karireads's reviews
1371 reviews

Magic Binds by Ilona Andrews

3.0

The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde

funny mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No

4.5

The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo

adventurous mysterious 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

4.0

Lady Macbeth by Susan Fraser King

adventurous 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

3.5

In the Belly of the Whale by Michael Flynn

adventurous tense slow-paced

5.0

200 years ago, a generation ship set out with the goal of establishing a colony on a planet in orbit around Tau Ceti. But 200 years is a long time, and their descendants are not the same as founding generation. Society has developed a hereditary ruling aristocracy, the ship is beginning to malfunction, and the regular crew just cares about their lives here and now while the ruling aristocracy doesn't care about them at all.

I loved this book. I thought is was amazing, thought-provoking, full of tension and emotion, and the resolution was satisfying. I can't say enough good things about it.

The story of what happens is told through the experiences of several different characters with quick cuts between perspectives and stories. This may be confusing, annoying, or disorienting for some, but for me it kept the tension high and the plot moving. Each character has their own unique perspective and experience, the pace moves from breath-taking speed and tension to slow and thoughtful and back again. Several twists and turns caught me by complete surprise. Others were foreshadowed and expected.

The synopsis provided is completely accurate while at the same time doing the book a disservice. You can read it for the "insightful study of societal evolution and individual resilience" - which it definitely is - or for the stories of the characters dealing with conflict, death, loss of loved ones, etc. It's really a fascinating book and I'm going to be thinking about it for a long time.

Unholy Magic by Melissa Erin Jackson

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

4.5

I’ve loved every book in this series and this one is no exception. The only reason I don’t give it a 5 is because in this one, each character is basically off on their own, without their friends helping. I really miss the friendship between Harlow and Kayda, Caspian and Welsh, even Kayda and Henri are not teams here.

Still, I did thoroughly enjoy the book and I’m looking forward to the next one.

The Night Shift by Natalka Burian

adventurous 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

Land of Dreams by James P. Blaylock

adventurous 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

3.75

I wish I had encountered this book at age 12. I would have loved it then. Reading it as an adult, it’s rather peculiar but enjoyable. I’m not sure if it all works, but I did enjoy it.

Daughters of Chaos by Jen Fawkes

adventurous emotional reflective medium-paced

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

3.5

Pillar of Ash by H.M. Long

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

4.0