Scan barcode
raysberry's reviews
37 reviews
She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan
4.0
A good fantasy with good writing. Only qualm is that some things feel to on the nose, like the reader is not trusted to come to their own conclusions (mostly regarding themes on gender and fate) which detracts from the overall score. But I do enjoy the character dynamics a lot, especially Ouyang was constructed really well and had so many layers to him. I have high hopes for the sequel!
Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert
4.5
Definitely going to read the other books about her sisters soon. Loved the characters and their interactions, though there was a bit too much emphasis on their physical attraction in the beginning for my taste. Really made my smile and feel for them, enjoyed this read a lot! (And the rep was really good too)
Women Don't Owe You Pretty by Florence Given
3.0
It left me unsatisfied in some ways. Because the whole book feels like one big stream of consciousness, it lacked the depth I would’ve needed to actually learn something new. To be fair, there were a few points I appreciated like the „don’t settle for crumbs“ and the nuanced view on how to evolve despite systems of oppression. I very much disagree with the notion that „anything anyone ever says to you is a reflection/projection of their own insecurities“, though because I find that reductive and not at all helpful in creating meaningful relationships (which despite what that book makes it seem actually can’t always be substituted by „self love“). That’s another thing that annoyed me: the way Florence presented self-improvement as the antithesis to community. I wish there was some nuance to the highly individualistic approach she had.
The illustrations were quite nice though. It’s not a bad book, it’s just not groundbreaking and probably won’t leave much of an impact since I’ve just finished it and already don’t remember more than a few sentiments.
The illustrations were quite nice though. It’s not a bad book, it’s just not groundbreaking and probably won’t leave much of an impact since I’ve just finished it and already don’t remember more than a few sentiments.
Happy Place by Emily Henry
4.5
Emily Henry just has the ability to create characters of flesh and blood like magic. She’s unrivalled in her genre regarding this. It’s what makes her books impactful and much more than a romantic love story.
Only aspect I didn’t like: It felt too painful and the timeframe was too short.
Details in spoilers:The week of torture with their friends was too much at times. I didn’t like how vicious the FMC was at times, it didn’t feel necessary. This is made worse by the fact that all of the events from the main storyline happen within a week. That is not enough time to come back from what happened. At least not for me. This made it more difficult to believe they would actually be fine in the end (which was very vague indeed)
I also am always reluctant to pick up second-chance romances or generally romances where the mcs have a romantic/intensely platonic history that happened off-page or in clunky flashbacks. It’s the same with „people we meet on vacation“ by the same author. Yes the scenes themselves are enjoyable and very much so but in the greater narrative it’s oftentimes jarring and disconnected. This one did way better than PWMOV, though, which is why it doesn’t weigh into the rating as much.
I loved in this what I always do. The writing and the characters never fail to impress (as well as the complex relationships to their parents, I love it every single time). It’s my ambrosia if you will. I just wish she’d write a chronological timeline again with a couple that hasn’t snogged before the novel even starts.
Only aspect I didn’t like: It felt too painful and the timeframe was too short.
Details in spoilers:
I also am always reluctant to pick up second-chance romances or generally romances where the mcs have a romantic/intensely platonic history that happened off-page or in clunky flashbacks. It’s the same with „people we meet on vacation“ by the same author. Yes the scenes themselves are enjoyable and very much so but in the greater narrative it’s oftentimes jarring and disconnected. This one did way better than PWMOV, though, which is why it doesn’t weigh into the rating as much.
I loved in this what I always do. The writing and the characters never fail to impress (as well as the complex relationships to their parents, I love it every single time). It’s my ambrosia if you will. I just wish she’d write a chronological timeline again with a couple that hasn’t snogged before the novel even starts.
Hell Followed with Us by Andrew Joseph White
3.75
I always felt like the wrong parts got cut. Like yes, this is Horror so gore it to be expected but it was to the plot‘s detriment. I mostly wish Benji and Nick‘s relationship could’ve been more developed and more of a show-don’t-tell approach could’ve helped with that and with the whole Theo situation (without getting into spoilers). Like the extensive inner monologues got a bit too much at times.
I did appreciate the rage though. It felt cathartic. I loved the found family aspect too. Don’t stone me for this but I think this book lends itself to fanfic very well precisely because the relationships could be expanded upon so much.
I did appreciate the rage though. It felt cathartic. I loved the found family aspect too. Don’t stone me for this but I think this book lends itself to fanfic very well precisely because the relationships could be expanded upon so much.
Babel by R.F. Kuang
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I can’t sum up my thoughts coherently but here’s my attempt: This book touched me with its masterful nuance and captivating story. It didn’t feel preachy and stayed grounded in reality as in centering the lives of could-be-real people and not losing itself in theory. I truly loved it. It tore me apart. I wouldn’t change a thing.