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husnaibrahim_'s reviews
202 reviews
The Devil's Song by Lauren Stahl
3.5
This book had me going THROUGH IT!!
At first I felt it was a bit slow, but after a chapter or two, the story picked up momentum. I also didn’t think we’d get that small bit of romance that almost every triller book with a female as the mc has but I was wrong. And I must admit I enjoyed the male lead just as much.
At some point in the beginning of the book, I can remember thinking, 'Why is she keeping this important information to herself? What if the killer strikes at her before she cracks the case? How can she expect Sam to figure it out?' It bothered and infuriated me that she didn't confide in anyone, not even her poor intern, who was meant to be her partner, or Tess, who raised suspicions even before Sam caught on. And I was really curious to learn how Tess was tied into all that shit because it really wasn’t looking too good for her.
One trope that often irks me in books is the miscommunication between characters, especially during the climax. And it always starts by one or both parties keeping something from the other all in the name of ‘protecting them’. So Sam's decision to withhold the detail about the dog hair and his impulsive arrest, without any sort of discussion with Kate, left me really angry and overall frustrated. I mean, she's not just a random civilian; she's a prosecutor. THE prosecutor on the case for that matter. Which means that they definitely could have at least had a conversation, even if she disagreed with his theory.
But I’m glad even when she was reeling from all that went down, she still persevered with her investigation. Tess might have been guilty of something, but it certainly wasn't murder. Then there was Nick, and I became increasingly annoyed with Sam, perhaps because I felt betrayed too. So his actions towards that Cox guy and his slow responses to Nick's hints and purposeful questions after all that happened just grated on me.
Then on top of it all was the breakdown of trust between Sam and Kate. Everything was making me sooo angry because I hate when investigators work alone especially when It seemed evident that working the case together would have been more efficient, especially when they knew they were potentially in danger. And then Kate's ill-advised solo trip to the cemetery only added to the frustration. Because why would she go to the cemetery all alone saying the police would take too long? Atleast inform them while you are on your way then!!
Anyway, I think my annoyance reached its peak at the misunderstanding that hung over the story. It felt somewhat forced, although it made sense from both characters' perspectives. At least Kate eventually realized her folly, but Sam's justifications for his faults just left me unsatisfied. I mean it Doesn’t matter if he had evidence. Showing a bit of loyalty to Kate by informing her beforehand would have been the smart move to make!
But I guess books don't always unfold as we wish, and while I was left somewhat frustrated, I still hope for a second book. I'm curious to see how Cox and her dad's situation unfolds.
At first I felt it was a bit slow, but after a chapter or two, the story picked up momentum. I also didn’t think we’d get that small bit of romance that almost every triller book with a female as the mc has but I was wrong. And I must admit I enjoyed the male lead just as much.
At some point in the beginning of the book, I can remember thinking, 'Why is she keeping this important information to herself? What if the killer strikes at her before she cracks the case? How can she expect Sam to figure it out?' It bothered and infuriated me that she didn't confide in anyone, not even her poor intern, who was meant to be her partner, or Tess, who raised suspicions even before Sam caught on. And I was really curious to learn how Tess was tied into all that shit because it really wasn’t looking too good for her.
One trope that often irks me in books is the miscommunication between characters, especially during the climax. And it always starts by one or both parties keeping something from the other all in the name of ‘protecting them’. So Sam's decision to withhold the detail about the dog hair and his impulsive arrest, without any sort of discussion with Kate, left me really angry and overall frustrated. I mean, she's not just a random civilian; she's a prosecutor. THE prosecutor on the case for that matter. Which means that they definitely could have at least had a conversation, even if she disagreed with his theory.
But I’m glad even when she was reeling from all that went down, she still persevered with her investigation. Tess might have been guilty of something, but it certainly wasn't murder. Then there was Nick, and I became increasingly annoyed with Sam, perhaps because I felt betrayed too. So his actions towards that Cox guy and his slow responses to Nick's hints and purposeful questions after all that happened just grated on me.
Then on top of it all was the breakdown of trust between Sam and Kate. Everything was making me sooo angry because I hate when investigators work alone especially when It seemed evident that working the case together would have been more efficient, especially when they knew they were potentially in danger. And then Kate's ill-advised solo trip to the cemetery only added to the frustration. Because why would she go to the cemetery all alone saying the police would take too long? Atleast inform them while you are on your way then!!
Anyway, I think my annoyance reached its peak at the misunderstanding that hung over the story. It felt somewhat forced, although it made sense from both characters' perspectives. At least Kate eventually realized her folly, but Sam's justifications for his faults just left me unsatisfied. I mean it Doesn’t matter if he had evidence. Showing a bit of loyalty to Kate by informing her beforehand would have been the smart move to make!
But I guess books don't always unfold as we wish, and while I was left somewhat frustrated, I still hope for a second book. I'm curious to see how Cox and her dad's situation unfolds.
A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross
4.0
Surprisingly, I ended up enjoying this book more than I initially expected.
In the first few chapters, I found myself questioning whether I should root for the main characters. Adaira's actions, making him give up everything he had worked for, were off-putting. I just kept thinking: ‘Am I supposed to root for them when she’s happy she made him give up everything he had been working for thus far to rush home only to realize he’s been misled??? These are the things that turn readers off from shipping the mc’s’. Yet, as the story progressed, my perspective changed. Adaira and Jack both grew on me, along with the side characters, Mirin and Sidra.
The bond they shared, especially the concern Jack showed for Frae, was heartwarming. I particularly loved how she looked up to him, even though he had never been in her life before. Her unwavering trust that he would save her when the 'spirits,' or rather the Breccans, came for her, was touching.
Speaking of the spirits, I found them somewhat annoying. The cryptic elements and the influence of the northern wind on them felt underdeveloped. Moreover, their immediate attraction to Adaira, with both her and Jack failing to question the repeated phrase 'it’s her,' felt like a missed opportunity.
Then the story's pace seemed to accelerate rapidly with so much happening at once - the Breccans' involvement, their knowledge of Adaira's heritage, and the complex exchanges at the end, leading to the decision to leave everything behind and venture into another world.
So at the end of the day, all of this left me feeling rather frustrated. I'm not entirely sure if I'm eagerly anticipating the second book, as it appears numerous plot points would need to be resolved swiftly, and I'm honestly uncertain if they can all be adequately addressed. I’m just not sure how much justice can be done to it.
In the first few chapters, I found myself questioning whether I should root for the main characters. Adaira's actions, making him give up everything he had worked for, were off-putting. I just kept thinking: ‘Am I supposed to root for them when she’s happy she made him give up everything he had been working for thus far to rush home only to realize he’s been misled??? These are the things that turn readers off from shipping the mc’s’. Yet, as the story progressed, my perspective changed. Adaira and Jack both grew on me, along with the side characters, Mirin and Sidra.
The bond they shared, especially the concern Jack showed for Frae, was heartwarming. I particularly loved how she looked up to him, even though he had never been in her life before. Her unwavering trust that he would save her when the 'spirits,' or rather the Breccans, came for her, was touching.
Speaking of the spirits, I found them somewhat annoying. The cryptic elements and the influence of the northern wind on them felt underdeveloped. Moreover, their immediate attraction to Adaira, with both her and Jack failing to question the repeated phrase 'it’s her,' felt like a missed opportunity.
Then the story's pace seemed to accelerate rapidly with so much happening at once - the Breccans' involvement, their knowledge of Adaira's heritage, and the complex exchanges at the end, leading to the decision to leave everything behind and venture into another world.
So at the end of the day, all of this left me feeling rather frustrated. I'm not entirely sure if I'm eagerly anticipating the second book, as it appears numerous plot points would need to be resolved swiftly, and I'm honestly uncertain if they can all be adequately addressed. I’m just not sure how much justice can be done to it.
Emerald Fire by Monica McCabe
4.5
This book kept me engaged, and even though it seemed a bit drawn out, it somehow managed to maintain its suspenseful nature. Initially, I expected it to be a fantasy book because that was the vibe I was getting from it but I was surprised when it didn’t turn out that way.
I liked Chloe and Finn together, yet I found a stronger connection with Chloe when she was on her own. Even though Finn’s infatuation provided both endearing and amusing moments, I felt that this is the sort of book that requires a second book. Mostly because romance is one of its strongest plots, but it left me wanting more individual and joint character development.
Nevertheless, the book’s subplots were compelling. Witnessing the downfall of Lisa was satisfying, and I wished for Owen to face a similar fate. It felt like he got off too easily, but life doesn’t always serve the justice we desire.
I liked Chloe and Finn together, yet I found a stronger connection with Chloe when she was on her own. Even though Finn’s infatuation provided both endearing and amusing moments, I felt that this is the sort of book that requires a second book. Mostly because romance is one of its strongest plots, but it left me wanting more individual and joint character development.
Nevertheless, the book’s subplots were compelling. Witnessing the downfall of Lisa was satisfying, and I wished for Owen to face a similar fate. It felt like he got off too easily, but life doesn’t always serve the justice we desire.