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iamnotacentipede's reviews
198 reviews
Beauty Reborn by Elizabeth Lowham
3.75
Let me first start off by saying that I do not read alot of Beauty and the Beast retellings often, so my experience with this story will be very different than someone who reads them on the regular.
I went into this story totally blind (as I try to do with most) and I will say that while the plot was very mid tier the characters were kinda what drove this whole story.
This is by no means the most amazing book out there, but it was wholesome and charming in the way that watching your favorite childhood movie makes you feel.
I don't want to say cozy because there were triggering content in this story, and while it wasn't DARK by any means it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows in here.
What I really enjoyed was a change of pace to the original Disney story and I ABSOLUTELY LOVED that the Beast character was so soft and gentle. The way he was written was so adorable that I couldn't help smiling at almost all of his dialogue.
Ending on a 3.75 because the story was fresh enough for me and I found myself WANTING to consume this so quickly but the world building and characters were very one note. Do not go into this book if you are wanting fantastical fantasy and in depth development, but if you are wanting a very cute story to make you smile and bring warmth into your reads this book will find it's place there.
I went into this story totally blind (as I try to do with most) and I will say that while the plot was very mid tier the characters were kinda what drove this whole story.
This is by no means the most amazing book out there, but it was wholesome and charming in the way that watching your favorite childhood movie makes you feel.
I don't want to say cozy because there were triggering content in this story, and while it wasn't DARK by any means it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows in here.
What I really enjoyed was a change of pace to the original Disney story and I ABSOLUTELY LOVED that the Beast character was so soft and gentle. The way he was written was so adorable that I couldn't help smiling at almost all of his dialogue.
Ending on a 3.75 because the story was fresh enough for me and I found myself WANTING to consume this so quickly but the world building and characters were very one note. Do not go into this book if you are wanting fantastical fantasy and in depth development, but if you are wanting a very cute story to make you smile and bring warmth into your reads this book will find it's place there.
A Forgery of Roses by Jessica S. Olson
2.5
I really came into this book with so much enthusiasm, the magic system seemed so unique, there was a murder mystery, there was some strange political family power play going on, a dash of "hidden society" so to speak and ultimately it was just a romance book.
We get almost no description of all the magic in the world and things were kinda thrown around in a way that just left you a little lost. Like this world has this intense magic system that can alter people/things via painting but they are also using lanterns to light rooms and horse-drawn carriages to travel around town, but then also have advanced hospitals that can do complex surgeries? It just didn't line up, and even though it's a YA book I would like a little more into how/why/what is going on with the world.
I also felt like halfway through the book the author kinda gave up on the murder mystery and instead just devoted the whole point of the book of the budding romance and basically nothing else mattered. The ending was indeed a twist, (I thought you would have been able to see where it was all going) but that's only because it was literally one of the most unnecessary complex "reveals" I've ever come across in a book -- and that's not really a compliment.
It just didn't seem to mesh well with how the whole world was setup and how the magic fundamentally worked.
Overall, if this was skipped the reader isn't missing much. There was just so much potential and instead I was let down and ended up being very annoyed at the romance heavy plot turn.
We get almost no description of all the magic in the world and things were kinda thrown around in a way that just left you a little lost. Like this world has this intense magic system that can alter people/things via painting but they are also using lanterns to light rooms and horse-drawn carriages to travel around town, but then also have advanced hospitals that can do complex surgeries? It just didn't line up, and even though it's a YA book I would like a little more into how/why/what is going on with the world.
I also felt like halfway through the book the author kinda gave up on the murder mystery and instead just devoted the whole point of the book of the budding romance and basically nothing else mattered. The ending was indeed a twist, (I thought you would have been able to see where it was all going) but that's only because it was literally one of the most unnecessary complex "reveals" I've ever come across in a book -- and that's not really a compliment.
It just didn't seem to mesh well with how the whole world was setup and how the magic fundamentally worked.
Overall, if this was skipped the reader isn't missing much. There was just so much potential and instead I was let down and ended up being very annoyed at the romance heavy plot turn.
Ogre Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
4.0
This book is slightly Princess & The Frog meets Shrek while still being it's own story and not leaning too much on either one of those tales and giving a very unique plot.
I will say that I enjoyed Ella as an antagonist more than Evie, I kept finding her one note while Ella seemed more dynamic in her personality.
I do applaud this book for showcasing different kinds of love and as corny as it sounds, the power of friendship. Never once did I feel like the story was going to be too chaotic with the cast and all the interchangeable people and how they moved in Evie's life.
I do have a few complaints other than Evie's personality though, mostly in regards to the romance. First I didn't really like that the story kinda looped back into itself and I personally feel like how it only took course over 2(ish) months felt a little rushed. I know it's a children's book and things tend to move faster so I'm willing to forgive that. But I also felt like there were some moments that kinda dragged out in the story or felt a little filler.
Overall, this is still an enjoyable read no matter the age of the reader, and I really do believe there is something in here for everyone. I'm sure someone much more educated than I can piece more out of this story and talk about the racism, and the change of society once you break down walls dividing class or gender or ethnic background. There is also the theme of sticking with your promises and not taking the easy way out that is present in both the books I've read from this author which is commendable.
I will say that I enjoyed Ella as an antagonist more than Evie, I kept finding her one note while Ella seemed more dynamic in her personality.
I do applaud this book for showcasing different kinds of love and as corny as it sounds, the power of friendship. Never once did I feel like the story was going to be too chaotic with the cast and all the interchangeable people and how they moved in Evie's life.
I do have a few complaints other than Evie's personality though, mostly in regards to the romance. First I didn't really like that the story kinda looped back into itself and I personally feel like how it only took course over 2(ish) months felt a little rushed. I know it's a children's book and things tend to move faster so I'm willing to forgive that. But I also felt like there were some moments that kinda dragged out in the story or felt a little filler.
Overall, this is still an enjoyable read no matter the age of the reader, and I really do believe there is something in here for everyone. I'm sure someone much more educated than I can piece more out of this story and talk about the racism, and the change of society once you break down walls dividing class or gender or ethnic background. There is also the theme of sticking with your promises and not taking the easy way out that is present in both the books I've read from this author which is commendable.
I Will Always Write Back: How One Letter Changed Two Lives by Caitlin Alifirenka, Martin Ganda
4.5
This book made me cry at a few points, took me on the edge of my seat on others, and basically almost DEVOUR this book in just a few short days.
Never have I ever felt so grateful for some of the smaller things in my life than when reading this book, but also seeing how much kindness and hope and true determination can shape and make a whole persons experience.
I do have a few complaints with this book, (though they are minor) mostly being that I hope that although this book encourages acts of ongoing kindness and understanding, it doesn't allow for misguided blind faith. There are tons of people out there offering scams and ways to exploit people who want to give wholeheartedly so I hope that whoever does read this still keeps an air of reserve when dealing with people who might take advantage.
Also, there were points in the book that I felt were not necessary to include. I know that this was told from a true life perspective, but I felt like we really didn't need stories about foreign exchange students going wrong or late night parties.
Overall this was a very moving book that made me think more about what true poverty looks like and how much a single dollar here can mean to someone who doesn't even have a proper place to live or has gone almost their whole life without shoes.
Never have I ever felt so grateful for some of the smaller things in my life than when reading this book, but also seeing how much kindness and hope and true determination can shape and make a whole persons experience.
I do have a few complaints with this book, (though they are minor) mostly being that I hope that although this book encourages acts of ongoing kindness and understanding, it doesn't allow for misguided blind faith. There are tons of people out there offering scams and ways to exploit people who want to give wholeheartedly so I hope that whoever does read this still keeps an air of reserve when dealing with people who might take advantage.
Also, there were points in the book that I felt were not necessary to include. I know that this was told from a true life perspective, but I felt like we really didn't need stories about foreign exchange students going wrong or late night parties.
Overall this was a very moving book that made me think more about what true poverty looks like and how much a single dollar here can mean to someone who doesn't even have a proper place to live or has gone almost their whole life without shoes.
Mutually Beneficial by Heather Guerre, Ava Guerre
3.0
80% porn + 20% plot but still = an adorable story.
Ok, let me say that I kinda struggled putting a star review on this. I had a good time with it in some spots, and others I was frustrated. My biggest complaint was that I WISH THE CHARACTERS WOULD HAVE JUST COMMUNICATED!
I don't enjoy plots that revolve around trying to "guess" what the other person feels or how they interrupt a situation. At this point in our lives we should all be able to have adult conversations, but putting that aside it was a nice quick read.
I didn't go into this book with any expectations and it's totally not a book for someone who is looking for a whole plot driven or meaningful read. But the way the characters slowly started to peel away and unfold as the chapters went on was done really really well.
Ok, let me say that I kinda struggled putting a star review on this. I had a good time with it in some spots, and others I was frustrated. My biggest complaint was that I WISH THE CHARACTERS WOULD HAVE JUST COMMUNICATED!
I don't enjoy plots that revolve around trying to "guess" what the other person feels or how they interrupt a situation. At this point in our lives we should all be able to have adult conversations, but putting that aside it was a nice quick read.
I didn't go into this book with any expectations and it's totally not a book for someone who is looking for a whole plot driven or meaningful read. But the way the characters slowly started to peel away and unfold as the chapters went on was done really really well.
Otherworldly by F.T. Lukens
4.0
This was a very adorable book for someone that is wanting something "fluffy" to read in between some of the heavier books.
Even though that some of the characters weren't very fleshed out, they all had this little charm about them that made each one distinct and memorable.
I will say that the plot of this book happened very very fast. It took place over the course of maybe a month (at best) and I would have personally preferred it be over the course of like a year.
There were some inconsistencies and alot of the world and magic system was not fully explained but the main topics of the book weren't really tied to that so I'm willing to look past that.
I will also say that the handling of queer people in this story was done very well, there were not awkward conversations or needing to explain anything, everything was just taken as it was which was very commendable.
Even though that some of the characters weren't very fleshed out, they all had this little charm about them that made each one distinct and memorable.
I will say that the plot of this book happened very very fast. It took place over the course of maybe a month (at best) and I would have personally preferred it be over the course of like a year.
There were some inconsistencies and alot of the world and magic system was not fully explained but the main topics of the book weren't really tied to that so I'm willing to look past that.
I will also say that the handling of queer people in this story was done very well, there were not awkward conversations or needing to explain anything, everything was just taken as it was which was very commendable.
Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes
4.75
When I say that I totally DEVOURED this book I mean it, I think in total I finished this in a combined less than 24 hours.
I was so very gripped with Charlie's story and what would end up happening to him.
This book brings to light so many things that even now (60 years after it was published) are things that we as a society still struggle with. I know we have come a long way in looking at mental illness and disabilities but there are so many things in here that feel raw and relatable that I feel like only someone who would have first hand knowledge would be able to write about to showcase.
The ending totally had me shedding a few tears and ultimately you can't help but feel for Charlie throughout his whole journey.
The only complaints I had with this book was that it made it seem like all people that are "genius" in IQ level have some type of chip on their shoulder which I don't believe is the case (unless I missed the point and maybe that was just Charlie's personality after being treated how he was for so long). Also, after he starts regressing things get a little philosophical for me that I wasn't quite able to fully follow along.
I was so very gripped with Charlie's story and what would end up happening to him.
This book brings to light so many things that even now (60 years after it was published) are things that we as a society still struggle with. I know we have come a long way in looking at mental illness and disabilities but there are so many things in here that feel raw and relatable that I feel like only someone who would have first hand knowledge would be able to write about to showcase.
The ending totally had me shedding a few tears and ultimately you can't help but feel for Charlie throughout his whole journey.
The only complaints I had with this book was that it made it seem like all people that are "genius" in IQ level have some type of chip on their shoulder which I don't believe is the case (unless I missed the point and maybe that was just Charlie's personality after being treated how he was for so long). Also, after he starts regressing things get a little philosophical for me that I wasn't quite able to fully follow along.
The City in Glass by Nghi Vo
5.0
This was one of the most beautifully confusing and complicated things I have read. It's literally a masterclass in interpretive reading. I don't even know to appropriately explain this book, except that it was a wonderful mess.
The whole story felt like if a Broadway thespian and a mental therapist were to be combined together to create an abstract life story revolved around a Civ playthrough.
I felt like this is the type of book where 16 different people would read it and all 16 would view something different and take away a completely different story. Is this book about death and grief? Is this book about self sabotage and healing? Is this book about selfish manipulation love but also something so visceral that you still want to see the happy ending? The only answer to all that is "yes" along with so much more.
I also very much appreciated the author for having so much queer representation that didn't feel forced or was a main focus on those characters. I never once felt like they were "token queer" characters thrown in to diversify the story, it was just a part of who they were and it wasn't the only defining thing about them.
The whole story felt like if a Broadway thespian and a mental therapist were to be combined together to create an abstract life story revolved around a Civ playthrough.
I felt like this is the type of book where 16 different people would read it and all 16 would view something different and take away a completely different story. Is this book about death and grief? Is this book about self sabotage and healing? Is this book about selfish manipulation love but also something so visceral that you still want to see the happy ending? The only answer to all that is "yes" along with so much more.
I also very much appreciated the author for having so much queer representation that didn't feel forced or was a main focus on those characters. I never once felt like they were "token queer" characters thrown in to diversify the story, it was just a part of who they were and it wasn't the only defining thing about them.
Phantasma by Kaylie Smith
2.75
This book was slightly messy in a few ways, and I feel like maybe I'm just not the target audience for this style of genre.
The whole premise of this book was for her to find her sister in these deadly games/mansion while working through her mental conflicts and while some aspects of this was done well and the story itself had tons of potential I feel like this fell short for me. I felt like there were a few of the "horror" scenes were more for vibes and shock value than anything truly terrifying, along with some grammar mistakes throughout the book.
Let me first start off by expressing my frustration at the lack of information given in this world, (or maybe the consistency?) because while reading we as the readers are lead to believe this is taking place in a gothic period by mentions of carriages and corsets but later there is mentions of technology and slang terms that are all modern. So I'm not sure if this is in a current world but the characters are just choosing to live ultimate gothic lifestyle or what. Also, we know that people in the town where all of this takes place knows a small amount about paranormal beings since the Grimm family is known for their necromancy abilities but it's never described if all the supernatural are common knowledge or not so it's a little jarring when they mention later that people know about devils and demons and their interactions with people in the town. I just feel we could have gotten more information and world building that didn't really happen.
Also, the whole plot was for her to find her sister when in reality that didn't really happen. Her sister ended up finding her and was anticlimactic and took less than 2 pages to really come to closure which was disappointing. We got more smut scenes then really her time being with her sister and figuring out the "puzzles" of freeing Blackwell.
In the end this wasn't a terrible book as far as plot but ultimately it was an almost 500 page book for smut dialogue. The OCD aspect of the book I felt like was a nice touch to kinda make things different for a character though I honestly would have liked more details of that as well. Things were slightly inconsistent there as well since Ophelia's tic of doing things in threes weren't a constant thread and seemed to intermittently come and go as the author picked. I'll round up to 3 stars on GoodReads as I still had a fun time with the book overall.
The whole premise of this book was for her to find her sister in these deadly games/mansion while working through her mental conflicts and while some aspects of this was done well and the story itself had tons of potential I feel like this fell short for me. I felt like there were a few of the "horror" scenes were more for vibes and shock value than anything truly terrifying, along with some grammar mistakes throughout the book.
Let me first start off by expressing my frustration at the lack of information given in this world, (or maybe the consistency?) because while reading we as the readers are lead to believe this is taking place in a gothic period by mentions of carriages and corsets but later there is mentions of technology and slang terms that are all modern. So I'm not sure if this is in a current world but the characters are just choosing to live ultimate gothic lifestyle or what. Also, we know that people in the town where all of this takes place knows a small amount about paranormal beings since the Grimm family is known for their necromancy abilities but it's never described if all the supernatural are common knowledge or not so it's a little jarring when they mention later that people know about devils and demons and their interactions with people in the town. I just feel we could have gotten more information and world building that didn't really happen.
Also, the whole plot was for her to find her sister when in reality that didn't really happen. Her sister ended up finding her and was anticlimactic and took less than 2 pages to really come to closure which was disappointing. We got more smut scenes then really her time being with her sister and figuring out the "puzzles" of freeing Blackwell.
In the end this wasn't a terrible book as far as plot but ultimately it was an almost 500 page book for smut dialogue. The OCD aspect of the book I felt like was a nice touch to kinda make things different for a character though I honestly would have liked more details of that as well. Things were slightly inconsistent there as well since Ophelia's tic of doing things in threes weren't a constant thread and seemed to intermittently come and go as the author picked. I'll round up to 3 stars on GoodReads as I still had a fun time with the book overall.
City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert
4.5
This book felt like if the movies Burlesque and Factory Girl where to have a love child then add a splash of Titanic.
I didn't go into this book with any expectations and didn't really read the synopsis (as I do with most books) and honestly was pleasantly surprised.
This was a good book about a woman that finds her way in the world and her adventures as a young adult fresh in New York City.
Instantly I was drawn into the story and stayed captivated through the whole way through. I very much was waiting to see how this book would end (in a positive anticipation way) since I didn't know how much more Vivian's life was to tell and what was left.
The only thing that kept this from being a 5 star read was that there was alot of focus on her sex life which seemed odd for an elderly woman to keep mentioning and also there were some lulls in the story (though these were very small). But mostly this book is without fault.
I didn't go into this book with any expectations and didn't really read the synopsis (as I do with most books) and honestly was pleasantly surprised.
This was a good book about a woman that finds her way in the world and her adventures as a young adult fresh in New York City.
Instantly I was drawn into the story and stayed captivated through the whole way through. I very much was waiting to see how this book would end (in a positive anticipation way) since I didn't know how much more Vivian's life was to tell and what was left.
The only thing that kept this from being a 5 star read was that there was alot of focus on her sex life which seemed odd for an elderly woman to keep mentioning and also there were some lulls in the story (though these were very small). But mostly this book is without fault.