karireads's reviews
1372 reviews

Antimatter Blues by Edward Ashton

adventurous tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

The Stardust Thief by Chelsea Abdullah

3.0

Dust Spells by Andrea Lynn

emotional mysterious 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

Really good historical fantasy. I don’t usually read young adult books, but I’m glad I read this one. Loved the relationship between the sisters, the romance was well done, and it all just works.

Warped State by Jo Miles

adventurous tense medium-paced

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

5.0

Exciting and fun science fiction thriller. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Conviction by Jennifer Blackstream
Did not finish book. Stopped at 0%.

I’m really tired of Shade constantly refusing to ask herself obvious questions before jumping in to a situation. Just once in a while she ought to think “Gee, this kelpie just made me promise to serve her if Andy disappears. I wonder if I should keep an eye on him so he isn’t kidnapped or something.” She never does, though.

Staying Dead by Laura Anne Gilman

adventurous medium-paced

3.0

Empire of Shadows by Jacquelyn Benson

adventurous mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Fast-paced adventure story, in the tradition of Indiana Jones and King Solomon’s Mine. It’s great light entertainment and plenty of fun to read.

The King of Shadows by Robert R. McCammon

adventurous slow-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

2.25

This was a disappointing book for me. It starts with the whole crew going off on a ship to Venice to find the mirror. They never reach Venice, we never learn more about the mirror much less find it, and instead we get long discussions of background on characters while hanging out on an island where nothing happens. 

The background bits were well written and I can understand others enjoying them, but for me, they were just a digression. I really wanted to get on with the story, the main story, and that does not happen in this book.

Cult Classic by Stephen Blackmoore

adventurous mysterious fast-paced

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

5.0

This is not really a standalone book and should be read after others in the series.

I read that this is likely to be the last Eric Carter novel, and it's a satisfying finale. Plot lines are resolved and the characters are in a good place going forward. Lots of action, fun twists, and of course standard Eric Carter snark. I really enjoyed the whole series.

Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese

slow-paced

1.0

It was okay until

Marion raped Genet, seemed surprised when she left, and never reflected on the fact that he raped her.

Most readers don’t seem bothered by this which I find disturbing.

That event made me realize just how unreliable a narrator Marion is and reinforced the sympathy I had for Genet all along.