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scipiokento's reviews
259 reviews
Happenstance by Tessa Bailey
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
"Maybe we start thinking differently. Maybe we stop bending to fit. Forcing things. Because something is out there hoping for you. Hoping you’ll arrive exactly as you are."
Tessa Bailey is one of my favorite authors and this book is a good example of why. It's cute, funny and spicy as well. I think I doubled the thickness of this book with tabbies alone. I didn't know what to expect with a RH but I found the characters to be so relatable. We have: Elise who is headstrong and determined to be self dependent. Gabe, who is a big dependable sweetheart. Tobias who is hilarious and adds a much appreciated comic relief to the group. And Banks who, like Elise, acts as an anchor for the group. I was worried that it might get chaotic when I started this book but honestly the character dynamic made sense. They all fit together really well, and we get snippets of their POV as well which only add to the story and help keep the story on track.
Sidenote: I understand that this isn't at all a blueprint but it was a very nice lens to look through. I definitely wasn't against RH when I started reading this but I wasn't familiar either. I wasn't too sure about whether or not I would like it but the story was sweet (and spicy) and left me with the warm and fuzzies.
Tessa Bailey is one of my favorite authors and this book is a good example of why. It's cute, funny and spicy as well. I think I doubled the thickness of this book with tabbies alone. I didn't know what to expect with a RH but I found the characters to be so relatable. We have: Elise who is headstrong and determined to be self dependent. Gabe, who is a big dependable sweetheart. Tobias who is hilarious and adds a much appreciated comic relief to the group. And Banks who, like Elise, acts as an anchor for the group. I was worried that it might get chaotic when I started this book but honestly the character dynamic made sense. They all fit together really well, and we get snippets of their POV as well which only add to the story and help keep the story on track.
Sidenote: I understand that this isn't at all a blueprint but it was a very nice lens to look through. I definitely wasn't against RH when I started reading this but I wasn't familiar either. I wasn't too sure about whether or not I would like it but the story was sweet (and spicy) and left me with the warm and fuzzies.
Promises and Pomegranates by Sav R. Miller
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
3.5
"A promise of sorts, the kind whispered against skin, spoken to your soul."
This book was really consistent all the way through. It did what it needed to do and was entertaining. It even had some of my favorite tropes and the tension build-up that I love. The only reason the score is on the lower side is because I couldn't quite connect with the characters. I felt there were a lot of things going on all at once, some that weren't detrimental to the plot (although, now that I think about it, maybe it's more prominent later in the series) and wasn't quite sure where to focus my attention. However, I can tell that this is one of those series that will dependably hit the mark when I am needing help staying motivated so this will be another series for me to add to my reading slump list. Overall, it was fun and effortless reading time that I was thankful to have.
This book was really consistent all the way through. It did what it needed to do and was entertaining. It even had some of my favorite tropes and the tension build-up that I love. The only reason the score is on the lower side is because I couldn't quite connect with the characters. I felt there were a lot of things going on all at once, some that weren't detrimental to the plot (although, now that I think about it, maybe it's more prominent later in the series) and wasn't quite sure where to focus my attention. However, I can tell that this is one of those series that will dependably hit the mark when I am needing help staying motivated so this will be another series for me to add to my reading slump list. Overall, it was fun and effortless reading time that I was thankful to have.
Devils' Line, Volume 14 by Ryo Hanada
emotional
funny
hopeful
5.0
"Freedom looks good on you."
This volume was a collection of short stories, tying up the conclusion for the main characters. As sad as I am to see that it's over, I'm glad we gained some insight to the direction of everyone's futures and where life may take them next. I appreciate the outlook Hanada has on the issue they are all facing, treating it as a very real and evolving idea giving not only the characters that extra layer of complexity but also adding it to the plot itself. These last glimpses were a nice farewell to the characters I've grown to adore through this series. I am happy to have experienced this story and I hope more and more people find joy in it as well.
This volume was a collection of short stories, tying up the conclusion for the main characters. As sad as I am to see that it's over, I'm glad we gained some insight to the direction of everyone's futures and where life may take them next. I appreciate the outlook Hanada has on the issue they are all facing, treating it as a very real and evolving idea giving not only the characters that extra layer of complexity but also adding it to the plot itself. These last glimpses were a nice farewell to the characters I've grown to adore through this series. I am happy to have experienced this story and I hope more and more people find joy in it as well.
Devils' Line, Volume 13 by Ryo Hanada
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
5.0
"I remember everything that has happened to me. Even if it's painful, all of it belongs to me."
Hanada swoops in on this one and gets directly to the point. Everything that we have seen build up throughout this entire series comes to a climax. The truth becomes evidently clear and we get to touch base with all of the characters and see how it affects them. A lot of the major points were cleared up a lot faster than I had anticipated but I would rather get more depth on the story that draw out the drama. Just trust the process and trust Hanada. I promise you are in good hands. One more to go and I'm curious to see how this is going to wrap up.
Hanada swoops in on this one and gets directly to the point. Everything that we have seen build up throughout this entire series comes to a climax. The truth becomes evidently clear and we get to touch base with all of the characters and see how it affects them. A lot of the major points were cleared up a lot faster than I had anticipated but I would rather get more depth on the story that draw out the drama. Just trust the process and trust Hanada. I promise you are in good hands. One more to go and I'm curious to see how this is going to wrap up.
Devils' Line, Volume 12 by Ryo Hanada
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
5.0
"Even if I'm quiet, I'm still with you."
I've dug my heels in for so long about finishing this series because I don't want it to be over!! We are dangling over the precipice now. I feel like this volume is equivalent to that ominous feeling you get when you're playing a video game, minding your own business and randomly the save progress notification pops up. Everyone is lined up, weaponized, and ready. It seems that all that is left is for the truth to explode and tear everything apart. I am stressed out in the best way possible because I have no idea what's going to happen. I know I say this every time but Ryo Hanada has such a talent for keeping you on your toes. As usual, I realize that despite the depth of this story we have still barely skimmed the surface.
I've dug my heels in for so long about finishing this series because I don't want it to be over!! We are dangling over the precipice now. I feel like this volume is equivalent to that ominous feeling you get when you're playing a video game, minding your own business and randomly the save progress notification pops up. Everyone is lined up, weaponized, and ready. It seems that all that is left is for the truth to explode and tear everything apart. I am stressed out in the best way possible because I have no idea what's going to happen. I know I say this every time but Ryo Hanada has such a talent for keeping you on your toes. As usual, I realize that despite the depth of this story we have still barely skimmed the surface.
Lust Geass, Vol. 1 by Osamu Takahashi
3.0
"Crowley or John Dee may have even written it!"
When your best friend who you're crazy about is obsessed with occult stuff, you'd think you would know better when dangerous artifacts cross your path! But then we wouldn't have a story and where's the fun in that? There's not a ton of plot in this volume which I don't really consider a pro or con, just providing context. It was difficult to get through as some of it was a bit repetitive but I feel like that's expected from the set up. I kinda dragged my feet on this one but I do have the rest of the series as well so I'm going to give the next volume a shot eventually.
When your best friend who you're crazy about is obsessed with occult stuff, you'd think you would know better when dangerous artifacts cross your path! But then we wouldn't have a story and where's the fun in that? There's not a ton of plot in this volume which I don't really consider a pro or con, just providing context. It was difficult to get through as some of it was a bit repetitive but I feel like that's expected from the set up. I kinda dragged my feet on this one but I do have the rest of the series as well so I'm going to give the next volume a shot eventually.
Embrace Your Size by Hara
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
4.0
"…as long as I could keep people from seeing the real me that I hate, I thought everything would be okay…"
This was a very sweet stand alone manga with a very big punch. Hara explains her personal experience with body positivity along with a few more perspectives. Her very relatable story sheds a light on silent struggles that a lot of people we know and love are going through. I resonated with this book because in my recent adult life I have been struggling with my weight. Not all body positivity struggles look the same and any unintentional change to your body can be jarring. Hara's point to include that message in her story made me feel very validated and seen. She touches on a lot of points that really help to bring perspective on the subject. I think my favorite part about this book is that she just wanted to share her story in hopes that it may help others. That's the best reason I can think of to share a story.
This was a very sweet stand alone manga with a very big punch. Hara explains her personal experience with body positivity along with a few more perspectives. Her very relatable story sheds a light on silent struggles that a lot of people we know and love are going through. I resonated with this book because in my recent adult life I have been struggling with my weight. Not all body positivity struggles look the same and any unintentional change to your body can be jarring. Hara's point to include that message in her story made me feel very validated and seen. She touches on a lot of points that really help to bring perspective on the subject. I think my favorite part about this book is that she just wanted to share her story in hopes that it may help others. That's the best reason I can think of to share a story.
Faster Than Normal: Turbocharge Your Focus, Productivity, and Success with the Secrets of the ADHD Brain by Peter Shankman
funny
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
5.0
"Different will save us all."
I've always known I was different and I recently found out that I have the gift of ADHD. I'm an adult at this point and finding this out was like a huge weight off my shoulders. Everything finally makes sense. Knowing I am ADHD hasn't given me an excuse, it has given me strength. I used to only focus on my faults, obsessively, but when I learned that these are just the side effects of ADHD, I was able to finally shift my focus. Now I can look at myself from the vantage point of strengths and see that my "faults," can be managed, but how?
Enter this book. The information in here is great and I can already see changes from the tools that I have chosen to implement into my day-to-day. I'm not a note taker but I definitely wrote down pages worth of information for this one. I plan to give copies of this to my family members; especially the ones who were hesitant when I excitedly told him I am ADHD. It's not a weakness it's a strength, and Shankman does a great job at showing this. He also provides manageable amounts of information, makes sure to alert you when a key point is coming up, and also provides all perspectives of the experience (i.e. of those who are ADHD, of loved ones of someone who is, and of parents who's child is).
All around it's a lens you can use to understand ADHD more and apply it where you need it in your life.
I've always known I was different and I recently found out that I have the gift of ADHD. I'm an adult at this point and finding this out was like a huge weight off my shoulders. Everything finally makes sense. Knowing I am ADHD hasn't given me an excuse, it has given me strength. I used to only focus on my faults, obsessively, but when I learned that these are just the side effects of ADHD, I was able to finally shift my focus. Now I can look at myself from the vantage point of strengths and see that my "faults," can be managed, but how?
Enter this book. The information in here is great and I can already see changes from the tools that I have chosen to implement into my day-to-day. I'm not a note taker but I definitely wrote down pages worth of information for this one. I plan to give copies of this to my family members; especially the ones who were hesitant when I excitedly told him I am ADHD. It's not a weakness it's a strength, and Shankman does a great job at showing this. He also provides manageable amounts of information, makes sure to alert you when a key point is coming up, and also provides all perspectives of the experience (i.e. of those who are ADHD, of loved ones of someone who is, and of parents who's child is).
All around it's a lens you can use to understand ADHD more and apply it where you need it in your life.
Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
5.0
"Send good vibes. Hold the radiations."
Ali Hazelwood is now one of my insta-buy authors. Hands down. Her work has been so fun to read. I love that Hazelwood's books always have a "swoony," element to them but doesn't leave us with a FMC who can do nothing. I appreciate that the love interests in her books, for the most part, let the main character stand on their own feet. You can romance someone without doing everything for them. I appreciated the way Hazelwood showed Bee's flaws but maintained that she is, indeed, a strong person. (Kinda spoil-y? Better safe than sorry) It did start to wear on me over time how much Bee denied Levi's as well as her own feelings. However, having been through a very similar experience Ex wise, I get it. It's hard to read over and over again, I'm sure even more so if you've never experienced something like that. All of this is to say, if you find yourself getting annoyed try reading with a lens of empathy because Ali Hazelwood excellently described what that trauma can be like.
I also love that the author uses her platform to not only bring people joy but to raise awareness to possibly unknown situations she experienced from being a woman in STEM or just trying to make it in the academic world in general.
I didn't think I could possibly move on from Adam and Olive in The Love Hypothesis, but I'm so happy I was wrong. Both of these books hold a spot in my heart. P.S. Shout out to the character Rocio. I've never felt so seen in my life. Goths gotta stick together...but separately, obviously. 😂🖤🥀🦇
Ali Hazelwood is now one of my insta-buy authors. Hands down. Her work has been so fun to read. I love that Hazelwood's books always have a "swoony," element to them but doesn't leave us with a FMC who can do nothing. I appreciate that the love interests in her books, for the most part, let the main character stand on their own feet. You can romance someone without doing everything for them. I appreciated the way Hazelwood showed Bee's flaws but maintained that she is, indeed, a strong person.
I also love that the author uses her platform to not only bring people joy but to raise awareness to possibly unknown situations she experienced from being a woman in STEM or just trying to make it in the academic world in general.
I didn't think I could possibly move on from Adam and Olive in The Love Hypothesis, but I'm so happy I was wrong. Both of these books hold a spot in my heart. P.S. Shout out to the character Rocio. I've never felt so seen in my life. Goths gotta stick together...but separately, obviously. 😂🖤🥀🦇
Sweet Sin by Sav R. Miller
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
4.0
"Your fate is mortal: What you ask for isn't."
I read this to prepare for my buddy read of Promises and Pomegranates. It's a short story, only 63 pages, so I can't really use my usual "formula" to rate it. I gave it four stars because it did what it was supposed to do. It's a short story that gets you revved up for the main event, adding questions and context to your reading experience should you continue on to the first book. I am excited to see where the main story goes and am happy I have this history for the characters going forward now.
CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS
I read this to prepare for my buddy read of Promises and Pomegranates. It's a short story, only 63 pages, so I can't really use my usual "formula" to rate it. I gave it four stars because it did what it was supposed to do. It's a short story that gets you revved up for the main event, adding questions and context to your reading experience should you continue on to the first book. I am excited to see where the main story goes and am happy I have this history for the characters going forward now.
CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS