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kamrynkoble's reviews
463 reviews
The Butcher Game by Alaina Urquhart
dark
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
2.5
Well, Goodreads crashed and deleted my review. Now I’m mad.
3 stars is generous for this one. It’s slightly better than the first but I never would’ve read this if I didn’t know Alaina from Morbid. It just doesn’t measure up.
Thrillers were actually my top genre this year, and this is one of the only few that made me actually sick to my stomach. That may be a positive or a negative depending on what you want in a book.
I still don’t love the writing style. It’s clunky and self-important and there’s lots of classic elder millennial humor that really shouldn’t surprise me at this point. I think some fault lies with the editor. I wish I could take tracked changes to it.
My main issue is that I don’t care about any of the characters. I still feel absolutely no connection to Wren, and that’s a problem. I don’t know. I shouldn’t read book 3 but we’ll see.
3 stars is generous for this one. It’s slightly better than the first but I never would’ve read this if I didn’t know Alaina from Morbid. It just doesn’t measure up.
Thrillers were actually my top genre this year, and this is one of the only few that made me actually sick to my stomach. That may be a positive or a negative depending on what you want in a book.
I still don’t love the writing style. It’s clunky and self-important and there’s lots of classic elder millennial humor that really shouldn’t surprise me at this point. I think some fault lies with the editor. I wish I could take tracked changes to it.
My main issue is that I don’t care about any of the characters. I still feel absolutely no connection to Wren, and that’s a problem. I don’t know. I shouldn’t read book 3 but we’ll see.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Torture, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Body horror
Minor: Kidnapping
The Official Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour Book by Taylor Swift
informative
reflective
2.0
Maybe I’m completely delusional, but I wish I had been the art director/editor for this because I am convinced I would’ve done a better job.
The tiny tidbits Taylor shares are the highlights but they are short and sparse. There are SO many blurry photos that I’m actually astounded. I’ve seen videos showing how they’re pulled stills from the movie instead of actual photographs and I 100% believe it. They do not look good on a large trim size with high gloss, full color pages.
Several errors/formatting issues. Ugh. The graphic design/layout/text is uninspired and boring. I’m a little astounded that there’s not a page crediting anyone. Who is responsible for all of this?
The “behind the scenes” segment was the only one that felt “worth it.” It had never-before-seen content (the rest I could’ve pulled from Taylor’s Instagram) and interesting spreads with all the guitars, all of the microphones, and sketches of her costumes. That was neat. I wish the entire book had more of that.
The physical book itself is good quality. Nice paper-over-board cover with texture, full color, glossy pages, holographic text on the spine, end papers with flaps. Wow, I don’t think I’ve ever written such an “I work in the publishing industry” review but 👋🏻
It just feels lazy, especially at a $40 price point. The similar book documenting the process of Hamilton was far more moving, creative, and worth owning/reading/displaying. I wish this was more like that. That made me cry. This, I flipped through in 15 minutes. The Eras Tour deserved more.
I am personally offended that we didn’t get one good photo of the acoustic piano! That’s it. Last complaint.
The tiny tidbits Taylor shares are the highlights but they are short and sparse. There are SO many blurry photos that I’m actually astounded. I’ve seen videos showing how they’re pulled stills from the movie instead of actual photographs and I 100% believe it. They do not look good on a large trim size with high gloss, full color pages.
Several errors/formatting issues. Ugh. The graphic design/layout/text is uninspired and boring. I’m a little astounded that there’s not a page crediting anyone. Who is responsible for all of this?
The “behind the scenes” segment was the only one that felt “worth it.” It had never-before-seen content (the rest I could’ve pulled from Taylor’s Instagram) and interesting spreads with all the guitars, all of the microphones, and sketches of her costumes. That was neat. I wish the entire book had more of that.
The physical book itself is good quality. Nice paper-over-board cover with texture, full color, glossy pages, holographic text on the spine, end papers with flaps. Wow, I don’t think I’ve ever written such an “I work in the publishing industry” review but 👋🏻
It just feels lazy, especially at a $40 price point. The similar book documenting the process of Hamilton was far more moving, creative, and worth owning/reading/displaying. I wish this was more like that. That made me cry. This, I flipped through in 15 minutes. The Eras Tour deserved more.
I am personally offended that we didn’t get one good photo of the acoustic piano! That’s it. Last complaint.
Worst Case Scenario by T.J. Newman
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-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? No
3.5
3.5! Honestly, I had a REALLY hard time focusing on this audiobook. I even completely started it over when I was at 60% because I had no clue what was happening! Even listening again I don’t feel like I got everything out of it. 🥴 I don’t know what my issue was because I listened to her other two books and didn’t struggle at all.
I think part of it was that there were so many characters they all ran together. I didn’t feel as connected to them as her other books. Also, each one has grown more technically intense, and my brain has a bit of trouble keeping up with all the science/technology of something like a nuclear power issue. I had trouble visualizing a lot of it (I still don’t understand sluice gates, lol!).
I still have to give it 4 stars because I think these are all “me” problems. If you like high stakes, science-minded, tightly plotted thriller/action novels that still pull at your heart strings, this is perfect. It’s obviously well researched and I will continue to read all of her books. I’m a little bummed to be caught up!
I think part of it was that there were so many characters they all ran together. I didn’t feel as connected to them as her other books. Also, each one has grown more technically intense, and my brain has a bit of trouble keeping up with all the science/technology of something like a nuclear power issue. I had trouble visualizing a lot of it (I still don’t understand sluice gates, lol!).
I still have to give it 4 stars because I think these are all “me” problems. If you like high stakes, science-minded, tightly plotted thriller/action novels that still pull at your heart strings, this is perfect. It’s obviously well researched and I will continue to read all of her books. I’m a little bummed to be caught up!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Medical trauma, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Structuring Your Novel (Revised & Expanded 2nd Edition): Essential Keys for Writing an Outstanding Story by K.M. Weiland
informative
medium-paced
5.0
This is truly a masterclass. It's actually helping sate my desire to get an MFA in creative writing. I've been a fan of K.M. Weiland's Structuring Your Novel for over 7 years now and have read it multiple times. But this second edition BLEW ME AWAY. There is so much wonderful, fresh, revolutionary information/instruction/examples packed into this book, and the changes from the first edition make even more sense to me than her original concepts did.
Any serious writer needs to read this. Unless you're writing for fun or personal enjoyment only, PLEASE buy a copy of this. If you've read the first edition, PLEASE buy a copy of this. I feel like I have such a better grasp on story, scene, and even sentence-level structure. This rocketed to the top of my all-time favorite nonfiction books on writing and I'm sure I'll be revisiting it for years to come.
Any serious writer needs to read this. Unless you're writing for fun or personal enjoyment only, PLEASE buy a copy of this. If you've read the first edition, PLEASE buy a copy of this. I feel like I have such a better grasp on story, scene, and even sentence-level structure. This rocketed to the top of my all-time favorite nonfiction books on writing and I'm sure I'll be revisiting it for years to come.
Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas
emotional
mysterious
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
5.0
I’m actually dead. I LOVED THIS SOOOOO MUCH! Why do people hate Chaol so much? I adored this. The smaller scope, the storyline, the character growth—I think this needs to be studied but I feel like I loved it in the same way that ACOSF was my soul book.
So so good. But why is SJM ALLERGIC to weddings?! She hates us so much. To fanfiction I go.
So so good. But why is SJM ALLERGIC to weddings?! She hates us so much. To fanfiction I go.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Pregnancy and War
Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
dark
emotional
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
5.0
I … think I’m still alive? I’m not sure. So much happened in this book I don’t even know where to begin unpacking it all. I cried multiple times, for sure. Once I thought I’d have to stop driving I was crying so much listening to the audiobook. I’ve been mourning finishing this the entire time. I feel like this just ricocheted to one of my all-time favorites and I so don’t want the series to be over.
Shoutout to Tori for receiving all of my psychotic texts the entire time, especially the ones that Siri had to write for me. Siri needs a primer in SJM.
I’ve done the tandem read (which I LOVED) so now, back to finish Tower of Dawn. 🫡 I don’t want them to be overrrrrr
Shoutout to Tori for receiving all of my psychotic texts the entire time, especially the ones that Siri had to write for me. Siri needs a primer in SJM.
I’ve done the tandem read (which I LOVED) so now, back to finish Tower of Dawn. 🫡 I don’t want them to be overrrrrr
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Vomit
Minor: Slavery and Pregnancy
Falling by T.J. Newman
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
I enjoyed this! There were some issues with style, characterization, and stereotyping—but all in all an engrossing thriller. I still think I’ll be okay boarding planes after this, but we’ll see. I’m a little sad I only have one more book to read from this author before I’m caught up!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Genocide, Gun violence, Hate crime, Racism, Kidnapping, and Murder
The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
Oh, my word. I can’t remember the last time I read a new book that made me cry this hard. I was literally shaking while my husband snored beside me. I saw the ending coming well before it did (it seemed like it caught a lot of people off guard). I thought I’d be okay, but I wasn’t.
The tragedy is gratuitous and bordering on unrealistic. Ella’s lost both parents, a close grandparent, and her brother. Her husband abounded her and her children. One child gets cancer. And the other? It’s too much. I don’t think we needed all of it.
I also found the writing cheesy/corny a few times. It’s difficult to remember after such a tragic ending, but I did go 🥴 a few times.
All that to say, this was a moving story and held a lot of depth. I’m sure I’ll be thinking about it as I move onto other books. I’ve read Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, but this was my first contemporary from Yarros and what a doozy it was. She always manages to kill me with her endings.
The tragedy is gratuitous and bordering on unrealistic. Ella’s lost both parents, a close grandparent, and her brother. Her husband abounded her and her children. One child gets cancer. And the other? It’s too much. I don’t think we needed all of it.
I also found the writing cheesy/corny a few times. It’s difficult to remember after such a tragic ending, but I did go 🥴 a few times.
All that to say, this was a moving story and held a lot of depth. I’m sure I’ll be thinking about it as I move onto other books. I’ve read Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, but this was my first contemporary from Yarros and what a doozy it was. She always manages to kill me with her endings.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Child death, Sexual content, Grief, and Abandonment
Moderate: Death, Gun violence, Death of parent, and War
Minor: Torture
Those Empty Eyes by Charlie Donlea
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.5
I finished this in two sittings. The first, I was late making dinner. The second, I was so engrossed late at night that I had to leave bed to comfortably finish it in my reading chair. I terrified my husband half to death coming back (ironic, giving this book begins with a home invasion), and while I’m writing this, my head literally hurts from screaming “it’s me!” to my panicked husband. 🤗
This one was gripping and twisty. There were so many characters and plot points I was constantly wondering how they’d all connect. They did, and I was surprised, but I also think this was to a defect. I wish I connected with the characters more and with this much going on, I think they could’ve benefited from some additional pages and room to breathe. All in all a very tight thriller, and I’ll definitely continue my way down his list of novels.
This one was gripping and twisty. There were so many characters and plot points I was constantly wondering how they’d all connect. They did, and I was surprised, but I also think this was to a defect. I wish I connected with the characters more and with this much going on, I think they could’ve benefited from some additional pages and room to breathe. All in all a very tight thriller, and I’ll definitely continue my way down his list of novels.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Gun violence, Rape, and Murder
The Quiet Tenant by Clémence Michallon
dark
emotional
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
4.5
4.5! I have been on the hunt for more character-driven thrillers/suspense/crime novels and this fit the bill perfectly. If you’re like me and you avoid reading blurbs of books like these, go in with no expectations.
It absorbed me so much I finished it in ~24 hours. I truly rooted for the characters and was physically invested in the outcomes.
I found the different narrator/POV choices to be very well done. It’s difficult to pull off such varying narrative styles (one is even second person), but this worked for me.
I was disappointed to see that this is the author’s only book. I’ll be watching her for more!
It absorbed me so much I finished it in ~24 hours. I truly rooted for the characters and was physically invested in the outcomes.
I found the different narrator/POV choices to be very well done. It’s difficult to pull off such varying narrative styles (one is even second person), but this worked for me.
I was disappointed to see that this is the author’s only book. I’ll be watching her for more!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Physical abuse, Kidnapping, and Murder
Moderate: Cancer, Rape, Sexual assault, Torture, and Death of parent