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saxz_library's Reviews (144)
adventurous
challenging
dark
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:
Yes
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
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:
Yes
No one writes dystopian fiction like Suzanne Collins - a book that reflects the reality of the world yesterday, today and tomorrow!
Catching Fire is such a masterful continuation of The Hunger Games. The stakes are higher, the world becomes bigger and more terrifying, and the political commentary cuts even deeper. I loved getting to explore the impact of the Games outside of the arena and seeing how Katniss has unknowingly become the spark of a revolution.
The inequality and privilege themes are written so well and still feel painfully relevant. One line that really stayed with me: “There is no danger of an uprising here among the privileged…” — it perfectly highlights the disparity between the Capitol and the districts and how the powerful remain blind to the suffering that sustains their comfort.
Katniss’s character development is also so compelling. She never asked to be a leader or a symbol, and watching her struggle between survival and responsibility is such a powerful part of this book. She started the uprisings unknowingly — now she needs a reason to decide who she wants to be.
Five stars without hesitation.
Five stars without hesitation.
The writing style was just not for me and it did not hook me - perhaps the wrong time to read? If you like philosophical books maybe go for this
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-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
Out of the Woods is my love letter to all of us who met their soulmate before they had the chance to fully meet themselves
"If you give me the space to grow, I'll plant myself next to you. Always"
This story was so beautifully written, seamlessly balancing past and present POVs to show how two young souls fall in love, experience grief and depression after losing a parent, and later navigate a marriage that feels like it's starting to slip. It’s not your typical romance, instead, it asks the question: What happens after happily ever after? And the answer is raw, honest, and emotional.
"If you give me the space to grow, I'll plant myself next to you. Always"
This story was so beautifully written, seamlessly balancing past and present POVs to show how two young souls fall in love, experience grief and depression after losing a parent, and later navigate a marriage that feels like it's starting to slip. It’s not your typical romance, instead, it asks the question: What happens after happily ever after? And the answer is raw, honest, and emotional.
Sarah and Caleb’s journey felt deeply authentic. I especially appreciated how this book explored marriage not as a perfect destination, but as a constant effort between two people who love each other. Sarah’s struggles with self-esteem and purpose were relatable, and Caleb - soft, supportive, golden-retriever energy Caleb - was one of the most emotionally mature male leads I’ve read. You really feel the love between them, both in their past and present moments.
The found family aspect was a standout, between Win and Bo and the connections formed during the retreat, there was warmth and comfort woven throughout.
This would have been a full 5 stars if it were a touch more realistic (a one-week wilderness retreat won’t magically fix everything, let's be honest), and personally, the spice level felt a little too high for the tone of the story at times. The ending also seemed like a plot point that didn't really need to be there to serve the story and offered a quick resolution, but I loved the emotional honesty and how it makes you reflect on relationships, growth, and the need to face hard truths with someone you love.
If you liked Out on a Limb, just know that Sarah and Caleb feel a little different here (especially since it’s told from Sarah’s POV), but in a way that deepens their characters. Honestly, I feel like this was way better than Out on a Limb but that is just my opinion :)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Death of parent
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Love and Other Words started strong for me. The early chapters beautifully captured the grief of losing a parent during formative years, and I especially loved Macy’s bond with her father. Her relationship with Elliot in the "Then" timeline was tender and nostalgic, building slowly through shared words, quiet moments, and a love of books.
However, once their relationship shifted to romance, much of that emotional depth gave way to lust, and the present-day storyline felt stuck in that teenage headspace. Both Macy and Elliot, now in their late twenties, lacked emotional maturity in their conversations, and many pivotal moments were underexplored or rushed.
The reveal about their 11-year separation -
The writing itself was engaging and heartfelt at times, and the “favourite word” concept was a lovely recurring thread. But I was left wishing for more exploration of found family (especially Macy’s college/high school friends and Elliot’s family with Macy), more nuanced discussions about grief and forgiveness, and a more balanced resolution between past and present. The romance leaned heavily on physical attraction, in both timelines, rather than emotionally mature communication.
Overall, this had moments of genuine potential but didn’t fully land for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Death of parent
Minor: Rape, Sexual assault
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
Mysteries of Thorn Manor was a cozy return to the world of Sorcery of Thorns, perfect if you’re craving more of Elisabeth, Nathaniel, and Silas.
I really enjoyed getting those sweet romantic moments we were missing in the main novel, and the focus on the sentient manor and grimoires added a magical, whimsical touch. The story had that comforting Hallmark feel, and it was fun seeing more of the domestic side of these beloved characters.
I really enjoyed getting those sweet romantic moments we were missing in the main novel, and the focus on the sentient manor and grimoires added a magical, whimsical touch. The story had that comforting Hallmark feel, and it was fun seeing more of the domestic side of these beloved characters.
That said, as with many novellas, the story lacked the depth and development a full-length book could offer. The pacing was a little rushed, especially the engagement reveal and Silas’s arc (which left quite a bit to interpretation).
Also, I’d definitely recommend reading Mysteries of Thorn Manor before A Winter’s Favor - the plot twist packs more of a shock / surprise if you haven’t been spoiled by A Winter's Favor first.
Also, I’d definitely recommend reading Mysteries of Thorn Manor before A Winter’s Favor - the plot twist packs more of a shock / surprise if you haven’t been spoiled by A Winter's Favor first.
All in all, a delightful add-on to the original story and worth the read if you loved the characters and want one last, feel-good trip back into that enchanted world.
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Sorcery of Thorns had such a compelling premise - sentient grimoires, magical libraries, a grumpy sorcerer named Nathaniel Thorn, and Elizabeth, a heroine with a spine of steel. The world-building was vivid and atmospheric, and the writing really brought everything to life (which feels poetic considering how alive the books themselves were!).
That said, I definitely think this story would’ve flourished as a full series. There were so many threads and characters that could’ve been explored in more depth, especially Nathaniel’s and Silas’s backstories. The romance was sweet and well-woven, but I wanted more of it (guessing that’s what the novella is for!).
Still, it was such an original, immersive standalone that made me wish I could roam the Great Libraries myself just maybe with fewer demonic possessions.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
A nice companion piece to Sorcery of Thorns, but I definitely wanted more. We only had five chapters, and while I loved being inside Silas’s mind and meeting Lady Tremaine, I couldn’t help but wish we got a deeper before-and-after look at his life. That said, the writing was just as atmospheric and descriptive as ever - Margaret Rogerson really knows how to set a scene.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Nine Liars was definitely a step up from Box in the Woods!
The mystery this time felt far more layered and intriguing, with a solid backstory that gave weight to the present-day investigation. I appreciated the dual timeline structure - it helped flesh out the suspects and motives, and kept me guessing. While I suspected someone was lying (thanks to the the title!), the final reveal still managed to shock me… even if I wasn’t fully sold on who it was or the resolution.Realistically, no friend group would just let a triple-murdering friend vanish into the night, right?
The mystery this time felt far more layered and intriguing, with a solid backstory that gave weight to the present-day investigation. I appreciated the dual timeline structure - it helped flesh out the suspects and motives, and kept me guessing. While I suspected someone was lying (thanks to the the title!), the final reveal still managed to shock me… even if I wasn’t fully sold on who it was or the resolution.
I think this book would have been so much stronger if it had cut back on unnecessary scenes (looking at you, touristy sidequests) and leaned harder into the eerie manor house setting. We were this close to gothic mystery goodness, but it never fully delivered on the potential. And yes, once again, the pacing felt off - the mystery picked up too late, and clues didn’t feel like we were discovering them with Stevie, more like getting told about them after the fact.
That said Stevie’s dynamic with her friend group added an interesting layer, and I liked seeing
But can we please be done with the Stevie and David romance!
I truly wish this story-line would be wrapped up already. The push-and-pull between them feels repetitive and emotionally flat. There’s always this “will they/won’t they” energy, and Stevie constantly thinking about
Their connection doesn’t have depth, and their relationship seems to be included for the sake of having a YA romance subplot: jealousy, miscommunication, random make-outs, but it doesn’t add value to the overall story. At this point, their relationship is more frustrating than romantic, and the
Overall, a mixed bag - entertaining and intriguing at times, but still weighed down by uneven pacing, filler scenes, and a romance that should’ve ended two books ago! It was a solid read with some fun twists and atmosphere. Not perfect, but I’ll admit… I’m curious to read about where Stevie’s story goes next.
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The Box in the Woods brings you back into the world of Stevie Bell, and I really enjoyed the past/present timeline setup - it was a great way to build intrigue early on. The summer camp setting gave the mystery a nostalgic edge, and revisiting Stevie and her friends after reading the original trilogy felt like catching up with an old friend.
The epigraph at the beginning immediately grabbed my attention, and the mention of
While I loved the core mystery premise, the pacing threw me off. It felt like nothing really moved forward until 60% in, and then everything unraveled at once. I was hoping for a slow-burn investigation like in the Truly Devious trilogy, with layered character and plot development, but this one leaned more toward a quick conclusion with fewer clues to follow along the way. Stevie’s relationship with David didn’t hold my interest either, but then again during the original trilogy I also felt like it was more distracting than impactful.
That said, the book still delivered a fun mystery vibe, especially if you are a fan of Stevie Bell, and the concept behind the crime was compelling. I just wish it had dug a little deeper and given us more room to solve it alongside her.