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monarchbooks's reviews
480 reviews
Marriage & Masti by Nisha Sharma
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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? Yes
5.0
I finished this book in one day and the reason for that is because Nisha Sharma's writing is addictive. More addictive than fried chicken type addictive. No, I am not kidding. I loved this book. The reveal punched me in the gut and had me wishing for a tv series because just that reveal alone is reason enough for three seasons based off this series. Someone tell the streaming services to get their wallets ready. Nor a great Tweltfth Night retelling but still very much worth the read.
The Crimson Crown by Heather Walter
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
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? Yes
4.75
What can I say about this book? I sit here, after finishing it, struggling with what to say because this book was fantastic, even when i wasn't sure where it was going.
Pros: Worldbuilding. Lovable morally grey female main character. Relatable mommy issues. Heartbreaking romance. Side characters that make you feel things (Blodwyn has my heart). An intriguing mystery.
Cons: Pacing and follow through was iffy. I've been getting really annoyed when authors buiild up to an event that should be a huge game changer for the plot and then nothing really happens. The sequel (preferably dual pov with Blodwyn) is not confirmed.
Pros: Worldbuilding. Lovable morally grey female main character. Relatable mommy issues. Heartbreaking romance. Side characters that make you feel things (Blodwyn has my heart). An intriguing mystery.
Cons: Pacing and follow through was iffy. I've been getting really annoyed when authors buiild up to an event that should be a huge game changer for the plot and then nothing really happens. The sequel (preferably dual pov with Blodwyn) is not confirmed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Bullying, Death, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Homophobia, Misogyny, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Religious bigotry, Fire/Fire injury, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Miscarriage, and Alcohol
Minor: Gaslighting
Nothing Like the Movies by Lynn Painter
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-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 literally loved this book so much, it got me out of a horrendous reading slump and I read it in just 2 days. There were so many quotes and references to my favorite romcoms and an addictive soundtrack.
The reason for their break up was heartbreaking and the forced miscommunication was not as annoying as it usually is - I understood Wes's though process. Wes was really interesting to read and I loved seeing his interactions with Helen.
I do however wish we had gotten more of Liz's perspective of after the break up. What really pushed her to change so much? Changing her whole wardrobe over a break up and you're not going to explain her thought process on it? Really?
ALSO! Are you telling me Wes never finds out Liz and Clark were FAKE dating? How does Clark cope not having Wes as his best friend?
The reason for their break up was heartbreaking and the forced miscommunication was not as annoying as it usually is - I understood Wes's though process. Wes was really interesting to read and I loved seeing his interactions with Helen.
I do however wish we had gotten more of Liz's perspective of after the break up. What really pushed her to change so much? Changing her whole wardrobe over a break up and you're not going to explain her thought process on it? Really?
ALSO!
My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan
reflective
sad
fast-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
"What if Oz is home now?"
That is the question that Ella Duran, the protagonist of My Oxford Year asks herself in the moment she chooses to abandon her life plan. Ever since a tragic loss in her childhood, her plan has always been: Become a Rhodes Scholar. Have an amazing political career. Never fall in love. And it seems to be working out for her, because on the same day she landed in England, she was offered her dream job consulting for the future first female President of the United States (they hope). She can do it all! But also on that same day, she (literally) runs into Jamie Davenport, the man destined to fuck up her blouse and her plans. But still, she can't help but be interested and when he happens to show up everywhere, particularly in her most embarrassing moments, who is Ella to say no when he makes her a proposition? Great sex. A tour guide around the city. And absolutely no falling in love. But you know what they say: We make plans and God delivers life changing news to our doorstep... or something like that.
That is the question that Ella Duran, the protagonist of My Oxford Year asks herself in the moment she chooses to abandon her life plan. Ever since a tragic loss in her childhood, her plan has always been: Become a Rhodes Scholar. Have an amazing political career. Never fall in love. And it seems to be working out for her, because on the same day she landed in England, she was offered her dream job consulting for the future first female President of the United States (they hope). She can do it all! But also on that same day, she (literally) runs into Jamie Davenport, the man destined to fuck up her blouse and her plans. But still, she can't help but be interested and when he happens to show up everywhere, particularly in her most embarrassing moments, who is Ella to say no when he makes her a proposition? Great sex. A tour guide around the city. And absolutely no falling in love. But you know what they say: We make plans and God delivers life changing news to our doorstep... or something like that.
The Giant Garden of Oz by Eric Shanower
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
4.0
Pretty good but some weird bits
The Ghost and the Dead Man's Library by Cleo Coyle, Alice Kimberly
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
An interesting tale spun from a fictional mystery surrounding Edgar Allan Poe's death (His true last words were ""Lord, help my poor soul"")
Dorohedoro, Vol. 1 by Q Hayashida
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
I enjoyed it a lot! But this is just an intro novel and nothing really special happened so it's not the greatest.
Chainsaw Man, Volume 12 by Tatsuki Fujimoto
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
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? Yes
4.0
Enjoyable read. Don't like the meta manga jokes.
Sky Island by Amy Chu, Janet K Lee
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
If you looking for something close to the original story, this is not for you. However, I did really enjoy this graphic novel and the new story the authors wrote for Trot and Cap'n Bill.