montrez's reviews
97 reviews

Starling House by Alix E. Harrow

dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Curious Tides by Pascale Lacelle

adventurous dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Darling by K. Ancrum

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

What a fun and wild ride with a wicked, twisted end! This felt very much like a modern cautionary story, with a unique take on classic Peter Pan. I read along with  to the audiobook and I’m impressed by the performance. The narrator embodied Ancrum’s diverse cast of characters in a way that made the reading smooth and immersive.

Resurrection Road by Hannah Marae

adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious tense fast-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

4.5

Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn

adventurous emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The Dark Place by Britney S. Lewis

dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad medium-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

Is there such a thing as cozy horror? This book is chilling but also cathartic. Its the kind of story you curl up with on a rainy day to read with a hot cup of tea. It’s an emotional contemporary experience that makes your heart ache, all while the sweet romance gives your butterflies . 

A mix of contemporary coming -of -age and psychological horror with a splash of satisfying nerdy pop culture (superhero comics and time travel, yes please), Lewis has done it again. This is perfect for fans of contemporary, slow-burn, emotional rollercoasters with science fiction and horror elements.

The Undead Truth of Us by Britney S. Lewis

emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-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

The Undead Truth of Us promised the vibes of John Green, Warm Bodies, and Twilight, with an alternative Black girl main character and zombies like you've never seen them. 

The result is this raw, relatable, and refreshing YA masterpiece. With lyrical prose, a unique voice, and delicious angst, this book is a vibrant kaleidoscope of emotions, that will have you all in your feelings. 

The Shadow Sister by Lily Meade

dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo

adventurous dark emotional mysterious 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

5.0

You Can't Sniff The Internet by Rosalind Wulf

adventurous emotional hopeful reflective 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

If you’re looking for a fast-paced, character-driven sci-fi with empowering diverse representation and a refreshingly unique voice, check out You Can’t Sniff the Internet by Rosalind Wulf .

What I liked:

💜 The dedication 

The dedication speaks to the heart of this book. It’s beautiful 😍 

💜Am unlikely hero you can’t help but root for.

Lillian goes from being an ordinary, unmotivated gamer to an accidental hero and pioneer. I don’t want to write any spoilers, so let’s just say Lillian’s character arc is powerful and inspiring. Lillian’s character is raw, brazen and yet vulnerable and relatable. 

💜Satisfying twists and turns

There are some developments in the story that are both surprising and enjoyable to see unfold. If you pay close attention, you may catch on to what’s taking place, but even if you do guess what’s happening, it’s so well written you won’t be disappointed.

💜Unique world building

Wulf creates a world full of bizarre wonder and possibilities that blends generations, cultures, perspectives and more in ways that speak to the prevailing issues of our society and illustrates a thoughtful exploration of a new hypothetical world.

Do note:

- There are some things you may still have questions about after reading but not quite in a bad sense. The story explores theories and perspectives that may be fun conversation amongst science lovers and bookish minds.
- Some of the characters depicted lacked depth of the main and supporting characters, but I think this was intentional as they seemed to represent a general type of person that we may all encounter at least once in our lives. While I typically prefer complex characters, I think the general feel of certain characters worked well with the voice, pace and mood of the story.

Wulf explores concepts of time, identity, purpose and life and death through a unique lens that is bold, thoughtful, and sincere. I look forward to seeing what’s next.

Thank you to the author for a complimentary copy of this ebook. I am leaving a voluntary review. All thoughts and ideas expressed are my own.