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palmsygal's reviews
91 reviews
If He Had Been with Me by Laura Nowlin
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
The Stowaway by Darren Wearmouth, James Murray
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
First book of 2024, and what a brilliant one to start with! Gruesome in some parts, excellent characters with varying backgrounds, and with a killer (no pun intended) plot.
I believe you truly feel the frustration and mystery of the case and you really resonate with all of Maria’s thoughts and feelings throughout. These authors did a brilliant job at conveying them and an ever more brilliant job at getting the reader to feel so much too.
It’s also worth noting that the majority of this novel was set on a cruise ship, which I thought was very interesting and I love the way they made this a part of the book!
The epilogue kinda hinted at a sequel and I would be lying if I said I wouldn’t be EXTREMELY eager to read such a novel if it ever becomes real. Overall, this was such a great book to start the year with and I’m itching to pick up another Murray and Wearmouth novel!
You think figuring out who the killer is would be the plot twist/spoiler, but that ending with Maria’s verdict was amazing! For the trauma she put herself through with revealing the verdict publicly, I really didn’t expect it all to be a farce…
I believe you truly feel the frustration and mystery of the case and you really resonate with all of Maria’s thoughts and feelings throughout. These authors did a brilliant job at conveying them and an ever more brilliant job at getting the reader to feel so much too.
It’s also worth noting that the majority of this novel was set on a cruise ship, which I thought was very interesting and I love the way they made this a part of the book!
The epilogue kinda hinted at a sequel and I would be lying if I said I wouldn’t be EXTREMELY eager to read such a novel if it ever becomes real. Overall, this was such a great book to start the year with and I’m itching to pick up another Murray and Wearmouth novel!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Gore, Murder, Kidnapping, and Violence
Pop Star by Eden Finley
Did not finish book. Stopped at 60%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 60%.
I tried so hard not to have any DNFs this year, and I love a lot of Eden Finley’s work. However, this was too fast-paced and the ‘chemistry’ between the leads was rushed, making it appear non-existent. I just wasn’t enjoying it as much as I wanted to.
Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin
emotional
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
The writing within this book was remarkable. Its style really is beautiful, I could not stop saying to myself how gorgeous it was, and the story had me engaged the whole time.
While the plot had its sad times (yes, I cried a lot), the characters within this book each had their own good and bad points that really made you relate to them in multiple ways.
Giovanni’s character was heartbreaking and the only ‘negative’ I could give this book would be that I would have loved to have been able to read the story from his whole POV as well.
Baldwin went above and beyond in creating a story exploring the various layers of homosexuality and queer desire, and, within, highlighted many issues regarding stigma, racism and shame.
While the plot had its sad times (yes, I cried a lot), the characters within this book each had their own good and bad points that really made you relate to them in multiple ways.
Giovanni’s character was heartbreaking and the only ‘negative’ I could give this book would be that I would have loved to have been able to read the story from his whole POV as well.
Baldwin went above and beyond in creating a story exploring the various layers of homosexuality and queer desire, and, within, highlighted many issues regarding stigma, racism and shame.
All That's Left in the World by Erik J. Brown
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
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
4.5
Don't Let Her Stay by Nicola Sanders
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
I was recommended this book by a friend of mine and I am so thankful for it - I loved this book!
The twists and the plot in general were brilliant, and had you second guessing and trying to investigate all the little details and hidden moments, which I adored.
That ENDING though, WOW. That is all I will say on that matter, and would definitely recommend anyone read this book to find out more.
The twists and the plot in general were brilliant, and had you second guessing and trying to investigate all the little details and hidden moments, which I adored.
That ENDING though, WOW. That is all I will say on that matter, and would definitely recommend anyone read this book to find out more.