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lit_with_britt's Reviews (396)
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
This book is a beast! Right from the start, it’s clear that Rice’s writing is incredibly detailed (sometimes too much so). The File on the Mayfair Witches section—taking up about 35% of the book—was a slog. So many minor characters, endless ancestry research, and Talamasca reports that felt unnecessary. But that last 20%? Pure intrigue! The pacing finally picked up, and I was hooked. Rowan, Lasher, and the dark family legacy kept me questioning everything. Final thoughts: A slow-burn, overly wordy read, but ultimately fascinating. The ending convinced me to continue the series!
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
I received this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts expressed are my own. Big thanks to NetGalley and Celadon Books for the ARC!
The Man Made of Smoke is pure brilliance—a slow-burn thriller that defies expectations and lingers like a ghost long after the final page. With a nonlinear timeline and multiple POVs, the novel demands patience, but the payoff is well worth it.
Dan’s first-person narration contrasts sharply with John and James’s third-person perspectives, creating a hauntingly immersive experience. However, the lack of clear indicators at the beginning of chapters made it frustrating at first. Once I adjusted, the novel flowed seamlessly, pulling me deeper into its eerie, true-crime-like atmosphere.
Despite my initial struggles with the narrative structure, this book is a masterclass in psychological tension. North’s ability to weave past and present without warning only adds to the unsettling nature of the story. If you enjoy chilling mysteries with a deeply immersive style, this one is a must-read.
The Man Made of Smoke is pure brilliance—a slow-burn thriller that defies expectations and lingers like a ghost long after the final page. With a nonlinear timeline and multiple POVs, the novel demands patience, but the payoff is well worth it.
Dan’s first-person narration contrasts sharply with John and James’s third-person perspectives, creating a hauntingly immersive experience. However, the lack of clear indicators at the beginning of chapters made it frustrating at first. Once I adjusted, the novel flowed seamlessly, pulling me deeper into its eerie, true-crime-like atmosphere.
Despite my initial struggles with the narrative structure, this book is a masterclass in psychological tension. North’s ability to weave past and present without warning only adds to the unsettling nature of the story. If you enjoy chilling mysteries with a deeply immersive style, this one is a must-read.
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
I received this book in exchange for my honest thoughts, and all opinions are my own. A huge thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the opportunity to read and review this novel.
Witness 8 is a gripping psychological and legal thriller that kept me hooked from start to finish. Told through multiple POVs—it gives readers an in-depth look at each character’s motivations and secrets, which I always love in a novel. The short chapters and fast pacing made it impossible to put down, and while I don’t typically like courtroom dramas, the legal scenes here were compelling and well-executed.
Mr. Christmas, a hitman with a surprising depth, quickly became one of my favorite characters, while Ruby was the one I liked the least throughout the story. The book tied up loose ends while subtly leaving room for more, making me eager to go back and start from the beginning of the series. My only minor critique is that the big twist felt like it dropped and then moved on too quickly, but overall, the story was incredibly satisfying.
Witness 8 is a gripping psychological and legal thriller that kept me hooked from start to finish. Told through multiple POVs—it gives readers an in-depth look at each character’s motivations and secrets, which I always love in a novel. The short chapters and fast pacing made it impossible to put down, and while I don’t typically like courtroom dramas, the legal scenes here were compelling and well-executed.
Mr. Christmas, a hitman with a surprising depth, quickly became one of my favorite characters, while Ruby was the one I liked the least throughout the story. The book tied up loose ends while subtly leaving room for more, making me eager to go back and start from the beginning of the series. My only minor critique is that the big twist felt like it dropped and then moved on too quickly, but overall, the story was incredibly satisfying.
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Such Charming Liars delivers a steady-paced mystery filled with deception, crime, and family drama. While the plot unfolds at a consistent pace, the characters don’t stand out as particularly compelling. Kat and Liam have intriguing backstories, but their development feels somewhat surface-level. The twists are enjoyable, even if some are predictable, and the mystery keeps you engaged without becoming overly complex.
