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kamrynkoble's reviews
434 reviews
Published.: The Proven Path From Blank Page to Published Author by Chandler Bolt
informative
1.0
I . . . did not like this. I have read many, many nonfiction books about writing, and none of them have been even similar to this. It's focused on nonfiction (he'll occasionally throw in nuggets about fiction, but barely), and only on selling lots and lots of books. His main recommendation are to harass your friends and family for reviews, and send lots of emails. I always naturally dislike any books that encourage you to pull a book out of "nothing" just for the sake of making money. I get it, you're trying to tell copies of this book. But it feels slimy and disingenuous.
This book reads as an advertisement for the author's self-publishing company. I looked up said self-publishing company, and it is criminally expensive. For how much he craps on the trad pub industry, and says that self-publishing is a way to make more money in the long run, I'm a mildly horrified. This is one example quote:
"The only time it makes sense to traditionally publish is if you're a big name and can get a sizable advance. If you don't have an email list of 50k+ people or a large social media platform/audience, you won't get signed by a publisher. If you do, you won't get much of an advance."
In another section, he claims that even if you do get a trad pub advance, you'll be paying it back if you don't sell enough books. This is NOT true at any legitimate place. Sure, they have to earn your advance back before you get ADDITIONAL royalties, but no respectable publishing company is coming back for your advance. This is wrong, and I don't like the way Bolt presents this information. Again, it feels slimy.
First of all, the information he includes about trad pubbing is simply wrong. This is coming from someone who works for a publishing company. Of course Bolt wants you to self-publish, because he wants you to spend gobs of money on his self-publishing school.
It could've been a series of three blog posts for the same amount of content. I don't think I'm the target audience, because I simply know too much about book publishing and most of this was so rudimentary. I won't look at my notes for this book ever again, and I wish I would've skipped it. It seems like a blatant KU money grab in the hopes you'll buy his other products. When he's giving you all of his tricks, it just makes his own business all the more transparent. I was hoping to learn more about self-publishing, but this was just not the right resource. Onto the next one.
This book reads as an advertisement for the author's self-publishing company. I looked up said self-publishing company, and it is criminally expensive. For how much he craps on the trad pub industry, and says that self-publishing is a way to make more money in the long run, I'm a mildly horrified. This is one example quote:
"The only time it makes sense to traditionally publish is if you're a big name and can get a sizable advance. If you don't have an email list of 50k+ people or a large social media platform/audience, you won't get signed by a publisher. If you do, you won't get much of an advance."
In another section, he claims that even if you do get a trad pub advance, you'll be paying it back if you don't sell enough books. This is NOT true at any legitimate place. Sure, they have to earn your advance back before you get ADDITIONAL royalties, but no respectable publishing company is coming back for your advance. This is wrong, and I don't like the way Bolt presents this information. Again, it feels slimy.
First of all, the information he includes about trad pubbing is simply wrong. This is coming from someone who works for a publishing company. Of course Bolt wants you to self-publish, because he wants you to spend gobs of money on his self-publishing school.
It could've been a series of three blog posts for the same amount of content. I don't think I'm the target audience, because I simply know too much about book publishing and most of this was so rudimentary. I won't look at my notes for this book ever again, and I wish I would've skipped it. It seems like a blatant KU money grab in the hopes you'll buy his other products. When he's giving you all of his tricks, it just makes his own business all the more transparent. I was hoping to learn more about self-publishing, but this was just not the right resource. Onto the next one.
House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
challenging
dark
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
4.5
Wow. Ugh. I have so many thoughts I can’t even begin to sort them out. My prevailing feeling though is that I’m so mad I knew these spoilers while I tried SO hard to avoid them. I pivoted away from TOG because I knew I wanted to read CC3 as soon as it came out so it wouldn’t happen again. SJM posting that massive spoiler on her own Instagram makes me furious. Ma’am, have you hard of a carousel post?
This was very complex and a lot and I really hope that more of it will make sense in the next book. I already feel like I need to reread everything. I’m envious of anyone who got to go into this knowing nothing. Ugh.
This was very complex and a lot and I really hope that more of it will make sense in the next book. I already feel like I need to reread everything. I’m envious of anyone who got to go into this knowing nothing. Ugh.
The Night Shift by Alex Finlay
dark
mysterious
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? Yes
3.0
Whew! I think I read this in two sittings. It was a very tightly paced, twisty thriller, and I loved the short chapters and multiple POVs.
My main issue was that there was SO many characters and plot threads I could not keep them straight. Even in the beginning I could feel myself losing track of all the people introduced. I think it would’ve been better if I actually read this instead of listening to the audiobook, but it was a little rough. I’m still not quite sure what exactly happened to certain threads became it was a little too ambiguous and confusing. Like a certain character died? That was news to me in the epilogue! And googling it, it doesn’t seem I’m the only one who was confused about that.
Also, I can tell this male author has never been pregnant with twins or talked to a woman who’s been pregnant with twins.
All in all this was an enjoyable thriller and I’d recommend it. What you see is what you get. Fast and twisty.
My main issue was that there was SO many characters and plot threads I could not keep them straight. Even in the beginning I could feel myself losing track of all the people introduced. I think it would’ve been better if I actually read this instead of listening to the audiobook, but it was a little rough. I’m still not quite sure what exactly happened to certain threads became it was a little too ambiguous and confusing. Like a certain character died? That was news to me in the epilogue! And googling it, it doesn’t seem I’m the only one who was confused about that.
Also, I can tell this male author has never been pregnant with twins or talked to a woman who’s been pregnant with twins.
All in all this was an enjoyable thriller and I’d recommend it. What you see is what you get. Fast and twisty.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder, Pregnancy, Gun violence, and Suicide
Moderate: Death of parent and Adult/minor relationship
Minor: Abortion
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
emotional
reflective
sad
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
4.75
This was the first book I read for a brand new book club, and we’re off to a great start.
It was instantly captivating to me. It’s been a bit since I’ve read such a character-driven novel, and I adored it. I see so many complaints about the characters, but they felt nuanced and real and relatable to me, even when they were frustrating.
I truly loved the video games/business aspect of this. I kept thinking that it shouldn’t actually be as interesting as it was, but I was engaged the entire time.
I think this is one that will keep coming to mind years down the line. I feel like these people and these games should actually be real with how vivid they are to me.
Also, I have not had to look up so many new words in YEARS. That was fun to me.
I was missing a little more emotional impact (and the content lends itself plenty to that) to make it a whole 5 stars, but I enjoyed the writing style, story, and characters. I’d definitely read more from this author.
Update: this book has PLAGUED me like none other. I keep thinking of it and the characters constantly. I have to bump it to 5 for that reason alone. PLEASE let me know peace 🙏🏻🙏🏻
It was instantly captivating to me. It’s been a bit since I’ve read such a character-driven novel, and I adored it. I see so many complaints about the characters, but they felt nuanced and real and relatable to me, even when they were frustrating.
I truly loved the video games/business aspect of this. I kept thinking that it shouldn’t actually be as interesting as it was, but I was engaged the entire time.
I think this is one that will keep coming to mind years down the line. I feel like these people and these games should actually be real with how vivid they are to me.
Also, I have not had to look up so many new words in YEARS. That was fun to me.
I was missing a little more emotional impact (and the content lends itself plenty to that) to make it a whole 5 stars, but I enjoyed the writing style, story, and characters. I’d definitely read more from this author.
Update: this book has PLAGUED me like none other. I keep thinking of it and the characters constantly. I have to bump it to 5 for that reason alone. PLEASE let me know peace 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Death of parent, Gun violence, Death, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Pregnancy, Cancer, Chronic illness, and Grief
Minor: Abortion
Our Last Night by Taylor Adams
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
4.0
I went into this completely blind, just because I liked <i>No Exit</i> so much. I ended up listening to the entire audiobook in one day which I think is a first for me.
I’ve never read anything like this. It’s going to be one of the anomalies on my read shelf that I think about for years to come. This was such a unique format and story and it gripped me. I am definitely going to keep reading all of this author’s work.
PS, if you’re one of my friends who are sensitive to the paranormal/supernatural, proceed with caution. This isn’t just a thriller.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Death, Suicide, Grief, Gun violence, and Animal cruelty
Moderate: Mass/school shootings
Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
First of all, this is on me—I did not remember that this was YA before I read it. I don’t think I was in the mood for high school drama and I’m sure that affects my enjoyment of it.
It was cute, but a little too tropie for my tastes (and aware of it. They literally called themselves enemies-to-lovers). There were also too many pop culture references for my taste, and ones that I think will make this seem dated in two years.
Liz is a teenager, so I’ll try to show her some grace, but she’s a little too “not like other girls” for my preferences. We get it, your prom dress has pockets.
I did like her arc, and was glad she had some good natural consequences for her behavior as well as satisfying resolution. This was cute, and I’d definitely recommend it to others who like a sweet, tropie high school romance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Car accident
A Court of Sugar and Spice by Rebecca F. Kenney
adventurous
dark
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? Yes
3.0
Well, I saw someone post this on Instagram as a fun little Christmas read . . . Whew!
This was fun and moved quite quickly. The plot and world was quite interesting. While the characters felt shallow, I enjoyed this and will probably read the next one. It’s a fast, spicy KU book if you’re in the mood for a palette cleanser.
This was fun and moved quite quickly. The plot and world was quite interesting. While the characters felt shallow, I enjoyed this and will probably read the next one. It’s a fast, spicy KU book if you’re in the mood for a palette cleanser.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and Sexual content
Moderate: Death, Rape, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Death of parent
House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
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
This was so, so good. Just like with Throne of Glass, I think it helped that the SJM community primed me with what to expect. I went in knowing there would be 200 pages of worldbuilding but was pleasantly surprised by it. Just persevere—it’ll be fine.
I really didn’t find this slow, despite lots of other reviewers saying so. I really enjoyed the characters and the world, and found the murder mystery aspect so engaging.
Genuinely, I cannot remember a time where a slow burn was so frustrating to me. Oh my word. I need more in the second book.
Speaking of the second book: I’m terrified. Shaking.
Like always, the last 200 pages are insane and I’m still reeling. Maybe I’ll have more eloquent thoughts soon but I really enjoyed this one and I’m so thankful I’ve gotten into fantasy this year.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Suicidal thoughts, Injury/Injury detail, and Murder
Moderate: Alcoholism, Drug use, Alcohol, Suicide attempt, and Sexual content
Saving Noah by Lucinda Berry
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This is a really thought-provoking, sad book. I could discuss the ethics presented here for hours, honestly, and I commend the author for tackling such an awful topic. It made me think and challenged some of my saw understanding of the world.
The actual writing style felt a little flat to me, and I don’t think the audiobook narrator helped. The mother really grated at me and we spent so much time in her narration. It’s interesting—but I could’ve had a little more “truth” grounding her. Her continual minimization was exhausting, even though I can’t imagine being in her shoes.
I saw the “twist” coming, and was honestly afraid for it to get a step worse because of other breadcrumbs the author left.
Cannot put enough emphasis on this—if you are a victim of CSA or you love someone who is, proceed with caution.
The actual writing style felt a little flat to me, and I don’t think the audiobook narrator helped. The mother really grated at me and we spent so much time in her narration. It’s interesting—but I could’ve had a little more “truth” grounding her. Her continual minimization was exhausting, even though I can’t imagine being in her shoes.
I saw the “twist” coming, and was honestly afraid for it to get a step worse because of other breadcrumbs the author left.
Cannot put enough emphasis on this—if you are a victim of CSA or you love someone who is, proceed with caution.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pedophilia, Suicide attempt, Suicide, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Forced institutionalization and Child abuse
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Wow. I’ve attempted to finish this book multiple times, and I finally succeeded (after watching the movie—I know, I’m bad). The first part is still slow, but it swiftly picks up for parts 2 and 3.
I am both amazed and horrified. There was so much fascinating food for thought about the world and the Hunger Games, and it’s incredibly interesting to compare this time period to Katniss’s era.
Snow is . . . Something else entirely. I was regularly horrified by his inner monologue, and I wish the movie had a You-style voiceover, as the movie does not properly showcase how sick this man is.
I don’t think I’ve met anyone else who’s as big a fan of the Hunger Games as me, but I’m a Katniss girl through-and-through, so I think that’s why I struggled with this one. But it’s brilliant, and I’m glad I read it. Now I want to reread the original trilogy for the ninth time.
I did listen to the audiobook version, and the slam poetry/speak singing regularly had me cracking up. “La la, la la. La la la. La La, la la la. 😐” The music in the movie was so wonderful (all the callbacks to the trilogy? Genius, perfect, spectacular) so I wish they would find the budget to re-record, especially since the narrator can sing. But I know that’s never going to happen.
I have a feeling I’m going to be still thinking about this book plenty months from now. Suzanne Collins is forever my favorite.
I am both amazed and horrified. There was so much fascinating food for thought about the world and the Hunger Games, and it’s incredibly interesting to compare this time period to Katniss’s era.
Snow is . . . Something else entirely. I was regularly horrified by his inner monologue, and I wish the movie had a You-style voiceover, as the movie does not properly showcase how sick this man is.
I don’t think I’ve met anyone else who’s as big a fan of the Hunger Games as me, but I’m a Katniss girl through-and-through, so I think that’s why I struggled with this one. But it’s brilliant, and I’m glad I read it. Now I want to reread the original trilogy for the ninth time.
I did listen to the audiobook version, and the slam poetry/speak singing regularly had me cracking up. “La la, la la. La la la. La La, la la la. 😐” The music in the movie was so wonderful (all the callbacks to the trilogy? Genius, perfect, spectacular) so I wish they would find the budget to re-record, especially since the narrator can sing. But I know that’s never going to happen.
I have a feeling I’m going to be still thinking about this book plenty months from now. Suzanne Collins is forever my favorite.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder, and Child death
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, and Blood