livinliterary's reviews
1433 reviews

Argylle by Elly Conway

adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.0

This book was not what I expected. If you really want to read it, check it out from the library, don't spend money on it.

How to Stop Time by Matt Haig

adventurous emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Haig's How To Stop Time is a lovely piece of creation that reminded me how wonderful, humorous and versatile some books can be. 

Tom’s secret is that he has been alive for centuries; he ages very slowly. He hides this having learnt a long time ago the dangers of revealing his condition, which to him is a curse. 

Tom's story and the chapters alternate between his past and his present. We see him with a cast of characters from the history books, travelling the world, until he settles down as a history teacher in a London school where his experiences allow him to make the subject come alive.

How To Stop Time is entertaining, emotional and thought provoking. Do yourself a favor and get a copy, knowing that it's the work of a truly breathtaking writer. Highly recommended.

Shadow Scourge: Outlanders, Book 13 by James Axler

dark slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.0

I enjoyed, but didn't love this book. It wasn't one of those stories that grabbed my attention to the point of wanting to read it every chance I got.

Mieruko-Chan, Vol. 8 by Tomoki Izumi

dark funny mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

The eighth volume of Mieruko-chan focuses on Michiru and her… otherworldly obsession with Miko. The hospital section didn’t really lend too much to the story other than Michiru possibly stalking (well, not possibly, she IS stalking) Miko. The Rom interaction was interesting but didn’t really seem to lead anywhere either. Hopefully, we’ll get some more on Michiru in the next volume but for now, let’s sit back and enjoy a donut tower platter.

Mieruko-Chan, Vol. 7 by Tomoki Izumi

dark funny mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

The seventh volume of Mieruko-Chan wraps up the story with the shrine and brings us into a new story arc and a new, interesting character with Michiru. Miko doesn’t know how to feel about her because she looks like she’s completely taken over by a spirit. This is going to set up a really awkward relationship.

I’m looking forward to seeing how Michiru plays out and whether or not she becomes a permanent character when all things are said and done!

Mieruko-chan, Vol. 6 by Tomoki Izumi

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Volume 6 adds not only more incredibly creepily designed monsters in this volume — no seriously, it's to where I have no idea how Miko doesn't faint on sight — but gets into more backstory between the only supernatural powered people Miko knows. 

Everything became really clear on the final page and because of such, it opened the door deeper into this mystery about the shrine and even the ghosts themselves.

Mieruko-chan, Vol. 5 by Tomoki Izumi

dark funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Really enjoying this series. Always keeps you on your toes to find what happens next. 

Mieruko-chan, Vol. 4 by Tomoki Izumi

dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Another amazing volume. We have more characters being introduced and others returning so I'm really excited to see what happens with them next. Also, it seems that Mitsue and Rom know each other. 

The bonus comic at the end of the book is also a must-read 😆 I'm looking forward to the next volume.

She Started It by Sian Gilbert

dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

For a debut novel, this book was really captivating from start to finish. The complex web of lies and intrigue kept me guessing, and I enjoyed the shifting perspectives that added depth to the narrative. I guessed many ways this book would go or what twists may come about. I was half right. The cliffhanger at the end of the book left a door open for a follow up novel I'd be sure to read

This was sickening, satisfying and should be made into a film. And I definitely felt emotional at times while reading this. This is a must read if you are into thrillers.

Spy x Family, Vol. 11 by Tatsuya Endo

adventurous emotional funny 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? It's complicated

5.0

The end after what Anya ✨ hears ✨ has me anxiously waiting for the next book.