stellie_c's reviews
164 reviews

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

I was very excited to read this book as it has been on my TBR list for a while. The story follows Naomi, a Mexican socialite, in the 1950s. She travels to the countryside to rescue her cousin from her new English family, and they are kind of creepy. I was interested in the beginning, reading about High Place, a seemingly haunted mansion, and the isolating family. There were a lot of dark imagery and creepy descriptions as you tried to find out what the family secrets were. The book was a suspense and horror genre, with some supernatural elements. I'm not really fond of supernatural elements in my novels, so I guess that's why I wasn't that interested in the story by the end! I did like how strong of a character Naomi was, so that was plus. 
The Resort by Sara Ochs

Go to review page

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

The epilogue perfection! The beginning of the story was a bit slow and confusing as 5 a lott of characters introduced, as well as the story being told by two characters, Cass and Brooke, in alternating chapters. However, once I got into the plot, I found it very interesting, and I was hooked until the end. There was much more to this story than expected, and the twist at the end was mind‐blowing! I really didn't see it coming! It was very well written, and all the deceit between the characters was well planned out. 
The Christmas Pig by J.K. Rowling

Go to review page

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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? It's complicated

5.0

It is a very heartwarming story about a child's love for a stuffed toy! I loved Jacks adventures through the land of the lost, and he tried to save his stuffed Pig. It was very entertaining! The beginning when you learn about Jack and DPs relationship, and how his bond with his toy gets him through very difficult times. It pulls at your heartstrings. I think we have all had a favourite toy that we have loved so much. JK Rowling has quiet the imagination! Her detailed description of the different cities in the land of the lost was perfect! Great read! I can see this being a story read every year with my kids! 
The Vacation by John Marrs

Go to review page

dark emotional mysterious sad tense 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

I listened to the 2015 version and read the new 2021 published book! John Marrs is one hell of a storyteller. The way he weaves together all the different characters' lives and how they intersect at the hostel. It was really fun comparing both versions of the story. I could see where he cut out some extra bits and then added a different ending for one of the characters, which i thought was great because I felt it was great closure. I love how twisted most of Marrs characters can be, and you don't realize until you are halfway through the book! Really good read. It was a little slow at the beginning, but the twists were worth the wait. Marrs always manages to get me to say "wtf" out loud as I'm reading lmao
The Vacation by John Marrs

Go to review page

dark emotional mysterious sad tense 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

I listened to the 2015 version and read the new 2021 published book! John Marrs is one hell of a storyteller. The way he weaves together all the different characters' lives and how they intersect at the hostel. It was really fun comparing both versions of the story. I could see where he cut out some extra bits and then added a different ending for one of the characters, which i thought was great because I felt it was great closure. I love how twisted most of Marrs characters can be, and you don't realize until you are halfway through the book! Really good read. It was a little slow at the beginning, but the twists were worth the wait. Marrs always manages to get me to say "wtf" out loud as I'm reading lmao
One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle

Go to review page

emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

A very sentimenal, emotional journey. It is a story of a daughter and a mothers relationship. The daughter, Katie, gets to know her mother Carol as she was in her 30s, as a woman and friend, not just her mother. It's a very touching story, and I loved the italian setting. Talking about the food, the people, the culture. I enjoyed this as a quick, feel-good read. 
The Family Game by Catherine Steadman

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This was a really fun, chaotic thriller. There were a lot of secrets in this family! Lol, I guessed the twist at the end, but I think it was still written well. The story kept me very invested. I just wanted to keep reading and know what Harriot was going to do next, finding out everything about her new inlaws! Very fun for the holiday season! 
You Better Watch Out by James S. Murray, Darren Wearmouth

Go to review page

dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Lol, what a fun Christmas thriller! It was gorey and creepy in a good way! I liked how you learned about each Characters backstory and how it all connected. I really liked the twist. I didn't see it coming! Really fun, short Christmasy thriller! Just what I wanted this holiday!
Sailor Moon Eternal Edition 10 by Naoko Takeuchi

Go to review page

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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? It's complicated

5.0

Sour Candy by Kealan Patrick Burke

Go to review page

dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

It's a short novella that's pretty creepy. Phil has a childless life, with his girlfriend, and that's the way he likes it, until this boy comes into his life and takes over!