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lifeonasofa's reviews
229 reviews
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
Long Way Down 🛗 Review
‘People always love people more when they’re dead’ - Jason Reynolds 💀
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars
A powerful novel in verse. The favourite so far actually. Reynolds has such a way with words. I was captivated and read this in one sitting. 👀
The use of verse really suits this concept. The cycle of violence.
Will is grieving the murder of his brother. Over 240 pages we travel in the elevator with him, 7 floors. Will holds a gun to avenge his brother’s death. On those floors, we meet 6 people from his past. Will is following the rules he has been taught, but can the cycle be stopped before he reaches the ground floor? 🔫
I really enjoyed Jason’s afterword at the end of the audiobook. It provided personal experience and truly hammered home how important stories like this are. Beautiful book. 👍🏻
#longwaydown #jasonreynolds #bookreview #booksta
‘People always love people more when they’re dead’ - Jason Reynolds 💀
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars
A powerful novel in verse. The favourite so far actually. Reynolds has such a way with words. I was captivated and read this in one sitting. 👀
The use of verse really suits this concept. The cycle of violence.
Will is grieving the murder of his brother. Over 240 pages we travel in the elevator with him, 7 floors. Will holds a gun to avenge his brother’s death. On those floors, we meet 6 people from his past. Will is following the rules he has been taught, but can the cycle be stopped before he reaches the ground floor? 🔫
I really enjoyed Jason’s afterword at the end of the audiobook. It provided personal experience and truly hammered home how important stories like this are. Beautiful book. 👍🏻
#longwaydown #jasonreynolds #bookreview #booksta
Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree
adventurous
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Legends and Lattes ☕️ Review
‘it was like drinking the feeling of being peaceful. Being peaceful in your mind. Well, not if you have too much, then it’s something else’ - Travis Baldree 🥐
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.5 Stars
Such a cozy read! I was worried it would be too slow for my brain but it really is like a warm hug in a book. The setting was perfect, the characters oh so loveable. I actually didn’t want any of the external plot creeping in at times but get that we needed a little bit to move us along. Audiobook was great too! 🧋
‘it was like drinking the feeling of being peaceful. Being peaceful in your mind. Well, not if you have too much, then it’s something else’ - Travis Baldree 🥐
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.5 Stars
Such a cozy read! I was worried it would be too slow for my brain but it really is like a warm hug in a book. The setting was perfect, the characters oh so loveable. I actually didn’t want any of the external plot creeping in at times but get that we needed a little bit to move us along. Audiobook was great too! 🧋
Pages To Fill by Travis Baldree
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.5
Cute little nod to L&L, I didn’t need it at all though.
Babel by R.F. Kuang
adventurous
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.75
“Nice comes from the Latin word for “stupid”,’ said Griffin. ‘We do not want to be nice.” - R F Kuang 🖋️
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 3.75 Stars
Wow. I knew the knowledge in this book is outstanding. You can really tell Kuang loves what she does and really put in a lot of research. She truly stands out as an author. 🔬
Thr exploration of language was beautiful. The critique on colonialism was well done. I love the premise of this book - whilst hating the truth in it. I enjoyed the setting and the classes were SO interesting! 📖
However, as a character reader and didn’t really feel connected to anyone in the book. The world was well imagined but felt hefty for how little it was explored. It’s almost like Kuang had so many brilliant ideas that none of them could be fully explored to the extent it deserved. 🤷🏻♀️
For language lovers, I feel like this book will be a favourite. I was maybe a little over my head, this book was probably a bit smart for me to fully appreciate the depth 🙈
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 3.75 Stars
Wow. I knew the knowledge in this book is outstanding. You can really tell Kuang loves what she does and really put in a lot of research. She truly stands out as an author. 🔬
Thr exploration of language was beautiful. The critique on colonialism was well done. I love the premise of this book - whilst hating the truth in it. I enjoyed the setting and the classes were SO interesting! 📖
However, as a character reader and didn’t really feel connected to anyone in the book. The world was well imagined but felt hefty for how little it was explored. It’s almost like Kuang had so many brilliant ideas that none of them could be fully explored to the extent it deserved. 🤷🏻♀️
For language lovers, I feel like this book will be a favourite. I was maybe a little over my head, this book was probably a bit smart for me to fully appreciate the depth 🙈
The Wake-Up Call by Beth O'Leary
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
The Wake-Up Call ☎️ Review
‘I’ve always been partial to an exclamation mark. Full stops just seem so . . . grown-up’ - Beth O’Leary ❗️
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 3.5 Stars
Another cute rom-com from Beth. I really get on with her writing style. As always, it was a very easy, cozy read. Really enjoyed listening to the audio in the car. ✍🏻
I really liked the setting of this one being a run down hotel - would’ve liked it to be more a focus actually. Liked that it ended around Xmas 🎄 Another fun and likeable duo with some annoying quirks to work on. I enjoyed them as a couple by the end. 💕
I enjoyed the book, and found it a relaxing spring read. However, I didn’t buy the ‘enemies’ side of this relationship AT ALL. The miscommunication seemed unrealistic. I think it’s time for me to accept I might be a bit older than the target audience 😢
#thewakeupcall #betholeary #bookreview #booksta
‘I’ve always been partial to an exclamation mark. Full stops just seem so . . . grown-up’ - Beth O’Leary ❗️
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 3.5 Stars
Another cute rom-com from Beth. I really get on with her writing style. As always, it was a very easy, cozy read. Really enjoyed listening to the audio in the car. ✍🏻
I really liked the setting of this one being a run down hotel - would’ve liked it to be more a focus actually. Liked that it ended around Xmas 🎄 Another fun and likeable duo with some annoying quirks to work on. I enjoyed them as a couple by the end. 💕
I enjoyed the book, and found it a relaxing spring read. However, I didn’t buy the ‘enemies’ side of this relationship AT ALL. The miscommunication seemed unrealistic. I think it’s time for me to accept I might be a bit older than the target audience 😢
#thewakeupcall #betholeary #bookreview #booksta
Go with the Flow by Lily Williams, Karen Schneemann
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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
4.5
Go with the Flow 🩸 Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5 Stars
🥹 this graphic novel is so needed. I’m thrilled books like this exist for girls now. It feels so comforting that conversations are finally being had and that one day periods will be discussed freely.
A lovely story about 4 high school friends, with lots of conversation around periods. Some entry level info such as period products and leaking but also discussion about endo and period poverty. 💪🏻
The characters felt like a hug, the illustrations felt warm and the premise - super simple really. Menstral health is important, it impacts half the population. With so much still yet to be researched, it’s imperative that the info we do have is actively shared. 🥰
#gowiththeflow #graphicnovel #bookreview #booksta
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5 Stars
🥹 this graphic novel is so needed. I’m thrilled books like this exist for girls now. It feels so comforting that conversations are finally being had and that one day periods will be discussed freely.
A lovely story about 4 high school friends, with lots of conversation around periods. Some entry level info such as period products and leaking but also discussion about endo and period poverty. 💪🏻
The characters felt like a hug, the illustrations felt warm and the premise - super simple really. Menstral health is important, it impacts half the population. With so much still yet to be researched, it’s imperative that the info we do have is actively shared. 🥰
#gowiththeflow #graphicnovel #bookreview #booksta
A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
A Court of Silver Flames 🔥 Review
“You’re an arrogant bastard.”
“And you’re a haughty witch. We’re evenly matched.” - Sarah J Maas 😤
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.75 Stars
Oh I adore the characters in this book. Cassian has always been my fav batboy and we got a whole book! 🙌🏻 He delivered.
Nesta, I’ve always had a soft spot for. I relate to her quite heavily and so felt my heart breaking at her self sabotaging. 💔
I think her and Cass are my fav couple to read about. They just have a lot more depth. I adore that he didn’t give up, and the whole training for recovery was badass 💕
Character wise, I adored it. Plot wise, this book hasn’t beat ACOWAR. It’s still a great book and the topics it explores are really important. It definitely gives us things the other books didn’t, I just wanted more oomph throughout.🤔
We did eventually get some pretty high stakes, but only in the last 100 pages or so. It felt rushed and it needn’t have been…it’s a 760+ page book! The Valkyries (and Nestas powers) deserved better. 🗡️
#sarahjmaas #acourtofsilverflames #acosf #acotar #bookreview #booksta
“You’re an arrogant bastard.”
“And you’re a haughty witch. We’re evenly matched.” - Sarah J Maas 😤
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.75 Stars
Oh I adore the characters in this book. Cassian has always been my fav batboy and we got a whole book! 🙌🏻 He delivered.
Nesta, I’ve always had a soft spot for. I relate to her quite heavily and so felt my heart breaking at her self sabotaging. 💔
I think her and Cass are my fav couple to read about. They just have a lot more depth. I adore that he didn’t give up, and the whole training for recovery was badass 💕
Character wise, I adored it. Plot wise, this book hasn’t beat ACOWAR. It’s still a great book and the topics it explores are really important. It definitely gives us things the other books didn’t, I just wanted more oomph throughout.🤔
We did eventually get some pretty high stakes, but only in the last 100 pages or so. It felt rushed and it needn’t have been…it’s a 760+ page book! The Valkyries (and Nestas powers) deserved better. 🗡️
#sarahjmaas #acourtofsilverflames #acosf #acotar #bookreview #booksta
One For My Enemy by Olivie Blake
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.0
One For My Enemy 🗡️ Review
‘I’m keeping you from death, not letting you live. There’s a difference’ - Olivie Blake 💀
⭐️⭐️ 2 Stars
I am aware this is another case of it’s not you, it’s me. Everyone seems to LOVE this book but I think I’ve come to the realisation that I don’t get on with Olivie’s writing style. ✍🏻
I so badly want to love Olivie’s beautifully lyrical writing but it just seems to slow the whole pace down too much for me. I also feel like she has so many good ideas, that none of them are seen through. Characters aren’t as fleshed out as I’d like so I just didn’t care about them. 🤷🏻♀️
I did also DNF The Atlas Paradox, so if you enjoyed that and you’re after a Romeo and Juliet retelling, this is well reviewed on goodreads…maybe it’s for you? 🥰
#oneformyenemy #olivieblake #bookreview #booksta #audiobook
‘I’m keeping you from death, not letting you live. There’s a difference’ - Olivie Blake 💀
⭐️⭐️ 2 Stars
I am aware this is another case of it’s not you, it’s me. Everyone seems to LOVE this book but I think I’ve come to the realisation that I don’t get on with Olivie’s writing style. ✍🏻
I so badly want to love Olivie’s beautifully lyrical writing but it just seems to slow the whole pace down too much for me. I also feel like she has so many good ideas, that none of them are seen through. Characters aren’t as fleshed out as I’d like so I just didn’t care about them. 🤷🏻♀️
I did also DNF The Atlas Paradox, so if you enjoyed that and you’re after a Romeo and Juliet retelling, this is well reviewed on goodreads…maybe it’s for you? 🥰
#oneformyenemy #olivieblake #bookreview #booksta #audiobook
A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
“Cassian had named about two dozen poses for Nesta at this point. Ranging from I Will Eat Your Eyes for Breakfast to I Don’t Want Cassian to Know I’m Reading Smut. The latter was his particular favorite” - Sarah J Maas 👀
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 3.5 Stars
The fandom seems to hate this little cutie. But I personally really appreciate what it bought. 🌨️
We got a festive Maas book - I love Xmas so I’m here for it. We got more time with the inner circle - again, I’m all for it. And it was just nice and calm - after ACOWAR I really needed this. ☺️
Ofc it’s got very little plot, it’s a novella. Is it a necessary read? Nope. But any extra pages we have to fall further in love with all these relationships, I’m here for. And the gift exchange? Urgh! So stinking cute. 🎁
#ACOFAS #acourtoffrostandstarlight #sarahjmaas #bookreview #BOOKSTA
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 3.5 Stars
The fandom seems to hate this little cutie. But I personally really appreciate what it bought. 🌨️
We got a festive Maas book - I love Xmas so I’m here for it. We got more time with the inner circle - again, I’m all for it. And it was just nice and calm - after ACOWAR I really needed this. ☺️
Ofc it’s got very little plot, it’s a novella. Is it a necessary read? Nope. But any extra pages we have to fall further in love with all these relationships, I’m here for. And the gift exchange? Urgh! So stinking cute. 🎁
#ACOFAS #acourtoffrostandstarlight #sarahjmaas #bookreview #BOOKSTA
Song of Silver, Flame Like Night by Amélie Wen Zhao
“Power is always borrowed, never created” - Amelie Wen Zhao
⭐️⭐️💫 2.5 Stars
A beautiful world, it didn’t take long for me to feel immersed. Super interesting magic system - if you like Chinese mythology you’ll love it. 🥰
Unfortunately, it was a little slow for my liking and I just lost all interest by the time it picked up the pace. 🙈
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
“Power is always borrowed, never created” - Amelie Wen Zhao
⭐️⭐️💫 2.5 Stars
A beautiful world, it didn’t take long for me to feel immersed. Super interesting magic system - if you like Chinese mythology you’ll love it. 🥰
Unfortunately, it was a little slow for my liking and I just lost all interest by the time it picked up the pace. 🙈