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husnaibrahim_'s reviews
202 reviews
The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter
adventurous
3.0
So, I finally got around to this book, and let’s just say my feelings about it are all over the place. The thing is, I liked this book but I’m not sure I liked it well enough to actually say I enjoyed it.
Honestly, there’s a lot happening in this book, maybe even too much. It’s like a whirlwind of characters, factions, and wars right from the get-go. And I have to say, it’s a bit overwhelming. Like, couldn’t we have eased into it a bit more?
I didn’t particularly like how we didn’t really get an introduction or an insight to what was really going on. Instead, the book opened up to a full blown war with Taifa leading the charge, and it’s a struggle to keep up.
I mean, don’t get me wrong, there are some interesting moments in there. Taifa’s journey, for one, is pretty captivating. And then there was Champion Tsiory and the rage. From nobody to frontline warrior, his evolution is intense and emotional, adding some depth to the chaos.
But man, I wish there was more of a gradual introduction to the world and its characters. Jumping in blind made it tough to really get a grip on what was going on. It took me a good few chapters to start piecing things together, and by then, I was already feeling a bit lost.
I didn’t particularly like how we didn’t really get an introduction or an insight to what was really going on. Instead, the book opened up to a full blown war with Taifa leading the charge, and it’s a struggle to keep up.
I mean, don’t get me wrong, there are some interesting moments in there. Taifa’s journey, for one, is pretty captivating. And then there was Champion Tsiory and the rage. From nobody to frontline warrior, his evolution is intense and emotional, adding some depth to the chaos.
But man, I wish there was more of a gradual introduction to the world and its characters. Jumping in blind made it tough to really get a grip on what was going on. It took me a good few chapters to start piecing things together, and by then, I was already feeling a bit lost.
Genuine Lies by Nora Roberts
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
Maybe just maybe, if I had read this book before the seven husbands of Evelyn Hugo, I would have enjoyed the latter a bit more.
I loved a lot of things about this book. Starting with Eve Benedict herself! She was a standout character, flawed yet utterly captivating. The imperfections in the narrative made it all the more compelling. It was just such a perfectly imperfect book. I didn’t really clock it from start -what was going to happen to eve- so I was really shocked and completely unprepared when it happened. Particularly with Eve’s fate and Julia’s involvement but I have to say I loved the way it went down!
Julia’s reaction felt authentic, and I love how everything became way too complicated. How traverse and Nina were brought into the mix caught me off guard, but in the best possible way? I honestly never saw it coming and I’m glad.
I also like that this book gives you a little glimpse into the mundane and chaotic aspects of celebrity life. Because what do you mean sporting events were manipulated by death and that the people’s celebrity princess was also a home wrecker?! Overall, I think the complexities surrounding Eve’s status added so much depth to the narrative, making it such an engaging read.
I loved a lot of things about this book. Starting with Eve Benedict herself! She was a standout character, flawed yet utterly captivating. The imperfections in the narrative made it all the more compelling. It was just such a perfectly imperfect book. I didn’t really clock it from start -what was going to happen to eve- so I was really shocked and completely unprepared when it happened. Particularly with Eve’s fate and Julia’s involvement but I have to say I loved the way it went down!
Julia’s reaction felt authentic, and I love how everything became way too complicated. How traverse and Nina were brought into the mix caught me off guard, but in the best possible way? I honestly never saw it coming and I’m glad.
I also like that this book gives you a little glimpse into the mundane and chaotic aspects of celebrity life. Because what do you mean sporting events were manipulated by death and that the people’s celebrity princess was also a home wrecker?! Overall, I think the complexities surrounding Eve’s status added so much depth to the narrative, making it such an engaging read.
Fantasy in Death by J.D. Robb
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
3.75
I’m sorry, but a lot about this book was way too obvious to me.
Maybe it’s because I’m currently in the present, and I am reading about the future, but right from the start, right from the jump, I kept saying, “Bart was definitely killed through the holo game.” It was just glaringly obvious to me that no one broke into the apartment, no one tampered with the droid, and still, he was alone. I kept thinking, “why can’t Eve see this? It’s definitely the holo!” And the way everyone was so hesitant and surprised that it was the Holo? Come on, they were way more advanced than we currently are; because obviously, it’s the future. So why are you so surprised? It was a bit frustrating, to be honest.
Then there’s Benny. It was like he was laying it on way too thick, you know? Crying, weeping, professing his love for her—it all seemed a bit much. So imagine my surprise when it didn’t turn out to be him! I would have seen it coming if I didn’t feel he totally didn’t care much about what happened to Bart. I kept thinking, “He’s being too nonchalant and this is too much. He’s definitely the killer.” But then again, it could have also been the other guy since he wasn’t part of the group from the start. I mean, he didn’t grow up with them, and he also seemed a bit distant, so it probably is him. But then I was like, “Then it will be too obvious if it’s him because he’s the newcomer in the group.”
So I was thinking the best option Nora would’ve gone with is Benny. And I’m glad it didn’t go that way because I love it when I’m always proved wrong in crime thrillers!
And can we talk about Eve’s humor? I love it when she’s hilarious about murder. All the head jokes -seeing as Bart was literally decapitated! It was nice to move away from the trauma ones for a change.
Maybe it’s because I’m currently in the present, and I am reading about the future, but right from the start, right from the jump, I kept saying, “Bart was definitely killed through the holo game.” It was just glaringly obvious to me that no one broke into the apartment, no one tampered with the droid, and still, he was alone. I kept thinking, “why can’t Eve see this? It’s definitely the holo!” And the way everyone was so hesitant and surprised that it was the Holo? Come on, they were way more advanced than we currently are; because obviously, it’s the future. So why are you so surprised? It was a bit frustrating, to be honest.
Then there’s Benny. It was like he was laying it on way too thick, you know? Crying, weeping, professing his love for her—it all seemed a bit much. So imagine my surprise when it didn’t turn out to be him! I would have seen it coming if I didn’t feel he totally didn’t care much about what happened to Bart. I kept thinking, “He’s being too nonchalant and this is too much. He’s definitely the killer.” But then again, it could have also been the other guy since he wasn’t part of the group from the start. I mean, he didn’t grow up with them, and he also seemed a bit distant, so it probably is him. But then I was like, “Then it will be too obvious if it’s him because he’s the newcomer in the group.”
So I was thinking the best option Nora would’ve gone with is Benny. And I’m glad it didn’t go that way because I love it when I’m always proved wrong in crime thrillers!
And can we talk about Eve’s humor? I love it when she’s hilarious about murder. All the head jokes -seeing as Bart was literally decapitated! It was nice to move away from the trauma ones for a change.
A Broken People's Playlist by Chimeka Garricks
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
5.0
This was such a gem of a read! It brought back memories of another book I enjoyed called "Unbury Our Dead with Song."
I stumbled upon this book thanks to a friend's recommendation, and it really struck a chord with me. I think following the book while listening to the playlist and the audiobook was a bit of a challenge, but it added so much depth to the experience. There were times when I had to pause because it just hit me hard! Overall, I think I'd give this book a solid 10.
Plus, I guess I guess I have to admit, I'm not quite sure I can put into words how I really feel about this book just yet. It's something I need a bit more time with to properly express my thoughts and feelings about how beautiful experiencing this book was.
I stumbled upon this book thanks to a friend's recommendation, and it really struck a chord with me. I think following the book while listening to the playlist and the audiobook was a bit of a challenge, but it added so much depth to the experience. There were times when I had to pause because it just hit me hard! Overall, I think I'd give this book a solid 10.
Plus, I guess I guess I have to admit, I'm not quite sure I can put into words how I really feel about this book just yet. It's something I need a bit more time with to properly express my thoughts and feelings about how beautiful experiencing this book was.
The House in the Pines by Ana Reyes
4.5
I had such a great time listening to this! It's surprising that I've never tried any books by this author before, but now I'm definitely going to explore more of her work.
It's kind of crazy, but I actually finished this in under four hours during my transit. I'll definitely be listening to it again.
It's kind of crazy, but I actually finished this in under four hours during my transit. I'll definitely be listening to it again.
Red Island House by Andrea Lee
3.0
“Red Island House” was alright, though I’m not entirely sure if I enjoyed it as much as I thought I would, or if it just happened to be the right book to pull me out of my reading slump.
Either way, it was a good listen. I always appreciate audiobooks that are easy to follow, even if you lose track of where you left off. The narrators did an excellent job in this regard.
Either way, it was a good listen. I always appreciate audiobooks that are easy to follow, even if you lose track of where you left off. The narrators did an excellent job in this regard.