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reading_rhapsody's reviews
158 reviews
Never Lie by Freida McFadden
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
3.75
read this as a buddy read!
I could not put this book down I finished this in One sitting of 8 hour time frame lol with a break in between so basically I had an impromptu readathon haha. Anyways the build up was very good but the pace was a little slower than what I was expecting.
There is something about Mcfadden books. Its like you are on a ride and at first it's fun and exciting but when you get to the end you realize you didn't actually like the ride.
the ending felt rushed and too many unanswered questions! I was disappointed. However, I have to give it to her it was still. pageturner.
I could not put this book down I finished this in One sitting of 8 hour time frame lol with a break in between so basically I had an impromptu readathon haha. Anyways the build up was very good but the pace was a little slower than what I was expecting.
There is something about Mcfadden books. Its like you are on a ride and at first it's fun and exciting but when you get to the end you realize you didn't actually like the ride.
the ending felt rushed and too many unanswered questions! I was disappointed. However, I have to give it to her it was still. pageturner.
Gay Girl, Good God: The Story of Who I Was, and Who God Has Always Been by Jackie Hill Perry
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.0
Let me preface this by saying I love reading memoirs So I rated solely based on the poetic prose and learning more of her testimony NOT on the theological aspects because it is often subjective.
Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds by David Goggins
dark
informative
medium-paced
3.75
Before starting this I did not know who David was. My husband introduced me to him and I was intrigued after watching a few of his videos. Let me preface this by saying I am not a fan of a lot of cussing in books. However, it did not take away from the message. It makes sense because that is the way he talks normally.
This is a memoir about his journey from a troubled past to becoming a Navy SEAL and an elite endurance athlete. Goggins' writing is straightforward and relatable, making it an accessible read for anyone looking for motivation to overcome their challenges and achieve personal growth. However, I found myself questioning his methods of developing mental toughness and pushing beyond self-imposed limitations. I understand overcoming adversity but at what cost? your life?
I will say that everything that he has been through was pretty heartbreaking! So maybe the trauma from that has been attributed to his questionable methods lol definitely has the NO PAIN NO GAIN attitude 10X haha.
Still a good read and some good tips but don't take everything to heart you might find yourself in the hospital lol
This is a memoir about his journey from a troubled past to becoming a Navy SEAL and an elite endurance athlete. Goggins' writing is straightforward and relatable, making it an accessible read for anyone looking for motivation to overcome their challenges and achieve personal growth. However, I found myself questioning his methods of developing mental toughness and pushing beyond self-imposed limitations. I understand overcoming adversity but at what cost? your life?
I will say that everything that he has been through was pretty heartbreaking! So maybe the trauma from that has been attributed to his questionable methods lol definitely has the NO PAIN NO GAIN attitude 10X haha.
Still a good read and some good tips but don't take everything to heart you might find yourself in the hospital lol
A Reaper at the Gates by Sabaa Tahir
adventurous
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
3. 8 rating! read this back in Jan.
Now that I have enough time to think about how I feel, lets get into it!
Out of the 3 books this one was a slight disappointment. Book 2 is my fav thus far but that is with me having not finished book 4 yet. Which I am currently reading.
my likes:
character development of Helene!!! Fav character in whole series!!
Plot twist was giving!!
Cook... whaaaatt?
dislikes:
The whole cat and mouse vibes were offputting. It seemed to drag out too long and made me bored a lil' bit. However still good plot.
Laia and Darin... just could not invest in their characters.
Overall series is still great!
Looking forward to last book...
Now that I have enough time to think about how I feel, lets get into it!
Out of the 3 books this one was a slight disappointment. Book 2 is my fav thus far but that is with me having not finished book 4 yet. Which I am currently reading.
my likes:
character development of Helene!!! Fav character in whole series!!
Plot twist was giving!!
Cook... whaaaatt?
dislikes:
The whole cat and mouse vibes were offputting. It seemed to drag out too long and made me bored a lil' bit. However still good plot.
Laia and Darin... just could not invest in their characters.
Overall series is still great!
Looking forward to last book...
Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This book surpassed the first one by offering more plot development. The second book focused more on the war aspect and the character development of Dacre, which is why I preferred it over the first book. The dynamics of war and the conflicting sides that Iris and Rowan find themselves on were well explored.
While new characters were introduced, there wasn't much depth to them, making them easy to forget. One aspect that was lacking in the series as a whole was the development of the world's backstory and origins, particularly the Underlings and the Skywards. This made it difficult for me to fully immerse myself in the series as a Fantasy.
I believe that this series would have been better suited as a historical fiction romance rather than a fantasy romance. I would have easily liked this series without the fantastical elements in it. The ending left me feeling underwhelmed due to the lack of worldbuilding and explanation for the ongoing war. Overall, I liked the book but did not love it, as it kept me engaged with the plot but fell short of fully explaining the world and the reasons behind the conflict.
I really wished Rebecca would write another book to tie up the loose ends.
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While new characters were introduced, there wasn't much depth to them, making them easy to forget. One aspect that was lacking in the series as a whole was the development of the world's backstory and origins, particularly the Underlings and the Skywards. This made it difficult for me to fully immerse myself in the series as a Fantasy.
I believe that this series would have been better suited as a historical fiction romance rather than a fantasy romance. I would have easily liked this series without the fantastical elements in it. The ending left me feeling underwhelmed due to the lack of worldbuilding and explanation for the ongoing war. Overall, I liked the book but did not love it, as it kept me engaged with the plot but fell short of fully explaining the world and the reasons behind the conflict.
I really wished Rebecca would write another book to tie up the loose ends.
for book recs and reviews:
https://www.readingrhapsody.com
If you like this book check this out:
https://www.readingrhapsody.com/young...
The Six Deaths of the Saint by Alix E. Harrow
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
what did I just read? I need some time to process 😥 wow
Reading this short story without any prior knowledge was such a thrilling experience! Even though it's short, it's incredibly impactful, much more than the longer books I've read. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. The writing style is beautiful and makes you feel a lot of different emotions. I realize that I prefer writing with more prose and this story was a great payoff in that area.
Some readers might find the changes in tense confusing at first, but once you understand why they're there, it all makes sense. This was my first time reading anything by this author and let me say that it will not be my last! I just wished she would expand more on this story and write an entire book lol
for book recs and reviews:
https://www.readingrhapsody.com
I only update reviews on here when I have time so dates are not accurate and I am too lazy to change them lol
For real-time reading updates follow me on Storygraph I am more active on there:
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Reading this short story without any prior knowledge was such a thrilling experience! Even though it's short, it's incredibly impactful, much more than the longer books I've read. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. The writing style is beautiful and makes you feel a lot of different emotions. I realize that I prefer writing with more prose and this story was a great payoff in that area.
Some readers might find the changes in tense confusing at first, but once you understand why they're there, it all makes sense. This was my first time reading anything by this author and let me say that it will not be my last! I just wished she would expand more on this story and write an entire book lol
for book recs and reviews:
https://www.readingrhapsody.com
I only update reviews on here when I have time so dates are not accurate and I am too lazy to change them lol
For real-time reading updates follow me on Storygraph I am more active on there:
https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile...
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey, Jim Collins
medium-paced
4.5
learned alot about myself and how to be more effective in all areas of my life. I would need to reference back to and reread over and over. I have already implemented alot of what is taught and lets just say I already see positive results 😁
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
4.5
One of the best things about the book is how it reveals secrets slowly. It's like a puzzle that gets pieced together, just like the main character, Violet, discovers things. This made me curious, and I couldn't stop reading.
The characters, especially Violet and her squad (and Tairn and Andarna!), became my favorites. I got attached to them, and I worried about what might happen to them. There are some funny moments, thanks to Ridoc and Sawyer, which add a nice touch to the story. However, I didn't like that Violet kept secrets, especially from her best friend Rhiannon. It made me feel a bit uneasy because their friendship is a big deal.
The other characters in the story, like Imogen, Mira, Sloane, Jesenia, and Maren, have unique personalities that make the story interesting. There's also some drama between Violet and Xaden, which got a bit frustrating. I kept hoping they'd just talk and sort things out, but I guess it adds drama to their relationship.
While the story is exciting, there are times when it gets a bit confusing. Keeping track of all the relationships and secrets can be a bit tricky. Some parts could have been simpler to make it easier to follow.
Despite some confusing moments, I stayed hooked because I wanted to know what would happen next. The mix of characters you love and those you don't create a good balance. I'm looking forward to the next book to see where the story goes.
for an in-depth review:
https://www.readingrhapsody.com/iron-...
for book recs and more reviews:
https://www.readingrhapsody.com/
The characters, especially Violet and her squad (and Tairn and Andarna!), became my favorites. I got attached to them, and I worried about what might happen to them. There are some funny moments, thanks to Ridoc and Sawyer, which add a nice touch to the story. However, I didn't like that Violet kept secrets, especially from her best friend Rhiannon. It made me feel a bit uneasy because their friendship is a big deal.
The other characters in the story, like Imogen, Mira, Sloane, Jesenia, and Maren, have unique personalities that make the story interesting. There's also some drama between Violet and Xaden, which got a bit frustrating. I kept hoping they'd just talk and sort things out, but I guess it adds drama to their relationship.
While the story is exciting, there are times when it gets a bit confusing. Keeping track of all the relationships and secrets can be a bit tricky. Some parts could have been simpler to make it easier to follow.
Despite some confusing moments, I stayed hooked because I wanted to know what would happen next. The mix of characters you love and those you don't create a good balance. I'm looking forward to the next book to see where the story goes.
for an in-depth review:
https://www.readingrhapsody.com/iron-...
for book recs and more reviews:
https://www.readingrhapsody.com/
A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I have a feeling that this series is going to be a fav of all time!!
I was hooked on this book – Sabaa Tahir knows how to spin a compelling story. I love how she dives into why characters do what they do. This time, we get a peek into Helene's perspective, which adds some depth to her character. Even though I wasn't a fan of her in the first book, her combat skills make up for some questionable choices.
Laia, however, isn't doing it for me in this one. She feels a bit too delicate for a main character, and I prefer leads who can hold their own. Elias is by far my favorite character; he sticks to his beliefs without fluff.
The supporting characters bring a lot to the table, and while not every plot twist is my favorite, they keep things interesting. Plus, the story moves at a quick pace, which I'm all about.
for more in depth review check out:https://www.readingrhapsody.com/a-tor...
I was hooked on this book – Sabaa Tahir knows how to spin a compelling story. I love how she dives into why characters do what they do. This time, we get a peek into Helene's perspective, which adds some depth to her character. Even though I wasn't a fan of her in the first book, her combat skills make up for some questionable choices.
Laia, however, isn't doing it for me in this one. She feels a bit too delicate for a main character, and I prefer leads who can hold their own. Elias is by far my favorite character; he sticks to his beliefs without fluff.
The supporting characters bring a lot to the table, and while not every plot twist is my favorite, they keep things interesting. Plus, the story moves at a quick pace, which I'm all about.
for more in depth review check out:https://www.readingrhapsody.com/a-tor...
A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown
Did not finish book. Stopped at 13%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 13%.
will reread at a later date but it was a good book so far just had to prioritize other books