sshelbyreadss's reviews
476 reviews

Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig

adventurous dark mysterious medium-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? Yes

5.0

This was so good. Duology is my ideal series length. A little bit more of a story and characters I loved, but not too much!

When i started, I was VERY curious how this would go considering the cliffhanger we left off on in book one. But I think that Gillig did so well expanding on other characters and then wrapping everyone together for a supremely satisfying ending. 

It took me a bit to get into it, perhaps about a quarter of the way in I really fell into it. I think it was a me problem and not a problem with the book. 

I loved the story book and the way it made this feel like a fairy tale. I loved the riddles and magic system of this series. It felt unique and interesting and adored it. I also absolutely adore Elm! 

The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud

adventurous dark funny fast-paced

5.0

I loved this. 

Bitter Medicine by Mia Tsai

slow-paced

3.0

A solid 3. I liked it, but didn’t love it. I loved the world, the magical beings, and the magic spy society. I didn’t like the pace, it felt slow-probably because there was quite a bit of world building at the beginning. 

I’m not a big friends to lovers fan, but the romance was sweet and the spicy scenes were spicy. 

The Unbroken by C.L. Clark
Did not finish book. Stopped at 6%.

I want to read this but not right now. Also the audio is not that clear and I’ve had to really concentrate to listen.  Will pick this up again, possibly the physical book. 

The Wicked Bargain by Gabe Cole Novoa
Did not finish book. Stopped at 10%.

Will pick this up again later!

The Spirit Bares Its Teeth by Andrew Joseph White

Sneak peek ended at page 115. Will resume when the rest of the book is out! 

Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe

challenging emotional hopeful informative fast-paced

5.0

Even Though I Knew the End by C.L. Polk

dark mysterious fast-paced

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

5.0

Delicious Monsters by Liselle Sambury

challenging dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Violence, Murder, and Abandonment

Moderate: Sexual assault

There Goes the Neighborhood by Jade Adia

challenging funny mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

So the prelude before chapter one hooked me, but then pace felt really slow for about the first 100 pages. During that time we did get some real lush description of south LA and Rhea’s neighborhood which really emphasizes what is on the line. 

I am really glad that I gave it a few more chapters because after the body was found, things pick up and keep going! 

I loved the character development and watching Rhea learn from her choices. So proud of her!