loiereads's reviews
261 reviews

challenging emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

This book was really interesting. It didn’t pack as big of a punch as I was expecting it to, but the storyline was still interesting nonetheless.
I was pretty captivated at the start of the book and really enjoyed the direction that the story was going in, but it always felt like it was going to lead up to some big plot twist, but it just never really got there.
The relationship development between Teddy and Toby was really sweet, and the sadness of Teddy’s loss really did pluck at my heartstrings.
I liked the ending and how it leaves the reader with some unanswered questions, yet it still manages to be a satisfying ending, reflecting on the fact that in life we don’t always get the answers we want.
Overall this was a really good, cosy read, but I would have liked just a little extra something.

The Marriage Act by John Marrs

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adventurous dark tense medium-paced

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

3.0

There’s no denying that John Marrs is a brilliant author, and that his story concepts are ELITE, but unfortunately this book felt a little disappointing to me. I think I went into it with extremely high hopes, and those hopes weren’t quite met. I just couldn’t connect to the story very much and couldn’t get on board with any of the characters. It felt pretty dragged out, and compared to the other John Marrs books I’ve read, this one just wasn’t able to grip me enough to keep me truly, deeply invested. I’m sure loads of others have the complete opposite opinion to me, and that’s fine.
I just was a little disappointed that I couldn’t get 100% invested in this book like I’ve been able to for the other books of his I’ve read.
Nevertheless, I look forward to still supporting and reading more of John Marr’s books in the future!

What Lies Between Us by John Marrs

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Loveable characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

There’s just something about John Marrs - he is BRILLIANT. He knows exactly how to grab a reader and keep them hooked, wanting to read and read and read. The ideas he comes up with are just so insanely brilliant and I’m so glad he exists.
If you’re looking for gritty, tense and traumatic stories, he is your ticket.
I absolutely loved The Passengers and The One, which introduced me to this author and was so glad to see that his brilliantness was evident just as much in this book.
The book really helps us to see the complexity of the human mind and the fragility that comes with trauma and intense love.
I can’t wait to read more of his works!

Meet Me at the Surface by Jodie Matthews

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dark mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

To be honest, I don’t really know what I just read. I’ve come away from it feeling quite confused.
It started off quite slow, and I found it pretty difficult to get into.
I really didn’t know what to expect from this book, but I know that I desperately wanted it to be good. The premise sounded really intriguing, and I was looking for something strange with eerie vibes. This book delivered with that, but I’m pretty sure the deeper meaning of the story just completely flew over my head: and that has nothing to do with the book itself.
The writing style was brilliant, and the author had a great way with words… I just didn’t totally GET it, you know?
I rate my books based on how much I enjoyed them, so my 2.5 stars has nothing to do with how well-written the book was, or how good the story, but my own experience whilst reading it.
I just didn’t quite connect with it.

A Silent Voice, Vol. 7 by Yoshitoki Oima

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emotional inspiring sad fast-paced

5.0

A Silent Voice, Vol. 6 by Yoshitoki Oima

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emotional fast-paced

4.0

A Silent Voice, Vol. 5 by Yoshitoki Oima

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emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced