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lefttoread's Reviews (532)
Hidden Pictures is a unique and entertaining thriller that grabs your attention from the start with its fast-paced storytelling and intriguing premise. Jason Rekulak crafts a well-rounded story with a mix of mystery, suspense, and supernatural elements, making it hard to put down.
However, while the book offers a solid and enjoyable read, I found myself wishing for more emphasis on the horror aspect. The setup seemed perfect for an eerie, unsettling experience involving an evil spirit or a darker, more sinister force. Unfortunately, the conclusion veered away from that direction, leaving me wanting a stronger horror payoff. Despite this, the twist and overall resolution were still satisfying and well-executed, even if it wasn't what I was personally hoping for.
Overall, Hidden Pictures provided an entertaining reading experience, and I look forward to exploring more of Rekulak’s work. If you're after a quick, engaging thriller with a supernatural edge, this one is worth picking up.
However, while the book offers a solid and enjoyable read, I found myself wishing for more emphasis on the horror aspect. The setup seemed perfect for an eerie, unsettling experience involving an evil spirit or a darker, more sinister force. Unfortunately, the conclusion veered away from that direction, leaving me wanting a stronger horror payoff. Despite this, the twist and overall resolution were still satisfying and well-executed, even if it wasn't what I was personally hoping for.
Overall, Hidden Pictures provided an entertaining reading experience, and I look forward to exploring more of Rekulak’s work. If you're after a quick, engaging thriller with a supernatural edge, this one is worth picking up.
I went into The Maidens with high hopes, especially after hearing it categorized as Dark Academia—a genre I love. However, while the novel has certain elements that could fit that label (a college setting, a mysterious professor, and a secret society), it didn’t quite capture the Dark Academia vibe I was hoping for. The protagonist, Mariana, isn’t a student, which distances the story from the academic immersion that often defines the genre. The sense of brooding intellectualism, gothic atmosphere, and moral ambiguity that usually characterize Dark Academia felt largely absent.
The pacing of the book is slow, particularly at the beginning, and I found that this sluggish start set the tone for much of the reading experience. While there are moments of intrigue and suspense, the story took a while to really engage me. However, the conclusion was satisfying, with a twist that kept me turning the pages toward the end.
One thing I appreciated was the subtle connections to The Silent Patient, Michaelides' previous novel. Although I didn’t particularly enjoy The Silent Patient, the way it was woven into this narrative added a layer of creepiness and excitement that I found intriguing. It was a clever nod to fans and brought a sense of continuity to his work.
While The Maidens didn’t fully blow me away, I enjoyed it more than The Silent Patient. I’m curious to see if Michaelides will write something that merges these two worlds more fully in the future. I’d certainly give his work another try, but I’m still waiting for that knockout read from him.
The pacing of the book is slow, particularly at the beginning, and I found that this sluggish start set the tone for much of the reading experience. While there are moments of intrigue and suspense, the story took a while to really engage me. However, the conclusion was satisfying, with a twist that kept me turning the pages toward the end.
One thing I appreciated was the subtle connections to The Silent Patient, Michaelides' previous novel. Although I didn’t particularly enjoy The Silent Patient, the way it was woven into this narrative added a layer of creepiness and excitement that I found intriguing. It was a clever nod to fans and brought a sense of continuity to his work.
While The Maidens didn’t fully blow me away, I enjoyed it more than The Silent Patient. I’m curious to see if Michaelides will write something that merges these two worlds more fully in the future. I’d certainly give his work another try, but I’m still waiting for that knockout read from him.
As a long-time fan of Gilmore Girls, I’ve always admired Emily Gilmore. I used to joke that when I became an older lady, I’d dress like her—a perfect blend of sophistication and grace. So, naturally, Kelly Bishop’s memoir The Third Gilmore Girl was a must-read for me.
What struck me the most is how open and honest Kelly is throughout her memoir. She dives deep into her life beyond the persona of Emily, giving us a true glimpse into the woman behind the character. There are definitely similarities between Kelly and Emily—both are strong, sharp, and always carry a sense of elegance. But Kelly reveals a side that’s different to Emily, a side that had some troubles and made some human mistakes, she gives you an unfiltered look into her experiences, challenges, and triumphs, and by the end, you feel like you’ve gotten to know the real her.
Having loved Lauren Graham’s memoir Talking as Fast as I Can, which was filled with that same quick wit and warmth Lorelai is known for, I was excited to see Kelly's take on life, both on and off the Gilmore Girls set. Kelly’s stories are interesting but I think I was more drawn towards Lauren's storytelling, but then again I've always felt more connected to her as an actress and Lorelai as a character.
Now, if only Alexis Bledel would write a memoir—then the circle of Gilmore Girls would be complete!
What struck me the most is how open and honest Kelly is throughout her memoir. She dives deep into her life beyond the persona of Emily, giving us a true glimpse into the woman behind the character. There are definitely similarities between Kelly and Emily—both are strong, sharp, and always carry a sense of elegance. But Kelly reveals a side that’s different to Emily, a side that had some troubles and made some human mistakes, she gives you an unfiltered look into her experiences, challenges, and triumphs, and by the end, you feel like you’ve gotten to know the real her.
Having loved Lauren Graham’s memoir Talking as Fast as I Can, which was filled with that same quick wit and warmth Lorelai is known for, I was excited to see Kelly's take on life, both on and off the Gilmore Girls set. Kelly’s stories are interesting but I think I was more drawn towards Lauren's storytelling, but then again I've always felt more connected to her as an actress and Lorelai as a character.
Now, if only Alexis Bledel would write a memoir—then the circle of Gilmore Girls would be complete!
I decided to try Rolling in the Deep by Mira Grant as it was available for free through my Audible membership, and I’ve been intrigued by Into the Drowning Deep for a while. I figured this novella would be a good way to test the waters (no pun intended) and see if I liked what the series had to offer.
Unfortunately, it didn’t quite work for me. For a novella, I felt it took too long to really get going. With shorter works, I prefer the pace to pick up more quickly, and this one left me waiting for that excitement a bit too long. While I’m glad I gave it a shot—especially since it was free—it didn’t draw me in enough to fully capture my interest.
If you’re curious about Into the Drowning Deep, this novella might still be worth a try, but I personally won’t be continuing further into the series.
Unfortunately, it didn’t quite work for me. For a novella, I felt it took too long to really get going. With shorter works, I prefer the pace to pick up more quickly, and this one left me waiting for that excitement a bit too long. While I’m glad I gave it a shot—especially since it was free—it didn’t draw me in enough to fully capture my interest.
If you’re curious about Into the Drowning Deep, this novella might still be worth a try, but I personally won’t be continuing further into the series.
I've wanted to read a McCarthy book for a while now, one of the main reasons is that my boyfriends favourite film is No Country for Old Men which was originally a book written by Cormac McCarthy. I ended up stumbling across The Road in a charity shop first though so thought I'd give the author a try from there and I'm happy to say, I was not let down.
This is probably the first post-apocalyptic book that has worked for me. I find that many post-apocalyptic books can feel bloated where-as this book is simple and to the point. There's a father and a son on a journey to survive and trying to keep the motivation up between the two of them, hoping there's something out there worth living for.
It's reflective of the harsh world, but it also captures moments of tenderness between the characters. I enjoyed the minimalist style and I'm glad McCarthy's writing left an impression on me.
This is probably the first post-apocalyptic book that has worked for me. I find that many post-apocalyptic books can feel bloated where-as this book is simple and to the point. There's a father and a son on a journey to survive and trying to keep the motivation up between the two of them, hoping there's something out there worth living for.
It's reflective of the harsh world, but it also captures moments of tenderness between the characters. I enjoyed the minimalist style and I'm glad McCarthy's writing left an impression on me.
The Raven is undeniably one of Edgar Allan Poe’s most famous works, and I can see why it has captured the imagination of so many readers. The haunting atmosphere, the rhythmic repetition of "Nevermore," and the melancholic descent into despair create an eerie, captivating narrative. Poe masterfully weaves together elements of mystery and sorrow, making it a quintessential Gothic poem.
However, while I can appreciate its craftsmanship, The Raven didn’t fully resonate with me. Poetry, in general, doesn’t seem to hit home for me, and despite The Raven's widespread acclaim, it just didn’t spark the connection I was hoping for. I recognize the brilliance in Poe’s writing, but ultimately, it didn’t align with my personal tastes. Still, I’m glad I gave it a try, considering its significance in literary history.
However, while I can appreciate its craftsmanship, The Raven didn’t fully resonate with me. Poetry, in general, doesn’t seem to hit home for me, and despite The Raven's widespread acclaim, it just didn’t spark the connection I was hoping for. I recognize the brilliance in Poe’s writing, but ultimately, it didn’t align with my personal tastes. Still, I’m glad I gave it a try, considering its significance in literary history.
After thoroughly enjoying Ninth House, I was eagerly anticipating Hell Bent. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite live up to the first book in the series. What initially drew me in was the atmospheric Dark Academia vibe, full of gothic, eerie undertones, but I found that Hell Bent lacked that same feel. It felt like it was trying a little too hard, and certain new elements introduced didn’t resonate with me. I really missed the haunting ambiance that Ninth House did so well. While Hell Bent had its moments, it ultimately fell flat compared to its predecessor. I don’t think I’ll be continuing with this series if more books are released.
As both a reader and a gamer, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow was everything I hoped for and more. It truly lives up to the hype and deserves every bit of recognition it's received. Gabrielle Zevin’s writing is nothing short of incredible. The way she crafts the characters’ growth over time is mesmerizing—so vivid and nuanced that I could actually see them aging and changing. I felt as though I was right there with them, watching their lives unfold, and that connection made it hard to turn the final page.
The book is filled with memorable quotes and beautiful moments that are both touching and profound. The emotional depth was stunning, and I found myself tearing up multiple times. By the end, I was emotional not because of any specific event, but because I had to say goodbye to characters I had grown with, and that was unexpectedly hard. Zevin’s writing made me feel like I had lived a part of their lives, and it's rare to find a story that captures that so well. This book is truly special, and I can easily imagine it being adapted into a movie or series because it played out so vividly in my mind.
If you're a lover of stories that make you feel deeply and immerse you in another world, this one is a must-read. It left a lasting impact on me, and I’m sure it will for many others too.
The book is filled with memorable quotes and beautiful moments that are both touching and profound. The emotional depth was stunning, and I found myself tearing up multiple times. By the end, I was emotional not because of any specific event, but because I had to say goodbye to characters I had grown with, and that was unexpectedly hard. Zevin’s writing made me feel like I had lived a part of their lives, and it's rare to find a story that captures that so well. This book is truly special, and I can easily imagine it being adapted into a movie or series because it played out so vividly in my mind.
If you're a lover of stories that make you feel deeply and immerse you in another world, this one is a must-read. It left a lasting impact on me, and I’m sure it will for many others too.
I went into The Binding by Bridget Collins expecting one thing and got another. The premise was incredibly intriguing—the idea of binding memories into books held so much potential, and I was drawn in by the promise of unraveling some dark, hidden history. However, the mystery behind the bindings didn’t quite hit as much as I’d have liked. I was hoping for a deeper exploration or something more sinister behind the process, but instead, the story seemed to be one thing disguised as another.
That said, I don’t think it’s a bad book. If you go in with different expectations and appreciate the book for what it is—a more romantic and emotional journey—there’s still a lot to enjoy. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t what I was hoping for, and as a result, I ended up feeling let down.
That said, I don’t think it’s a bad book. If you go in with different expectations and appreciate the book for what it is—a more romantic and emotional journey—there’s still a lot to enjoy. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t what I was hoping for, and as a result, I ended up feeling let down.
“Everyone lives in two worlds, right? There's the physical world... but there's also our own private inner worlds, the world of our thoughts. A world made of ideas instead of stuff. It's an inscape, and they all connect, too, in the same way New Hampshire connects to Vermont. And maybe some people can ride into that thought world if they have the right vehicle. A key. A car. A bike. Whatever.”
I read N0S4R2 for the first time in December 2018 and it was not what I was expecting, in the best way possible. I went in trying to know little as possible and I'm glad I did, so much blew my mind. Joe Hill is a fantastic writer, so much so that I wasn't looking forward to the 689 paged book but it actually turned out to be one of the most easiest, entertaining and addictive reads I have ever read. I would pick this beautiful book up and before I knew it I'd have read 5 or 6 chapters in one go without even thinking about it.
My reasoning for the 4 star and not a full 5 star rating is because there are a few things in this book that made me think of Joe Hill's father, Stephen King. Hill has picked up a lot of bad habits from his dad, the obsession with women's bodies and descriptive sexual scenes that were unnecessary as well as there being one chapter where Hill got to be very repetitive. They are the only things that stopped it from being a 5 star rating.
Now on to all the good things this book has to offer. N0S4R2 is like nothing I have ever read before, Hill writes characters that you get attached to quite quickly, I liked Vic, I even liked Manx and I loved Maggie! Joe Hill also knows how to write a great plot without giving everything away at once, the story begins with Vic as a child at home with her parents, home life isn't great and when an argument starts due to a missing bracelet Vic decides to take a ride on her bike, this bike can literally transport her from one place to the next and it usually brings her to find the one thing she is looking for.
The pacing of this story is amazing there are many good points in this novel, Hill manages to make the story feel realistic even though it does have fantastical elements to it. I also loved the story line between Vic and her parents, it is such a realistic outlook on a home surrounded by domestic violence.
“He knew from things Vic had told him that the man was a wife beater and a cheat. He knew, too, from things Vic had not told him, that she missed him and loved him with an intensity perhaps matched only by what she felt for her son.”
You learn about Vic's upbringing and how she came to meet Manx as a child. Then the story smoothly goes into Vic's present day life where Manx doesn't seem to want to let go of Vic, or her son, Wayne.
The ending in this book seriously made me struggle to rate this book, I was undecided between a 4 and a 5 because this ending was perfect. I had all the feels. Do you ever get that feeling at the end of the book where you just need to hug it? That was me once I finished N0S4R2. I already cannot wait to revisit this story, it might have to be a new Christmas tradition.
Full review on my blog - https://littlereaderxoxo.wordpress.com/
I read N0S4R2 for the first time in December 2018 and it was not what I was expecting, in the best way possible. I went in trying to know little as possible and I'm glad I did, so much blew my mind. Joe Hill is a fantastic writer, so much so that I wasn't looking forward to the 689 paged book but it actually turned out to be one of the most easiest, entertaining and addictive reads I have ever read. I would pick this beautiful book up and before I knew it I'd have read 5 or 6 chapters in one go without even thinking about it.
My reasoning for the 4 star and not a full 5 star rating is because there are a few things in this book that made me think of Joe Hill's father, Stephen King. Hill has picked up a lot of bad habits from his dad, the obsession with women's bodies and descriptive sexual scenes that were unnecessary as well as there being one chapter where Hill got to be very repetitive. They are the only things that stopped it from being a 5 star rating.
Now on to all the good things this book has to offer. N0S4R2 is like nothing I have ever read before, Hill writes characters that you get attached to quite quickly, I liked Vic, I even liked Manx and I loved Maggie! Joe Hill also knows how to write a great plot without giving everything away at once, the story begins with Vic as a child at home with her parents, home life isn't great and when an argument starts due to a missing bracelet Vic decides to take a ride on her bike, this bike can literally transport her from one place to the next and it usually brings her to find the one thing she is looking for.
The pacing of this story is amazing there are many good points in this novel, Hill manages to make the story feel realistic even though it does have fantastical elements to it. I also loved the story line between Vic and her parents, it is such a realistic outlook on a home surrounded by domestic violence.
“He knew from things Vic had told him that the man was a wife beater and a cheat. He knew, too, from things Vic had not told him, that she missed him and loved him with an intensity perhaps matched only by what she felt for her son.”
You learn about Vic's upbringing and how she came to meet Manx as a child. Then the story smoothly goes into Vic's present day life where Manx doesn't seem to want to let go of Vic, or her son, Wayne.
The ending in this book seriously made me struggle to rate this book, I was undecided between a 4 and a 5 because this ending was perfect. I had all the feels. Do you ever get that feeling at the end of the book where you just need to hug it? That was me once I finished N0S4R2. I already cannot wait to revisit this story, it might have to be a new Christmas tradition.
Full review on my blog - https://littlereaderxoxo.wordpress.com/