spicycronereads's reviews
229 reviews

adventurous dark emotional mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

A rare new adult book where the character actually acts like a teenager. Malik’s story is engaging though the twists were predictable. I look forward to seeing how his and Taye’s stories develop (there has to be more to Taye’s story, right?)

It was refreshing to read a fantasy novel centered on a young Black man as the main character. His voice took some getting used to but that was a me problem and not a writing issue.

At the beginning, we get a lot of detailed descriptions of student culture at the university and that definitely read like a love letter to young Black folks. A lot of that falls away once the setting is established, except for musical references.

The magic system was occasionally confusing. Other than colors it wasn’t clear what differentiated one person’s magic from another’s, nor what made Malik’s so special.

There is a love story though it remains fairly superficial. I give it 1/2 sparkly heart. 💖

There are queer and nonbinary students among the secondary characters and I hope we see them further developed in future books.

Overall it was an entertaining read. I will likely read the sequel. 3.5 ⭐️ / .5 💖

Content Warnings

The Other Brother by Tierney Page

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lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

It was fine. I like a bit more angst and character development and a bit less insta love. Weird cat poop plot line was distracting…

The friendship between the girls was my favorite part. 💕 I think I would read Gemma’s book.

🌶️🌶️ The spicy scenes were plentiful and well-written (aside from one sketchy back door scene).

No diversity to speak of.

Overall a bit too much telling rather than showing, but it kept me engaged and I read it really quickly while feeling poorly. ⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️

Content Warnings

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

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adventurous dark emotional funny sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Bumped my review up to 4 ⭐️ given the amount of time I have spent thinking about this book.

But seriously the pacing of the first half… and somehow Violet becomes less observant and less smart with each book. So not a five star for me…

The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki

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hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Cute. Clever. Cats. What more do you want?

The Fabric of Our Souls by K.M. Moronova

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dark sad medium-paced

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

2.0

Had fun reading this as a buddy read but I don’t think I would have finished it otherwise.

There were occasional moments of poetry and touching scenes, overall it was a miss for me.

It felt dark for darkness’ sake in ways that didn’t necessarily seem compelling. The mystery at the center is clumsy and predictable. There are lots of loose ends -

what is up with the onyx rings? How was Lanston (not a typo for Langston; his name is really Lanston) at the institute at the same time as Crosby when the missing patients went missing 10 years ago? Was Wynn really just traumatized by piano lessons?!?

I know the author says that the treatment facility is her fantasy of what a treatment center could be, but is is so far removed from reality, it is jarring.

I found the spicy scenes pretty cringe, with little buildup or sense. And the “love story” was too insta-love for my liking. The enemies to lovers quality of it fell flat.

Two stars for the occasional moments of lyrical prose. ⭐️⭐️/ 0 🌶️

Pucking Around by Emily Rath

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funny lighthearted fast-paced