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roseleebooks's reviews
227 reviews
Bride by Ali Hazelwood
medium-paced
3.0
This was my first read by Ali Hazelwood and while it was an easy book to finish, I don't think I would recommend it.
The chemistry between Misery and Lowe was missing, although I found their relationship to be at least a little endearing. The plot felt rushed at the end andthe breakup scene just seemed so out of place.
Overall a quick read but unsatisfying and felt like it could have used more development of the world and the characters.
The chemistry between Misery and Lowe was missing, although I found their relationship to be at least a little endearing. The plot felt rushed at the end and
Overall a quick read but unsatisfying and felt like it could have used more development of the world and the characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Kidnapping, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Celestial Monsters by Aiden Thomas
adventurous
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
I really love when a series ends in a way that is satisfying but not totally predictable. This sequel delivered on that.
The fallout from the end of the first book leads Teo, Niya and Aurelio on an adventure to restore Sol and save their world. But things are not all as they seem, and encountering both new and old friends helps them to see that they don't have to follow in their parents footsteps to do what is right.
I loved the group dynamic, and the addition of Xio's POV chapters really added to the story.
There were some parts of their journey that felt more like a distraction from the main story arc but added to the characterizations.
Overall I liked this even more than the first book. Would recommend this series for anyone looking for an adventurous YA fantasy read.
The fallout from the end of the first book leads Teo, Niya and Aurelio on an adventure to restore Sol and save their world. But things are not all as they seem, and encountering both new and old friends helps them to see that they don't have to follow in their parents footsteps to do what is right.
I loved the group dynamic, and the addition of Xio's POV chapters really added to the story.
There were some parts of their journey that felt more like a distraction from the main story arc but added to the characterizations.
Overall I liked this even more than the first book. Would recommend this series for anyone looking for an adventurous YA fantasy read.
Slewfoot: A Tale of Bewitchery by Brom
dark
tense
1.0
The first half was intriguing and I enjoyed the mystery as well as the commentary on religious community.
However, the second half becomes not only predictablebut also has a Native American shaman as the lurking "evil" character. It seemed unnecessary to the story and was jarring to read, especially in combination with the portrayal of the Pequot characters.
The ending also felt very predictable but also unsatisfying.
Overall this was a read that started out interesting enough but was a disappointment.
However, the second half becomes not only predictable
The ending also felt very predictable but also unsatisfying.
Overall this was a read that started out interesting enough but was a disappointment.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Child death, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Torture, Violence, Blood, Religious bigotry, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Colonisation, and Injury/Injury detail
The Courtesan Duchess by Joanna Shupe
Did not finish book. Stopped at 72%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 72%.
The characters start out by being horrible to each other in different ways. The premise was interesting initially but I stopped being interested in any HEA ending between the two characters at this point.
Rebel Fire by Ann Sei Lin
Did not finish book. Stopped at 71%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 71%.
Will try to pick up the rest of this book another time, just had a hard time getting into the storyline.
Don't Let the Forest In by C.G. Drews
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
5.0
This book was incredibly atmospheric with the right mix of horror and suspense. I'm still thinking about the ending, every event of the book leads to an end that seems inevitable but leaves the reader questioning.
Some parts of the book felt slow, but ultimately I think they helped to contrast the more action filled plot.
Reality, fantasy, and horror mix in the best way in this book and I can't wait to read more from Drews.
Some parts of the book felt slow, but ultimately I think they helped to contrast the more action filled plot.
Reality, fantasy, and horror mix in the best way in this book and I can't wait to read more from Drews.
When Among Crows by Veronica Roth
adventurous
medium-paced
4.0
This novella was a quick and satisfying read. I enjoyed the modern setting for the Slavic lore more than I have in some other books.
At times I wished the book were longer so it could have been filled in with more backstory, and the end did feel a bit rushed. But overall I thought it was worthwhile.
At times I wished the book were longer so it could have been filled in with more backstory, and the end did feel a bit rushed. But overall I thought it was worthwhile.
Kindred by Octavia E. Butler
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
This was my first read by Octavia Butler and it exceeded my expectations.
The book is told from the point of view of Dana, a Black writer living in America in 1976, who is pulled abruptly into the American South in the early 1800s.
We watch Dana as she is trapped in this environment, trying to survive, doing the best she can but also having almost no control over what is happening to her. The horror and tension in the book comes from the fact that there is no way for Dana to easily return to her own time.
So many horrific things are slowly normalized, but Dana's understanding and sympathy towards those she learns to live with extends to the reader as well.
None of the characters are perfect, some are difficult to hate even though their actions are horrible. It forces the reader to confront their willingness to accept reality as it is versus what it should be. Does survival in an unjust system override doing what is right? How much do we excuse someone for being "a product of their time"?
The ending is abrupt but also brings the story full circle. I found myself going back to read the beginning again and almost continuing through with the book all over. Definitely a read I will return to.
The book is told from the point of view of Dana, a Black writer living in America in 1976, who is pulled abruptly into the American South in the early 1800s.
We watch Dana as she is trapped in this environment, trying to survive, doing the best she can but also having almost no control over what is happening to her. The horror and tension in the book comes from the fact that there is no way for Dana to easily return to her own time.
So many horrific things are slowly normalized, but Dana's understanding and sympathy towards those she learns to live with extends to the reader as well.
None of the characters are perfect, some are difficult to hate even though their actions are horrible. It forces the reader to confront their willingness to accept reality as it is versus what it should be. Does survival in an unjust system override doing what is right? How much do we excuse someone for being "a product of their time"?
The ending is abrupt but also brings the story full circle. I found myself going back to read the beginning again and almost continuing through with the book all over. Definitely a read I will return to.
The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
5.0
This book surprised me in the best way. It has a very Sherlockian setup with it's characters, but in a fantasy world that is so unique and vivid. I loved every minute of listening to this story.
If you are a fan of unique, sometimes unlikeable, characters, mysteries, and fantastical worlds, I recommend this book.
If you are a fan of unique, sometimes unlikeable, characters, mysteries, and fantastical worlds, I recommend this book.