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patricktreads's reviews
47 reviews
We Are All So Good at Smiling by Amber McBride
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
We Are All Good at Smiling is a haunting story of two friends who lost their siblings and blame themselves for their losses. The work passes through the journey of their grief and fight to free themselves using fairytales and fantastical stories.
This was one of the first books I have read in a verse format, and while it was a little hard to get used to, once I did I loved it. The way the characters are written pulls us further into the journey without letting go. Also, as someone who has dealt with lose of friends, family, and more it was a journey that cause me to reflect on my own losses.
I think and hope that this story can help readers understand and move forward from their grief, especially the young readers that this book is targeted for. It is an absolute recommend from me.
This was one of the first books I have read in a verse format, and while it was a little hard to get used to, once I did I loved it. The way the characters are written pulls us further into the journey without letting go. Also, as someone who has dealt with lose of friends, family, and more it was a journey that cause me to reflect on my own losses.
I think and hope that this story can help readers understand and move forward from their grief, especially the young readers that this book is targeted for. It is an absolute recommend from me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Confinement, Death, Mental illness, Self harm, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Gold Spun by Brandie June
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I read a lot of retellings in 2022, and I was not expecting Rumplestilskin to be one of the top retellings. I feel like this series is extremely enticing and will make readers want to continue easily.
The narrator did an amazing job and is one of the big reasons I was sucked in so intensely.
The only thing I wish could be somehow adjusted would be the cover. I feel it is good, but could be better.
The narrator did an amazing job and is one of the big reasons I was sucked in so intensely.
The only thing I wish could be somehow adjusted would be the cover. I feel it is good, but could be better.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Death, Misogyny, Blood, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Gaslighting, and War
A Measure of Serenity by Bryan K. Prosek
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
A Measure of Serenity intense and fast past, and at some points it felt a little confusing, especially in the opening when the book first started. the middle was very fleshed out, but the end finished kind of like the beginning super fast and rushed.
I wish it had either been lengthened or turned into maybe a duology just to flesh it out more.
I wish it had either been lengthened or turned into maybe a duology just to flesh it out more.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Child death, Death, Genocide, Panic attacks/disorders, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Blood, Medical content, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Never Ever Getting Back Together by Sophie Gonzales
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
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? It's complicated
4.0
Never Ever Getting Back Together is if the Batchelor met Bisexual vengeance. It was everything,
I was not expecting to enjoy this as much as I did. I highly recommend it to fans of the traditional reality dating shows. It gives all the juicy goods while also making you fall for both of our main characters.
I also listened to this as an audio arc courtesy of NetGalley/Macmillan. The narrators were everything. At this point, I will pretty much listen to anything Natalie narrates.
I was not expecting to enjoy this as much as I did. I highly recommend it to fans of the traditional reality dating shows. It gives all the juicy goods while also making you fall for both of our main characters.
I also listened to this as an audio arc courtesy of NetGalley/Macmillan. The narrators were everything. At this point, I will pretty much listen to anything Natalie narrates.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Body shaming, Bullying, Cursing, Infidelity, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Gaslighting
Jasmine Zumideh Needs a Win by Susan Azim Boyer
challenging
tense
medium-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? Yes
3.5
Overall, I really enjoyed this read, but it wasn't my favorite book from this publisher nor was it in my tops for political themed books as I read four centered around various types of elections. It was however, a quick and easy title.
I read a lot of Wednesday books, so going into this, I had a bit higher expectations going into it. I don't want to say it was bad, because it wasn't, and it also had some very interesting representations in minority communities, this one dealing with Jasmine's Iranian background and an international incident in Iran that unfortunately causes problems for their high school presidential campaign.
I feel like had I not just read (un)popular Vote I would have enjoyed it a lot more.
I read a lot of Wednesday books, so going into this, I had a bit higher expectations going into it. I don't want to say it was bad, because it wasn't, and it also had some very interesting representations in minority communities, this one dealing with Jasmine's Iranian background and an international incident in Iran that unfortunately causes problems for their high school presidential campaign.
I feel like had I not just read (un)popular Vote I would have enjoyed it a lot more.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Gaslighting, and Toxic friendship
A Restless Truth by Freya Marske
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
mysterious
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
4.25
I have been wanting to read this series for a while now, and am super thankful for NetGalley/Macmillan allowing me an audio ARC.
I will start off with I really enjoyed this story as an individual. I was not expecting it to be different characters than the first, but I think it worked well. Even though it's a series, it now has a more anthology feel. I appreciated the growth in the two characters that had a larger role in this installment along with the new introductions. I think there are a couple of parts that could have been slightly tweaked but It was still good. I also enjoyed the certain comedic aspects spread throughout.
In regards to the narration, I think Aysha Kala did an absolutely amazing job. The voices and characters were distinct and unique, and the acting was chef's kiss. I would absolutely listen to any other work that Aysha narrates.
I can confidently say that I would absolutely recommend this book and series to others.
I will start off with I really enjoyed this story as an individual. I was not expecting it to be different characters than the first, but I think it worked well. Even though it's a series, it now has a more anthology feel. I appreciated the growth in the two characters that had a larger role in this installment along with the new introductions. I think there are a couple of parts that could have been slightly tweaked but It was still good. I also enjoyed the certain comedic aspects spread throughout.
In regards to the narration, I think Aysha Kala did an absolutely amazing job. The voices and characters were distinct and unique, and the acting was chef's kiss. I would absolutely listen to any other work that Aysha narrates.
I can confidently say that I would absolutely recommend this book and series to others.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Death, Homophobia, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual content, Torture, Grief, Murder, Gaslighting, Alcohol, and Classism
Strike the Zither by Joan He
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
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
4.0
Strike the Zither was my first read by Joan He, and I was pleasantly surprised with how deep the story got. I did not realize that it was a retelling until receiving the arc. Thank you to #Netgalley for that.
This read was fast paced, and full of unexpected twists. I was honestly taken by complete surprise when the big one came through at around the 60% mark. I am more than excited to read the upcoming titles in this new series.
High recommend. Please note the content warnings as this work does deal some with aggressive character deaths.
This read was fast paced, and full of unexpected twists. I was honestly taken by complete surprise when the big one came through at around the 60% mark. I am more than excited to read the upcoming titles in this new series.
High recommend. Please note the content warnings as this work does deal some with aggressive character deaths.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, Gaslighting, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Lavender House by Lev AC Rosen
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
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
A dark murder mystery set in the 50’s that is rough and not happy or smooth.
The twists in this were everything. The discussion of hard to acknowledge topics like homophobia and police brutality was also a very important and well felt piece. It was made a part of the story and not just a plot point on the side.
Please not content warnings before reading. This mystery is deep and can be triggering.
The twists in this were everything. The discussion of hard to acknowledge topics like homophobia and police brutality was also a very important and well felt piece. It was made a part of the story and not just a plot point on the side.
Please not content warnings before reading. This mystery is deep and can be triggering.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Animal death, Body horror, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Hate crime, Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Medical content, Religious bigotry, Medical trauma, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Lesbophobia, Outing, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Classism
You're a Mean One, Matthew Prince by Timothy Janovsky
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
4.75
At first, this book was haaarrrddd to get through. The narration was good but the personality of the protagonist was grating. Even I didn’t want him and Hector to get together.
Thankfully that calmed down and it became more bearable.
Overall though, I did enjoy it and would happily read another one of his books.
Thankfully that calmed down and it became more bearable.
Overall though, I did enjoy it and would happily read another one of his books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
The Last Hope In Hopetown by Maria Tureaud
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was not what I expected. I enjoyed the dynamics and the close friendship between the girls. You can tell they really care about each other. I feel like it was a little fast and could’ve had a little more information and story filled in. Even for a middle grade book it could have a little more. Other than that I still think it was a good story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Chronic illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Blood, Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail