jennametheny's reviews
166 reviews

State of Wonder by Ann Patchett

emotional mysterious slow-paced

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

2.75

There are some pacing issues. The action happens in short bursts separated by long dry stretches of scientific data and also nothing. The ethical quandaries raised are interesting, but it’s hard to really connect with them when so many of the characters are deeply unlikeable. 

Small Game by Blair Braverman

adventurous dark emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced

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

3.25

The foreshadowing and tension was done so well in the beginning, and I liked the characters enough that I ripped through the book quite quickly. But if you want a resolution to your thrillers beware. You’ll find absolutely no closure here. *SEMI SPOILER* After 300+ pages, the plot wraps up in just one paragraph with no answers at all. 

The Space Between Worlds by Micaiah Johnson

adventurous 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? Yes

4.75

The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

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

2.75

The mystery did keep me hooked, but I have to say in order for this plot to work every single character has to repeatedly make frustratingly bad decisions. 

The ramp-up is slow and involves more fiddling with light switches than it does scares, but the scary parts are quite good.

And the third act twist is a bit out of left field considering the POV character is hiding some major details from the reader. It’s a tough sell when reading a first-person perspective. 

Warrior: My Path to Being Brave by Lisa Guerrero

adventurous emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

4.0

Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah

funny hopeful reflective medium-paced

4.0

A biography so funny and charming, it can draw in even the most hesitant non-fiction haters. Trevor Noah is whip smart and I know I learned a lot, but I was also smiling the whole time.

The Blood Traitor by Lynette Noni

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful tense medium-paced

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

3.5

I love that the protagonist of the story isn’t a fighter, isn’t a warrior, but is still brave, strong and sharp. Diversifying female protagonists! By book three I’ve learned how to pick up on Noni’s hints, so I didn’t get caught in any plot twists. But this is a satisfying end to a fun trilogy. Sure, there is some tropey writing and certain dialogue choices are questionable but I adored the characters and the narrative enough to get to the end, and I’m glad I did. This is a world I’ll miss.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Addiction, Suicidal thoughts

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

emotional funny mysterious reflective tense slow-paced

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

3.5

The Host by Stephenie Meyer

adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

4.0

Ice Breaker by Lian Tanner

adventurous mysterious fast-paced

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

2.75