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rjsetserauthor's reviews
863 reviews
Fog Crest by Abigail Hammond
hopeful
mysterious
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? Yes
5.0
"You're not blunt. You're straightforward. There's a difference...it's a good thing."
Fog Crest was such a cozy, mysterious, and fun book to read in stormy weather! It has the perfect mix of creepy and tense while also being mysterious and hopeful. It's the type of story that makes you want to binge it in one sitting.
While there is a bit of a romance sideplot, I think what I loved the most about Fog Crest is the focus on female friendships. Nat, Josie, and Marie have complicated pasts and they make poor decisions, like everyone does, and they have to communicate and work through those experiences. Our society loves to pit women against each other and encourage fighting or "writing off" women who make mistakes, rather than talking through the reasons why and extending forgiveness. Fog Crest displays such a beautiful example of character growth and female friendships. I genuinely loved every character!
Abigail Hammond is quickly becoming one of my auto-buy authors. I highly recommend her books if you're looking for stories that are filled with cozy spooks and hope-filled characters.
Content: Some mild gore and spooks. No cursing. Very mild on-page romance (only a kiss), but there is mention of toxic past relationships that may be triggering for some readers (gaslighting, blackmailing, etc). Also mention of drugs and gang membership.
I received this book from the author. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and this review is voluntary.
Fog Crest was such a cozy, mysterious, and fun book to read in stormy weather! It has the perfect mix of creepy and tense while also being mysterious and hopeful. It's the type of story that makes you want to binge it in one sitting.
While there is a bit of a romance sideplot, I think what I loved the most about Fog Crest is the focus on female friendships. Nat, Josie, and Marie have complicated pasts and they make poor decisions, like everyone does, and they have to communicate and work through those experiences. Our society loves to pit women against each other and encourage fighting or "writing off" women who make mistakes, rather than talking through the reasons why and extending forgiveness. Fog Crest displays such a beautiful example of character growth and female friendships. I genuinely loved every character!
Abigail Hammond is quickly becoming one of my auto-buy authors. I highly recommend her books if you're looking for stories that are filled with cozy spooks and hope-filled characters.
Content: Some mild gore and spooks. No cursing. Very mild on-page romance (only a kiss), but there is mention of toxic past relationships that may be triggering for some readers (gaslighting, blackmailing, etc). Also mention of drugs and gang membership.
I received this book from the author. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and this review is voluntary.
Content Warnings
Minor: Gore, Toxic relationship, Murder, Gaslighting
Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
"Book lovers can spot a wrapped book a mile away."
This was a beautiful and fun book! Zoey, Charlotte, Mac, and Oliver kept me laughing, feeling comforted, and fully engaged in their story. It was simple, but in a complimentary way. The story and characters had such a depth to them without making you feel bogged down by their pasts or struggles. It was such a beautiful way of portraying the complexities of people and how, when you find the right people, those struggles that typically isolate you can have the same power to knit you together and create strong bonds. I loved how natural the communication was for these broken people and it just felt so much like "finally" finding people who will stay on your side through thick and thin. Zoey and Charlotte's friendship was so comforting and healthy, too. Exactly what female friendships should be.
The mysterious undertones kept me flipping the pages. The food--oh my goodness. I would buy a cookbook of recipes from this book (and other Allen books!). Since finishing Other Birds, I've started The Girl Who Chased the Moon (also by Sarah Addison Allen) and her food descriptions set my mouth to watering.
The romance was so sweet and comforting, too. The kind that makes you feel like watching your best friend fall in love with someone who is PERFECT for them. There are several mentions of casual s3x from background characters but there's nothing shown on page. Overall, I adored this book and as I mentioned above, I immediately started another book by this author because I wanted more. This would be a great summer read!
This was a beautiful and fun book! Zoey, Charlotte, Mac, and Oliver kept me laughing, feeling comforted, and fully engaged in their story. It was simple, but in a complimentary way. The story and characters had such a depth to them without making you feel bogged down by their pasts or struggles. It was such a beautiful way of portraying the complexities of people and how, when you find the right people, those struggles that typically isolate you can have the same power to knit you together and create strong bonds. I loved how natural the communication was for these broken people and it just felt so much like "finally" finding people who will stay on your side through thick and thin. Zoey and Charlotte's friendship was so comforting and healthy, too. Exactly what female friendships should be.
The mysterious undertones kept me flipping the pages. The food--oh my goodness. I would buy a cookbook of recipes from this book (and other Allen books!). Since finishing Other Birds, I've started The Girl Who Chased the Moon (also by Sarah Addison Allen) and her food descriptions set my mouth to watering.
The romance was so sweet and comforting, too. The kind that makes you feel like watching your best friend fall in love with someone who is PERFECT for them. There are several mentions of casual s3x from background characters but there's nothing shown on page. Overall, I adored this book and as I mentioned above, I immediately started another book by this author because I wanted more. This would be a great summer read!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Domestic abuse, Mental illness, Abandonment
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Child death
Content/trigger warnings: Little to no cursing. No spice. No gore. There are a few heavy topics about one character escaping a cult where a child died. A couple of characters deal with the mental illness of being abused (sexually) as children. One character grows up with a narcissistic and mentally ill mother and there are several sad and complicated conversations dealing with that.
The Princess Bride: S. Morgenstern's Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure by William Goldman
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
"True love is the best thing in the world, except for cough drops."
After growing up with the movie and still watching it several times a year, quoting "I'm not a witch, I'm your wife" quite often to my husband, and randomly exclaiming "Anyone want a peanut?" throughout my days; I've finally read the book. And I can't believe that it took me so long to do so.
This is a work of satirical art and I haven't laughed this hard at a book in I don't even know how long. That being said, do not take this book seriously. You can't, or you'll walk away from it deeply offended and irritated. I've never had a work of fiction make me question my reality, but here we are. I won't include spoilers in case you'd like to experience the brilliance of Goldman's 25th and 30th anniversary introductions for yourself, but just know: he got me.
The Princess Bride is meant to be read aloud and I want to immediately start it with my husband. That being said, however, there were a few things that would make me hesitant to read aloud to kids without interjecting (as Goldman's father often did with him). The main thing being how often Buttercup gets slapped and it being okay. Once again, this is satire and it is humorously exaggerating the toxic masculinity and helpless femininity tropes and I believe it's supposed to make you uncomfortable (because that's what satire does), but as I mentioned earlier if you take it seriously, you will walk away from this book offended.
Overall, this is a book that any lover of the movie needs to experience at least once! I wasn't expecting the book to be too vastly different from the movie, but it is. They are each works of art and I can't say that either is "better" than the other. If you love the movie, you also need to read the book, but only because there is more to the story than you could possibly imagine! As it is, this book is so unique and unlike any other (that comes to my mind) that I can't rate it anything but 5 stars, but I do recommend it with caution: you need to understand satire.
Content warnings: Cursing: one use of "SOB" and occasional minor words. No gore, very minor action. And only a couple mention of kisses. Other warnings would include some intense nightmares, animal cruelty, and various discriminations.
After growing up with the movie and still watching it several times a year, quoting "I'm not a witch, I'm your wife" quite often to my husband, and randomly exclaiming "Anyone want a peanut?" throughout my days; I've finally read the book. And I can't believe that it took me so long to do so.
This is a work of satirical art and I haven't laughed this hard at a book in I don't even know how long. That being said, do not take this book seriously. You can't, or you'll walk away from it deeply offended and irritated. I've never had a work of fiction make me question my reality, but here we are. I won't include spoilers in case you'd like to experience the brilliance of Goldman's 25th and 30th anniversary introductions for yourself, but just know: he got me.
The Princess Bride is meant to be read aloud and I want to immediately start it with my husband. That being said, however, there were a few things that would make me hesitant to read aloud to kids without interjecting (as Goldman's father often did with him). The main thing being how often Buttercup gets slapped and it being okay. Once again, this is satire and it is humorously exaggerating the toxic masculinity and helpless femininity tropes and I believe it's supposed to make you uncomfortable (because that's what satire does), but as I mentioned earlier if you take it seriously, you will walk away from this book offended.
Overall, this is a book that any lover of the movie needs to experience at least once! I wasn't expecting the book to be too vastly different from the movie, but it is. They are each works of art and I can't say that either is "better" than the other. If you love the movie, you also need to read the book, but only because there is more to the story than you could possibly imagine! As it is, this book is so unique and unlike any other (that comes to my mind) that I can't rate it anything but 5 stars, but I do recommend it with caution: you need to understand satire.
Content warnings: Cursing: one use of "SOB" and occasional minor words. No gore, very minor action. And only a couple mention of kisses. Other warnings would include some intense nightmares, animal cruelty, and various discriminations.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body shaming, Bullying, Torture
Minor: Child death, Suicide
The Wayward by Tabitha Caplinger
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-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
4.5
"In the shelter of the evergreen forests, strangers had become soulmates."
The Wayward beautifully captures the emotions expected of a dystopian novel; faith amid hopelessness, treasuring the small joys amid oppression, and pushing through grief until you see triumph.
I enjoyed the characters, especially Wilder and Declan, and thought their marriage was encouraging to see in fiction. I feel like many times, book romances end in marriage and as readers, we rarely get to see the relationship struggles beyond the vows, so I appreciated that the majority of this book centered on a married couple rather than the dating phases.
"Perhaps the sadness helps us remain grateful for the joy."
That being said, without including spoilers, I would like to point out to potential readers that this book is not intended for the Young Adult (YA) audience. Is it appropriate? Absolutely. But the characters face very real-world (marriage) scenarios that many teens and young adults may find boring or unrelatable, because the romance isn't the thrill of the chase (as is common in most YA dystopian novels), but rather an established, healthy marriage. Would I be comfortable handing it to a YA reader? Yes; and I would even encourage YA readers to pick it up because of the display of healthy relationships and I believe that YA readers need to see more of that example in fiction, but I want to reiterate that the characters face some very mature topics that can make it difficult to read at times. Especially if you've gone through it. It took me a long time to get through this book because of the tragedy and sorrow that is so heavily laced into the story, that I just had to take a lot of breaks.
The plot is gripping and overall, I believe that it's exactly the story that the author wanted to tell and that the comforting messages during loss are accomplished exactly as the author intended. It's a beautiful book and I recommend it to readers who are seeking fiction with depth and faith amid heavy trials.
"Silence is underrated at times, but it can be good for the soul. Sometimes we just need another person to be in the room with us and it's enough."
I received this book from the author. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and this review is voluntary.
The Wayward beautifully captures the emotions expected of a dystopian novel; faith amid hopelessness, treasuring the small joys amid oppression, and pushing through grief until you see triumph.
I enjoyed the characters, especially Wilder and Declan, and thought their marriage was encouraging to see in fiction. I feel like many times, book romances end in marriage and as readers, we rarely get to see the relationship struggles beyond the vows, so I appreciated that the majority of this book centered on a married couple rather than the dating phases.
"Perhaps the sadness helps us remain grateful for the joy."
That being said, without including spoilers, I would like to point out to potential readers that this book is not intended for the Young Adult (YA) audience. Is it appropriate? Absolutely. But the characters face very real-world (marriage) scenarios that many teens and young adults may find boring or unrelatable, because the romance isn't the thrill of the chase (as is common in most YA dystopian novels), but rather an established, healthy marriage. Would I be comfortable handing it to a YA reader? Yes; and I would even encourage YA readers to pick it up because of the display of healthy relationships and I believe that YA readers need to see more of that example in fiction, but I want to reiterate that the characters face some very mature topics that can make it difficult to read at times. Especially if you've gone through it. It took me a long time to get through this book because of the tragedy and sorrow that is so heavily laced into the story, that I just had to take a lot of breaks.
The plot is gripping and overall, I believe that it's exactly the story that the author wanted to tell and that the comforting messages during loss are accomplished exactly as the author intended. It's a beautiful book and I recommend it to readers who are seeking fiction with depth and faith amid heavy trials.
"Silence is underrated at times, but it can be good for the soul. Sometimes we just need another person to be in the room with us and it's enough."
I received this book from the author. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and this review is voluntary.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Miscarriage, Slavery, Torture, Grief
The Case of the Ice-Cold Hands by Erle Stanley Gardner
mysterious
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
5.0
Perry Mason has become a comfort series for me. I ended up with a stack of them after a library book sale and they are in absolutely no order. I've just been reading them when I hit burnout and typically binge the entire book in one sitting because they're so easy to read.
They are certainly fictional crime investigations and if you want something "realistic", I'd avoid these. But for the classic who-dun-it feel of a murder mystery, Perry Mason is one of my favorites. The Case of the Ice-Cold Hands was fun to read and I have no complaints :)
They are certainly fictional crime investigations and if you want something "realistic", I'd avoid these. But for the classic who-dun-it feel of a murder mystery, Perry Mason is one of my favorites. The Case of the Ice-Cold Hands was fun to read and I have no complaints :)
When Oceans Rise by Robin Alvarez
emotional
reflective
slow-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? Yes
4.0
A unique twist on The Little Mermaid!
When Oceans Rise has a strong message to readers regarding toxic and abusive relationships and powerfully depicts what it's like to "lose your voice" in that relationship while trying to get out of it.
I won't lie, this story isn't the one I expected going in. It's a heavy story all around and if you've ever been gaslighted in any way (be it a romantic partner or someone else), it can be triggering with how much Malaya goes through. There were many instances where I had to set the book aside because it was just too close to home and I couldn't read it for a while. So I would definitely categorize it as a "heavy" read. Good, but heavy.
Outside of the toxic relationship, Malaya also deals with familial tensions. I thought the way the story approaches this was beautifully done in illustrating how our choices impact the trajectory of our lives; and furthermore, how minor choices could change minor things that we often don't think about. I also loved that the book was set in Corpus Christi (my home away from home, so that was fun), and I was deeply intrigued by all of the Filipino culture references.
Overall, I have mixed emotions about When Oceans Rise because it is such a necessary message and Malaya learns many valuable lessons; but it's so heavily laden with the goal of getting these points across that it was often difficult to get through. I enjoyed the storyline but many of the decisions Malaya made and the situations she found herself in just made it hard to read more than one chapter at a time. So I'm rating it 4 out of 5 stars and recommending it with caution.
Content warnings: Cursing is high (multiple uses of strong cursing). Sexual content is implied and there are a few steamy kissing scenes, but nothing more is shown on page. Action/gore is moderately present, but not too detailed.
When Oceans Rise has a strong message to readers regarding toxic and abusive relationships and powerfully depicts what it's like to "lose your voice" in that relationship while trying to get out of it.
I won't lie, this story isn't the one I expected going in. It's a heavy story all around and if you've ever been gaslighted in any way (be it a romantic partner or someone else), it can be triggering with how much Malaya goes through. There were many instances where I had to set the book aside because it was just too close to home and I couldn't read it for a while. So I would definitely categorize it as a "heavy" read. Good, but heavy.
Outside of the toxic relationship, Malaya also deals with familial tensions. I thought the way the story approaches this was beautifully done in illustrating how our choices impact the trajectory of our lives; and furthermore, how minor choices could change minor things that we often don't think about. I also loved that the book was set in Corpus Christi (my home away from home, so that was fun), and I was deeply intrigued by all of the Filipino culture references.
Overall, I have mixed emotions about When Oceans Rise because it is such a necessary message and Malaya learns many valuable lessons; but it's so heavily laden with the goal of getting these points across that it was often difficult to get through. I enjoyed the storyline but many of the decisions Malaya made and the situations she found herself in just made it hard to read more than one chapter at a time. So I'm rating it 4 out of 5 stars and recommending it with caution.
Content warnings: Cursing is high (multiple uses of strong cursing). Sexual content is implied and there are a few steamy kissing scenes, but nothing more is shown on page. Action/gore is moderately present, but not too detailed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Gaslighting
Moderate: Cursing, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Rape
A Magic Evermore: Book One in the Mirri Langley Series by Michelle Massie
adventurous
fast-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
4.5
*4.5 rounded to 5 stars on sites that don't accept halves*
A Magic Evermore is such a fun story that reminded me of an Alice in Wonderland type of chaos with a touch of Narnia. Reluctant heroes rise, quests abound, strange creatures greet you at every turn, fantasy foods that you can taste, and a unique world to explore!
I loved the emphasis on storytelling that Mirri and her journal portray throughout the story. Smidge and Jinx were equally lovable characters and made the adventure a delight to read. This story is everything I expect from a YA fantasy quest. I can't wait to start the next book!
A Magic Evermore is such a fun story that reminded me of an Alice in Wonderland type of chaos with a touch of Narnia. Reluctant heroes rise, quests abound, strange creatures greet you at every turn, fantasy foods that you can taste, and a unique world to explore!
I loved the emphasis on storytelling that Mirri and her journal portray throughout the story. Smidge and Jinx were equally lovable characters and made the adventure a delight to read. This story is everything I expect from a YA fantasy quest. I can't wait to start the next book!
Sword of Destiny by Andrzej Sapkowski
adventurous
dark
emotional
slow-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
Actual tears in that last chapter. Wow.
Full review and content warnings to come.
Full review and content warnings to come.
Argylle by Elly Conway
Did not finish book. Stopped at 17%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 17%.
Lost interest, may try again after I watch the movie (and if I like it)
Grania: She-King of the Irish Seas by Morgan Llywelyn
Did not finish book. Stopped at 21%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 21%.
Just lost interest...