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jcreads85's reviews
359 reviews
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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
4.5 Stars
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I was dragged in by the hype and continuous posts…and the fact it finally became available through the library. But I’m glad I gave it a chance. I’m not always about YA, especially when it’s young people and romance - it can feel icky, or shallow; like they haven’t lived long enough. The circumstances set this apart, more believable and I didn’t feel as if I was reading about children.
This book read as if from an alternative reality, one where World War 1 still happened - trenches, gas/chemical warfare. But we are now in a world where Gods walk the earth and mortals are pawns for them to move around the board. In that setting we find our main characters: journalists who head to the front lines.
But before we get there, it’s just young people trying to carve out a name for themselves, rivals for one columnist spot at the leading publication in the city. From there we follow their journey, in a dual point of view tale, that brings us found family, rivals-to-lovers, and a civilian view of war.
I loved the romance built over magic typewriters. Pen-Pal relationships are underrated. And I’d love if this series made typewriters cool again.
The rivals-to-lovers was believable; the chemistry was there when they fought and you could see the care even when they “didn’t” even like each other. And what an amazing gesture to follow the other to the field.
And though the tale is grim, it read warmly, a little softened around the edges even though it is largely a war story. That might sound odd, but the lyrical prose makes it work. Makes sure you don’t get lost in the dark.
I was invested in the tale from start and even went to get the second book the moment I finished just to find it on hold. But I know the wait will be worth it.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I was dragged in by the hype and continuous posts…and the fact it finally became available through the library. But I’m glad I gave it a chance. I’m not always about YA, especially when it’s young people and romance - it can feel icky, or shallow; like they haven’t lived long enough. The circumstances set this apart, more believable and I didn’t feel as if I was reading about children.
This book read as if from an alternative reality, one where World War 1 still happened - trenches, gas/chemical warfare. But we are now in a world where Gods walk the earth and mortals are pawns for them to move around the board. In that setting we find our main characters: journalists who head to the front lines.
But before we get there, it’s just young people trying to carve out a name for themselves, rivals for one columnist spot at the leading publication in the city. From there we follow their journey, in a dual point of view tale, that brings us found family, rivals-to-lovers, and a civilian view of war.
I loved the romance built over magic typewriters. Pen-Pal relationships are underrated. And I’d love if this series made typewriters cool again.
The rivals-to-lovers was believable; the chemistry was there when they fought and you could see the care even when they “didn’t” even like each other. And what an amazing gesture to follow the other to the field.
And though the tale is grim, it read warmly, a little softened around the edges even though it is largely a war story. That might sound odd, but the lyrical prose makes it work. Makes sure you don’t get lost in the dark.
I was invested in the tale from start and even went to get the second book the moment I finished just to find it on hold. But I know the wait will be worth it.
The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs: A New History of a Lost World by Stephen Brusatte
adventurous
challenging
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
4.25
Faebound by Saara El-Arifi
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
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
4.75
This is my first Saara El-Arifi and now she’s an immediate read author. But specifically, I’m going to need the rest of this trilogy ASAP.
Faebound would have won 5 stars except that some of the big reveals I guessed early on. I wouldn’t say it’s predictable in general; most of the plot was a complete mystery from beginning to end. But I did kind of wish for a stronger mystery regarding that one character development. It could just be a me problem.
The book holds a rich history, including a creation story for the races (loved it). However, there are holes on all sides; their own histories and tales colored by time and prejudice. Or lost altogether. It’s a political drama, a story of soldiers taken from their war, a lethal culture clash, magic and of course, companion animals!
The story unfolds through the sisters - so dual POV. We do get some romance, so I suppose this would fall under romantasy…maybe. But for those who shy away from those bits in their fantasy I’d say it’s still worth a read. We are dealing with heavy backstories, prophecy, and a hidden race who “shouldn’t” be existing. And you could, if desired, skip over the love bits. You won’t lose the story, but perhaps some of the moments of connection.
I appreciated the many reveals and twists. And while I guessed one of the big ones, I was not correct on most and it was a ride.
Shuri: A Black Panther Novel by Nic Stone
Did not finish book. Stopped at 5%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 5%.
I am not the target audience. I sometimes have a hard time suspending disbelief for middle grade and a book on a 13 year genius Shuri was hard. I also had a hard time adjudicating to this book version having only been exposed to the movie timeline. I have never read the original source material so I don’t know what’s cannon, but for me it’s the movies.
I’ll be gifting this book along with the signed poster to someone who can enjoy and appreciate the work. It’s really a beautiful edition and I love the maps at the beginning (I’d picked them up a couple years ago during Independent Bookstore Day).
I’ll be gifting this book along with the signed poster to someone who can enjoy and appreciate the work. It’s really a beautiful edition and I love the maps at the beginning (I’d picked them up a couple years ago during Independent Bookstore Day).
Mammoths at the Gates by Nghi Vo
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Singing Hills! We finally got a story focused on Cleric Chih and their home, the Singing Hills Abbey.
Unlike the previous novellas, this one did not rely on the story within the story but was very present tense. Cleric Chih is reunited with family and friends after 3 years of travel only to find their mentor has passed away just weeks prior.
This novella was about grief, change, and accepting change in others, and finding home in found families. But, of course, much like the previous two novellas, we wouldn’t be content without a little adventure and moments of intensity. Because instead of being left to grieve their mentor in peace, family from the North has arrived to the gates with war mammoths to claim the body.
We do come to learn that these grandchildren arriving to make their claim are driven by their own grief and loss, just not of our dead cleric. I rather liked the added element of diplomacy, word battles, and collision of different cultures.
And like all the other novellas, this one does get weird. But I think it’s why I like them. They are fantastical and share with us a world of magic, shapeshifters, spirits, and magical talking “birds”, the neixin (people of their own right). There are elements of truth, but really these have even great escapes and an enjoyable journey. Can’t wait until the next one!
Unlike the previous novellas, this one did not rely on the story within the story but was very present tense. Cleric Chih is reunited with family and friends after 3 years of travel only to find their mentor has passed away just weeks prior.
This novella was about grief, change, and accepting change in others, and finding home in found families. But, of course, much like the previous two novellas, we wouldn’t be content without a little adventure and moments of intensity. Because instead of being left to grieve their mentor in peace, family from the North has arrived to the gates with war mammoths to claim the body.
We do come to learn that these grandchildren arriving to make their claim are driven by their own grief and loss, just not of our dead cleric. I rather liked the added element of diplomacy, word battles, and collision of different cultures.
And like all the other novellas, this one does get weird. But I think it’s why I like them. They are fantastical and share with us a world of magic, shapeshifters, spirits, and magical talking “birds”, the neixin (people of their own right). There are elements of truth, but really these have even great escapes and an enjoyable journey. Can’t wait until the next one!
Kilt Trip by Alexandra Kiley
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
4.5
This was my first NetGalley book and I’m so glad I loved it. It had some of my favorite elements - dual point of view, enemies to lovers, international setting - so I would have been both shocked and doubly disappointed otherwise.
After signing up I saw the cover (super cute) and had a bit of nostalgia so had to put in the ask. I visited Scotland for my year anniversary (delayed honeymoon) and my time there always brings about the fondest memories. This book did the same.
Scotland is both the setting and a character all in one. The atmosphere of this book and the story it tells would not be the same if set elsewhere (especially given my own personal connection). Logan, his family, and the company wouldn’t feel so real and grounded. Our author really did the country justice - at least from an American tourist perspective.
In a twist, I preferred Logan’s POV for most of the tale as opposed to Addie’s chapters. At least initially…I began to welcome her story midway through and appreciated the dual POV even more at the end as they both lived out the drama. And I think this was due to my own history of being over worked and living with the mindset that work was what meant you were successful and defined your worth. So nothing the author did wrong. In fact, I’d say she wrote too well. That element of Addie’s life felt a little too real.
I will warn this is a slow burn. It teases for half the book before you even get a kiss. Literally, progress said I was 50% of the way through. And then it’s a beautiful union of two worlds before the dramas. I loved the characters together. It was great banter, a good enemies to lovers story. I appreciated how they both began acknowledging how cumbersome a rivals situation was and that it was just exhausting them both.
Character development as a whole was well written. While they were initially smitten, the actual relationship build up took place over at least a month - it might have been longer but it was only mentioned sparingly.
And the supporting characters were diverse, though I wouldn’t say I felt enough of a history or connection to them that I’d label this a found-family story, though I could see where some may do so. They weren’t flat, but most of them didn’t have much of their own growth. But, the story would have felt less than without them.
I’ll be reading from this author again. And if she continues this as a series with those supporting characters to find love, I’ll welcome a return to the Highlands.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent and Alcohol
Minor: Abandonment
Into the Riverlands by Nghi Vo
adventurous
dark
inspiring
mysterious
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
4.5
Books 2 & 3 of the Singing Hills chronicles have been great reads and I’m glad I continued the series. They do have a different feel - both more adventurous, tense, and darker - but not in a way that has taken away from the enjoyment, or characteristics that I loved from the first book.
Book 1 had us hearing the tales of an exiled empress in her former lodgings - very few characters in the present setting but quite a cast of characters within the story. Book 2 was similar in that it relied heavily on a retelling, but this time the present situation was out in the wild where the main characters were being held hostage by tigers. And now the 3rd book, carries on the tradition of storytelling, but it does so on the road. The cast in the present tense are multiple, and diverse, growing that element. And also different were the stories told - not just about the life of one or two characters, but adventures of quite a few.
In the end, I may have rated it equal, but was a little frustrated that they’ve implied who the traveling companions may be, at least the older couple, but it’s hard to be sure. And they don’t say outright. Argh!
I was delighted to hear, once again, mention of one of the characters from the stories told in book one; a diviner with eyes on her eyelids who reads scalps (I forgot her name) was mentioned briefly in the stories told by the cast in the third book just as she popped up also in book 2. I hope we get more of her story in future books.
Book 1 had us hearing the tales of an exiled empress in her former lodgings - very few characters in the present setting but quite a cast of characters within the story. Book 2 was similar in that it relied heavily on a retelling, but this time the present situation was out in the wild where the main characters were being held hostage by tigers. And now the 3rd book, carries on the tradition of storytelling, but it does so on the road. The cast in the present tense are multiple, and diverse, growing that element. And also different were the stories told - not just about the life of one or two characters, but adventures of quite a few.
In the end, I may have rated it equal, but was a little frustrated that they’ve implied who the traveling companions may be, at least the older couple, but it’s hard to be sure. And they don’t say outright. Argh!
I was delighted to hear, once again, mention of one of the characters from the stories told in book one; a diviner with eyes on her eyelids who reads scalps (I forgot her name) was mentioned briefly in the stories told by the cast in the third book just as she popped up also in book 2. I hope we get more of her story in future books.
When the Tiger Came Down the Mountain by Nghi Vo
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
The Empress of Salt and Fortune by Nghi Vo
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This is a reread for me but what I wrote back in 2021 still rings true, so I’ll share it here. I actually had forgotten I’d written it and am glad I hadn’t done a check of my Goodreads for plot or info before I decided to read so I could finally carry on with the series. The reveal at the end was just as neat the second time.
Book review circa 2021:
This book was a fairy tale. A travelers account. Full of folklore, love, and mystery. It was also a tale of forced marriage, exile, deception, and revenge.
I listened on audio and was thankful for the enunciation of the names (and the competent and engaging narrator). I was initially lost at parts, especially when we first get the tale going about the kingdom, royalty and inner court as I wasn’t able to wrap my head around who was who, but it quickly cleared.
I loved the set-up; how the tale unfolded from the lips of an old woman to a traveler. And the twist at the end was great - unexpected and powerful. “Angry mothers raise daughters fierce enough to fight wolves.”
And it was refreshing to step out of Western tales and into one envisioned from ancient Chinese culture & customs.
The writing felt poetic and the tale moved like water ripples, out from a center point showing how one thing lead to another until the whole of the empire was moved by an Empress thought to be wasting in exile.
I’ll definitely be picking up Nghi Vo’s other works.
Book review circa 2021:
This book was a fairy tale. A travelers account. Full of folklore, love, and mystery. It was also a tale of forced marriage, exile, deception, and revenge.
I listened on audio and was thankful for the enunciation of the names (and the competent and engaging narrator). I was initially lost at parts, especially when we first get the tale going about the kingdom, royalty and inner court as I wasn’t able to wrap my head around who was who, but it quickly cleared.
I loved the set-up; how the tale unfolded from the lips of an old woman to a traveler. And the twist at the end was great - unexpected and powerful. “Angry mothers raise daughters fierce enough to fight wolves.”
And it was refreshing to step out of Western tales and into one envisioned from ancient Chinese culture & customs.
The writing felt poetic and the tale moved like water ripples, out from a center point showing how one thing lead to another until the whole of the empire was moved by an Empress thought to be wasting in exile.
I’ll definitely be picking up Nghi Vo’s other works.
Feel-Good Productivity: How to Do More of What Matters to You by Ali Abdaal
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
4.25
A lovely edition to support my journey of building stronger habits and changing my mindset for a life built around the concept of thriving. I’ve completed two other audiobooks this month and a 2-hour workshop along this same path which I feel share the same space. They’d definitely look nice next to each other on a bookshelf.
This books was positive, but not in an overbearing “toxic” manner. It also felt approachable, as in you don’t need to be a doctor or scientist to read, enjoy, and take away a good number of tools to use both at work but more importantly, I believe, on the daily.
And I appreciated the numerous cited scientific studies to support the work. They were great examples of the effort and research put into the concept of ‘Feel Good Productivity’. And while I have yet checked out the accompanying pdf, I love that it was referenced and explained.
I did like listening to this book; however, it did start to make me feel a lil too self reflective throughout which required me to rewind back as my mind had wondered off. Mark of good writing and great material. I think I wouldn’t mind finding this as an ebook for highlighting and referencing later. Generally an all around great read.
This books was positive, but not in an overbearing “toxic” manner. It also felt approachable, as in you don’t need to be a doctor or scientist to read, enjoy, and take away a good number of tools to use both at work but more importantly, I believe, on the daily.
And I appreciated the numerous cited scientific studies to support the work. They were great examples of the effort and research put into the concept of ‘Feel Good Productivity’. And while I have yet checked out the accompanying pdf, I love that it was referenced and explained.
I did like listening to this book; however, it did start to make me feel a lil too self reflective throughout which required me to rewind back as my mind had wondered off. Mark of good writing and great material. I think I wouldn’t mind finding this as an ebook for highlighting and referencing later. Generally an all around great read.