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raikowlreads's reviews
143 reviews
The Trials of Lila Dalton by Laura J. Shepherd
Did not finish book.
Did not finish book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for giving me an Advanced Readers copy. This book was high in my expectations, but sadly didn't make it. I DNF'd it around 65% into the book.
I must say the book starts out really strong. Lila not knowing anything about who she is and what trail she is in, in that exact moment. It was engaging to read, and you wanted to know more about it. But as things rolled on, it felt like the story hit some major slow patches. Kinda sucked 'cause I enjoyed the whole trail thing, but everything else just felt like it was dragging or didn't hit the mark.
I do feel like people who are super into crime thrillers will like this, however it sadly didnt for me.
I must say the book starts out really strong. Lila not knowing anything about who she is and what trail she is in, in that exact moment. It was engaging to read, and you wanted to know more about it. But as things rolled on, it felt like the story hit some major slow patches. Kinda sucked 'cause I enjoyed the whole trail thing, but everything else just felt like it was dragging or didn't hit the mark.
I do feel like people who are super into crime thrillers will like this, however it sadly didnt for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime and Xenophobia
Moderate: Racism, Antisemitism, and Murder
Minor: Car accident
You've Got the Map Backwards by Brian Usobiaga
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Thank you to BookSirens & Brian for giving me an advance reader copy.
We follow the story of both Aisha & Sarah throughout the book. Sarah grapples with a drinking problem and fluctuating mental health, while Aisha navigates the isolating landscape of anxiety during her second year of college.
Despite their complexities, the girls attempt to uphold their lifelong friendship, weathering numerous challenges along the way.
One commendable aspect of the book is its portrayal of Sarah's battle with alcoholism, which feels authentic and relatable. As someone who has personally struggled with similar issues, I found the depiction of her attitude and the consequences of addiction to be strikingly realistic. The story was sombre, but yet still engaging due to its simple writing style. It gave a good flow to the story.
I found myself resonating with the characters, which enhanced my enjoyment of the book.
This writing style might not be for everyone, but it's definitely great for someone who isn't ready to read at a high level yet as a non-native speaker.
So overall the pacing was pretty nice, it wasn't slow but also not too fast either. The characters can feel a bit bland to some, but this could be attributed to the nature of mental illness, which often obscures one's sense of self until they find their way out.
In conclusion, "You've Got the Map Backwards" earns a rating of 4/5 from me.
We follow the story of both Aisha & Sarah throughout the book. Sarah grapples with a drinking problem and fluctuating mental health, while Aisha navigates the isolating landscape of anxiety during her second year of college.
Despite their complexities, the girls attempt to uphold their lifelong friendship, weathering numerous challenges along the way.
One commendable aspect of the book is its portrayal of Sarah's battle with alcoholism, which feels authentic and relatable. As someone who has personally struggled with similar issues, I found the depiction of her attitude and the consequences of addiction to be strikingly realistic. The story was sombre, but yet still engaging due to its simple writing style. It gave a good flow to the story.
I found myself resonating with the characters, which enhanced my enjoyment of the book.
This writing style might not be for everyone, but it's definitely great for someone who isn't ready to read at a high level yet as a non-native speaker.
So overall the pacing was pretty nice, it wasn't slow but also not too fast either. The characters can feel a bit bland to some, but this could be attributed to the nature of mental illness, which often obscures one's sense of self until they find their way out.
In conclusion, "You've Got the Map Backwards" earns a rating of 4/5 from me.
Tunnel of Bones by V.E. Schwab
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I am absolutely enjoying this series so much. I have missed Cassidy's and Jacob's story. In hope I'll get book #3 soon!
Paris was definitely a good choice for a haunting story. It kinda makes me want to go there again, and see the catacombs, instead of only wandering around for the art galleries.
"He seems happier, lighter, after sharing his story. I feel a little heavier after hearing it, but that's okay. That's how friendship works. You learn to share the weight." - p283.
Paris was definitely a good choice for a haunting story. It kinda makes me want to go there again, and see the catacombs, instead of only wandering around for the art galleries.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Child death
The Poisons We Drink by Bethany Baptiste
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Thank you to Netgalley and RB Media, Recorded Books for giving me an advanced reader copy.
The story is about Venus, who makes money out of brewing illegal love potions. It's a dangerous business, and she gets in a lot of messed up situations after her mother get murdered. When the Grand Witcher, head of her coven, offers Venus the opportunity to avenge her mother's death, she must agree to a difficult demand: create harmful potions to control D.C.'s powerful politicians, all for the sake of justice.
Bethany knows how to write an emotion. The audiobook did a fantastic job of capturing these moments. Lynette R. Freeman knows how to voice act and drag you into the story, not letting you go. Her talent for voice acting truly brought the characters to life.
The Poisons we drink was high in my must-read list for 2024, and I was super honoured to see I got accepted for this copy. It exceeded all my expectations, leaving me eagerly anticipating owning a physical copy once payday rolls around. It took me a while to finish the book, pure because I lacked time, not because the book was slow paced. Furthermore, it was anything but slow paced. There are so many characters that you get to know. Some more likeable than others.
The story is about Venus, who makes money out of brewing illegal love potions. It's a dangerous business, and she gets in a lot of messed up situations after her mother get murdered. When the Grand Witcher, head of her coven, offers Venus the opportunity to avenge her mother's death, she must agree to a difficult demand: create harmful potions to control D.C.'s powerful politicians, all for the sake of justice.
Bethany knows how to write an emotion. The audiobook did a fantastic job of capturing these moments. Lynette R. Freeman knows how to voice act and drag you into the story, not letting you go. Her talent for voice acting truly brought the characters to life.
The Poisons we drink was high in my must-read list for 2024, and I was super honoured to see I got accepted for this copy. It exceeded all my expectations, leaving me eagerly anticipating owning a physical copy once payday rolls around. It took me a while to finish the book, pure because I lacked time, not because the book was slow paced. Furthermore, it was anything but slow paced. There are so many characters that you get to know. Some more likeable than others.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Self harm, and Violence
Moderate: Death of parent, Murder, and Death
Lesser Demons by Rose Card-Faux
adventurous
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
Thank you to Storygraph and Rose Card-Faux for the giveaway! It definitely made me find a gem of a book.
We follow the story through our main character: Zanny Monroe. She's the chosen one for this amazing secret human race called Painters. It's her destiny to save the world and her quiet little life, turns into chaos and a lot of training.
The story is written in first-person and even though I barely read in that set up lately, it was a really nice change. The descriptions, and how Zanny sees the new world she ends up with, were great. I absolutely loved the unique magic system. The particle manipulation classes in the book were fun to read, and I find this magic system also really well-thought-out. I honestly hope we get to see more of this amazing system, because the book was mainly focused on the difficult politics that the Painters have.
The last half of the book was really well-paced, it was super enjoyable and more in action, compared to the first half.
Maybe that romance will become an actual thing in the other books of the Way Reader series, because it slightly hints at it.
Overall, I think I will continue the series and support the author!
We follow the story through our main character: Zanny Monroe. She's the chosen one for this amazing secret human race called Painters. It's her destiny to save the world and her quiet little life, turns into chaos and a lot of training.
The story is written in first-person and even though I barely read in that set up lately, it was a really nice change. The descriptions, and how Zanny sees the new world she ends up with, were great. I absolutely loved the unique magic system. The particle manipulation classes in the book were fun to read, and I find this magic system also really well-thought-out. I honestly hope we get to see more of this amazing system, because the book was mainly focused on the difficult politics that the Painters have.
The last half of the book was really well-paced, it was super enjoyable and more in action, compared to the first half.
Maybe that romance will become an actual thing in the other books of the Way Reader series, because it slightly hints at it.
Overall, I think I will continue the series and support the author!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Murder, Death, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Torture
Hold Still by Nina LaCour
Did not finish book. Stopped at 9%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 9%.
The sound is awful for the audiobook, so I will try and get a physical version :)
Imaginary Strangers by Minka Kent
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me an advanced readers copy.
I would say that about 70-80% you get a bit info dumped about Camille's past and PTSD triggers. It sometimes got so much, that I started skimming over the too descriptive parts of the book.
However, Camille was definitely an interesting person to follow as a main character. More because Sociopaths are often seen in media as killers, not people who are very protective over the people they do care about.
I didn't expect the ending, but everything did click together once I started thinking more about it. I thought the ending part was more exciting to read, the reveal was great. Not everyone seems like they way they are.
I would say that about 70-80% you get a bit info dumped about Camille's past and PTSD triggers. It sometimes got so much, that I started skimming over the too descriptive parts of the book.
However, Camille was definitely an interesting person to follow as a main character. More because Sociopaths are often seen in media as killers, not people who are very protective over the people they do care about.
I didn't expect the ending, but everything did click together once I started thinking more about it. I thought the ending part was more exciting to read, the reveal was great. Not everyone seems like they way they are.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Mental illness, Death, Domestic abuse, Medical trauma, Child abuse, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Stalking, and Kidnapping
Minor: Murder
Delilah Green Doesn't Care by Ashley Herring Blake
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Oh. My. God. So much drama next to the actual good fcking romance?! I absolutely loved the sex and for once I felt their passion and love, instead of awkward and just skip those scenes like any other book. It means the characters were really fleshed out, and touched me.