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littlelibraryofsky's reviews
33 reviews
Pine River by Tijan
1.0
DNF @ 40%
I tried. This is my first time not finishing a book. Yes, that's how much I disliked it.
I just couldn't take these characters or the storyline anymore. The main character, Ramsay, was written to be nOt liKe tHe otHeR giRls which gets so old. All the other girls in the book seemed like they had no time for anything else besides catching the gaze of a male.
Also, this is supposed to be set in high school? Please lol. Even the cover of the book looks to be an older man.
Moving onward.
I tried. This is my first time not finishing a book. Yes, that's how much I disliked it.
I just couldn't take these characters or the storyline anymore. The main character, Ramsay, was written to be nOt liKe tHe otHeR giRls which gets so old. All the other girls in the book seemed like they had no time for anything else besides catching the gaze of a male.
Also, this is supposed to be set in high school? Please lol. Even the cover of the book looks to be an older man.
Moving onward.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
4.0
I absolutely adored this book! Let me tell you, Marcellus stole the show for me. Seriously, if we had more of him in the spotlight, I'd have slapped a 5-star rating on this gem instead of just 4. He brought so much to the story that I found myself craving more of his perspective.
You know what it reminded me of? That awesome documentary, "My Octopus Teacher." Crazy how much you can learn about those eight-armed wonders! I loved how Marcellus dropped all these cool octopus facts throughout the book, making it even more enjoyable.
And let's talk about that ending! Everything just clicked into place so perfectly. This book is definitely going on my favorites pile, no doubt about it. The writing, the characters, that eye-catching cover – it's all top-notch.
Quotes:
You know what it reminded me of? That awesome documentary, "My Octopus Teacher." Crazy how much you can learn about those eight-armed wonders! I loved how Marcellus dropped all these cool octopus facts throughout the book, making it even more enjoyable.
And let's talk about that ending! Everything just clicked into place so perfectly. This book is definitely going on my favorites pile, no doubt about it. The writing, the characters, that eye-catching cover – it's all top-notch.
Quotes:
"Why can humans not use their millions of words to simply tell one another what they desire?"
"It is fascinating how a freshly born creature can be so unlike its creator."
"'Welcome to Charter Village, where happy endings are our specialty.' Ethan nearly spits out his coffee. Happy endings? Who came up with that one?"
"Such are secrets the sea holds. What I would not give to explore them again. If I could go back in time, I would collect all of it - the sneaker sole, the buttons, and the twin key. I would give it all to her."
"Some trees aren't meant to sprout tender new branches, but to stand stoically on the forest floor, silently decaying."
"'We must say goodbye, friend. But I'm glad Terry saved you, because you saved me.'"
"Humans. For the most part, you are dull and blundering. But occasionally, you can be remarkably bright creatures."
How Does It Feel? by Jeneane O'Riley
I think with some better editing, the author's writing could really shine. The premise is cool, but it felt like some parts were kind of thrown in randomly or rushed, especially the ending – majorly rushed vibes there. It's a bit jarring when you're all up in Callie's head the whole time, then suddenly it's a whole different story at the end.
The love between Mendax and Callie felt way too instant. I mean, he's supposed to be all dark and heartless, but he's catching feelings for her like, bam, right away. Then he's head over heels in no time. Just didn't jive with how his character was set up.
I did dig how they brought in science stuff, though. Callie wasn't magically good at fighting; she used her smarts, which was a nice change. The science-y bits, the funky creatures like mushrooms and moths – that stuff kept it interesting.
I might give the second book a shot when it drops. Hopefully, it's got its act together better than the first one.
2.0
“How does it feel?” he said, breathing heavily. “To know that I love you and that you have doomed me?"
I think with some better editing, the author's writing could really shine. The premise is cool, but it felt like some parts were kind of thrown in randomly or rushed, especially the ending – majorly rushed vibes there. It's a bit jarring when you're all up in Callie's head the whole time, then suddenly it's a whole different story at the end.
The love between Mendax and Callie felt way too instant. I mean, he's supposed to be all dark and heartless, but he's catching feelings for her like, bam, right away. Then he's head over heels in no time. Just didn't jive with how his character was set up.
I did dig how they brought in science stuff, though. Callie wasn't magically good at fighting; she used her smarts, which was a nice change. The science-y bits, the funky creatures like mushrooms and moths – that stuff kept it interesting.
I might give the second book a shot when it drops. Hopefully, it's got its act together better than the first one.
Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa
First things first, I have to say I'm totally in love with the cover of this book. And secondly, books about books? Count me in!
This book presents a charming narrative with peculiar yet lovable characters, which I found to be its primary appeal. However, the execution left something to be desired. I wish each of the characters were explored more individually. The writing felt disjointed and awkward at times, and the pacing seemed inconsistent, almost as if I were reading two separate books. I couldn't shake the feeling that the story didn't fully realize its potential. Additionally, the shift in focus in the second half away from the literary elements that drew me in initially left me somewhat disappointed.
In sum, my experience with this book was mixed. It's a quick read and while I appreciated certain aspects, particularly the strength of the first half, I couldn't ignore its shortcomings. It will make you want to book a trip to Japan and visit the secondhand bookshops though!
3.0
"At some point in the past, someone reading this book had felt moved to take a pen and draw a line under these words. It made me happy to think that because I had been moved by that passage too, I was now connected to that stranger. Another time, I happened to find a pressed flower someone had left as a bookmark. As I inhaled the scent of the long-ago faded flower, I wondered about the person who had put it there. Who in the world was she? When did she live? What was she feeling? It's only in secondhand books that you can savor encounters like this, connections that transcend time. And that's how I learned to love the secondhand bookstore that handled these books, our Morisaki Bookshop."
First things first, I have to say I'm totally in love with the cover of this book. And secondly, books about books? Count me in!
This book presents a charming narrative with peculiar yet lovable characters, which I found to be its primary appeal. However, the execution left something to be desired. I wish each of the characters were explored more individually. The writing felt disjointed and awkward at times, and the pacing seemed inconsistent, almost as if I were reading two separate books. I couldn't shake the feeling that the story didn't fully realize its potential. Additionally, the shift in focus in the second half away from the literary elements that drew me in initially left me somewhat disappointed.
In sum, my experience with this book was mixed. It's a quick read and while I appreciated certain aspects, particularly the strength of the first half, I couldn't ignore its shortcomings. It will make you want to book a trip to Japan and visit the secondhand bookshops though!
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
Brace yourselves...I'm about to unleash some unpopular opinions.
Let's start with the positives: the characters. Oh boy, did I fall hard for them. The found family dynamic? Stellar. Inej and Nina? Total queens. Kaz's intricate mind? Mind-blowing. And don't get me started on the angst between Nina and Matthias, or the simmering tension between Kaz and Inej. Those moments were pure gold.
Here's where I start to stray from the mainstream: the plot. Or rather, the lack of my investment in it. Sure, there were some decent action sequences sprinkled throughout, but the heist itself left me yawning. Maybe I'm just not cut out for the high-stakes, adrenaline-pumping world of thievery, but the long chapters and slow pacing had me wishing for more.
And let's talk about that ending. Sigh. Underwhelming is an understatement. Sure, it was decently written, but after trudging through chapters of lukewarm heist action, I was hoping for something a bit more... explosive.
Despite my gripes, I can't deny the allure of Leigh Bardugo's world. There's something undeniably magnetic about it, something that keeps pulling me back in for more. So, despite my reservations, I'll admit that I'm curious to see where the next installment takes us. Here's hoping for more badass women, more complex characters, and maybe, just maybe, a plot that'll keep me on the edge of my seat.
3.0
"He needed to tell her...what? That she was lovely and brave and better than anything he deserved. That he was twisted, crooked, wrong, but not so broken that he couldn't pull himself together into some semblance of a man for her. That without meaning to, he'd begun to lean on her, to look for her, to need her near."
Brace yourselves...I'm about to unleash some unpopular opinions.
Let's start with the positives: the characters. Oh boy, did I fall hard for them. The found family dynamic? Stellar. Inej and Nina? Total queens. Kaz's intricate mind? Mind-blowing. And don't get me started on the angst between Nina and Matthias, or the simmering tension between Kaz and Inej. Those moments were pure gold.
Here's where I start to stray from the mainstream: the plot. Or rather, the lack of my investment in it. Sure, there were some decent action sequences sprinkled throughout, but the heist itself left me yawning. Maybe I'm just not cut out for the high-stakes, adrenaline-pumping world of thievery, but the long chapters and slow pacing had me wishing for more.
And let's talk about that ending. Sigh. Underwhelming is an understatement. Sure, it was decently written, but after trudging through chapters of lukewarm heist action, I was hoping for something a bit more... explosive.
Despite my gripes, I can't deny the allure of Leigh Bardugo's world. There's something undeniably magnetic about it, something that keeps pulling me back in for more. So, despite my reservations, I'll admit that I'm curious to see where the next installment takes us. Here's hoping for more badass women, more complex characters, and maybe, just maybe, a plot that'll keep me on the edge of my seat.
Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver
5.0
“You have never been unlovable. You were just waiting for someone who will love you for who you are, not for who they want you to be. I can do that, if you’ll let me.”
Rowan and Sloane’s love story is equal parts messed up and adorable. Who knew killers could be so darn cute together?
If you’re into banter, quirky characters, and can handle a dose of darkness, then this book might just be your jam. It’s like a romcom, but with a side of murder.
Shoutout to the author for not only providing a fun playlist to go with the book, but it’s also broken up by songs for each chapter!
Rowan and Sloane’s love story is equal parts messed up and adorable. Who knew killers could be so darn cute together?
If you’re into banter, quirky characters, and can handle a dose of darkness, then this book might just be your jam. It’s like a romcom, but with a side of murder.
Shoutout to the author for not only providing a fun playlist to go with the book, but it’s also broken up by songs for each chapter!
Hunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton
4.0
I found this book much better than the first one. Despite mixed reviews, I’m puzzled why some criticize scenes that are clearly warned about at the beginning of the book. Additionally, the author clearly states early on that a quick reunion shouldn’t be expected, yet some reviewers seem surprised. The inclusion of a playlist and Pinterest board inspiration is a nice touch.
Zade’s ego is prominently displayed, which isn’t surprising given his character. However, his cockiness sometimes irked me, especially during the blood play scenes considering the protagonist’s past trauma.
Overall, the storyline was more captivating than the first book and kept me engaged throughout. Rating it 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Zade’s ego is prominently displayed, which isn’t surprising given his character. However, his cockiness sometimes irked me, especially during the blood play scenes considering the protagonist’s past trauma.
Overall, the storyline was more captivating than the first book and kept me engaged throughout. Rating it 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Haunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton
3.0
Just finished “Haunting Adeline,” and I’ve got some mixed feelings about it. The story takes you on a wild ride, but there were moments that left me uneasy. The author’s attempt to infuse romance into certain scenes felt like it crossed a line, inadvertently romanticizing sensitive subjects like assault.
While the plot has its unique twists, the repetitive elements began to wear on me after a while. It’s one of those books that keeps you hooked, but you might find yourself wishing for a bit more variety in the narrative.
Overall, “Haunting Adeline” is a book that’ll keep you on the edge, but it’s not without its flaws. Approach with caution if you’re sensitive to the romanticization of certain themes.
While the plot has its unique twists, the repetitive elements began to wear on me after a while. It’s one of those books that keeps you hooked, but you might find yourself wishing for a bit more variety in the narrative.
Overall, “Haunting Adeline” is a book that’ll keep you on the edge, but it’s not without its flaws. Approach with caution if you’re sensitive to the romanticization of certain themes.
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
5.0
Have you ever cried reading an acknowledgment? It’s a first for me. By the end of Demon Copperhead I truly felt ALL emotions. Sad, happy, curious, surprised, etc. I was going through it!! Then Kingsolver hits me with this at the end acknowledgments:
"
"
Wild Love by Elsie Silver
This is a contemporary romance about a fiercely independent woman and a charming billionaire man whose lives intertwine in a small town. The novel explores themes of love, trust, and healing as they navigate their complex emotions and growing attraction.
This story is all about the characters and their lives, which I enjoyed even though there wasn't much plot action. But honestly, I didn't see much growth in the characters, especially Ford. While everything around them changed, they pretty much stayed the same. In a character-driven book, I expect a lot of character development, but that didn't really happen here.
Ford's life got flipped upside down when his daughter showed up, and even though he struggled to adjust, he accepted everything way too easily. Rosie's trauma, on the other hand, was handled really well and was a big part of her character arc, unlike Ford's issues, which felt ignored.
The spice was phenomenal. Written perfectly with just the right amount.
I’m giving this 3/5 because although I liked it, I didn’t love it.
3.0
"I want a wild love. I want you..."
This is a contemporary romance about a fiercely independent woman and a charming billionaire man whose lives intertwine in a small town. The novel explores themes of love, trust, and healing as they navigate their complex emotions and growing attraction.
This story is all about the characters and their lives, which I enjoyed even though there wasn't much plot action. But honestly, I didn't see much growth in the characters, especially Ford. While everything around them changed, they pretty much stayed the same. In a character-driven book, I expect a lot of character development, but that didn't really happen here.
Ford's life got flipped upside down when his daughter showed up, and even though he struggled to adjust, he accepted everything way too easily. Rosie's trauma, on the other hand, was handled really well and was a big part of her character arc, unlike Ford's issues, which felt ignored.
The spice was phenomenal. Written perfectly with just the right amount.
I’m giving this 3/5 because although I liked it, I didn’t love it.