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path_through_pages's reviews
173 reviews
John Dies at the End by David Wong
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I'm really 50/50 with this book, and to be honest I did a speed read of the last half.
Pros:
- The title and concept were great
- The author's intro was hilarious
- A chaotic fever dream of a story where stuff was simply always happening
- trauma filled nightmare dreamscape of a book
Cons:
- there were times where it REALLY felt like the author was trying too hard to be edgy.
- there were moments where the irreverent humor was perfect and hilarious and other times where it felt like the author needed to slapstick throw something in there for the sake of shock value.
- I read the newly published 2021 version. The frequent and repeated use of the R word just seemed juvenile and distasteful. There was literally no reason why they couldn't have made an edit in this new version. It really did nothing to keep it in the story and it kept being used more and more frequently which started to give me the ick.
- Genuinely feel like this book could have been half the length because it just started feeling repetitive in its chaos.
I have several other books from this author/universe so I am hopeful they will build and turn into something great.
But honestly I don't think I'll ever have a desire to pick this one up again.
Pros:
- The title and concept were great
- The author's intro was hilarious
- A chaotic fever dream of a story where stuff was simply always happening
- trauma filled nightmare dreamscape of a book
Cons:
- there were times where it REALLY felt like the author was trying too hard to be edgy.
- there were moments where the irreverent humor was perfect and hilarious and other times where it felt like the author needed to slapstick throw something in there for the sake of shock value.
- I read the newly published 2021 version. The frequent and repeated use of the R word just seemed juvenile and distasteful. There was literally no reason why they couldn't have made an edit in this new version. It really did nothing to keep it in the story and it kept being used more and more frequently which started to give me the ick.
- Genuinely feel like this book could have been half the length because it just started feeling repetitive in its chaos.
I have several other books from this author/universe so I am hopeful they will build and turn into something great.
But honestly I don't think I'll ever have a desire to pick this one up again.
The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
If pick a struggle was a book it would be this freaking book.
Not a single MC in all the POVs could catch a freaking break.
Oh, just going to collect this escaped prisoner? Psych! Here's a troll testicle to the face! (Also, why did the author feel the need to emphasize the troll testicles so much? We get it.. they're big...)
On our way to solve a side quest to get us some coin? Well here is a monster mining expedition and chain gang!
Time to sail my little boat down the river in search of my vengeance? Nevermind because here's a water spike boy out here eating your homies!
Oh and then a dragon, whatever just toss that in there.
This book was exhausting.
Also randomly the author would emphasize unnecessary details in a way that didn't feel super organic.
Not a single MC in all the POVs could catch a freaking break.
Oh, just going to collect this escaped prisoner? Psych! Here's a troll testicle to the face! (Also, why did the author feel the need to emphasize the troll testicles so much? We get it.. they're big...)
On our way to solve a side quest to get us some coin? Well here is a monster mining expedition and chain gang!
Time to sail my little boat down the river in search of my vengeance? Nevermind because here's a water spike boy out here eating your homies!
Oh and then a dragon, whatever just toss that in there.
This book was exhausting.
Also randomly the author would emphasize unnecessary details in a way that didn't feel super organic.
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
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
4.0
This was a genuinely fun and enjoyable read!
Clearly written, good descriptors and easy to follow. Something super easy to get through which I really appreciated!
It has all the cornerstones of a good mystery without trying to bog down the reader with frivolous complications.
I wouldn't say it was a life changing mystery that kept me guessing, but that didn't mean it wasn't enjoyable.
I was able to get a good idea of the 'bad guy' easy enough, but I was really along for the ride so that didn't matter too much.
Overall a fun read!
I will also say, it was so incredibly refreshing to read about the main characters parents. So often parents are depicted as abusive or dysfunctional. Pip had simply amazing parents and her dad was a sideline star, I both appreciated and thoroughly enjoyed this part of the character building.
(And no main character pregnancy tropes which is always a plus).
Clearly written, good descriptors and easy to follow. Something super easy to get through which I really appreciated!
It has all the cornerstones of a good mystery without trying to bog down the reader with frivolous complications.
I wouldn't say it was a life changing mystery that kept me guessing, but that didn't mean it wasn't enjoyable.
I was able to get a good idea of the 'bad guy' easy enough, but I was really along for the ride so that didn't matter too much.
Overall a fun read!
I will also say, it was so incredibly refreshing to read about the main characters parents. So often parents are depicted as abusive or dysfunctional. Pip had simply amazing parents and her dad was a sideline star, I both appreciated and thoroughly enjoyed this part of the character building.
(And no main character pregnancy tropes which is always a plus).
The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
This FREAKING BOOK! OMG! The ending has me shooketh... There was so much happening in this book that you didn't even have the psychological bandwidth to try and predict what was going to happen next.
The heading at the top of page 572? Yeah fuck you dude.... The way I audibly just gasped...
Ugh anyway where TF is book 3.
To quote Michal Scott 'I am ready to get hurt again'
P.s. Literally the only reason this isn't a straight 5 stars is because I still don't like that the only female main character has to be romantically attached to the first guy that was nice to her. I know they acknowledge this and I know their relationship serves a purpose but beyond that I'm still annoyed. I feel like so many authors diminish the value of platonic soulmates and we need more of that relationship bonding with female main characters and not forcing them into romance.
The heading at the top of page 572? Yeah fuck you dude.... The way I audibly just gasped...
Ugh anyway where TF is book 3.
To quote Michal Scott 'I am ready to get hurt again'
P.s. Literally the only reason this isn't a straight 5 stars is because I still don't like that the only female main character has to be romantically attached to the first guy that was nice to her. I know they acknowledge this and I know their relationship serves a purpose but beyond that I'm still annoyed. I feel like so many authors diminish the value of platonic soulmates and we need more of that relationship bonding with female main characters and not forcing them into romance.
Strike the Zither by Joan He
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I genuinely enjoyed this book.
It was a bit difficult to get into largely because you sort of existed inside the main characters head. There was both external and internal dialogue and the internal dialogue did not have quotations and sometimes was not clearly defined, but once you picked up the flow it ended up being quite the enjoyable read!
The first half of the book you're working through the perspective of an incredibly intelligent and egotistical military strategist.
But in the second half things take a turn for the fantastical. Diving into God's and myth in a truly unique way! The story started bringing in touches of humor which was also extremely welcome given the strategy and character heavy subject matter.
I currently have the ARC for the sequel so I'm excited to see where it goes!
And as always I'm happy to say there was no MC pregnancy tropes, just lots of dynamic female characters!
It was a bit difficult to get into largely because you sort of existed inside the main characters head. There was both external and internal dialogue and the internal dialogue did not have quotations and sometimes was not clearly defined, but once you picked up the flow it ended up being quite the enjoyable read!
The first half of the book you're working through the perspective of an incredibly intelligent and egotistical military strategist.
But in the second half things take a turn for the fantastical. Diving into God's and myth in a truly unique way! The story started bringing in touches of humor which was also extremely welcome given the strategy and character heavy subject matter.
I currently have the ARC for the sequel so I'm excited to see where it goes!
And as always I'm happy to say there was no MC pregnancy tropes, just lots of dynamic female characters!
Bad Dolls by Rachel Harrison
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I have been off and on reading Bad Dolls for a few months now. It's been one of those e-books that whenever I have a spare moment while running errands or waiting for appointments I go back to.
I finally finished and I have to say I enjoyed every story!
Rachel Harrison has this ability to create relatable horror that I never knew I needed.
It isn't scary but it's relatable and unsettling which I love. It's the future of creepy campfire stories. The kind of stories that many of us actively live with.
For sure recommend Bad Dolls for some light creepy reading!
I finally finished and I have to say I enjoyed every story!
Rachel Harrison has this ability to create relatable horror that I never knew I needed.
It isn't scary but it's relatable and unsettling which I love. It's the future of creepy campfire stories. The kind of stories that many of us actively live with.
For sure recommend Bad Dolls for some light creepy reading!
Universe Within by Genna Pfister, Genna Pfister
adventurous
dark
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
2.75
Universe Within is a truly unique story. The use of hallucinogens to open our consciousness in order to connect to the universe on a higher spiritual plane.
Main Characters:
Stella: a highschool teacher struggling with the recent and unexpected death of her husband. Processing her grief and anxieties, who then starts taking a new drug (proscribed by her therapist) which is essentially micro dosing mushrooms.
Andrew: a wildly successful and handsome scientist who leaves corporate America in New York to go back to his childhood home after smoking some marijuana laced with LSD and having a vision.
Ali: a beautiful and charismatic alien trying to save her people.
Trigger warning: Mention of TTC (trying to conceive) - this book was generously gifted and I wasn't aware this it would be mentioned but I wanted to give y'all a heads up. Potentially not tokophobia friendly
Pros:
- The authors dialogue between characters is really quite good, the conversations feel natural and they flow really well, that's where the story really holds is in the dialogue.
- The universe the author created was unique.
- The concept behind the aliens was well thought out and intriguing.
- The platonic relationships were well constructed.
- Stella and Ali's interactions felt very natural. Their characters feel well developed and have a more realistic depth that I really appreciated.
Cons (in my opinion):
- some issues with descriptions and setting the scene. (Ex. I had no idea Andrews childhood home was on an island until he was leaving it on the ferry. He says the view is beautiful but there is no description of it.)
- Quick jumps between related scenes but the author doesn't set you up for the change so you often have to take a minute to re-align yourself so you can picture the story.
- Also how the author is trying to connect the present to the past is good but the flow feels a tad disjointed when it comes to Andrew's POV.
- The punctuation is harsh while reading. It almost feel likes you're reading a list of bullet points.
- Andrew also said he could retire at 35 but the author doesn't elaborate in the moment so you kind of sit there asking yourself how?
- Andrew has two siblings but the house left by his parents remained vacant which seems odd, some details here would have also been good.
- Andrew also seems way too quick to believe that a hallucination he had twice on LSD was real. For a scientist I would expect a lot more deductive reasonsing and investigation.
- The romance/attraction between Andrew and Stella felt really unnecessary. Her husband only passed a few months ago and the minute she started interacting with Andrew and having this reaction to him I started feeling alienated (no pun intended) from her. Her grief and love for James felt so genuine and I was really able to connect with her until this.
Overall the premise, concept, characters, and story were all quite good! I just mainly held issue with the relationship dynamic, and some of the authors writing construction.
Main Characters:
Stella: a highschool teacher struggling with the recent and unexpected death of her husband. Processing her grief and anxieties, who then starts taking a new drug (proscribed by her therapist) which is essentially micro dosing mushrooms.
Andrew: a wildly successful and handsome scientist who leaves corporate America in New York to go back to his childhood home after smoking some marijuana laced with LSD and having a vision.
Ali: a beautiful and charismatic alien trying to save her people.
Trigger warning: Mention of TTC (trying to conceive) - this book was generously gifted and I wasn't aware this it would be mentioned but I wanted to give y'all a heads up. Potentially not tokophobia friendly
Pros:
- The authors dialogue between characters is really quite good, the conversations feel natural and they flow really well, that's where the story really holds is in the dialogue.
- The universe the author created was unique.
- The concept behind the aliens was well thought out and intriguing.
- The platonic relationships were well constructed.
- Stella and Ali's interactions felt very natural. Their characters feel well developed and have a more realistic depth that I really appreciated.
Cons (in my opinion):
- some issues with descriptions and setting the scene. (Ex. I had no idea Andrews childhood home was on an island until he was leaving it on the ferry. He says the view is beautiful but there is no description of it.)
- Quick jumps between related scenes but the author doesn't set you up for the change so you often have to take a minute to re-align yourself so you can picture the story.
- Also how the author is trying to connect the present to the past is good but the flow feels a tad disjointed when it comes to Andrew's POV.
- The punctuation is harsh while reading. It almost feel likes you're reading a list of bullet points.
- Andrew also said he could retire at 35 but the author doesn't elaborate in the moment so you kind of sit there asking yourself how?
- Andrew has two siblings but the house left by his parents remained vacant which seems odd, some details here would have also been good.
- Andrew also seems way too quick to believe that a hallucination he had twice on LSD was real. For a scientist I would expect a lot more deductive reasonsing and investigation.
- The romance/attraction between Andrew and Stella felt really unnecessary. Her husband only passed a few months ago and the minute she started interacting with Andrew and having this reaction to him I started feeling alienated (no pun intended) from her. Her grief and love for James felt so genuine and I was really able to connect with her until this.
Overall the premise, concept, characters, and story were all quite good! I just mainly held issue with the relationship dynamic, and some of the authors writing construction.