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lauren_miller's reviews
701 reviews
The Beast of Beswick by Amalie Howard
challenging
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
i hate it when authors characterize regency romance FMCs and MMCs as tragically horny. just because it was "proper" age doesn't mean people were so stifled they thought about sex at every freaking waking moment... 😑
stupid amount of horniness and sex aside, the premise was so good and it tried to deliver, but I'm coming away disappointed. i love that Thane was actually a beast of a character, scarring aside; instead the expected trope of a kind hearted but jaded veteran, he was actually a foul-mouthed, impolite, and traumatized asshole. and I found Astrid to be entirely relatable and sound of mind. so where did it go wrong?? there were so (too) many instances of Thane feeling sorry for himself and shutting Astrid out as a result (the man doth protest too much, me thinks), and so much intercourse without actually communication! It took so long to get to an actual emotional resolution that by the end, I was almost content to watch them part, love be damned. But of course, a happy ending must prevail... anyway, the reading experience was enjoyable enough, but I don't think I'll be picking up more from this author.
3.25 out of 5 stars, ⭐️⭐️⭐️
stupid amount of horniness and sex aside, the premise was so good and it tried to deliver, but I'm coming away disappointed. i love that Thane was actually a beast of a character, scarring aside; instead the expected trope of a kind hearted but jaded veteran, he was actually a foul-mouthed, impolite, and traumatized asshole. and I found Astrid to be entirely relatable and sound of mind. so where did it go wrong?? there were so (too) many instances of Thane feeling sorry for himself and shutting Astrid out as a result (the man doth protest too much, me thinks), and so much intercourse without actually communication! It took so long to get to an actual emotional resolution that by the end, I was almost content to watch them part, love be damned. But of course, a happy ending must prevail... anyway, the reading experience was enjoyable enough, but I don't think I'll be picking up more from this author.
3.25 out of 5 stars, ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff
Did not finish book. Stopped at 21%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 21%.
I couldn’t bring myself to care about Gabriel’s story and frankly, listening felt more like a chore than a privilege.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Murder, and Torture
Magic Dark and Strange by Kelly Powell
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-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
this was a fun, short novel about a timepiece that brings back the dead; set against a dark, dreary 1800s cityscape, fraught with murder, resurrection men, and magic, I expected this to be a fast-paced, gritty, and imaginative story... Instead, it felt very slow, the characters rather juvenile, and the premise of the book much better than the actual execution (props to whoever wrote the editorial copy, it's almost too good). Overall, I'd say this is perfect for younger YA readers (12-15), as it gives you a taste of the time period without being too intense or gory, and the romance is incredibly wholesome.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Death and Death of parent
A Holiday by Gaslight by Mimi Matthews
challenging
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
I absolutely adored this! It was short but impeccably paced, well-characterized, and just the right amount of festive. The awkwardness between Sophie and Ned at the beginning was palpable, but by the end I was squealing in delight at just how deep their emotional connection and attraction to each other had grown. I was slightly annoyed by the resolution to the main issue (an Emily fan I am not), but the sleigh ride soothed (or should I say melted) my disappointment well enough. Ultimately, it was a happy ending I was happy to get behind. I need to read more from this author, I think!
A Grave Robbery by Deanna Raybourn
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
another lovely installment!
I particularly enjoyed this one, oddly enough, because it felt more tame and quiet than the last few. Sure, there was still murder and violence and generous teasings of affection between our happy couple, but it was self-contained (i.e., in London); focused a good deal on science of the times, which I thoroughly enjoyed; and ended dynamically without feeling ridiculous (to be fair, it's the outrageous and unusual circumstances that really make the series lol). Needless to say, this is one of my favorite series of all time and I will be dying inside until the next book is available!
I particularly enjoyed this one, oddly enough, because it felt more tame and quiet than the last few. Sure, there was still murder and violence and generous teasings of affection between our happy couple, but it was self-contained (i.e., in London); focused a good deal on science of the times, which I thoroughly enjoyed; and ended dynamically without feeling ridiculous (to be fair, it's the outrageous and unusual circumstances that really make the series lol). Needless to say, this is one of my favorite series of all time and I will be dying inside until the next book is available!
Ordinary Monsters by J.M. Miro
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
this book was the very definition of slow burn. slow characterization. slow plot. slow action. slower resolution. everything about it took its time, and yet, I found myself engaged the entire time. I really wish this were a standalone b/c the thought of two more long-ass books like this has me already exhausted, but I'm so desperate to know what happens to Alice and the kids that I don't think I'll have a choice... would I recommend? maybe. if you're a fan of Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell or a Sanderfan, you will probably blink at the length and dive headlong right in without a second thought. if you're looking for intensity, energy, and a fast pace, please move right along; this is not the one for you.
4.25 out of 5 stars, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4.25 out of 5 stars, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Body horror
The Light Conjurer Vol. 1 by Gene
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I'm so glad I finally got around to this!
I wasn't sure what to expect given that I've read quite a few adventurer-centered manga recently, many of which use a mission-per-chapter structure. I love that this was centered more around Robin as a character and how he "devolved" into such a con artist, heavily due to his warped perception of his how identity thanks to those around him; the revelation about his powers was not something I saw coming, and I'm really intrigued as to how the concept will develop going forward! Also, Kyle... what a boy lol. That lil twist at the end was too funny and was the spark I was needed; I am definitely looking forward to continuing on with these characters! Overall, this is an "easy read" (and slightly predictable), but there was enough substance for me to stay engaged and form a connection. 3.75 out of 5 stars, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I wasn't sure what to expect given that I've read quite a few adventurer-centered manga recently, many of which use a mission-per-chapter structure. I love that this was centered more around Robin as a character and how he "devolved" into such a con artist, heavily due to his warped perception of his how identity thanks to those around him; the revelation about his powers was not something I saw coming, and I'm really intrigued as to how the concept will develop going forward! Also, Kyle... what a boy lol. That lil twist at the end was too funny and was the spark I was needed; I am definitely looking forward to continuing on with these characters! Overall, this is an "easy read" (and slightly predictable), but there was enough substance for me to stay engaged and form a connection. 3.75 out of 5 stars, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Swordheart by T. Kingfisher
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
*sigh*
I really thought this would be the T. Kingfisher for me, but it was not. Instead of cozy and fun, I found it rambling, a bit ridiculous, and at times even irritating. I wish we could have had less Halla and more Sarkis, Zale, and Brindle. In fact, I might have liked the story better without Halla in it at all... Which is a tragic thought to have about a FMC 🫢
3 out of 5 stars, ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really thought this would be the T. Kingfisher for me, but it was not. Instead of cozy and fun, I found it rambling, a bit ridiculous, and at times even irritating. I wish we could have had less Halla and more Sarkis, Zale, and Brindle. In fact, I might have liked the story better without Halla in it at all... Which is a tragic thought to have about a FMC 🫢
3 out of 5 stars, ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Jade Fire Gold by June CL Tan
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I desperately wanted to love this story, but many things did not work for me: the pacing was all over the place, the fact that the plot didn’t pick up till 41% challenged my attention, Ahn’s mouthy personality but innate passivity constantly left me frustrated, the predictable resolution that felt very reminiscent of Shadow and Bone… And that freaking epilogue!?! Instead of intrigued, it left me incredibly angry. Reclaim what’s yours? After letting your own brother a) think you’re dead and b) do all the actual work to regain the throne? As if you deserve ANYTHING other than to be alive...
Anyway… I could go on, but simply put, this wasn’t a fun reading experience for me. And I found the female narrator’s voice incredibly grating. If you like ASMR, you might not mind, but I could NOT TAKE ALL THE WHISPERING FOR HEAVEN’S SAKE.
Ok, I’m really done now.
3 out of 5 stars, ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Anyway… I could go on, but simply put, this wasn’t a fun reading experience for me. And I found the female narrator’s voice incredibly grating. If you like ASMR, you might not mind, but I could NOT TAKE ALL THE WHISPERING FOR HEAVEN’S SAKE.
Ok, I’m really done now.
3 out of 5 stars, ⭐️⭐️⭐️
My Roommate Is a Vampire by Jenna Levine
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
this was a fun, quick read, enjoyable mostly due to Frederick's distinct voice (the writing, not the voice actor) and the situations (ominous intonation intended) he and Cassie found themselves in due to his hilarious societal and cultural ineptitudes following a century-long coma. the third act conflict could have been really cool, but the solution proposed was utterly ridiculous (far beyond the disbelief required for your average paranormal romance) and there were aspects of the lore that I didn't love, but they didn't take too much away from the story. overall, this was a decent way to spend an afternoon.
3.75 out of 5 stars, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3.75 out of 5 stars, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️