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krix's reviews
40 reviews
Sign Here by Claudia Lux
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
The premise of the book is better than the actual plot. It's not bad but there was the hope for something a bit more. Throughout the story, the different POVs and timelines come across as two separate books existing in the same space to connect at the end that feels a bit rushed and under-explained. If the characters were fleshed out a bit more then they would've really been lovable.
The Rule of Three by Sam Ripley
There's 3 POVs and the first one is an absolute slog to get through. The character is nearly insufferable. The remaining 2 POVs are slightly better. About 30% in is when the first POV change happens and where the plot begins to hint at the urban legend. Otherwise up to that point it's almost a day-in-the-life-of and a chore to get through. The ending isn't all that satisfying since we aren't given much throughout to go on and that once you know it's a bit of a let down. There is a part near the end where the author has characters begin explaining things in a way that almost seems like the author knew their audience would be confused so they wrote out how to figure it out. Even then, it's still confusing and disappointing.
There were 4 narrators. The voices used by all were over the top and exaggerated in a way that took away from any possibility of maybe liking the characters.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
2.0
From the synopsis given, the plot had potential but went in a vastly different direction than what was hinted at. There should've been heavy warnings of sensitive topics beforehand; given that the author delved right into it.
There's 3 POVs and the first one is an absolute slog to get through. The character is nearly insufferable. The remaining 2 POVs are slightly better. About 30% in is when the first POV change happens and where the plot begins to hint at the urban legend. Otherwise up to that point it's almost a day-in-the-life-of and a chore to get through. The ending isn't all that satisfying since we aren't given much throughout to go on and that once you know it's a bit of a let down. There is a part near the end where the author has characters begin explaining things in a way that almost seems like the author knew their audience would be confused so they wrote out how to figure it out. Even then, it's still confusing and disappointing.
There were 4 narrators. The voices used by all were over the top and exaggerated in a way that took away from any possibility of maybe liking the characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Body horror, Cursing, Drug abuse, Drug use, Mental illness, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Blood, Suicide attempt, Death of parent
The Toll by Neal Shusterman
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
a very good conclusion to the series. you're given just enough answers that leave some wiggle room for after the very end as to where everyone ends up.
Dead of Winter by Darcy Coates
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Narrator spoke clearly and character voices did not draw away from the story.
A good take on the group-of-strangers-stranded-in-a-snowstorm-with-a-killer horror story. Events start happening right away and keep at a steady pace. It was a fun read trying to guess the killer and has a satisfying enough ending.
Story length could be a bit more concise as some parts did become repetitive and slightly drawn out/overdone.
A good take on the group-of-strangers-stranded-in-a-snowstorm-with-a-killer horror story. Events start happening right away and keep at a steady pace. It was a fun read trying to guess the killer and has a satisfying enough ending.
Story length could be a bit more concise as some parts did become repetitive and slightly drawn out/overdone.
Elantris by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Where He Can't Find You by Darcy Coates
dark
mysterious
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
3.0
Narrator spoke clearly. Voice differences between characters did not pull away from the story.
The pacing in the beginning was a bit slow. Around 30% there was a slight pick up and at 50% is when things start happening more consistently. The buildup probably could've been done a bit more succinctly and came across as repetitive at times.
The characters were a bit confusing at the start to remember who was who. That might've been my own listener error since there were stretches in between my start of the audiobook that left me wondering where I left off. The switches between character POV in chapter was odd but that might not be an issue if reading physically rather than listening.
Overall, a decent small town horror/mystery that felt a little unpolished but was still fun listen. A decent resolution with the ending.
Thunderhead by Neal Shusterman
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-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? No
5.0
A really good sequel to its first in the series. Expands more on previously mentioned items in the first book. Pace picks up halfway through the book and continues through to the end. A very interesting ending that answers some things but opens more for the next book. A really good dystopian that has some good jabs at our current state of the world.
Near the Bone by Christina Henry
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Narrator was clear and read at a decent pace. Pacing was a bit slow in the beginning and middle but picked up at the end. Satisfying wrap-up for a horror story.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Violence, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Rape
Mister Lullaby by J.H. Markert
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
The narrator duet was good; both spoke clearly. The story is similar in vibe to a Stephen King story like the Castle Rock TV show. The ending was a bit anticlimactic and abrupt but it wasn't a let down.
What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Until the Author's Note I didn't realize it was a reimagined retelling of a classic. Still a good read and a nice quick cleanser between larger novels.