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raynreads's reviews
629 reviews
Last of the Talons by Sophie Kim
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.5
thank you Entangled Publishing, LLC, Entangled: Teen for an eARC
I'm already looking forward to rereading this book! So many little small details that I know will mean something else during a reread.
<I>"The order to steal a priceless tapestry from a Dokkaebi temple incites not only the wrath of a legendary immortal, but the beginning of an unwinnable game…
... But she can win her life—if she kills him first.
... Lina will have to use every weapon in her arsenal if she wants to outplay this cunning king and save her sister...all before the final grain of sand leaks out of the hourglass." </I>
The general banter of this book was immaculate. I found all of the characters to be likable and thought that they complimented each other well. Every action in the book made sense and I never felt like something was out of place.
This book is perfect for anybody who is looking for a young adult high fantasy book. This is also the perfect introduction into high fantasy because the worlds are adequately explained but not over the top.
I'm already looking forward to rereading this book! So many little small details that I know will mean something else during a reread.
<I>"The order to steal a priceless tapestry from a Dokkaebi temple incites not only the wrath of a legendary immortal, but the beginning of an unwinnable game…
... But she can win her life—if she kills him first.
... Lina will have to use every weapon in her arsenal if she wants to outplay this cunning king and save her sister...all before the final grain of sand leaks out of the hourglass." </I>
The general banter of this book was immaculate. I found all of the characters to be likable and thought that they complimented each other well. Every action in the book made sense and I never felt like something was out of place.
This book is perfect for anybody who is looking for a young adult high fantasy book. This is also the perfect introduction into high fantasy because the worlds are adequately explained but not over the top.
The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This is the story of a serial killer. A stolen child. Revenge. Death. And an ordinary house at the end of an ordinary street. All these things are true. And yet they are all lies... You think you know what's inside the last house on Needless Street. You think you've read this story before. That's where you're wrong.
This book is really popular on my side of the book community and I see why. I read Sundial by Catriona Ward and was not impressed, but The Last House on Needless Street has left me star struck from how brilliant it was.
I loved that the story was fast paced with a lot of information to continually move the story forward. It was disturbing, funny, and overall a well rounded read. Ted is a solitary man who cares for his daughter Lauren, even when she frustrates him, and does a lot of bizarre things to try and make her happy.
The only thing that made me sometimes frustrated with the book was the POV's because I just wanted to know more and sometimes you had to stop and take a few steps back with POV's. However, the additional detail from each POV really pays off and truly helps drive the story.
This is a book that is FANTASTIC for somebody who wants to get into the horror genre. There are some very disturbing moments and I recommend checking trigger warnings, but it is a good mix of horror and thriller.
I read 80% of this book physically and finished the last part via audio. I didn't love the audio narration because sometimes the volume of the characters (I understand this was intentional) was frustrating to deal with. I would have to turn it way up, then way down. Back and forth until we were just back to one narrator. This made it hard to do anything when listening to the last part.
This book is really popular on my side of the book community and I see why. I read Sundial by Catriona Ward and was not impressed, but The Last House on Needless Street has left me star struck from how brilliant it was.
I loved that the story was fast paced with a lot of information to continually move the story forward. It was disturbing, funny, and overall a well rounded read. Ted is a solitary man who cares for his daughter Lauren, even when she frustrates him, and does a lot of bizarre things to try and make her happy.
The only thing that made me sometimes frustrated with the book was the POV's because I just wanted to know more and sometimes you had to stop and take a few steps back with POV's. However, the additional detail from each POV really pays off and truly helps drive the story.
This is a book that is FANTASTIC for somebody who wants to get into the horror genre. There are some very disturbing moments and I recommend checking trigger warnings, but it is a good mix of horror and thriller.
I read 80% of this book physically and finished the last part via audio. I didn't love the audio narration because sometimes the volume of the characters (I understand this was intentional) was frustrating to deal with. I would have to turn it way up, then way down. Back and forth until we were just back to one narrator. This made it hard to do anything when listening to the last part.
The Undead Truth of Us by Britney S. Lewis
adventurous
dark
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Lightlark by Alex Aster
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
The Book Eaters by Sunyi Dean
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
What an absolute delight! This book hit all of my expectations and of course exceeded them!
Teo, a 17-year-old Jade semidiós and the trans son of Quetzal, goddess of birds, has never worried about the Trials…or rather, he’s only worried for others. His best friend Niya―daughter of Tierra, the god of earth―is one of the strongest heroes of their generation and is much too likely to be chosen this year.
But then, for the first time in over a century, Sol chooses a semidiós who isn’t a Gold. In fact, he chooses two: Xio, the 13-year-old child of Mala Suerte, god of bad luck, and…Teo. Now they must compete in five mysterious trials, against opponents who are both more powerful and better trained, for fame, glory, and their own survival.
Teo is a stubborn troublemaker who is determined to make sure him and his friends get out of the trails alive. He fights for what is right and always chooses his friends over the easy way out. He is an endearing main character who you cannot help but route for. Thomas does an excellent job at telling the story of his trans characters, and I love his own-voice experience in his books. Thomas tells the story of his trans characters in a way that is so effortless but also takes the time to bring a bigger impact to the reader who needs a big brother to talk them through the subject. It's a wonderful experience being able to read first hand how generations of kids are going to read these words and be able to find themselves on the pages.
Aiden Thomas created such a vibrant and detailed world that you find yourself effortlessly immersed. Every moment of this book felt like you were right inside the story with Teo. I felt the excitement, anxiety, and the importance of every trail while reading this book.
who would I recommend this to
Any lover of Thomas's previous books, the Percy Jackson series, or anyone interested in reading fantasy would love this book. There is an entire world being built but its completely accessible to all readers.
Teo, a 17-year-old Jade semidiós and the trans son of Quetzal, goddess of birds, has never worried about the Trials…or rather, he’s only worried for others. His best friend Niya―daughter of Tierra, the god of earth―is one of the strongest heroes of their generation and is much too likely to be chosen this year.
But then, for the first time in over a century, Sol chooses a semidiós who isn’t a Gold. In fact, he chooses two: Xio, the 13-year-old child of Mala Suerte, god of bad luck, and…Teo. Now they must compete in five mysterious trials, against opponents who are both more powerful and better trained, for fame, glory, and their own survival.
Teo is a stubborn troublemaker who is determined to make sure him and his friends get out of the trails alive. He fights for what is right and always chooses his friends over the easy way out. He is an endearing main character who you cannot help but route for. Thomas does an excellent job at telling the story of his trans characters, and I love his own-voice experience in his books. Thomas tells the story of his trans characters in a way that is so effortless but also takes the time to bring a bigger impact to the reader who needs a big brother to talk them through the subject. It's a wonderful experience being able to read first hand how generations of kids are going to read these words and be able to find themselves on the pages.
Aiden Thomas created such a vibrant and detailed world that you find yourself effortlessly immersed. Every moment of this book felt like you were right inside the story with Teo. I felt the excitement, anxiety, and the importance of every trail while reading this book.
who would I recommend this to
Any lover of Thomas's previous books, the Percy Jackson series, or anyone interested in reading fantasy would love this book. There is an entire world being built but its completely accessible to all readers.