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marissarosee's reviews
1920 reviews
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
This was not my typical read but honestly I did enjoy my time reading it. I went into pretty blind so Phoebe's actions did surprise me in the beginning. I really enjoyed seeing her grow throughout the novel. I kept going back and forth about Lila's character. I really loved some aspects of her but others were just super frustrating (which was obviously the point). And while I wish there had been a '3 months later' epilogue, I thought the ending was fitting.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt
Moderate: Grief
Dating and Dragons (B&N Exclusive Edition) by Kristy Boyce
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.0
I love when romance books feature d&d, it makes it so much fun. I had a lot of fun reading this! Quinn was a super likeable character and I love seeing her become friends with everyone. I wish we got a little more d&d in this, but overall it was a fun read.
Sorcery and Small Magics by Maiga Doocy
4.25
This was a perfect low stakes cozy fantasy I've been loving recently and I cannot wait to see what comes next.
Under Wildwood by Colin Meloy
adventurous
slow-paced
3.0
If book one had too much happening in one book, this had not enough. It felt like nothing really happened for a majority of the book and while I'll chalk that up to the author setting up the plot for book three, I feel like it does more harm then good. I couldn't find myself caring about the orphanage plotline. We had no real connection to Elsie and Rachel from book one and it was hard to feel anything towards them since Curtis didn't (or rather it doesn't seem like he cares much). I was also disappointed about how long it took to get to Under Wood (about 65% through) and the plot threads there felt so random. Overall I don't think I'll be reading book three, but I'll definitely recommend this to any middle grade kids who are looking for something like this.
Secrets of Blackthorn Hall by Cassandra Clare
5.0
I read a few of these when Cassandra Clare was first posting them, but never got around to finishing them. After being away from the Shadowhunter world for a bit, it was SO MUCH FUN reading these stories. I think this was the perfect segue from TDA to TWP and I cannot wait until the final trilogy is out.
Wildwood by Colin Meloy
adventurous
medium-paced
3.75
This was pretty wild for a middle grade book. There was so much that happened in the book that it honestly felt like it could have been two books. I'm not sure if I would have kept up with it if I hadn't listened to the audiobook but I'm glad I did. I really loved the characters, especially Prue. I'd love to be her level of chill. I also loved Wildwood and the atmosphere it gave off. However, there were some things I just didn't love including how nonchalant Prue's parents were in the beginning. I know we need the parents out of the way in middle grade books, but they were just so unbelievable. I also don't know how I feel about Curtis' fate. I'll be interested to see what happens in book 2.
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
fast-paced
4.5
Such a fun reread. I loved picking up on all the foreshadowing and getting to revisit Violet's first year. My only gripe is so much happens and so much time passes in this book it can be a little hard to keep track of. Other than that though this is such a fun first book.
For She is Wrath by Emily Varga
3.75
I loved about 75% of this book. I found the ending to be wrapped up a little too neatly and I didn't love how forgiving Dania was at some points. I love getting to learn more about this world and the characters were great. I just think the ending needing to be fleshed out a little more to not feel so rushed.