pikamonster's reviews
124 reviews

The Hawthorne Legacy by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

adventurous fast-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

3.0

One thing I don't like about this serious is the chapter length. They are simply too short and given that they typically end on a cliffhanger it feels like it's pushing the story too much. It's giving webnovel. That being said this was an adequate sequel.

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

mysterious fast-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

So while this book felt incredibly predictable and juvenile. It was still a fun read. I wanted to find out what happened next even if I guessed half of it. Honestly read like a fan fiction. It did compel me to finish so it deserves it's 3 stars. 

A Fire Upon the Deep by Vernor Vinge
Did not finish book. Stopped at 6%.

It feels too confusing 

The Murmur of Bees by Sofía Segovia

adventurous reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This book was a good read. However, it was long and slow. It's definitely a stroll down a winding nature trail of a book. I do feel like the big conflict was definitely over built. 

Scorpio by Marko Kloos

adventurous slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

I feel like I might be a little biased because I'm not the biggest fan of military books. However this book felt flat and the world building felt extremely lacking. All of the characters felt like NPC's. I was more invested in finishing the story for my Kindle Challenge than caring about the actual story.

The Teacher by Freida McFadden
Did not finish book. Stopped at 45%.

This book is painfully predictable. There is not a single likeable character, the writing is VERY cliché.I was going to keep going just for the Kindle challenge but when I got to an actual Nate/Addie interaction (toilet paper roll), I got massive ick and DNF'd. 

The Idea of You by Robinne Lee
Did not finish book. Stopped at 5%.

This book gives me the ick. After reading some reviews I knoe it's not going to get better. The fact that they had to age up Hayes to legal (US) drinking ages for the movie should tell you all you need to know. The main character is so unlikeable I don't even feel bad she's divorced. I picked this up for a book club but I'm skipping this one. 

What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez

adventurous slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

I think I'm just not a fan of this author. Her main character always feels like a copy paste. The story felt very slow then very rushed. I did finish so that gives it points. I feel like comparing it to The Mummy was a gross overhype. I was really excited too because Rebecca Ross was mentioned and I love her books. That's one of the biggest reasons I chose to give this author another shot, but unfortunately it just fell flat for me. 

The Slaying Game by Faith Gardner
Did not finish book. Stopped at 4%.

On page one there's already a typo. I made it in 2 chapters and it has a distinctly poorly written feel. I don't feel the lure to keep reading. 

Realm of Hope by E.L. Li
Did not finish book. Stopped at 1%.

The writing is cringey and I don't feel like forcing myself through to see if it gets better. "Caramel colored highlights and a heart shaped face" like do you really need to describe a 6 year old like a teenage cringe novel? Yet another Tiktok disappointment imo.