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nwreader's reviews
693 reviews
Forgotten Sisters by Cynthia Pelayo
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
4.0
Bruises on a Butterfly by Chad Lutzke
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
5.0
π¦Three Friends, One Secret, and a Heart-Wrenching Discovery: My Bookish Thoughts on BRUISES ON A BUTTERFLY by Chad Lutzke
Calling all fans of STAND BY ME and THE FLY! Prepare to be swept away by a powerful tale of friendship, loss, and the complexities of being a preteen boy. This book follows three inseparable teenagers who find solace and adventure in their hidden clubhouse in a cornfield. But their world is turned upside down by an unexpected event that forces them to confront uncomfortable truths and acknowledge dark secrets.
Chad's masterful storytelling paints vivid portraits of each boy, their unique struggles, and the delicate dynamics of their friendship. He doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of life, tackling sensitive topics with honesty and nuance. Be prepared to have your heart wrenched β but in the best way possible. This is a coming-of-age story that packs a punch, leaving you with a rollercoaster of emotions long after the final page.
If you're looking for a quick read that delves into grief, trauma, and the enduring power of friendship, look no further. This book is a must-read for anyone who appreciates raw, emotional storytelling and characters you can't help but root for. It's a guaranteed "feels" trip, and you won't regret taking the plunge. So grab your copy, settle in, and prepare to be surprised, challenged, and deeply moved.
This author really is one of the top authors in the indie world. Thank you for making me feel my feels @chad_lutzke π π€π¦
*Thank you to Chad and Cemetery Dance for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
**CW - if you want to know them, look them up or DM me.
Calling all fans of STAND BY ME and THE FLY! Prepare to be swept away by a powerful tale of friendship, loss, and the complexities of being a preteen boy. This book follows three inseparable teenagers who find solace and adventure in their hidden clubhouse in a cornfield. But their world is turned upside down by an unexpected event that forces them to confront uncomfortable truths and acknowledge dark secrets.
Chad's masterful storytelling paints vivid portraits of each boy, their unique struggles, and the delicate dynamics of their friendship. He doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of life, tackling sensitive topics with honesty and nuance. Be prepared to have your heart wrenched β but in the best way possible. This is a coming-of-age story that packs a punch, leaving you with a rollercoaster of emotions long after the final page.
If you're looking for a quick read that delves into grief, trauma, and the enduring power of friendship, look no further. This book is a must-read for anyone who appreciates raw, emotional storytelling and characters you can't help but root for. It's a guaranteed "feels" trip, and you won't regret taking the plunge. So grab your copy, settle in, and prepare to be surprised, challenged, and deeply moved.
This author really is one of the top authors in the indie world. Thank you for making me feel my feels @chad_lutzke π π€π¦
*Thank you to Chad and Cemetery Dance for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
**CW - if you want to know them, look them up or DM me.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Child abuse, Child death, and Body horror
The Plight Before Christmas by Kate Stewart
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Listened to the audiobook.
The audiobook was perfectly produced--I love the narrators.
The story is a second chance romance that has a similar vibe as the movie THE FAMILY STONE, which is one of my favorite movies. I adored the main characters and their chemistry. This wasn't overtly spicy which I appreciated at the moment (I'm spiced out lol) but the tension between the characters was fun.
I enjoyed the side characters (family members) and learning about their real life issues that weren't over the top like most romances. This book is also a forced close proximity story with so many laugh out loud and genuinely pull at your heartstrings moments that you can't help but love.
This is my first time reading this author and I definitely plan on reading more by them.
The audiobook was perfectly produced--I love the narrators.
The story is a second chance romance that has a similar vibe as the movie THE FAMILY STONE, which is one of my favorite movies. I adored the main characters and their chemistry. This wasn't overtly spicy which I appreciated at the moment (I'm spiced out lol) but the tension between the characters was fun.
I enjoyed the side characters (family members) and learning about their real life issues that weren't over the top like most romances. This book is also a forced close proximity story with so many laugh out loud and genuinely pull at your heartstrings moments that you can't help but love.
This is my first time reading this author and I definitely plan on reading more by them.
Ponyboy by Eliot Duncan
Did not finish book. Stopped at 20%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 20%.
I had to return to the library before finishing.
The 11th Plague and Other Tales of Satanic Terror by Tony Evans
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.5
I only read the short story, THE 11th PLAGUE (it was published separately as well but I'm reviewing here since it doesn't have its own listing I could find).
This is a story about a teenage boy who goes out in the woods to hunt and finds himself crossing paths with some satanists. Can evil be stopped or do good intentions just make things worse?
I really enjoyed this story. This is my first Tony Evans and I am impressed. The author did a great job hooking me in from the very first page and made it difficult to put down. This is an easy read in one seating type of book.
There were graphic parts that made my skin crawl and surprising moments that made me physically say, "oooohhh nooo! Wtf?!" out loud. I definitely laughed more than I anticipated. I wouldn't say this is a complete horror comedy but the banter between characters were witty and amusing.
It has quite a bit of body horror and violence but not for just the shock of it all which was quite refreshing.
Some of the dialogue between characters could have been pruned down a little bit to keep up with tense scenes...but it kinda worked with how ridiculous some of the scenes were happening in those moments.
I recommend this to people who like Creepshow and cult-like things. I am actually not the biggest fan of cult stuff but this was palatable and didn't completely take itself seriously so it worked for me.
I am really glad to have stumbled across this fun little satanist book at Scared That Cares AuthorCon II and got to meet the talented author behind this story.
You officially have a fan. I highly recommend this plague of good times.
4.5/5
π΄
This is a story about a teenage boy who goes out in the woods to hunt and finds himself crossing paths with some satanists. Can evil be stopped or do good intentions just make things worse?
I really enjoyed this story. This is my first Tony Evans and I am impressed. The author did a great job hooking me in from the very first page and made it difficult to put down. This is an easy read in one seating type of book.
There were graphic parts that made my skin crawl and surprising moments that made me physically say, "oooohhh nooo! Wtf?!" out loud. I definitely laughed more than I anticipated. I wouldn't say this is a complete horror comedy but the banter between characters were witty and amusing.
It has quite a bit of body horror and violence but not for just the shock of it all which was quite refreshing.
Some of the dialogue between characters could have been pruned down a little bit to keep up with tense scenes...but it kinda worked with how ridiculous some of the scenes were happening in those moments.
I recommend this to people who like Creepshow and cult-like things. I am actually not the biggest fan of cult stuff but this was palatable and didn't completely take itself seriously so it worked for me.
I am really glad to have stumbled across this fun little satanist book at Scared That Cares AuthorCon II and got to meet the talented author behind this story.
You officially have a fan. I highly recommend this plague of good times.
4.5/5
π΄
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Animal death, Vomit, Violence, Sexual content, and Medical content