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rgoth's reviews
348 reviews
Lie Beside Me by Gytha Lodge
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
While I found this book to be an engaging read, it doesn't quite rank as my favorite work by Gytha Lodge. The characters are intricately flawed, which made it difficult for me to fully connect with any of them, though I held onto the hope that Alex hadn't committed any truly heinous acts.
As the narrative unfolded, I began to appreciate Louise more, despite her initially coming across as a rather fragile character. She evolved somewhat, but I often wished she had displayed greater strength.
There were several loose threads in the plot that I felt weren't adequately resolved by the conclusion. The outcomes surrounding April, a friend of Louise's, were particularly exasperating; I had a sense from the very beginning that there was something amiss with her.
In spite of these critiques, the story itself was undeniably gripping, expertly crafted to keep readers guessing until the very last page. The author's skillful writing and clever twists made for an exhilarating ride and I can't wait to read more from her.
As the narrative unfolded, I began to appreciate Louise more, despite her initially coming across as a rather fragile character. She evolved somewhat, but I often wished she had displayed greater strength.
There were several loose threads in the plot that I felt weren't adequately resolved by the conclusion. The outcomes surrounding April, a friend of Louise's, were particularly exasperating; I had a sense from the very beginning that there was something amiss with her.
In spite of these critiques, the story itself was undeniably gripping, expertly crafted to keep readers guessing until the very last page. The author's skillful writing and clever twists made for an exhilarating ride and I can't wait to read more from her.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Death, Rape, Murder, and Alcohol
Wisteria by Adalyn Grace
adventurous
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
4.0
This book is a visual and emotional delight. At first, I found myself eagerly anticipating a deeper exploration of the theme of death, but as the narrative unfolded, I was a little disappointed.
Initially, I found myself detesting the character of Fate; he struck me as vile and bitter, and all I could wish for was to see life and death unite in a quest to destroy him. There was an unsettling tension surrounding him that sparked a strong reaction within me.
While the overarching storyline felt somewhat predictable, the relationship that flourished between Blythe and Aris was undeniably captivating. Their connection radiated a warmth that I couldn’t help but be drawn to. Despite the similarities to the dynamic between Death and Signa from the previous books, I remained thoroughly absorbed in their journey.
I enjoyed the plot at the end, yet I couldn’t shake the feeling that a cliffhanger would have elevated the experience, leaving me craving more. Overall, it’s a beautifully crafted tale that weaves together themes of love—one that is as tender as it is tragic. A love that is worth living for, searching for and dying for. Although I didn’t find it quite as enchanting as "Belladonna," it still showcased Grace's exquisite writing style and clever narrative. She managed to pull me into a genre I don’t typically favour, and I was captivated, ultimately falling completely in love with this poignant love story.
Initially, I found myself detesting the character of Fate; he struck me as vile and bitter, and all I could wish for was to see life and death unite in a quest to destroy him. There was an unsettling tension surrounding him that sparked a strong reaction within me.
While the overarching storyline felt somewhat predictable, the relationship that flourished between Blythe and Aris was undeniably captivating. Their connection radiated a warmth that I couldn’t help but be drawn to. Despite the similarities to the dynamic between Death and Signa from the previous books, I remained thoroughly absorbed in their journey.
I enjoyed the plot at the end, yet I couldn’t shake the feeling that a cliffhanger would have elevated the experience, leaving me craving more. Overall, it’s a beautifully crafted tale that weaves together themes of love—one that is as tender as it is tragic. A love that is worth living for, searching for and dying for. Although I didn’t find it quite as enchanting as "Belladonna," it still showcased Grace's exquisite writing style and clever narrative. She managed to pull me into a genre I don’t typically favour, and I was captivated, ultimately falling completely in love with this poignant love story.
No One Saw a Thing by Andrea Mara
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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
5.0
Wow, this book was absolutely gripping from start to finish, and I truly loved every moment of it.
The scene where the girls board that train in the underground subway struck a nerve with me; it triggered a wave of anxiety because losing my child in the underground is one of my biggest fears. From that moment onward, the story was relentless. Each chapter ended on a tantalising cliffhanger, making it nearly impossible to put the book down—my heart was racing with every turn of the page.
There were instances throughout the narrative where the plot became a bit less believable, possibly straying into improbable territory, but I found that I didn’t even mind. I was completely immersed in the characters and the unfolding drama, eager to unravel the intricate threads of the storyline.
As for Aaron, he was truly the epitome of a villain. His actions were despicable, and by the conclusion, I felt that he absolutely deserved everything that came his way. The author did a remarkable job of crafting a satisfying resolution for his character, leaving me both relieved and vindicated.
The scene where the girls board that train in the underground subway struck a nerve with me; it triggered a wave of anxiety because losing my child in the underground is one of my biggest fears. From that moment onward, the story was relentless. Each chapter ended on a tantalising cliffhanger, making it nearly impossible to put the book down—my heart was racing with every turn of the page.
There were instances throughout the narrative where the plot became a bit less believable, possibly straying into improbable territory, but I found that I didn’t even mind. I was completely immersed in the characters and the unfolding drama, eager to unravel the intricate threads of the storyline.
As for Aaron, he was truly the epitome of a villain. His actions were despicable, and by the conclusion, I felt that he absolutely deserved everything that came his way. The author did a remarkable job of crafting a satisfying resolution for his character, leaving me both relieved and vindicated.
The Time-Travelling Estate Agent by Dale Bradford
adventurous
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? It's complicated
3.25
This novel is set in the charming region of South Wales, specifically in Cwmbran, which made it all the more enjoyable for me as I recognized many of the local places mentioned throughout the story. It was delightful to see familiar spots come to life on the pages, further grounding the narrative in a locale I am so familiar with.
From a writing standpoint, the book is reasonably well-crafted, and I found the premise of the story to be intriguing. The idea of time travel presented here felt fresh and innovative, sparking my imagination and inviting me to consider the possibilities of such a concept. The author definitely had a clever angle that made me think about how this unique form of time travel could feasibly exist within the realms of reality and fiction alike.
Despite my appreciation for the concept, I struggled to engage with the story on a deeper level, which was disappointing. As I read, I started to notice a certain repetitiveness in the plot—not in the sense of revisiting the same day, which is naturally part of the time travel theme, but rather in the emotional and thematic undertones that felt somewhat stagnant. There seemed to be a critical element missing from the overarching narrative that prevented it from fully drawing me in.
Additionally, I found the characters lacking in depth, particularly Eric Meek, who came across as quite one-dimensional. I wished for more insight into his motivations and emotional landscape, as I feel this would have added significant weight to the story and allowed me to better empathize with him. The lack of character development left me feeling somewhat disconnected from the narrative, which impacted my overall enjoyment.
Another point worth mentioning is the presence of typos scattered throughout, and it was clear that the manuscript could have benefited from a more thorough editing process. A careful review might not only have helped polish the writing but also streamlined the plot, making the story flow more cohesively.
In summary, while the book showcases several commendable elements and hints at the potential for a truly brilliant narrative, it fell short of my expectations. I sincerely enjoyed the opportunity to read about a local area and explore the theme of time travel from a fresh perspective, even though the execution didn’t fully engage me as I had hoped.
I want to thank the author for providing me with an ebook as part of a book club in return for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity to immerse myself in this tale.
From a writing standpoint, the book is reasonably well-crafted, and I found the premise of the story to be intriguing. The idea of time travel presented here felt fresh and innovative, sparking my imagination and inviting me to consider the possibilities of such a concept. The author definitely had a clever angle that made me think about how this unique form of time travel could feasibly exist within the realms of reality and fiction alike.
Despite my appreciation for the concept, I struggled to engage with the story on a deeper level, which was disappointing. As I read, I started to notice a certain repetitiveness in the plot—not in the sense of revisiting the same day, which is naturally part of the time travel theme, but rather in the emotional and thematic undertones that felt somewhat stagnant. There seemed to be a critical element missing from the overarching narrative that prevented it from fully drawing me in.
Additionally, I found the characters lacking in depth, particularly Eric Meek, who came across as quite one-dimensional. I wished for more insight into his motivations and emotional landscape, as I feel this would have added significant weight to the story and allowed me to better empathize with him. The lack of character development left me feeling somewhat disconnected from the narrative, which impacted my overall enjoyment.
Another point worth mentioning is the presence of typos scattered throughout, and it was clear that the manuscript could have benefited from a more thorough editing process. A careful review might not only have helped polish the writing but also streamlined the plot, making the story flow more cohesively.
In summary, while the book showcases several commendable elements and hints at the potential for a truly brilliant narrative, it fell short of my expectations. I sincerely enjoyed the opportunity to read about a local area and explore the theme of time travel from a fresh perspective, even though the execution didn’t fully engage me as I had hoped.
I want to thank the author for providing me with an ebook as part of a book club in return for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity to immerse myself in this tale.
Never Lie by Freida McFadden
challenging
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
This novel has become my favourite among McFadden's works to date. The suspense was palpable throughout the story, and the writing was impressively intricate. I found myself utterly convinced that Ethan was somehow involved in the unfolding events. I was drawn into the plot so effectively that I fell right into the author's trap; as a result, the twists took me completely by surprise.
As for the characters, I must admit that I found them all to be quite detestable. Each one seemed to embody traits that were shallow, self-centred, and narcissistic, making it difficult for me to connect with any of them on a deeper level. The exception, however, was Luke. He stood out as the only character who exhibited any redeeming qualities, and I found myself genuinely rooting for him amidst the chaos.
Overall, this story offered a fast-paced and thrilling ride that kept me engaged from start to finish. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it, despite my disdain for most of the characters involved.
As for the characters, I must admit that I found them all to be quite detestable. Each one seemed to embody traits that were shallow, self-centred, and narcissistic, making it difficult for me to connect with any of them on a deeper level. The exception, however, was Luke. He stood out as the only character who exhibited any redeeming qualities, and I found myself genuinely rooting for him amidst the chaos.
Overall, this story offered a fast-paced and thrilling ride that kept me engaged from start to finish. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it, despite my disdain for most of the characters involved.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- 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
Sometimes, there is a book that gets under your skin and you just can't get rid of the thought of it. This is one of those rare gems.
The two protagonists are intricately crafted, their flaws rendering them profoundly relatable. At times, I felt an overwhelming surge of empathy for their struggles; at others, I found myself grappling with feelings of disappointment and frustration with their selfishness and actions. This complex portrayal made them feel incredibly real, and I genuinely found myself rooting for both of their successes.
What captivated me most was the dynamic of their relationship. There were moments so beautifully rendered that you could almost sense the deep, unspoken affection simmering beneath the surface, despite the absence of a conventional romantic connection. Their bond was a rich tapestry of emotions, woven with threads of understanding and unacknowledged love.
Initially, I thought I was left wanting more with the conclusion, feeling a slight twinge of disappointment. However, upon deeper reflection, I realised that anything else could have felt contrived and forced, detracting from the authenticity of their journey.
Ultimately, this story resonated with me on many levels, and I know its echoes will accompany me for a long time to come.
The two protagonists are intricately crafted, their flaws rendering them profoundly relatable. At times, I felt an overwhelming surge of empathy for their struggles; at others, I found myself grappling with feelings of disappointment and frustration with their selfishness and actions. This complex portrayal made them feel incredibly real, and I genuinely found myself rooting for both of their successes.
What captivated me most was the dynamic of their relationship. There were moments so beautifully rendered that you could almost sense the deep, unspoken affection simmering beneath the surface, despite the absence of a conventional romantic connection. Their bond was a rich tapestry of emotions, woven with threads of understanding and unacknowledged love.
Initially, I thought I was left wanting more with the conclusion, feeling a slight twinge of disappointment. However, upon deeper reflection, I realised that anything else could have felt contrived and forced, detracting from the authenticity of their journey.
Ultimately, this story resonated with me on many levels, and I know its echoes will accompany me for a long time to come.
The Sick Rose by Erin Kelly
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This book presents a peculiar experience. While Kelly's writing is undeniably captivating and showcases her remarkable talent, I found the characters to be disappointingly weak and somewhat tedious. I particularly struggled with the relationship dynamics between Louisa and Paul; their interaction often felt uncomfortable and even unsettling, bordering on the realm of child abuse, especially given Paul's vulnerability. This made it challenging to empathize with either character. Additionally, the ending left much to be desired—it felt rushed and unsatisfying, failing to provide the resolution or depth that the story warranted. Overall, I was left feeling disheartened by the potential of the narrative that ultimately fell flat.
Everyone Who Can Forgive Me Is Dead by Jenny Hollander
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This book is, for lack of a better term, quite peculiar.
While it features a reasonably engaging plot and the writing is undeniably strong, I couldn't shake the feeling that something essential was lacking. I found it difficult to connect with any of the characters; they felt rather flat and one-dimensional. Take Charlie and Tripp, for instance: they are on the brink of getting married, yet there are significant gaps in their knowledge about each other’s pasts. It struck me as odd that Charlie, who seems either excessively naive or, more likely, quite self-absorbed, doesn't feel compelled to inquire about Tripp's previous relationship or even ask for a photo that might reveal more about his past.
Additionally, I grappled with grasping the motivations behind several of the major themes woven throughout the story. It left me pondering the deeper significance of the narrative, as the character development and relational dynamics felt insufficient to support the weight of the themes being explored. Overall, while there are certainly commendable aspects to the book, the lack of depth in both characters and their interactions made for a less fulfilling reading experience.
While it features a reasonably engaging plot and the writing is undeniably strong, I couldn't shake the feeling that something essential was lacking. I found it difficult to connect with any of the characters; they felt rather flat and one-dimensional. Take Charlie and Tripp, for instance: they are on the brink of getting married, yet there are significant gaps in their knowledge about each other’s pasts. It struck me as odd that Charlie, who seems either excessively naive or, more likely, quite self-absorbed, doesn't feel compelled to inquire about Tripp's previous relationship or even ask for a photo that might reveal more about his past.
Additionally, I grappled with grasping the motivations behind several of the major themes woven throughout the story. It left me pondering the deeper significance of the narrative, as the character development and relational dynamics felt insufficient to support the weight of the themes being explored. Overall, while there are certainly commendable aspects to the book, the lack of depth in both characters and their interactions made for a less fulfilling reading experience.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I am truly impressed by Taylor Jenkins Reid's talent as a writer. Going into the book, I had high expectations, especially after thoroughly enjoying The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that this book exceeded my initial hopes. The storyline captivated me from the beginning, and I found myself deeply invested in the evolution of the characters, particularly the four siblings at the heart of the narrative.
Each character is crafted with such depth and nuance, showcasing their unique beauty and complexity. They are flawed yet utterly lovable, which makes them feel incredibly relatable. Among them, I was especially drawn to the two sisters, Nina and Kit. Nina stands out as a true saint; her kindness and strength are palpable throughout the story. I must admit, I found myself shedding tears toward the emotional climax of the book, as her journey resonated with me deeply.
One of the brilliant themes Reid explores is the idea that found families can be just as valid and profound as those connected by blood. She poignantly illustrates that sharing genetics does not automatically equate to deserving love and support. Throughout the story, it becomes painfully clear that some people, regardless of familial ties, can be downright toxic.
As I finished reading, I felt a sense of sadness. Reid has an extraordinary way of weaving stories that linger in your heart and mind long after the last page is turned.
Each character is crafted with such depth and nuance, showcasing their unique beauty and complexity. They are flawed yet utterly lovable, which makes them feel incredibly relatable. Among them, I was especially drawn to the two sisters, Nina and Kit. Nina stands out as a true saint; her kindness and strength are palpable throughout the story. I must admit, I found myself shedding tears toward the emotional climax of the book, as her journey resonated with me deeply.
One of the brilliant themes Reid explores is the idea that found families can be just as valid and profound as those connected by blood. She poignantly illustrates that sharing genetics does not automatically equate to deserving love and support. Throughout the story, it becomes painfully clear that some people, regardless of familial ties, can be downright toxic.
As I finished reading, I felt a sense of sadness. Reid has an extraordinary way of weaving stories that linger in your heart and mind long after the last page is turned.