rolandranch's reviews
100 reviews

Hallowed Souls by Cierra Reyes

adventurous slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

adventurous emotional sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

The Hawthorne Legacy by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

Not All Dragons Breathe Fire by Naomi Lastrucci

hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

4.0

The Walls of Toterrum by Benjamin Kamphuis

adventurous inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Really enjoyed this book. Unique plot, intriguing world, and very cool magic system that kept me turning pages all night. The creatures had a very fun whimsical pokemon feel that contrasted the dystopian vibes in a very thoughtful way. 

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25

Solid enjoyable compelling book with a unique plot. My only complaint is the lack of character depth and, at times, a little bit cheesey writing. Overall, though, this was a fun page turner and I'll be reading the rest of the series. 

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

adventurous funny fast-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

3.75

Entertaining and fun but definitely targeted toward a younger audience. I've read a lot of juvenile fiction that felt a bit more general and that I enjoyed as an adult but this one felt younger than others. I still enjoyed the story and premise and enjoyed for what if is. Great for kids but probably just ok for most adults. 

The Reality of Corruption by Makayla Renee

adventurous 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

4.0

ARC review: Solid well written book with likable characters. This was a nice change of pace from enemy to lovers and reading about the exact same shadow daddy MMC that has seemed to invade every book these days. The characters in this found family book are diverse and fun to get to know but some could have a little more depth. The MMC and FMC are both cool characters that I definitely found myself cheering for. Every time I sat down to read this book I felt a warmth and enjoyment that was definitely addicting. It's for sure worth the read! 

My only real issues with the very cliffhanger ending with no closure. This is a personal preference thing for me and definitely makes me want to read book two but also just always feels unsatisfying for me.

I also struggle with how the rebels go from taking no action to planning all out battle against the Kings army in a period of month. This part just felt a little rushed and unrealistic versus a gorilla warfare sabotage type strategy that would make more sense, but overall, it is still a great book and plot!

Bargain at Bravebank by J. R. Frontera

4.0

Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey

2.75

Really wanted to like it but almost didn't finish. Cool idea and interesting world building, but too clunky for my liking. Also obviously some dated relationship dynamic since the book was written in the 60s. Overall just ok.