pikamonster's reviews
157 reviews

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. 

When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker

adventurous challenging slow-paced

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

2.5

I almost DNFd this book so many times. I will give it credit for making me want to see where the story went despite it being an absolute slog. Raeve was unlikeable and her whole character development went from threatening cocks every 2 seconds to thirsting for cock. Kaan was boring. There were no twists and it felt like there was barely any actual plot. Despite being over 700 pages the world building felt lacking. Basically anything that felt remotely interesting wasn't developed in favor of a cliché romantic subplot. 

Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole
Did not finish book. Stopped at 23%.

Very slow book. It feels very predictable. Henri feels like a throwaway love interest for the "true male lead" (especially with his disgusting seemingly out of character contraceptive remark). I hate the trope of making the boyfriend they start out with an a-hole to make the random bad guy seem like the better option. It feels lazy and boring. 

Of Monsters And Planes by Johnathon Nicolaou
Did not finish book. Stopped at 22%.

I couldn't get past the writing. It also felt very predictable and cliché. Not the story for me. 

A Fire Endless by Rebecca Ross

adventurous 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? Yes

5.0

I love the author's writing. All her stories are beautiful and well written. I really like that her stories aren't spicy but romantic. 

A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross

adventurous 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? Yes

5.0

I can't wait to read book number 2. This story was so good and made me weep. 

Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson

adventurous dark medium-paced

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

4.0

I really enjoyed reading this book. The author does a great job tugging at your heart strings. Elisabeth is well portayed as book smart but not quite street smart. However, she doesn't repeat her mistakes. Nathaniel is funny but feels like a copy paste male lead. All the characters have their own charms and the story was engaging. However at times it felt a little slow. 

Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki

emotional hopeful slow-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

A really good story but slow at times.