Scan barcode
powerpuffgoat's reviews
73 reviews
HEX by Thomas Olde Heuvelt
slow-paced
3.75
Started well, with an unusual and intriguing premise. In spite of the pace picking up towards the end, the tension seemed to peter out for me. The ending felt sort of anticlimactic.
I was surprised to learn that the author changed the location for the English translation. I think the original location would have worked better, and the quirks of the characters would make more sense.
Other than that, it was definitely an interesting experience and I would be curious to read another book by this author.
I was surprised to learn that the author changed the location for the English translation. I think the original location would have worked better, and the quirks of the characters would make more sense.
Other than that, it was definitely an interesting experience and I would be curious to read another book by this author.
A Stranger in the House by Shari Lapena
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.0
The story was developing quite slowly for my taste. I feel like the author tried to milk the plot and only reveal the tiniest bits if information at a time.
The writing style was straight-up jarring. Maybe someone else would find it appealing, but it was definitely not for me. The narration was pretty much entirely told in Present Simple.
Here is a direct quote (no spoilers) just to give you a taste:
"He holds out a bowl of wrapped mint candies. They help with the smell. Both detectives take one. The wrappers crinkle as they unwrap the mints. Dr. Perriera holds his hand out for the wrappers and drops them in the trash can."
This was, unfortunately, the way the whole book was written. So yes, I don't think I will be picking up another book by this author.
The writing style was straight-up jarring. Maybe someone else would find it appealing, but it was definitely not for me. The narration was pretty much entirely told in Present Simple.
Here is a direct quote (no spoilers) just to give you a taste:
"He holds out a bowl of wrapped mint candies. They help with the smell. Both detectives take one. The wrappers crinkle as they unwrap the mints. Dr. Perriera holds his hand out for the wrappers and drops them in the trash can."
This was, unfortunately, the way the whole book was written. So yes, I don't think I will be picking up another book by this author.
No One Saw a Thing by Andrea Mara
medium-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
2.0
Boy oh boy was this book annoying to read. I had no issues with the story itself. I mean, some suspension of disbelief must be required for a twisty thriller, and it's a work of fiction at the end of the day.
Except for me, the book was MAJOURLY ruined by the writing style. Broken into short chapters, each ending with a sensationalist "cliffhanger", or rather a promise of a cliffhanger.
I swear, every single chapter would end in a cryptic sentence like "She looked at her phone and read a text message that would change her life forever". Or "He couldn't believe what he was seeing".
You know the old-time films where a reveal was accompanied with the "dun-dun-duuunnnn" ? That's how it felt. And because this was happening every few pages, it was both comical and annoying.
By the way, a lot of these reveals weren't even particularly shocking. The flare for the dramatic was not justified.
Oh, and in addition to the cryptic narration, the characters kept uttering cryptic sentences, alluding to something ro stopping halfway through... Again, it was clearly a ploy by the author to extend the mystery, but for goodness sake, who talks like that. Especially among supposedly close friends.
I shall not be buying any other books by this author. I'd rather read the summary than torture myself with this writing style again.
Except for me, the book was MAJOURLY ruined by the writing style. Broken into short chapters, each ending with a sensationalist "cliffhanger", or rather a promise of a cliffhanger.
I swear, every single chapter would end in a cryptic sentence like "She looked at her phone and read a text message that would change her life forever". Or "He couldn't believe what he was seeing".
You know the old-time films where a reveal was accompanied with the "dun-dun-duuunnnn" ? That's how it felt. And because this was happening every few pages, it was both comical and annoying.
By the way, a lot of these reveals weren't even particularly shocking. The flare for the dramatic was not justified.
Oh, and in addition to the cryptic narration, the characters kept uttering cryptic sentences, alluding to something ro stopping halfway through... Again, it was clearly a ploy by the author to extend the mystery, but for goodness sake, who talks like that. Especially among supposedly close friends.
I shall not be buying any other books by this author. I'd rather read the summary than torture myself with this writing style again.
Murder in the Family by Cara Hunter
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
The idea of this book got me hooked. I love a whodunit, and I always like to theorise on the outcome. I thought with this book, I will stand an even better chance because I will be learning information "live" with the rest of the characters. Or at least that's how this book was marketed.
Well, first of all, that turned out to be untrue. For almost every revelation, it turned out that one of the characters already knew about it and more often than not, tried to hide it from the others, as well as the audience. Plus, the producer had a whole vat of secrets from the get-go.
The format... Again, I don't hate it in principal, I just don't think it added anything to the book. If anything, I found it harder to get into this book because it was, well, a literal script.
The parts that weren't written as a script (emails, texts, voicemails, newspaper clippings, faux-Reddit threads) ranged from deliberately cryptic to almost satirical. Forum threads in particular, I thought, were very much like the wild theories you see people throw out on Reddit, whether it's a true crime doc or a fictional TV show.
The story itself wasn't too bad. In a typical modern thriller fashion, it had a big cast of characters, lots of red herrings, regularly timed twists, and a big showdown, so to say.
About midway through, I locked in my theory about who the killer might be. I mean, all signs were pointing to it (I thought)!
Then we had the fake-out ending. Disappointing. Then we had the real ending, and I kept hoping my theory would come into play. They didn't even mention it. Not once. The real ending was meh. Naturally, all wrapped up with a pretty bow and spelled out for us, the audience, until the very end.
All in all, though, it was worth the 99p I paid for the kindle edition.
The format... Again, I don't hate it in principal, I just don't think it added anything to the book. If anything, I found it harder to get into this book because it was, well, a literal script.
The parts that weren't written as a script (emails, texts, voicemails, newspaper clippings, faux-Reddit threads) ranged from deliberately cryptic to almost satirical. Forum threads in particular, I thought, were very much like the wild theories you see people throw out on Reddit, whether it's a true crime doc or a fictional TV show.
The story itself wasn't too bad. In a typical modern thriller fashion, it had a big cast of characters, lots of red herrings, regularly timed twists, and a big showdown, so to say.
Then we had the fake-out ending. Disappointing. Then we had the real ending, and I kept hoping my theory would come into play. They didn't even mention it. Not once. The real ending was meh. Naturally, all wrapped up with a pretty bow and spelled out for us, the audience, until the very end.
All in all, though, it was worth the 99p I paid for the kindle edition.
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
2.0
Frankly, I am surprised at all the good reviews.
To start with, the writing is poor. I had to check if the author was genuinely an adult woman, as opposed to a 12-year-old girl or a male writer. Why? Because every single female character, whether it's part of their inner monologue or said out loud, constantly marvels at how handsome the husband is. And the gardener. Who writes like this?
To top it off, the use of italics was driving me a little mad. He's so handsome, so sexy, so muscular, so great.
At one point, the POV changes, and yet somehow the other character sounds exactly like the first. And the same events told from the other perspective are painstakingly chewed up for us to swallow.
Next, the characters. Once again, I wondered if this novel was written by a child. Everyone is a cliche in one way or another, and boy do they all act dramatic AF.
When it comes to the plot, it's an interesting premise for sure! I had a problem with the pace, which kept changing between super-slow (how many time do I need to read about a character needing a toilet) to rushed (yes, we kissed, now I am basically contemplating giving birth to his child).
Also, the main male character must have a magic wand for a dick. Otherwise, I just don't see why these
women lose their entire self.
It's not all bad though! There is a sequence in the last act of the book that's pretty satisfying to read, which is why this book was given more than a single star.
To start with, the writing is poor. I had to check if the author was genuinely an adult woman, as opposed to a 12-year-old girl or a male writer. Why? Because every single female character, whether it's part of their inner monologue or said out loud, constantly marvels at how handsome the husband is. And the gardener. Who writes like this?
To top it off, the use of italics was driving me a little mad. He's so handsome, so sexy, so muscular, so great.
At one point, the POV changes, and yet somehow the other character sounds exactly like the first. And the same events told from the other perspective are painstakingly chewed up for us to swallow.
Next, the characters. Once again, I wondered if this novel was written by a child. Everyone is a cliche in one way or another, and boy do they all act dramatic AF.
When it comes to the plot, it's an interesting premise for sure! I had a problem with the pace, which kept changing between super-slow (how many time do I need to read about a character needing a toilet) to rushed (yes, we kissed, now I am basically contemplating giving birth to his child).
Also, the main male character must have a magic wand for a dick. Otherwise, I just don't see why these
women lose their entire self.
It's not all bad though! There is a sequence in the last act of the book that's pretty satisfying to read, which is why this book was given more than a single star.
Labyrinth of Reflections by Liv Bliss, Sergei Lukyanenko, Jeff Lewis
adventurous
medium-paced
4.0
This book was easy to read, as usual I have to give credit to Lukyanenko for the appropriate pace, his writing style, and his affinity for world building.
Reading a book written in the 90s about virtual reality was fun, because it provided a sense of nostalgia for the days of dial-up Internet, and a cool perspective on what people imagined the future of personal computers to be like. I expect that a lot of the tech language was probably total fluff, but I'm not too knowledgeable on the subject, and so I was happy to just lean into it.
It won't be everyone's cup of tea I imagine, but I certainly enjoyed it.
Reading a book written in the 90s about virtual reality was fun, because it provided a sense of nostalgia for the days of dial-up Internet, and a cool perspective on what people imagined the future of personal computers to be like. I expect that a lot of the tech language was probably total fluff, but I'm not too knowledgeable on the subject, and so I was happy to just lean into it.
It won't be everyone's cup of tea I imagine, but I certainly enjoyed it.
Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter
dark
tense
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
1.0
In a nutshell, this book was a "no" for me. I am not a stranger to gore or violence in literature, but in this book the violence didn't have any other purpose than to disgust the reader. It was also repetitive, going over the same gory details several times at different points in the book, which... unnecessary, okay?
Then there's the main character. I just couldn't sympathise with her at all because she was utterly incompetent and unlikeable. And by incompetent, I don't mean she didn't act rational in a scary scenario. No, this woman forgot that the car needs fuel/charge to be able to drive. Basically, most of the novel other characters are solving her problems for her. It was the most frustrating thing!
There was a twist I didn't see coming midway through the book, but sadly that didn't redeem this novel.
Then there's the main character. I just couldn't sympathise with her at all because she was utterly incompetent and unlikeable. And by incompetent, I don't mean she didn't act rational in a scary scenario. No, this woman forgot that the car needs fuel/charge to be able to drive. Basically, most of the novel other characters are solving her problems for her. It was the most frustrating thing!
There was a twist I didn't see coming midway through the book, but sadly that didn't redeem this novel.
Hide by Kiersten White
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
You know, I am pleasantly surprised. I have read plenty of book off the back of good reviews that just didn't land for me. But this one...
This book reads like a horror film. Not one of those "fancy" horror films where you have to Google the meaning afterwards. But a hearty, traditional horror film where a bunch of characters are involved, but every day that number is lower.
It's not just the plot, either. The way this book is written, it could be adapted to the screen very easily. And I don't mind. It read quickly, good pace considering the fact the contestants spend a large chunk of time hiding.
I wouldn't say that this book harbors a particular mystery, I didn't think the twist was unexpected. On the it her hand, plenty of writers try to add a twist so desperately ham-fisted that it doesn't make sense. So at least this book was fairly transparent from the start.
The social commentary is really clever, and not veiled at all. I see how some people would be displeased by it, but that says more about them than it does about the book.
In terms of the romantic component, I am happy to report that there was minimal romance, and it was written much more matter-of-factly. Again, I get so tired of writers who bring characters together just for the sake of having some romance in the book.
Finally, the ending... I thought it was okay! Leaves the door open for a sequel (truly, it's so much like a film) and doesn't preach. I'm a picky reader and I truly enjoyed reading this book. I hope you do too.
This book reads like a horror film. Not one of those "fancy" horror films where you have to Google the meaning afterwards. But a hearty, traditional horror film where a bunch of characters are involved, but every day that number is lower.
It's not just the plot, either. The way this book is written, it could be adapted to the screen very easily. And I don't mind. It read quickly, good pace considering the fact the contestants spend a large chunk of time hiding.
I wouldn't say that this book harbors a particular mystery, I didn't think the twist was unexpected. On the it her hand, plenty of writers try to add a twist so desperately ham-fisted that it doesn't make sense. So at least this book was fairly transparent from the start.
The social commentary is really clever, and not veiled at all. I see how some people would be displeased by it, but that says more about them than it does about the book.
In terms of the romantic component, I am happy to report that there was minimal romance, and it was written much more matter-of-factly. Again, I get so tired of writers who bring characters together just for the sake of having some romance in the book.
Finally, the ending... I thought it was okay! Leaves the door open for a sequel (truly, it's so much like a film) and doesn't preach. I'm a picky reader and I truly enjoyed reading this book. I hope you do too.
Theme Music by T. Marie Vandelly
dark
emotional
mysterious
2.5
The easiest way for me to sum up this book is "not good enough". That's not to say there were no good aspects, but there weren't enough.
The premise of the book is captivating, and it doesn't pull any punches from the very beginning... or so I hoped. After the gripping first chapter, it slows right down and turns into mush.
The main character, Dixie, is an unreliable narrator, but in the worst way. There is no subtlety to it, it's all very ham-fisted, and it just doesn't work. Additionally, she is impulsive and does many things with no rhyme or reason. Her sense of self-preservation is basically absent in favour of processing the strange plot.
Other characters aren't much better. Dixie's partner, initially acting like any reasonable adult would in his situation, does a 180 and just enables her behaviour. The villain's motivation is such a stretch, I think I pulled a muscle just reading it. Also, I cannot stand "bad guy monologues". Truly, how does this trope still make an appearance?
Finally, the plot and pace of this book are all over the place. The twists either come completely out of nowhere, or you can see them from a mile away. Again, zero subtlety. Zero finnesse. The entire book is just clunky, and reading it was more hard work than I am willing to do for entertainment.
The premise of the book is captivating, and it doesn't pull any punches from the very beginning... or so I hoped. After the gripping first chapter, it slows right down and turns into mush.
The main character, Dixie, is an unreliable narrator, but in the worst way. There is no subtlety to it, it's all very ham-fisted, and it just doesn't work. Additionally, she is impulsive and does many things with no rhyme or reason. Her sense of self-preservation is basically absent in favour of processing the strange plot.
Other characters aren't much better. Dixie's partner, initially acting like any reasonable adult would in his situation, does a 180 and just enables her behaviour. The villain's motivation is such a stretch, I think I pulled a muscle just reading it. Also, I cannot stand "bad guy monologues". Truly, how does this trope still make an appearance?
Finally, the plot and pace of this book are all over the place. The twists either come completely out of nowhere, or you can see them from a mile away. Again, zero subtlety. Zero finnesse. The entire book is just clunky, and reading it was more hard work than I am willing to do for entertainment.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Gore, Mental illness, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Stalking
Minor: Sexual assault and Sexual violence
The Cabin at the End of the World by Paul Tremblay
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
1.5
Man, was this book frustrating to read! Great premise, terrible execution.
The book starts with a family of two dads and their adopted daughter having a relaxing weekend in a cabin. Suddenly, a group of strangers show up carrying strange weapons and talking about the end of the world. What a great hook, right? A home invasion with a side of apocalypse - yes please, I'll have a double serving.
Except that's as good as it got. The writing was simply confusing. The pace was awful, broken, nonsensical. The first chapter, narrated from the child's point of view, seemed to go on for ages. The second chapter was somehow worse. Dialog that was just the same three sentences, on repeat, infinitely.
As if that wasn't bad enough, narration is frequently interrupted by completely irrelevant flashbacks, and description of interior in excruciating detail. It was painful to read. Trying to get into the rhythm of the action, only to be suddenly told about the curtains, or the exact episode of Steven Universe that's on TV, what was that?
Now, the first violent scene was probably the highlight of the book, cruel as it sounds.
Another thing that confused me is why the author included the part about Redmond being someone else? It didn't actually affect the plot, and we never even got the confirmation if that was the case!
To top it off, the narration was so poorly done! Some chapters are written from a child's point of view, which jumped between complete naïveté and sudden bouts of philosophical musings. Some chapters were intended to be told from two characters point of view, and that just didn't work. Also, whose idea was it to start switching between third person and first person narration mid-sentence? Was there no editor? No beta readers? Who approved this?
The book ends abruptly, leaving the reader wondering what in the hell they just read. Honestly, I wish I never read it at all.
The book starts with a family of two dads and their adopted daughter having a relaxing weekend in a cabin. Suddenly, a group of strangers show up carrying strange weapons and talking about the end of the world. What a great hook, right? A home invasion with a side of apocalypse - yes please, I'll have a double serving.
Except that's as good as it got. The writing was simply confusing. The pace was awful, broken, nonsensical. The first chapter, narrated from the child's point of view, seemed to go on for ages. The second chapter was somehow worse. Dialog that was just the same three sentences, on repeat, infinitely.
As if that wasn't bad enough, narration is frequently interrupted by completely irrelevant flashbacks, and description of interior in excruciating detail. It was painful to read. Trying to get into the rhythm of the action, only to be suddenly told about the curtains, or the exact episode of Steven Universe that's on TV, what was that?
Now, the first violent scene was probably the highlight of the book, cruel as it sounds.
To top it off, the narration was so poorly done! Some chapters are written from a child's point of view, which jumped between complete naïveté and sudden bouts of philosophical musings. Some chapters were intended to be told from two characters point of view, and that just didn't work. Also, whose idea was it to start switching between third person and first person narration mid-sentence? Was there no editor? No beta readers? Who approved this?
The book ends abruptly, leaving the reader wondering what in the hell they just read. Honestly, I wish I never read it at all.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical trauma and Murder
Moderate: Homophobia