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nicetagg_readingslow's reviews
375 reviews
Such a Pretty Smile by Kristi DeMeester
dark
tense
medium-paced
3.0
This book starts out a thriller but quickly evolves into a horror.
The edge of your seat scares will have you gripping your blanket and leaving a light on at night. Hearing creaks and bumps from your house settling will definitely set you on edge as you read.
A beautifully written story with lyrical prose I think even those who don’t like horror books will enjoy this one if they can get through the terror that is.
The edge of your seat scares will have you gripping your blanket and leaving a light on at night. Hearing creaks and bumps from your house settling will definitely set you on edge as you read.
A beautifully written story with lyrical prose I think even those who don’t like horror books will enjoy this one if they can get through the terror that is.
Joan Is Okay by Weike Wang
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
This work of lit fiction reads like a beautiful memoir.
I found myself constantly engaged and feeling for Joan throughout the book as she struggles with cultural identity living amongst a culture not her own.
The struggles of the Asian american community are explained and shown in this book and I feel I took away so much more than I ever expected.
I found myself constantly engaged and feeling for Joan throughout the book as she struggles with cultural identity living amongst a culture not her own.
The struggles of the Asian american community are explained and shown in this book and I feel I took away so much more than I ever expected.
Under Lock & Skeleton Key by Gigi Pandian
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Like a great Scooby Doo Mystery but with magic and illusion!
I found myself engaged and loving this cozy Ya mystery from beginning to end.
Abracadabra is my favorite character. This bunny sidekick was endearing and adorable. Perfect name for a magicians pet too.
Can’t wait to read more in this cozy mystery series!
I found myself engaged and loving this cozy Ya mystery from beginning to end.
Abracadabra is my favorite character. This bunny sidekick was endearing and adorable. Perfect name for a magicians pet too.
Can’t wait to read more in this cozy mystery series!
Skandar and the Unicorn Thief by A.F. Steadman
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Skandar and the Unicorn thief is the perfect middle grade read. Adventurous, magical, mystical fantasy land.
Full of unicorns and magic it’s got a recipe for success.
But, the over done chosen one storyline may leave readers feeling like this is just another knock off of, Percy Jackson or Harry Potter.
The characters are likable though the MC is confused with his much more likable sister.
This book could use a few doses more humor and as I can see a series on the horizon I hope that is found along the way.
Overall I think younger middle grade readers will enjoy this book and it is mostly worth the time to read it.
Full of unicorns and magic it’s got a recipe for success.
But, the over done chosen one storyline may leave readers feeling like this is just another knock off of, Percy Jackson or Harry Potter.
The characters are likable though the MC is confused with his much more likable sister.
This book could use a few doses more humor and as I can see a series on the horizon I hope that is found along the way.
Overall I think younger middle grade readers will enjoy this book and it is mostly worth the time to read it.
The Book of Souls by Kevin Moore
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
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
3.5
A bewitching tale of a man who goes back in time to discover his gifts.
The story weaved by the author is intriguing and engaging. I enjoyed listening from beginning to end.
Random chapters having multiple parts was a little annoying but nothing that took away from the story at all.
The characters were likable though the growth was slow and at times annoying. By the end the growth of the MC is noticeably changed.
All in all I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a paranormal twisty read with thriller like hints mixed in.
The audio narration was distorted no matter what speakers I played it on but I’m sure that is only due to file issues not the narrator himself.
The narrator was lack luster in character portrayal at times but with many different parts to play and some only being passing spirits it is forgivable.
The story weaved by the author is intriguing and engaging. I enjoyed listening from beginning to end.
Random chapters having multiple parts was a little annoying but nothing that took away from the story at all.
The characters were likable though the growth was slow and at times annoying. By the end the growth of the MC is noticeably changed.
All in all I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a paranormal twisty read with thriller like hints mixed in.
The audio narration was distorted no matter what speakers I played it on but I’m sure that is only due to file issues not the narrator himself.
The narrator was lack luster in character portrayal at times but with many different parts to play and some only being passing spirits it is forgivable.
The Toll by Neal Shusterman
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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? No
4.5
Perfect conclusion to a blockbuster series. Why this is not on TV or film I do not know but at this point, I think Neal Shusterman is one of the best series writers in YA fiction.
A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire by Jennifer L. Armentrout
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
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? Yes
5.0
Poppy and Hawk/Castiel are absolute enemies to lovers perfection in this second installment in the Blood and Ash series.
We pick up right where we left off in the first book. The Dark Prince and The Maiden on the run from the Asteri.
Kerian is by far my favorite character in the series thus far and I love being able to learn more about him and the connection he has to The Dark One. As well as learning his past and meeting his family.
The banter between Poppy and Hawk is perfection and his sadistic like of her stabbing him is definitely kind of hot.
The banter and friendship built between Kerian and Poppy is some of the best character growth in the series.
Watching these characters grow and learn about themselves and each other is definitely an added bonus to this book.
I like book 2 even more than I liked book 1 and now can’t wait to move into book 3.
We pick up right where we left off in the first book. The Dark Prince and The Maiden on the run from the Asteri.
Kerian is by far my favorite character in the series thus far and I love being able to learn more about him and the connection he has to The Dark One. As well as learning his past and meeting his family.
The banter between Poppy and Hawk is perfection and his sadistic like of her stabbing him is definitely kind of hot.
The banter and friendship built between Kerian and Poppy is some of the best character growth in the series.
Watching these characters grow and learn about themselves and each other is definitely an added bonus to this book.
I like book 2 even more than I liked book 1 and now can’t wait to move into book 3.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Sexual content, Classism, Death, Injury/Injury detail, and Kidnapping
Twenty Years Later by Charlie Donlea
dark
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? No
5.0
This thriller gives everything a great book should give. Lots of twists. A mystery/crime to figure out. More than one plot written to perfection and absolutely no holes in sight! The ending will shock you when you figure out that all you figured out isn’t even the biggest thing you should have known!!!!
The Collective by Alison Gaylin
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-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? No
5.0
Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
adventurous
dark
hopeful
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? Yes
4.0