Take a photo of a barcode or cover
paperbacksandsketchbooks's reviews
391 reviews
Queens of Spells and Stone by Katerina Stevens
Did not finish book. Stopped at 20%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 20%.
Really wanted to like this one and I'll probably give it another chance later. I'm a bit confused on the timeline. There seems to be modern language but the setting seems ancient? I can't really tell. The writing is pretty good, though and I can sense some big thing coming, but unfortunately the story isn't holding my interest enough right now.
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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? It's complicated
4.5
I'm so glad I read this! The writing, the storytelling, the world building, the action, the characters, the emotion - all beautifully done!
I will admit I was a tad lost at the beginning with the small science and the world, but while continuing the story, I think I have a handle on it. I'm not super confident in my ability to summarize what the small science encompasses, but I was vibing with this book and that's all that matters π
I really liked Alina. Her character development in this book was great. Embracing her light was badass and seeing her go from this not super confident girl to this Grisha sun summoner was so cool.
The Darkling!! Oh man, there's some conflicting feelings there. The slow burn enemies to lovers thing that was kind of happening with Alina was making me all excited but THEN HE HAD TO BE LIKE THAT??? Blatantly using her for her power?! Men smh.
Mal has my heart. He better not betray me (or Alina). He was making me mad for part of this book, though. I forgave him eventually (I think).
Can we talk about this Little Palace? I loved that setting. We met some interesting characters there. I still don't completely trust all of them. The Apparat is creepy af. Marie and her friend (can't remember the name) seem two faced. I wonder if we'll see any of these side characters in larger roles in the next books?
Overall, amazing story. Leigh Bardugo really has a way with words. I loved how this book was laid out. I have so many questions. Onto the next one!
I will admit I was a tad lost at the beginning with the small science and the world, but while continuing the story, I think I have a handle on it. I'm not super confident in my ability to summarize what the small science encompasses, but I was vibing with this book and that's all that matters π
I really liked Alina. Her character development in this book was great. Embracing her light was badass and seeing her go from this not super confident girl to this Grisha sun summoner was so cool.
The Darkling!! Oh man, there's some conflicting feelings there. The slow burn enemies to lovers thing that was kind of happening with Alina was making me all excited but THEN HE HAD TO BE LIKE THAT??? Blatantly using her for her power?! Men smh.
Mal has my heart. He better not betray me (or Alina). He was making me mad for part of this book, though. I forgave him eventually (I think).
Can we talk about this Little Palace? I loved that setting. We met some interesting characters there. I still don't completely trust all of them. The Apparat is creepy af. Marie and her friend (can't remember the name) seem two faced. I wonder if we'll see any of these side characters in larger roles in the next books?
Overall, amazing story. Leigh Bardugo really has a way with words. I loved how this book was laid out. I have so many questions. Onto the next one!
Gone by Lisa Gardner
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was a good installment to the series, but it was lacking the oomph the previous books had.
I found this story to be sort of choppy. It didn't always flow as nicely as it could have.
The book includes the creepy kid trope, which I am not a huge fan of. I learned to like the kid, Dougie, and I did feel bad for his situation and ultimate danger he was put in - but I still was not vibing with this plot.
As soon as the book started, I had an iffy feeling about it because one of our main character's, Rainie, ends up being the victim of a kidnapping. The story follows her trying to escape and the Oregon State Police (and Quincy of course) trying to find her. The storyline sort of worked. I'm not big into police procedural books like this placing main characters (who are law enforcement) into perilous situations like this. It lacked the big suspense factor.
I do see how this book is pertinent for Rainie's character development, though, and I see this setting the stage to make Kimberly and Mac more present in the next books.
Overall, still good - just not great. I will still be continuing the series!
I found this story to be sort of choppy. It didn't always flow as nicely as it could have.
The book includes the creepy kid trope, which I am not a huge fan of. I learned to like the kid, Dougie, and I did feel bad for his situation and ultimate danger he was put in - but I still was not vibing with this plot.
As soon as the book started, I had an iffy feeling about it because one of our main character's, Rainie, ends up being the victim of a kidnapping. The story follows her trying to escape and the Oregon State Police (and Quincy of course) trying to find her. The storyline sort of worked. I'm not big into police procedural books like this placing main characters (who are law enforcement) into perilous situations like this. It lacked the big suspense factor.
I do see how this book is pertinent for Rainie's character development, though, and I see this setting the stage to make Kimberly and Mac more present in the next books.
Overall, still good - just not great. I will still be continuing the series!
The Fall Risk by Abby Jimenez
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This was so good! In true Abby Jimenez fashion, there was a lot of depth to this story. And for being a short story, it felt well developed and there weren't any missing pieces.
I loved our characters Charlotte and Seth. We learned so much about them in such a short amount of time. I even loved the side characters.
If you're a fan of Abby Jimenez, you'll definitely enjoy this story. It had so many cute moments.
I loved our characters Charlotte and Seth. We learned so much about them in such a short amount of time. I even loved the side characters.
If you're a fan of Abby Jimenez, you'll definitely enjoy this story. It had so many cute moments.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Stalking
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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? No
5.0
I love Henry and Alex so much!! I really have no words other than this was such a sweet story.
Who Invited The Demon To Tea? by Marilu Moser
funny
lighthearted
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? No
5.0
I absolutely loved this book! Everything about it was entertaining. The characters were fantastic and the plot is great! Such a cool concept for a story and it was executed perfectly.
I loved our FMC Davina. She's so funny and relatable. I loved her internal thoughts! Wish I could be bff's with her π€£
Mendax was such a gentleman. I adored the progression of his and Davina's relationship, going from strangers to friends to fake dating to lovers. Such a whirlwind yet so fun to watch this relationship grow!
This book also delivers on the spice, if that's your jam.
Overall, this was a lighthearted, entertaining romance featuring demons and lots of tea. If you love a good rom-com, you'll enjoy this book!
I loved our FMC Davina. She's so funny and relatable. I loved her internal thoughts! Wish I could be bff's with her π€£
Mendax was such a gentleman. I adored the progression of his and Davina's relationship, going from strangers to friends to fake dating to lovers. Such a whirlwind yet so fun to watch this relationship grow!
This book also delivers on the spice, if that's your jam.
Overall, this was a lighthearted, entertaining romance featuring demons and lots of tea. If you love a good rom-com, you'll enjoy this book!
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
Did not finish book. Stopped at 55%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 55%.
Soft dnf for now.... not in the mood/ really don't care for these characters that much.
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I had no idea what was coming but I was not expecting THAT. π€―
This book is so much heavier and darker and bloodier than the previous books. It will pull on your heartstrings and make you feel angry for what's happening to our characters. It will also make you want revenge on certain people π€
All that said, while there are some things about this book that I didn't love, I still think it was a solid conclusion to the trilogy. We found out what happened to our main characters and Panem. Which, what more could I ask for?
If you love dystopian novels, young adult fantasy, sci-fi, anything of the like, you are bound to enjoy The Hunger Games! I had so much fun reading these books. And now it's time to move onto the prequel!
This book is so much heavier and darker and bloodier than the previous books. It will pull on your heartstrings and make you feel angry for what's happening to our characters. It will also make you want revenge on certain people π€
All that said, while there are some things about this book that I didn't love, I still think it was a solid conclusion to the trilogy. We found out what happened to our main characters and Panem. Which, what more could I ask for?
If you love dystopian novels, young adult fantasy, sci-fi, anything of the like, you are bound to enjoy The Hunger Games! I had so much fun reading these books. And now it's time to move onto the prequel!
Trust Issues: A Novel by Greg Wands, Elizabeth McCullough Keenan
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This book was a rollercoaster. I had no idea what to expect other than a con artist and murder. It delivered on that front, but the ending left me wanting more.
I absolutely loved the character dynamics in this book. Siblings Kagan and Hazel truly got on like brother and sister, and their interactions were so entertaining.
The introduction of Ava was interesting. She was a mysterious character added to the mix later on in the story, and her purpose seemed to be to progress the story. I liked her, but I felt like we could have gotten some more depth to her like we did Kagan and Hazel.
Perry is a whole other can of worms. He is the con artist, and the book ends up following the siblings on their chase to find him and end his con artist ways. They basically want revenge on him for all the terrible things he has done - like kill some of their family members.
The ending of this book was very underwhelming. I was expecting some big thing to happen or blow up in someone's face, but we didn't get that. It was kind of a let down, to be honest.
I'm not really sure what genre I would classify this as. This was a very character driven novel and was entertaining for the most part. It had the revenge theme and leaned into the mystery of Perry, but I don't think I would classify this as a thriller. Mystery seems like the obvious genre, but there's just something about this book that gives me pause to classify it as that.
Overall, entertaining read but falls flat at the end. If you're looking for a purely character driven novel with a side of mystery and a need for revenge, this book is for you.
This book was a rollercoaster. I had no idea what to expect other than a con artist and murder. It delivered on that front, but the ending left me wanting more.
I absolutely loved the character dynamics in this book. Siblings Kagan and Hazel truly got on like brother and sister, and their interactions were so entertaining.
The introduction of Ava was interesting. She was a mysterious character added to the mix later on in the story, and her purpose seemed to be to progress the story. I liked her, but I felt like we could have gotten some more depth to her like we did Kagan and Hazel.
Perry is a whole other can of worms. He is the con artist, and the book ends up following the siblings on their chase to find him and end his con artist ways. They basically want revenge on him for all the terrible things he has done - like kill some of their family members.
The ending of this book was very underwhelming. I was expecting some big thing to happen or blow up in someone's face, but we didn't get that. It was kind of a let down, to be honest.
I'm not really sure what genre I would classify this as. This was a very character driven novel and was entertaining for the most part. It had the revenge theme and leaned into the mystery of Perry, but I don't think I would classify this as a thriller. Mystery seems like the obvious genre, but there's just something about this book that gives me pause to classify it as that.
Overall, entertaining read but falls flat at the end. If you're looking for a purely character driven novel with a side of mystery and a need for revenge, this book is for you.
Bad Honey by Aubrey Taylor
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- 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
I have seen so much love for this book on instagram and I can see why people enjoy it so much!
This is a heavy read at times. It covers grief, guilt, addiction, abusive households... it's not for the faint of heart.
I really like our main characters Ella and Arlo. There was enough backstory given for them for me to understand why they act the way they do. The author's depticion of Ella's panic attacks was very respectful and in no way romanticized her mental health. I appreciated that when Arlo was around for a panic attack, he was just *there* with her, reminding her it will pass.
Side character Cael is probably my favorite character in this book, though. He was a mess, but a real mess. And I mean "real" like real life, not a fictional book kind of mess. His mental health and struggle with addiction was also displayed in a very respectful way. Points to the author for doing research and caring about these characters π«Άπ»
I found some parts of this story to be a bit clunky, and some scenes went on for more than was necessary imo. I also found the explanation of some character relationships to be vague, which left me wondering how each person connects to each other.
Overall, this was a very emotional read with an emphasis on found family. It's not for the faint of heart, and if you're looking for a lighthearted romance, you won't find it here. But if you want to feel something and have your heart ripped out and contemplate life, this book is for you!
This is a heavy read at times. It covers grief, guilt, addiction, abusive households... it's not for the faint of heart.
I really like our main characters Ella and Arlo. There was enough backstory given for them for me to understand why they act the way they do. The author's depticion of Ella's panic attacks was very respectful and in no way romanticized her mental health. I appreciated that when Arlo was around for a panic attack, he was just *there* with her, reminding her it will pass.
Side character Cael is probably my favorite character in this book, though. He was a mess, but a real mess. And I mean "real" like real life, not a fictional book kind of mess. His mental health and struggle with addiction was also displayed in a very respectful way. Points to the author for doing research and caring about these characters π«Άπ»
I found some parts of this story to be a bit clunky, and some scenes went on for more than was necessary imo. I also found the explanation of some character relationships to be vague, which left me wondering how each person connects to each other.
Overall, this was a very emotional read with an emphasis on found family. It's not for the faint of heart, and if you're looking for a lighthearted romance, you won't find it here. But if you want to feel something and have your heart ripped out and contemplate life, this book is for you!