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kamrynkoble's reviews
473 reviews
The Rose Arbor by Rhys Bowen
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.5
2.5. I didn’t love this one.
It felt pretty standard as far as mysteries go, with the main character trudging from lead to lead trying to piece together the crime.
This is a random journalist stumbled into a lot of convenient coincidences to magically solve four crimes. I can’t call it cozy, but we did get some atmospheric settings and descriptions of roughly four hundred different English dishes.
I also found the characters flat/didn’t connect with them in any meaningful way. They all seemed to respond to circumstances in very bizarre, unnatural ways. So many life-changing moments were “🤷♀️ anyways…”
It also bugged me how many times a character would say something, and the other person would plow forward in the conversation without even acknowledging what they said. It’s a weird complaint, and not one I remember having about any other books I’ve read.
Also, in the acknowledgments, the author says she intentionally chose the American spelling of “arbor” instead of the British spelling “arbour.” But she did not explain further. Guess that’s another mystery.
If you like historical English mysteries, you may like this one. I don’t think I’ll be seeking out more from this author.
It felt pretty standard as far as mysteries go, with the main character trudging from lead to lead trying to piece together the crime.
This is a random journalist stumbled into a lot of convenient coincidences to magically solve four crimes. I can’t call it cozy, but we did get some atmospheric settings and descriptions of roughly four hundred different English dishes.
I also found the characters flat/didn’t connect with them in any meaningful way. They all seemed to respond to circumstances in very bizarre, unnatural ways. So many life-changing moments were “🤷♀️ anyways…”
It also bugged me how many times a character would say something, and the other person would plow forward in the conversation without even acknowledging what they said. It’s a weird complaint, and not one I remember having about any other books I’ve read.
Also, in the acknowledgments, the author says she intentionally chose the American spelling of “arbor” instead of the British spelling “arbour.” But she did not explain further. Guess that’s another mystery.
If you like historical English mysteries, you may like this one. I don’t think I’ll be seeking out more from this author.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Kidnapping, and Death of parent
Moderate: Suicide and Murder
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I almost feel guilty not liking this more, which is a bizarre feeling to have. Vague spoilers below, you’ve been warned.
I’m tired. Iron Flame was SO hard for me to get through, and this felt even worse at the beginning. I had no idea who anyone was, where these places were, what was going on, why anyone was doing anything, and why anyone was mad. I swear this series is the ONLY time I haven’t been able to grasp motivation/reaction! Never mind all of the worldbuilding that’s impossible to remember without notes. I shouldn’t have to reread every book in a series when the new one comes out. Ugh.
I hate how similar this ended up being to Iron Flame. So unsatisfying. The last chapter again, made next to no sense. I’m going “wtf?” in a confused/baffled way instead of a shocked yet satisfied reaction.
Also, I didn’t cry. At least Iron Flame made me cry at the end for all my trouble.
I also feel like we’re turning cheap tricks to keep things interesting. *I want you so badly but I’m afraid I’ll hurt you. Professor/student relationships are forbidden.* I just can’t.
Writing this review, four stars almost seems generous, which makes me sad. Once I hit 40% and accepted I didn’t know who most of the people were,
I did enjoy reading it. I love the dragons (but was extremely disappointed in…the entire way Andarna was handled at the end).
Do I regret reading it? No. Will I read the next one? Yes. Do I think the cliffhanger will keep me up at night? No.
My book club raved so much and so many of them said this was their favorite book in the series. I’m so disappointed it’s not mine. 😫
Next day update: I’m actually feeling a bit more positive. Xaden worked for me more in this book than either of the other two books. Their relationship was substantially less annoying than Iron Flame. Am I toxic for preferring venin Xaden? Probably. I felt like the first two books were them telling us he’s bad, and now I actually believe them.
I’m still disappointed with the ending. It felt too similar to Iron Flame’s. Xaden is venin but FOR REAL THIS TIME! The last chapter was super odd to me and I didn’t think it would be the end. It makes me more excited to see what happens in the next book, but both FW and IF had gutwrenching endings that helped with my other complaints, and this one didn’t succeed as much for me.
Next day update: I’m actually feeling a bit more positive. Xaden worked for me more in this book than either of the other two books. Their relationship was substantially less annoying than Iron Flame. Am I toxic for preferring venin Xaden? Probably. I felt like the first two books were them telling us he’s bad, and now I actually believe them.
I’m still disappointed with the ending. It felt too similar to Iron Flame’s. Xaden is venin but FOR REAL THIS TIME! The last chapter was super odd to me and I didn’t think it would be the end. It makes me more excited to see what happens in the next book, but both FW and IF had gutwrenching endings that helped with my other complaints, and this one didn’t succeed as much for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Violence, and Murder
It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
2.5. This was just not necessary. I didn’t find it very romantic despite the gushing letters. It was also extremely heavy-handed and preachy. If I had to hear “I’m so lucky. Not all domestic violence victims have the support I have” 🙄 There was just no emotional payoff at all. Disappointing.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse and Domestic abuse
Minor: Death of parent
Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Wow. What a brilliant, unique, disturbing book. I’m going to be thinking about this one for a long time.
Don’t let anyone sell you this as “romantasy.” It’s not. But if you like unique magic systems, techy magic (think magical typewriter), and pondering major ethical dilemmas, this is a great fit.
I wasn’t connected to the characters enough to give it a full five stars. But this is an incredible book and I’m so glad I read it, thanks to Book Huddle!
Don’t let anyone sell you this as “romantasy.” It’s not. But if you like unique magic systems, techy magic (think magical typewriter), and pondering major ethical dilemmas, this is a great fit.
I wasn’t connected to the characters enough to give it a full five stars. But this is an incredible book and I’m so glad I read it, thanks to Book Huddle!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Misogyny, Racism, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Animal death, Suicide, and Death of parent
Minor: Child death
Orange Is the New Black by Piper Kerman
dark
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
So, I LOVE the TV show based on this memoir. I recently rewatched it, so I decided to reread this. The first time I read it was in high school at church camp which I honestly find iconic.
I'm a little surprised to see this came out in 2010 with how dated/offensive a lot of the verbiage was when Piper was describing other prisoners. If you're sensitive to how POC/LGBT+ people/poor people/non-Americans are discussed, this one probably isn't the best pick.
I don't think I would've had as much fun with this if I didn't love the show so much. But I relate quite a bit to Piper's background, and it's interesting to hear her take on the federal prison system I've personally never encountered. Take it all with a grain of salt, but I enjoyed listening to this on audio.
I'm a little surprised to see this came out in 2010 with how dated/offensive a lot of the verbiage was when Piper was describing other prisoners. If you're sensitive to how POC/LGBT+ people/poor people/non-Americans are discussed, this one probably isn't the best pick.
I don't think I would've had as much fun with this if I didn't love the show so much. But I relate quite a bit to Piper's background, and it's interesting to hear her take on the federal prison system I've personally never encountered. Take it all with a grain of salt, but I enjoyed listening to this on audio.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Confinement, Drug abuse, Homophobia, Racism, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Lesbophobia, and Classism
Moderate: Body shaming, Deadnaming, Domestic abuse, Fatphobia, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Self harm, Transphobia, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Child abuse and Antisemitism
All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
So, I read 340 pages in under 24 hours to finish this. It’s that good.
What a beautiful, moving book. Expertly plotted. I ADORED the characters and already know I’ll be thinking of them often. They’re so vivid. This is a masterpiece. Please read it!
Read for Book Huddle book club
What a beautiful, moving book. Expertly plotted. I ADORED the characters and already know I’ll be thinking of them often. They’re so vivid. This is a masterpiece. Please read it!
Read for Book Huddle book club
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Kidnapping, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Cancer, Blood, and Abortion
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I really enjoyed this one! I’d seen it around but finally picked it up for the Book Huddle book club and I’m so thankful I did. It struck the perfect balance of funny and deep, and I was invested in the vivid characters. Honestly, I want a sequel! If you like Emily Henry, I think you’ll like this one. It’s more literary contemporary than romance but I enjoyed the voice and will definitely read more from this author.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infertility and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Death, Infidelity, Grief, Suicide attempt, and Death of parent
Could be triggering for death of a spouse and death of a parent
Next Level Plot Structure: How to Write a Better Novel Using Advanced Storytelling Techniques by K.M. Weiland
challenging
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.5
I’ve loved all of Weiland’s books for years now, and this one is particularly incredible. She does such an incredible job at distilling complicated concepts into examples and action points. I’ve taken detailed notes and I’m sure I’ll reference them every time I start a new project—this book is worth returning to study again. It’s really an MFA class in a book. If you’re serious about novelwriting, I couldn’t recommend this (or Weiland’s other books) more.
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Brilliant, and terrifying.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Misogyny, Sexual violence, Suicide, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Blood
Minor: Sexual content and Vomit
Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
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 am not positive I’m still alive. I can’t even count how many times I’ve cried at this book specially. I don’t know how Sarah herself lives daily when she created this world and these people.
This series is beloved to me. I won’t ever forget it. There is no moving on from it. I can’t think about it too much or it’s difficult to breathe.
There’s nothing more to say right now, and I’m sure I’ll keep thinking on it for years to come. No amount of rereads will be enough. To whatever end.
This series is beloved to me. I won’t ever forget it. There is no moving on from it. I can’t think about it too much or it’s difficult to breathe.
There’s nothing more to say right now, and I’m sure I’ll keep thinking on it for years to come. No amount of rereads will be enough. To whatever end.