jo_cbooks's reviews
253 reviews

Caraval by Stephanie Garber

adventurous lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated

3.75

There were things that I loved and things that I very much disliked. The colour descriptors/adjectives were annoying especially when it wasn’t explained until page 189 that Scarlett sees emotions in colour. I found Scarlett a little annoying because of her fearfulness but the character growth was good in that regard. Some scenes played out a little odd, especially regarding the romance. The concept is fascinating but at times confusing because of all the layers to it. I enjoyed it enough to want to continue the series, but as I had predicted, this was a book I should have gotten from the library instead.  

Pandora by Susan Stokes-Chapman

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes

4.5

I almost did not finish this book. The writing style was very different from what I am used to, so it took a while for it to engage me. I did however end up really like the story. Especially because it took a turn that I did not expect. I also was anticipating more of an immersive Greek mythology part rather than the lore being more so flirted with—and I didn’t mind this at all! This book was nothing that I had expected it to be, but I still very much enjoyed it

Get Out of Your Head: Stopping the Spiral of Toxic Thoughts by Jennie Allen

challenging hopeful informative inspiring reflective

5.0

Jennie Allen does a great job tackling the struggle of negative thoughts. I appreciate her division between clinical anxiety that may require therapy and medication, and the general thought processes we as people all have. It is always easier to say what to do to make things better than to actually apply those teachings, but having it put into a Godly perspective, and in words that were convicting, was exactly what I was needing 

Assassin's Heart by Sarah Ahiers

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes

4.0

I really enjoyed the Venetian vibes at the start of the book but it was still difficult to get into. But I am glad I stuck to it because it was an enjoyable read! 7.75/10⭐️

The One Year Chronological Bible Creative Expressions, Deluxe by

5.0

The Curse of Penryth Hall by Jess Armstrong
Did not finish book. Stopped at 26%.

I chose this book because the 1920s is my favourite era in history. Also because I have been wanting to read more mystery. Unfortunately, it did not quite hit the mark for me. I think it would be a great read for people who love historical mysteries with curses and unexplainable paranormal events.

There were a few writing points that felt out of place, like the familiarity between characters who only just met or who were of different stations. The story concept was intriguing and the gothic setting was fitting, it just was not the book for me. I may pick it up at a later time since I do want to know the ending, it's just not the right fit for me at the moment.

Regarding the audiobook itself, I really enjoyed the narrator. Emma Love's voicing of multiple characters helped make them stand out as individuals rather than struggling to follow who may be talking.

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an ARC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan

4.75

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

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

3.25

I don’t even know what to rate this… I do think it was better than the first book, in that there was less focus on how obsessed Violet is with Xaden, but I’m also tired of the constant push and pull of Violet and Xaden’s relationship. Some of the battle scenes were lacking while others were tense. The dialogue language continued to be too contemporary which did not help with feeling immersed in the story. Despite enjoying it more than the first, I also liked it less? I feel even less inclined to read the third as I’m just exhausted of the character relationships. The giant plot twist at the ended at no effect on me because I was so over the whole story. I know I’ll read the next one because I still want to find some things out, but I definitely won’t be rushing to get at it as soon as it is released. Which, hopefully, won’t be a for a while since Yarrows desperately needs to take time to write a proper story rather than a book stuffed with popular tropes. 

The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan

4.75

The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan

4.5