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iamnotacentipede's reviews
197 reviews
Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Törzs
2.75
So while there wasn't anything particularly WRONG with this book, I don't feel like there was anything that stuck with me after I put it down. I wished I could have gotten more information on the magic part of this world, I felt like there was so much more that could have been done and instead we get very surface level moments and information all the way throughout.
The characters are given very cookie-cutter roles and personalities and alot of the themes were just "lite" versions of genres. We don't really get to deep dive too much into feelings/thoughts because so many times we get phrases like "I couldn't focus on my emotions or else they would overwhelm me" and while it's understandable in a high action or trauma filled story, this didn't have either of those things.
Much of the plot was very easy to guess and while you can still have fun it doesn't really keep the reader entertained throughout the whole story. Overall, this was a pretty average book.
The characters are given very cookie-cutter roles and personalities and alot of the themes were just "lite" versions of genres. We don't really get to deep dive too much into feelings/thoughts because so many times we get phrases like "I couldn't focus on my emotions or else they would overwhelm me" and while it's understandable in a high action or trauma filled story, this didn't have either of those things.
Much of the plot was very easy to guess and while you can still have fun it doesn't really keep the reader entertained throughout the whole story. Overall, this was a pretty average book.
The Dreadful Tale of Prosper Redding by Alexandra Bracken
4.25
This was a fun and whimsical little story that I thoroughly enjoyed. I feel like this would have been a much better read to do around Halloween or fall time since so much of the vibes of this book had spooky themes without being outright scary.
It kinda felt like if Halloween Town and Percy Jackson were to have a love child with a splash of Paranorman thrown in. Even though this book is targeted at middle grade ages, I feel like as an adult there were still tons of fun things that are available to be appreciated. While some of the plot could be seen coming, and there were some small lulls in the story overall I think this was a very entertaining book and I can't wait for the next in the series! I wish that it didn't end on such a cliff hanger, but Prosper made for such a loveable main character that I really enjoyed seeing how his journey unfolded.
Do not come into this book hoping for lots of lore, as most of it is very base level and mostly vaguely touched upon but the story overall is still a good time if you are wanting/needing a palette cleanser and something a little spooky and adventurous before your next read!
It kinda felt like if Halloween Town and Percy Jackson were to have a love child with a splash of Paranorman thrown in. Even though this book is targeted at middle grade ages, I feel like as an adult there were still tons of fun things that are available to be appreciated. While some of the plot could be seen coming, and there were some small lulls in the story overall I think this was a very entertaining book and I can't wait for the next in the series! I wish that it didn't end on such a cliff hanger, but Prosper made for such a loveable main character that I really enjoyed seeing how his journey unfolded.
Do not come into this book hoping for lots of lore, as most of it is very base level and mostly vaguely touched upon but the story overall is still a good time if you are wanting/needing a palette cleanser and something a little spooky and adventurous before your next read!
Less by Andrew Sean Greer
1.5
I found this book very hard to get into, which is the main reason for such a low rating. Many times with this book I had no desire to pick it up and read it, and I was honestly very bored and just not connected at all to the characters.
I feel like if this written in a better way of discovery or even being reminded of what you could have had or love lost this would have been a better novel, but instead Arthur Less just wasn't a very likeable character and almost all the cast was problematic.
For a book that was less than 300 pages it felt like it took me twice as long to finish it as I should have.
I feel like if this written in a better way of discovery or even being reminded of what you could have had or love lost this would have been a better novel, but instead Arthur Less just wasn't a very likeable character and almost all the cast was problematic.
For a book that was less than 300 pages it felt like it took me twice as long to finish it as I should have.
Last Gender 1 by Rei Taki
5.0
This was a very heartfelt little manga on the topic of gender and sexuality taking place in this little bar in Japan.
I know that as a whole Japan is not as forward in gender and sexual expression, so it was nice to see this piece be made and the discussions talked about.
It's a perfect little read for anyone in the queer community who is wanting to see first hand how people are dealing and wanting to find a sense of comfort/community.
Please be warned that this is an 18+ over manga, as there are sex scenes and nudity as well as topics discussed that might require a more in depth knowledge and/or understanding.
I know that as a whole Japan is not as forward in gender and sexual expression, so it was nice to see this piece be made and the discussions talked about.
It's a perfect little read for anyone in the queer community who is wanting to see first hand how people are dealing and wanting to find a sense of comfort/community.
Please be warned that this is an 18+ over manga, as there are sex scenes and nudity as well as topics discussed that might require a more in depth knowledge and/or understanding.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
4.5
I really enjoyed reading this book, though I will admit that when I first started I was not in the best emotional state (which I guess kinda added to the themes of the read) so things were a little rocky at first. The concept of this world are very interesting and I feel like it allows the author to really express so much while making lots of political commentary while also getting lots of diversity to where the story can go.
I think for me the things that fell short was that we don't get too much information on the political play and how this world ended up this way. We get this kinda brief overview of major plot points but it seems very hard for me to accept a world where people just willingly allow their children to participate in this death match without some type of push back all while under the guise that it's to remember this long ago fought conflict. I understand that because this is a YA novel there isn't going to be too much focus on these aspects and instead shift more towards the personal struggles of our main character, but for my own personal reading enjoyment I would have liked a little more lore.
I will applaud the author for writing a character that is flawed, I feel like so many recent novels has a character that is either one extreme or the other: they either can not handle adversary and instead need to totally depend on (most often) a male character, or they are assumed to be such a badass that they can handle everything and it leads to pompous attitudes. Katniss is 100% aware that she's not the best, and several times in the book she makes mistakes and gets hurt but she also relies on herself often which I feel like a very great representation.
The way Katniss goes about her struggles reminds me very much of females in Studio Ghibli films, they are independent but also makes mistakes that they have to find a way out of.
My biggest issue with this book was that I hated the ending. There seems to be this constant flip-flop of romance and it seems like the author couldn't quite commit to if Katniss should have romantic feelings or not. I know that alot of the romance was tied to survival in the games and I know we as a reader are seeing her feelings develop over time but for me it seemed there was this disconnect. Moments while reading it seemed like things were flowing more consistently than other times and for me it felt very uneven in the progression of what to expect.
I'm sure this was the intended purpose since several times we are reminded that Katniss is not really looking for romance but then she leans into it as well, plus the setup for a possible conflict because of Gale kinda just added to the messiness of it all.
I will say that I did end up really liking the book and will continue on with the series, and I can see why so many books have followed the formula of this story because it really was a good outline of how pacing and structure of a world should be done.
I think for me the things that fell short was that we don't get too much information on the political play and how this world ended up this way. We get this kinda brief overview of major plot points but it seems very hard for me to accept a world where people just willingly allow their children to participate in this death match without some type of push back all while under the guise that it's to remember this long ago fought conflict. I understand that because this is a YA novel there isn't going to be too much focus on these aspects and instead shift more towards the personal struggles of our main character, but for my own personal reading enjoyment I would have liked a little more lore.
I will applaud the author for writing a character that is flawed, I feel like so many recent novels has a character that is either one extreme or the other: they either can not handle adversary and instead need to totally depend on (most often) a male character, or they are assumed to be such a badass that they can handle everything and it leads to pompous attitudes. Katniss is 100% aware that she's not the best, and several times in the book she makes mistakes and gets hurt but she also relies on herself often which I feel like a very great representation.
The way Katniss goes about her struggles reminds me very much of females in Studio Ghibli films, they are independent but also makes mistakes that they have to find a way out of.
My biggest issue with this book was that I hated the ending. There seems to be this constant flip-flop of romance and it seems like the author couldn't quite commit to if Katniss should have romantic feelings or not. I know that alot of the romance was tied to survival in the games and I know we as a reader are seeing her feelings develop over time but for me it seemed there was this disconnect. Moments while reading it seemed like things were flowing more consistently than other times and for me it felt very uneven in the progression of what to expect.
I'm sure this was the intended purpose since several times we are reminded that Katniss is not really looking for romance but then she leans into it as well, plus the setup for a possible conflict because of Gale kinda just added to the messiness of it all.
I will say that I did end up really liking the book and will continue on with the series, and I can see why so many books have followed the formula of this story because it really was a good outline of how pacing and structure of a world should be done.
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
4.25
This was a very cute book about a robot being in the wilderness and finding not only herself but a place within the world. Even though this book was targeted to children/middle grade I feel like this very much has things for adults such as dealing with death, mortality, racism/prejudice, found family, adoption, global warming and other big topics that may not be in most children's literature.
Now, these topics might not be mentioned in long detail but they are sprinkled in throughout the story that it's enough to not make the story feel too "childish" and still offer nice little tidbits while you are reading.
The chapters are very short and it's an easy read, and I appreciate that the book and the movie are different enough that you do not feel like you are rehashing the same story over again while still delivering on the main plot.
I will say that I enjoyed the ending to the book much better to the ending of the movie. The artwork sprinkled throughout the chapters added to the cozy whimsy of the story and overall I think this was a very good little book.
Now, these topics might not be mentioned in long detail but they are sprinkled in throughout the story that it's enough to not make the story feel too "childish" and still offer nice little tidbits while you are reading.
The chapters are very short and it's an easy read, and I appreciate that the book and the movie are different enough that you do not feel like you are rehashing the same story over again while still delivering on the main plot.
I will say that I enjoyed the ending to the book much better to the ending of the movie. The artwork sprinkled throughout the chapters added to the cozy whimsy of the story and overall I think this was a very good little book.
This Is How You Lose the Time War by Max Gladstone, Amal El-Mohtar
5.0
I am a husk after reading this. Who knew that a book that is less than 200 pages would utterly destroy me and then gently place me all back together again while still taking something out during the rebuild.
Let me first warn anyone that is not willing to go with the flow of nonsense and lack of background story telling that you will not find this book rewarding in the full way. This book was not meant to focus on the why the war was started, or the beginning or even the full descriptions of the species of Blue and Red. The main point of this book is the love that builds between these characters and how with love you can build a bridge of hate and misunderstanding.
We all effect each other in some part, "we are a mosaic" and I have never felt a book more accurately represent that than in here.
I will put on the record that in my own personal opinion that this was the better love story than Song Of Achilles, there were moments when I was literally shaking my book and DREADING scenes that my mind was filling in at what could be the worst possible outcomes. I was brought to almost tears as I was reading through these letters, and felt physical blows to my heart and lungs at how bare and raw these characters were to one another.
Again, if you are not someone who does well with poetic writing or a story that doesn't quite make sense and is more atmospheric then this might not be the book for you. But I can say that in the end I will love this book until I die. It truly was a brilliant piece of "how do you communicate with someone in secrets, but also with the passing of time/future" prompt.
Let me first warn anyone that is not willing to go with the flow of nonsense and lack of background story telling that you will not find this book rewarding in the full way. This book was not meant to focus on the why the war was started, or the beginning or even the full descriptions of the species of Blue and Red. The main point of this book is the love that builds between these characters and how with love you can build a bridge of hate and misunderstanding.
We all effect each other in some part, "we are a mosaic" and I have never felt a book more accurately represent that than in here.
I will put on the record that in my own personal opinion that this was the better love story than Song Of Achilles, there were moments when I was literally shaking my book and DREADING scenes that my mind was filling in at what could be the worst possible outcomes. I was brought to almost tears as I was reading through these letters, and felt physical blows to my heart and lungs at how bare and raw these characters were to one another.
Again, if you are not someone who does well with poetic writing or a story that doesn't quite make sense and is more atmospheric then this might not be the book for you. But I can say that in the end I will love this book until I die. It truly was a brilliant piece of "how do you communicate with someone in secrets, but also with the passing of time/future" prompt.
Sneakerhead by Amanda Eyre Ward
2.5
While this story could be very relatable to parents who are trying to connect with their kids, this came off as very clingy and helicopter parent.
Every kid wants their parent to be involved in what they find joy in, but no kid wants their parent to be so involved that they take it on for themselves and this book kinda felt like that.
Also the documenting of the whole shoe buying process seems like it was more for the mother's book deal then really trying to get involved.
I will say that anyone that tried to "get rich quick" or fell into the whole scalping mark up will find some level of enjoyment and break down to this audio book as well as anyone who has a real love for sneaker culture.
Ending on a 2.5 rating because this felt very forgettable and a little desperate of the mother which wasn't enjoyable.
Every kid wants their parent to be involved in what they find joy in, but no kid wants their parent to be so involved that they take it on for themselves and this book kinda felt like that.
Also the documenting of the whole shoe buying process seems like it was more for the mother's book deal then really trying to get involved.
I will say that anyone that tried to "get rich quick" or fell into the whole scalping mark up will find some level of enjoyment and break down to this audio book as well as anyone who has a real love for sneaker culture.
Ending on a 2.5 rating because this felt very forgettable and a little desperate of the mother which wasn't enjoyable.
The Never King by Nikki St. Crowe
2.0
95% porn and/or sexual energy, 5% plot, which is fine if that's what you are looking for but just giving a heads up.
Basically trauma 18 year old nymphomaniac finds "home" with "dark and brooding" Neverland gang -- notice the lots of air quotes because this felt very edge lord and someone trying too hard for attention/shock value. In addition to some very cringe dialogue, almost nothing is really explained. I'm sure the rest of the series will be like this but it's quick trash if you are wanting something pure spice. The whole book could have taken me a day to read if I really dedicated the time to it, but it wasn't high on list to complete quickly.
Basically trauma 18 year old nymphomaniac finds "home" with "dark and brooding" Neverland gang -- notice the lots of air quotes because this felt very edge lord and someone trying too hard for attention/shock value. In addition to some very cringe dialogue, almost nothing is really explained. I'm sure the rest of the series will be like this but it's quick trash if you are wanting something pure spice. The whole book could have taken me a day to read if I really dedicated the time to it, but it wasn't high on list to complete quickly.
Bride by Ali Hazelwood
3.5
This was a very fun fast paced book that I felt did a good job of being a nice little palette cleanser. It's trash but in a "I'm gonna have ice cream for dinner" type way. I can appreciate it for a short (it felt shorter than the page count with how quickly everything progresses through the story) read that offers something for readers to dip their toes into monster romance.
I will say that I wished the story took place over the course of the year she was meant to stay with him instead of just like 3 months, while I understand the fated couple trope I still wanted more build up. Because there was no deep build up or even description into back story and trauma so the characters felt very base. Lowe: cares for friends/family, strong/loyal, used to be architectural back round before alpha. Misery (God that name): doesn't fit in, knows self defense, prickly in temperament but loveable/loyal. And even though these descriptions seem like they could be detailed we don't get much into them.
Ending on a 3.5 final rating because I did enjoy it but I wanted more out of this. Also, the villian just seemed kinda nonsense and I wish it was worked into the story more since the "defeat" happens in less than one cheaper.
I will say that I wished the story took place over the course of the year she was meant to stay with him instead of just like 3 months, while I understand the fated couple trope I still wanted more build up. Because there was no deep build up or even description into back story and trauma so the characters felt very base. Lowe: cares for friends/family, strong/loyal, used to be architectural back round before alpha. Misery (God that name): doesn't fit in, knows self defense, prickly in temperament but loveable/loyal. And even though these descriptions seem like they could be detailed we don't get much into them.
Ending on a 3.5 final rating because I did enjoy it but I wanted more out of this. Also, the villian just seemed kinda nonsense and I wish it was worked into the story more since the "defeat" happens in less than one cheaper.