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mello_t's reviews
8 reviews
Kill Joy by Holly Jackson
3.0
I read Kill Joy before reading A Good Girl's Guide to Murder. I wanted to see Holly Jackson's writing style, and I must say that I enjoyed it. It was easy to get into it, and a short novella like this was perfect before starting the main series.
I love a good murder mystery, and the setting of the game in the 1920s was great. The murder game itself was interesting—not too original but too cliche—so I liked it. I must say that it was very difficult to remember the character's name at the beginning since each character is playing their own character in the game, so knowing who's who was almost impossible. The characters in the game and in real life had personalities, and it was easy to imagine what was going on.
The actual "who did it" reveal wasn't bad either. I would prefer Pip's idea and how she thought everything happened, but the actual reveal was funny to me, and the whole novella made me read the actual trilogy.
I love a good murder mystery, and the setting of the game in the 1920s was great. The murder game itself was interesting—not too original but too cliche—so I liked it. I must say that it was very difficult to remember the character's name at the beginning since each character is playing their own character in the game, so knowing who's who was almost impossible. The characters in the game and in real life had personalities, and it was easy to imagine what was going on.
The actual "who did it" reveal wasn't bad either. I would prefer Pip's idea and how she thought everything happened, but the actual reveal was funny to me, and the whole novella made me read the actual trilogy.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling
4.0
I always wanted to read Harry Potter, but I was always more into movies and TV shows, so I always found a reason to just stick to the movies, but oh, how I was wrong. In 2023, I finally decided to get the entire collection. I'm a very slow reader, and at that point I couldn't really finish a book at all, but I was determined since I'm a huge Harry Potter fan, and seeing people on the internet talk about the events from the book, I started to feel like I might be missing out on some pretty interesting details and storylines. Not only did I get to know more characters, I also got to know their backstories and personal lives that the movie just didn't show. (I guess if it did, the movie would be way longer than 2 or 3 hours.)
The first book had a magical feeling to it from start to finish. I was surprised by the amazing character development of children and how different some characters are. I especially enjoyed every single detail about the Weasley family, so that was a joy to read about.
It took me about a week to finish the book, but it made me realize how much I actually love the world and stories inside this book.
The first book had a magical feeling to it from start to finish. I was surprised by the amazing character development of children and how different some characters are. I especially enjoyed every single detail about the Weasley family, so that was a joy to read about.
It took me about a week to finish the book, but it made me realize how much I actually love the world and stories inside this book.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
5.0
After loving the first book and falling into the magical world again as an adult, I knew I had to keep going. I always said that Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets was my least favorite movie by far, and I never had a good reason, honestly. That changed after reading the actual book.
The magical feeling and the childlike energy stayed the same, and I couldn't get enough of it. Going to classes, exploring Hogwarts Castle, and learning more and more about the dangers around was amazing, just like in the first book, but this time you could notice the sudden hints of darkness here and there.
Every single chapter was special. The characters were well written, the story wasn't slow or boring, and the small hints that were placed around the book made me jump with joy every time I noticed them. I couldn't get enough of talking about the history of Hogwarts and the specific houses and their founders; it was by far the most interesting part of the book since I love the lore.
After finishing the book, I was certain that this would definitely be in my top 5, maybe even my top 3. I actually went back and watched the movie, and after reading the book, I actually saw the magic and beauty of the movie after years of saying that I do not enjoy this one that much.
The magical feeling and the childlike energy stayed the same, and I couldn't get enough of it. Going to classes, exploring Hogwarts Castle, and learning more and more about the dangers around was amazing, just like in the first book, but this time you could notice the sudden hints of darkness here and there.
Every single chapter was special. The characters were well written, the story wasn't slow or boring, and the small hints that were placed around the book made me jump with joy every time I noticed them. I couldn't get enough of talking about the history of Hogwarts and the specific houses and their founders; it was by far the most interesting part of the book since I love the lore.
After finishing the book, I was certain that this would definitely be in my top 5, maybe even my top 3. I actually went back and watched the movie, and after reading the book, I actually saw the magic and beauty of the movie after years of saying that I do not enjoy this one that much.
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
5.0
Easy 5/5. There were a lot of lovable characters with backstories and unique personalities. The plot was moving fast, and it was impossible to put it down at some points. I was so into trying to solve the case together with Pip and Ravi, and I felt smart too, even though I was wrong almost the entire book. The relationship between the two main characters felt realistic, not fake or forced. Both of them seem genuine and real, and it was easy to relate to them.
I especially enjoyed reading through the entry logs and messages and how clever they were. It felt like an authentic Word document. I like that everyone had their own secrets and things to fight for, and I like the way each character tried to protect not only themselves but also their loved ones.
I wish we got more from Sal's life since he seemed like such a nice and kind person, and I would love to read more about his relationship with his brother and his friends. I'm glad we got to at least help him out a bit at the end.
The last few chapters were amazing, tense, and full of secrets, misdirections, and emotions, and I couldn't stop reading until I finished the book. I can't wait to read the second one!
I especially enjoyed reading through the entry logs and messages and how clever they were. It felt like an authentic Word document. I like that everyone had their own secrets and things to fight for, and I like the way each character tried to protect not only themselves but also their loved ones.
I wish we got more from Sal's life since he seemed like such a nice and kind person, and I would love to read more about his relationship with his brother and his friends. I'm glad we got to at least help him out a bit at the end.
The last few chapters were amazing, tense, and full of secrets, misdirections, and emotions, and I couldn't stop reading until I finished the book. I can't wait to read the second one!
Five Survive by Holly Jackson
5.0
The idea of a sniper watching you, knowing where you are and what you're doing, is terrifying. Knowing that the only thing that is protecting you is an RV that can easily be shot through. A fake sense of security. There is basically no hiding spot anywhere, and the people around you who you thought were friends might hide secrets they would never tell you, no matter how close you are.
The idea of being trapped in the middle of nowhere without a signal during the night and with a potential danger outside. The beginning of the story makes you believe that there is true, real danger in the person with a hunting rifle watching you. The red dot is following you, but when you read more and more, you start to realize that the people around you might be way more dangerous than a rifle.
I loved reading about each character and their struggles, personal lives, families, and secrets. Even a wealthy family that seems perfect has dirty secrets. A poor girl who surely can't do much can do anything; a sweet girl who isn't as sweet as people think; and someone who looks innocent can become the biggest danger for people around them.
I rate this 5/5 just because of the ideas. How the group tries to protect themselves. There are little hints throughout the book, and twists and turns towards the end. It was really hard to put the book down and do something else, I kept thinking about the characters and story.
+ the letter (thanks for making me emotional!)
The idea of being trapped in the middle of nowhere without a signal during the night and with a potential danger outside. The beginning of the story makes you believe that there is true, real danger in the person with a hunting rifle watching you. The red dot is following you, but when you read more and more, you start to realize that the people around you might be way more dangerous than a rifle.
I loved reading about each character and their struggles, personal lives, families, and secrets. Even a wealthy family that seems perfect has dirty secrets. A poor girl who surely can't do much can do anything; a sweet girl who isn't as sweet as people think; and someone who looks innocent can become the biggest danger for people around them.
I rate this 5/5 just because of the ideas. How the group tries to protect themselves. There are little hints throughout the book, and twists and turns towards the end. It was really hard to put the book down and do something else, I kept thinking about the characters and story.
+ the letter (thanks for making me emotional!)
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
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
5.0
I went into this blind. I only knew it was about a heist, and I was worried it might not live up to the hype surrounding this book. Oh, I was wrong. If you're thinking about putting the book down after reading the first few chapters, don't. I know that the beginning is slow, and I was thinking about reading something else since the number of different words and names confused me, but I pushed through, and what started as 2/5 ended as 5/5.
If you like the found family trope, then you will love the dynamics between the characters. All of them are amazing, smart, funny, brave, and some a bit dumb and childish, but you will end up loving them all. They all had something unique going on, and the relationships between them were tense and amazing.
The story was slow at the beginning, and I already mentioned that, but I was genuinely confused as to why I needed to read about a guy called Joost and his moustache, but looking back at it, it was a good choice to introduce the main core of the story.
If you like the found family trope, then you will love the dynamics between the characters. All of them are amazing, smart, funny, brave, and some a bit dumb and childish, but you will end up loving them all. They all had something unique going on, and the relationships between them were tense and amazing.
The story was slow at the beginning, and I already mentioned that, but I was genuinely confused as to why I needed to read about a guy called Joost and his moustache, but looking back at it, it was a good choice to introduce the main core of the story.
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
3.0
3.5/5
It was definitely easy to get into the book. A nice, simple fantasy with an interesting world and plot. I think the book did slow down towards the end, and it had a pretty normal ending with some unanswered questions, which will probably be answered in the next two books.
There are a lot of different words and terms, and there is definitely a lot to remember not only about the politics of this world but also about the Grisha. I've read Six of Crows before this, and I must say that it was explained a bit better in that book.
The characters were interesting. The story of Alina and Mal was bittersweet, and they did grow. I would like to see more backstories of other characters that were mentioned in the book, and I would like to play a bigger part in the story itself.
I did enjoy reading the book!
It was definitely easy to get into the book. A nice, simple fantasy with an interesting world and plot. I think the book did slow down towards the end, and it had a pretty normal ending with some unanswered questions, which will probably be answered in the next two books.
There are a lot of different words and terms, and there is definitely a lot to remember not only about the politics of this world but also about the Grisha. I've read Six of Crows before this, and I must say that it was explained a bit better in that book.
The characters were interesting. The story of Alina and Mal was bittersweet, and they did grow. I would like to see more backstories of other characters that were mentioned in the book, and I would like to play a bigger part in the story itself.
I did enjoy reading the book!
The Perfectionists by Sara Shepard
3.0
I need to start this review by saying that I felt like I was on a roller coaster while reading this book. I remember being so overwhelmed with the number of names throughout the entire story, but thinking about it now, I think it added more depth and realism.
The main girls were fantastic. I loved that each chapter was about a single girl and her own struggles and story. Each character felt real and not perfect, which is interesting since they all want to appear as perfect girls in their surroundings. I enjoyed the small romance and love triangles, and it honestly had a little bit of everything.
I have to say that the ending was a little bit rushed, and I think I would prefer if it were explained a bit more and sooner. I feel the same about the middle of the story. I can't say I didn't enjoy the extra story and getting to know the characters, but I would prefer if the actual mystery was explained more.
I'm really 50/50 about the ending. It does open up a really nice path into more mysteries and drama, which is definitely explained in the next book. The entire time, I was really suspicious of one particular person, but I thought it was too obvious for them to be the actual killer, and I was actually surprised by the end. I did not expect it at all so that's big plus from me.
The main girls were fantastic. I loved that each chapter was about a single girl and her own struggles and story. Each character felt real and not perfect, which is interesting since they all want to appear as perfect girls in their surroundings. I enjoyed the small romance and love triangles, and it honestly had a little bit of everything.
I have to say that the ending was a little bit rushed, and I think I would prefer if it were explained a bit more and sooner. I feel the same about the middle of the story. I can't say I didn't enjoy the extra story and getting to know the characters, but I would prefer if the actual mystery was explained more.
I'm really 50/50 about the ending. It does open up a really nice path into more mysteries and drama, which is definitely explained in the next book. The entire time, I was really suspicious of one particular person, but I thought it was too obvious for them to be the actual killer, and I was actually surprised by the end. I did not expect it at all so that's big plus from me.
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