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patricktreads's reviews
47 reviews
Wildblood by Lauren Blackwood
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Wild blood was broody, dark, aggressive and deep. However it was a struggle for me to get through. While it was a very good story, I am not saying it was bad, I think it was a lot more……descriptive in the situations than what I am normally comfortable with. This applies to the description of things such as an “SA”, an animal death, and some aggressive violence situations. I still think the story was good, but it was hard for me personally to get through.
The narrator did really well, but even on normal speed it was extremely fast. Just make sure to really pay attention if you are listening to the audio.
Special thanks to netgalley and the publisher for letting me listen to the audio arc for this review.
The narrator did really well, but even on normal speed it was extremely fast. Just make sure to really pay attention if you are listening to the audio.
Special thanks to netgalley and the publisher for letting me listen to the audio arc for this review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Death, Grief, Toxic relationship, Sexual content, Animal death, Blood, Bullying, Colonisation, Genocide, Gore, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual assault, Alcohol, Medical content, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Physical abuse, Sexism, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Violence, Slavery, and Sexual violence
Infamous by Lex Croucher
adventurous
challenging
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I was very excited bout this work because I had recently read a lot of period romance pieces. However, something about the vibes in this book just felt off. I did think the writing was well done, but I genuinely hated many of the characters, one of which being a main character.
I feel like if a few of the romance elements had been changed, it plus have been a lot better for my vibes.
Even with that I think the narrator did an absolutely amazing job in the performance of the work. All of the voices were uniquely done, an the dramatization was superb.
In the end I gave this a 3 stars, and I would like to thank NetGalley n the publisher for this audio arc
I feel like if a few of the romance elements had been changed, it plus have been a lot better for my vibes.
Even with that I think the narrator did an absolutely amazing job in the performance of the work. All of the voices were uniquely done, an the dramatization was superb.
In the end I gave this a 3 stars, and I would like to thank NetGalley n the publisher for this audio arc
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Gaslighting, Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Lesbophobia, Alcohol, Cursing, Death, Infidelity, Biphobia, Bullying, Classism, and Toxic friendship
Promise Boys by Nick Brooks
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
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? Yes
5.0
Promise Boys is Pretty Little Liars, but better. This story is a dark who done it set to very current issues and situations that many young people, especially people of color deal with on a daily basis. From racism to false allegations and even automatic wrong doing assumptions, it is all there.
I give the story itself a full 5 out of 5, and the audio book I give a 10 out of 5. The production put into it was outstanding, and the full cast knocked it out of the park.
The only part I didn't like was that I didn't know it was going to be a series. That cliffhanger!!! Oh my goodness! Read it. You won't be disappointed.
I give the story itself a full 5 out of 5, and the audio book I give a 10 out of 5. The production put into it was outstanding, and the full cast knocked it out of the park.
The only part I didn't like was that I didn't know it was going to be a series. That cliffhanger!!! Oh my goodness! Read it. You won't be disappointed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcohol, Death, Abandonment, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Murder, Racism, Toxic relationship, Bullying, Classism, Cursing, Misogyny, Stalking, Gaslighting, and Gun violence
Blood Debts by Terry J. Benton-Walker
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Blood Debts I went into knowing nothing about it other than it was a YA story that had magic. I was BLOWN away by the intricacies of the story, the magic system and the magical factions that our characters come from. It is a very dark story, but in the best way. The writing was smooth and very easy to follow, but at the same time it was still complex with plenty of detailing to keep the story intriguing and moving.
The arc I received (special thanks to the publisher and Netgalley) was an audio edition of the book. The narration was done amazingly, and I think the production was pretty spot on to how well it was also written. I really hope that in the next book, the same narration and production team are used to keep that same stellar performance going.
The arc I received (special thanks to the publisher and Netgalley) was an audio edition of the book. The narration was done amazingly, and I think the production was pretty spot on to how well it was also written. I really hope that in the next book, the same narration and production team are used to keep that same stellar performance going.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Body horror, Gaslighting, Grief, Murder, Death, Drug use, Racism, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Injury/Injury detail, Chronic illness, Abandonment, Bullying, Classism, and Death of parent
For Lamb by Lesa Cline-Ransome
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
For Lamb was an intense journey of Lamb and and their family as they traverse living in Mississippi during the era of segregation. I was amazed at how the author wove together the stories of the time as well as used actual individuals to give a way to attempt telling their stories that have been lost to time.
I think this an important work for people to read because of the historical context. The writing style was also done so well.
In terms of the audio book, I loved the aspect of not only the multi POVs, but the fact that multiple voice actors were used to tell the story. It really helped to fully immerse myself when listening.
High recommend.
I think this an important work for people to read because of the historical context. The writing style was also done so well.
In terms of the audio book, I loved the aspect of not only the multi POVs, but the fact that multiple voice actors were used to tell the story. It really helped to fully immerse myself when listening.
High recommend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Slavery, Alcohol, Hate crime, Racism, Emotional abuse, Grief, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Police brutality, Racial slurs, Toxic relationship, Violence, Biphobia, and Child abuse
Where Darkness Blooms by Andrea Hannah
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
4.0
Where Darkness Blooms is a dark fiction story based in the town of Bishop. It is surrounded in mystery and turmoil. Every few years women go missing or turn up dead. Now the younger women are left, and they are starting to go missing, and they are the final generation.
I didn't realize going into this exactly how dark it would end up being. I knew it would be semi dark, but it ended up being way more intense. However, it did truly keep me on the edge of my seat. I would absolutely recommend this to those interested in dark thrillers, but please absolutely check the trigger warnings. I kind of wish content warnings were given at the beginning. I feel it would help more readers be more away going in to make the reading experience easier.
My arc (courtesy of NetGalley/Wednesday Books) was an audio, and I greatly enjoyed consuming the work in that way. In regards to the audio portion, I only really had one critique. I wish that at the beginning of the new chapters the character POV name would be given to help with keeping track of the character switches.
I didn't realize going into this exactly how dark it would end up being. I knew it would be semi dark, but it ended up being way more intense. However, it did truly keep me on the edge of my seat. I would absolutely recommend this to those interested in dark thrillers, but please absolutely check the trigger warnings. I kind of wish content warnings were given at the beginning. I feel it would help more readers be more away going in to make the reading experience easier.
My arc (courtesy of NetGalley/Wednesday Books) was an audio, and I greatly enjoyed consuming the work in that way. In regards to the audio portion, I only really had one critique. I wish that at the beginning of the new chapters the character POV name would be given to help with keeping track of the character switches.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Bullying, Cursing, Grief, Kidnapping, Medical content, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Death of parent, Stalking, Body horror, Gaslighting, Animal death, Body shaming, Gore, Medical trauma, Misogyny, Murder, Alcohol, Blood, Child death, Colonisation, Death, Rape, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Hillbilly Queer: A Memoir by J. R. Jamison
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
2.25
I was really excited to get into this book. As someone who had to grow up as an LGBTQ+ person in the south, in well "hillbilly country", I thought I would have a really big connection with it. Unfortunately, it was not like that.
At first the references to Trump were just like part of the period. The references were about the time period just before the 2016 elections. However, as the book continued the references became more prevalent. The author complained about people constantly calling him a Trumper sympathizer, and I can really understand where they were coming from. From the way the work was written, I felt as though I was constantly being pushed to try to understand the "other side", and was made to feel like I was in the wrong for not agreeing with someone and a political side that would rather me dead or worse.
I understand that not all conservative leaning individuals hold the same extreme beliefs that most do, but at this period, I and others can't afford to attempt reasoning with many conservatives. While not all are unsafe we don't all have the privilege of taking the chance on who this safe people are.
I hope everyone please notes content and trigger warnings from other reviewers as there are not many preceding the book, and non for the audio.
At first the references to Trump were just like part of the period. The references were about the time period just before the 2016 elections. However, as the book continued the references became more prevalent. The author complained about people constantly calling him a Trumper sympathizer, and I can really understand where they were coming from. From the way the work was written, I felt as though I was constantly being pushed to try to understand the "other side", and was made to feel like I was in the wrong for not agreeing with someone and a political side that would rather me dead or worse.
I understand that not all conservative leaning individuals hold the same extreme beliefs that most do, but at this period, I and others can't afford to attempt reasoning with many conservatives. While not all are unsafe we don't all have the privilege of taking the chance on who this safe people are.
I hope everyone please notes content and trigger warnings from other reviewers as there are not many preceding the book, and non for the audio.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Outing, Bullying, Classism, Cultural appropriation, Cursing, Death, Terminal illness, Death of parent, Alcoholism, Abandonment, Gaslighting, Toxic relationship, Racial slurs, Biphobia, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual content, Alcohol, Racism, Hate crime, Homophobia, and Sexual assault
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
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
4.75
Divine Rivals is a Romeo and Juliet with a bit of a period historical war and bit of fantasy mixed into it. It was a bit of a slow start, but I expected a little of that with this being this first in a multi book series. There was a lot of world building, and revealing of the magical systems.
Normally period pieces don't work well for me, but Ross wrote in a way that just had that hook. It could have been the magically in the time piece or possibly the journalism and writer aspect of things. Etiher way it just worked and I absolutely can't wait until the next one.
Normally period pieces don't work well for me, but Ross wrote in a way that just had that hook. It could have been the magically in the time piece or possibly the journalism and writer aspect of things. Etiher way it just worked and I absolutely can't wait until the next one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Gaslighting, Blood, Classism, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Body horror, Kidnapping, Sexual content, Violence, and Slavery
My Dear Henry: A Jekyll & Hyde Remix by Kalynn Bayron
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
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
4.5
Ok, first off I would like to say that I think this is one of my favorite books that I have read by Kalynn Bayron. I love her others, but this one just really connected with me. This was also the second retelling that I read in this retold classics series .
This retelling was very dark and told in a time period where being not only LGBTQ+ was considered wrong, but also the color of both the main protagonists skin. Using both of those factors worked well in telling the story and the why the Jekyll/Hyde character was subject to what they were in the story.
I honestly never thought a love between this story would be as intense as it was. I was hooked from the very beginning.
The narrator did an outstanding job of encompassing the characters, and their tone and delivery was chefs kiss. I would absolutely read future works read by them, and I will absolutely be reading the next retold classic in this series.
This retelling was very dark and told in a time period where being not only LGBTQ+ was considered wrong, but also the color of both the main protagonists skin. Using both of those factors worked well in telling the story and the why the Jekyll/Hyde character was subject to what they were in the story.
I honestly never thought a love between this story would be as intense as it was. I was hooked from the very beginning.
The narrator did an outstanding job of encompassing the characters, and their tone and delivery was chefs kiss. I would absolutely read future works read by them, and I will absolutely be reading the next retold classic in this series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Hate crime, Outing, Physical abuse, Police brutality, Toxic relationship, Biphobia, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Racism, Bullying, Death, Cursing, Gaslighting, Sexual content, Toxic friendship, Classism, and Alcohol
Begin Again by Emma Lord
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Begin Again was absolutely the adorable New Adult rom com that I hoped it would be. While at first the Main character annoyed me, the rest of the main ensemble really pulled me into the semester. It wasn't super intense, and pieces were predictable, but the story over all just felt good which is something that is needed especially in winter months. I also think the narrator really did their job pulling you into the storm.
I don't know that I would read it again right away, but it has potential to be a cozy reread in the future.
I don't know that I would read it again right away, but it has potential to be a cozy reread in the future.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Toxic relationship, Cursing, and Grief