Scan barcode
sofia_bookishwanderess's reviews
1452 reviews
The Kamogawa Food Detectives by Hisashi Kashiwai
medium-paced
3.0
This was a quick and cozy read, but unfortunately, not a very memorable one. I felt the book skipped over what could have been the most compelling aspect—the actual investigation into the food mysteries. Additionally, unlike similar books, the cases lacked emotional impact.
Tokyo Ueno Station by Yu Miri
reflective
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
It took me a long time to get into the story. Not much happens at the beginning, and the first 100–150 pages felt slow. I also found the book overly descriptive at times, and the characterization could have been stronger, especially for the side characters.
However, the story eventually picks up. I became invested in the murder mystery and the plotline surrounding Darlington. The world-building and atmosphere were compelling, the intrigue steadily built throughout the story, and I appreciated the way the book explored power, privilege, and trauma.
However, the story eventually picks up. I became invested in the murder mystery and the plotline surrounding Darlington. The world-building and atmosphere were compelling, the intrigue steadily built throughout the story, and I appreciated the way the book explored power, privilege, and trauma.
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
It took me a long time to get into the story. Not much happens at the beginning, and the first 100–150 pages felt slow. I also found the book overly descriptive at times, and the characterization could have been stronger, especially for the side characters.
However, the story eventually picks up. I became invested in the murder mystery and the plotline surrounding Darlington. The world-building and atmosphere were compelling, the intrigue steadily built throughout the story, and I appreciated the way the book explored power, privilege, and trauma.
However, the story eventually picks up. I became invested in the murder mystery and the plotline surrounding Darlington. The world-building and atmosphere were compelling, the intrigue steadily built throughout the story, and I appreciated the way the book explored power, privilege, and trauma.
Under Loch and Key by Lana Ferguson
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.5
I’ve enjoyed other books by Lana Ferguson, so I went into this one expecting to like it—but unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. Large portions of the book felt slow and dragged on, leaving me bored at times. I initially thought this was a paranormal romance, but it’s a monster romance—a genre I hadn’t explored before, and this book didn’t win me over. While the characters had some chemistry, the development of their romance didn’t entirely click for me, and I struggled to stay invested in both the story and the relationship. That said, I appreciated the Scottish setting and the clever way the Loch Ness monster and the curse were explained. Overall, this didn’t quite land for me and wasn’t particularly memorable.
The Next Best Fling by Gabriella Gamez
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
I was a bit hesitant to pick up this book because the trope isn’t one of my favorites. The idea of two people bonding over their unrequited love for others—who also happen to be in a relationship with each other—sounded like it could get really messy. But I’m so glad I decided to give it a chance because I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I loved how understanding and supportive the two main characters were with each other. Their personal growth throughout the story was so well done, the angst hit just the right level, their chemistry was palpable, and the steamy scenes were amazing. The male lead was swoon-worthy, and he had such a sweet gesture for the heroine that made my heart melt. I also really appreciated the plus-sized representation and the depiction of a wonderful female friendship.
My one issue with the book was that the messiness of the characters pining for other people, especially the female lead, went on a bit too long. I think the story would have been stronger if that phase had been resolved earlier and if the two leads had communicated better once their feelings began to change. But I liked everything else about the book so much that i didn’t mind this too much.
I loved how understanding and supportive the two main characters were with each other. Their personal growth throughout the story was so well done, the angst hit just the right level, their chemistry was palpable, and the steamy scenes were amazing. The male lead was swoon-worthy, and he had such a sweet gesture for the heroine that made my heart melt. I also really appreciated the plus-sized representation and the depiction of a wonderful female friendship.
My one issue with the book was that the messiness of the characters pining for other people, especially the female lead, went on a bit too long. I think the story would have been stronger if that phase had been resolved earlier and if the two leads had communicated better once their feelings began to change. But I liked everything else about the book so much that i didn’t mind this too much.
The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.5
I went into this not knowing what to expect, and I was pleasantly surprised. The story features an interesting fantasy world, and an intriguing, complex, and well-executed mystery plot. I was completely engaged the entire time I was reading, and there were also a few unexpected twists that kept me invested in the story.
I enjoyed the two protagonists, Ana and Din, and their Sherlock/Watson-style relationship. However, I would have liked to learn a little more about them and feel more emotionally connected to them—not just as detectives working on the case. But I think that will come as I read more books in the series.
I enjoyed the two protagonists, Ana and Din, and their Sherlock/Watson-style relationship. However, I would have liked to learn a little more about them and feel more emotionally connected to them—not just as detectives working on the case. But I think that will come as I read more books in the series.
The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.0
This is such a sweet and cozy fantasy novel. I really enjoyed the world-building, the way magic works, the sentient plant, the small-town vibes, and the friendly side characters. The plot was engaging, with enough stakes to keep it from feeling boring.
However, the romance was not well-developed. Larran is a complete cinnamon roll—slightly awkward but kind and dependable. Unfortunately, we don't get to know him beyond these basic traits, and there’s no physical description of him other than being a big guy. As a result, the relationship between Kiela and Larran feels shallow. Since Larran is not a well-rounded character, there are no deep conversations or a particularly strong emotional connection between them. Larran has a tragic past, which Kiela learns about from another character because they never have a meaningful conversation. The most we get from Larran regarding his past is half a sentence that he leaves unfinished.
Overall, I really enjoyed everything but the romance.
However, the romance was not well-developed. Larran is a complete cinnamon roll—slightly awkward but kind and dependable. Unfortunately, we don't get to know him beyond these basic traits, and there’s no physical description of him other than being a big guy. As a result, the relationship between Kiela and Larran feels shallow. Since Larran is not a well-rounded character, there are no deep conversations or a particularly strong emotional connection between them. Larran has a tragic past, which Kiela learns about from another character because they never have a meaningful conversation. The most we get from Larran regarding his past is half a sentence that he leaves unfinished.
Overall, I really enjoyed everything but the romance.
Las indignas by Agustina Bazterrica
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
This is a highly intriguing novel, I couldn't stop reading it because I was eager to see where it would lead and to discover what would happen in both the past and present timelines. This is not an easy read; it is, in fact, gruesome and tackles very heavy topics.
The writing is exceptional, the plot is engaging, and the characters are complex and slightly twisted, in a way that characters who have had to live through post-apocalyptic situations usually are. Yet, they remain easy to root for. Additionally, it is a thematically rich novel, offering thought-provoking commentary on climate change, the use of religion as a means of control, and especially the brutal consequences of misogynistic regimes.
The writing is exceptional, the plot is engaging, and the characters are complex and slightly twisted, in a way that characters who have had to live through post-apocalyptic situations usually are. Yet, they remain easy to root for. Additionally, it is a thematically rich novel, offering thought-provoking commentary on climate change, the use of religion as a means of control, and especially the brutal consequences of misogynistic regimes.
Hopeless by Elsie Silver
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
*Somewhere between 3.5 and 4 stars*
The tension, the chemistry, and the endless waiting for something to finally happen between the main characters kept me completely engaged. I loved how Bailey was so horny and how much Beau made her wait—it was genuinely funny. And when the steamy scenes finally arrived, they were really steamy. I also appreciated the deep emotional connection between the protagonists and how they both had personal struggles to work through.
However, the age gap was very noticeable, and I wasn’t a fan of how prevalent it was. The conflicts between them felt a bit forced, as if there wasn’t anything truly keeping them apart. I also felt like we got much less of the side characters compared to other books, and I really missed the family scenes. While I understand why Beau wasn’t entirely comfortable around his family, their presence is such a nice element in the other books, and it felt missing here.
The tension, the chemistry, and the endless waiting for something to finally happen between the main characters kept me completely engaged. I loved how Bailey was so horny and how much Beau made her wait—it was genuinely funny. And when the steamy scenes finally arrived, they were really steamy. I also appreciated the deep emotional connection between the protagonists and how they both had personal struggles to work through.
However, the age gap was very noticeable, and I wasn’t a fan of how prevalent it was. The conflicts between them felt a bit forced, as if there wasn’t anything truly keeping them apart. I also felt like we got much less of the side characters compared to other books, and I really missed the family scenes. While I understand why Beau wasn’t entirely comfortable around his family, their presence is such a nice element in the other books, and it felt missing here.
Reckless by Elsie Silver
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
I really enjoyed the relationship between Theo and Winter. Theo is such a sweetheart—completely swoon-worthy—and I loved how layered and complex Winter was. She had so much to work through, and it was heartwarming to see Theo spend the entire book ensuring she knew she deserved love. Their dynamic was incredibly sweet.
I also appreciated the relationship Winter had with her daughter and how Theo immediately stepped into his role as a dedicated, hands-on dad. Watching the three of them slowly come together as a family was such a beautiful journey.
That said, when the “I love you” moment came, it felt a bit abrupt, almost like it came out of nowhere. I wish there had been more scenes of the main characters getting to know each other on a deeper level.
I also appreciated the relationship Winter had with her daughter and how Theo immediately stepped into his role as a dedicated, hands-on dad. Watching the three of them slowly come together as a family was such a beautiful journey.
That said, when the “I love you” moment came, it felt a bit abrupt, almost like it came out of nowhere. I wish there had been more scenes of the main characters getting to know each other on a deeper level.