Scan barcode
stilestastic's reviews
303 reviews
Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
adventurous
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
2.5
I literally hate Patch so much.
Cadie Jackson is Dead by -sanascribbles
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
For non-book records, review text and ratings are hidden. Only mood, pace, and content warnings are visible.
Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon
3.0
This book was an extremely easy read. It's not what I'd normally read on my own, but the hype drew me in. The romance was extremely fast-paced. I'm more of a slow burn ship type of girl, so that aspect was bothersome. The plot was also fairly predictable. However, it was also cute and fluffy and entertaining! I loved the unique pictures and graphics.
One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus
5.0
As you can see, I finished this book in a day. That's how you know I really enjoyed it. Then again, maybe "really enjoyed" is an understatement?? This book was the best one I've read since I finished The Raven Cycle during the summer. And believe me— I've read plenty of books between then and now.
Second, why do I always fall for the bad boy/outcast with a heart of gold? Seriously. The list can already wrap around my house, and now one more has been added to the list. Thank you, Nate, for your stupidly cute feelings toward Bronwyn and your stupid blue eyes and stupid motorcycle. If he asked me to jump out a window I'd definitely do it.
This type of novel is right up my alley, but after reading We All Looked Up and being thoroughly disappointed by the way the author wrote the stereotypical characters, I was a bit hesitant when I saw those in the description as well. But, my God, the characters were written so well. Sure, they each fell into their respective stereotypes, but there was also so much more to them than that. I went from tolerating them to adopting them as my children. That's good writing in a standalone novel!
The teenagers were written like teenagers. It wasn't how some authors write their characters - they're teenagers but behave or have internal monologues like adults - and I couldn't actually relate to the stuff they were talking about. No awkward IM communications through email with dumb usernames from 2008. It all felt very real.
I'm really, really bad at guessing. I need hard facts in order to solve a mystery (usually), so of course there was a twist and of course I didn't figure it out. It was such a rollercoaster ride trying to guess who it was! But it was very well thought out and kept me changing my opinions constantly.
In summary: If you haven't read this book, READ THIS BOOK.
Second, why do I always fall for the bad boy/outcast with a heart of gold? Seriously. The list can already wrap around my house, and now one more has been added to the list. Thank you, Nate, for your stupidly cute feelings toward Bronwyn and your stupid blue eyes and stupid motorcycle. If he asked me to jump out a window I'd definitely do it.
This type of novel is right up my alley, but after reading We All Looked Up and being thoroughly disappointed by the way the author wrote the stereotypical characters, I was a bit hesitant when I saw those in the description as well. But, my God, the characters were written so well. Sure, they each fell into their respective stereotypes, but there was also so much more to them than that. I went from tolerating them to adopting them as my children. That's good writing in a standalone novel!
The teenagers were written like teenagers. It wasn't how some authors write their characters - they're teenagers but behave or have internal monologues like adults - and I couldn't actually relate to the stuff they were talking about. No awkward IM communications through email with dumb usernames from 2008. It all felt very real.
I'm really, really bad at guessing. I need hard facts in order to solve a mystery (usually), so of course there was a twist and of course I didn't figure it out. It was such a rollercoaster ride trying to guess who it was! But it was very well thought out and kept me changing my opinions constantly.
In summary: If you haven't read this book, READ THIS BOOK.
Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo
4.0
“Na razrusha'ya. I am not ruined."
Wow. Wowowowowowowowowow-
I had to sit down and type this review 20 minutes after reading this book because I'm simmering in so many feelings and thoughts that I feel like I'm going to forget them all soon.
First of all, I think that this was the second-best book out of the trilogy. I liked how we finally got a chance to really experience characters that weren't Alina, Mal, and the Darkling. We finally got a taste of the Grisha when they had nothing, which made them completely different from the ones in the first two books. I grew to love the little band of misfits that Alina kept around her, even Zoya.
"E'ya razrushost. I am ruination.”
I also thought that Mal's past was a HUGELY interesting twist that had me shocked.
All in all, I enjoyed this series and the characters it has introduced me to. I just wish I was more sold on the ending. And that we'd gotten more Nikolai.
Wow. Wowowowowowowowowow-
I had to sit down and type this review 20 minutes after reading this book because I'm simmering in so many feelings and thoughts that I feel like I'm going to forget them all soon.
First of all, I think that this was the second-best book out of the trilogy. I liked how we finally got a chance to really experience characters that weren't Alina, Mal, and the Darkling. We finally got a taste of the Grisha when they had nothing, which made them completely different from the ones in the first two books. I grew to love the little band of misfits that Alina kept around her, even Zoya.
"E'ya razrushost. I am ruination.”
Spoiler
I feel like what could make or break this book for someone is their opinion on Mal. It may be even more dependent on whether or not they like Alina and Mal together romantically. As a person who actually preferred their dynamic better as friends, I found the ending to be a total bust and I'm actually pretty angry about it. Now, this could just be the Alina x Nikolai shipper in me, but I thought she'd be a lot better with him romantically. After the damage Mal did in book two, I really didn't see them getting together again; I thought they had mutually agreed on friendship. BUT NO.I also thought that Mal's past was a HUGELY interesting twist that had me shocked.
Spoiler
I don't blame Alina for thinking she was Morozova's heir, because I thought she was, too. But having Mal be connected to him was such an insanely genius idea that fit perfectly and completed his entire character, if that makes sense.All in all, I enjoyed this series and the characters it has introduced me to. I just wish I was more sold on the ending. And that we'd gotten more Nikolai.
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
4.0
“I'm sorry it took me so long to see you, Alina. But I see you now.”
I actually really enjoyed this book! I was warned that it doesn't live up to the genius that is [b:Six of Crows|23437156|Six of Crows (Six of Crows, #1)|Leigh Bardugo|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1459349344s/23437156.jpg|42077459], which I just finished, but I found it to be great!
At first, I wasn't sure. I thought I would hate the book because I started off not liking any of the characters. However, I suppose the best books are the ones where they grow on you and you find yourself adopting them as your children by the end. Which I did. I was proud of Alina as she grew more comfortable with herself and her power. I also grew to adore Mal, of whom I thought was annoyingly cocky at the beginning.
One thing I found bothersome, however, was that the pacing seemed off to me. Although it was clear that Alina had been in the palace for many months, I found myself often forgetting that because time skips happened in the middle of chapters and, therefore, part of me thinks the romance was rushed. But that's okay.
Overall, I thought this book was an interesting read and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout most of it, so I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the trilogy!
I actually really enjoyed this book! I was warned that it doesn't live up to the genius that is [b:Six of Crows|23437156|Six of Crows (Six of Crows, #1)|Leigh Bardugo|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1459349344s/23437156.jpg|42077459], which I just finished, but I found it to be great!
At first, I wasn't sure. I thought I would hate the book because I started off not liking any of the characters. However, I suppose the best books are the ones where they grow on you and you find yourself adopting them as your children by the end. Which I did. I was proud of Alina as she grew more comfortable with herself and her power. I also grew to adore Mal, of whom I thought was annoyingly cocky at the beginning.
One thing I found bothersome, however, was that the pacing seemed off to me. Although it was clear that Alina had been in the palace for many months, I found myself often forgetting that because time skips happened in the middle of chapters and, therefore, part of me thinks the romance was rushed. But that's okay.
Overall, I thought this book was an interesting read and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout most of it, so I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the trilogy!
I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson
1.0
I've had this book for four days and I got to page 4. That's how long it took me to decide that enough was enough, and I couldn't handle it anymore.
I wanted to like this book. I really did! The fact that the ratings were so high made me really hopeful, but the writing style did not click with me at all. I kept getting lost with all the sentences that seemed to run on and on. The metaphors were confusing instead of inspiring.
Maybe the fact that a thirteen year old got a hard-on for a boy who was about to throw him off a cliff was what got me. I just think that's incredibly unrealistic. I'm straight, but I wouldn't have that type of reaction if a super hot guy was manhandling me and about to throw me in the water if I couldn't swim. I would just be wondering if I was about to freaking die.
[Edit: I’m certainly not trying to speak for the LGBT+ community here, but it seemed to perpetuate the stereotype that gay people (men in particular) are pedophiles/only in it for The Sex and seem to take everything in a sexual manner. Again, this is just what I felt and it made me extremely uncomfortable to see that— especially in the opening pages of such a well-renowned novel.]
It takes a lot - and I mean a LOT - for me to leave a book unfinished. This one just did not work for me at all.
I wanted to like this book. I really did! The fact that the ratings were so high made me really hopeful, but the writing style did not click with me at all. I kept getting lost with all the sentences that seemed to run on and on. The metaphors were confusing instead of inspiring.
Maybe the fact that a thirteen year old got a hard-on for a boy who was about to throw him off a cliff was what got me. I just think that's incredibly unrealistic. I'm straight, but I wouldn't have that type of reaction if a super hot guy was manhandling me and about to throw me in the water if I couldn't swim. I would just be wondering if I was about to freaking die.
[Edit: I’m certainly not trying to speak for the LGBT+ community here, but it seemed to perpetuate the stereotype that gay people (men in particular) are pedophiles/only in it for The Sex and seem to take everything in a sexual manner. Again, this is just what I felt and it made me extremely uncomfortable to see that— especially in the opening pages of such a well-renowned novel.]
It takes a lot - and I mean a LOT - for me to leave a book unfinished. This one just did not work for me at all.
We All Looked Up by Tommy Wallach
1.0
I read the negative reviews, but I still held out hope for this one. I loved the idea of teenagers realizing that they need to live like they're about to die, which, essentially, is the plot.
I was woefully disappointed.
The idea of stereotypes was present from the beginning of the synopsis, but I didn't expect for it to be that strong. And really? The most cliche stereotypes of all? And so much slut-shaming?
I didn't find any of the characters to be likable whatsoever. Peter annoyed the crap out of me, even besides hating a teacher for a giving him a wakeup call, but he was a cheater and allowed Eliza to have the reputation she did. I didn't get a chance to finish her chapter, but I just found her to be extremely boring.
Great idea, poor execution.
I was woefully disappointed.
The idea of stereotypes was present from the beginning of the synopsis, but I didn't expect for it to be that strong. And really? The most cliche stereotypes of all? And so much slut-shaming?
I didn't find any of the characters to be likable whatsoever. Peter annoyed the crap out of me, even besides hating a teacher for a giving him a wakeup call, but he was a cheater and allowed Eliza to have the reputation she did. I didn't get a chance to finish her chapter, but I just found her to be extremely boring.
Great idea, poor execution.
Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas
5.0
[ 4.5 stars ]
“But death was her curse and her gift, and death had been her good friend these long, long years.”
i'll admit that it took me way too long to finish this book, but don't let it deceive you, because it had nothing to do with the book itself. you can thank my teachers for loading me with homework.
i liked this book a bit more than the first because it delved deeper into characters that weren't celaena (by god, i still have to double-check the spelling of her name) and also brought out more of the overall plot of the entire series. i enjoyed reading about dorian and chaol because their perspectives were usually widely different from the story's main female protagonist's. and, due to the fact i was usually more fed up with celaena than not as i read this, it was a nice break from being inside her head.
the thing i, a hardcore ACOTAR fan, have liked about sarah's writing is the moral ambiguity of many of her characters. calaena, for instance, is a cold-blooded assassin with hidden secrets, but her outbursts can sometimes be dramatic and she isn't always the fierce warrior that everyone assumes she is. as mentioned in this book, she doesn't always stand and fight. i enjoyed the fact that even though i personally found her annoying sometimes, it wasn't because of poor characterization-- she was acting in-character and everything was explained very well.
also, dorian. dorian. i would launch myself off of a cliff for him and i don't really know why. right now he's my favorite in the series, possibly because i love a good golden prince who really isn't so golden and is starting to see his father's kingdom for what it really is. hopefully he'll be using his position to really make a difference soon.
the one thing i didn't like about this book was that nothing really... happened until the last quarter. there was a lot of romantic conflict and even more of celaena observing the people she's supposed to be hunting. while i believe pacing is important, it seemed like it took forever for the action to truly start happening. but once it did, i couldn't put the book down.
(also, that ending SHOOK me)
onward and upward to heir of fire!
“But death was her curse and her gift, and death had been her good friend these long, long years.”
i'll admit that it took me way too long to finish this book, but don't let it deceive you, because it had nothing to do with the book itself. you can thank my teachers for loading me with homework.
i liked this book a bit more than the first because it delved deeper into characters that weren't celaena (by god, i still have to double-check the spelling of her name) and also brought out more of the overall plot of the entire series. i enjoyed reading about dorian and chaol because their perspectives were usually widely different from the story's main female protagonist's. and, due to the fact i was usually more fed up with celaena than not as i read this, it was a nice break from being inside her head.
the thing i, a hardcore ACOTAR fan, have liked about sarah's writing is the moral ambiguity of many of her characters. calaena, for instance, is a cold-blooded assassin with hidden secrets, but her outbursts can sometimes be dramatic and she isn't always the fierce warrior that everyone assumes she is. as mentioned in this book, she doesn't always stand and fight. i enjoyed the fact that even though i personally found her annoying sometimes, it wasn't because of poor characterization-- she was acting in-character and everything was explained very well.
also, dorian. dorian. i would launch myself off of a cliff for him and i don't really know why. right now he's my favorite in the series, possibly because i love a good golden prince who really isn't so golden and is starting to see his father's kingdom for what it really is. hopefully he'll be using his position to really make a difference soon.
the one thing i didn't like about this book was that nothing really... happened until the last quarter. there was a lot of romantic conflict and even more of celaena observing the people she's supposed to be hunting. while i believe pacing is important, it seemed like it took forever for the action to truly start happening. but once it did, i couldn't put the book down.
(also, that ending SHOOK me)
onward and upward to heir of fire!