shelbisreading's reviews
53 reviews

Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas

adventurous emotional funny mysterious 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? It's complicated

5.0

I’m so glad I held out through the first book because the second one was ten times better! Tons of twists, high stakes adventure, and secrets revealed. Just my cup of tea!

The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski

adventurous emotional funny inspiring mysterious reflective relaxing tense fast-paced

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

5.0

Andrzej Sapkowski crafted such an entertaining and immersive story in The Last Wish that I suspect The Witcher books might become my new favorite fantasy series. The book was filled with humor, magic, high stakes and romance, (the former of which I always appreciate). I thoroughly enjoyed the first installment and am very excited to dive into the second.

The Princess Bride by William Goldman

adventurous funny 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? No

5.0

As a fan of the film "The Princess Bride" (1987), I anticipated enjoying this book, but I had no idea how much. I loved discovering

the little details about Buttercup's transformation into becoming a lady and all the backstory on Wesley's pirating adventures. <\spoiler> This is going to be an annual reread for me when I'm feeling nostalgic, a perfect fairy tale.

Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury

challenging inspiring mysterious 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

3.0

This is a classic with incredibly beautiful prose that, in modern times, takes a little bit away from the high stakes aspect of the story. I would recommend it to anyone who identifies as a boy or man, or who is interested in the philosophy of masculinity. However, it wasn't my cup of tea, besides the spooky aspects!

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

adventurous fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

I really enjoyed this story after getting past chapter 10, after being egged on by a friend to finish it I found it very enjoyable. The female MC is strong and funny, and the supporting characters are interesting. The prince gives me ick though and I'm not sure if that's the goal.

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

adventurous sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

I’m just here for the dragons 🐉. I enjoyed Iron Flame almost as much as Fourth Wing. The focus on war and military aspects held sway over the plot, which slightly diminished my interest. Here is my official vote for a dragon only spin off 🗳️

Stranger Things: Flight of Icarus by Caitlin Schneiderhan

adventurous emotional funny hopeful mysterious relaxing sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Really loved getting more background on Eddie’s story and see how he interacted with the townspeople. Super enjoyable easy read. 

Evermore by Alyson Noël

hopeful mysterious sad fast-paced

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

3.5

I wish I had read this before twilight because the female lead was so much more developed than Bella. Middle school me would have been obsessed! A lot of the same story points but a lot of surprises at the end, I really enjoyed this!

I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

5.0

Incredibly honest and important memoir about loss and acceptance-highly recommend the audiobook so you can hear it in the author's own voice. Five stars wasn't high enough <3 

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

adventurous emotional funny inspiring sad medium-paced

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

3.5

The beginning of this book felt very YA but about 75% in the plot became more interesting, the voices more complex and the story spicer. Can’t wait to read the next one 🐉 didn’t see the final twist coming!