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literary_lioness's reviews
261 reviews
Inseparable by Simone de Beauvoir
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
At the age of nine, Sylvie met Andrée. New to the school, Andrée was a wonder to Sylvie and quickly a friendship bloomed. Raised within the early 1900s, societal and family influences are ingrained into their everyday lives. Throughout the years, the girls turn toward each other as they try to make sense of it all. A bond tightly woven; they are “inseparable”.
Loosely based on true events between Simone de Beauvoir and Elisabeth “Zaza” Lacoin, the bond these two girls shared jumps off the page. Eloquently written with intense descriptions and emotion, this novel is unlike any other.
Given the time frame and the girls’ upbringing within Catholicism, there is much reference to faith and beliefs. However, this is not a religious story as the references are in regards to the struggles and pressures the girls go through. Hence, a rating of 5 out of 5 stars is given.
A quick read detailing the importance of friendship, this is a must read for any female. Whether you are coming of age, tackling the never-ending daily tasks, or relishing in your memories, you cannot pass this one up.
Thank you to #NetGalley, #Inseparable and #Ecco for the opportunity to voluntarily review this book.
Among Thieves by M.J. Kuhn
adventurous
tense
medium-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
4.0
Thievery, betrayal, and looking out for oneself are traits one needs to survive in the Lottery. At least it was…
Ryia, Tristan, Nash, and Ivan have been a part of the Saints for a while now. Each with their own individual specialties, they have become a fairly productive crew. Yet, when their luck begins to fade an opportunity that could turn all their lives around reveals itself. As a new face enters the ranks, will they continue to stick with what they know or will everything change?
Overtaken by vivid descriptions and intense characters, the reader is swept in to another reality through M.J. Kuhn’s, Among Thieves. Toss in the constant intrigue along with the everchanging obstacles, and you will struggle to put this one down.
None the less, a rating of 4 out of 5 stars is given due to an abundant amount of profanity and a few grammatical errors. In addition, the ending leaves lots of loose ends resulting in a feeling of letdown.
Overall, this is highly recommended to those who want to get away and fall in to an alternate reality. Given this is a debut novel, one can only hope these characters take off into their own series.
Thank you to #NetGalley, and #SagaPress for the opportunity to read an advanced readers copy.
As the Wicked Watch by Tamron Hall
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Jordan Manning is a reporter for one of Chicago’s top newsrooms. Determined to keep her position on the investigative crime beat she puts all she has into her reports. When a Black girl goes missing and is written off as a runaway, she wonders if the color of the victims’ skin makes her seem less important. As the story unfolds, Jordan will stop at nothing to expose the truth. She just hopes she can complete the task, as the closer she gets to the answers, the more danger she finds.
Tamron Hall takes the reader behind the scenes of an investigative reporter in her book As the Wicked Watch. Stressing how a news broadcast is a quick glimpse of the whole story, she expresses the daunting tasks of a journalist. Yet, she also ensures it is all worth it in the end.
However, between the slow-moving plot, inconsistencies between characters and locations, as well as the influx of profanity, this novel was a struggle to finish. The mystery and thrill seemed to be lost with an abundance of unnecessary rambling. Therefore, a rating of 3 out of 5 stars is awarded.
None the less, this a good read for someone wanting a front row seat into the world of journalism.
Thank you to #NetGalley, #SceneOfTheCrime, and #WilliamMorrow for the free advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest review.