leslie1187's reviews
748 reviews

Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun by Elle Cosimano

emotional mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.25

This was a fun, easy cozy mystery to read. I want as engaged in the parts where they were at the citizens academy, but the main conflict kept me reading. It also just helped me not think after a long day.

Golden Son by Pierce Brown

adventurous dark tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes

3.75

This was a great sequel in the Red Rising series. I did feel like there were parts that dragged. Definitely felt like the second book of a dystopian series with the hero trying to find his way as a leader of a rebellion. However that ending was intense and left me reeling. I’ll definitely be reading third book somewhat soon. 

The Perishing by Natashia Deón

challenging mysterious reflective 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 such a uniquely written speculative fiction that follows a character in two time lines. Our main character remembers every one of her past lives. There is also a twist that includes a special ability of sorts that prevents the character from staying injured. I don’t want to say too much out I rush giving it all away. It is better to dive into this without knowing much about the story lines for the best reading experience.

The World Gives Way by Marissa Levien

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 one of those heart-wrenching dystopian novels that was written in such an awe-inspiring way that it leaves your mind grappling. I felt for these characters as each discovered more of themselves the closer to the end of the world. Right up until the end.
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The descriptions were vivid and rich with imaginary of this world that is set within this ship that has been drifting toward its destination for over a hundred years before a crack is discovered. Readers follow the characters as they journey through the world, either escaping for freedom or to capture for answers. It follows the perspective of two characters right up until when they are no longer pitted against each other, instead united in the end.
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This was an emotional read, particularly in the beginning with the story being propelled into motion as Myrra is given a purpose and Tobias a chance to prove his own worth in his career. These two characters collide and the gravitational pull toward each other is undeniable. I can’t recommend this anymore than I already am. It is by far my favorite read this year and it will be hard for something to surpass its grandness. 

Red Rising by Pierce Brown

adventurous dark tense medium-paced

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

4.0

I really enjoyed reading this and will be continuing on with the rest of the series. That said it fits need to be noted that this dystopian follows a similar formula to other dystopian series like Hunger Games, however the story line is different enough to stand out. If you enjoyed the Hunger Games and Divergent trilogies then definitely check this one out. It is a good middle ground between YA and Adult dystopian and reads more like YA; adult dystopian tends to be more complicated particularly on the political side so I would say this is a good introduction into adult in a guided way that is easy to follow along for those who want to break into adult. 

Neverwhere Illustrated Edition by Neil Gaiman

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

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

3.5

This was a solid read and I enjoyed it, especially the last half when things started to come more into focus as things began to happen. Though no where near my favorite of Gaiman’s works. American Gods and Good Omens are still at the top of my favorites. 

Sign Here by Claudia Lux

dark mysterious reflective medium-paced

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

5.0

I absolutely enjoyed this novel and will be reading any books that Claudia Lux releases going forward. The way the ending looped back around in a paradoxical direction was mind blowing. It was done so well. The writing style and character development sucked me in. I highlighted and annotated so much. This read will be sticking with me for a long time.

Stellarlune by Shannon Messenger

adventurous emotional mysterious fast-paced

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

5.0

This was another great installment to the series. I enjoyed reading the whole time and kept turning the pages as all of the explanations resolving the unanswered questions the series has hit. Also that cliffhanger and Shannon Messenger revealing that there will be a book 10. So more wait to get answers to that unexpected cliffhanger.

Snowflakes and Sparks by Sophie-Leigh Robbins

lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.0

Amari and the Great Game by B.B. Alston

adventurous mysterious fast-paced

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

4.5

This was a great sequel, though I felt the end was rather rushed a bit. Still ended in a bit of a cliffhanger with a War looming ahead and even more challenges for Amari to face in the next volume.