feel like home and, despite having seen the film, I was surprised by some plot twist that weren’t included or well-explained in the adaptation.