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martuchi's reviews
170 reviews
Romeo y Julieta by William Shakespeare
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Death prank gone wrong with a fourteen year old girl.
I have nothing to say other than it’s probably the weakest classic I’ve ever read.
I have nothing to say other than it’s probably the weakest classic I’ve ever read.
Finale by Stephanie Garber
medium-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
3.5
A chaos of dresses and unrequited love.
Though I found Finale to be the “worst” —in a good way— book out of the three, I read it in only three sittings. It’s engaging and boring at the same time. The latter being until the middle of the novel.
Again, the most interesting part of the book was Julian and Scarlett’s and Legend and Donatella’s respective romances. Overall I thought the adventure aspect of the story lacked, well, adventure: it felt like every problem got resolved too quickly and without any difficulty. Plus, some storylines (blood-vial-Star thing) was just absurd. It didn’t add much to the story itself.
Also, I would have thought that Jacks’ plot line was very sad if I didn’t know who Evangeline was. So I enjoyed reading about him suffering knowing fully well how this is ending up.
Moreover, I think it’s obvious that Stephanie Garber has a favorite sister and it’s definitely not Scarlett. But no to worry, my beloved is also Tella. However, I believed I was only reading through the latter’s POV more than the other sister. That wasn’t very cool.
Julian, you are top tier. Legend, you can’t be better than that, you idiot fool. Jacks, just you wait. Poison, I have a weird crush on you. Assassin, same.
Stephanie Garber’s novels in order of how much I liked them (so far):
1. OUABH
2. LEGENDARY
3. CARAVAL
4 FINALE
Though I found Finale to be the “worst” —in a good way— book out of the three, I read it in only three sittings. It’s engaging and boring at the same time. The latter being until the middle of the novel.
Again, the most interesting part of the book was Julian and Scarlett’s and Legend and Donatella’s respective romances. Overall I thought the adventure aspect of the story lacked, well, adventure: it felt like every problem got resolved too quickly and without any difficulty. Plus, some storylines (blood-vial-Star thing) was just absurd. It didn’t add much to the story itself.
Also, I would have thought that Jacks’ plot line was very sad if I didn’t know who Evangeline was. So I enjoyed reading about him suffering knowing fully well how this is ending up.
Moreover, I think it’s obvious that Stephanie Garber has a favorite sister and it’s definitely not Scarlett. But no to worry, my beloved is also Tella. However, I believed I was only reading through the latter’s POV more than the other sister. That wasn’t very cool.
Julian, you are top tier. Legend, you can’t be better than that, you idiot fool. Jacks, just you wait. Poison, I have a weird crush on you. Assassin, same.
Stephanie Garber’s novels in order of how much I liked them (so far):
1. OUABH
2. LEGENDARY
3. CARAVAL
4 FINALE
Las Chicas Grimrose by Laura Pohl
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
This was terrible.
The novel presents with some group of girls. And you read it right, girls, not friends. These people need to get better friends, please.
I love this type of fantasy genre. Retellings, dark fairytales, but omg. What happened to the potential of this novel?
I hated Rory up until the middle of the book. After she stopped mentioning Ariel—I mean, Ariane, every two sentences, I began to like her. I believe she was the best character in terms of development. I have not a lot of complaints about her other than the fact that I didn’t like how the Pippa thing went nowhere (I know there’s a sequel but I’ll expand later). However, she is a lesbian icon and I love her for that. Good for her.
Yuki was by far the weakest character. Her monologue was repetitive and tiring. I get that the author wanted to show how she struggles to keep up with being perfect and all that, but I just didn’t like how it was put through. She said she wanted to be perfect ALL THE TIME, but I didn’t see it, you know? Also, her powers were such bullshit. I began laughing the moment I read about them. Like wtf? I get this is a fantasy but it was RIDICULOUS. that literally made no sense and I can’t believe how disappointed I am.
Ella was okay. IMO she was the real main character but she still lacked a lot of depth. We know she has OCD but at the same time it was badly written. It felt fake. And I feel awful for feeling like this. Also, please, the whole deal with the stepmother and stepsisters could have been waaaay better handled than this. There wasn’t enough info.
Her relationship with Freddie was cute too. They were the best couple out here. Well developed and close enough to the “real story”.
Nani… poor Nani. She had the WORST development I’ve ever seen. Because there was nothing there. Yes, she changed, but I didn’t see it. It just happened. She was wronged by Laura Pohl. Why? I wouldn’t be able to tell you.
I like her relationship with Svenja, yet it felt rushed. They spoke, and I counted, four times (that we know of). The fifth time was their kiss. It was okay, I saw it coming, but the TIME AND PLACE OMG. My girl Laura really was on a schedule and she needed to speed things up, huh.
Nani had by far the most interesting storyline. It’s a shame we couldn’t see it here at all.
I couldn’t even guess which was her true book story.
This book was not good. And the sole reason is that Laura Pohl wanted a sequel, and probably a whole saga. And that’s not okay. Because you can’t just write this and leave with blank spaces, loop wholes everywhere, and just random fantasy-things all around. It’s just weak even with its excellent concept of fairytales gone wrong.
Also, I think Penelope’s story was never mentioned so I had to guess the Princess and the Pauper ~ Barbie’s version (? Maybe I’m wrong.
I will read the sequel, though. I just need these characters to have a redemption arc. And so please the author too.
The novel presents with some group of girls. And you read it right, girls, not friends. These people need to get better friends, please.
I love this type of fantasy genre. Retellings, dark fairytales, but omg. What happened to the potential of this novel?
I hated Rory up until the middle of the book. After she stopped mentioning Ariel—I mean, Ariane, every two sentences, I began to like her. I believe she was the best character in terms of development. I have not a lot of complaints about her other than the fact that I didn’t like how the Pippa thing went nowhere (I know there’s a sequel but I’ll expand later). However, she is a lesbian icon and I love her for that. Good for her.
Yuki was by far the weakest character. Her monologue was repetitive and tiring. I get that the author wanted to show how she struggles to keep up with being perfect and all that, but I just didn’t like how it was put through. She said she wanted to be perfect ALL THE TIME, but I didn’t see it, you know? Also,
Ella was okay. IMO she was the real main character but she still lacked a lot of depth. We know she has OCD but at the same time it was badly written. It felt fake. And I feel awful for feeling like this. Also, please, the whole deal with the stepmother and stepsisters could have been waaaay better handled than this. There wasn’t enough info.
Her relationship with Freddie was cute too. They were the best couple out here. Well developed and close enough to the “real story”.
Nani… poor Nani. She had the WORST development I’ve ever seen. Because there was nothing there. Yes, she changed, but I didn’t see it. It just happened. She was wronged by Laura Pohl. Why? I wouldn’t be able to tell you.
I like her relationship with Svenja, yet it felt rushed. They spoke, and I counted, four times (that we know of). The fifth time
Nani had by far the most interesting storyline. It’s a shame we couldn’t see it here at all.
I couldn’t even guess which was her true book story.
This book was not good. And the sole reason is that Laura Pohl wanted a sequel, and probably a whole saga. And that’s not okay. Because you can’t just write this and leave with blank spaces, loop wholes everywhere, and just random fantasy-things all around. It’s just weak even with its excellent concept of fairytales gone wrong.
Also, I think Penelope’s story was never mentioned so I had to guess
I will read the sequel, though. I just need these characters to have a redemption arc. And so please the author too.
Sinsajo by Suzanne Collins
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Well, I have not much to say about this novel other than Peeta Mellark you are the love of my life. And, Finnick’s destiny was so unfair that I couldn’t accept it. In my head, that never actually happened.
Gale, you can die I don’t care. You are manipulative and a crybaby who can’t accept the fact that Katniss does NOT love you the way you want her to. Furthermore, Prim. That’s it, that’s everything I need to say about him.
I thought it was a great ending for an AMAZING series. Thought the first one will always be my favorite book, and the second my favorite movie.
Gale, you can die I don’t care. You are manipulative and a crybaby who can’t accept the fact that Katniss does NOT love you the way you want her to. Furthermore, Prim. That’s it, that’s everything I need to say about him.
I thought it was a great ending for an AMAZING series. Thought the first one will always be my favorite book, and the second my favorite movie.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I believe this to be a transition book. Meaning that this novel prepares you for the big finale and sets up the environment by giving you some of the final clues.
For that matter, I found it pretty boring.
It’s the only Harry Potter book I became completely bored from time to time. Moreover, Harry being annoyingly obsessed with Draco Malfoy throughout the entire thing. I thought it was unbearable at some point.
Overall, it’s a good book. I’m finally ready for the end.
For that matter, I found it pretty boring.
It’s the only Harry Potter book I became completely bored from time to time. Moreover, Harry being annoyingly obsessed with Draco Malfoy throughout the entire thing. I thought it was unbearable at some point.
Overall, it’s a good book. I’m finally ready for the end.
Mi Planta de Naranja Lima by José Mauro de Vasconcelos
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Triste.
Tristeza es una palabra que puede definir este libro. Esa y, más que nada, nostalgia.
Quien sabe cuantas veces he querido interferir con los sucesos de una novela, pero nada se compara con esta. Quise meterme en el libro y salvar a Zezé más de una vez en el transcurso de su historia.
No puedo explicar lo que sufrí con Portuga. Que injusto todo.
Tristeza es una palabra que puede definir este libro. Esa y, más que nada, nostalgia.
Quien sabe cuantas veces he querido interferir con los sucesos de una novela, pero nada se compara con esta. Quise meterme en el libro y salvar a Zezé más de una vez en el transcurso de su historia.
No puedo explicar lo que sufrí con Portuga. Que injusto todo.
Los siete maridos de Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
emotional
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
3.75
I had very little expectations with this book but I really enjoyed it. Evelyn is the type of anti-hero characters that I love, and she wasn’t want I expected at all.
However, Celia is annoying. I know that she’s supposed to be like that, but I truly didn’t like how she treated Evelyn. She rejected her bisexuality, she couldn’t accepted the fact that Evelyn was with men AND women (mainly her). I actually think that she believed Evelyn was kind of a trophy. Almost like Max did.
I thought the novel was very good, but I think it’s a bit overhyped. It was fast to read and entertaining, though completely dramatic over nothing.
However, Celia is annoying. I know that she’s supposed to be like that, but I truly didn’t like how she treated Evelyn. She rejected her bisexuality, she couldn’t accepted the fact that Evelyn was with men AND women (mainly her). I actually think that she believed Evelyn was kind of a trophy. Almost like Max did.
I thought the novel was very good, but I think it’s a bit overhyped. It was fast to read and entertaining, though completely dramatic over nothing.
Persuasion by Jane Austen
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I love you Jane Austen. I love you but I hate you at the same time. My standards in men are up in the roof.
Frederick’s letter made me cry because I will never find someone that loves me like this.
Truly marvelous.
Frederick’s letter made me cry because I will never find someone that loves me like this.
Truly marvelous.
I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
emotional
reflective
sad
— I deleted the star rating after realizing that I’m no one to judge other person’s life, even if it’s in a piece of literature :) —
I’m Glad My Mom Died made me reflect, in more than one way, my own relationship with my mother and how toxic it is in some ways. This hits way too close to home.
This is the second most heartbreaking book I’ve ever read (or heard, really) and that is saying something. The way Jennette’s voice put us through the entire novel is amazing. She is a great storyteller that I’m sure comes along being an actress for a very long time.
Her mom is monster. And not in the way of the monsters that hide under your bed, but the ones that come to your dreams and scare you your entire life.
If you have the possibility to listen to the audiobook, do it.
I’m Glad My Mom Died made me reflect, in more than one way, my own relationship with my mother and how toxic it is in some ways. This hits way too close to home.
This is the second most heartbreaking book I’ve ever read (or heard, really) and that is saying something. The way Jennette’s voice put us through the entire novel is amazing. She is a great storyteller that I’m sure comes along being an actress for a very long time.
Her mom is monster. And not in the way of the monsters that hide under your bed, but the ones that come to your dreams and scare you your entire life.
If you have the possibility to listen to the audiobook, do it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Physical abuse, Vomit, Self harm, Child abuse, Eating disorder, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
Legendary by Stephanie Garber
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
As someone who enjoyed the first book and its flaws, this one is more than good. Legendary managed to take the bad things from the first book and turn them into—not great—but good ones. It managed to score a quarter star more than its predecessor.
I started hating Donatella in Caraval, but I have to admit I began liking her here. She is strong minded and knows what she wants, which makes her a far better main character than her sister, Scarlett—though different in every sense.
I love that this book knew it was predictable and kind of cliche. So it didn’t pretend to be otherwise and didn’t change or tried to present a huge plot twist that would ruin the novel completely.
Finally, they’ve presented the BEST character in this ‘universe’; Jacks aka The Prince of Hearts. I’ve read OUABH before Caraval, so I was expecting him eagerly. Though at the same time, I know most of the things that’s to going to happen next, yet I don’t know how. So I am a bit scared that I’m liking these characters knowing their destinies.
Thankfully it’s about the journey and not about the ending.
Dante is lovable. He is so messed up I love him! And I truly want Donatella and him to end up together. However, I’m not to hopeful about it.
I just hope Stephanie Garber likes happy endings! Because I will literally die if this ends badly.
I started hating Donatella in Caraval, but I have to admit I began liking her here. She is strong minded and knows what she wants, which makes her a far better main character than her sister, Scarlett—though different in every sense.
I love that this book knew it was predictable and kind of cliche. So it didn’t pretend to be otherwise and didn’t change or tried to present a huge plot twist that would ruin the novel completely.
Finally, they’ve presented the BEST character in this ‘universe’; Jacks aka The Prince of Hearts. I’ve read OUABH before Caraval, so I was expecting him eagerly. Though at the same time, I know most of the things that’s to going to happen next, yet I don’t know how. So I am a bit scared that I’m liking these characters knowing their destinies.
Thankfully it’s about the journey and not about the ending.
Dante is lovable. He is so messed up I love him! And I truly want Donatella and him to end up together. However, I’m not to hopeful about it.
I just hope Stephanie Garber likes happy endings! Because I will literally die if this ends badly.