leslie1187's reviews
746 reviews

Saltblood by Francesca De Tores

challenging informative reflective slow-paced

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

3.0

The Weak Spot by Lucie Elven

dark mysterious reflective fast-paced

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

3.5

The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi by S.A. Chakraborty

adventurous funny mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

This was well worth the read. Chakraborty remains one of my favorite historical fantasy authors. I’m looking forward to the sequel when it releases. The character of Amina and her crew leapt from the page and I felt like I was journeying alongside them on this great adventure through the Indian Ocean. If you enjoy Asian or middle eastern history / fantasy, then decidedly check this out. You won’t be disappointed. Despite the chunky size, it reads fast with action that propels the plot and characters onwards in this magical swashbuckling adventure if a tale.

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume

funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

dark mysterious reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.75

This was a page turner of a read. I didn’t know who to trust the former in I read. The story and the characters had me gripped in its clutches up until that mind bending end. It was a complicated web weaved together to form an unexpected conclusion, but still plausible and earth shattering.

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

emotional hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This was a beautifully written novel about tragedy, grief, hope, and reflection. I also enjoyed the glimpses we got from the octopus’s perspective and how the octopus brought two people together.

The Fox Wife by Yangsze Choo

adventurous emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

This was so good. The storytelling was moving and made kept me turning the pages until the ending. I particularly enjoyed reading about these foxes and each of their different personalities and how they are connected. It was intriguing how all the story lines interweaved together by the end.

The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie

adventurous dark medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

If you are looking for a fantasy that is reminiscent of Game of Thrones, then look no further. The First Law is that trilogy. The set up was slow, not it had an intricate political system and the world and magic was intriguing, along with the characters were alternating between. It kept me engaged from start to finish. Also I listened to the audio in addition to physically reading it and the audio narrator is entertaining and enhances the reading experience.

The Benefits of Being an Octopus by Ann Braden

emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

This book dealt with real life issues from the perspective of a middle schooler either experiencing it or witnessing it. It does a great job informing the reader without scaring. The author does a great job including the characters’ parents to show that they need adults to help step up and protect them when things crop up in life too big to handle on their own. It is very realistic and believable. It opens your eyes to the way another group of individuals live and how their lives contrast with those who don’t have economic struggles.

Somewhere Only We Know by Maurene Goo

hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

3.75

This was a cute, fun story. I loved following the characters on their day-long adventures together in Hong Kong. Also watching them develop feelings for each other. I’m so happy they are getting a chance to be together by the end, once both are making the best shots at making their lives their own by following their passions.