jonireads's reviews
480 reviews

Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak

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challenging dark mysterious sad tense fast-paced

4.5

The Ballad of Never After by Stephanie Garber

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adventurous inspiring fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

Curse of the Wolf King by Tessonja Odette

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

5.0

Such a Quiet Place by Megan Miranda

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mysterious tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

The Book of Gothel by Mary McMyne

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

4.0

I really enjoyed this book! The storytelling was very fitting for a fairytale. The writing style was very reminiscent of The Year of the Witching and Wicked. 

Haelewise had so much growth over the course of the story and I was so proud of her and the choices she made even when they were difficult. 

The cast of characters were well crafted. I had a little issue remembering who some members of the royal family were but not so much that it took away from my enjoyment. 

The whole book I was wondering when Rapunzel would come into the story and I absolutely loved the way author included her into the book. The twist on the classic tale was so well done that I could really believe that this is the true story. 

The magic mixed with Christianity was interesting. I'm agnostic and grew up in a pretty toxic religious family so typically books with Christianity mixed in can frustrate me but this was done in a great way.

I think fans of retellings should definitely read this book unless they are a reader that needs a lot of action to stay interested. This book was much slower than what I normally read but the author made me care so much about the characters that I didn't mind just sort of following along with Haelewise as she grew up and settled into her place in the world. 

Four stars. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC. 
Window Shopping by Tessa Bailey

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

4.5

Bet On It by Jodie Slaughter

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

3.5

Unspeakable Things by Jess Lourey

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

3.0