pikamonster's reviews
124 reviews

Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak

adventurous dark emotional fast-paced

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

3.0

  While this book could have been written a little better structurally, I feel like a vast majority of these complaints are unrealistic. Yes Mitzi is a boomer, that's her character. It was very clear that Mitzi was 't a character you should like but you have to tolerate. I'm sure there's a neighbor you could have like her. Yes Mallory called her mother fat, that's called ingratitude (she's literally still young and immature). 
  This book is literally from Mallory's perspective and she is a Christian it's a huge part of her recovery. Of course she is going to mention Harry Potter. These flaws made the characters feel realistic ESPECIALLY for the story's setting. 
  That being said the book overall felt rushed. The pictures felt like they took up a lot of the page count and the story could have been a little more fleshed out. The Maxwell's felt VERY one dimensional. And the personality changes (especially with Ted) felt too abrupt. I feel like it would have been harder to guess the ending if everything felt smoother but then again the story takes place over the course of a month. 

Fire and Ice by Erin Hunter

adventurous fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

emotional funny informative 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

This is my favorite book by the author. I like the way it starts out with a kind of sci fi murder mystery feel. I like that it's written in a way where you can feasibly figure out what is happening as the main character figures it out. I appreciate the way the book makes you feel like you are learning as you go which is appropriate considering the main character. I was so sad to reach the ending but it truly was a beautiful, well done story with a good conclusion. 

Whispers the Blood by Danielle Renino
Did not finish book. Stopped at 11%.

Came from Booktok. Book wasn't what I was wanting based off the post. 

A Sea of Blood and Sapphire by Florence Gray

adventurous challenging slow-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

2.0

I finished the book solely out of curiosity after almost DNFing multiple times. It was a slow read while also feeling rushed. It read like it was written for Disney adults. Every thing felt too convenient and predictable. 

Into the Wild by Erin Hunter

adventurous reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book is nothing if not a nostalgia read. Very comforting and fun. 

Weyward by Emilia Hart

challenging dark slow-paced

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

2.0

If I didn't have a Kindle Achievement to fulfill I would have DNF'd. The story centered around 3 women and the similarities surrounding their trauma and brutality. It almost felt like it romanticized isolation. The whole "only women can be witches" trope feels so old for 2023. If you like historical genre for the bad sides of history it's a good book for you. 

The Forgotten Colony by J.B. Ryder
Did not finish book. Stopped at 23%.

I just wasn't hooked

The Supernatural Enhancements by Edgar Cantero

dark mysterious medium-paced

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

3.5

It wasn't a bad book. I enjoyed following it until the end. However it was wholly predictable and at times a little too strange. Almost for the sake of being strange and less because it made sense. 

Secondhand Charm by Julie Berry

adventurous lighthearted fast-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

A fast and fun read. Felt like true YA.