jamie_reads_stuff's reviews
214 reviews

The Chalice of the Gods by Rick Riordan

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

A fun return to a childhood classic! This book made me nostalgic

A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson

dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

A well written shift in perspective that is ultimately about freedom and power rather than the man himself. A fast read but I enjoyed the journey

A Magic Steeped in Poison by Judy I. Lin

adventurous hopeful mysterious medium-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

3.0

The magic system is very unique and I really enjoyed the world building and magic sequences. But it definitely reads like a lot of other YA novels. I think this would be good for those who are looking to get back into reading, but the story beats are ones that have already been told before. 

The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter

adventurous dark tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

A well done African fantasy with dragons and a revenge plot. I do feel like the story stretched a bit too long but I really really enjoyed it!!

The Cabinet by Un-su Kim

dark mysterious reflective slow-paced

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

2.0

Maybe the style of the book is not for me but i couldnt help but not feel invested. I liked some aspects of this book but like I really did not enjoy it otherwise. It was weirdly boring as a whole. The audiobook narrator also threw me off sometimes with some of the voices and I dont think i could take the story seriously. I’m sure some people can enjoy it but its just really not for me

Vampires of El Norte by Isabel Cañas
Did not finish book. Stopped at 55%.

Listen….I’ve spent nearly 2 months reading this and I just cant get into it…maybe I don’t like the tropes in here its much more leaning towards romance than vampires and the miscommunication here makes me want to cry. I might try again when I’m in an angsty mood but for now I’m okay

Woman, Eating by Claire Kohda
Did not finish book. Stopped at 9%.

Idk i just couldnt get into it in audio form. Maybe i’ll try again on kindle???

Bronze Drum by Phong Nguyen
Did not finish book. Stopped at 12%.

Idk what it is about the writing but I’m somehow not invested despite the fact that the characters are one of the greatest legends in Vietnamese history

The Intern by Michele Campbell

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

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

3.0

The plot is SUPER dramatic and larger than life, but the writing was very “tell not show” and I didn’t care for any character in this book.

Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross

adventurous emotional mysterious medium-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? It's complicated

5.0

Honestly so good, probably a favorite of the year. SO incredible