sugaplumfairy28's reviews
143 reviews

The Brittle Riders: Book Two by Bill McCormick

adventurous dark funny mysterious tense medium-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? No

4.0

This follows on 5 years after the first book. It has all the characters from the first book and more. I did have to refer to the appendix from the first as more brands get involved. It did get a little confusing at times as it flitted between a lot of the characters. It went more into depth about the characters and what they have done in the five years which is a lot. Also it was nice to see how they dealt with the Naradhama. Was gripped as before as this world is amazing. I am wondering what the brands actually look like when I am reading as they are all different and would be interesting to see what other people think. Ends on another cliffhanger and a ‘oh my god’ moment.

The Brittle Riders: Book One by Bill McCormick

adventurous emotional funny mysterious tense medium-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? No

4.0

First of all I would say this book is nothing like I have ever read before. This series intrigued me because I like Dystopian novels. This gave me Lord of the Ring vibes with how the ‘brands’ banded together against one enemy. There is a lot going on and it can get a little confusing at times but nothing is left unexplained. Great shout out to Bill McCormick to suggest reading the appendix first because it really does help understand the brands, places and terminology in the book, trust me you want to read it before you start and have it handy to refer back to as I did quite a few times. The characters you get invested into with the amount of detail that has been put into the book. Even the bad guys are intriguing and want to know about them.  There is some mention of SA so be mindful of this. The Brittle Riders are just a crazy bunch of unlikely brands brought together but the story is about all the Brands coming together I felt. The brands are all different and very intriguing to read about. I was not sure how this would carry on let alone a Trilogy but it is perfectfully clear how and you will want to read to find out what happens. I am not going to spoil it for you. Gripping and captivating. Amazing story line and world building. It is crazy that the world that is described used to be the world that we live in now.

The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern

challenging mysterious slow-paced

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

2.0

I started this back in July and DNF. After looking into people did say it is a little confusing at the beginning but at the end everything wraps up and makes sense. So I started it again this month. The second time round what I had read made more sense this time which was good. I would of liked to know what happened with Zachary and Dorian at the end but that is just my personal preference. Good world building and very descriptive story. However I am still very confused by it. I understood what happened and how it wrapped up but I still find it very confusing and cannot make any head or tails of it. I loved the whole library. I am not sure if it was the layout as there is alot of jumping and was from Zachary's POV but then it switched to Dorian's as well towards the end. 

You Killed My Wife by A J Wilton

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.0

 I do like crime/thriller books so I thought I would give this a read. It was intriguing to read as this is based in Australia and not read anything based in Australia before. This is all from Mort’s POV. It all starts from him investigating the death of his wife and then things escalate from there. This is based around spy technology and it does make you wonder who could be listening. Interesting read. Good storyline and would like to see how the series progresses’. Mort and Pig are an interesting duo that it seems cannot be stopped. I like how Suzie and Maria are portrayed as well as they are strong independent women.

 

Period.: The Quick Guide to Every Uterus by Ruth Redford

funny informative lighthearted reflective fast-paced

5.0

 I read this book with my nine year old daughter. I haven’t had the talk with her yet but I knew they were starting to have it at school and I didn’t want to give her the wrong information or contradicting information. However this got everything that I would have said to her and more. Bonus in a fun way set out like a comic with all the funny illustrations. We sat and read it together and she asked some questions but not many because she said the book already answered them for her. There was nothing like this for when I was little and I got everything from my mum but some people might not have that option or don’t feel comfortable and this would help with that. I even learnt a few things reading this. It has made it a more comfortable, calm conversation with her and it is something to refer back to. Her main concern was what if it happened at school and the book highlighted this and she feels happier now. She has already made decisions about products for when it does happen as this listed them all. Very informative and so helpful for children. 

Gallant by V.E. Schwab

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

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

5.0

Another author heard good things about but not read any. I was recommended this by Rebecca and it was a disappointment. I didn't realise it was going to be so eerie. Olivia cannot speak and is portrayed beautifully. I love all the artwork throughout the book and the journal pages. The book is mainly from Olivia's POV but there a few pages that talk about things from the Master. Death and ghouls are the main focus of this book. At times it was a little creepy, tense and made me uncomfortable but not in a bad way with how it was written. Described amazingly and all the little details really added to the story. Looking forward to read other books from this author. 

Of Storm and Emerald by Jessica Hoffa

emotional funny mysterious tense medium-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? No

5.0

AD-PR ARC received by author for review

This book intrigued me with the name and the links to gemstones. However I was not expecting the amount of spice that is in it and it is hot! Auraelia and Daemon are amazing, beautiful characters that draw you into the story. The amount of detail in the world building and story is amazing and allows you to fully immerse yourself into the world of Ixora. Piper is the sassy best friend that we all need and Xander the protective brother. It is not all spice; there is magic and politics to navigate as well throughout the book. The last few chapters left my heart broken! The cliffhanger that is left leaves you craving the second book! Which I have told Jessica I need as soon as possible :) This book will leave you wanting more. Absolutely amazing and breathtaking writing.  

 

Wasteland Woes by Isaac Cooke-Khan

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.0

 I was approached by the author asking if I would be able to read their book for an honest review in return. This book is aimed at young teens and I think they will love it. Set in a Dystopian world and gives Maze Runner vibes. Good representation of disability and also loved the mental not to give up no wonder the struggles going through. Been a while since I have read a book from the POV of an animal this wasn’t all the way through the book. It was interesting to read though and to see things from Miss Bella’s POV. Love James and Piper and their mindset even though the world has gone to hell they are still carrying on. They love books which is great and that is their treasure. Left me wanting more and that is the only reason it is 4 stars is it was too short for me and would have liked a little more backstory. Gripping and quick read. Would happily let my daughter read this when a little older. 

Wolf Winter by Cecilia Ekbäck

dark mysterious slow-paced

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

2.0

I found this book confusing. I liked the idea of the story and seemed intriguing. Straight away you are thrown into a murder which Fredrika and Dorotea come across. However it seems to be put to the sidelines as well as a mother killing her children and herself after her husband's murder. Then Fredrika can see Eriksson and no one else can, she is told she can see spirits and has a gift but not really explained. More twists and plot occur but nothing is ever explained. Set majority of the time in Winter. Slow paced. Left with more questions and you find out who did the first murder on the last 2 pages. The sequel it seems is in no relation to the people of the first book as a different time period.

Lore Olympus: Volume Two by Rachel Smythe

emotional funny lighthearted sad fast-paced

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

4.0

I found this one far more gripping than the first one. However two of the plots with it I wasn't too happy about and that is the only reason for not the 5 stars. I am being really picky though. Only took me just over an hour to read. Captivating and gripping.