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lifeofchrstnlvly's reviews
178 reviews
The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager
As with any Riley Sager book, this was a page-turner. However, I found it to be just okay. The twist wasn't very satisfying for me because I had read a similar one earlier this year, making it less unique. Nonetheless, the book was still decent.
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Outside of it being completely beyond all laws of science and logic, there's the simple fact that people's brains are capable of strange things. They split and mutate and create all kinds of trouble.
As with any Riley Sager book, this was a page-turner. However, I found it to be just okay. The twist wasn't very satisfying for me because I had read a similar one earlier this year, making it less unique. Nonetheless, the book was still decent.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism and Death
Moderate: Kidnapping, Murder, and Stalking
Minor: Domestic abuse and Infidelity
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
I didn't read The Mortal Instruments series when I was younger, but I'm glad that one of the Fable book clubs I joined will be reading the whole series in the next couple of months.
City of Bones was funny, mainly because of Jace's sarcasm. I was engrossed in the story because it was action-packed. However, there were times when I felt that everything was an info dump, and the dialogue was cringe-worthy. Nevertheless, I heard that the writing improves as the series progresses.
Despite these issues, I really enjoyed reading it and can't wait to read the rest of the series and become addicted to the Shadowhunters world.
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
We all see what we want to see.
I didn't read The Mortal Instruments series when I was younger, but I'm glad that one of the Fable book clubs I joined will be reading the whole series in the next couple of months.
City of Bones was funny, mainly because of Jace's sarcasm. I was engrossed in the story because it was action-packed. However, there were times when I felt that everything was an info dump, and the dialogue was cringe-worthy. Nevertheless, I heard that the writing improves as the series progresses.
Despite these issues, I really enjoyed reading it and can't wait to read the rest of the series and become addicted to the Shadowhunters world.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Incest, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Kidnapping, Emotional abuse, Murder, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Abandonment and Animal death
Quarry Girls by Jess Lourey
dark
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.5
The premise of The Quarry Girls was interesting, but the execution fell short.
Set in 1977, the story was supposed to be about a normal summer until girls started to go missing. As a fan of mystery thrillers, I was drawn to this book, but ultimately didn't enjoy it.
The villains were easy to guess and the writing became both repetitive and convoluted. The author relied too heavily on reminding readers that men are untrustworthy and that one should always be on guard. Additionally, the backstory was often provided in a way that interrupted the present scene, leaving the reader feeling lost.
The writing tried too hard to capture a Western vibe, which was distracting and made it seem like the author was trying too hard. However, the tone was well done and set the atmosphere effectively.
Overall, I gave The Quarry Girls 1.5 stars (0.5 for the interesting premise and 1.0 for the successful tone). I would only recommend it to readers who are fans of mystery thrillers and have run out of other books to read.
Set in 1977, the story was supposed to be about a normal summer until girls started to go missing. As a fan of mystery thrillers, I was drawn to this book, but ultimately didn't enjoy it.
The villains were easy to guess and the writing became both repetitive and convoluted. The author relied too heavily on reminding readers that men are untrustworthy and that one should always be on guard. Additionally, the backstory was often provided in a way that interrupted the present scene, leaving the reader feeling lost.
The writing tried too hard to capture a Western vibe, which was distracting and made it seem like the author was trying too hard. However, the tone was well done and set the atmosphere effectively.
Overall, I gave The Quarry Girls 1.5 stars (0.5 for the interesting premise and 1.0 for the successful tone). I would only recommend it to readers who are fans of mystery thrillers and have run out of other books to read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Kidnapping, Mental illness, Murder, and Misogyny
Moderate: Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Rape, Sexual violence, and Sexual assault
Minor: Pedophilia, Infidelity, Drug use, Fire/Fire injury, and Alcohol
Our Scorching Summer by Kels Stone, Denise Stone
Did not finish book. Stopped at 3%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 3%.
When I read Water Under The Bridge, I forced myself to finish it even if I wasn't enjoying it. You may read my reasons in my review.
OSS was my book club's pick. I really tried for the sake of our book club. But I can't stomach reading another book from these authors. Spice just for the sake of saying that their books are spicy. Insufferable characters. Middle grade writing. Terrible plot. Offered nothing new.
DNF.
OSS was my book club's pick. I really tried for the sake of our book club. But I can't stomach reading another book from these authors. Spice just for the sake of saying that their books are spicy. Insufferable characters. Middle grade writing. Terrible plot. Offered nothing new.
DNF.
Minx by Sophie Lark
As with any Sophie Lark book, this was an easy read. It's easy to understand (though admittedly the conversations about investments were too much; even the spicy scenes in this book were sometimes too much; I skipped most of them). It's not enough for me to DNF, but I know I will not miss anything even if I don't read it.
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I don’t know when it will happen or how it will all blow up in my face, but this I know for certain: nothing lasts. People change, they age, they die, they decide they don’t want you anymore. We come into this world naked and alone, and that’s how we leave it.
As with any Sophie Lark book, this was an easy read. It's easy to understand (though admittedly the conversations about investments were too much; even the spicy scenes in this book were sometimes too much; I skipped most of them). It's not enough for me to DNF, but I know I will not miss anything even if I don't read it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Child abuse, and Cursing
Minor: Death and Pregnancy
Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, and Blood
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
The prose is so beautiful. It is one of the most beautifully written books I have ever read. There are some books I read wherein the at the start, the prose is good, but as the page progresses, the writing becomes pretentious. Divine Rivals is not.
The lore, world building, and the characters were so well written. I thought it would be a cheesy YA read, but I was wrong. I never thought this book would make me emotional. There are so many wonderful quotes in this book, and I find myself rereading them because of how hard it hits.
It took me 9 chapters before I was hooked. That's why I didn't rate this 5 stars. Chapters 1 to 8 were a bit slow to my liking, but once I read chapter 9, I was determined to finish it ASAP (yes, I did finish it within one sitting after that).
My only other complaint is why is the release of the second book so far away? 😭 April 2024 cannot come soon enough.
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I think we all wear armor. I think those who don’t are fools, risking the pain of being wounded by the sharp edges of the world, over and over again. But if I’ve learned anything from those fools, it’s that to be vulnerable is a strength most of us fear. It takes courage to let down your armor, to welcome people to see you as you are.
The prose is so beautiful. It is one of the most beautifully written books I have ever read. There are some books I read wherein the at the start, the prose is good, but as the page progresses, the writing becomes pretentious. Divine Rivals is not.
The lore, world building, and the characters were so well written. I thought it would be a cheesy YA read, but I was wrong. I never thought this book would make me emotional. There are so many wonderful quotes in this book, and I find myself rereading them because of how hard it hits.
It took me 9 chapters before I was hooked. That's why I didn't rate this 5 stars. Chapters 1 to 8 were a bit slow to my liking, but once I read chapter 9, I was determined to finish it ASAP (yes, I did finish it within one sitting after that).
My only other complaint is why is the release of the second book so far away? 😭 April 2024 cannot come soon enough.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, War, Child death, Death, and Grief
Moderate: Sexual content
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
funny
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Yellowface is my first R.F. Kuang novel. I already own The Poppy War and Babel, but this was the first book I read due to one of my Fable book clubs.
Yellowface was funny. Not laugh out loud funny, but enough to make me chuckle (believe me when I say it's hard to make me laugh). I liked most parts of this book, but around the middle, I got a bit bored. I'm glad I was reading a physical copy of this book while listening to the audiobook. If I was only reading a physical copy, I might not have finished it yet.
June is one of the best unreliable narrators I read. It amazes me how out of touch with reality June is. Kuang is not scared to write uncomfortable books to prove a point. It helps us become aware of ourselves.
If you find yourself agreeing with how June thinks, well…… it might be a time to self-reflect.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Bloody Heart by Sophie Lark
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
There’s no joy without pain. The greater the pain, the greater the joy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Death, Murder, and Sexual content
Moderate: Mental illness and Kidnapping
Minor: Pregnancy and Trafficking
A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson
The writing in A Dowry of Blood was exceptional and the second-person narrative was a unique touch that made sense for the story. While the ending was satisfying, I found myself wanting more substance in the second half of the book. Specifically, I wished to delve deeper into Constanta's emotional journey leading up to her realization of what she needed to do. While I understand the book's depiction of abuse was an important theme, I would have preferred it to be limited to the first half. It would have been interesting to see Constanta's transformation from an abused wife to a powerful woman seeking revenge, including her planning and emotional state leading up to it.
My main issue with the book was its pacing in the second half. Despite being glad that it was a short read, I found it dragged on. I also believe that while the book contained elements of horror due to the presence of vampires, it should not be classified solely as a horror novel.
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
But a few flourishes and embellishments couldn’t change the fact that the very fabric of our life together was tangled and suffocating. I had given you a thousand second chances, made a thousand concessions. And this wasn’t just about me anymore.
The writing in A Dowry of Blood was exceptional and the second-person narrative was a unique touch that made sense for the story. While the ending was satisfying, I found myself wanting more substance in the second half of the book. Specifically, I wished to delve deeper into Constanta's emotional journey leading up to her realization of what she needed to do. While I understand the book's depiction of abuse was an important theme, I would have preferred it to be limited to the first half. It would have been interesting to see Constanta's transformation from an abused wife to a powerful woman seeking revenge, including her planning and emotional state leading up to it.
My main issue with the book was its pacing in the second half. Despite being glad that it was a short read, I found it dragged on. I also believe that while the book contained elements of horror due to the presence of vampires, it should not be classified solely as a horror novel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Minor: Animal death, Colonisation, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, and War