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lifeofchrstnlvly's reviews
180 reviews
Bunny by Mona Awad
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Most people say this book reminds them of a darker Mean Girls, but it reminded me of Black Swan. It also reminded me so much of I'm Thinking of Ending Things.
I don't think I can describe to anyone what Bunny is all about. I can definitely describe how it it felt like: a fever dream. I can't categorize this under the horror genre. It's more of magical realism, with horror elements.
I liked how it sucked me into Samantha's mind. I love reading unreliable narrators, so I think the reason why I liked it was the first chapter in, I was able to realize she's mentally ill. Realizing she actually has schizophrenia perfectly explained everything. A couple of pages in and I also concluded Ava's not real, so I was sort of surprised most people who read it were shocked when this was revealed at the last part.
The more I think about it, the more I'm convinced this is 5 stars. Yes, it was messy, weird, and eccentric. But that's how the mind of someone like Samatha works. The entire book was narrated by her, so it made sense why it was written that way... why it meant it was perfect.
In the end, all I felt was sadness for Samantha.
I can't wait to read All's Well now... and I'm so happy to know that this book will be adapted into a movie. Can't wait to see the weirdness on screen.
I don't think I can describe to anyone what Bunny is all about. I can definitely describe how it it felt like: a fever dream. I can't categorize this under the horror genre. It's more of magical realism, with horror elements.
The more I think about it, the more I'm convinced this is 5 stars. Yes, it was messy, weird, and eccentric. But that's how the mind of someone like Samatha works. The entire book was narrated by her, so it made sense why it was written that way... why it meant it was perfect.
In the end, all I felt was sadness for Samantha.
I can't wait to read All's Well now... and I'm so happy to know that this book will be adapted into a movie. Can't wait to see the weirdness on screen.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Animal death, Blood, Drug use, Violence, Gore, and Mental illness
Moderate: Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, and Murder
Billy Summers by Stephen King
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
My first Stephen King book and yes, I cried.
I'm a fan of horror movies, but not a fan of horror books. I purposely didn't read any SK books growing up because of this. In movies, I don't get scared easily because I see ghosts upfront. In books, it's different. It makes your mind work. I have a wild imagination and can imagine more scary things. It can haunt me for weeks.
That's why when I found out Billy Summers is not a horror story but a thriller (which I love), I immediately grabbed the opportunity and bought it.
There's a reason why even after writing tons of books, SK is still a household name. He is a master storyteller. He knows how to keep you invested in the plot. He knows how to help you understand. He knows how to suck you in. For that, I rated it 4 stars.
I loved the first half of the book more than the second half. I loved Billy, Alice, and Bucky. Oh, Bucky. I would give everything just to hug him.
Overall, I loved the book, but it's not 5 stars because admittedly, the "love story" part put me off a bit.
I'm a fan of horror movies, but not a fan of horror books. I purposely didn't read any SK books growing up because of this. In movies, I don't get scared easily because I see ghosts upfront. In books, it's different. It makes your mind work. I have a wild imagination and can imagine more scary things. It can haunt me for weeks.
That's why when I found out Billy Summers is not a horror story but a thriller (which I love), I immediately grabbed the opportunity and bought it.
There's a reason why even after writing tons of books, SK is still a household name. He is a master storyteller. He knows how to keep you invested in the plot. He knows how to help you understand. He knows how to suck you in. For that, I rated it 4 stars.
I loved the first half of the book more than the second half. I loved Billy, Alice, and Bucky. Oh, Bucky. I would give everything just to hug him.
Overall, I loved the book, but it's not 5 stars because admittedly, the "love story" part put me off a bit.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Rape, Blood, Child death, and Death
Moderate: Pedophilia
The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine
Did not finish book. Stopped at 8%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 8%.
Too boring, so I only read spoiler reviews to know what happened. Glad I decided to stop reading because it turns out that the plot sucks.
The Co-op by Tarah DeWitt
Did not finish book. Stopped at 20%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 20%.
LaRynn is an annoying FMC. I can't handle reading about her anymore. What a spoiled brat.
I'm thinking of unfollowing one of the popular booktokers I follow. This is her 3rd book recommendation that I found unbearable. Another book she hyped up because "it was so great. Both enemies to lovers and marriage of convenience tropes done well."
Firstly, THIS IS NOT ENEMIES TO LOVERS. It's just two people being irritated at each other. They are NOT enemies. Secondly, It seems that the marriage of convenience trope was shoved down our throat, putting it there even if it's unnecessary and it didn't made sense. Don't get me wrong. I love the fake dating/marriage of convenience trope. But I have a beef with authors who throw popular tropes just because they're popular, hoping to gain more readers and to gain hype.
I'm thinking of unfollowing one of the popular booktokers I follow. This is her 3rd book recommendation that I found unbearable. Another book she hyped up because "it was so great. Both enemies to lovers and marriage of convenience tropes done well."
Firstly, THIS IS NOT ENEMIES TO LOVERS. It's just two people being irritated at each other. They are NOT enemies. Secondly, It seems that the marriage of convenience trope was shoved down our throat, putting it there even if it's unnecessary and it didn't made sense. Don't get me wrong. I love the fake dating/marriage of convenience trope. But I have a beef with authors who throw popular tropes just because they're popular, hoping to gain more readers and to gain hype.
Never Lie by Freida McFadden
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
It was an addicting read (read it in less than a day), but predictable. I was able to guess the plot a couple of pages in.
There were also some inconsistencies that made me bothered. One sample was that the furniture in the house was covered with dust, but several pages later, the MCs are now sitting/relaxing on the couch without any mention how the dust was cleaned off (as far as I remember).
Still yet to find a new mystery/thriller book that will keep me on my toes and is unpredictable.
There were also some inconsistencies that made me bothered. One sample was that the furniture in the house was covered with dust, but several pages later, the MCs are now sitting/relaxing on the couch without any mention how the dust was cleaned off (as far as I remember).
Still yet to find a new mystery/thriller book that will keep me on my toes and is unpredictable.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Mental illness
Savage Lover by Sophie Lark
dark
mysterious
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
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Violence, Death, Drug abuse, and Sexual content
Moderate: Cancer
If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio
ATTENTION
I kept falling asleep whenever I read it. It was the trying-hard writing, the one that tried so hard to make it dark academia and a thriller that bored me to death. Also, it was the unnecessary quoting of Shakespeare to the point that instead of trying to decipher what they were talking about, I found myself skimming the pages because it was way. too. much. I know they are "theatre kids," and they are "die hard Shakespeare fans," but come on. No one talks like that.
RIP-OFF
People saying If We Were Villians is THE dark academia book? Nope. It's The Secret History. I read somewhere that this is "The Secret History for Dummies edition," and I'm so sorry... that's a perfect description of this book. I must admit that because it's a copycat of The Secret History, it's more accessible to readers (which is the main reason why, in my personal opinion, this is highly rated by people).
If I'll recommend a true dark academia book, it's The Secret History. It has more fleshed out characters, and it's the original/mother/blueprint of dark academia. Why settle for less?
It's a good thing I kept my copy pristine. I can easily sell or donate my copy (yes, I hated it that much).
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I'm rating this 3 stars because 1) I don't think the characters were fleshed out enough (-0.5 star), 2) it was boring (-0.5 star), and 3) it's a rip-off of The Secret History (-1 star). I would've rated it lower, but I'm trying to be more objective.
CHARACTERS
There is a lack of constant characterization. Oh, so this Richard is bad and abusive to his friends. Why? There's no reason. He's just bad. There is no need to discuss what made him that way. For a book that is so engrossed in quoting Shakespeare, I found it odd that you can't even find the time to explain the hows and whys. Disappointingly, the author did not explore or bother to explain what made them the way they were (their younger years were only told in passing). This is important for books that are character-focused. Why were the characters not fleshed out enough?
Before starting this book, I kept thinking I would not compare it to The Secret History. However, it's difficult not to, since the book clearly is a The Secret History wannabe. Case in point: If We Were Villains as The Secret History characters:
CHARACTERS
There is a lack of constant characterization. Oh, so this Richard is bad and abusive to his friends. Why? There's no reason. He's just bad. There is no need to discuss what made him that way. For a book that is so engrossed in quoting Shakespeare, I found it odd that you can't even find the time to explain the hows and whys. Disappointingly, the author did not explore or bother to explain what made them the way they were (their younger years were only told in passing). This is important for books that are character-focused. Why were the characters not fleshed out enough?
Before starting this book, I kept thinking I would not compare it to The Secret History. However, it's difficult not to, since the book clearly is a The Secret History wannabe. Case in point: If We Were Villains as The Secret History characters:
- Oliver = Richard
- Richard = Henry + Bunny
- Alexander = Charles
- James = Francis
- Meredith = Camilla
ATTENTION
I kept falling asleep whenever I read it. It was the trying-hard writing, the one that tried so hard to make it dark academia and a thriller that bored me to death. Also, it was the unnecessary quoting of Shakespeare to the point that instead of trying to decipher what they were talking about, I found myself skimming the pages because it was way. too. much. I know they are "theatre kids," and they are "die hard Shakespeare fans," but come on. No one talks like that.
RIP-OFF
People saying If We Were Villians is THE dark academia book? Nope. It's The Secret History. I read somewhere that this is "The Secret History for Dummies edition," and I'm so sorry... that's a perfect description of this book. I must admit that because it's a copycat of The Secret History, it's more accessible to readers (which is the main reason why, in my personal opinion, this is highly rated by people).
If I'll recommend a true dark academia book, it's The Secret History. It has more fleshed out characters, and it's the original/mother/blueprint of dark academia. Why settle for less?
It's a good thing I kept my copy pristine. I can easily sell or donate my copy (yes, I hated it that much).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Eating disorder, Suicide attempt, Suicide, Toxic friendship, Bullying, Death, Emotional abuse, Murder, Alcohol, Drug use, and Violence
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
***************************************************************
First read review:
I should get this out of the way: this is not young adult. I think it's more fitting to be new adult.
At first, I was bored to death. I know this is the first book in the series, so world-building was needed. The world-building didn't bother me - the pacing of the story did. It was too slow for my liking, that it put me in a reading slump. However, about 60% in, the story picked up, and it kept me interested.
The writing was good and easy to understand (this is my first SJM book). The fantasy elements were great. The fight/action scenes, especially the 3 trials, kept me on my toes. During the first half of the book, I was questioning the hype. Now, I understand it.
It was my first time reading this series and I'm glad I finally gave in. I'm glad I have the complete set, so I'll get to read the next books anytime I want.
I read some people were irritated with Feyre because she didn't solve the riddle immediately. I think they forgot she was basically illiterate. She didn't know how to read so figuring out the riddle was hard for her. Still, I do agree that she was sometimes an idiot, not because she was uneducated, but because she was too focused on her emotions (I guess that's her I'm-not-like-other-girls story).
As for Rhysand, I was indifferent at first. But by page 382, he won me over.
I was expecting to hate Nesta because many people said they hated her even in ACOTAR. Unsuprisingly, I didn't hate her because I related to her.
I could have rated this 5 stars, but the pacing at the first half really bothered me.
Now I can finally watch Cari Can Read's "here's the entire plot of ACOTAR so you don't have to read 500 pages (a court of thorns and roses)" video.
adventurous
tense
medium-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
Reread review:
So, I reread this, and I gotta say, she's really getting on my nerves with the way she's been acting. Do you think she'll wise up in the next books, or am I stuck with her foolishness? It's seriously making me grind my teeth.
So, I reread this, and I gotta say, she's really getting on my nerves with the way she's been acting. Do you think she'll wise up in the next books, or am I stuck with her foolishness? It's seriously making me grind my teeth.
***************************************************************
First read review:
Be glad of your human heart, Feyre. Pity those who don't feel anything at all.
I should get this out of the way: this is not young adult. I think it's more fitting to be new adult.
At first, I was bored to death. I know this is the first book in the series, so world-building was needed. The world-building didn't bother me - the pacing of the story did. It was too slow for my liking, that it put me in a reading slump. However, about 60% in, the story picked up, and it kept me interested.
The writing was good and easy to understand (this is my first SJM book). The fantasy elements were great. The fight/action scenes, especially the 3 trials, kept me on my toes. During the first half of the book, I was questioning the hype. Now, I understand it.
It was my first time reading this series and I'm glad I finally gave in. I'm glad I have the complete set, so I'll get to read the next books anytime I want.
I read some people were irritated with Feyre because she didn't solve the riddle immediately. I think they forgot she was basically illiterate. She didn't know how to read so figuring out the riddle was hard for her. Still, I do agree that she was sometimes an idiot, not because she was uneducated, but because she was too focused on her emotions (I guess that's her I'm-not-like-other-girls story).
As for Rhysand, I was indifferent at first. But by page 382, he won me over.
I was expecting to hate Nesta because many people said they hated her even in ACOTAR. Unsuprisingly, I didn't hate her because I related to her.
I could have rated this 5 stars, but the pacing at the first half really bothered me.
Now I can finally watch Cari Can Read's "here's the entire plot of ACOTAR so you don't have to read 500 pages (a court of thorns and roses)" video.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Confinement, Murder, and Death
Moderate: War
Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett
Did not finish book. Stopped at 21%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 21%.
Too juvenile characters (if they're about 15 years old, I'll let it pass). Porter is annoying and mean AF. Don't try telling me that "it's because he likes Bailey that's why he's mean." No. Just no.
Stolen Heir by Sophie Lark
I liked Nessa when she was a side character in Brutal Prince. I didn't like her in Stolen Heir. She was so naive and innocent. I can't shake the feeling that her naivety led her to fall in love with Miko - a classic Stockholm syndrome storyline. I know this was inspired by Beauty and the Beast. I was just hoping Nessa was at least a bit braver and stronger.
Still, Sophie's writing was gripping. But it did bother me that some of the things Nessa did are out of her character.
dark
tense
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
3.0
The dead are no danger because they don’t exist anymore. I’m concerned only with the living.
I liked Nessa when she was a side character in Brutal Prince. I didn't like her in Stolen Heir. She was so naive and innocent. I can't shake the feeling that her naivety led her to fall in love with Miko - a classic Stockholm syndrome storyline. I know this was inspired by Beauty and the Beast. I was just hoping Nessa was at least a bit braver and stronger.
Still, Sophie's writing was gripping. But it did bother me that some of the things Nessa did are out of her character.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Kidnapping, and Sexual content