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smpearce's reviews
116 reviews
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
4.0
This book a good! I really liked the characters, they were 3D and had excellent dynamics with each other! The message of the book was great and approached well!
The character relationships in this book were what made it a worth while read for me! Each character felt well rounded and real! I especially liked the family dynamics and the relationship between Starr and Chris.
I think the approach and execution of the message of the novel was fantastic! The theme is important, and the I felt the book did it justice! And despite the serious topics, there were also quite a few places the book had enough humour to make me laugh aloud!
Although, I’d hoped this would be a five star after all the hype, I struggled with the pacing. I found it too slow at times. I also found that some of the dialogue was a bit exaggerated, “stereotypical teenager” talk, like it tried a bit too hard to sound relatable.
Also, for anybody reading the French translation, I personally wasn’t a fan of how it was done, but I’m sure it’s different for everyone.
The character relationships in this book were what made it a worth while read for me! Each character felt well rounded and real! I especially liked the family dynamics and the relationship between Starr and Chris.
I think the approach and execution of the message of the novel was fantastic! The theme is important, and the I felt the book did it justice! And despite the serious topics, there were also quite a few places the book had enough humour to make me laugh aloud!
Although, I’d hoped this would be a five star after all the hype, I struggled with the pacing. I found it too slow at times. I also found that some of the dialogue was a bit exaggerated, “stereotypical teenager” talk, like it tried a bit too hard to sound relatable.
Also, for anybody reading the French translation, I personally wasn’t a fan of how it was done, but I’m sure it’s different for everyone.
Refugee by Alan Gratz
5.0
This book was fantastic! It was amazing to see the three different perspectives and stories and how they related to each other, and the I really grew attached to the characters!
The book delivers an intense and gripping view on the characters crises, and shows the situations in a fresh light. I felt it was an amazing way to connect different situations and people into one experience of perseverance and sacrifice.
Highly recommend!
The book delivers an intense and gripping view on the characters crises, and shows the situations in a fresh light. I felt it was an amazing way to connect different situations and people into one experience of perseverance and sacrifice.
Highly recommend!
The Vault of Dreamers by Caragh M. O'Brien
3.0
I don’t know how I feel about this book.
On one hand, it definitely kept me reading, and I loved the concept of the reality show school and psychological aspects. The plot was really intriguing and I liked that Rosie became a bit unreliable as a narrator. I didn’t want to put it down. I also appreciated that there didn’t end up being a love triangle, because it seemed there might be at first.
On the other hand, I was left wanting with a lot. I didn’t feel we got to see in depth a lot of things, like the world-building/science. The characters and their relationships were just sort of...there. I didn’t really get a sense of the platonic or romantic chemistries between characters, or much personality to them. Rosie especially felt like she didn’t really fit with her backstory personality wise, and completely changed as a character without any noticeable arc after the first parts. It would have been nice to see her more mature, especially with some of the darker themes (like the sleep harassment and mental health issues). I also would have liked to learn more about Burnham, and I kind of wonder what the story would have been like told from his POV.
Also—am I the only one that doesn’t know what happened at the end? We never really got too much explanation about this subconscious “voice” that she hears, and I’m not sure if Rosie died and left her subconscious behind? Or the other way around? Maybe I’ll do a re-read in case I missed something, but I just didn’t get where this whole “voice” thing came from.
Overall, and interesting read, and I recommend you check it out for yourself! :) I’ll be buying book two, because I need to understand what exactly happened here, and I have hope the characters will become better matured/developed, because the plot was great!
My rating may change with time!
On one hand, it definitely kept me reading, and I loved the concept of the reality show school and psychological aspects. The plot was really intriguing and I liked that Rosie became a bit unreliable as a narrator. I didn’t want to put it down. I also appreciated that there didn’t end up being a love triangle, because it seemed there might be at first.
On the other hand, I was left wanting with a lot. I didn’t feel we got to see in depth a lot of things, like the world-building/science. The characters and their relationships were just sort of...there. I didn’t really get a sense of the platonic or romantic chemistries between characters, or much personality to them. Rosie especially felt like she didn’t really fit with her backstory personality wise, and completely changed as a character without any noticeable arc after the first parts. It would have been nice to see her more mature, especially with some of the darker themes (like the sleep harassment and mental health issues). I also would have liked to learn more about Burnham, and I kind of wonder what the story would have been like told from his POV.
Also—am I the only one that doesn’t know what happened at the end? We never really got too much explanation about this subconscious “voice” that she hears, and I’m not sure if Rosie died and left her subconscious behind? Or the other way around? Maybe I’ll do a re-read in case I missed something, but I just didn’t get where this whole “voice” thing came from.
Overall, and interesting read, and I recommend you check it out for yourself! :) I’ll be buying book two, because I need to understand what exactly happened here, and I have hope the characters will become better matured/developed, because the plot was great!
My rating may change with time!
Unhooked by Lisa Maxwell
3.0
The book was enjoyable enough of a way to pass some time, but I had some problems with it.
I liked the general idea of a Peter Pan retelling with a bit of a twist, and I thought the beginning was nice. The part about calling to the island and the introduction of Fey were interesting, too.
My main issue was the romantic subplot. The protagonist was attracted two guys that were both violet and callous, including towards her, from the start. For example, Rowan literally chokes her one time and it’s maybe a couple days later that they are kissing? All past mistreatment forgiven? I really couldn’t get behind the relationship, because so much of their interaction was him hurting/being rude to her, and also that it seemed like such a short time since they’d met. The abuse was never really even talked about as a red flag. I’m not meaning to offend anybody who does like to read these, that’s totally cool, but as someone young, I like to read about realistic and healthy relationships (especially when it is a YA marketed book).
I also wasn’t a huge fan of the dialogue. It felt a bit unnatural and cliché.
There were also the characters, which I felt could have used more depth. I didn’t feel super attached to or invested in the characters, and I think that having more development here would have made it a much better read, and likely would have helped with the dialogue too.
Overall, it wasn’t a bad read, but not quite for me. I enjoyed the general plot, but it would have been much better for me with greater character development and a healthier romance.
I liked the general idea of a Peter Pan retelling with a bit of a twist, and I thought the beginning was nice. The part about calling to the island and the introduction of Fey were interesting, too.
My main issue was the romantic subplot. The protagonist was attracted two guys that were both violet and callous, including towards her, from the start. For example, Rowan literally chokes her one time and it’s maybe a couple days later that they are kissing? All past mistreatment forgiven? I really couldn’t get behind the relationship, because so much of their interaction was him hurting/being rude to her, and also that it seemed like such a short time since they’d met. The abuse was never really even talked about as a red flag. I’m not meaning to offend anybody who does like to read these, that’s totally cool, but as someone young, I like to read about realistic and healthy relationships (especially when it is a YA marketed book).
I also wasn’t a huge fan of the dialogue. It felt a bit unnatural and cliché.
There were also the characters, which I felt could have used more depth. I didn’t feel super attached to or invested in the characters, and I think that having more development here would have made it a much better read, and likely would have helped with the dialogue too.
Overall, it wasn’t a bad read, but not quite for me. I enjoyed the general plot, but it would have been much better for me with greater character development and a healthier romance.
The Martian by Andy Weir
5.0
Wow...So I haven't been this blown away by a book a awhile. This is easily my favourite new read of 2019.
I just need to take my hat off to Andy Weir. This book was utterly fantastic. It was full of intrigue, action, inspiration, and most of all: humour. I never lost interest for a second while reading this book. Sometimes I laughed, sometimes I was on the edge of my seat, and sometimes I just had to take a second to admire the creativity and resourcefulness of Watney.
I thought I might like THE MARTIAN, but I wasn't even all that sure about it. I don't read a huge amount of adult fiction, and while I adore science fiction, I surprisingly haven't read any books that focus on today's Mars, so I wasn't sure what to expect. Safe to say, I was not disappointed.
The book's reflection on humanity and compassion was inspiring and uplifting, as were the tribulations and triumphs of Watney and those determined to help him. I cannot recommend this book more highly.
I just need to take my hat off to Andy Weir. This book was utterly fantastic. It was full of intrigue, action, inspiration, and most of all: humour. I never lost interest for a second while reading this book. Sometimes I laughed, sometimes I was on the edge of my seat, and sometimes I just had to take a second to admire the creativity and resourcefulness of Watney.
I thought I might like THE MARTIAN, but I wasn't even all that sure about it. I don't read a huge amount of adult fiction, and while I adore science fiction, I surprisingly haven't read any books that focus on today's Mars, so I wasn't sure what to expect. Safe to say, I was not disappointed.
The book's reflection on humanity and compassion was inspiring and uplifting, as were the tribulations and triumphs of Watney and those determined to help him. I cannot recommend this book more highly.
When We Were Lost by Kevin Wignall
3.0
I read this book a little ago so I won’t go into as much detail here, but overall an easy, enjoyable enough read!
The book didn’t drag at all for me, and I found it a light, pleasant read. I thought the main character was intriguing, and there was a nice variety in the other characters’ personalities.
I was excited for a YA, book version of the show ‘Lost’ or something similar to Lord of the Flies, and while I thought the read was nice enough, I was a bit underwhelmed.
It was still gripping enough to keep me turning the pages, and I did find some of the characters interesting—I just wish there had been a bit more depth to them. I think there was good potential there for some interesting character dynamics, and overall I would have love to know and connect with the characters more.
I may have to have a reread at some point and edit this review with more detail, but I’d recommend checking this book out if you’re interested!
The book didn’t drag at all for me, and I found it a light, pleasant read. I thought the main character was intriguing, and there was a nice variety in the other characters’ personalities.
I was excited for a YA, book version of the show ‘Lost’ or something similar to Lord of the Flies, and while I thought the read was nice enough, I was a bit underwhelmed.
It was still gripping enough to keep me turning the pages, and I did find some of the characters interesting—I just wish there had been a bit more depth to them. I think there was good potential there for some interesting character dynamics, and overall I would have love to know and connect with the characters more.
I may have to have a reread at some point and edit this review with more detail, but I’d recommend checking this book out if you’re interested!
Let's Talk About Love by Claire Kann
4.0
This was such an amazing book to read.
A main character I could really relate to and understand. Fantastic diversity and representation. Highlighted a lot of important struggles and issues, as well as showcased the necessity of healthy relationships with herself and others.
I’d definitely recommend this coming-of-age/romance read for anybody who’s interested!
A main character I could really relate to and understand. Fantastic diversity and representation. Highlighted a lot of important struggles and issues, as well as showcased the necessity of healthy relationships with herself and others.
I’d definitely recommend this coming-of-age/romance read for anybody who’s interested!
You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson
5.0
Loved this book so much. Super well-drawn characters, beautifully powerful story, and a heart-swelling romance all wrapped up in this amazing read!