stewartj0421's reviews
176 reviews

Praise by Sara Cate

Go to review page

adventurous hopeful reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

While the storyline was nothing special, the spicy scenes were chef’s kiss and I connected easily with the characters. I plan to keep reading this series. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories by Holly Black

Go to review page

adventurous hopeful lighthearted fast-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

4.0

Loved this fresh little novella from Cardan’s perspective! 
Consider Me by Becka Mack

Go to review page

emotional funny reflective fast-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

4.0

Despite the copious amount of grammatical errors in this book, I completely fell in love with Carter and Olivia. This was a great palate cleanser for me, while still having the right amount of emotional depth and complexity that makes it more than just a fluff read. I wasn’t a huge fan of the miscommunication trope that happens later on in the book, but thankfully that was pretty short-lived. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
Do You Wish You Never Met Me? by Laura May

Go to review page

Did not finish book. Stopped at 5%.
**ARC copy**

Lacked depth and only skimmed the surface of important events. I knew I would only be increasingly frustrated if I continued to read. 
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Go to review page

dark sad slow-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

3.5

I have to say, I wasn’t nearly as enraptured by this first iteration of the Throne of Glass series as I was when reading ACOTAR. I found many of the characters difficult to connect with. However, the plot was engaging and I am interested enough to see the story play out, so I will be reading the next book. I also know that SJM wrote the book as a teen, so I want to give the series a chance to improve. 
The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black

Go to review page

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

5.0

Can I give this book 50000/10 stars? Holly Black really honed her craft by this third iteration of the series. I seldom cry at a book, yet I was moved to tears multiple times. 
The Wicked King by Holly Black

Go to review page

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

5.0

I think Holly Black put crack in this book.
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

Go to review page

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

3.5

It took 85 pages for me to become invested in the story. The beginning feels clunky and aimless, and then all at once you’re swept up into this magical world of lies and dishonor.

I found Black’s fondness of obscure vocabulary to be at odds with the modern time period the story takes place in. I suspect her intention was to portray Faerie as more elegant and otherworldly, but the juxtaposition was jarring and, at times, unsettling in a way I can’t explain.

Despite my dislike of the writing quirks, the book eventually captured my attention. I also found it to be really well suited for the young adult genre. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz

Go to review page

challenging informative sad medium-paced

4.5

As an Indigenous American, it is so invigorating to see the true, Native-centered history of America. While I was aware of the general information in this book, the details provided about specific events and situations were new to me, and not a little infuriating. I found myself becoming indignant and increasingly furious as I continued to read. I mourned the destruction of my culture and celebrated the resilience of my people. I am so glad I read this book. 

I can see it potentially being too dense for some teen and young adult readers, but I think in general it is a great starting point for learning the true, bloody history of America.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
Babel by R.F. Kuang

Go to review page

Did not finish book. Stopped at 17%.
It was interesting, but too slow for my taste.