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littlelibraryofsky's reviews
33 reviews
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
1.0
Alright, so I caved in to all the buzz surrounding this book, thinking it had to be something special. Um, no.
There were more characters than a family reunion, and the whole time-jumping thing? Let's just say it took some serious mental gymnastics to keep up. I found myself flipping back a few pages more times than I'd care to admit, just to make sure I was on the right track.
And then, just when you're starting to make sense of it all, the main character decides to lay it all out for you in the final chapters. It felt a bit like being handed a cheat sheet after struggling through a tough test.
In the end, I can't deny there was some cleverness to it, but it felt like the story was trying too hard to be intricate, and it ended up stumbling over its own complexity. So while it had its moments, don't be surprised if you find yourself wishing for a bit more clarity by the time you reach the last page.
There were more characters than a family reunion, and the whole time-jumping thing? Let's just say it took some serious mental gymnastics to keep up. I found myself flipping back a few pages more times than I'd care to admit, just to make sure I was on the right track.
And then, just when you're starting to make sense of it all, the main character decides to lay it all out for you in the final chapters. It felt a bit like being handed a cheat sheet after struggling through a tough test.
In the end, I can't deny there was some cleverness to it, but it felt like the story was trying too hard to be intricate, and it ended up stumbling over its own complexity. So while it had its moments, don't be surprised if you find yourself wishing for a bit more clarity by the time you reach the last page.
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
5.0
"Most communication is nonverbal"
"I was crying for all of us. There's so much pain everywhere, and we just close our eyes to it."
"But real love is very quiet, very still."
OH SO GOOD. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing of this book! It was simple to understand and follow, keeping me engaged and eager for more. The use of Alcestis from Greek mythology was cleverly intertwined with Alicia's silence, echoing the silence of betrayal and torture inflicted upon Alcestis by her loved ones.
The narrative was a real page-turner, which was refreshing. It kept me guessing about the characters' identities until around page 200 when I started to suspect who was watching Alicia. By page 300, I thought I had figured out the murderer. BUT THEN THE TWIST CAME and I was like oh....my......didn't see that coming.
Regarding the ending, I interpreted Theo's attempt to catch snowflakes as a metaphor for pursuing happiness, only to find it elusive and unattainable. His transformation into his father, abandoning plans to fix up the house and becoming comfortable with its state, mirrored his father's complacency. Similarly, his wife's descent into depression paralleled his mother's experience. Theo ultimately used manipulation to tempt Alicia into becoming the killer, rather than taking responsibility himself.
The book I purchased came with a Book Club Guide and the author does say, "Many people have asked me about the ending. I left it deliberately ambiguous. I'm not entirely sure what happens to Theo, or any of the other characters. I do feel Theo is not done with me, as a character - and I'm wondering if he will revisit me some day; though whether his story will take place in the years before he started working at the Grove or afterward, I don't know. I will have to wait and see."
Sooo maybe another book will be coming out eventually?!
Adding this one to my favorites list!
"I was crying for all of us. There's so much pain everywhere, and we just close our eyes to it."
"But real love is very quiet, very still."
OH SO GOOD. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing of this book! It was simple to understand and follow, keeping me engaged and eager for more. The use of Alcestis from Greek mythology was cleverly intertwined with Alicia's silence, echoing the silence of betrayal and torture inflicted upon Alcestis by her loved ones.
The narrative was a real page-turner, which was refreshing. It kept me guessing about the characters' identities until around page 200 when I started to suspect who was watching Alicia. By page 300, I thought I had figured out the murderer. BUT THEN THE TWIST CAME and I was like oh....my......didn't see that coming.
Regarding the ending, I interpreted Theo's attempt to catch snowflakes as a metaphor for pursuing happiness, only to find it elusive and unattainable. His transformation into his father, abandoning plans to fix up the house and becoming comfortable with its state, mirrored his father's complacency. Similarly, his wife's descent into depression paralleled his mother's experience. Theo ultimately used manipulation to tempt Alicia into becoming the killer, rather than taking responsibility himself.
The book I purchased came with a Book Club Guide and the author does say, "Many people have asked me about the ending. I left it deliberately ambiguous. I'm not entirely sure what happens to Theo, or any of the other characters. I do feel Theo is not done with me, as a character - and I'm wondering if he will revisit me some day; though whether his story will take place in the years before he started working at the Grove or afterward, I don't know. I will have to wait and see."
Sooo maybe another book will be coming out eventually?!
Adding this one to my favorites list!
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
Book Lovers by Emily Henry totally stole my heart! What hooked me the most was how it's not just another run-of-the-mill romance. Nora's dealing with a lot that stresses her out, sometimes including the romance parts.
The way Emily Henry sets the scene is just magical. You feel like you're right there in the small town, soaking up every bit of its charm. And let me tell you, this book is packed! There's everything from small-town vibes to big city drama, with a dash of hot guys and family secrets thrown in for good measure.
Book Lovers isn't just about romance—it's about life, love, and all the messy stuff in between. It's a winner in my book, and Emily Henry totally nailed it. The romance gods would definitely be proud!
P.S. this would have been 5 stars if it weren't for the term Sissy used repeatedly LOL
4.0
"When I want something Nora, I don't give up easily."
"Is there anything better than iced coffee and a bookstore on a sunny day? I mean, aside from hot coffee and a bookstore on a rainy day."
"That's the thing about women. There's no good way to be one. Wear your emotions on your sleeve and you're hysterical. Keep them tucked away where your boyfriend doesn't have to tend to them and you're a heartless bitch."
"Daily life was unpredictable, but the bookstore was a constant."
"I already told you, Nora. I'll go anywhere with you."
Book Lovers by Emily Henry totally stole my heart! What hooked me the most was how it's not just another run-of-the-mill romance. Nora's dealing with a lot that stresses her out, sometimes including the romance parts.
The way Emily Henry sets the scene is just magical. You feel like you're right there in the small town, soaking up every bit of its charm. And let me tell you, this book is packed! There's everything from small-town vibes to big city drama, with a dash of hot guys and family secrets thrown in for good measure.
Book Lovers isn't just about romance—it's about life, love, and all the messy stuff in between. It's a winner in my book, and Emily Henry totally nailed it. The romance gods would definitely be proud!
P.S. this would have been 5 stars if it weren't for the term Sissy used repeatedly LOL
A Stranger in the House by Shari Lapena
1.0
Alright, so let's talk about this book. Honestly, it felt like a bit of a letdown in terms of originality. It's like the author took bits and pieces from other books and mashed them together with some pretty cliché writing.
And don't even get me started on the characters. They were just... meh. Unreliable, boring, shallow.
As for the big twist at the end? Yeah, not so much of a twist. It was more like a predictable turn of events that left me feeling underwhelmed.
Overall, this book had potential, but it missed the mark. It needed some fresh ideas and characters with a bit more depth. Instead, it ended up feeling like a recycled version of stories we've all read before.
And don't even get me started on the characters. They were just... meh. Unreliable, boring, shallow.
As for the big twist at the end? Yeah, not so much of a twist. It was more like a predictable turn of events that left me feeling underwhelmed.
Overall, this book had potential, but it missed the mark. It needed some fresh ideas and characters with a bit more depth. Instead, it ended up feeling like a recycled version of stories we've all read before.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
2.0
2 stars - one for Luc and one for Book
While the writing in "The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue" is pretty, the story itself feels a bit lacking. Addie paints a vivid picture of her struggles as a shadow in the world, desperately seeking recognition and connection. But even after living for three centuries, her experiences seem strangely narrow.
The book jumps around in time, showing us Addie's past, but these flashbacks often fall flat. They mirror the repetitive nature of her invisible life, but don't add much to the overall story. And while there are hints of exciting events, they're never fully explored.
The love story at the heart of the book also feels rushed and underdeveloped. Important moments are skimmed over, leaving readers wanting more. Henry was a bore to me and the only time I got an inkling of excitement was when Luc would show up.
Overall, "The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue" has beautiful writing but lacks substance. It could have benefited from a bit more depth and exploration of its characters and plot points.
"But it is a lonely thing, to be forgotten. To remember when no one else does."
While the writing in "The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue" is pretty, the story itself feels a bit lacking. Addie paints a vivid picture of her struggles as a shadow in the world, desperately seeking recognition and connection. But even after living for three centuries, her experiences seem strangely narrow.
"...and the irony is hardly lost on you that in wanting to live, to learn, to find yourself, you've gotten lost."
The book jumps around in time, showing us Addie's past, but these flashbacks often fall flat. They mirror the repetitive nature of her invisible life, but don't add much to the overall story. And while there are hints of exciting events, they're never fully explored.
"This is a need. And need is painful but patient. Do you hear me, Adeline? I need you. As you need me. I love you, as you love me."
The love story at the heart of the book also feels rushed and underdeveloped. Important moments are skimmed over, leaving readers wanting more. Henry was a bore to me and the only time I got an inkling of excitement was when Luc would show up.
Overall, "The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue" has beautiful writing but lacks substance. It could have benefited from a bit more depth and exploration of its characters and plot points.
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
5.0
Any book that captivates me to the extent that I can't put it down, and occupies my thoughts even when I'm not reading it, 100% gets a five-star rating. This book was that for me.
Secrets, magic, and a kingdom in trouble; One Dark Window serves up a captivating gothic fantasy that had me hooked right from page one. The story flows effortlessly as we follow a Elspeth with a dangerous secret, a kingdom lost in mist, and a deck of cards that can wield powerful magic but at a cost. Every twist and turn keeps you glued to the page, wondering what's coming next.
I loved Elspeth, Ravyn, Elm and Jespyr! And then there's The Nightmare, who's both chilling and oddly funny, adding a whole new layer to the story. The comments and thoughts he would make had me laughing out loud.
Sure, romance isn't front and center, but you can't deny the chemistry between Elspeth and Ravyn. It's enough to make you crave those moments of connection in the midst of all the chaos.
One Dark Window has it all: intricate world-building, characters you'll root for, and a plot that keeps you guessing until the very last page. If you're into dark fantasy and stories that suck you in, this one's a must-read.
“Be wary. Be clever. Be good.”
Secrets, magic, and a kingdom in trouble; One Dark Window serves up a captivating gothic fantasy that had me hooked right from page one. The story flows effortlessly as we follow a Elspeth with a dangerous secret, a kingdom lost in mist, and a deck of cards that can wield powerful magic but at a cost. Every twist and turn keeps you glued to the page, wondering what's coming next.
I loved Elspeth, Ravyn, Elm and Jespyr! And then there's The Nightmare, who's both chilling and oddly funny, adding a whole new layer to the story. The comments and thoughts he would make had me laughing out loud.
Sure, romance isn't front and center, but you can't deny the chemistry between Elspeth and Ravyn. It's enough to make you crave those moments of connection in the midst of all the chaos.
“When he looked at me, I felt seen, known. There was a line between us, drawn by fate and magic, that stretched out over space and time. Ravyn and I had walked that line our entire lives, unaware we were headed straight for each other.”
One Dark Window has it all: intricate world-building, characters you'll root for, and a plot that keeps you guessing until the very last page. If you're into dark fantasy and stories that suck you in, this one's a must-read.
“Had I known they’d be the last words I’d say to him aloud, I might have chosen them differently.”
Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig
One Dark Window was awesome, but Two Twisted Crowns? Perfection.
The author nailed it with this sequel and wrap-up to the duology. Adding in more perspectives and new storylines just made everything richer. And talk about high stakes—some scenes had me gripping the edge of my seat! The way those two quests came together for the ending was just perfect.
And don't even get me started on the romance. Chapter 20? Oof. I was not expecting Elm and Ione's storyline and them being so front and center, but I loved it. Can we have a book with just them please? Please???
Sad that this is the end and will miss these characters.
5.0
“Here we are, my darling girl, he whispered to me. The end of all things. The last page of our story.”
One Dark Window was awesome, but Two Twisted Crowns? Perfection.
The author nailed it with this sequel and wrap-up to the duology. Adding in more perspectives and new storylines just made everything richer. And talk about high stakes—some scenes had me gripping the edge of my seat! The way those two quests came together for the ending was just perfect.
And don't even get me started on the romance. Chapter 20? Oof. I was not expecting Elm and Ione's storyline and them being so front and center, but I loved it. Can we have a book with just them please? Please???
Sad that this is the end and will miss these characters.