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katherineshawwrites's reviews
79 reviews
The Woman I Befriended by Sara Kate
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This book starts strong, hitting us straight away with Ellie's concerns about her new neighbour, and pulling us into a potential unreliable narration of paranoia and suspicion.
I thought the characterisation of Ellie - our first person narrator - was done very well. She was judgemental, neurotic, and a little annoying, but that made her feel real, and I enjoyed her POV very much. I liked the intrigue brought about by hinting that she'd done something like this before, and her past was teased out slowly as the story progressed.
My main criticism of the book is this - it's a thriller without many thrills. The setup is brilliant and there's a lot of intrigue, and it had me excited for all sorts of twists and turns. Perhaps Ellie would turn out to be the villain, perhaps her getting too involved would lead to disastrous consequences for herself or a loved one, but none of that really came to pass. It was an interesting story, but most of the action happened off-page, which had me missing those tense, stressful moments you expect from a thriller. The ending is unexpected (in a good way), but a little unsatisfying. I'd have preferred to have seen what happened on-page.
Saying that, it's an enjoyable read that you can whizz through pretty quickly, and I'd be interested in reading more from this author in the future.
I thought the characterisation of Ellie - our first person narrator - was done very well. She was judgemental, neurotic, and a little annoying, but that made her feel real, and I enjoyed her POV very much. I liked the intrigue brought about by hinting that she'd done something like this before, and her past was teased out slowly as the story progressed.
My main criticism of the book is this - it's a thriller without many thrills. The setup is brilliant and there's a lot of intrigue, and it had me excited for all sorts of twists and turns. Perhaps Ellie would turn out to be the villain, perhaps her getting too involved would lead to disastrous consequences for herself or a loved one, but none of that really came to pass. It was an interesting story, but most of the action happened off-page, which had me missing those tense, stressful moments you expect from a thriller. The ending is unexpected (in a good way), but a little unsatisfying. I'd have preferred to have seen what happened on-page.
Saying that, it's an enjoyable read that you can whizz through pretty quickly, and I'd be interested in reading more from this author in the future.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol
Moderate: Death, Domestic abuse, Mental illness, Stalking, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Murder
Don't Lie by Sarah Jules
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Well, what a lot of twists and turns! This is a fast-paced thriller that keeps you guessing right until the end. The shifting points of view give just enough of a glimpse into each character to hint at their nefarious sides while maintaining some mystery, all while propelling the story onwards to its gory conclusion.
Some may think that it's unrealistic for a group of young people to be so nasty and vindictive for quite petty reasons, but if you've ever known people like this in real life, you'll know the author nailed it. At times it was hard to read their horrible thoughts about each other, but that's a testament to the good writing.
My one criticism is that it's a little too fast a story for me, with the sudden escalation of events at the end feeling like it whizzed by and could've been expanded on just a little make it a bit more satisfying. Saying that, I did not expect it to end the way it did, and was left reeling a little (in a good way).
All in all, a solid read, and I will definitely return to this author in the future.
Some may think that it's unrealistic for a group of young people to be so nasty and vindictive for quite petty reasons, but if you've ever known people like this in real life, you'll know the author nailed it. At times it was hard to read their horrible thoughts about each other, but that's a testament to the good writing.
My one criticism is that it's a little too fast a story for me, with the sudden escalation of events at the end feeling like it whizzed by and could've been expanded on just a little make it a bit more satisfying. Saying that, I did not expect it to end the way it did, and was left reeling a little (in a good way).
All in all, a solid read, and I will definitely return to this author in the future.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Cursing, Death, Gore, Blood, Murder, Toxic friendship, Alcohol
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Gaslighting
Minor: Drug use, Homophobia, Transphobia
Deja Brew by B. Perkins, Aimee Vance
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
I'll preface this by saying that the fated mates trope is not usually my thing, but I loved the first book in this series enough that I wanted to give this a go - and I'm glad I did!
Deja Brew does contain some of the standard tropes you'd expect from a shifter romance, but it feels different enough to still be interesting, and I especially enjoyed getting to understand the lore of Kit's fox magic, and the importance of the family structure and dynamic in the shifter world.
It was a delight to be back in Deadlights Cove, with its cast of zany and diverse paranormal characters and its charming local customs. I had missed Blaze - MMC of the first book in the series - and really enjoyed his regular appearances in Nimue's story.
This book played heavy on the romance storyline, with the additional supernatural mystery subplot not coming into play until quite late, and then getting wrapped up fairly quickly. I'd have liked to have seen it expanded a little more, but as the book is mainly a rom-com, you can't expect it to be too plot-heavy.
Deja Brew does contain some of the standard tropes you'd expect from a shifter romance, but it feels different enough to still be interesting, and I especially enjoyed getting to understand the lore of Kit's fox magic, and the importance of the family structure and dynamic in the shifter world.
It was a delight to be back in Deadlights Cove, with its cast of zany and diverse paranormal characters and its charming local customs. I had missed Blaze - MMC of the first book in the series - and really enjoyed his regular appearances in Nimue's story.
This book played heavy on the romance storyline, with the additional supernatural mystery subplot not coming into play until quite late, and then getting wrapped up fairly quickly. I'd have liked to have seen it expanded a little more, but as the book is mainly a rom-com, you can't expect it to be too plot-heavy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Kidnapping
The Erstwhile Tyler Kyle by Steve Hugh Westenra
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
slow-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
Well, that was a bit of a wild ride! This is a book that keeps you guessing, from its unusual splicing of diary entries and possibly unreliable narrators, to not knowing who the real villain is until its almost too late.
I very much enjoyed the writing style. The author really captures Tyler and Josh's characters and different senses of humour, and I especially enjoyed Tyler's snarky and comedic commentary of the events as they unfolded.
There's a fantastic queer romance running alongside the supernatural mystery/horror plotline, with that classic "just kiss" frustration throughout. I wanted to shake Tyler by the end, but that's the kind of stress we readers love, right? The moment where they both finally got on the same page was worth waiting for.
My only criticism of the book is that the pacing is uneven, with the first half being very slow, and then a sudden escalation of events, with certain mysteries being revealed very quickly after a long build-up. Similar happens right at the end when Tyler and another character fix a long-standing problem remarkably quickly, which feels a bit unsatisfying. It doesn't ruin the story by any means, but dulls what could've been a truly excellent read for me.
I will also explicitly include a content warning for body horror, as a couple of things happen after a relatively low-violence story that some readers might not enjoy.
I very much enjoyed the writing style. The author really captures Tyler and Josh's characters and different senses of humour, and I especially enjoyed Tyler's snarky and comedic commentary of the events as they unfolded.
There's a fantastic queer romance running alongside the supernatural mystery/horror plotline, with that classic "just kiss" frustration throughout. I wanted to shake Tyler by the end, but that's the kind of stress we readers love, right? The moment where they both finally got on the same page was worth waiting for.
My only criticism of the book is that the pacing is uneven, with the first half being very slow, and then a sudden escalation of events, with certain mysteries being revealed very quickly after a long build-up. Similar happens right at the end when Tyler and another character fix a long-standing problem remarkably quickly, which feels a bit unsatisfying. It doesn't ruin the story by any means, but dulls what could've been a truly excellent read for me.
I will also explicitly include a content warning for body horror, as a couple of things happen after a relatively low-violence story that some readers might not enjoy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Death, Gore, Torture, Violence, Blood, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal death, Homophobia, Sexual violence, Religious bigotry, Stalking
Minor: Rape, Vomit
A Troll Walks into a Bar by Douglas Lumsden
adventurous
mysterious
tense
slow-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
4.75
I'm a big fan of mixed genre books, and I couldn't say no to an urban fantasy noir novel! Lumsden cleverly takes many staples of classic fantasy stories - trolls, elves, gnomes, elemental magic - and splices them with corrupt policemen, gang warfare, smuggling operations, and gun fights. It could so easily go wrong, but it works brilliantly, drawing the reader into a gripping mystery whilst peppering in bits of world-building that create a rich fantasy world without distracting us from the action.
My only criticism is that some of the fight scenes went on a little bit too long for my liking, but all in all this was an excellent read, and I would happily pick up the next Alexander Southerland adventure!
My only criticism is that some of the fight scenes went on a little bit too long for my liking, but all in all this was an excellent read, and I would happily pick up the next Alexander Southerland adventure!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Murder
Moderate: Death, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Genocide, Xenophobia
Jinx by Jessica Huntley
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
4.0
I thought I knew what I was getting into with Jinx, but it surprised me at every turn!
The book is penned as a thriller, but feels more like a drama to me, with us following the main character Aimee as she deals with her trauma after serving in the army, complicated romantic entanglements, and the skeletons from her past coming back to haunt her.
The cast of characters was very strong throughout the book, with each feeling real and likeable in their own way. The shifting of POV between present and past served to create an intriguing and gripping story, with each chapter revealing just to enough to make you want to know more. It was tough going at times going through Aimee's lowest moments, but they were very well-written and always felt authentic.
The pacing felt a little off to me, with most of the thriller elements and action happening >80% into the book. Although the build up to this point makes for great reading in its own right, it means the climax happens very quickly.
I did not see the twist coming - although whether that's because there weren't enough clues or because I wasn't observant enough, I cannot say!
All in all, a great book and a solid read. I will be checking out more of Jessica's books.
The book is penned as a thriller, but feels more like a drama to me, with us following the main character Aimee as she deals with her trauma after serving in the army, complicated romantic entanglements, and the skeletons from her past coming back to haunt her.
The cast of characters was very strong throughout the book, with each feeling real and likeable in their own way. The shifting of POV between present and past served to create an intriguing and gripping story, with each chapter revealing just to enough to make you want to know more. It was tough going at times going through Aimee's lowest moments, but they were very well-written and always felt authentic.
The pacing felt a little off to me, with most of the thriller elements and action happening >80% into the book. Although the build up to this point makes for great reading in its own right, it means the climax happens very quickly.
I did not see the twist coming - although whether that's because there weren't enough clues or because I wasn't observant enough, I cannot say!
All in all, a great book and a solid read. I will be checking out more of Jessica's books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Infertility, Mental illness, Self harm, Blood, Abortion, Suicide attempt, Alcohol
Moderate: War
Minor: Bullying, Misogyny
Homebound by Hayley Anderton
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I’ve read a couple of Hayley Anderton’s books and enjoyed them, but this one has exceeded my expectations. It’s a well-written, thoughtful YA tale exploring grief, anxiety, family and relationships, and these tricky topics were handled very well.
At times, it was tough experiencing Lori’s lowest moments, but that just shows how real and authentic those experiences felt to the reader, which is a testament to Hayley’s good writing.
I enjoyed seeing Lori come out of rock bottom, and I was glad to see a realistic ending which is positive but not a miraculous cure of everyone’s problems.
My one critique is that some of the characters felt a tad cliché, but this didn’t diminish the story or take away from the story, and the ending still feels touching, heart-warming and hopeful.
At times, it was tough experiencing Lori’s lowest moments, but that just shows how real and authentic those experiences felt to the reader, which is a testament to Hayley’s good writing.
I enjoyed seeing Lori come out of rock bottom, and I was glad to see a realistic ending which is positive but not a miraculous cure of everyone’s problems.
My one critique is that some of the characters felt a tad cliché, but this didn’t diminish the story or take away from the story, and the ending still feels touching, heart-warming and hopeful.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, Death of parent
Moderate: Child death, Drug use, Car accident
Minor: Ableism, Physical abuse, Murder
Unburnt: a speculative firefighter novella by A.M. Weald
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Well, what a terrific little book! Weald’s skill as a writer really shines through in this novella, and she makes the most of every word to get you hooked on the story and the characters right from the beginning.
Dodge is a great main character, and his combination of surly firefighter, cat-lover, and sensitive father figure makes what could be a two-dimensional tropey MC into a well-rounded, real hero.
I really enjoyed the story, and there’s just enough there for it to be intriguing and satisfying while not spoon-feeding the reader every single piece of information.
A great, short read you can easily get through in one-sitting. I’ll definitely be checking out more work by this author
Dodge is a great main character, and his combination of surly firefighter, cat-lover, and sensitive father figure makes what could be a two-dimensional tropey MC into a well-rounded, real hero.
I really enjoyed the story, and there’s just enough there for it to be intriguing and satisfying while not spoon-feeding the reader every single piece of information.
A great, short read you can easily get through in one-sitting. I’ll definitely be checking out more work by this author
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Death of parent
Chaos by Hayley Anderton, Laura Swift
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This is another tense and action-packed installment of Hayley Anderton’s Apocolypse series, and we’re thrown right into the thick of it from the very start.
While this is a very short book, and I’d have liked for there to be more, the suspense is palpable throughout, and I enjoyed the raising of the stakes for the different parties involved. The big fight against the rotters - which takes up around half of the book - was tense and exciting, and Hayley shifts POVs expertly to keep us on our toes.
As before, I did struggle with the large cast of similar characters, with a couple standing out more than others, but it was good to see relationships develop further and even a couple of romances blossoming.
Hayley has done it again and left me wanting more with the final couple of scenes, and I will be getting the next book to see what happens next!
While this is a very short book, and I’d have liked for there to be more, the suspense is palpable throughout, and I enjoyed the raising of the stakes for the different parties involved. The big fight against the rotters - which takes up around half of the book - was tense and exciting, and Hayley shifts POVs expertly to keep us on our toes.
As before, I did struggle with the large cast of similar characters, with a couple standing out more than others, but it was good to see relationships develop further and even a couple of romances blossoming.
Hayley has done it again and left me wanting more with the final couple of scenes, and I will be getting the next book to see what happens next!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, Injury/Injury detail
Destination: Tomorrow: A Post-Apocalyptic Romance Story by Alice B. Sullivan, Aly Hawthorne
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
It can sometimes feel like the zombie apocalypse genre is getting a bit stale, but the authors manage to breathe fresh air into it with this book.
The dual POV works very well, showing us how the two women’s lives intersect and their journeys become one joint fight for survival. There’s a lot of action, drama and intrigue, and the blossoming romance between the two main characters feels compelling and real.
I just wish there was more! I couldn’t believe it when the story suddenly ended, and I sincerely hope there will be a sequel, because the story is in no way resolved. I feel like we were just given a glimpse of a larger plot at play before having it snatched away at the last minute. I’m invested in Cat and Sara now, and need to know what comes next
The dual POV works very well, showing us how the two women’s lives intersect and their journeys become one joint fight for survival. There’s a lot of action, drama and intrigue, and the blossoming romance between the two main characters feels compelling and real.
I just wish there was more! I couldn’t believe it when the story suddenly ended, and I sincerely hope there will be a sequel, because the story is in no way resolved. I feel like we were just given a glimpse of a larger plot at play before having it snatched away at the last minute. I’m invested in Cat and Sara now, and need to know what comes next
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Gun violence, Blood, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child death