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shelf_life_with_jay's reviews
215 reviews
challenging
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
My Policeman is a melancholic, slow-burn narrative about love, repression, and the devastating consequences of societal expectations. Set in 1950s Brighton, the story unfolds in two timelines—one in the past, when Tom, Marion, and Patrick are caught in a complicated love triangle, and one in the present, as they confront the fallout of their choices decades later.
Roberts writes with a quiet grace, and her exploration of longing and denial is poignant. The emotional restraint of the characters, particularly Tom, mirrors the time period’s suffocating norms around sexuality. Patrick’s sections are especially compelling, offering a raw, intimate glimpse into a man both deeply in love and painfully aware of the risks that come with it.
However, the novel’s slow pace and uneven emotional depth occasionally dulled the impact. Marion, while an interesting character, sometimes feels underdeveloped in terms of motive, and the narrative can feel weighed down by its own introspection. That said, the final chapters carry a surprising emotional weight, and the conclusion lingers.
This is not a page-turner, but for readers interested in character-driven, quietly tragic stories, My Policeman offers a thoughtful and heartbreaking reflection on love lost to time and fear.
emotional
reflective
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:
Complicated
Stars in Your Eyes is a deeply emotional, character-driven story that surprised me in the best way. Kacen Callender doesn’t shy away from the messiness of mental health, trauma, and fame, and they do so with honesty and care. The chemistry between the main characters sizzles right off the page, but what kept me hooked wasn’t just the romance—it was the vulnerability, the growth, and the sharp commentary on celebrity culture and public perception.
There were moments where the pacing dipped, but overall, this book delivered a compelling and heartfelt experience. It’s not just a love story, it’s about learning to love yourself while being truly seen by another. Thoughtful, tender, and unapologetically queer. A must-read for fans of layered, emotionally intelligent romance.
There were moments where the pacing dipped, but overall, this book delivered a compelling and heartfelt experience. It’s not just a love story, it’s about learning to love yourself while being truly seen by another. Thoughtful, tender, and unapologetically queer. A must-read for fans of layered, emotionally intelligent romance.
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I'm almost convinced that I do not like male fantasy authors (with the major exceptions being James Islington, Pierce Brown, and Brandon Sanderson), because they tend to lack the kind of substance that actually interests me. The Blade Itself is a perfect example. WHERE. IS. THE. HOOK!?
I went into this book excited! I'd seen it hyped up in every corner of the fantasy community, touted as gritty, character-driven brilliance. What I got felt more like a turd coated in sugar: deceptively polished on the outside but empty at its core. Yes, the characters are complex (I'll give it that), and I do believe they develop more over time... but I will not be sticking around to find out. Glokta was the only one who managed to hold my attention, and even he couldn't carry the dead weight of the rest of the narrative.
I gave this book every chance. I tried reading it physically, I tried listening to the audiobook, and even attempted an immersive read with both formats, and none (I mean NONE) of it helped. The pacing dragged, the plot wandered, and the prose, while sometimes witty, rarely moved the story forward in a meaningful way (for me).
I am genuinely baffled by the praise this book receives. It failed on all fronts for me! The only reason I pushed through to the end was sheer spite, spit, and stubbornness (and maybe a dash of morbid curiosity). But if this is what grimdark has to offer, I think I'll pass.
I went into this book excited! I'd seen it hyped up in every corner of the fantasy community, touted as gritty, character-driven brilliance. What I got felt more like a turd coated in sugar: deceptively polished on the outside but empty at its core. Yes, the characters are complex (I'll give it that), and I do believe they develop more over time... but I will not be sticking around to find out. Glokta was the only one who managed to hold my attention, and even he couldn't carry the dead weight of the rest of the narrative.
I gave this book every chance. I tried reading it physically, I tried listening to the audiobook, and even attempted an immersive read with both formats, and none (I mean NONE) of it helped. The pacing dragged, the plot wandered, and the prose, while sometimes witty, rarely moved the story forward in a meaningful way (for me).
I am genuinely baffled by the praise this book receives. It failed on all fronts for me! The only reason I pushed through to the end was sheer spite, spit, and stubbornness (and maybe a dash of morbid curiosity). But if this is what grimdark has to offer, I think I'll pass.
challenging
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
Beautyland is one of the strangest books I've read in a while. It is beautifully written, layered with meaning, and full of moments that feel almost too big for the page. There's a surreal, otherworldly quality (pun intended) to the story that makes it stand out from most contemporary fiction.
That said, the strangeness occasionally worked against the plot/overall book for me. There were times I found myself getting a little too lost in the narrative and disconnected from what was happening. Whether it was the abstract storytelling or just the timing of when I picked it up (after three books by Matt Dinniman and one by TJ Klune), I'm not sure, but I had trouble fully following the threads of this story.
While I admired the writing and the ambition behind it, I didn't quite resonate with any of the characters on a personal level. They felt alien (again, pun intended) and distant.
I can see how this could be a highly rated book for someone else. There's brilliance here, no question. I think that with a reread (which is unlikely to happen) or at a different point in my reading, I might appreciate it even more.
Beautiful. Meaningful. Bizarre. Not quite a perfect match for me.
That said, the strangeness occasionally worked against the plot/overall book for me. There were times I found myself getting a little too lost in the narrative and disconnected from what was happening. Whether it was the abstract storytelling or just the timing of when I picked it up (after three books by Matt Dinniman and one by TJ Klune), I'm not sure, but I had trouble fully following the threads of this story.
While I admired the writing and the ambition behind it, I didn't quite resonate with any of the characters on a personal level. They felt alien (again, pun intended) and distant.
I can see how this could be a highly rated book for someone else. There's brilliance here, no question. I think that with a reread (which is unlikely to happen) or at a different point in my reading, I might appreciate it even more.
Beautiful. Meaningful. Bizarre. Not quite a perfect match for me.
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Not my favorite Klune, but still undeniably Klune.
In the Lives of Puppets wasn't quite the magical experience I was hoping for, but TJ Klune still managed to keep me turning pages even when the story dragged in the middle. The pacing really slowed down and felt like a bit of a slog, but by the end, everything tied up neatly in a classic Klune fashion: emotional, heartfelt, and satisfying.
The real standout for me was Rambo (who I am sure was a Roomba). He stole the show with his charm and chaotic sweetness. He reminds me so much of Chauncey from The House in the Cerulean Sea/Somewhere Beyond the Sea. If you haven't read those yet, do yourself a favor and bump them to the top of your TBR.
Overall, this wasn't a homerun, but there was still enough heart, humor, and weird whimsy to make this journey worth it.
In the Lives of Puppets wasn't quite the magical experience I was hoping for, but TJ Klune still managed to keep me turning pages even when the story dragged in the middle. The pacing really slowed down and felt like a bit of a slog, but by the end, everything tied up neatly in a classic Klune fashion: emotional, heartfelt, and satisfying.
The real standout for me was Rambo (who I am sure was a Roomba). He stole the show with his charm and chaotic sweetness. He reminds me so much of Chauncey from The House in the Cerulean Sea/Somewhere Beyond the Sea. If you haven't read those yet, do yourself a favor and bump them to the top of your TBR.
Overall, this wasn't a homerun, but there was still enough heart, humor, and weird whimsy to make this journey worth it.
adventurous
funny
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:
No
There's something incredibly special about picking up the third book in a series and realizing that not only has the author maintained the magic, but they've cranked it up to eleven. That's exactly what Matt Dinniman has done with The Dungeon Anarchist's Cookbook. This book is absolutely unhinged in the best way possible.
The humor? Still razor-sharp
The gore? Somehow gorier
The stakes? Sky-high
Donut, Mongo, and Carl? Iconic as ever.
What continues to set this series apart is how Dinniman manages to blend absurd humor, brutal action, and deeply human moments with such precision. In this installment, Carl and Donut's bond feels even more lived-in and layered. Their banter made me laugh out loud, their growth tugged at my heart, and their fight against the odds kept me glued to the page and the audiobook (Jeff Hayes remains an absolute legend).
There are revelations in this book that made me pause and say "Wait, WHAT?" in the best kind of way. And without spoiling anything, I'll just say the final chapters had me feeling everything from triumphant joy to absolute dread. Dinninman continues to build this universe in ways that feel both surprising and earned, which is rare in a series this chaotic.
If you thought the first two books were a wild ride, The Dungeon Anarchist's Cookbook will leave you breathless. And laughing. And maybe crying a little. I am all in on this series and cannot wait to see how far down the dungeon we go.
Long live Carl. Long live DONUT. Long live the chaos.
The humor? Still razor-sharp
The gore? Somehow gorier
The stakes? Sky-high
Donut, Mongo, and Carl? Iconic as ever.
What continues to set this series apart is how Dinniman manages to blend absurd humor, brutal action, and deeply human moments with such precision. In this installment, Carl and Donut's bond feels even more lived-in and layered. Their banter made me laugh out loud, their growth tugged at my heart, and their fight against the odds kept me glued to the page and the audiobook (Jeff Hayes remains an absolute legend).
There are revelations in this book that made me pause and say "Wait, WHAT?" in the best kind of way. And without spoiling anything, I'll just say the final chapters had me feeling everything from triumphant joy to absolute dread. Dinninman continues to build this universe in ways that feel both surprising and earned, which is rare in a series this chaotic.
If you thought the first two books were a wild ride, The Dungeon Anarchist's Cookbook will leave you breathless. And laughing. And maybe crying a little. I am all in on this series and cannot wait to see how far down the dungeon we go.
Long live Carl. Long live DONUT. Long live the chaos.
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
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:
No
Immediately after finishing Dungeon Crawler Carl, I launched straight into Carl's Doomsday Scenario, and let me tell you - it did not disappoint. If anything, it upped the ante in every way imaginable. The action, the absurdity, and the depth... all of it was cranked up, and I was hooked from page one (AGAIN).
Carl and Princess Donut reach level three of the 18-floor death trap that is the dungeon, and things get wild. I mean, Donut gets a pet velociraptor (Mongo!) and unlocks the Former Child Actor Class, Carl unlocks the Primal Class, and they gain a manager in the form of the eccentric, chaotic, always knowledgeable Mordicai.
What I really appreciated this time around was the expansion of the cast. Dinniman introduces a whole host of new characters, each with distinct personalities and backstories that add a surprising amount of emotional weight to an already bonkers premise. As someone who loves books that blend humor, heart, and horror seamlessly (think TJ Klune meets grimdark with memes), this installment hit that sweet spot perfectly.
The stakes are rising, the world continues to be bizarre and brutal, and yet somehow it's the relationships that keep me the most invested. The bond between Carl and Donut - equal parts hilarious, heartwarming, and totally unhinged - continues to shine. And the fact that Jeff Hays brings every single character to life with such depth and nuance makes the audiobook all the more immersive. Seriously, this is some of the most fun I've had with a series in a while.
Matt Dinniman clearly knows how to walk that tightrope between chaos and coherence, and I am so here for the ride. I've already jumped into book three and fully plan to finish it today, because this series has become the kind of story I think about constantly. It's like literary popcorn laced with something addictive, and I'm jonesing for more.
Carl and Princess Donut reach level three of the 18-floor death trap that is the dungeon, and things get wild. I mean, Donut gets a pet velociraptor (Mongo!) and unlocks the Former Child Actor Class, Carl unlocks the Primal Class, and they gain a manager in the form of the eccentric, chaotic, always knowledgeable Mordicai.
What I really appreciated this time around was the expansion of the cast. Dinniman introduces a whole host of new characters, each with distinct personalities and backstories that add a surprising amount of emotional weight to an already bonkers premise. As someone who loves books that blend humor, heart, and horror seamlessly (think TJ Klune meets grimdark with memes), this installment hit that sweet spot perfectly.
The stakes are rising, the world continues to be bizarre and brutal, and yet somehow it's the relationships that keep me the most invested. The bond between Carl and Donut - equal parts hilarious, heartwarming, and totally unhinged - continues to shine. And the fact that Jeff Hays brings every single character to life with such depth and nuance makes the audiobook all the more immersive. Seriously, this is some of the most fun I've had with a series in a while.
Matt Dinniman clearly knows how to walk that tightrope between chaos and coherence, and I am so here for the ride. I've already jumped into book three and fully plan to finish it today, because this series has become the kind of story I think about constantly. It's like literary popcorn laced with something addictive, and I'm jonesing for more.
adventurous
emotional
funny
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:
No
Dungeon Crawler Carl is not just a book - it's a full-blown, adrenaline-pumping, laugh-out-loud, emotionally gripping experience. From the very first page, I was hooked. This is easily one of the most fun, creative, and unexpectedly heartfelt books I've ever read, and I cannot stop recommending it to anyone who'll listen.
Carl, our reluctant hero, is the ex-Coast Guard dude bro you didn't know you needed in your life. Thrust into an apocalyptic dungeon reality show, when the world quite literally blows up beneath his bare and perfectly maintained (you'll understand later) feet, he navigates monsters, madness, and mayhem with grit, sarcasm, and surprising depth. And while Carl is an absolute gem of a protagonist, it's Princess Donut Queen Anne Chonk - his ex-girlfriend's bougie, hilarious, and somehow utterly endearing cat - who steals every scene she's in. She's the sassiest, most chaotic feline I've ever encountered in fiction, and I am 1000% obsessed with her. Carl's constant exasperated refrain of "God damnit, Donut!" never failed to make me laugh out loud.
The writing is razor-sharp, the world-building is wild and imaginative, and the balance between humor, action, and emotional depth is nothing short of masterful. Let me be very clear: the audiobook takes this already phenomenal story and rockets it into the stratosphere. Jeff Hays' narration is next-level - truly one of the best performances I've ever heard. It makes the whole experience 1000% better (no exaggeration). I laughed, I gasped, I shouted in disbelief, and I had an absolute blast from start to finish.
The second I finished this book, I immediately started book two. There was no question. I had to know what happened next. A review for that one is coming soon (because, of course, I devoured it), but in the meantime, do yourself a favor and read this book. Or better yet, listen to it. You won't regret it.
This series is my new obsession. ABSOLUTE! PERFECTION!
Carl, our reluctant hero, is the ex-Coast Guard dude bro you didn't know you needed in your life. Thrust into an apocalyptic dungeon reality show, when the world quite literally blows up beneath his bare and perfectly maintained (you'll understand later) feet, he navigates monsters, madness, and mayhem with grit, sarcasm, and surprising depth. And while Carl is an absolute gem of a protagonist, it's Princess Donut Queen Anne Chonk - his ex-girlfriend's bougie, hilarious, and somehow utterly endearing cat - who steals every scene she's in. She's the sassiest, most chaotic feline I've ever encountered in fiction, and I am 1000% obsessed with her. Carl's constant exasperated refrain of "God damnit, Donut!" never failed to make me laugh out loud.
The writing is razor-sharp, the world-building is wild and imaginative, and the balance between humor, action, and emotional depth is nothing short of masterful. Let me be very clear: the audiobook takes this already phenomenal story and rockets it into the stratosphere. Jeff Hays' narration is next-level - truly one of the best performances I've ever heard. It makes the whole experience 1000% better (no exaggeration). I laughed, I gasped, I shouted in disbelief, and I had an absolute blast from start to finish.
The second I finished this book, I immediately started book two. There was no question. I had to know what happened next. A review for that one is coming soon (because, of course, I devoured it), but in the meantime, do yourself a favor and read this book. Or better yet, listen to it. You won't regret it.
This series is my new obsession. ABSOLUTE! PERFECTION!
emotional
funny
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
The Bromance Book Club isn't something I'd typically reach for, my heart leans more toward queer romances, but I'm glad I gave this one a try. I went in expecting a bunch of stereotypical dude-bros stumbling their way through relationships, but the men in this story genuinely surprised me. They had substance, heart, and a refreshing commitment to growth.
That said, the pacing was slow for me. It took a while to get into the story's groove, and at times I found myself waiting for things to pick up. It also wasn't as steamy as I anticipated, though there were some sweet and spicy moments. The excerpts from Courting the Countess were honestly a favorite part - they added a fun, meta twist that kept me interested when the main storyline dragged.
My biggest gripe? Thea! I felt like Gavin was doing all the emotional heavy lifting in repairing their marriage, while Thea stayed guarded, and frankly, stubborn. Communication is a two-way street, and it didn't feel like she met him halfway. Also, her sister? Least favorite character by far.
A slow but charming read overall - not quite my cup of tea, but still an enjoyable detour.
That said, the pacing was slow for me. It took a while to get into the story's groove, and at times I found myself waiting for things to pick up. It also wasn't as steamy as I anticipated, though there were some sweet and spicy moments. The excerpts from Courting the Countess were honestly a favorite part - they added a fun, meta twist that kept me interested when the main storyline dragged.
My biggest gripe? Thea! I felt like Gavin was doing all the emotional heavy lifting in repairing their marriage, while Thea stayed guarded, and frankly, stubborn. Communication is a two-way street, and it didn't feel like she met him halfway. Also, her sister? Least favorite character by far.
A slow but charming read overall - not quite my cup of tea, but still an enjoyable detour.
emotional
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Piranesi is one of those quietly mesmerizing books that lingers in your mind long after you've finished it. Susanna Clarke crafts a strange, surreal world that feels both vast and claustrophobic. A house that seems endless, with tides that rise through marble halls and statues that stand in silent witness. As I read, I couldn't help but envision this setting as a reinterpretation of Daedalus' labyrinth - the same mythic prison Icarus tried to escape. That parallel added an intriguing layer for me: the maze as both sanctuary and snare.
Pirasnesi, the narrator, is endearing and oddly innocent, and following his gradual realization of the truth was both compelling and heartbreaking. The novel doesn't aim to be a life-changing read, but it is a solid, beautifully written meditation on solitude, knowledge, and the fragility of reality.
I wouldn't call it a favorite of all time, but I enjoyed it and would recommend it to readers who like their fiction a bit mysterious, a bit mythical, and rich with atmosphere.
Pirasnesi, the narrator, is endearing and oddly innocent, and following his gradual realization of the truth was both compelling and heartbreaking. The novel doesn't aim to be a life-changing read, but it is a solid, beautifully written meditation on solitude, knowledge, and the fragility of reality.
I wouldn't call it a favorite of all time, but I enjoyed it and would recommend it to readers who like their fiction a bit mysterious, a bit mythical, and rich with atmosphere.