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itsjustkatereading's reviews
1682 reviews
They Bloom at Night by Trang Thanh Tran
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Deeply immersive and atmospheric, They Bloom at Night's exploration of sexual assault, gender identity, grief, complex family relationships and intergenerational trauma, is parts horrifying and healing. This is a book that asks the question 'what makes a monster?' and does so in a unique and heartrending way.
The standout element of this book, for me, were the nuanced and realistic relationships throughout this book. Each connection was well developed and left me fully invested. I struggled a little with the pacing surrounding the world building/monsters at times, as a lot happened very quickly with what felt like little information but that aside, I had a great time with this book diverse and unsettling read.
rep:
- vietnamese non-binary mc
- bi, trans and lesbian side characters
The standout element of this book, for me, were the nuanced and realistic relationships throughout this book. Each connection was well developed and left me fully invested. I struggled a little with the pacing surrounding the world building/monsters at times, as a lot happened very quickly with what felt like little information but that aside, I had a great time with this book diverse and unsettling read.
rep:
- vietnamese non-binary mc
- bi, trans and lesbian side characters
Content Warnings
Moderate: Biphobia, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Transphobia
I Am Not Jessica Chen by Ann Liang
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
I Am Not Jessica Chen is a book for anyone who has ever wished to be someone else. It’s for those of us who struggle with comparison, pitting ourselves against those around us and always falling short. It’s for everyone who has ever felt inadequate, inferior or simply not enough, no matter how hard they work. I Am Not Jessica Chen is a story for anyone who has struggled with a battle for perfection, chasing an ever shifting, changing and moving marker of what perfect is. I Am Not Jessica Chen is as tender and raw as it is heartwarming and hopeful. I have a feeling this book is going to make countless readers feel seen in such a powerful way and I think that’s pretty special.
Tilly in Technicolor by Mazey Eddings
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
An adorable and wholesome YA romance, Tilly in Technicolour is a gem of a read.
Not only is it an honest and heartwarming exploration of neurodivergence but also a moving coming-of-age story of the expectations put upon us by ourselves and others. Both Tilly and Oliver's POV's were wonderful to read and I'm so happy we got to see their differing perspectives, struggles and joys.
Mazey Eddings creates characters I whole heartedly adore and Tilly and Oliver now happily sit into that category. This was a lovely, lovely read.
what to expect:
- adhd rep (fmc)
- autism rep (mmc)
- opposites attract
- european tour
- forced proximity/only one bed
- first love
Not only is it an honest and heartwarming exploration of neurodivergence but also a moving coming-of-age story of the expectations put upon us by ourselves and others. Both Tilly and Oliver's POV's were wonderful to read and I'm so happy we got to see their differing perspectives, struggles and joys.
Mazey Eddings creates characters I whole heartedly adore and Tilly and Oliver now happily sit into that category. This was a lovely, lovely read.
what to expect:
- adhd rep (fmc)
- autism rep (mmc)
- opposites attract
- european tour
- forced proximity/only one bed
- first love
Greenteeth by Molly O'Neill
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
This book is for everyone who loves a quest narrative. It's heartwarming and adventure filled romp of a read with goblins, witches, faeries, nymphs and a whole host of fantastical creatures. If you've enjoyed the likes of Nettle and Bone and Til Dead Do Us Bard, I highly recommend this one!
what to expect:
- found family
- quests
- romance free
- cozy(ish)
- folklore
what to expect:
- found family
- quests
- romance free
- cozy(ish)
- folklore
The Book of Gold by Ruth Frances Long
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
This was such a pleasant surprise but honestly, it shouldn't have been. I should have known I would love this. I mean, it's got everything I love in a book: a ragtag crew, a heist, magical books, a second chance, slow burn romance with great banter and it's a book about books. Of course I was going to love it.
That being said, I'm glad I went into this not knowing much about it because it was such a fun ride. I didn't realise this was the start of a series and whilst it totally works as a standalone, I can't wait to read book two!
That being said, I'm glad I went into this not knowing much about it because it was such a fun ride. I didn't realise this was the start of a series and whilst it totally works as a standalone, I can't wait to read book two!
The Temporary Roomie by Sarah Adams
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.75
this was v v cute and a little bit silly but it was sarah adams, so of course i had a great time.
what to expect:
• accidental pregnancy
• single parent
• forced proximity
• enemies to lovers
• best friends brother
• prank war
what to expect:
• accidental pregnancy
• single parent
• forced proximity
• enemies to lovers
• best friends brother
• prank war
We Could Be Rats by Emily Austin
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
A brilliantly funny and wonderfully moving story of mental health, sisterhood and coming-of-age. I love Emily Austin’s writing so very very much.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Homophobia, Sexual assault, Suicide attempt
The Cursed Melodies by Connie Glynn
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.0
Perfect for upper MG and lower YA readers, The Cursed Melodies is a fast paced, action packed and darkly magical read.
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
4.0
Reread: February 2025 in preparation for the sunrise on the reaping. My feelings for this book are pretty much still the chaotic mess they were upon my first read. :’) Listening to the audiobook this time around was a great experience!
~
First read: May 2020. I still have to work through a lot to know how I feel about this but the one thing I do know for certain is that Suzanne Collins can't leave us bookless for another 10+ years. The woman has too much talent for that.
Anyway, since I don't have any coherent thoughts on my feelings about this book (will I ever? who knows?) here's a few messy list the of thoughts and I do currently have:
- Suzanne Collins is clearly ridiculously intelligent and that shows in her writing.
- The societal and political commentary was, as always, A+.
- My mind was blown on many an occasion.
- Loved all the references to THG and how it connected so many dots.
- Lucy Gray Baird has the X Factor. 10/10 would turn my chair for her. Future Panems Got Talent winner.
-Loved that this wasn't a Snow redemption arc but rather a deep dive into the complexities of his psyche.
- The references added so much context and a much appreciated extra layer of understanding to the original trilogy and I loved it for that.
- The pacing was off and dragged in places.
- Definitely could have been condensed.
- When Lucy sang THAT song? I felt that and I felt it hard. Shock was had. Two and two came together. Dots were joined.
- The last ending felt super rushed, which was a shame.
- Suzanne Collins is the QUEEN of chapter endings and getting me to read ‘just one more’.
- Suzanne Collins is such a brilliant writer and it’s cruel to hide that away from the world. Whether set in THG universe or not, the world needs more of her work please and thank you.
~
First read: May 2020. I still have to work through a lot to know how I feel about this but the one thing I do know for certain is that Suzanne Collins can't leave us bookless for another 10+ years. The woman has too much talent for that.
Anyway, since I don't have any coherent thoughts on my feelings about this book (will I ever? who knows?) here's a few messy list the of thoughts and I do currently have:
- Suzanne Collins is clearly ridiculously intelligent and that shows in her writing.
- The societal and political commentary was, as always, A+.
- My mind was blown on many an occasion.
- Loved all the references to THG and how it connected so many dots.
- Lucy Gray Baird has the X Factor. 10/10 would turn my chair for her. Future Panems Got Talent winner.
-Loved that this wasn't a Snow redemption arc but rather a deep dive into the complexities of his psyche.
- The references added so much context and a much appreciated extra layer of understanding to the original trilogy and I loved it for that.
- The pacing was off and dragged in places.
- Definitely could have been condensed.
- When Lucy sang THAT song? I felt that and I felt it hard. Shock was had. Two and two came together. Dots were joined.
- The last ending felt super rushed, which was a shame.
- Suzanne Collins is the QUEEN of chapter endings and getting me to read ‘just one more’.
- Suzanne Collins is such a brilliant writer and it’s cruel to hide that away from the world. Whether set in THG universe or not, the world needs more of her work please and thank you.
Sea Change by Gina Chung
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Sea Change is one of those books that’s hard to put into words why I liked it but I did in fact really like it. It was a lot less strange than the blurb led me to believe this would be. It was sad and hopeful and a little bit more sad and then a little bit hopeful again. It’s honest and messy but at no point depressing for the sake of it. It’s a raw look at grief, depression, relationship breakdowns, family dynamics and the complexities of being the daughter of immigrants. Admittedly I’d initially hoped for more octopus action but on reflection, I think there was the perfect amount of Dolores content for the story.