jls6283's reviews
111 reviews

adventurous tense fast-paced

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

3.75

Like many people, I got to this book after reading ACoTaR. Here are my takeaways…

The beginning of this book does have its annoyances. It took me a while to get into this style. It’s in 3rd person, but it’s like SJM wanted to show us some of those deep, inner-thought insights like she did in ACoTaR. They seem a little off or forced in some places because we’re NOT inside the character’s head…

With that being said, once you do get through some of the world building I actually found this book to move FASTER than the ACoTaR series because it is a little more plot driven without those long inner monologues. It does feel like it takes longer as a reader to feel connected to Celaena without her thoughts - especially if you read this book first. In hindsight, I wish I had started with Assassins Blade!

There are definitely parts where the writing seems… a little unedited…? I know it’s her first series/book so maybe it’s just that? (The rest of the series doesn’t come off that way to me- just this book.)

There are a lot of loveable characters in here - and of course a few you love to hate! I’m excited to read book 2 😁

Content Warnings

The Things We Leave Unfinished by Rebecca Yarros

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emotional reflective sad 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

4.25

I knew the book had a twist, so I did catch on about halfway through. There are little hints here and there, but I could see how it’d come as a surprise if you’re not looking for it!

I cried 😭

Content Warnings

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

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adventurous emotional medium-paced

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

2.25

I had high hopes for this since it’s been all over booktok, but it was not for me. The beginning was slow and the only world-building was in the form of mythology name dropping. Since I find myself rusty on those names, I’m sure many of the references were lost on me…

Also few of the characters were likable…mostly just Briseis. Patroclus does go from mildly annoying 10-year-old to a noble man by the end. The “hero” on the other hand… 🙄

Content Warnings

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab

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emotional mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

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

4.25

Addie’s story is sad, yet adventurous. Henry’s is heartbreaking 🥺

Some aspects were a little predictable, but this was a great read especially if you enjoy pondering the philosophy of human life through fantasy novels. 😅

Content Warnings

The Anthropocene Reviewed: Essays on a Human-Centered Planet by John Green

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emotional hopeful informative inspiring medium-paced

5.0

First off, I was NOT expecting to love this audiobook so much. My initial thought on seeing the title was “oh hey, I like his YA novels despite being a not-so-young adult.”

These essays are perfect for any introvert who ever wondered how so many people in our world can talk about things for SO LONG without actually saying anything of substance. This book is full of philosophical ramblings, much like my brain. I laughed, I cried, and I learned some cool facts.

Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto

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funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced