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lotecider's reviews
64 reviews
Brotherless Night by V.V. Ganeshananthan
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
tense
slow-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? It's complicated
5.0
This book was incredible. It centres around the life of Sashi during a period of immense conflict and it gives an incredibly important insight into the lives of people who lived through those events. There is no hard-line of "protagonist" or "antagonist" in the plot, and I'm glad it's this way. You get to understand the characters, regardless of whether you agree with their choices. You get to experience the determination and devastation each character faces in their own journeys.
Although not from Sri Lanka, this book really resonated with me as a South Asian person, I was reminded too many times of experiences my parents and grandparents would relay to me.
The author captivates you, the reader, and you go through a roller coaster of emotions as you grow with and experience the struggles of the characters in this book. Whilst I really wished the ending had more detail to it, so that we could find out more about the lives of the characters afterwards, I'm glad it ended the way it did because it reflects the reality of things.
Although not from Sri Lanka, this book really resonated with me as a South Asian person, I was reminded too many times of experiences my parents and grandparents would relay to me.
The author captivates you, the reader, and you go through a roller coaster of emotions as you grow with and experience the struggles of the characters in this book. Whilst I really wished the ending had more detail to it, so that we could find out more about the lives of the characters afterwards, I'm glad it ended the way it did because it reflects the reality of things.
Boy, Missing by Sophie McKenzie
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I enjoyed this! It was a very quick short read, adventurous and sweet, and despite it only bring less than 100 pages, I think the plot was really good!
The characters are people we are familiar with as it is a spin off from the "girl missing" trilogy, so it's quite a nice touch seeing familiar characters.
The two main problems that are happening are really well intertwined and the character development is surprisingly touching for the length of the story.
The only reason it's not a five star reads is probably because I'm not the target demographic of this book, but also because I just generally don't like the authors writing. I feel like she's far too formulaic with her work and not in a "I'm going to use this as a base and create something really creative with it" but more in a "this worked once and I'm going to milk it until I've got nothing left". I know that's really harsh but it just ruined my experience!
The characters are people we are familiar with as it is a spin off from the "girl missing" trilogy, so it's quite a nice touch seeing familiar characters.
The two main problems that are happening are really well intertwined and the character development is surprisingly touching for the length of the story.
The only reason it's not a five star reads is probably because I'm not the target demographic of this book, but also because I just generally don't like the authors writing. I feel like she's far too formulaic with her work and not in a "I'm going to use this as a base and create something really creative with it" but more in a "this worked once and I'm going to milk it until I've got nothing left". I know that's really harsh but it just ruined my experience!
Missing Me by Sophie McKenzie
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0
This was a quick read and just as quickly do the good things about this book end.
The book was basically the same as the previous two just different names and places were used. There's nothing inherently wrong with that but it's just... boring. The author's done it once, and twice, now it's just old.
There was a lot going on and it got a bit overwhelming. I had to reread some pages here and there because of this. I also thought that there were just far too many characters, and none of them being developed properly. Literally the definition of "quantity over quality".
As with the previous two books in the trilogy, there was definitely very poor character development. The plot, as ridiculous as it was, is enjoyable, just boring after reading the same thing in the previous two books. I started reading the book with little to no expectations because of the previous two books, but I was still left disappointed to be honest :(
The book was basically the same as the previous two just different names and places were used. There's nothing inherently wrong with that but it's just... boring. The author's done it once, and twice, now it's just old.
There was a lot going on and it got a bit overwhelming. I had to reread some pages here and there because of this. I also thought that there were just far too many characters, and none of them being developed properly. Literally the definition of "quantity over quality".
As with the previous two books in the trilogy, there was definitely very poor character development. The plot, as ridiculous as it was, is enjoyable, just boring after reading the same thing in the previous two books. I started reading the book with little to no expectations because of the previous two books, but I was still left disappointed to be honest :(
Sister, Missing by Sophie McKenzie
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
As far as sequels go, this was definitely better than the first book. The plot was outrageous and ridiculous in terms of believability, but I suppose that reflects the age demographic it's aimed at. That being said it was a quick, good read.
The plot was basic, following the same sort of formula as the previous book. I enjoyed seeing how the characters had grown a bit and forged new dynamics with their relationships too since the previous book, though it was all told wuite literally with the words "you see...". But as far as character development goes, that's where the good things stop. I feel like there was no actual personality growth and the personalities were just forced upon us rather than developed through the story. I think that's how the author writes in general; telling rather than showing. I suppose it might work for this book as it's for a younger audience but it ruined the reading experience for me.
Huge spoiler warning! justice for shelby! There was absolutely no need to kill her off. Yes she was dislikable and she honestly annoyed me in both the first and second book, but that's only because there was NO room for her to develop! It would’ve honestly been a much more impactful book if we had more insight into Shelby, and it would've allowed for Lauren to grow as a person too It might just be me but I definitely think that books that are aimed at younger readers should have characters that actually grow and change, especially if they are initially portrayed to be not-so-good.
Overall it was an okay book, not the best, even for younger readers.
The plot was basic, following the same sort of formula as the previous book. I enjoyed seeing how the characters had grown a bit and forged new dynamics with their relationships too since the previous book, though it was all told wuite literally with the words "you see...". But as far as character development goes, that's where the good things stop. I feel like there was no actual personality growth and the personalities were just forced upon us rather than developed through the story. I think that's how the author writes in general; telling rather than showing. I suppose it might work for this book as it's for a younger audience but it ruined the reading experience for me.
Huge spoiler warning!
Overall it was an okay book, not the best, even for younger readers.
Girl, Missing by Sophie McKenzie
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Definitely more for the younger age demographic for young adults. It was a very fast read, really easy to read too. There are various plot hole that don't make sense even for the time it was set it such as two children buying plane tickets and no one properly questioning them .
The characters I think are written decently. It's from the pov of a fourteen year old and the author does a good job at delivering that.the relationship between lauren and madi is really sweet and it is really nice seeing all the relationships between Lauren and everyone play out.
Overall a decent quick read, definitely better books out there to read if you're looking for a YA mystery book to read
The characters I think are written decently. It's from the pov of a fourteen year old and the author does a good job at delivering that.
Overall a decent quick read, definitely better books out there to read if you're looking for a YA mystery book to read
The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
This was a good book to read! As always Holly Jackson delivered a gripping mystery, there were many moments thar left you furiously flipping the page to read on and there were clues littered everywhere that pointed towards the main resolution of the plot. Unlike some of her other books I actually didnt see the big reveal coming so that's a plus!
Family is a theme that euns throughout the book. The relationships between the family is really endearing at points, whilst also feeling real. Every family has ups and downs and I thought it was delivered well in this story, though the relationship between Bel and Carter could have been more deeper.
I also found that Bel as a character was a bit one dimensional. She really tried to be the "I'm an angry teenager that always gets left behind" type of person, even though she's 18 and realistically should've at least started to outgrow that type of attitude. It aas okay, though, not a negative but just something that I found to stand out. i also found her sudden change of personality at the end so unnatural and bizzare??? Like shes been one way for 85% of the book and all of a sudden theres a 180° switch.
The main thing that ruined the book for me was the ending the sudden deaths of jeff and charlie, and then blackmailing sherry was so unrealistic and downright dumb?? But i supoose it gives a happy ending i guess
The story is slow at first, but once Rachel is introduced it picks up and is steady, and then the final part of the book is definitely much faster.
Family is a theme that euns throughout the book. The relationships between the family is really endearing at points, whilst also feeling real. Every family has ups and downs and I thought it was delivered well in this story, though the relationship between Bel and Carter could have been more deeper.
I also found that Bel as a character was a bit one dimensional. She really tried to be the "I'm an angry teenager that always gets left behind" type of person, even though she's 18 and realistically should've at least started to outgrow that type of attitude. It aas okay, though, not a negative but just something that I found to stand out.
The main thing that ruined the book for me was the ending
The story is slow at first, but once Rachel is introduced it picks up and is steady, and then the final part of the book is definitely much faster.
Lonely Castle in the Mirror by Mizuki Tsujimura
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
slow-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
4.0
This is a slow paced book that offers a refreshing insight into the experiences of Kokoro (the main character). The first part of the book was really slow, even for a slow paced book, and it took me a very long time to get through it, but it was definitely worth it!
The book has an interesting plot, a really whimsical fantasy element to it, and an insightful approach to incorporating themes on Mental health. the twists towards fhe end are so thrilling! After we get to know the characters mode and we get more interactions with the wolf queen, things become more mysterious until several events happen back to back and it really is such a good ending to a good story
Primarily from a child's pov, the narration is pleasant and laced with childhood innocence, but somehow still relatable even as an adult reader. The authors writing is satisfying and the translation definitely does a good job at conveying this (although I'm sure it must be much more satisfactory in the original language)
The book has an interesting plot, a really whimsical fantasy element to it, and an insightful approach to incorporating themes on Mental health.
Primarily from a child's pov, the narration is pleasant and laced with childhood innocence, but somehow still relatable even as an adult reader. The authors writing is satisfying and the translation definitely does a good job at conveying this (although I'm sure it must be much more satisfactory in the original language)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying and Mental illness
The Leviathan by Rosie Andrews
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
This book was a slow read, but not boring at all. The writing consistently created tension and mystery, and despite the pacing, as a reader I was hooked. The plot itself was brilliant, though having context of Christian theology would definitely enhance the experience.
The characters feel genuine and real, and the world building truly teleports you through time into the setting, even as someone who has little knowledge of the English civil war/Stuart era.
In terms of the story itself, very well written and I definitely would recommend to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a touch of fantasy. I wouldn't say this book is dark, particularly compared to other books, however, perhaps due to the time period it is set in, there are certainly motifs that are of a darker nature than other books.
The thing that stops me rating it 5 stars is that I feel there was such a big build up but the release/end to the build up was underwhelming. I also felt that the ending was rather confusing too.
The characters feel genuine and real, and the world building truly teleports you through time into the setting, even as someone who has little knowledge of the English civil war/Stuart era.
In terms of the story itself, very well written and I definitely would recommend to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a touch of fantasy. I wouldn't say this book is dark, particularly compared to other books, however, perhaps due to the time period it is set in, there are certainly motifs that are of a darker nature than other books.
The thing that stops me rating it 5 stars is that I feel there was such a big build up but the release/end to the build up was underwhelming. I also felt that the ending was rather confusing too.
One of Us is Back by Karen M. McManus
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
I found this to be a satisfactory conclusion to the trilogy. Like most of her books, this one took a while before it became a page turner (I think I was about 52% in) but that doesn't mean it was boring.
It wasn't as intense as the previous books, but I think that made it a lot more satisfying. A lot of the characters have grown since the pervious books and the interactions between them felt organic and real. You truly care for the characters.
With murder mystery books there's always the "trying to figure out whilst your reading it" thing that you do as a reader, but this book truly baffled me at the revelation.that being said, there was a moment where the plot tried hinting that Sana may br a perpetrator but she wasnt and that was never addressed
The reason why it didn't get 4 stars or higher for me is that it's split across multiple points of views. I think that McManus did an okay job at making sure it didn't get confusing but it definitely got really overwhelming reading from multiple points of views. At some points as well, the characters started blending into each other and lost their individuality so it only added to that frustration.
I hope the bayview crew gets a break though and that the next book, if there is one, that involves them is one that talks about how successful and peaceful their lives are!
It wasn't as intense as the previous books, but I think that made it a lot more satisfying. A lot of the characters have grown since the pervious books and the interactions between them felt organic and real. You truly care for the characters.
With murder mystery books there's always the "trying to figure out whilst your reading it" thing that you do as a reader, but this book truly baffled me at the revelation.
The reason why it didn't get 4 stars or higher for me is that it's split across multiple points of views. I think that McManus did an okay job at making sure it didn't get confusing but it definitely got really overwhelming reading from multiple points of views. At some points as well, the characters started blending into each other and lost their individuality so it only added to that frustration.
I hope the bayview crew gets a break though and that the next book, if there is one, that involves them is one that talks about how successful and peaceful their lives are!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder