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husnaibrahim_'s reviews
202 reviews
Kindred in Death by J.D. Robb
4.5
I remember after finishing “Promises in Death,” I wondered why Eve’s investigations rarely involved children or teenagers as victims. So It definitely piqued my interest to see precisely that in this book.
One aspect that drew me in was the strong focus on Eve's personal life, her interactions with friends and family. Just like in the previous book, the influence her friends always seem to have on the plot is consistently refreshing. Plus, if I’m being honest, witnessing her social awkwardness always adds an endearing quality.
Also, Jamie's role in this one was a highlight. Yet, I wish it didn’t always have to be linked to the loss of a loved one. He’s still quite young, and the recurring trauma could potentially affect him negatively in the future.
Apart from that, I honestly found almost everything about this book to be enjoyable. From the handling of the case to the wedding of our ever-dedicated resident doctor. It was all such a delightful and touching experience to read.
One aspect that drew me in was the strong focus on Eve's personal life, her interactions with friends and family. Just like in the previous book, the influence her friends always seem to have on the plot is consistently refreshing. Plus, if I’m being honest, witnessing her social awkwardness always adds an endearing quality.
Also, Jamie's role in this one was a highlight. Yet, I wish it didn’t always have to be linked to the loss of a loved one. He’s still quite young, and the recurring trauma could potentially affect him negatively in the future.
Apart from that, I honestly found almost everything about this book to be enjoyable. From the handling of the case to the wedding of our ever-dedicated resident doctor. It was all such a delightful and touching experience to read.
The Falcon by Isabella Maldonado
3.75
While I'm quite fond of this series and our very own FBI agent Nina Guerrera, I'm not entirely sure I enjoyed this one as much as the first two (I considered the first two as five star reads).
This time around, it seemed to lack some of the thrills I was hoping for, even though I had been looking forward to how Bianca would fit into the story. However, I must admit, the serial killer in this book was truly something. The entire Egyptian theme was quite eerie, and the identity of the killer caught me by surprise. I honestly didn’t guess it would be him.
My suspicions initially focused on the first two suspects, maybe because I didn’t take a liking to them right from the start. That said, I did appreciate that we got to explore Nina's emotional side a bit more. As for what's coming next, I’m hoping there’s another book and I'm eager to see who I'd prefer her with - Perez or Kent, though I’m currently leaning more towards Perez.
One aspect that bothered me the most was Breck’s capabilities. I'm not questioning her skills or what FBI agents can uncover in certain situations, but it often felt like she was holding back. She'd find something and not immediately share it, leaving it for Wade or Kent to analyze, and then she’d say, “Hold on, I actually found this earlier,” or “I think I have precisely what you’re looking for.”
Nonetheless, aside from these concerns and a few minor issues, I have to say it was reasonably satisfactory. It just didn't quite carry the same level of excitement as the first two books, if I’m entirely honest. Still, I’m eagerly anticipating the next case they tackle and seeing how Bianca manages her graduate program.
This time around, it seemed to lack some of the thrills I was hoping for, even though I had been looking forward to how Bianca would fit into the story. However, I must admit, the serial killer in this book was truly something. The entire Egyptian theme was quite eerie, and the identity of the killer caught me by surprise. I honestly didn’t guess it would be him.
My suspicions initially focused on the first two suspects, maybe because I didn’t take a liking to them right from the start. That said, I did appreciate that we got to explore Nina's emotional side a bit more. As for what's coming next, I’m hoping there’s another book and I'm eager to see who I'd prefer her with - Perez or Kent, though I’m currently leaning more towards Perez.
One aspect that bothered me the most was Breck’s capabilities. I'm not questioning her skills or what FBI agents can uncover in certain situations, but it often felt like she was holding back. She'd find something and not immediately share it, leaving it for Wade or Kent to analyze, and then she’d say, “Hold on, I actually found this earlier,” or “I think I have precisely what you’re looking for.”
Nonetheless, aside from these concerns and a few minor issues, I have to say it was reasonably satisfactory. It just didn't quite carry the same level of excitement as the first two books, if I’m entirely honest. Still, I’m eagerly anticipating the next case they tackle and seeing how Bianca manages her graduate program.
No Peace, No Quiet: A Crime Thriller by Harper Shaw
1.5
This is one of the most frustrating books I’ve encountered in a while. Not because the murder mystery was some kind of brain-twister, but because the writing style made the female main character almost unbearable.
As I listened to the audiobook, one consistent thing kept going through my head “Why is it so repetitive?? She keeps saying the same thing. And If she genuinely trusts Andy, why hasn’t she confided in him about the road incident? I mean shes clearly an amateur, so she can’t solve this issue alone!”
I can’t blame the narrator for this, as it’s clearly an issue with the book’s structure. Because this book is poorly written. Roughly 60% of the content felt like recycled filler, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a sentence that didn’t reappear at least three times, if not more, throughout the book.
The only thing I liked was her finally learning more about her parents from Aaron. But, on that note, what in the world did she and her uncle ever discuss if her parents were never brought up? It’s baffling that she had to rely on a stranger to fill in the most basic details.
Then there’s the core plot, the murder of her uncle, and her trying to solve it. Which was fine especially with the help of Andy but what was sorely lacking was more background information. We needed at least one chapter to fill in the gaps about her life before leaving town, her life during visits to her uncle, her childhood friendship with Andy, and so on.
Because while it was believable that he loved her because they were childhood best friends, it was hard to connect with them. She came across as somewhat cowardly, playing the scaredy-cat, and he seemed to emerge out of thin air. Plus as I said, no background information whatsoever.
I’m just so annoyed I stuck with the book, despite my inner debate about giving up on it, because I genuinely wanted to know who and why her parents and uncle were murdered. I even started settling into the book and enjoying the interactions between Andy and her. But when I finally discovered the reasons behind the murders, I was mad all over again. Because that was the most useless and twisted reason. Perhaps it might have worked in a different situation or context, but in this scenario, it felt poorly executed and left me doubting the credibility of the culprits and their motives.
Then there was how they were rescued in the ending! It might have worked if the book was set up to be more of an FBI thriller or if we got introduced to them somewhat in the middle but out of nowhere? Yeah it just doesn’t make sense.
In the end, this book feels like a mystery that aims for shock value but misses the mark. It’s akin to putting together the best episodes from an FBI series but the pieces didn’t fit together seamlessly. Also with not much substance holding it together, if that makes sense.
That’s why, while I hate to be so harsh, I can’t help but think this is probably the worst book I’ve encountered this year.encountered this year.
As I listened to the audiobook, one consistent thing kept going through my head “Why is it so repetitive?? She keeps saying the same thing. And If she genuinely trusts Andy, why hasn’t she confided in him about the road incident? I mean shes clearly an amateur, so she can’t solve this issue alone!”
I can’t blame the narrator for this, as it’s clearly an issue with the book’s structure. Because this book is poorly written. Roughly 60% of the content felt like recycled filler, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a sentence that didn’t reappear at least three times, if not more, throughout the book.
The only thing I liked was her finally learning more about her parents from Aaron. But, on that note, what in the world did she and her uncle ever discuss if her parents were never brought up? It’s baffling that she had to rely on a stranger to fill in the most basic details.
Then there’s the core plot, the murder of her uncle, and her trying to solve it. Which was fine especially with the help of Andy but what was sorely lacking was more background information. We needed at least one chapter to fill in the gaps about her life before leaving town, her life during visits to her uncle, her childhood friendship with Andy, and so on.
Because while it was believable that he loved her because they were childhood best friends, it was hard to connect with them. She came across as somewhat cowardly, playing the scaredy-cat, and he seemed to emerge out of thin air. Plus as I said, no background information whatsoever.
I’m just so annoyed I stuck with the book, despite my inner debate about giving up on it, because I genuinely wanted to know who and why her parents and uncle were murdered. I even started settling into the book and enjoying the interactions between Andy and her. But when I finally discovered the reasons behind the murders, I was mad all over again. Because that was the most useless and twisted reason. Perhaps it might have worked in a different situation or context, but in this scenario, it felt poorly executed and left me doubting the credibility of the culprits and their motives.
Then there was how they were rescued in the ending! It might have worked if the book was set up to be more of an FBI thriller or if we got introduced to them somewhat in the middle but out of nowhere? Yeah it just doesn’t make sense.
In the end, this book feels like a mystery that aims for shock value but misses the mark. It’s akin to putting together the best episodes from an FBI series but the pieces didn’t fit together seamlessly. Also with not much substance holding it together, if that makes sense.
That’s why, while I hate to be so harsh, I can’t help but think this is probably the worst book I’ve encountered this year.encountered this year.
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
4.25
I’m glad I gave this book a second chance by opting for the audiobook this time. I definitely enjoyed it more than my first attempt. Now, I’m actually looking forward to reading the second book. Maybe this time, I’ll try reading while also listening to the audiobook simultaneously.
Bitter Truth by C.J. Carmichael
3.75
While I do acknowledge that this book is better written and structured than the first one, I can't help but wish it didn't throw so many twists and turns at us.
Sure, small towns are rarely as simple as they seem, and people harbor family secrets. But goodness, this book takes complexity to a whole new level. The amount of intrigue and hidden secrets is astonishing.
So much unfolds in this story. I know Doctor Pittman seems to have evaded justice, but I can't help but think his respite won't last. I'm not buying his version of Aunt Marsha being a master manipulator and him being at her mercy’s end.
Then there's the whole tangled web of love affairs involving Lacy, Jack, and the school principal. It’s a lot to take in, just like Justin’s current situation. I genuinely hope he manages to overcome it.
I’m genuinely excited about the next book. I can’t wait to see Zak, maybe as a deputy at the very least. I know many people encourage him to aim for sheriff, but I'm not sure how realistic that is. He might face resistance from the old-timers in the police department. Well, except for Nadine, as it's clear Deputy Black has a soft spot for him. I’m eager to see where their relationship goes in the next book and whether they’ll decide to take the plunge and move in together. Maybe then I’ll finally enjoy a bit of romance in this book, as I’m definitely not a Tiff and Kenny shipper.
Sure, small towns are rarely as simple as they seem, and people harbor family secrets. But goodness, this book takes complexity to a whole new level. The amount of intrigue and hidden secrets is astonishing.
So much unfolds in this story. I know Doctor Pittman seems to have evaded justice, but I can't help but think his respite won't last. I'm not buying his version of Aunt Marsha being a master manipulator and him being at her mercy’s end.
Then there's the whole tangled web of love affairs involving Lacy, Jack, and the school principal. It’s a lot to take in, just like Justin’s current situation. I genuinely hope he manages to overcome it.
I’m genuinely excited about the next book. I can’t wait to see Zak, maybe as a deputy at the very least. I know many people encourage him to aim for sheriff, but I'm not sure how realistic that is. He might face resistance from the old-timers in the police department. Well, except for Nadine, as it's clear Deputy Black has a soft spot for him. I’m eager to see where their relationship goes in the next book and whether they’ll decide to take the plunge and move in together. Maybe then I’ll finally enjoy a bit of romance in this book, as I’m definitely not a Tiff and Kenny shipper.
Honest Illusions by Nora Roberts
4.25
The way this book is structured is so different and confusing but I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way.
I loved almost everything about this book. I mean I'm no stranger to Nora's writing style, having read numerous works under her real name and her pseudonym in the "In Death" series. I found that this book shares a similar structure with “The Witness” and “Shelter in Place,” two of my favorite books by her. So, I’m not surprised I was naturally hooked from the get-go.
First and foremost, I have to say I loved the Nouvelles. They aren’t your typically normal family, but their unique dynamics, from Max down to Mouse, are oddly perfect. Their lifestyle, as part magicians and part elite thieves, had me hooked honestly. I liked how their easily welcoming nature, especially to stray children, brought us Luke, and that was a significant part of what made them endearing.
Now, Luke and Roxanne might not be conventionally perfect characters, but that’s what makes them so compelling. I think they were both complicated characters that made tough decisions in difficult situations even though that might not have been what was best for either of them, but they had immense backbone. I think if this were any other book, I would have been weirded out with their family dynamic and relationship dynamic when it came to each other. But Nora makes it work here, and I guess that simmering sexual tension doesn't hurt also.
That’s probably why, despite everything that unfolded in the middle and latter parts of the book, I still found myself rooting for them. Okay so, perhaps Luke could've groveled a little bit more, or tried a different approach to make amends. Because I expected more from him especially with people like that Finestein guy and lily in his life.
Speaking of Lily, I adored her character and what she brought to the story. She's a master of using her womanly charms to her advantage, and I couldn't help but admire her for it. I'm also glad nothing romantic happened between her and the Finestein guy, as I was getting that vibe, and it would have pissed me off if it happened. Because Max, although no longer physically present, remains irreplaceable. He was an extraordinary man and father, which added to the depth and I just love everything about this book honestly.
Now, after indulging in the “In Death” series, I've grown used to revisiting characters in their later books. So Sometimes I forget, and it saddens me when I finish a stand-alone book by this author, realizing that’s the end of the story. But such is life.
I loved almost everything about this book. I mean I'm no stranger to Nora's writing style, having read numerous works under her real name and her pseudonym in the "In Death" series. I found that this book shares a similar structure with “The Witness” and “Shelter in Place,” two of my favorite books by her. So, I’m not surprised I was naturally hooked from the get-go.
First and foremost, I have to say I loved the Nouvelles. They aren’t your typically normal family, but their unique dynamics, from Max down to Mouse, are oddly perfect. Their lifestyle, as part magicians and part elite thieves, had me hooked honestly. I liked how their easily welcoming nature, especially to stray children, brought us Luke, and that was a significant part of what made them endearing.
Now, Luke and Roxanne might not be conventionally perfect characters, but that’s what makes them so compelling. I think they were both complicated characters that made tough decisions in difficult situations even though that might not have been what was best for either of them, but they had immense backbone. I think if this were any other book, I would have been weirded out with their family dynamic and relationship dynamic when it came to each other. But Nora makes it work here, and I guess that simmering sexual tension doesn't hurt also.
That’s probably why, despite everything that unfolded in the middle and latter parts of the book, I still found myself rooting for them. Okay so, perhaps Luke could've groveled a little bit more, or tried a different approach to make amends. Because I expected more from him especially with people like that Finestein guy and lily in his life.
Speaking of Lily, I adored her character and what she brought to the story. She's a master of using her womanly charms to her advantage, and I couldn't help but admire her for it. I'm also glad nothing romantic happened between her and the Finestein guy, as I was getting that vibe, and it would have pissed me off if it happened. Because Max, although no longer physically present, remains irreplaceable. He was an extraordinary man and father, which added to the depth and I just love everything about this book honestly.
Now, after indulging in the “In Death” series, I've grown used to revisiting characters in their later books. So Sometimes I forget, and it saddens me when I finish a stand-alone book by this author, realizing that’s the end of the story. But such is life.
A Loving Perspective by Elle Driver
3.5
This was a good story and the narrator made it so much better. I just wish the ending didn’t feel so rushed. I also needed to see Anika actually being the person compromising because it felt like Jason was the only one doing that. They were really cute though
The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories by Ken Liu
3.5
I read this because it was recommended to me by a friend. This story was touching and the whole Origami thing was just such a beautiful addition to the story.
However, I didn’t like the protagonist at all. The only thing I truly liked about this story was his mum. The way the book is written, you can’t help thinking it’s a beautiful story, really connect and also genuinely feel for the mum but also still be unable to see past Jacks flaws. I know the ending is supposed to provide some closure and show us how he is now trying to do things right but I can’t help but feel it’s far too late and far too little.
Maybe it’s the whole racism and internalised xenophobia that just didn’t sit right with me or maybe I’m being too narrow minded about this and can’t really see what the story is trying to say. Either way it was an okay book for me.
However, I didn’t like the protagonist at all. The only thing I truly liked about this story was his mum. The way the book is written, you can’t help thinking it’s a beautiful story, really connect and also genuinely feel for the mum but also still be unable to see past Jacks flaws. I know the ending is supposed to provide some closure and show us how he is now trying to do things right but I can’t help but feel it’s far too late and far too little.
Maybe it’s the whole racism and internalised xenophobia that just didn’t sit right with me or maybe I’m being too narrow minded about this and can’t really see what the story is trying to say. Either way it was an okay book for me.
Missing in Death by J.D. Robb
3.75
The day Eve Dallas breaks through her denial, embracing the existence of things beyond her world, beyond her understanding and belief system, is when the novellas in this series would truly become interesting.