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katherineshawwrites's reviews
79 reviews
Attack of the Killer Tumbleweeds by Antonia Rachel Ward
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
We were promised killer tumbleweeds and we got killer tumbleweeds! The main story is this book has a retro sci-fi B-movie vibe with an array of classic characters - the naive newlyweds, the Las Vegas gangster, the jaded showgirl, etc. which makes for a fun, fast-paced adventure. I enjoyed the story, and the different POVs were used well to build suspense and add depth to each of the characters.
The book is filled out with two added short stories of quite different horror genres - one a Wild West zombie tale and one a modern-day slasher. While these are enjoyable stories in their own right, I’m not sure how well the book works as a collection of stories of different horror sub-genres and lengths.
The book is filled out with two added short stories of quite different horror genres - one a Wild West zombie tale and one a modern-day slasher. While these are enjoyable stories in their own right, I’m not sure how well the book works as a collection of stories of different horror sub-genres and lengths.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, Abortion
Moderate: Gore, Gun violence, Self harm, Suicide attempt, Alcohol, Sexual harassment
Wing and a Miss by B. Perkins, Aimee Vance
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Once again, the Deadlights Cove series did not disappoint!
I was excited to read Ryker’s romance, and it was great to finally get in the mind of the stand-offish dragon we’ve only had glimpses of so far.
The romance itself was great. There were lots of ‘just kiss!’ moments (in a good way), and I loved watching Ryker and Selene finally admit their feelings for each other. The spicy scenes were excellent, and I found myself developing my own little crush on our burly dragon shifter.
While I preferred this romance to the previous book, the plot was a bit up and down for me, and I had to suspend my disbelief a few times. I do think it came together really well in the end, with the stakes ticking up a little bit more versus the earlier books. I’ll definitely be keen to check out the next instalment to see what shenanigans are in store.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Sexual content, Alcohol
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Grief, Death of parent
The Heartbreak Hex: A Halloween Romance Novella by Jordyn Alexander, Jordyn Alexander
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This is a sweet little holiday romance, perfect for Halloween time.
I loved the sprinkling of world-building throughout, and the Holiday Village seems like a wonderful setting for a string of seasonal romances. I feel like the author gave us just enough insight into how the world works and what other holiday towns are around, so we know what to expect in future romances.
Vlad was by far my favourite character. The author manages to make him very swoon-worthy using very few words, and the way he called Gertrude 'sweetheart' was just *mwah*.
I really liked the circumstances they characters find themselves in, with the potion tying them together - it made for a fun romance arc, and who doesn't love the just one bed trope?
I only have a couple of criticisms of the book. While I understand it's a novella, and so there's limited space to explore things, the romance is very rapid. Both POVs reveal to the reader that they want each other right at the start, which dissolves most of the tension. It's still fun to see when they'll finally reveal it to each other, but I'd have liked a tiny bit more build up. Similarly, once they've both declared their feelings it moves VERY fast, a bit unrealistically so. This took the edge off a little for me, though the ending was very cute.
All in all, this is a sweet and fun little romance which I'd highly recommend for a lighter Halloween read. I'd gladly read more in the holiday village series.
I loved the sprinkling of world-building throughout, and the Holiday Village seems like a wonderful setting for a string of seasonal romances. I feel like the author gave us just enough insight into how the world works and what other holiday towns are around, so we know what to expect in future romances.
Vlad was by far my favourite character. The author manages to make him very swoon-worthy using very few words, and the way he called Gertrude 'sweetheart' was just *mwah*.
I really liked the circumstances they characters find themselves in, with the potion tying them together - it made for a fun romance arc, and who doesn't love the just one bed trope?
I only have a couple of criticisms of the book. While I understand it's a novella, and so there's limited space to explore things, the romance is very rapid. Both POVs reveal to the reader that they want each other right at the start, which dissolves most of the tension. It's still fun to see when they'll finally reveal it to each other, but I'd have liked a tiny bit more build up. Similarly, once they've both declared their feelings it moves VERY fast, a bit unrealistically so. This took the edge off a little for me, though the ending was very cute.
All in all, this is a sweet and fun little romance which I'd highly recommend for a lighter Halloween read. I'd gladly read more in the holiday village series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Alcohol
Minor: Bullying
Bound to the Fate of Kings by Jamie Jackson
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Okay, I would like to read more Shakespeare retellings please!
I’ve been a fan of Jamie Jackson’s writing for some time, and she always manages to surprise me with her take on a new genre. I’m a big Shakespeare fan - although it’s many years since I read Macbeth - and this retelling manages to feel both familiar and new at the same time. There are obvious links to the original story, but bringing the three witches to the forefront was a fascinating new angle, and it worked well.
I really enjoyed the uneasy romance building between the two main characters, and the murky morals throughout were interesting to watch play out. I loved seeing our reincarnation of Macduff brought to life a lot more in this telling, whereas - despite being the ‘hero’ in the end - he feels like a side character in the original text.
This was a great read for spooky season, and I would definitely recommend it to any Shakespeare fan interested in fresh versions of the bard’s work
I’ve been a fan of Jamie Jackson’s writing for some time, and she always manages to surprise me with her take on a new genre. I’m a big Shakespeare fan - although it’s many years since I read Macbeth - and this retelling manages to feel both familiar and new at the same time. There are obvious links to the original story, but bringing the three witches to the forefront was a fascinating new angle, and it worked well.
I really enjoyed the uneasy romance building between the two main characters, and the murky morals throughout were interesting to watch play out. I loved seeing our reincarnation of Macduff brought to life a lot more in this telling, whereas - despite being the ‘hero’ in the end - he feels like a side character in the original text.
This was a great read for spooky season, and I would definitely recommend it to any Shakespeare fan interested in fresh versions of the bard’s work
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Blood, War
Moderate: Murder
Test of the Four by A.E. Bennett
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Wow! I was excited to get back into The Serrulata Saga and A.E. Bennett did not disappoint. It had been a while since I read the first book, but Bennett eases the reader back in expertly, offering just enough of a reminder of previous events to be helpful but not tedious or repetitive. I especially enjoyed spending time with my favourite four misfits again - it was like I'd never left them. I am, of course, still in love with Leopold, and I found myself highlighting all of his self-deprecating and insecure moments because he breaks my heart and I just want my favourite ex-White Rider to be happy.
It was fascinating to see the political intrigue step up a level in this sequel, with the shifting POVs allowing us to see the consequences of the previous book unfold across the Realm (and beyond!). It was done very well, with each different POV giving just enough to hook the reader whilst slowly building up the tension. I was beyond stressed by the end of the book - in the best possible way.
The book definitely leans more into the sci-fi side of this dystopian world more than the previous one, which was an interesting development. It can be a bit jarring when this happens, but I thought Bennett handled it very well, easing us in so that - while elements were certainly surprising - it felt natural to the plot. I really enjoyed learning more about New York and the Xanthos, and I can't wait for even more mysteries to be revealed in the next book.
I could talk about this series all day, and it is safe to say I am extremely keen to pick up the next book and continue the saga!
It was fascinating to see the political intrigue step up a level in this sequel, with the shifting POVs allowing us to see the consequences of the previous book unfold across the Realm (and beyond!). It was done very well, with each different POV giving just enough to hook the reader whilst slowly building up the tension. I was beyond stressed by the end of the book - in the best possible way.
The book definitely leans more into the sci-fi side of this dystopian world more than the previous one, which was an interesting development. It can be a bit jarring when this happens, but I thought Bennett handled it very well, easing us in so that - while elements were certainly surprising - it felt natural to the plot. I really enjoyed learning more about New York and the Xanthos, and I can't wait for even more mysteries to be revealed in the next book.
I could talk about this series all day, and it is safe to say I am extremely keen to pick up the next book and continue the saga!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Blood, Alcohol, Classism
Moderate: Grief, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Gun violence, Sexual violence
They Lie Here by N S Ford
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Well, talk about twists and turns! Every time I thought I’d guessed what was happening in this book, there was a new surprise. It certainly kept me hooked and had me finishing the book in just a few days.
The writing style is excellent, and the interspersion of other media in between chapters was brilliantly done. Some things didn’t make a lot of sense at the time, but everything came together by the end in a very satisfying way.
Kat isn’t the most likeable MC, but that isn’t a problem, and if anything adds to the mystery around her background and how she ended up where she is.
I enjoyed the sci-fi twist, although I perhaps would’ve liked more build up to it, so it’s a bit less out of the blue (no pun intended, ifkyk). The climax is also a little abrupt, and I’d liked to have seen Kat’s emotional reaction more.
I loved the final lyrics (when can we hear these songs? 🤩) and the slight gut punch that is the very end. Ouch, sorry Kat!
All in all, a strong thriller and will grab you and keep you hooked!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Medical content, Murder, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
It's Only A Little Death by Shane Blackheart
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
4.0
What a fascinating, unexpected and heart-warming read.
I thought I knew what I was getting into with this one, but it managed to surprise me all the way through. I warmed to Silver immediately, and while their story was upsetting in places, I loved learning more about their past and seeing them grow into themselves. I was rooting for them throughout, and wanted nothing more than for them to be happy. The ending was particularly great, and I just know Silver will excel in their new position.
This version of the afterlife was very interested, and I liked seeing how it worked and how each soul had to work to discover their story once they arrived. It was a very interesting and unique take on death which I enjoyed exploring.
I loved Ifris, and I'm glad we got to discover his own story, even if it was heart-breaking. Charon was also a definite highlight, and I'd love to read a spin-off of its story!
My one criticism is that I wanted more in places. The story moves quickly and I'd have really loved some more depth to some aspects. The exploration of trauma and repressed memories could be even more impactful with a little more time taken to set the scene and take the reader through Silver's experience, and it's a shame to be taken to this fascinating spin on the underworld and not get the full richness it could offer.
All in all, an enjoyable and interesting read!
I thought I knew what I was getting into with this one, but it managed to surprise me all the way through. I warmed to Silver immediately, and while their story was upsetting in places, I loved learning more about their past and seeing them grow into themselves. I was rooting for them throughout, and wanted nothing more than for them to be happy. The ending was particularly great, and I just know Silver will excel in their new position.
This version of the afterlife was very interested, and I liked seeing how it worked and how each soul had to work to discover their story once they arrived. It was a very interesting and unique take on death which I enjoyed exploring.
I loved Ifris, and I'm glad we got to discover his own story, even if it was heart-breaking. Charon was also a definite highlight, and I'd love to read a spin-off of its story!
My one criticism is that I wanted more in places. The story moves quickly and I'd have really loved some more depth to some aspects. The exploration of trauma and repressed memories could be even more impactful with a little more time taken to set the scene and take the reader through Silver's experience, and it's a shame to be taken to this fascinating spin on the underworld and not get the full richness it could offer.
All in all, an enjoyable and interesting read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Transphobia, Blood, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Drug abuse, Mental illness, Outing
Death of a Clone by Alex Thomson
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
The book caught my eye because of the striking cover, and the prospect of a murder mystery in space was the icing on the cake.
I must say, I enjoyed this book a lot. There's a great balance of a well-told murder mystery alongside the wider puzzle of what's really been happening on the asteroid and the true history of the inhabitants on the base. Leila is a likeable main character with her own personality (difficult to do in a place full of clones!), and I loved how she brought what she'd learned from books into her mannerisms and speech.
A lot of it is familiar to any fan of murder mysteries, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing, and there are plenty of things in common with other clone sci-fi stories, but there's enough new ideas to keep you hooked, and I sped through the book in just a few days.
I would have liked a little more depth and tension, personally - the story moves swiftly and doesn't linger on some of the more poignant aspects as much as it could have. This would've added a bit more impact and brought more emotion to the events, but even so, it's a solid read that I thoroughly enjoyed and would recommend for sci-fi and murder mystery fans alike.
I must say, I enjoyed this book a lot. There's a great balance of a well-told murder mystery alongside the wider puzzle of what's really been happening on the asteroid and the true history of the inhabitants on the base. Leila is a likeable main character with her own personality (difficult to do in a place full of clones!), and I loved how she brought what she'd learned from books into her mannerisms and speech.
A lot of it is familiar to any fan of murder mysteries, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing, and there are plenty of things in common with other clone sci-fi stories, but there's enough new ideas to keep you hooked, and I sped through the book in just a few days.
I would have liked a little more depth and tension, personally - the story moves swiftly and doesn't linger on some of the more poignant aspects as much as it could have. This would've added a bit more impact and brought more emotion to the events, but even so, it's a solid read that I thoroughly enjoyed and would recommend for sci-fi and murder mystery fans alike.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gaslighting
Moderate: Drug use, Rape, Slavery, Grief, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I pre-ordered Yellowface as soon as I knew it was a thing, and I can't believe it's taken me this long to finally read it!
R F Kuang's writing is intelligent, engaging and compelling, and I found myself whizzing through this book much quicker than I expected. The main character, June, is incredibly unlikeable - but that's clearly the point! You're supposed to dislike her jealousy, her pettiness, her casual racism and privileged bad takes, and her complete denial she has done anything wrong. Somehow, though, R F Kuang's writing gets you hooked, and you can't help but devour page after page as everything goes right and then very, very wrong for June.
I see some people take issue with this book, and that's to be expected, and kind of the point. R F Kuang is provoking us and forcing us to consider our own biases and privilege, our own jealousy and nastiness, our own reaction to discourse, rumours and scandals, and that's bound to feel uncomfortable in places for people. It makes for an interesting an unexpectedly addictive read.
My biggest critique is that the pacing is off. The book starts relatively fast-paced, slows right down and then jumps to a bit of a silly climax right at the end. After such a solid 75% or so, the sudden escalation and weirdly tropey and kind of stupid standoff was a bit jarring for me. It didn't ruin the book, but definitely prevented it from hitting that 5 stars.
Still, a solid read that I recommend giving a shot.
R F Kuang's writing is intelligent, engaging and compelling, and I found myself whizzing through this book much quicker than I expected. The main character, June, is incredibly unlikeable - but that's clearly the point! You're supposed to dislike her jealousy, her pettiness, her casual racism and privileged bad takes, and her complete denial she has done anything wrong. Somehow, though, R F Kuang's writing gets you hooked, and you can't help but devour page after page as everything goes right and then very, very wrong for June.
I see some people take issue with this book, and that's to be expected, and kind of the point. R F Kuang is provoking us and forcing us to consider our own biases and privilege, our own jealousy and nastiness, our own reaction to discourse, rumours and scandals, and that's bound to feel uncomfortable in places for people. It makes for an interesting an unexpectedly addictive read.
My biggest critique is that the pacing is off. The book starts relatively fast-paced, slows right down and then jumps to a bit of a silly climax right at the end. After such a solid 75% or so, the sudden escalation and weirdly tropey and kind of stupid standoff was a bit jarring for me. It didn't ruin the book, but definitely prevented it from hitting that 5 stars.
Still, a solid read that I recommend giving a shot.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racism, Cultural appropriation
Moderate: Bullying, Mental illness, Rape, Toxic friendship
Minor: Suicide
Three Seeking Stars by Avi Silver
adventurous
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? It's complicated
5.0
I loved the first installment of this duology, and I didn't think it was possible, but I loved this sequel even more! These books are something special, and Avi Silver is a truly skilled writer.
The characterisation was as strong as ever right from the start, and I fell in love with these characters all over again - even Ahn, the new addition to the group. The world-building went up another notch, giving us the same vibrancy and richness from the first book, with added lore around Ahn's background which I did not expect, but which was woven expertly into the narrative.
I loved watching Sohmeng explore her relationship with the circumstances of her birth even further and how that ties in with her personality, her relationships, and even her gender to an extent. There's real heart to this story, and I found myself tearing up (in a good way) at the end. I highly recommend giving these books a try.
The characterisation was as strong as ever right from the start, and I fell in love with these characters all over again - even Ahn, the new addition to the group. The world-building went up another notch, giving us the same vibrancy and richness from the first book, with added lore around Ahn's background which I did not expect, but which was woven expertly into the narrative.
I loved watching Sohmeng explore her relationship with the circumstances of her birth even further and how that ties in with her personality, her relationships, and even her gender to an extent. There's real heart to this story, and I found myself tearing up (in a good way) at the end. I highly recommend giving these books a try.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Blood, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death