leslie1187's reviews
746 reviews

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

adventurous mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.75

This was an addictive face paced read. All the twists and turns kept me reading. I liked mixed media format; it was written as a novel with a mix of interviews and typed logs interspersed throughout, adding to the background of the story, breathing love into the cold case of Andie Bell as Pippa searches for the truth. The resolution was filled with another heart-stopping revelation as Pippa realized there had been another person caught in the murder of Andie Bell. A shocking twist that led to more people going to jail than just the first she discovered was guilty. This book demands to be binged. 

The Hidden Life of Cecily Larson by Ellen Baker
Did not finish book. Stopped at 33%.

It’s just too slow of a read for me to really get into at the moment.

Iron Gold by Pierce Brown

adventurous dark tense medium-paced

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

5.0

This was just as good, if not better, than Morning Star. The series just keeps spiraling, pulling me in even more. Darrow’s character slips more into darkness in this installment and we are left with him abandoning his loved ones. His decision leading him toward more war as he lets his rage fully take hold. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

City of Ghosts by V.E. Schwab

adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced

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

4.5

This was a fun read. If you grew up watching So Weird on the Disney channel, then you will enjoy this middle grade series from V. E. Schwab. Also if you ever Ghost Hunters or any other patentable shows or movies, then check this out.

The main character, Cassidy’s parents take her along to Scotland over the summer as they start filming their new paranormal documentary series. Cassidy isn’t like other young girls. She has the sight to see the paranormal, ever since her near death experience. Cassidy experiences how haunted Scotland is and her very life is even threatened by a vengeful spirit who steals the spirits of children with her song. The storytelling kept me on the edge of my seat turning the pages.

The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

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

3.75

I enjoyed listening to this. The narrator kept me engaged and entertained from start to finish anytime I tuned in. The magic with the books was intriguing and kept me wanting to know more the further in I got. The only thing I will say is the resolution with the conflict seemed to drag just a bit too long, but other than that I loved it. The prose was lyrical and fantastical. Great for readers who loved The Invisible Life of Addie Larue.

The Year of the Witching by Alexis Henderson

dark tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

3.5

The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins

dark mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

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

5.0

This book was compiled and full of intriguing concepts that kept me turning the pages. I think this is a book that you need to know little nothing about before driving into. The writing was compelling at each twist and turn. The last two thirds of the book is a whirlwind you won’t want to put down. Highly recommend if you are looking for a different and strange world scape.

The Woman in Me by Britney Spears

emotional reflective sad fast-paced

This was a great read, though I feel it is too personal to rate. Highly recommend for anyone who enjoys memoirs or was a Britney Spears fan growing up.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

adventurous dark tense fast-paced

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

4.5

This really made you sympathize with Snow up until his actions in part three (the peacekeeper). Part three really shows Snow as he motives into the president wet know from the Hunger Games trilogy. He truly only cared about himself and how he was going to rise (snow lands on top).

Emergency Skin by N.K. Jemisin

reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot

3.5

This was intriguing and good. I wanted more. Short stories always leave me wanting more.