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marik0n's reviews
510 reviews
After the Bridge by Cassandra Clare
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The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
5.0
I had seen a lot of tiktoks where they praised this book, so I kept it in mind as a coping mechanism for a bad day. The bad day was here and I finally read it. It is indeed criminal minds meets Y.A. and I didn’t think I could love it so much, but I do.
I am so happy for myself that I picked this one up because it absolutely lived up to its hype and I can’t wait to read the next books in the series.
Right from the very first pages I was hooked and I didn’t put it down until approximately three hours later that I finished reading it. It is brilliantly written, funny, with just the right amount of romance.
The characters were very interesting and they seemed so real. I wanted to learn more about all of them since they are all so captivating.
The plot twist wasn’t that surprising, but the killer’s past was. I am intrigued to see where all of this leads. It certainly leaves you wanting more.
I am so happy for myself that I picked this one up because it absolutely lived up to its hype and I can’t wait to read the next books in the series.
Right from the very first pages I was hooked and I didn’t put it down until approximately three hours later that I finished reading it. It is brilliantly written, funny, with just the right amount of romance.
The characters were very interesting and they seemed so real. I wanted to learn more about all of them since they are all so captivating.
The plot twist wasn’t that surprising, but the killer’s past was. I am intrigued to see where all of this leads. It certainly leaves you wanting more.
The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson
1.0
-Spoiler free review-
I was so excited to finally pick up this book but I ended up hating it with a burning passion. I have read her other book A Good Girl's Guide to Murder and I remember that I liked it a lot. I am not sure what happened with this one and I find all these five-star reviews troubling.
1) FMC- Bel
There is not a single thing I could tolerate about Bel. Not even one. I found the whole ‘I hate my mom for disappearing’ very tiring right from the beginning, but this is a ya so I guess up to point I should expect it. I tried to look past it, but as the book progressed it got even worse and it certainly contributed to how much I disliked Bel. As for Bel herself, I hate this whole pretentious, wanna-be-edgy style of hers. I don’t like people that use their bad experiences as an excuse to treat others in a shitty way and that is what Bel is constantly doing. Towards the end of the book, I was almost screaming due to how much she annoyed me. I kept asking myself why could she possibly be so rude (‘Being nice is physically painful’, like girl, please). She is extremely self-absorbed and can’t even monitor her own words but wants to play detective. Moreover, I feel like the author tried too much to write Bel as a ‘cool girl’ and this shit is tiring, it’s 2024, please understand that we do not really care about the male gaze anymore.
2)Plot
At 27% I was already questioning my choice to read it, but I liked Ash. He was the only thing I liked about this book. At 39% I was tired of the constant speculating on Bel’s part. There was a lot of nagging not much progression in terms of plot. At 80% the plot finally started to get together. Truth to be told I didn’t see the plot twist coming, but I think that it was all extremely unbelievable and also the book was unnecessary long for that twist. It could have like half the length.
3)The rest of the characters
I can’t tell you much about them, because I didn’t really care. They were flat, unlikeable and they almost acted like caricatures.
Overall, even though the synopsis was promising, the book didn’t live up to it. The plot twist at the end was kind of interesting, even though it was extremely over the top and the book was unnecessary long and ultimately unbelievable to the point where it was almost funny. It was really difficult for me to get into it, since as early as 30% I still didn’t feel that enough things were happening to captivate my attention. I can’t say that I enjoyed this book, it surely didn’t do it for me. The only reason I kept going is spite, because I write my best reviews about books I dislike. So here we are. This is it.
P.S. I liked the little detail about the documentary in the beginning. This and Ash were actually the only things I liked.
I was so excited to finally pick up this book but I ended up hating it with a burning passion. I have read her other book A Good Girl's Guide to Murder and I remember that I liked it a lot. I am not sure what happened with this one and I find all these five-star reviews troubling.
1) FMC- Bel
There is not a single thing I could tolerate about Bel. Not even one. I found the whole ‘I hate my mom for disappearing’ very tiring right from the beginning, but this is a ya so I guess up to point I should expect it. I tried to look past it, but as the book progressed it got even worse and it certainly contributed to how much I disliked Bel. As for Bel herself, I hate this whole pretentious, wanna-be-edgy style of hers. I don’t like people that use their bad experiences as an excuse to treat others in a shitty way and that is what Bel is constantly doing. Towards the end of the book, I was almost screaming due to how much she annoyed me. I kept asking myself why could she possibly be so rude (‘Being nice is physically painful’, like girl, please). She is extremely self-absorbed and can’t even monitor her own words but wants to play detective. Moreover, I feel like the author tried too much to write Bel as a ‘cool girl’ and this shit is tiring, it’s 2024, please understand that we do not really care about the male gaze anymore.
2)Plot
At 27% I was already questioning my choice to read it, but I liked Ash. He was the only thing I liked about this book. At 39% I was tired of the constant speculating on Bel’s part. There was a lot of nagging not much progression in terms of plot. At 80% the plot finally started to get together. Truth to be told I didn’t see the plot twist coming, but I think that it was all extremely unbelievable and also the book was unnecessary long for that twist. It could have like half the length.
3)The rest of the characters
I can’t tell you much about them, because I didn’t really care. They were flat, unlikeable and they almost acted like caricatures.
Overall, even though the synopsis was promising, the book didn’t live up to it. The plot twist at the end was kind of interesting, even though it was extremely over the top and the book was unnecessary long and ultimately unbelievable to the point where it was almost funny. It was really difficult for me to get into it, since as early as 30% I still didn’t feel that enough things were happening to captivate my attention. I can’t say that I enjoyed this book, it surely didn’t do it for me. The only reason I kept going is spite, because I write my best reviews about books I dislike. So here we are. This is it.
P.S. I liked the little detail about the documentary in the beginning. This and Ash were actually the only things I liked.
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
5.0
Let me start this review by saying that I am very sad to have finished this book. Reading it was such an extraordinary experience. It was surely a roller coaster full of emotions.
The chapters are short coupled with the engaging plot that captivates you. Elizabeth is of course the star of the show, she is simply so human and iconic. I was absolutely hooked on her story and I didn’t want it to end. I could absolutely read a second book on these characters.
There are some very sad parts, and some trigger warnings would surely be appropriate for this one, but overall, it may be the best book I read in 2024 for me. Despite these parts, I was really invested in the plot and I found it absolutely amazing. I am just sad that it took me so long to pick it up, but I am generally hesitant when a book is super hyped. However, this one is absolutely worth it.
Σκοτεινός τόπος by Gillian Flynn
0.0
The plot takes place in two timelines, one in the present, with Libby’s pov and one in the past, where the pov alternates. Therefore, we get to know Libby very well. Sadly, for me, I deeply disliked her. She was extremely lazy, self-pitying and had completely given up on her life, to the point where she didn’t get out of bed for a whole day, and she couldn’t even make ice cubes. The worst is that she makes excuses for herself, not even trying to change anything, as she preferred to live off others’ money and have zero responsibilities. Moreover, I can’t understand why as an adult she didn’t reconsider her testimony in court. I get that she was vetted to say certain things in the first place, as she was seven years old at the time, but come on you’re in your late twenties now.
As for the rest of the characters, I disliked all of them and they didn’t really have any redeeming qualities, expect for Patty and Diane. I would be much more interested in reading their stories, even though some of Patty’s choices towards the end were inconsistent with her character arc. Ben was a little piece of shit, constantly whining about being poor or/and emasculated. Like bro, chill a little bit, the whole world does not revolve around you. As for Runner, even naming the father that is a little bit too obvious for me.
Also, the whole thing with the murders and the evidence was too over the top and far-fetched, totally unrealistic.
Moreover, the book is triggering in multiple levels and involves a lot of graphic descriptions on violence towards animals which I found unnecessary.
In addition, I am troubled as it constantly paints a disgusting image of young girls lying and making serious accusations just to get attention, sending a very disturbing message about S.A. accusations and how women ‘weaponize’ them. All those nasty characters, could surely be involved in a real case of abuse, so why choose to present it like most cases of molestation are lies?
I would not really recommend reading this book, but if you decide to read it, check out the trigger warnings first, as there are many.
As for the rest of the characters, I disliked all of them and they didn’t really have any redeeming qualities, expect for Patty and Diane. I would be much more interested in reading their stories, even though some of Patty’s choices towards the end were inconsistent with her character arc. Ben was a little piece of shit, constantly whining about being poor or/and emasculated. Like bro, chill a little bit, the whole world does not revolve around you. As for Runner, even naming the father that is a little bit too obvious for me.
Also, the whole thing with the murders and the evidence was too over the top and far-fetched, totally unrealistic.
Moreover, the book is triggering in multiple levels and involves a lot of graphic descriptions on violence towards animals which I found unnecessary.
In addition, I am troubled as it constantly paints a disgusting image of young girls lying and making serious accusations just to get attention, sending a very disturbing message about S.A. accusations and how women ‘weaponize’ them. All those nasty characters, could surely be involved in a real case of abuse, so why choose to present it like most cases of molestation are lies?
I would not really recommend reading this book, but if you decide to read it, check out the trigger warnings first, as there are many.
The Therapist by B.A. Paris
0.0
0⭐️: I hate this book and if I could unread it, I would.
I am so disappointed with B.A. Paris, I don't think I will pick up anymore of her books. I loved her debut novel Behind Closed DoorsBehind Closed Doors, but I also read Bring Me Back and The Therapist and I have failed to enjoy them. I thought that 'Bring me back' was just a bad moment, but the bad luck continues.
I picked 'The therapist' up because it kind of gave me Never Lie vibes, which I read a couple of months ago and absolutely loved, but it ended up being a disappointment.
First of all, there is no chemistry between out main couple, Alice and Leo. I mean, like none. Also, all the characters are flat and I couldn't actually manage to care about them, they read like prompts. However, Alice is the worst of it; she is way too naive, she doesn't put two and two together and makes the (obviously) wrong decision in every turn, while acting like a child. Like girl, you're in your 30s, act like it.
Overall, the book is pretty slow, and as we move from coffees, to lunches, to more lunches, the plot merely progresses until it is practically over. There is a string of conversations over wine, coffee or food followed by an internal monologue which essentially recapped the previous said conversations. Of course, it comes to an indifferent end with a lot of questions unanswered a plenty of plot holes still hovering.
PS. How I absolutely despise this type of boy moms.
I am so disappointed with B.A. Paris, I don't think I will pick up anymore of her books. I loved her debut novel Behind Closed DoorsBehind Closed Doors, but I also read Bring Me Back and The Therapist and I have failed to enjoy them. I thought that 'Bring me back' was just a bad moment, but the bad luck continues.
I picked 'The therapist' up because it kind of gave me Never Lie vibes, which I read a couple of months ago and absolutely loved, but it ended up being a disappointment.
First of all, there is no chemistry between out main couple, Alice and Leo. I mean, like none. Also, all the characters are flat and I couldn't actually manage to care about them, they read like prompts. However, Alice is the worst of it; she is way too naive, she doesn't put two and two together and makes the (obviously) wrong decision in every turn, while acting like a child. Like girl, you're in your 30s, act like it.
Overall, the book is pretty slow, and as we move from coffees, to lunches, to more lunches, the plot merely progresses until it is practically over. There is a string of conversations over wine, coffee or food followed by an internal monologue which essentially recapped the previous said conversations. Of course, it comes to an indifferent end with a lot of questions unanswered a plenty of plot holes still hovering.
PS. How I absolutely despise this type of boy moms.
Four Psychos by Kristy Cunning
0.0
DNF 20%
I picked up this book because I read a review regarding Signs of Cupidity that mentioned that it is very similar to this one.
Sadly, apart from the reverse harem trope and the invisible girl thing, I don't really see any similarities. In this one, the FMC is kind of stupid and I don't find her funny. Also the guys have pretty much the same personality, I couldn't really tell them apart, and they are extremely cocky and -most often than not- mean.
Also, I didn't enjoy the fact that some plot suggestions are just thrown around here and there (i.e. 'We broke everyone else's record on some kind of trials simulations, so they are making it harder' ? I mean, you couls show me that instead of telling me.) but there is no actual world development.
I gave up on this book because it really failed to capture my attention and make me care about what is going on. Life is too short for books you don't like.
However, if you picked up this book and it wasn't what you expected, I strongly suggest that you give Signs of Cupidity a chance.
I picked up this book because I read a review regarding Signs of Cupidity that mentioned that it is very similar to this one.
Sadly, apart from the reverse harem trope and the invisible girl thing, I don't really see any similarities. In this one, the FMC is kind of stupid and I don't find her funny. Also the guys have pretty much the same personality, I couldn't really tell them apart, and they are extremely cocky and -most often than not- mean.
Also, I didn't enjoy the fact that some plot suggestions are just thrown around here and there (i.e. 'We broke everyone else's record on some kind of trials simulations, so they are making it harder' ? I mean, you couls show me that instead of telling me.) but there is no actual world development.
I gave up on this book because it really failed to capture my attention and make me care about what is going on. Life is too short for books you don't like.
However, if you picked up this book and it wasn't what you expected, I strongly suggest that you give Signs of Cupidity a chance.
Sheer Cupidity by Raven Kennedy
4.0
This is the finally book of the Heart Hassle series and it feels so bittersweet, even though we do not get that much of Emelle's family.
The first part felt kind of slow and even though I enjoyed the chemistry between Lex and Belren, it kind of felt like dragging at some points. There was a lot of running around, not surely what to do, hoping for a miracle.
Also, there wasn't any new information on Cupids and their whole system, even though we had the perfect chance!
Despite all that it was a very interested book and I am really sad to see this series ending.
The first part felt kind of slow and even though I enjoyed the chemistry between Lex and Belren, it kind of felt like dragging at some points. There was a lot of running around, not surely what to do, hoping for a miracle.
Also, there wasn't any new information on Cupids and their whole system, even though we had the perfect chance!
Despite all that it was a very interested book and I am really sad to see this series ending.
For the Love of Cupidity by Raven Kennedy
4.0
I liked this book very mich! The first thing that I want to underline with this one is that mothers are so often the victims of the Madonna/ Whore dichotomy, so I am glad that this trope went out the window with this book. It is finally time to stop striping mothers of their person and their other identities in order to enclose them to just this one label.
On another note, I am a little bumped that we don't really see Emelle working that much and learn more about the Veil and it's creatures. Also I kind of disliked the whole 'daughter in law/ mother in law' tension. We could seriously do without it.
Nevertheless, it provides a nice closure on Emelle's story, as it just shows how life goes on after the third book, giving the characters an adorable and funny ending.
On another note, I am a little bumped that we don't really see Emelle working that much and learn more about the Veil and it's creatures. Also I kind of disliked the whole 'daughter in law/ mother in law' tension. We could seriously do without it.
Nevertheless, it provides a nice closure on Emelle's story, as it just shows how life goes on after the third book, giving the characters an adorable and funny ending.