lauren_cox98's reviews
119 reviews

Tender Is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica

challenging dark medium-paced

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

5.0

So, I never expected to give this book 5 stars, but I believe a book that extrapolates this much thought from myself, deserves it. 

It’s a disgusting topic. But, that’s the point. It goes too far, but that’s the point. Its comments on capitalism and race and sex and classism is unmatched. 

It definitely gave me Fahrenheit 451 vibes just in a more nauseating way. 

The ending had me fucked up. I started questioning some of Marcos’ character midway through the book because some of his internal monologue was a bit much, but DAMN. I did not expect that. When I realized where it was going as it was happening, I was shocked. It was the type of ending that had me googling discussion boards because I needed to see other people’s thoughts/comments.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Violence and Cannibalism

Moderate: Rape

All The Young Dudes - Volume One: Years 1 - 4 by MsKingBean89
Did not finish book. Stopped at 24%.

For non-book records, review text and ratings are hidden. Only mood, pace, and content warnings are visible.

A Curse for True Love by Stephanie Garber

adventurous dark fast-paced

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

3.5

Well damn. I inhaled these books. Even though you could guess how this would end because this is a cliche YA novel, it’s still so good!

Also FUCK APOLLO. Mans went from being a boring side character I never thought about to a grade A dick.

All of these books would be ranked higher if the writing was better. Truly some subpar writing here with questions left unanswered. No answers about the apples….seriously? Where did her sister go? What happened to Luc?? 

The Ballad of Never After by Stephanie Garber

adventurous dark reflective fast-paced

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

4.0

Oh my god. That ENDING. If I didn’t have stuff to do tomorrow, I would be picking up the last book right now. 

The Absolute Book by Elizabeth Knox
Did not finish book. Stopped at 17%.

This has so much potential. It kept talking of places and things and characters as if you should already know them or know the background, but there was no build up. I liked the concept, but the execution was not there. 

When I'm Dead by Hannah Morrissey

dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.0

Finished in one sitting cause ya girl needed to know. Now, I did call the killer as soon as they were introduced because obviously. Still good though. 

Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber

adventurous mysterious fast-paced

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

3.0

I devoured this book. I’m typically picky with YA novels - and, don’t get me wrong it had some cringy writing and predictable points - but, it was a great story. I think I’ll actually read the rest of the series. 

I mean, she’s gonna end up with Jacks, right?

Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead by Emily Austin

dark emotional reflective sad fast-paced

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

5.0

This was a book that I bought on a whim because of the name. I adored this book. I have never read anything that incapsulates anxiety so well. I felt for Gilda. I got angry for her and sad for her. 

It was a beautiful book.

Cicadas Sing of Summer Graves by Quinn Connor

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? It's complicated

1.0

Getting through this book felt like a chore. I felt that as a fellow female Arkansan, I owed it to the author to finish this book. BUT I HAD TO DRAG MYSELF. It had such an interesting premise, but the Arkansas stuff was laid on thick. The only reason I knew any of the stuff being talked about was because I’m from here. And, don’t even get me started on all the stereotypes this book played into. Jesus, I think everyone lived in a trailer in this book. We only got some answers but not all. Just don’t bother. 

Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced

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

4.5

The formatting of this book is so different that anything else I’ve ever read. They way it was told from multi POVs like a documentary was fascinating and very entertaining. You loved the characters but not cause they all sucked but you couldn’t dislike them (except Eddie) because they’re older reflecting on their time ya know? I really enjoyed this book.