jaimek926's reviews
304 reviews

Fairest by Marissa Meyer

dark emotional tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Cress by Marissa Meyer

adventurous dark emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

adventurous dark tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

adventurous dark mysterious 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? It's complicated

4.5

The League of Lady Poisoners by Lisa Perrin

dark mysterious reflective medium-paced

4.0

So This Is Ever After by F.T. Lukens

adventurous funny lighthearted 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

3.5

I wanted to love this one. It was recommended by my best friend who loved it. But it took me so long to read and I didn’t always feel captured by the story. And unfortunately, the trope of pining after someone you can’t have was too much. 

If you like queer fantasy, you may want to take the opportunity to read this one. 

Heartstopper Volume 5 by Alice Oseman

emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

Another fantastic graphic novel in this wonderfully sweet series! This volume tackles Nick’s concerns about thinking about university, like what he wants to study and if he wants to be away from Charlie. Charlie, who’s recovering more and more regarding his anorexia, struggles with feelings about his body. As the couple has grown, their ability to communicate has as well. It’s wonderful and reminds me why I love this series. 

Also Tori’s conversation with Charlie on the Ferris wheel will live in my heart forever. If you haven’t read Heartstopper yet…I mean, come on, you gotta check it out!

The Runaway's Diary by James Patterson

adventurous emotional fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated

4.0

Eleanor, an A student who doesn’t get into trouble, runs away from home. Not because she’s struggling but because her sister ran away and Eleanor is desperate to find her. Along the way, Eleanor meets Jesse, another runaway, who helps her learn how to survive on her own. 

This was an interesting one. Eleanor is a self-proclaimed weirdo who constantly talks to herself and tells stories. At first her weirdness felt forced, but as the story goes on, you better understand the character. She’s a dream who just wants herself and her sister to be happy. But, what she wants and what she learns become two different 

A good read for anyone who needs a realistic teenage runaway adventure.

Other Ever Afters: New Queer Fairy Tales by Melanie Gillman

adventurous reflective relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Fairytales but queer! The stories were cute and every story ended with a clear lesson. There was nothing to mysterious about the stories and that was reflected in the bright style of the images in the novel. 

It was a cute, quick read. If you’re looking for some happily ever afters, then I definitely recommend this one. 

Hockey Girl Loves Drama Boy by Faith Erin Hicks

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

What an absolutely wonderful story! Alix is a hockey player who’s constantly harassed by her team captain. She turns to Ezra, a member of the drama club, to help her deal with all the issues she’s having when it comes to dealing with her team captain. 

It’s a novel of high school love, being true to yourself, and a little healing of generational trauma. A must read, in my opinion!