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janniry's reviews
330 reviews
The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh
5.0
I don’t even know where to start…. WOW this is incredible. If you want an action packed adventure with amazing world building and soul touching mythology and stories than this is for you. What makes this even more incredible is how you can feel the authors heart within the pages, Oh absolutely poured her soul into this one and did not disappoint. This is my first read by her but she is on my radar forever now <3
Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi
5.0
Brutal punch to the gut as we reminisce and remember the tragic story of the MC’s family. This left me broken in ways I cannot put into words, Gyasi is able to translate emotions incredibly through words on the page. At times it weighed on me heavily as we stumbled through memory and stories of Nana. While also discussing important topics covered like racism, the complexity of familial bonds, addiction, depression, and most of all a sense of loneliness. I also enjoyed how the MC treaded the line between religion and science, which cause conflict within her adult life and her overall spirit. If you want a heart wrenching story then give this a go
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
5.0
While overall inaccurate in historical context, details, and French culture/ language. The nightingale has so much to offer. If I am being honest I did not notice any of these details while reading, but rather from reviews and critiques after my read. But nonetheless this is a 5 star read for just the complex relationships and situations that the MC’s face. Their struggles and hardships were very realistic, covering the occupation of France by the Nazi’s where two very different sisters. We see the sisters face numerous issues with so many emotions like love, fear, bravery, determination, and pure will. While also covering some very scary / sad topics like sexual assault, torture, concentrations camps, death of children, and so much more. There were chapters that left me dry heaving like a toddler while laying in bed….not pretty. This is a great introduction to historical fictions.
My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
5.0
This is an easy read with dark dry humor and a confusing sisterly relationship based purely on loyalty. We take a deep dive into the lives of two sisters in Nigeria, seeing the reality of so many women who live there with corruption, abusive fatherly relationships, and their role in society. The younger sister Ayoola becomes a serial killer once she has killed her 3rd boyfriend in a row. Her older sister Korede helps her clean the mess. But with this being the third man she has murdered Korede becomes increasingly weary of her sisters decisions and her own guilt from the role in the murders. We get to see why Ayoola has taken to wielding a knife and how her childhood affected her so deeply into adulthood. While Korede battles with her loyalties to her sister and the increasing guilt of what she has helped cover up.
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
4.0
Extremely interesting story line, with no book I’ve read prior with any of the horror elements here. This book honestly took me by complete surprise and although I saw a theme, I wasn’t entirely ready for what I unearthed. Some points in this book made me nauseous and actually gag when telling others about it!! It was incredibly realistic and well detailed when it came to the gore and icky parts. I was so impressed with the reaction this book brought out of me that I just had to rate it high. The plot is also paced well and the characters are revealed slowly, giving it the proper mysterious gothic ambience. The removal of one star was due to the fact that I felt like something was missing. I think it was the fact that the MC did not experience any loss. This crazy situation happens but she hardly suffers any consequences. I wish it were a bit more tragic.
Verity by Colleen Hoover
4.0
Literally WHAT THE HELL….that’s all I have. I was screaming and thrashing throughout this entire book. This is one hell of a rollercoaster ride that leaves you sooooo disoriented and confused. I DONT KNOW WHO TO BELIEVE, I am just in shock with how disturbing this was (but like in the juiciest way possible). So much fucked up shit happens but you cannot tear yourself away. Totally like watching a car crash that then turns into a fire and then EXPLODES. Absolutely loveddd it. My only critique is that I think that Verity should have totally taunted Lowen more. Like really make her question everything, she totally had it in her to drive Lowen crazy. That would’ve made this a 5 star for me.