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shelf_life_with_jay's reviews
215 reviews
adventurous
emotional
funny
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:
No
First of all, can we please get Princess Donut's version of Wonderwall officially released? "Dungeoncrawl" has been living rent-free in my head since I finished The Butcher's Masquerade, and honestly, I'm not even mad about it. I would stream download, karaoke, and potentially tattoo it if I could. A singing Cat is something I never knew I needed, and now I refuse to live without her.
This installment is everything I love about the Dungeon Crawler Carl series turned up to eleven. Carl has always been a standout, but in this installment? He levels up emotionally and thematically. He is reckless and relentless. Charging into the crawl with zero regard for what the overlords and some of the other players have planned, but also shockingly gentle with the ones he cares about. The way he navigates this brutal, bizarre world with grit and heart is just... chef's kiss. I would be ready to follow him into battle anytime, especially if that battle involves the questionable yet catchy musical numbers of Princess Donut.
This series continues to hit that perfect balance of absurdity and depth. It's funny, bloody, wild, but also so smart and layered. I love love love it. Oh, and Matt? If that trifling ex makes a comeback, there better not be any of that forgive-and-forget nonsense. We hold grudges here.
Long live Carl. Long live Princess Donut. Long Live the Crawl!
"Now get out there and Kill, Kill, Kill!"
This installment is everything I love about the Dungeon Crawler Carl series turned up to eleven. Carl has always been a standout, but in this installment? He levels up emotionally and thematically. He is reckless and relentless. Charging into the crawl with zero regard for what the overlords and some of the other players have planned, but also shockingly gentle with the ones he cares about. The way he navigates this brutal, bizarre world with grit and heart is just... chef's kiss. I would be ready to follow him into battle anytime, especially if that battle involves the questionable yet catchy musical numbers of Princess Donut.
This series continues to hit that perfect balance of absurdity and depth. It's funny, bloody, wild, but also so smart and layered. I love love love it. Oh, and Matt? If that trifling ex makes a comeback, there better not be any of that forgive-and-forget nonsense. We hold grudges here.
Long live Carl. Long live Princess Donut. Long Live the Crawl!
"Now get out there and Kill, Kill, Kill!"
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Devastating. Mesmerizing. Unshakable.
I Who Have Never Known Men, completely wrecked me in the best and worst ways. From the start, I was gripped by the eerie isolation and the quiet dread that blankets every page. Our unnamed narrator, raised in captivity, separated from a world she never knew, felt less like a person and more like a spectral witness to a reality too haunting to explain. She becomes, in so many ways, an angel of death for the only family she has ever known, and that realization shattered me.
What really stood out was how alien the story felt without relying on traditional sci-fi tropes. Unlike other books that portray dystopia or unfamiliar worlds, this one strips away explanation and worldbuilding to focus on raw human existence. That bold choice worked incredibly well. I didn't want to put the book down. I also didn't want the book to end. I wasn't ready for the narrator to meet her fate.
This book was phenomenal in its quiet, devastating way. But if I'm honest, I don't know if I enjoyed it in the traditional sense. It left me gutted, thoughtful, and full of questions and longing.
I Who Have Never Known Men, completely wrecked me in the best and worst ways. From the start, I was gripped by the eerie isolation and the quiet dread that blankets every page. Our unnamed narrator, raised in captivity, separated from a world she never knew, felt less like a person and more like a spectral witness to a reality too haunting to explain. She becomes, in so many ways, an angel of death for the only family she has ever known, and that realization shattered me.
What really stood out was how alien the story felt without relying on traditional sci-fi tropes. Unlike other books that portray dystopia or unfamiliar worlds, this one strips away explanation and worldbuilding to focus on raw human existence. That bold choice worked incredibly well. I didn't want to put the book down. I also didn't want the book to end. I wasn't ready for the narrator to meet her fate.
This book was phenomenal in its quiet, devastating way. But if I'm honest, I don't know if I enjoyed it in the traditional sense. It left me gutted, thoughtful, and full of questions and longing.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
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:
No
The Gate of the Feral Gods marks the fourth installment in the Dungeon Crawler series, and while it was my least favorite so far, that's not saying much. The beginning of this series set the bar unbelievably high.
This book still delivers the wild, chaotic energy I've come to expect from Matt Dinniman: brutal fights, biting humor, and bizarre dungeon mechanics that somehow make sense in the most unhinged way possible. Carl continues to grow and evolve as a character, and the stakes keep climbing, both in terms of physical danger and emotional weight.
That said, this one felt a little slower in parts, and some of the humor didn't land for me quite as strongly as it did in previous books. Still, the twist at the end, though something I'd been suspecting, was like a slap to the face! I was unprepared for how it unfolded.
And Katia... Katia. Her choice to leave the party (or at least start that conversation) broke my heart! I know it's probably not forever (hopefully?), but that moment hit harder than some of the monster fights. Their dynamic is such a grounding part of the series and team, and the idea of them going separate ways, even temporarily, left me feeling a little hollow.
Overall, still a great read, and I'm continuing the series. But this one left me more emotionally drained than expected. Dinniman! You are a chaotic genius.
This book still delivers the wild, chaotic energy I've come to expect from Matt Dinniman: brutal fights, biting humor, and bizarre dungeon mechanics that somehow make sense in the most unhinged way possible. Carl continues to grow and evolve as a character, and the stakes keep climbing, both in terms of physical danger and emotional weight.
That said, this one felt a little slower in parts, and some of the humor didn't land for me quite as strongly as it did in previous books. Still, the twist at the end, though something I'd been suspecting, was like a slap to the face! I was unprepared for how it unfolded.
And Katia... Katia. Her choice to leave the party (or at least start that conversation) broke my heart! I know it's probably not forever (hopefully?), but that moment hit harder than some of the monster fights. Their dynamic is such a grounding part of the series and team, and the idea of them going separate ways, even temporarily, left me feeling a little hollow.
Overall, still a great read, and I'm continuing the series. But this one left me more emotionally drained than expected. Dinniman! You are a chaotic genius.
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I went into this expecting Norse mythology, a fierce shield maiden, and maybe a little romantic tension. What I didn't expect? Pages of purse spice that had me questioning if I accidentally bought something NSFW. I was not ready, but I was also very much here for it.
Freya is a force, bold, stubborn, and magical, and caught in a divine mess of fate and power struggles. The plot moves fast, the romantic tension is off the charts, and the gods are doing way too much. I could've used a little more depth in the world-building, which is why it's not a full five stars, but honestly, I didn't have much time to complain between all the steam and scheming.
And then! THAT TWIST!!!
I was listening to the audiobook while walking my dog, and I physically stopped in place. I was stunned. I had to take a moment to process the betrayal. I was livid. I want to go to war for Freya. She did NOT deserve that.
This book is deliciously dramatic, unexpectedly spicy, and unputdownable. If you like fantasy with heat, betrayal, and a heroine who doesn't back down, grab this book (and maybe don't listen to it in public).
Freya is a force, bold, stubborn, and magical, and caught in a divine mess of fate and power struggles. The plot moves fast, the romantic tension is off the charts, and the gods are doing way too much. I could've used a little more depth in the world-building, which is why it's not a full five stars, but honestly, I didn't have much time to complain between all the steam and scheming.
And then! THAT TWIST!!!
I was listening to the audiobook while walking my dog, and I physically stopped in place. I was stunned. I had to take a moment to process the betrayal. I was livid. I want to go to war for Freya. She did NOT deserve that.
This book is deliciously dramatic, unexpectedly spicy, and unputdownable. If you like fantasy with heat, betrayal, and a heroine who doesn't back down, grab this book (and maybe don't listen to it in public).
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
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:
No
Harriet Tubman: Live In Concert by Bob the Drag Queen is nothing short of revolutionary. This one-queen show is a dazzling, genre-defying spectacle that somehow manages to be hilarious, heartfelt, historical, and deeply current all at once.
Bob brings Harriet Tubman to life with wit, wisdom, and an unapologetic edge that reclaims history through a queer, Black, and fearless lens. The balance of comedy and truth-telling is masterful. One moment you're laughing at Harriet dragging the Founding Fathers with perfect comedic timing, and the next, you're hit with the weight of generational trauma wrapped in raw, emotional vulnerability, Bob doesn't just play Harriet, she embodies her, challenging audiences to rethink everything they thought they knew about American history.
The writing is sharp, the music SLAPS, and the performance? Electic! Every monologue and lyric drips with purpose. Bob navigates centuries of oppression within biting humor and undeniable charisma, all while wearing a corset that deserves a standing ovation.
This book isn't just entertainment; it's an act of liberation, resistance, and reclamation. It's what happens when drag meets divine purpose. Harriet Tubman walked so Bob the Drag Queen could sashay into our minds and demand we sit with our history. Laughing, crying, and learning the whole way through.
Do not pass up this book! Tubman didn't come to play, and neither did Bob.
Bob brings Harriet Tubman to life with wit, wisdom, and an unapologetic edge that reclaims history through a queer, Black, and fearless lens. The balance of comedy and truth-telling is masterful. One moment you're laughing at Harriet dragging the Founding Fathers with perfect comedic timing, and the next, you're hit with the weight of generational trauma wrapped in raw, emotional vulnerability, Bob doesn't just play Harriet, she embodies her, challenging audiences to rethink everything they thought they knew about American history.
The writing is sharp, the music SLAPS, and the performance? Electic! Every monologue and lyric drips with purpose. Bob navigates centuries of oppression within biting humor and undeniable charisma, all while wearing a corset that deserves a standing ovation.
This book isn't just entertainment; it's an act of liberation, resistance, and reclamation. It's what happens when drag meets divine purpose. Harriet Tubman walked so Bob the Drag Queen could sashay into our minds and demand we sit with our history. Laughing, crying, and learning the whole way through.
Do not pass up this book! Tubman didn't come to play, and neither did Bob.
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
I first read The Handmaid's Tale in college and found it deeply unsettling. Now, nearly 10 years later, rereading it in today's political and social climate, the unease has only grown stronger. Margaret Atwood wrote this novel in 1985, yet somehow it feels like a chilling foreshadowing of what could come. In some ways, maybe it is already unfolding.
What's terrifying about this book isn't just the dystopia itself, but how plausible it all feels. The stripping away of rights, the distortion of religion into a tool of control, the quiet complacency demanded of women, all hit closer to home now than they ever did. It's not just a story anymore; it's a warning that's starting to echo a little too loudly in the real world.
Atwood's writing is haunting & deliberate. The pace is slow at times, and the fragmented narrative takes some patience, but it builds an atmosphere that lingers long after the final page. This book is more than a classic; it's a mirror. A reflection that's becoming hard to ignore.
What's terrifying about this book isn't just the dystopia itself, but how plausible it all feels. The stripping away of rights, the distortion of religion into a tool of control, the quiet complacency demanded of women, all hit closer to home now than they ever did. It's not just a story anymore; it's a warning that's starting to echo a little too loudly in the real world.
Atwood's writing is haunting & deliberate. The pace is slow at times, and the fragmented narrative takes some patience, but it builds an atmosphere that lingers long after the final page. This book is more than a classic; it's a mirror. A reflection that's becoming hard to ignore.
emotional
funny
reflective
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:
No
The Guncle Abroad is a delightful and emotionally rich follow-up that manages to strike the perfect balance between humor and heartfelt introspection. I adored how Gay Uncle Patrick (GUP) once again steps up for Maisie and Grant, offering them his signature blend of wit, wisdom, and Guncle Rules™—always delivered in the most charming and digestible ways.
What sets this book apart, though, is how much deeper it goes into Patrick’s own growth. While the kids are learning lifelong lessons under his guidance, Patrick quietly begins to realize that those lessons aren’t just for them. Watching him internalize the very rules he’s created, and finally embrace the idea that he deserves happiness too, was incredibly meaningful and beautifully handled.
This book was emotionally sound and relevant in all the right ways. I laughed, teared up, and closed it with a full heart. The only reason it’s not five stars for me is that a few pacing moments slowed it down just a tad—but overall, The Guncle Abroad is a warm hug of a novel that reminds us all to love deeply, live fully, and never underestimate the power of a fabulous kaftan or ascot.
What sets this book apart, though, is how much deeper it goes into Patrick’s own growth. While the kids are learning lifelong lessons under his guidance, Patrick quietly begins to realize that those lessons aren’t just for them. Watching him internalize the very rules he’s created, and finally embrace the idea that he deserves happiness too, was incredibly meaningful and beautifully handled.
This book was emotionally sound and relevant in all the right ways. I laughed, teared up, and closed it with a full heart. The only reason it’s not five stars for me is that a few pacing moments slowed it down just a tad—but overall, The Guncle Abroad is a warm hug of a novel that reminds us all to love deeply, live fully, and never underestimate the power of a fabulous kaftan or ascot.
emotional
funny
hopeful
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:
No
Out of Character by Annabeth Albert was a sweet and touching follow-up that warmed my heart in just the right ways. The emotional beats were sincere, and the spice? Just the right amount of spicy to keep things interesting without overshadowing the story.
Milo’s growth throughout the book really stood out for me—watching him come into his own was rewarding and made his dynamic with Jasper even more compelling. Their friendship-to-romance arc was tender and believable, filled with nerdy charm and moments of genuine connection.
That said, I do wish I had read this closer to when I finished Conventionally Yours. Some of the emotional callbacks and character moments may have hit harder with the first book fresher in my mind. Still, Out of Character stands well on its own as a heartwarming story of second chances, self-discovery, and love.
challenging
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Sight was a decent read, but it didn’t quite capture me the way Melanie Golding’s previous books have. I found myself missing the fairytale and mythological elements she usually weaves so well into her stories—those touches of eerie folklore that linger long after the last page. This one leaned more into a thriller/mystery vibe, which was fine, just not what I personally come to her books for.
The twist at the end did catch me off guard, which I appreciated, but it wasn’t a jaw-dropper. More of a “huh, okay” moment than a “whoa!” The modern circus setting didn’t fully land for me either.
emotional
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A Nobleman’s Guide to Seducing a Scoundrel is, in a word, fine. The vibes? Immaculate. The smut? Oh, it was smutting—no complaints there. But once you wipe the steam off your glasses, the rest of the story lands somewhere between charming and forgettable.
The premise had potential, and the characters had sparks, but the plot kind of meandered, leaving me more entertained than invested. It was like sipping a fancy cocktail that looks amazing but tastes… mostly like watered-down juice.
If you’re here for the tension, the pining, and the payoff (wink wink), you’ll find what you’re looking for. But if you’re craving a romance with emotional depth and long-lasting impact? This one’s more of a fling than a forever love.