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kingkiara's reviews
83 reviews
The Ministry of Unladylike Activity by Robin Stevens
adventurous
funny
mysterious
reflective
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? No
5.0
Audible read. Great voice actors.
I'm not using into mysteries but this was such a fun read! It was perfect combo of light and funny while still handing deep and sometimes dark complex issues.
Surprisingly what pushed this from 4 to 5 stars for me was the authors note at the end. I love the amount of dedication she put into real research and the lengths she went into letting the readers know which parts were real. The book suggestions for further interest was perfect.
I'm not using into mysteries but this was such a fun read! It was perfect combo of light and funny while still handing deep and sometimes dark complex issues.
Surprisingly what pushed this from 4 to 5 stars for me was the authors note at the end. I love the amount of dedication she put into real research and the lengths she went into letting the readers know which parts were real. The book suggestions for further interest was perfect.
Wildflower by Drew Barrymore
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
Audible read.
This was such a suprising gem. I went from not knowing this book existed to not knowing how i lived life with out it, all in a span of 2 days.
It was beautifully written, amazing imagery and hilariously relateable. I am loving this trend of celebrities giving us an inside look at what they're lives are really like.
I loved the way drew voiced everything as if you were living it with her. It put so much in perspective for me about the way i move through the world and I definitely recommend it to anyone else who is feeling stuck.
My only complaint is that I want more and am crossing my fingers that we'll get in a decade or two more when shes and i have both lived 100 more lives.
This was such a suprising gem. I went from not knowing this book existed to not knowing how i lived life with out it, all in a span of 2 days.
It was beautifully written, amazing imagery and hilariously relateable. I am loving this trend of celebrities giving us an inside look at what they're lives are really like.
I loved the way drew voiced everything as if you were living it with her. It put so much in perspective for me about the way i move through the world and I definitely recommend it to anyone else who is feeling stuck.
My only complaint is that I want more and am crossing my fingers that we'll get in a decade or two more when shes and i have both lived 100 more lives.
The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Audible read. Great voice actors.
When it comes to reading im not usually a sci-fi type of girl unless it's doctor who or charmed related. And I actually forced myself to start it because it was short and I'm way behind on my reading goal for the year.
However, I never did put it back down.
It was so wholesome and dark simultaneously. My heart broke for Javier, ben and petra. But mostly Javier! I've noticed an annoying trend lately where good books like this one sart a good steady or slow pace and just as you're hooked and ready to get into the bulk of it, there's an incredibly rushed ending.
Other than that, I really enjoyed it.
When it comes to reading im not usually a sci-fi type of girl unless it's doctor who or charmed related. And I actually forced myself to start it because it was short and I'm way behind on my reading goal for the year.
However, I never did put it back down.
It was so wholesome and dark simultaneously. My heart broke for Javier, ben and petra. But mostly Javier! I've noticed an annoying trend lately where good books like this one sart a good steady or slow pace and just as you're hooked and ready to get into the bulk of it, there's an incredibly rushed ending.
Other than that, I really enjoyed it.
A Witch's Guide to Fake Dating a Demon by Sarah Hawley
funny
lighthearted
reflective
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
3.25
Audible read. Voices weren't too bad but i will admit it was hard to take oz seriously at first.
This was a cute quick read. It's hilarious, whimsical and has some pretty solid spice scenes with out overdoing it. The only real negative was that the end felt really rushed. I also feel like theres a lot more about their world and the demon plane to unpack and i wish we could have seen that. I will also say that I accidentally read the description of the second book half way through and it kind of confused me when I reached the end of this one, as certain things don't add up.
Overall I enjoyed this book & recommend if you're looking for something light that will make you clutch your pearls, in more ways than one!
This was a cute quick read. It's hilarious, whimsical and has some pretty solid spice scenes with out overdoing it. The only real negative was that the end felt really rushed. I also feel like theres a lot more about their world and the demon plane to unpack and i wish we could have seen that. I will also say that I accidentally read the description of the second book half way through and it kind of confused me when I reached the end of this one, as certain things don't add up.
Overall I enjoyed this book & recommend if you're looking for something light that will make you clutch your pearls, in more ways than one!
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
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? No
4.5
Audible read.
This was such a whimsical read and reminded me a lot of 'The house on the cerulean sea'.
I adored every character so much except edward obviously. This is a perfect palette cleanser after a dnf or heay read. Definitely a slowburn but damn did it burn! I'm a sucker for grumpy x sunshine, Jaime earned a spot on my list of book boyfriends so fast, with the way he uses words.
I absolutely need more and can definitely hear the sequel / spinoff screaming my name.
This was such a whimsical read and reminded me a lot of 'The house on the cerulean sea'.
I adored every character so much except edward obviously. This is a perfect palette cleanser after a dnf or heay read. Definitely a slowburn but damn did it burn! I'm a sucker for grumpy x sunshine, Jaime earned a spot on my list of book boyfriends so fast, with the way he uses words.
I absolutely need more and can definitely hear the sequel / spinoff screaming my name.
In Five Years by Rebecca Serle
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Audible read.
Honestly I had higher hopes for this book but it just fell flat and intensely irritated me to no end. The main character is so narcissistic, judgemental and has the worst victim mentality. She is constantly going on about how juvenile, irresponsible, spoiled, and even dumb she thinks bella is while also acting as if she's the only one who could ever love her correctly. She is immensely controlling and borderline obsessed with her "best friend" yet betrays her the first chance she gets and has the audacity to act like she couldn't have possibly stopped the outcome. It gave "Serena Van der woodsen" vibes.
Overall, this book felt like the bad aftertaste of Natto. Bella, Greg & David deserved better.
Honestly I had higher hopes for this book but it just fell flat and intensely irritated me to no end. The main character is so narcissistic, judgemental and has the worst victim mentality. She is constantly going on about how juvenile, irresponsible, spoiled, and even dumb she thinks bella is while also acting as if she's the only one who could ever love her correctly. She is immensely controlling and borderline obsessed with her "best friend" yet betrays her the first chance she gets and has the audacity to act like she couldn't have possibly stopped the outcome. It gave "Serena Van der woodsen" vibes.
Overall, this book felt like the bad aftertaste of Natto. Bella, Greg & David deserved better.
Amal Unbound by Aisha Saeed
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-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? No
3.75
Audible read.
I actually ended up reading this one because I enjoyed omar rising so much and wanted to stay in their world a bit longer. I will say i enjoyed omar a bit more but perhaps it's because i tend to prefer lighter themes. I loved learning about his bestie though and being able to piece together the timeline of what they were both going through simultaneously and the way their friendship withstood so much emotional & physical distance.
Overall all one of my favorite things about these sister books was being able to organically immerse myself in some of the Pakistani cultures in such a natural way. Although I hated the way everyone gave up so easily to these evil men, I adored the way she essentially saved herself.
I actually ended up reading this one because I enjoyed omar rising so much and wanted to stay in their world a bit longer. I will say i enjoyed omar a bit more but perhaps it's because i tend to prefer lighter themes. I loved learning about his bestie though and being able to piece together the timeline of what they were both going through simultaneously and the way their friendship withstood so much emotional & physical distance.
Overall all one of my favorite things about these sister books was being able to organically immerse myself in some of the Pakistani cultures in such a natural way. Although I hated the way everyone gave up so easily to these evil men, I adored the way she essentially saved herself.
The Midnight Girls by Alicia Jasinska
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Audible read.
I was excited to read this for my story graph book challenge but honestly it kind of fell flat. It felt like it dragged out too long in some parts and too quick in others. It could have been a cool concept if there was more dimension to the characters and the world building overall. Maybe a sequel could help round it a bit with more explanations and depth in places this one missed.
I was excited to read this for my story graph book challenge but honestly it kind of fell flat. It felt like it dragged out too long in some parts and too quick in others. It could have been a cool concept if there was more dimension to the characters and the world building overall. Maybe a sequel could help round it a bit with more explanations and depth in places this one missed.
One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
slow-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? No
3.75
Overall I really enjoyed this book more than I thought I would when I got stuck in the 'Slow start, third person pov, should I even bother?' Phase.
However once I realized that even Jane didn't know what her own deal was, I was hooked. I definitely thought it was going to be one of those 'timeslips at midnight into another time' type of stories. I would have still loved that but I'm glad it went in a different direction. I love the way the author captured the easy slip from starngers to the all encompassing feeling of first love. I also adored our gang of friends, especially myla & niko.
I loved seeing Jane's progression from remembering who she is all the way to accepting herself enough to want to be called by her real name.
My only complaint is that the end felt a little abrupt and a request that to the thirdrail gods that the one day there will be a sequel in Jane's pov starting with that bus ride. Also there's nothing I love more than casual rep & this does that very well.
However once I realized that even Jane didn't know what her own deal was, I was hooked. I definitely thought it was going to be one of those 'timeslips at midnight into another time' type of stories. I would have still loved that but I'm glad it went in a different direction. I love the way the author captured the easy slip from starngers to the all encompassing feeling of first love. I also adored our gang of friends, especially myla & niko.
I loved seeing Jane's progression from remembering who she is all the way to accepting herself enough to want to be called by her real name.
My only complaint is that the end felt a little abrupt and a request that to the thirdrail gods that the one day there will be a sequel in Jane's pov starting with that bus ride. Also there's nothing I love more than casual rep & this does that very well.
Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Audible read.
This was such a fun read definitely gave grace & Frankie vibes with a dash of murder. It really puts certain things in perspective and makes the concept of aging a little less scary. I almost wish there was more, I feel like I finished it so quickly. It was my first from this author and I can't wait to see what else she has out there.
This was such a fun read definitely gave grace & Frankie vibes with a dash of murder. It really puts certain things in perspective and makes the concept of aging a little less scary. I almost wish there was more, I feel like I finished it so quickly. It was my first from this author and I can't wait to see what else she has out there.