oliverjames_ix's reviews
23 reviews

This Is How You Lose the Time War by Max Gladstone, Amal El-Mohtar
Did not finish book. Stopped at 33%.

Got a third of the way into this book and just couldn't push through any longer. I thought I was going to enjoy this book given the premise of two rival spies corresponding via letters as they engage in time travelling warfare and romance. They barely touch upon the more interesting nature and time periods the two find themselves travelling through, instead leaving it as backdrop and set dressing. Instead it engages in superfluous metaphors, stilted turns of phrase, and a need to sound lyrical and whimsical to its detriment. Really couldn't feel connected to the love story being told, or why this time war even matters other than to act as a plot device. Had to put it down in the end.

Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend

adventurous hopeful lighthearted

4.25

First book of 2024; an adorably charming and imaginative read. Every character was really fascinating and well written. The world was so creative and interesting. It definitely felt like the book was really telling the first act of a much larger adventure, but it did tell its own satisfying tale, leaving a lot of fun questions and threads yet to be answered. The story could have been shorter/snappier in places but overall a truly whimsical read, and would have been one of my childhood favourites if it came out when I was a kid.

You're Not Supposed to Die Tonight by Kalynn Bayron

dark funny tense

3.25

A brilliant premise that allows for a meta take on the horror movie genre (in the vain of Scream). Sadly the ending and killer reveal really lost me in a way that honestly ruined my enjoyment of an otherwise well written, easy to devour thriller. Loved the characters, tension building and pacing. I just really jarred with the ending. A great queer horror story nonetheless.

The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

adventurous dark inspiring

5.0

An 800+ page high fantasy epic that I devoured in a week (the last 400 pages in one day as well 😅). The book weaves 4 uniquely different character perspectives, across 2 continents in a world exploring grand adventure. The main plot is themed around a retelling of George and the Dragon, but how different cultures have perceived that tale and what the truth of it all is. I enjoyed every new character and culture introduced, as well as the relationships and intrigue that developed. Satisfying twists and turns, with gripping tension and danger. I loved this book!

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

adventurous reflective tense

5.0

A book that will forever be one of my favourites. Telling the story of Achilles through the eyes of Patroclus. Rereading this beautiful, tragic and romantic story always leaves me feeling like the first time I read it. I love this story, I love the writing, I love the journey it takes, and the history nerd in me adores everything this book captures.

The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern

emotional mysterious tense

4.0

A fascinatingly imaginative book crafted in a uniquely metaphorical and lyrical way. Whilst the main 'through plot' I had some minor issues with, I adored all the additional myths, in between stories, fables and the way things were all knitted together come the end of it. This is a love letter to storytelling. A world so rich with lore that I wanted to know more about the world and stories around at times, rather than the the current plot we were given. Could read hours more of the world beyond the Starless Sea.

Full Disclosure by Camryn Garrett

funny inspiring reflective

4.25

A YA Romance that intersects being a HIV positive person, black in America and coming out as Bi.... and nails it. A thoughtful protagonist, cute romance and superbly written supporting characters. Main negative was the 'antagonist' with their motivation feeling anticlimactic and unsatisfying in the end. A sex positive book that tackles a lot of the stigma surrounding the topics it handles brilliantly. Bonus for the school production of Rent being a story that tugged at my Uni Drama days.

You'd Look Better as a Ghost by Joanna Wallace

dark funny tense

4.5

Finished this gripping thriller in less than 24 hours! Dark, witty and very engaging. Follow along as a serial killer mourns the loss of their father, in a tale with some great twists and turns. Through their unintended consequences, each escalation feels clever and justified. Was never sure how it was going to end until the final page.

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

emotional lighthearted reflective

3.0

A charming and heart warming rom-com about "finding love where you'll least expect it", though clichéd at times. You can clearly see hownl it was intended to be a screenplay with its writing style and characterisation. The story drags a little in the middle, and it felt like more could be done to move away from the tropes of a protagonist with aspergers.

Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

adventurous lighthearted relaxing

4.75

Absolutely adored the the enchanting world and romance it conjures up.